Obituaries

HOLLEY – Mark B. Porter, age 54, passed away suddenly on April 15, 2025. Mark was born in Batavia on April 19, 1970, the son of the late Craig and Lynda (Booher) Porter.

Mark was a wrestling and baseball coach and attended all of Joshua’s and his grandchildren’s sporting events.  Mr. Porter was a dedicated Firefighter, EMT, Past Chief and Commissioner of the Murray Joint Fire District.  Mark served our community with unwavering courage, compassion and leadership. As a Firefighter, EMT, and Chief, he embodied the true spirit of service.  Mark was employed at Monroe Ambulance’s communication center for 30 years, retiring in 2023.  He was also a Sports Coordinator/Director for Joint Youth Recreation in 2012 as well as a village trustee from 2007 to 2011.  Mark’s service expanded when he was elected to the Holley Central School Board where he willingly gave his time and talent to the students and staff of the district.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Craig and Lynda Porter and sister, Kymberly Porter.

Mark is survived by his loving family, wife, Rose (McMillion) Porter, children, Jennifer (Matthew) Edmonds, Lori (Kyle) Vinciquerra, Joshua (Madilynn Schulte) Porter, loving grandfather to Maggie, Nolan, Connor, Carter, Olivia, sister, Karen Porter, and also survived by an aunt, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY, on Saturday April 26, from 3:00-7:00pm. Mark’s Funeral Service will be held on Sunday April 27, at 11:00am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family would like donations to Murray Joint Fire District, 7 Thomas Street, Holley, NY 14470.

To share a special memory of Mark, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ALBION – Charles Edward Van Orden “Buck” went home to the Lord on April 15, 2025. Charles was predeceased by his parents Florence and Edward Van Orden, daughter, Katie Marie Van Orden.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Peggy Van Orden, son, Brian (Kenneth George) Van Orden, daughter, Valerie (Thomas Dunn) Garrett, special niece, Lauri (Tommy Rushing) Buzard, brothers, William (Gretchen) Van Orden and Phillip (Joanne) Van Orden, grandchildren, Tracy and Nathan Garrett, several nieces, nephews, cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend Charlie’s interment with military honors on Tuesday April 22, at 11:00 at East Shelby Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Eagle Harbor Methodist Church.

Charlie’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes 21 W. Avenue, Albion, NY

To share a special memory of Charles, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Michael P. Szulis, 72, of Medina, NY, entered into rest on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at his home.

Relatives and friends may attend his graveside committal on Saturday, May 3^rd, at 12 Noon at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rt. 63, Medina, NY.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Mike at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

BARRE – Joseph W. “Joe” Grabowski, 84, of Barre, NY, passed away peacefully at the United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia, NY, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with his beloved wife and family at his side.

 Born on November 29, 1940, in Medina, NY, he was the son of the late William and Mae (Witkopp) Grabowski.

Joe attended Medina High School, started working at Dresser Farms, and then went to work for the Orleans County Highway Department. He was elected Superintendent for the Barre Highway Department, from which he retired after 18 years of service. Lastly, he worked for Keeler Barre Stone Products, where he enjoyed operating the loader. Joe was a 48-year member of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company, and one of his favorite joys in life was eating breakfast at the restaurant and starting rumors.

Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janice; two daughters, Christine (Mark) Maas and Julie (Brent) Kornow; two grandchildren, Miranda Merton and Kyle (Megan) Merton; two great-grandchildren that he loved dearly, Charlie and Brooklynn Merton; four sisters, Dorothy Keiffer, Betty Bush, Diane Riley and Candy Jones; two brothers, Donald (Cindy) Grabowski and Walter (Bonnie) Grabowski; a brother-in-law, Gary Harriman; and many nieces, nephews and two dear friends, Richard Bennett and Brian Neal.

Besides his parents, Joe is predeceased by his sister, Debra Grabowski; and three brothers-in-law, Robert Bush, Ronald Riley and Mike Jones.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe’s name to the Barre Volunteer Fire Company, 4709 Oak Orchard Rd, Albion, NY 14411.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Joe at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

ALBION – Patricia Irene Peruzzini came to rest at Orchard Manor Nursing Home on April 11, 2025. She was born on September 11, 1932, in Albion to the late Joseph and Bessie Lusk.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Richard; sons, Gary and Larry Peruzzini; siblings, Betty, Bessie, Eunice, Stanley, George, Donald and David Lusk.

