Obituaries

ALBION – Dalmas R. “Dale” Weese, Sr., 61, died June 4, 2021 in his home surrounded by his family, following a long illness. He was born July 21, 1959 in Gassaway, West Virginia to Harry and Olive (Starcher) Weese and had lived in this area for most of his life.

Dale loved to hunt and fish and was a person who had a great sense of humor…always joking with people. He was an avid coin collector, a very good cook, and a homemade wine maker. Dale loved spending time at Point Breeze, going berry picking and attending cook-outs. His greatest joy however, was spending time with his grandchildren.

Mr. Weese was predeceased by a daughter, Lisa Weese; brothers, Danny, Denver, Dayton and Harry Weese; and sisters, Bessie “Marlene” Horch and Marylou Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Colleen; children, Dalmas Jr. (Jennifer) Weese and Kristina (Kevin) Ginger, both of Albion; brothers, Dencil (late Erma) Weese of Waterport, David (Kathleen) Weese of Lyndonville, Donnie Weese of Lyndonville and Douglas Weese of Lyndonville; sisters, Joann (Doug) Keiffer of Lyndonville and Jackie (Kenneth) Davis of Waterport; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a close family friend, Debbie Ashe; his beloved dog, “Charlie” as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 West Avenue-Albion, on Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by his funeral service at 5 p.m. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY, 10016.

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

LYNDONVILLE – Marian S. Dack, 97 years and eight months old, was reunited with her beloved husband Ken on June 3, 2021. She was born on October 3, 1923 in Medina, a daughter of the late Harry E. and Lena (Burchell) Maines.

Marian attended Lyndonville School and worked several war production jobs while her husband Ken was serving in WWII. On May 18, 1943 she married Ken while he was on leave. Together they made their home in Lyndonville and raised a daughter.

Marian worked for several years as Secretary for Monroe Electronics. Marian was a devoted member and the longest living member of the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, crafts and decorating and was known for her love of cats and dogs. In their retirement, Marian and Ken enjoyed traveling to Myrtle Beach in their trailer.

She is survived by a daughter, Susanne (Richard) Sanderson of Lyndonville; grandchildren, Gregory (Jessica) Sanderson and Jenny Sanderson; a sister-in-law, Janet Maines of Albion; and a niece, Constance Maines of Lyndonville.

Besides her husband of 74 years, Marian is predeceased by a brother, Harry Maines and a nephew, Wilson Maines.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098 on Thursday, June 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. Service and burial will be private for the family.

Memorials may be made in Marian’s name to Office for the Aging/ Meals on Wheels, 14016 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411 or to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd, Albion, NY 1441.

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

Albion, NY/Sarasota, FL:  Anne Marquis Stevenson, 85, passed away peacefully May 6, 2020 and her husband David William Stevenson, 88, passed away peacefully Dec. 23, 2020.

A Masonic Service for David will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 26 S. Main St., Albion, NY on Sat., June 26, at 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration of David’s and Anne’s life,  also at Christ Episcopal Church at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow the Celebration of their lives at Mt. Albion Cemetery, with military honors for David.

Memorials may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 3212 Ramblewood Dr. N., Sarasota, FL 34237; Christ Episcopal Church, 26 S. Main St., Albion, NY 14411;  St. Wilfred Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233; or  Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleeker St., Utica, NY 13501.

Anne and David’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave., Albion, NY. To share a special memory of Anne or David, please visit mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Anna E. Eibl, 75, of Albion died June 3, 2021 in her home following a courageous, hard-fought, 13-year battle with cancer.  She was born Feb. 18, 1946 in Sunbury, Pa. and had lived in this area for most of her life.  

Anna was a former employee of Fisher-Price, Harrison Radiator and Brown’s Berry Patch.  She was Past President of the Albion Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the St. Mary’s Athletic Club. Anna enjoyed knitting, sewing and crocheting, was an excellent seamstress and a meticulous housekeeper.  She will be remembered however, for the tremendous love and enjoyment she received from playing and interacting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Mrs. Eibl was predeceased by her son, Anthony Eibl.  She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Andrew; her children: Christy Eibl, Robin (Lyle) Demmin, Gary (Mimi) Kepner, Betty Kepner, Lisa (Demetrius) Gardner; her brother, Butch Loss; her sisters: Shirley Pieniaszek, Betty Loss; as well as 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave., Albion, Sat., June 12 from 12-2 p.m. followed by her funeral service at 2 p.m.  

Private interment will be at the convenience of the family.  

