Obituaries

KENDALL – M. Dean Cole, age 91, passed away February 15, 2025, at Elderwood at Brockport.

Dean was born October 31, 1933, in Granville Summit, PA, a son of the late Marshall Frank Cole and Genevieve (Spencer) Cole.

Dean was a member of Social Lodge #713 F&AM in Kendall, lifetime member of the Moose Lodge #429 in Canton, PA. Dean served in the United States Army from 1954-1956 and was a member of the American Legion.  Dean was the former owner of Hilton-Spencerport Express, Inc.

Dean was predeceased by his loving wife of 47 years, Joan Eileen Cole.

Dean is survived by his children, Dean (Darlene) Cole, Kathy (Mike) Kemp, David (Nancy) Cole, Tom (Cheryl) Cole, John (Karen) Cole, Bob (Marilee) Cole and Paula (Rob) Browe; 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; siblings, Betty Baxter, Barb Putnam, William (Kathy) Cole and Virginia VanNoy; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dean’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY on Saturday, February 22, from 12 to 3 p.m.  Private interment with military honors in Morton Union Cemetery in the spring.

Memorials may be made to the Kendall Fire Department or Social Lodge #713 F&AM.

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

MEDINA – Theresa F. “Terry” Wehling, of Medina, NY, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia following a brief illness.

Born August 11, 1941 in Medina, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Frances (Wiznock) Rozenbeck. Growing up in the polish community of Medina, Theresa graduated from Sacred Heart School and went on to graduate from Medina High School in the Class of 1959. She was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus RC Church. She married her first husband, the late Lawrence E. Waters and raised a family of six children. On May 25, 1974 she married Walter C. Wehling, Sr. A homemaker most of her life, she was an excellent cook. Theresa often said that mothering her children was a source of much joy in her life. Theresa was an avid reader and also enjoyed painting and crocheting.

Survivors include her husband, Walter Wehling, Sr.; five children, Michael (Delania) Waters, Mark Waters, Daniel (Sarah) Waters and Jason (Tammy) Waters; stepchildren, Deborah Wehling and Walter Wehling, Jr.; grandchildren, Landon and Travis Waters, Christopher Waters, Nick and Bradley Yousett, Peyton Waters, Erin and Hunter Waters; and one great-grandson, Noah Waters. In addition to her parents, Theresa was predeceased by her daughter, Sherry Yousett; stepdaughter, Donna Wehling; infant brother, Valentine Rozenbeck; brother, Walter (Marie) Rozenbeck; and sister, Mary (Lawrence) Hoffman.

Interment will be at a later date this spring in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Medina. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

MEDINA – Nicholas J. Boring, age 36, of Medina, NY entered into rest peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 following a lengthy illness.

Born February 25, 1988 in Medina, he was the son of Joyce A. Munn and the late James M. Boring. Nick was known for his infectious laugh and his happy-go-lucky attitude. He graduated from Orleans-Niagara BOCES in Medina. Nick was an animal lover and also enjoyed watching sports. He was loved by all that knew him and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Joyce Munn (Scott Kinne) of Medina; siblings, Matthew (Laura) James of Brockport, Jeffrey Boring (Laura) of Lockport and Lisa Smith of Rochester; nieces, Alie and Megan Boring; uncle, Jack Munn, Jr.; aunt, Connie Estes of Idaho; and several cousins and extended family members. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by grandparents, Jack and Alethe Munn.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, starting at 2PM at the Lincoln Post #1483, VFW, 216 E. Center St., Medina. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

CLARENDON – John Edward Tyler II October 13th, 1945 – February 8th, 2025 Age 79, Clarendon, NY

John Edward Tyler II, of Clarendon, NY, passed away on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on October 13th, 1945, in Julian, West Virginia, to the late John Edward Tyler I and Virginia Ruth (Page) Tyler.

John was predeceased by his father, John Edward Tyler I, his mother, Virginia Ruth (Page) Tyler, his sister, Linda Oreta (Tyler) Makowski, and his nephew, Richard James Sercu III.

