Joseph R. Higley, “Have a good rest of your day and a good day tomorrow.”

OLEAN — Joseph R. Higley, of Olean, passed away Saturday (June 13, 2026).

Born Nov. 15, 1948, in Port Allegany, Pa., he was the son of Lillian and Robert Higley.

Joseph was a graduate of Olean High School. He was a long-time custodian for Hinsdale Central School.

Joseph loved talking on the phone, sitting outside, taking trips to get fish fries and spending time with his family and friends. He loved his fireballs and gifting family and friends with them. Joseph enjoyed hunting and fishing and spent many years volunteering for the St. John’s Italian Festival.

Joseph is survived by two sisters, Genevieve (Douglas) Kohl and Debra Wineberg; sister-in-law, Liz Higley; nieces and nephews, Stacey (PJ) Blehar, Erik Wineberg, Trisha Wineberg, Jane (Mike) Wineberg, Kyle Higley, Amy (Josh) Briggs, Jeffrey (Cassie) Higley, Chris Kohl, Kevin Kohl, Michael (Carrie) Higley, Becky (John) Bowser and Tina Higley; great-nieces and great-nephews; several cousins; and a great aunt.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents; sister-in-law, Margarite; brothers, Dean Higley, Robert Higley and Mike Higley; brother-in-law, Bill Wineberg; and a niece, Grace Higley.

Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at Guenther’s, with burial to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.