In lieu flowers memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 665 Elm St., Buffalo, NY 14203.  To share a special memory of Anna, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Francis (Fritz) Baker, 92 of Largo, Fla. (formerly Holley, NY), passed away on May 12, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born in 1928, the son of William and Nora (Criswell) Baker.

Fritz was a veteran, having served in the Navy during World War II. Until his retirement in 1990, Fritz worked at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY. He and his wife, the late Eridine (Hinkley) Baker then relocated to Largo, Florida. During his retirement, Fritz enjoyed traveling, driving his car throughout the country and spending time during the summers fishing at Honeoye Lake.

Surviving are his sons: Scott (Denise) Baker of Spencerport,NY and Randy (Kyle) Baker of Oakfield, NY; daughter, Bridget (Jerome) Wanecski of Myakka, Fla.; eight grandchildren; nine (soon to be ten) great grandchildren; and his special friend, Suzanne Kelley of Largo Fla. Fritz was the brother of Pearl McMillan, Richard Baker, and the late Herbert Baker.

A private ceremony will be held at the family’s convenience. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

Colleen T. Lewandowski, 74, of Medina, NY, passed peacefully at Buffalo General Hospital on Thu., May 7, 2020.

She attended Middleport High School and Niagara University, where she received her Registered Nursing degree, specializing in labor and delivering.  She worked for 44 years at the Medina Hospital. She assisted in delivering over 6,000 babies.

There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen’s R.C. Church, 19 Vernon St. Middleport, NY 14105.* Please note change of church location*

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Colleen’s name to a charity of one’s choice that benefits Veterans.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl Street, Medina NY 14103.

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

William J. “Bill” Murphy, 73, of Lockport passed away May 30, following a short illness.  Bill served in the U.S. Marines in Vietnam having received two Purple Hearts.

He was predeceased by his parents, Edward Murphy Jr. and Ann L. (Anzell) Murphy, and his wife, Pauline Roush Murphy.

Bill is survived by his sister, Mary (Thomas) Baehr; brother, Edward (Diana) Murphy III; step-children: Donna (Richard Smith) Roush, Bonnie Kinne, Darryl Roush and Jason (Holly) Roush; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport on Tue., June 8, from 2-4 p.m. Private interment in the WNY National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 130 Elmwood Ave., #620, Buffalo, NY 14202.

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

Kenneth E. Knights, 77, of Knowlesville, entered into rest on Tue., June 1, 2021 at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion following a long battle with Parkinson’s and heart disease.

Born Jan. 21, 1944 in Medina, he was the son of the late Edmund “Ted” and Viola (Morris) Knights. Ken was a proud graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1962, having never missed a class reunion until last year. He married the former Mary Lee Gourd on Aug. 19, 1972 and they began their life together on the family farm.

Ken was a lifelong farmer, owning and operating Kniland Dairy Farms in Knowlesville. In addition to dairy farming, Ken was known for growing and selling GIANT pumpkins in the fall. In his glory days, he could be seen single-handedly loading and unloading 200+ pound pumpkins. Ken was a member of the Medina Jaycee’s, a long-time board member of FSA and on the Agway Advisory Committee. Ken enjoyed a good hand of cards, especially Friday night poker games with friends and belonged to the Tuesday night bowling league in Medina.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Mary Lee Knights of Knowlesville; three children: Chad (Randi) Knights of Va., Laura (Sean) Knights-Riley and Fran (Stuart) Knights-Sabin both of Seattle, Wash.; four grandchildren: Skylar and Emerson Knights, Joseph and Kate Riley; two sisters: Kathryn Knights of Buffalo and Barbara (late Donald) Clark of Medina; and an uncle, Roland (late Alice) Martin of Medina.

Calling hours will be held on Thu., June 3 from 5-8 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His funeral will be held at the funeral home on Fri., June 4 at 10 a.m. Seating capacity will be at 50% of max capacity. Interment will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery, Albion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 or the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Tracy E. Billings, 62, of Kendall died Dec. 20, 2020 at Unity Hospital following a short illness. She was born Nov. 21, 1958 in Auburn, NY a daughter of the late James and Patricia (Thurston) Callan and had lived in this area since 1980.