She is survived by her son, David; grandchildren, Melissa, Danny and Amanda Peruzzini; great-grandchildren, Geovanni, Rylie and Liam Peruzzini.

She was the first woman to receive the Babe Ruth award at Albion High School. She loved sports, baseball specifically, the NY Yankees were her favorite team. Pat was also the last of her siblings to graduate from Albion High School. She was fond of classic cars and was always sure to be well dressed. Pat was proud to be the first woman supervisor at Kodak and retired in 1990. Pat also loved to bowl and was member of a bowling league titled, “The Golden Girls.”

Patricia was the type of person who couldn’t hurt a fly. She would give you her last dollar and the shirt off her back to anyone in need, especially family. She had the biggest heart that anyone could possibly have, she took care of everyone. She was truly an amazing woman, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin and last, but not least friend. You couldn’t ask for a better human being. She will be missed tremendously.

In accordance with Pat’s wishes, services will be held privately with interment at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Patricia’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Patricia, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

MEDINA – Eugene J. Monacell, 84, of Medina, NY passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Born November 16, 1940 in Buffalo, he was the son of the late Vincent “Jimmy” Monacell and Laura (Siederowicz) Kubik.

Gene was a graduate of Medina High School where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He went on to serve in the US Army Reserves. Gene married the love of his life, the late Sally (Dujenski) Monacell on January 27, 1962.

He furthered his education at the University of Buffalo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Gene had an extensive career as an environmental chemist for FMC in Middleport for 27 years and later for SUNY Buffalo for several years in the same capacity.

Gene was a car buff, owning several classic cars throughout the years and also competed in drag racing. He especially loved Corvettes. A sports enthusiast, Gene enjoyed staying active throughout his life playing basketball and softball. He was known to never have missed a sporting event for his grandchildren, who were the lights of his life. Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gave him immense joy until his final days.

In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sally Monacell, in 2019; and sister in-law, Patricia Dujenski, in 2025.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Jan (Scott) Schickling and Kimberly (Timothy) McPherson, both of Medina; three grandchildren, Justine (Dan) Weiss, Benjamin (Baillie) McPherson and Bradley McPherson (Rebecca Brandel); great-grandchildren, Lydia, Lucas and Marianna Gene; sister, Pamela (Anthony) Gawron; brother in-law, Richard Dujenski; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will follow in Hartland Central Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans at www.hospiceoforleans.org.

Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

ALBION – Judith A. Preston, 78, of Albion, NY, passed away peacefully on April 10 at Rochester General Hospital. Born May 14, 1946, in Medina, NY, she was the daughter of Frank and Dorothy (Burke) Mazur.

After graduating from Medina High School in 1964, Judy attended Paul Smith’s College, earning an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts in 1966. In 1968, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport and received her teaching certificate.

In 1969, Judy married Alfred Preston. They made their home in Albion, remaining close to their family, and raising two children, Scott and Catherine.

Judy taught in Medina, Lyndonville and Albion school districts. She believed in the importance of education, requiring summer reading for her own children with frequent visits to Swan Library, and encouraging their academic pursuits.

Judy followed her teaching career with a second career as a Territory Manager for Hallmark for over 25 years. She also worked for several decades as a waitress at the Lakeland restaurant in Point Breeze, NY.

A long-time member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club, Judy enjoyed bantering with friends and strangers alike.

Judy was predeceased by her sister, Mary Ann (Mazur) Fearby; and survived by her husband, Alfred Preston; children, Scott (Marcia) Preston and Catherine (Erich) Marzolf; and grandchildren, Jackson and Fiona Preston.

Judy was laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, close to many family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice or your local pet shelter.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Judy at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

HOLLEY – Carol J. Silco, age 78, passed away April 10, 2025 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born April 19, 1946 in Brockport to the late John and Elsie (Cotter) McAllister.