He is survived by his loving partner of twenty years, Sue Henion; his son, John Edward Tyler III (Jennifer); his beloved grandchildren, Haley and Mia Tyler; his sister, Greta Sue Sercu (Richard); and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting on June 5th, 1964, and achieving the rank of Sergeant. After completing his service, he continued his military commitment by entering the reserves on June 4th, 1968.

Professionally, John worked as an industrial electrician and had a passion for tinkering and fixing things. He could often be found working on a variety of projects, from fixing old clocks to lending a helping hand to friends and neighbors. Known for his generosity and willingness to help, he was always the first person to offer assistance to anyone in need.

In keeping with John’s wishes, no formal services will be held. His family invites those who knew him to remember him in their own way.

John was a devoted family man, a kind soul, and a person who touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

“Always believe in Santa Claus, you never know when he is watching!”

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to donate in memory of John to:

• Clarendon Fire Department & EMT’s
  16169 E. Lee Road, Holley, NY 14470
• Camp Good Days & Special Times
  1332 Pittsford Mendon Road, P.O. Box 664, Mendon, NY 14506
• Pet Pride of New York Inc.
  P.O. Box 338, Mendon, NY 14506

PLATTSBURGH – Arlene F. Boice Sanger’s long and full life came to a peaceful end on February 10, 2025. Arlene packed a lot of living into her 99 years. She was a dedicated instructor of Home Economics, teaching for 32 years in western NY.  She was an enthusiastic traveler, studying in Switzerland and teaching in England, as a Fulbright Scholar as well as traveling the globe. She loved having new experiences and meeting new people.

She was, perhaps most of all, a devoted daughter and mother. She cared for her parents as they aged and made sure her two daughters grew up strong and independent, as she was. She passed her indomitable spirit along to them.

Arlene was born November 26, 1925, in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of George and Suessa Boice. She married Roswell J. Sanger in 1956 and, with him, raised their daughters. She split her time, when not traveling, between her home in Albion, NY, the Sanger farm on Rand Hill, and her parents’ home on the St. Lawrence River.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband, Roswell Sanger, and her brother and sister in law, Wendall and Mildred Boice.  Arlene is survived by her daughters, Paula Violo and Jillian Kallish, as well as Paula’s husband, Maurice Violo, and their son, Alex Violo. She is also survived by Frank Kallish and by nieces, a nephew, great nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

When they were small, Arlene took her daughters and their cousins on a daily walk, to a special “resting spot.” After her full life, we know she has earned her resting spot.

The family wishes to acknowledge the care Arlene received at Pine Harbour, as well as the support from her many kind neighbors and friends.

Graveside services will be held at a later date.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.

MEDINA – Paul Cooper born August 20, 1942, in Medina, NY and graduated from Lyndonville Central High School, Class President of 1960. Recipient of Babe Ruth Award for Sportsmanship. He earned a BS Degree from Clarkson University, where he was a lifetime member of Tau Kappa Epsilon social fraternity. Paul went to work for General Motors in 1964. He enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam crisis and met his future wife, Linda J. Blake at Ft. Bliss, Texas.  They married in 1970 and had two daughters, Cynthia Lynn and Melissa Beth, and were custodial parents to a wonderful son, Phillip C. Vails.

Paul served with Linda on various PTA committees, band booster organizations, and together coached Little League baseball in Southfield. He was elected to the Southfield School Board of Education, served for 8 years, and was President during his last year. Paul was an original member of the Southfield Community Foundation, Youth Advisory Council, and a Commissioner on the Southfield Parks and Recreation Board. He retired in 2002 from the General Motors Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan after 37 years at GM. Paul achieved 20 years straight Perfect Attendance with the Proving Ground.

Paul was also very proud of the work he had done with Forgotten Harvest in Oak Park, Michigan, Stone Soup Pantry in Lapeer, Michigan, and helping to establish Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas, Nevada. His greatest pleasure was enjoying life with Linda, the family camping, travel excursions, charitable work, and being with his Grandchildren.

The family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Forgotten Harvest in Paul’s name at www.forgottenharvest.org.