Tracy was an art teacher at the Kendall Junior-Senior High School retiring after 39 years. She was active with the schools Art Club and organized many overseas trips and she also chaperoned many of the senior trips. Tracy loved visiting art galleries and she loved to paint. She was a member of the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church in Albion.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her father-in-law, Lyndon Billings; gran, Callan and good friend, Doris. Tracy is survived by her husband of 39 years, Earl; her children: Blake (Joseph) Morehouse, Hannah (Joel) Bushnell, Ethan Billings; grandchildren: Danon, Noah, Clementine, Maverick, Dylan, Kellan, Winston; sisters: Cynthia Callan, Rebecca (Gerald) Cox, Candice Heinicke; her brother, Timothy (Christine) Callan; mother-in-law, Carol Billings; aunt Evelyn Rasmusen; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley on Fri., June 18, 4-6 p.m. where her Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Tracy Memorial Art Scholarship, C/O Kendall Junior-Senior High School, 16887 Roosevelt Hwy., Kendall, NY 14476. (Put her name on memo line). Her burial will take place at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery.

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

Barbara Ann Barrett of Kendall was born Oct. 24, 1939 was embraced by God on May 31, 2021.

Barb was raised by a single mom, and learned early on the meaning of hard work.  She had many responsibilities being the oldest in the family.  She worked her way through Nazareth Academy and upon graduation was employed by Travelers Insurance Company for several years before marrying her husband Ed and starting the legacy that would be her family.  Taking care of a family on half a shoe string was no easy task.  She was a pro at stretching the pennies to keep her children fed and happy.  One of her common sayings was how she had to figure out how to “rob Peter to pay Paul.”  Her own needs were never a priority.  Her deep faith in God saw her through many difficult times, and gave her joy in the best of times.  During her years of raising her family, she was intermittently involved in many community activities.

She was a member of the Kendall Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, taught religious education for many years, she was active in St. Mark’s Church, whether it was decorating the church for seasons, ironing linens and robes, and often donating to bereavement luncheons.  She was on many school committees involving her children and worked as a custodian for 14+ years at Kendall Central School, where she was a favorite of many students and staff.  She took great pride in her job.  The windows didn’t shine quite as bright after she retired.  Besides her faith in God, her family was her cherished and greatest love. One of her biggest joys was attending the many activities of her 7 children, 19 grandchildren and even some of the great grands.  Whether it was rec sports, school sports, concerts, plays, award ceremonies…she was there cheering her loves on and sometimes complaining about the refs!  She took great pride in her yard and loved taking care of her gardens.  She decorated for every holiday, both inside and outside, not only for her own enjoyment but for that of others to enjoy as well.

The family will miss her “Happy Birthday” singing phone calls.  She often joked that maybe not, but rest assured it will be an empty spot on that day for everyone.  She had a deep faith in God and never missed the midnight Mass on EWTN.  She wore her emotions on her sleeve and prayed feverishly for everyone.  She will be deeply missed.

Mrs. Barrett was predeceased by her husband, Edward Barrett; mother, Sally Pietrowski; brother, Robert Pietrowski; father, Edward (Lois) Pietrowski; uncle, Stan Szupa; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her very loved children: Patricia (Dana) Longrod, Julia (Michael) Kludt, Joseph (Kathie) Barrett, John (Michelle) Barrett, Stephen (Amy) Barrett, Christopher (Kristine) Barrett, David (Stephanie) Barrett and also special in her heart: Jamie (Valerie), Troy, and William Miller.  She adored her 19 grandchildren: Alyssa (Garrett), Andrew (Jessica), Philip (Kaylie), Liz, Jacob, Joshua (Kevin), Justin (Lanie), James, Ryan, Jordan, Evan, Quintin, Olivia (Tristyn), Abby, Zachary, Nicholas, Brandon, Alea, and Lucas.  She was GG to 5 greats: Gavin, Eloise, Josie, Tanner and Chase. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia (Steve) Morley; brother, Edward (Marlene) Pietrowski; sisters-in-law: Linda Pietrowski, Judy Szupa, Judy Barrett; brother-in-law, William (Mai) Barrett and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend Barb’s Mass of Christian Burial, Mon., June 7 in St. Mark’s R.C. Church, Kenmore Rd., Kendall, beginning at 6 p.m.  Private interment will be in West Kendall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Supportive Care of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411; or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Barbara’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Holley.  To share a special memory of Barb, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

MEDINA – Joyce M. Johnson, passed away with family by her side on Friday, May 28, 2021 at the Medina Memorial Hospital, North Wing Skilled Nursing Facility at the age of 80. She was born May 6, 1941 in Lockport, a daughter of the late Deforest and Anna Marie (Sheriff) Huntington.

