Obituaries

William F. Starken, 69, of Albion, passed away on June 24, 2020 from cancer. He was born on Nov. 30, 1950, a son of Albert (Chub) and Evelyn Starken.

Bill was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his son, William E. (Aleisha) Starken; daughters, Sheila (Andrew) Bucholtz and Kimberly (Kai Clark) Starken; grandson, Garrett Starken; granddaughters, Brittany Ozzimo and Samantha Bucholtz; sister, Nancy Starken; special friend, Larry Boyce; and many other good friends.

He was a member of the Albion Elks Lodge 1006.

There are no calling hours. Final arrangements are at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in his memory.

David H. Furmanski, 70, of Holley, died June 23, 2020 in Unity Hospital following a short illness. He was born Feb. 26, 1950 in Albion to Chester and Mildred (Murray) Furmanski and was a lifelong resident of this area.

David was a member of St. Mary’s Archer’s Club. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and archery. He was also a very talented artist, specializing in oil paintings.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Furmanski of Rochester; stepdaughter, Tanya Henry of Rochester; brother, Gary (Jane Alread) Furmanski of Albion; sisters, Kathy (John) Knapp of Albion and Susan Dengos of Buffalo; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. Private services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Diabetes Association, 4955 N. Bailey Ave. #217, Amherst NY 14226.

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

Carmelo “Papi” Vazquez Sr., 84, of Medina, went to be with the Lord on Mon., June 22, 2020 at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Born on May 3, 1936 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Melanio and Margarita Vazquez.

Carmelo joined the U.S. Army in Puerto Rico and was stationed in Fort Niagara. After his honorable discharge in 1959, he settled in the Medina area and met and married the former Maria L. Colon. Later, they moved to Rochester, where he was employed as a supervisor for several jobs; and in 2018, they returned to the Medina area. Carmelo was a loving and dedicated husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Maria; four children, Carmelo (Marilyn) Vazquez Jr. of Richmond, Va., John (Star) Vazquez of Chili, N.Y., Roberto (Belinda) Vazquez of Cleveland, Ohio, and Camellia Bellis of Phoenix, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gloria Semidey and Rosa Ruiz, both of Cleveland; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Carmelo was predeceased by a sister, Ana.

Relatives and friends may call at Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina NY 14103, on Fri., July 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. In accordance with the “Unpausing” New York State guidelines, the funeral home will limit occupancy to 25 persons at one time. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors.

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

Wayne R. Warner, 56, of Brockport, passed away unexpectedly on June 20, 2020 at his home. He was born May 24, 1964 in Rochester to the late Raymond Warner and Theda Crowell. Wayne was a family man who was always there to have a cookout, have some drinks, and have a good time with family and friends. His family, stepchildren and step-grandchildren were everything to him.

Wayne is survived by his partner of 18 years, Jean Tosh; brothers, Brian Warner and John (Julie) DeLorme; stepchildren, Jason (Yahaira) Watt and Amanda Watt; grandchildren, Mia, Jason, Andrew, Giovanni, Yanaira, Jade and Hazel; and many friends.

The family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley NY 14470, on Wed., June 24 from 4 to 8 p.m. only. Please note that face masks are required. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Margaret Ann “Peggy” (Grier) Furness, 80, passed away on June 20, 2020 following a short illness.

Peggy was born in Medina on Feb. 12, 1940, a daughter of the late Howard and Margaret (Owens) Grier. Peggy earned her nursing license at Strong Memorial Hospital in 1959. She spent many years caring for patients at Medina Memorial Hospital and retired in the late 1980s. She was also a parishioner at Holy Trinity R.C. Parish, St. Mary’s Church. Peggy enjoyed her retirement by spending time with her husband and family.

She was predeceased by her eldest son, Richard S. Furness; sister, Jean Peters; and brother, Bill Grier.

Peggy leaves behind her loving husband of almost 60 years, Richard J. Furness; her daughter, Mari Beth (Ken) Cameron; son, James (Darlene) Furness; several grandchildren; brothers and sisters in-law, Everett and Sylvia Furness, Ronald and Roberta Furness, Calvin and Karen Furness, and Linda Grier; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wed., June 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Masks and social distancing of guests will be required. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thu., June 25 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 684, Medina NY 14103; or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38101; organizations that were both dear to Peggy’s heart.

Please share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Thomas “Tom” E. Preston Sr., 76, of Ocala, Fla. and formerly of Batavia and Medina, passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on June 10, 2020, under Hospice care for cancer. Born May 18, 1944 in Batavia, he was a son of William D. Sr. and Mary (Moynihan) Preston.