PENFIELD – Ronald A. Hughes age 64, passed away February 8, 2025 at Strong Memorial Hospital following a short illness. He was born December 15, 1960, in Brockport, a son of the late Robert E. Sr. and Patricia (Hane) Hughes.

Ron loved drag racing and he owned and built his own race cars. He was very handy, remodeling his family home. Ron had recently retired from driving truck for many years.  He was a great brother to Robert and was an awesome friend to all, who would give his shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Ron is survived by his brother Robert E. Hughes III; his uncle Ralph Hughes as well as many cousins and close friends.

The family will receive friends at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St. Medina, Friday February 14th 12:00pm-2:00pm where his Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm. Burial will be in Bates Road Cemetery in the Spring.

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

VILLAGES, FL – It is with profound sadness that the family of Ronald Lawrence (Zakrzewski) Schultz, 83, of The Villages, FL, shares that he peacefully passed away on February 1, 2025.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Helen (Nye), children: Eric (Nancy), Beth (Drew), and Susan; grandchildren: Andrew, Tyler, Max, Isaac, Jamie, Jesse, and Ari; sisters, Mary Smith and Betty (Bill) Blount; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Ron was born on August 3, 1941 in Medina, NY, the son of Karl (Zakrzewski) Schultz & Martha (Tulowiecki) Schultz.

Ron distinguished himself with his work ethic early. He was the head altar boy at St. Mary’s Church, and quickly became the head cashier at Acme grocery store as a teenager, where he met Mary Helen. He was proud of his long career as an operations manager for S&H Green Stamps creating, implementing, and refining complex processes. He retired after 20 years of dedicated service.

Ron married Mary Helen on November 16, 1963 at St Mary’s Church in Medina, NY, with Monsignor Sullivan coming out of retirement to officiate. Ron and Mary Helen enjoyed sixty-one years of loving marriage, full of tennis, golf and travel. Ron was a sports car enthusiast, who enjoyed reading about World War II history and visits from his children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation at 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778 or at www.cornerstonehospice.org.

HAMLIN – Frances D. McIlmurray, age 72, died February 8, 2025 in Unity Hospital following a brief illness. She was born August 24, 1952 in Brockport to Edward and Florence (Porter) VanOrden and was a life-long resident of this area.

Frances was a 1971 graduate of Kendall Central School, a member of the Hamlin United Methodist Church and was a former employee of the Building and Grounds Department of Hamlin Beach State Park.

She enjoyed fishing, word-search puzzles, solitaire and singing. Frances loved wildlife and always had a pair of binoculars in the car to see whatever she spotted up-close. Frances was very family oriented and absolutely loved spending time with her girls, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She was a Mama to everyone and only knew how to love one way…fiercely!

Mrs. McIlmurray was predeceased by brothers, Douglas, Kevin and Carl VanOrden; sisters, Carol Buzard and Marsha VanOrden; and a nephew, Thomas Witt.

She is survived by her spouse, John McIlmurray; her children, Diane (Jeff Moyer) McIlmurray of Hamlin, Beth (Carl) Schumacher of Carlton, Angela (Roy Jason) Schumacher of Kendall, and Paulette (Pam) Stockwell of Kendall; her outlaws, Albert Burch and James Welker; her brothers, Bill (Gretchen) VanOrden of Waterport, Phillip (Joanne) VanOrden of FL, and Charles (Peggy) VanOrden of Eagle Harbor; her sisters, Joyce (Albert) Witt of Albion, and Helen Denton of MA; her grandchildren, Lynnette, Brittney, Bethany, Patrick (Emily), Bradley, Courtney, Shawn, Zeffray, A.J., Caleb, Miranda, Peyton, Jaiden, Rain, Persephone, William, Raighynn and Arielle as well as several nieces and nephews including a special niece, Lauri (Tommy Rushing) Buzard of Medina.

The family will receive friends at the Hamlin United Methodist Church, 1742 Lake Road North, Hamlin, NY, 14464 on Friday, February 14, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. where Frances’s funeral service will begin at 12 noon following visitation.

Burial will in Sandy Creek Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, Frances would encourage you to “Spend time with your tribe!”