She was a graduate of Lyndonville High School and went on to marry the love of her life, Richard W. Johnson on September 9, 1961. Joyce worked for many years in the cafeteria of Lyndonville Central School District. Aside from being a cafeteria lady, she was a homemaker and raised a family of four children. Joyce had a lifelong passion for horses. Alongside her husband, she ran a miniature horse farm and raced ponies. She also took great pride showing her miniature horses over the years.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Richard on July 12, 2006; and siblings, Eleanor, Floyd (Alice), Norman and Dudley (Marlene) Huntington.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children, Shari Morley of Webster, Richard (Jennifer) Johnson, Jr. of Middleport, Vicki (Tom) Shackelford of Richmond, TX and Rodney (Jerrylynn) Johnson of Albion; grandchildren, Brittany (Corey) MacDonald, Lindsay (Tim) Corson, Tanner Allen, William and Andrew Johnson; great-grandchildren, Tristan and Chase Corson and Hannah and Nathan MacDonald; brother, Carl (Caroline) Huntington; sister, Sharon (Larry) Wolfe; and sisters-in-law, Nancy Huntington and Cindy (John) Sherlock; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Her graveside committal service will be on Saturday, June 5, at 11 a.m. in Hartland Central Cemetery, Gasport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Begin Again Horse Rescue, 2828 Plank Rd., Lima, NY 14485. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

MIDDLEPORT – Barbara A. Boyle, 86, passed away May 29, 2021. She was born November 11, 1934 in Dunkirk, a daughter of the late Frank and Irene (Olrogge) Gallaway.

Barbara was a member of Hartland Methodist Church and retired from GM/Harrison Radiator after many years of service. She enjoyed sewing and caring for her loving family, especially her grandchildren.

Barbara was predeceased by her loving husband, Richard R. Boyle in 2006; siblings, Elizabeth Saaybe, Frank R. Gallaway, Richard M. Gallaway, H. Dean Gallaway and Sandra Kaczmarek.

Barbara was the loving mother to 7 children, Robert (Karen) Boyle, James (Kim Camarra) Boyle, William (Linda) Boyle, Lynn (Bruce) Whitney, Richard E. (Robin) Boyle, Patricia (James) Lepkoske and Donald (Kim) Boyle. Her children blessed her with 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, plus one on the way.

She is also survived by a sister, Donna Frank; sisters-in-law, Nancy, Betty and Marge Gallaway; brother-in-law, Bob Kaczmarek and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to CFF in honor of Barbara’s great-granddaughter, Kennady Boyle; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – WNY Chapter, 100 College Parkway, Suite 280, Williamsville, NY 14221, Barbara Boyle/Kennady’s Kruzers, or donate online at CFF.org.

Barbara’s arrangements have been entrusted to Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St. Gasport.

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

ALBION – Marlene R. Hughson, 74, died May 29, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Marlene was born July 29, 1946 in Albion, a daughter of the late Harold and Lefa (Brigden) Rush and had lived in this area all of her life.

In her younger years, Marlene enjoyed to golf and bowl. She worked at Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital as a Registered Nurse for many years, retiring in 1983. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and loved to watch her boys play ball and their swim meets. She was a kind woman, always putting others first.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Gerald Rush; nephew Keith Rush; brother-in-law John Persia; sister-in-law Gwen Hughson; niece Amy Hughson Banks; father-in-law and mother-in-law Ed and Lucille Hughson.

She is survived by her husband Larry Sr., of 53 years; sons Larry (Michele) Hughson, Jr., Michael (Liz) Hughson Sr.; grandchildren Christina (Damon) Tilbe, Michael Hughson Jr., David (Greg Piela) Hughson, Chelsey (Jake Dittman) Hughson, Tyler Hughson, Joseph Hughson, Kyle Hughson, Jacob Hughson and Madison Hughson; great-grandchildren Landon, Tristian and Isabella Tilbe; brother-in-law Chuck Hughson; sister-in-law June Persia; best friends Leanne McKenna, Dick and Carol Hamilton, Linda Salvatore as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes Inc. Albion, Thursday June 3rd from 4 to 7 p.m. only.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to C.O.V.A. 239 S. Main St. Albion NY 14411; Supportive Care of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411 or Lupus Foundation, 500 Helendale Rd., Rochester NY 14609.

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

HOLLEY – Peter John De Palma—always Peter, never Pete!—was born on June 5, 1944 in Albion to Gene and Juanita (Passarell) De Palma. He joined a family which included his sister, Karen and was completed two years later with the arrival of his sister, Cherie.

