John R. ‘Jack’ Earley

ELLICOTTVILE — John R. ‘Jack’ Earley, 88, of Ellicottville, died Friday (March 13, 2026) following a short illness.

Born March 4, 1938, in Salamanca, he was the son of the late John and Frances Balcom Earley. He was married Nov. 5, 1955, in Carrollton, to the former Rae Smith, who predeceased him in 2015.

He attended Salamanca High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Earley had been employed with the B & O Railroad in Salamanca for 29 years, retiring in 1998, and was previously employed with the CSX Railroad in Philadelphia, Pa. for 10 years.

He was a member of the UTU Local 1373 in Philadelphia.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, travelling with his late wife and going to casinos across the country.

Surviving are two daughters, Deborah (Tim) McCarty of Jackson Center, Pa. and Donna (Gary) Hallick of Ellicottville; a son, Raymond (Lisa) Earley of Limestone; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sons, John Earley and Patrick Earley; three brothers, William Earley, David Earley and Robert Earley; and a sister, Marjorie Reynolds.

There will be no visitation. Private funeral services were held in Green Cemetery, Great Valley.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com, or posted to facebook.com/onofh.