Frances’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Holley. To share a special memory of Frances, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

MEDINA – Sandra J. Scharlau, 67, of Medina, NY, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, Rochester, NY.  She went peacefully to be with the Lord.

Born on March 2, 1957 in Medina, NY, she was the daughter of the late Milfred and Alice (Ferris) Scharlau.

Her love for her family and faith in God is what kept her going after 13 years of dialysis. She was very giving and rarely ever complained. She had previously worked for 12 years at PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion, NY, before becoming disabled. She loved animals, especially her cat “Dottie.

Sandra leaves behind two children, Jamie and Christopher Scharlau, a sister, Janis Scharlau, who was also her caregiver, and several nieces and nephews.

We will always cherish the memories we have of her and will miss her dearly.

There are no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Please consider a donation in her memory to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd. Albion, NY 14411.

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

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

ALBION – Gloria T. Kuhn, age 92, passed away February 5, 2025. She was born April 5, 1932 in Albion to the late John and Frances (Majewski) Kaniecki.

She was a graduate of Albion High School and went to further her education at Niagara/Orleans BOCES with a certification in cosmetology. Gloria was an active volunteer for 16 years with the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council Van Transport Service. She was a very caring woman who gave her all to make someone feel special and loved.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd; brothers, Joseph, Fred and Edward Luczak; sisters-in-law, Florence and Delores; and goddaughter, Gloria Lonnen.

Gloria is survived by her son, John; grandchildren, Amy Kuhn and Mickey Kuhn; great-grandchildren, Allie, Ashlie and Alexis Alvarez; special nieces, Christine (Bill) Barnes, Anne Yungfleish, Sharon Hilambush, Donna Tabelski, Franny Spohr and Barbara (Darrell) Szklany; nephew, Matt Tabelski; great-niece, Nicole Spohr; cousin, Delores Patrubacz; and special caring friend and care giver, Claire Strawcutter.

There are no prior calling hours. Gloria’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church 106 S. Main St. Albion, NY 14411 on Monday, February 10, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Gloria’s name may be made to the church.

Gloria’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion, NY.

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

ALBION – Kathleen Lankford, age 73, of Albion, passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 21, 1951, in Whittier, CA, to the late Charles and Doris (Phelps) Lankford.

Kathleen was an avid reader who delighted in sharing her love of books with others. She also cherished the opportunity to cook for family and friends, always creating a sense of warmth and comfort. Alongside her longtime companion, Sherman, she enjoyed scenic drives through the countryside, finding peace in the beauty of nature. Above all, Kathleen treasured her time with her family, especially her son and his wife, Sherman’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose lives she brightened with her presence and love. In her earlier years, she was passionate about hairstyling and owned two beauty salons, where she touched the lives of many with her skill and kindness.

Kathleen was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Doris Lankford, her brother, Charles “Chuck” Lankford, and her sister, Cindy Lankford.

She is survived by her sisters, Carol Gangon and Nancy Sandell; her children, John (Juliet) Lopez and Sarah (Matthew) Reise; her beloved companion, Sherman Smith and his children, Victoria Mortensen, Tracy (Jim) Pohl, Tamara Roberts (Brandon Kotler), Sherman Smith (Jessica Verdesia), and Jessica Smith (William Waild); many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and her cherished dog, Daisy, a playful beagle who brought endless joy and loyalty to her life. It is believed that Daisy was named after one of Kathleen’s beauty salons.

A service to celebrate Kathleen’s life will be held on February 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the home of Sherman and Kathleen in Albion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kathleen’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Kathleen’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Albion, NY.

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

HOLLEY – Joanne S. Denning

Passed away on February 3, 2025 at the age of 81.

Predeceased by her husband, Lawrence A. Denning Jr.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda (Richard) Beck and Lawrence A. (Juliana) Denning, III; grandchildren, Justin, Aaron, Trevor and Evelyn; great-grandson, Anakin; beloved pet companion, Gemma; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

New Comer Cremations & Funerals are handling arrangements.

CLARENDON – Eugene A. Pickett, 91, of Clarendon, NY and Davenport, FL passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the AdventHealth Hospital in Davenport.

Born June 5, 1933 in Greig, NY, he was a son of the late Harold Gardner and Jessie (Burdick) Pickett.