Theirs’ was a large and loving family and Peter had the gift of remaining in close contact with most of them throughout his lifetime. This followed the example of his parents who were warm and welcoming, offering food and drink to visitors within moments of their arrival in to their home. Their hospitality extended to college friends of the siblings who often spent enjoyable weekends from college with the De Palma family. To be a friend, was to be welcome for life!!

Peter graduated from Holley Central High School in 1962. He was a class officer and student leader while there and active in many organizations including the State Championship band, National Honor Society and the Hollyleaf Yearbook. He had been accepted at Niagara University and was to begin in the Fall of 1962, but before that time, he went to Ecuador as an exchange student for the summer and then is when he met the Paz family who were to influence much of the rest of his life.

Peter majored in Economics at Niagara but instead of immediately beginning a career in that field when he graduated in 1966, he joined the then newly-minted Peace Corps which would take him, as a volunteer, to a foreign country for two years to use his talents. Following the requisite Peace Corps training, Peter was assigned to Colombia to work in rural La Plata with agricultural coops. He was several hours from Bogota and would often go months without speaking any English. He never lost his fluency in Spanish and even while living in Atlanta, Peter listened to Mexican novellas daily to retain his language skills.

Following his two years of service with the Peace Corps, Peter returned to his home in Fancher and accepted a job teaching 3rd and 4th grades at St. Mary’s School in Holley. His teaching career was cut short when he was drafted into the Army. After basic training, he was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, the 6th Army Headquarters. The Presidio is now part of the National Park Service. After Peter’s service, he ventured to Atlanta, GA to begin a new life.  Peter lived in Atlanta for many years, not leaving until his final home destinations of Holley and Quito, Ecuador.

Peter’s life was in most ways defined by painting, gardening, landscaping, collecting friends, antiques, building/making/fixing and travel. His skills with a hammer and saw were recognized when he was in grade school. He was secure in his knowledge of how things went together or how they could be repurposed. He was never without a project meant to beautify his home in some way.

Travel was his first career: he was Project Director for Latin America and the Orient and China for American Express Travel. That division was eliminated after 20 years. Personally, Peter never stopped traveling and added many countries to his passport over the years. He had a special affinity to Latin America and travelled there often. Perhaps his most exciting accomplishment was completing the 500 miles walk on the Camino of Santiago de Compostela, a month devoted to walking, with a backpack, to that traditional pilgrimage site.

Peter was a man of character; he had enormous self-respect which translated to loyalty to family and friends. He was also respectful of others and generous which partly translated as loving to give gifts for every occasion. And Peter was very, very funny with a wit that was spontaneous and entertaining.  He loved children, any child, and found them amusing at any age.

Peter loved his home, wherever he was, and captured that spirit of welcoming others in to it whether in Holley, NY where he always had projects to do, Atlanta, GA where he lived for over 40 years or, his newest home in Ecuador which he furnished using the arts and crafts of their Ecuadorian creators. Wherever they were, his homes were tasteful, interesting, personal and a joy to visit.

To have called Peter a friend diminishes the importance that he had in our lives. His relationship with so many of us fell somewhere between good friend and almost family! He was a gift to so many of us and we are still reeling from the suddenness of our loss. We were all planning to meet him again, somewhere, to do something fun and interesting, as always.

Peter left us very suddenly on February 16, 2020. He was in his home in Ecuador. There is no replacement for him either to his family or his friends.

Peter was preceded by his parents, Gene and Juanita (Passarell) De Palma, Fancher, NY.

Peter is survived by his sisters, Karen (Robert) Christopher, Burke, VA and Cherie De Palma, Elma, NY; nieces and nephew, Kevin (Carla) Christopher, Reston, VA, Kim (Bill) Carlstrom, Plymouth, MN, and Kelly (Mark) Greenfelder, Clifton, VA; great-nieces and great-nephews, Caitlyn and Erica Christopher; Christopher, Tyler and Kerry Carlstrom; Kelcie, Kyle and Keith Greenfelder. Peter never missed an occasion in their lives.

He also leaves behind many cousins and friends. The Paz family in Ecuador became his family from the time he spent with them in the summer of 1962. It was that relationship that brought him back to live there where he was an integral part of that large and loving family.

Celebration of Peter’s Life will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 9 S. Main St., Holley, NY 14470

on Sat. June 12 at 11 a.m. followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery Route 31, Albion, NY.

Peter’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Albion. To share a special memory of Peter, please visit mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

For those who asked, you may contribute: Murray/Holley Historical Society, P.O. Box 346, Holley, NY 14470 or a charity of your choice.