Carol enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening, canning, and camping at both Lake Alice and Rainbow Lake. She was a caring and kind woman who loved her family tremendously.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Donald in 2023, brothers Robert and John McAllister.

Carol is survived by her children, Patricia (Robert) Kajfasz, Barbara Sands, Lynda Silco, Dale Silco and Jim Silco; grandchildren, Hanna and Daniel Sands, Andy and Steven Silco, Daniel Schreiber; several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sandy McAllister and Dixie Mayes as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carol’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Tuesday, April 15th from 5 to 7 p.m. where her funeral service will be held the next day at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Brockport.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

To share a special memory of Carol, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

MIDDLEPORT – Patricia T. Dujenski, of Middleport, NY, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025 at the Lockport Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Born August 1, 1941 in Medina, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Marian (Morris) Tuohey. Pat was a graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1959. She married the love of her life, Richard L. Dujenski on May 29, 1965. Mrs. Dujenski was employed as an administrative secretary at the Orleans-Niagara BOCES in Medina for 37 years. She was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church in Medina. Pat was an avid reader, enjoyed going camping and spending time with her family and friends. Following retirement, she and her husband, Dick, enjoyed spending many years as snowbirds, living half of the year in Port Charlotte, FL.

Survivors include her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Richard Dujenski; brother in-law, Eugene Monacell; nieces and nephews, Jamie (Robert) Rivers, Carl (Jean) Tuohey, Charles (Kim) Tuohey, Craig (Molly) Tuohey, Timothy, Tracy and Todd Tuohey, Jan (Scott) Schickling and Kimberly (Timothy) McPherson; former sister in-law, Dorcas Tuohey; several great and great-great-nieces and nephews; and many good friends. In addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by four siblings, Carl Tuohey, Maurice Tuohey, Mary Jane Cliff and Charmaine Wright; sisters in-law, Marcia Tuohey and Sally Monacell; and her beloved dog, Saydi.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 11AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Inurnment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

OCALA, FL – Eva L. Balys, 84, of Ocala, FL, passed from this life on Monday, March 31st, 2025, at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital in Ocala, FL, shortly after suffering a medical emergency.

Born December 13, 1940, in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Arthur H. and Ruth L. (Moon) Brinkman. Mrs. Balys moved to Florida in 2019 to be closer to her daughter, Debra. Prior to that she was a lifelong resident of Western NY. Eva attended schools in Niagara Falls, NY and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1958, then attended Bryant and Stratton for Secretarial Studies. On October 11, 1958, she married Frank L. Balys in Calvary Baptist Church. Mrs. Balys was employed by the Niagara Wheatfield CSD, where she retired in 2002 as the Transportation Supervisor. In her younger years, Eva coached youth cheerleading and supported her children’s numerous activities, in her later years she and her husband spent time enjoying their beloved grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Eva is predeceased by her loving husband, Frank L. Balys, Sr. on January 6, 2015, and her brother Arthur H. Brinkman.

Mrs. Balys is survived by her four children, Frank L. (Cathy) Balys, Jr. of Holley, NY, Debra L. Balys of Ocala, FL, Daniel D. (Russell) Balys of Ocala, FL and Joseph M. (late Bonnie) Balys of the Town of Niagara, NY; six grandchildren, Matthew (Mary Scott), Ryan (Christie), Christopher (Madison), Erik, Mint and Joshua; three great-grandchildren, Luca, Theodore and Vincent; one brother, George D. Brinkman of Hamlin, NY and, sister-in law, Elizabeth “Betty” Birmingham of Lewiston, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM which will be celebrated in St. Vincent de Paul Parish at the St. Leo’s worship site, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY., followed by entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to OTTO RENDANZ FUNERAL HOME AND NIAGARA COUNTY CREMATION CARE, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007). Please visit www.GOODLANDERCARES.com to leave condolences and memories.

Alyssa was predeceased by her father Eric Pluskwa.