Tom graduated from Batavia High School, class of 1963, where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball. He worked for the former Niagara Mohawk (National Grid) as a hot stick foreman for 36 years, retiring in 1999. Tom later relocated to Ocala to enjoy his retirement in the sun, golfing and playing cards with his many friends. He still followed the Buffalo Bills and the New York Yankees. He attended Our Lady of The Springs Catholic Church.

Tom is predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Francene; children, Michelle, Traci and Thomas Jr.; stepchildren, Joseph Stawicki II, Tara King and David Cassidy; grandchildren, Ashley (John) Stawicki, Deanna (Cody) Blount, Antonio Watts, Dylan Taylor, Nicholas Harding and Logan King; great-grandchildren, Asher, Rhoan and Thorn Blount; siblings, William D. Preston Jr., Anne A. Preston, Kathleen (Terry) Zeh, Mary “Margy” (Michael) Callahan, Barbara Preston, and Janis Preston.

A memorial Mass will be held at a later date.

Lorraine J. Luckman, 84, of Knowlesville, went to be with the Lord on Sun., June 21, 2020 at her home, with her loving family at her side.

Born on June 26, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and Elizabeth (Carver) Weiss.

Lorraine enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 23, 1953 and served as a nurse during the occupation of Germany. On June 11, 1955, she married the late Earnest C. Luckman in Heidelberg, Germany. On returning home, she was employed with Fisher-Price for 30 years, and lastly as an LPN at Orchard Manor Nursing Home. She was a member of United Methodist Church of the Abundant Harvest, where she was active in various Fellowship Hall fundraisers and events. She loved her church family and neighbors and spoke with them often. In her spare time, she enjoyed her many flower gardens.

Lorraine is survived by her six children, Teresa (Kenneth) Minehart of Fairborn, Ohio, Tina (Steven) Blazer of Streesboro, Ohio, Tammy (Darryl) Clark of Laurel Hill, Fla., Tracy (Maurice) Landry of Athens, Mich., Tawnya (Jack) Doran of Lockport, and Earnest C. (Maevonne) Luckman II of Knowlesville; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joann M. Fox of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Lorraine is predeceased by a brother, Joseph G. Weiss Jr.; and a daughter, Toni Luckman.

Relatives and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wed., June 24 at Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina NY 14103. In accordance with the “Unpausing” New York State guidelines, the funeral home will limit occupancy to 25 persons at one time.

Burial will be at the family’s convenience in Boxwood Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials may be made in Lorraine’s name for the upkeep of the Knowlesville Fellowship Hall, care of
The United Methodist Church of the Abundant Harvest, 12373 Maple Ridge Road, Medina NY 14103.

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

Patricia A. Fuller, 74, of Medina, entered into rest on Mon., June 22, 2020 at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion.

Born Sept. 3, 1945 in Batavia, Pat was a daughter of the late Charles and Adah (Greene) Fiorella. She graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1963. She worked at Fisher-Price Toys in Medina for 23 years. Pat enjoyed gardening, was an avid reader, and loved a good yardsale, or two. She also loved a good cup of coffee, especially with her “Coffee-Buddy,” Linda.

She is survived by her three sons, Randy Fuller (Christina Palisano), Joseph Fuller (Kristi Harp) and Brian Fuller (Lindsay Fiddler); granddaughters, Alexandra “Lexi,” Gabriella “Gabi” and Ashleigh Fuller; her sister and best friend, Linda (Dennis) Boldt; brother, Charles Wood; nieces and nephews, including special niece, Tammy (Tim) Fearby; and dear friend, Donna.

Beside her parents, she was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jamie Fuller.

Her graveside committal service will be held on Thu., June 25 at 1 p.m. in Boxwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Pat’s name to Hospice of Orleans, PO Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Jean Kihlmire, 74, of Albion, loving mother and grandmother, died June 21, 2020 at her daughter’s home with her family by her side. She was born April 11, 1946 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., a daughter of the late John and Ada (Robinson) Hawes, and she lived in this area most of her life.

Barb worked for many years at The Villages of Orleans as a CNA. She loved scrapbooking and riding horses, but most of all Barb loved taking care of her family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Robert, in 2011; her grandson, Justin Baker, in 1994; and her brother, Jack Hawes.

She is survived by her son, Jim (Cassy Pittinger) Baker; her daughter, Nicole (Wayne) Brett; grandchildren, Nicolas and Christopher Baker, Tyler and Kyle Brett; and her loving cat, Blazer.

There are no calling hours. Her graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Albion. To share a special memory of Barb, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Nikolai Lavender-Rivera was born June 20, 2020 and, after sharing his love with his parents and the staff in the Birthing Center at Unity Hospital, departed this world for his heavenly home shortly thereafter.