Walter E. Fitzgerald Jr., 88, of Waterport/Kuckville died May 26, 2021 at his home following a brief illness. He was born Dec. 20, 1932 in Buffalo, the son of Walter Sr. and Mazie (Mortiz) Fitzgerald and had lived in this area since 2000.  

Walt was a graduate of Lafayette College and also attended SUNY University of Buffalo, University of Michigan and the University of Colorado.  He was a U.S. Army Veteran graduating from the Army Command and General Staff College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.  Walter spent 37 ½ years in Military Service having served in Germany from 1955-1957 and was qualified in several areas of the Service to include: Ordinance, Air Defense Artillery, Quartermaster, Armored and Engineering.  His Military career began when he was commissioned in ROTC in 1954 and he retired as a LT. Col. And Engineer Officer in 1992.  

Walter and his wife attended that Albion First Presbyterian Church until they were unable to attend due to various disabilities later in their lives.  He was a member of the Oak Orchard Yacht Club, the National Wild Turkey Federation, was an Amateur Radio Operator and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  

Mr. Fitzgerald was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn and a son, Scott Brady Fitzgerald.  He is survived by his sons: Walter “Chip” (Eileen) Fitzgerald III of MI, Shawn (Linda) Fitzgerald of Murray; and grandchildren: Krista, Kurt, and Connor.  

There will be no prior calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to attend Walter’s Memorial Service at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, Fri., June 4 beginning at 1 p.m.  Burial with Military Honors will be held immediately following in the Veteran Section of Mt. Albion Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Albion 1st Presbyterian Church, 29 E. State St., Albion, NY 14411.  To share a special memory of Walter, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Daniel J. Erwin, 77, of Albion died May 26, 2021 in The Martin Linsin Residence following a short illness. 

He was born March 14, 1944 in Henrietta to Ross Jr. and Elizabeth (Hickey) Erwin and was a resident of this area for most of his life.  

Daniel was a self-employed carpenter and a ‘Jack of all trades.’ He enjoyed volunteering for the Office of the Aging, and working on his classic trucks. Dan was a very artistic person, enjoyed fishing and was a very social person who received great satisfaction in seeing other people smile and laugh.  Mr. Erwin was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Ross Michael Erwin; and his sister, Mary Elizabeth Erwin. 

He is survived by his daughters: Alana Salisbury of Rochester, Michelle Brovitz of the Philippines, Teri (Kevin) Love of Nev.; grandchildren: Robert Salisbury, Joseph, Cayna, Bethanie and John Love.

There will be no calling hours and a private service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any Hospice of your choice.  Daniel’s arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Albion. 

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

Harold F. Thompson

12/21/1930 – 4/2/2021

Harold leaves this world after a long and full life.  He leaves behind his wife, Barbara, of 40 years; his children: Cindy Makowski (Walter), Laurie Cole (Reid), Eileen Ryan (Scott) and Kris Thompson (Julie); his step-children: Michael Brownell, Wendy Kelly and Stephen Brownell. He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his son, Harold J. Thompson, and his brothers: Mervin, Keith, Loren and William.

Harold was proud of his time in the U.S. Army and has proudly supported our military and law enforcement. He was a lifetime member of the Elks.  He loved hunting and fishing, and telling stories of his time in Germany and traveling around the country with his beloved wife, Barb, in their motorhome. He will be sadly missed.

Celebration of life will be held June 5 at 11 a.m.  Albion Elks Lodge, 428 W. State St., Albion, NY.

Joyce B. Weaver, 78, of Medina travelled on from life on Tue., May 25, 2021.

Born Joyce Ann Barron on Sept. 10, 1942 in Ithaca, NY, she was the cherished daughter of David E. and B. Jeanne (Wilcox) Barron. Joyce graduated from Lansing Central School in 1960. She was employed by General Electric, and later by Lansing Central School as a library aide. Joyce married the late Steven F. Wood on May 20, 1961, who sadly predeceased her in 1983. Together they raised two children, Kimberly Anne and Bryan Steven. Joyce married Charles E. Weaver on July 1, 1984, with whom she shared a happy life with until his passing. Joyce loved music and animals, especially dogs and cats. She was an avid collector, primarily of porcelain and jewelry.

Beside her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Bryan in 1998 and her second husband, Charles in 2017.

Joyce’s memory will be honored by her surviving daughter, Kimberly Anne (Thomas) Fuller of Medina; two grandchildren: Jeremy L. Bower and Miranda K. Bower both of Lockport; and several cousins and lifelong friends.

There will be no prior visitation. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com