Harold J. Wilkins

GREAT VALLEY — Harold J. Wilkins, 89, of Great Valley, died Wednesday morning (March 25, 2026) at Bradford Manor, following a long illness.

Born Aug. 5, 1936, in Great Valley, he was the son of the late Alfred and Neva Aumock Wilkins. He was married June 26, 1970, to the former Alberta Jones, who predeceased him in 2008.

He attended Ellicottville High School, and served in the U.S. Army from 1959–1960.

Harold had been employed as an operating engineer with the Local 17, Buffalo, for over 40 years, retiring in 2000.

He was an avid bass player and singer, playing with several local bands through the years. He enjoyed working with his hands and was an excellent carpenter.

Surviving are a daughter, Diane (Gary) Bull of Great Valley; a son, Duane (Natalie) Wilkins of Ohio; three stepdaughters, Debbie (Gary) Burner of West Virginia, Kim (Joel) Winship of Kill Buck and Robin Quattrone of West Virginia; two stepsons, Douglas (Carol) Poling and Mark (Cindy) Poling, both of Great Valley; 26 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two granddaughters, Andrea Poling and Melanie Maxwell; a great-granddaughter, Winnie Windnagle; and two stepsons, Craig Poling and Michael Poling.

There will be no visitation. A graveside memorial service will be held in Willoughby Cemetery, Great Valley, at the convenience of the family.

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.