He is survived by his father and mother, Angel Rivera and Nichole Pickard of Brockport; a half brother, Manuel Rivera; his grandparents, Christine Pickard, Rick Pickard and Alma Rivera; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no calling hours, and private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, 150 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester NY 14642.

Nikolai’s arrangements were entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Holley. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

“Apparently you were meant for other things; not to have foot prints, but to have wings.”

Jasper Michael McDowell, infant son of Alyssa McDowell of Holley, died June 19, 2020 in Strong Memorial Hospital after sharing his love on earth for only 10 days.

Jasper was predeceased by his twin brother, Josiah Matthew McDowell, on June 10, 2020.

In addition to his mother, Alyssa, Jasper is survived by his aunt and uncle, Kayla and Matthew Wilson; cousin, Carter Wilson; grandparents, Michael and Jolynn Lamphron; and great-grandparents, Karen McDowell and Michael and Joann Cavuoto.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Jasper’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Holley. To share your condolences with the family, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Janet H. Koehler, 63, of Holley, died unexpectedly June 18, 2020 in her home. She was born July 21, 1956 in Lewiston, Maine and moved to New York in 1989.

Janet was a United States Army disabled veteran and was a graduate of Beverly High School in Massachusetts. She worked for over 20 years as a corrections officer for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, was a member of the Clarendon Fire Department and the Clarendon Ambulance Corps, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Janet enjoyed traveling, crocheting and jigsaw puzzles, and she was an avid reader. She was a strong-willed person, fun-loving with a good sense of humor.

Janet is survived by her husband of 34 years, Robert; son, Shawn (Jennifer) Koehler of Farmington; daughter, Wendy (Robert) Stachowiak of Buffalo; brother, Stewart (Eileen) Crossman of Texas; sister, Mary (Edward) Millett of Massachusetts; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours, and Janet’s services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

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

Anna Grace Brewer Wallace, 99, of Middleport, passed away June 19, 2020. She was born Nov. 23, 1920 on Johnny Cake Ridge Road, now Lincoln Avenue. She was the daughter of Muriel and Raymond Brewer.

Her family moved to the Village of Middleport, and she graduated from Middleport High School in 1938. Anna was employed as a secretary and bookkeeper at Decrow Engineering Corporation and E&M Enterprises from 1941 to 1946. In August 1941, she married Warren B. Wallace. They made Middleport their home and were happily married for 69 years.

Anna was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star and was a longtime member of the Board of Trustees of the Middleport Free Library. She was historian for over 50 years, and she was a lifelong member of Middleport United Methodist Church. In 2010, she retired after 30 years as Historian for the Village of Middleport. She was proud of the “Key to Middleport” that was presented to her upon her retirement. After her retirement, her book, titled “A Friendly Community: A History of Middleport, New York,” was published.

She was a volunteer for many organizations over the years, canvasing the community on behalf of the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. When the Middleport Masonic Lodge had fish dinners during Lent, Anna would be turning 10 pounds of potatoes into potato salad or baking some of her famous custard pies. Anna was also a Buffalo Bills fan who weathered many less-than-lovely days sitting in the stands for games.

Anna enjoyed vacations with the family over the years, and later with Warren after he retired. They traveled to Florida many times and had two lovely trips to Hawaii. In 1972, they traveled to Germany to visit their daughter and son-in-law, who were there with the U.S. Army.

In 2010, after Warren passed, Anna moved to Rochester to The Villages, a senior independent living community. She later lived at Mill Landing, an assisted living community; and she lived her last days at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Warren B. Wallace; son, Bruce R. Wallace; sister, Nancy Brewer Schlinger; and grandson, Kevin R. Dorr.

Anna is survived by her daughter, Ruth (Brian) Dorr of Ohio; daughter-in-law, Gay Wallace of Brockport; grandchildren, Meredith (Terry) Kurtz, Megan (Michael) Dorsett, Kristin (Jason) Litteer, and Ashley Dorr. Anna was proud to have seven very loved great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Emily, Amanda, Michael, Nolan, Connor and Emma. She is also survived by her niece, Jodi Gerritts of Wisconsin; and nephew, Bill (Nancy) Schlinger of Rochester.

Due to current conditions, and to ensure the health and safety of all, there will be no calling hours. A service of remembrance will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made in Anna’s name to Middleport United Methodist Church, 9 Park Ave., Middleport NY 14105; or to Royalton-Hartland Community Library, 9 Vernon St., Middleport NY 14105.

Anna’s arrangements have been entrusted to Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport NY 14105. To leave a special memory of Mrs. Wallace, please visit mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.