Alyssa is survived by her loving family, her mother Colleen (William) Walworth, sister, Ariana (Kyle Herman) Pluskwa, brother, Benjamin L. Klino, grandmother, Janet Pluskwa, grandfather, Charles Rissew Sr., bonus family, Larry Klino and Jenna Klino, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Alyssa’s family will receive friends at the Cooper Funeral Home 215 West Center St., Medina, NY., on Friday April 11, from 4:00-7:00.  Alyssa’s Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday April 12, at 3:00pm.  Interment will be in Boxwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter 3371 Gaines Basin Rd. Albion, NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Alyssa, please visit: www.cooperfuneralhome.com

qBARKER – Gregory A. “Greg” Wakefield, 69, of Barker, NY, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Buffalo Mercy Hospital.

Born November 23, 1955, he was the son of the late Milford and Shirley (Helsdon) Wakefield.

Greg graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1974, worked for Bentley Farms and Kodak for several years, and lastly retired from Orchard Manor as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing.

Greg is survived by two sons, Brian (Trisha) Wakefield of Kendall, NY, and Timothy (Krista) Wakefield of Canandaigua, NY, and three grandchildren, Brianna, Austin, and Marissa. Also surviving are his two siblings, Kent (Juli) Wakefield of Barker, NY, Gary (Sandy) Wakefield of Lyndonville, NY, a sister-in-law, Wanda Wakefield of Moravia, NY, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his parents, Greg is predeceased by his brothers, Bruce and Greg’s twin, Jeffrey.

A celebration of life will be held on a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Greg’s name to the Lyndonville Lions Club/4th of July Fund, P.O. Box # 371, Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Greg at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

ALBION – Marylon J. Jones age 89, of Wood Road, passed away April 6, 2025, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born December 20, 1935, in the Town of Ridgeway, a daughter of the late Homer and Thelma (Plummer) Lake and had lived in this area all of her life.

Marylon was a member of the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.  She was very proud of the fact that she and her siblings stayed very close through the years, talking to them every day.  She was involved with the Senior Citizens Group and enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking and baking.  She was known for making the best pie crusts.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Ronald E. Jones; sisters Lauritta Conner, Judith Appleby; brother Norman Lake; step-son Jeff Jones.

She is survived by her children Robin (Virginia) Bale of Springhill, TN, Cindy Bale Schmitt of Middleport, Jeanne (Kenneth) Anstey of Medina, Tina (Tim) McAllister of Holley, Michael John Bale of Medina; step-daughters Deborah Jones Lloyd, Rhonda Long; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 N Main St, Lyndonville, NY 14098 Saturday April 12th 10:00am-11:30am where her Funeral Service will follow at 11:30am. Burial will be at a later date in Lynhaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the church or Hospice of Orleans, 14080 State Route 31, Albion NY 14411.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cooper Funeral Home, Medina.

To share a memory of Marylon, visit www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

WATERPORT – James E. “Jim” Mitchell, 81, of Waterport, NY, transitioned into eternal life on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.

Born on June 13, 1943, in Detroit, MI, he was the son of the late John H. and Alice K. (Knack) Mitchell.

Jim grew up in Detroit, and with his parents, they vacationed on Lake Ontario in the summer. On April 26, 1975, he married the former Martha Martillotta, and they raised two children together.

Jim spent a year at the University of Hawaii and lastly at Central Michigan, receiving a Bachelor of Science. He taught school in Detroit and booked entertainment in Hawaii, owned the Black North Inn in Kent, NY, a landscaping business in High Point, N.C., and the Donut Express in Kill Devil Hills, N.C. He returned to the Waterport area for his retirement. Jim enjoyed fishing, horses, bowling, traveling the country, and bird watching and playing bridge. Most of all, Jim was a devoted husband and father.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pastor Martha Mitchell; children, Jane (Oliver) Henderson of Oxford, England, and James Louis (Angela) Mitchell of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren, Charles and James Mitchell and Eve Henderson; a brother, John H. (Barbara) Mitchell of Kernersville, N.C.; a niece, Sherry Mitchell; and two nephews, Allen and William Mitchell.

Besides his parents, Jim is predeceased by a half-brother, Robert Mitchell.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to the Albion Presbyterian Church, or the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098 or to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, 150 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 750, Chicago, IL, 60601.

Arrangements were made through the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Jim at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.