Eugene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955. He was employed as a machinist at Davenport Machine in Rochester for over 41 years, retiring in 1997. On April 25, 1986 he married the former Antoinette “Toni” Mazzo.

Active in his community, Gene was proud to be a charter member of the Clarendon Vol. Fire Co., where he served as Fire Policeman, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and Chief for 4 years. He served in various municipal capacities for the Town of Clarendon, including Town Assessor, Building Inspector, Zoning Officer and belonged to the historical society. As a proud veteran, Gene was a volunteer driver for the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council and was a member of the American Legion Post #0529 in Holley. He also belonged to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Auxiliary and was a former member of the Disciples United Methodist Church in Holley.

Gene and Toni wintered for many years in Davenport, FL. Not one to sit idle, Gene worked as a ride operator at Disney World and was a groundsman for the Kansas City Royals. He worked on the Florida Road Rangers Safety Patrol and as a hospital driver for the Centra Care clinics and volunteered for the Citizens Assisted Patrol in Polk County. In addition, Gene loved horseback riding, travelling and was an avid reader.

He was predeceased by his parents and stepfather, Robert; all seven of his siblings; special aunt and uncle, Frederick and Lucille Pickett; mother in-law, Josephine Mazzo; brothers in-law, Martin Mazzo and Francis Comella; and sister in-law, Mary Ann Mazzo.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Antoinette “Toni” Pickett; children, David (Kimberly) Pickett and Diane Hart; stepchildren, Steven Wagner, Jason (Bonny) Wagner and Eric Wagner (Crystal Gurney); grandchildren, Terri (Kenneth) Frasier, Shane (Kathy) Norton, Erin (Joseph) Carsale, Heather Pickett, Nathan (Brooke) Pickett, Nastasia (Jordan) Wagner-Smith, Calista Wagner, Rutger Wagner (Emma Maxson) and DJ Wagner-Young; five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, River Rose Edwards; sister in-law, Katheen Comella; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and special friends.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 3-7PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. His funeral will also be held at the funeral home the following morning, Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 11AM. Interment with full military honors will be held in Hillside Cemetery in Holley at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clarendon Vol. Fire Co., 16169 E. Lee Rd., Holley, NY 14470 or to the Hilton Baptist Church at www.hiltonbaptist.org/donate. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

HAMLIN – Zakari R. Noah PVT passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2025, at the age of 20.

Predeceased by his father Steven Noah, grandparents and great grandparents.  He is survived by his Mom Mandi Noah, sister Meloni, brother Andrew, grandparents Charlene Favata (Larry Boyce), Maureen and Carl Monahan, aunt Kelli McBride, uncle and aunt Doug and Lisa Noah, as well as many cousins and dear friends.

Zak was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 202 in Holley, NY. He also was a second-degree black belt in Karate. He participated in cross country, track and lacrosse.  Zak loved sunsets and bon fire.  He cherished time spent with his father and long walks on the beach with his beloved dog Diesel.

Family will receive friends on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Fowler Funeral Home Inc., 340 West Ave., Brockport. Interment will be held in the spring. Those wishing may contribute to a charity of choice in Zak’s memory.

MEDINA – In loving memory of James David Watt, 1943-2025. Born to Mary and Alexander Watt, Jr. on January 6, 1943 in Medina, New York, James (Jim) had 4 siblings, John, Sally, Ramon, and Mary Anne.

A loving, raucous, adventurous crew, everyone knew the “Watt” children on West Center Street. His lifetime best friend Richard (Dick) Garlock often joined in on the adventures.

Jim graduated from Medina High School in 1961. Jim served as a volunteer fireman for the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, an auxiliary police officer for the Medina Police Department and an underwater rescue diver for Orleans County. His entrepreneurial spirt led him to open Jim Watt Antenna at the same he was pursuing his associate’s degree in accounting from Niagra University.

Jim’s accounting career began at N.L. Industries in Niagra Falls, New York. He found his passion for numbers and people and advanced quickly. He was promoted to N.L. Chemicals, moving to Howell, New Jersey, then to Baroid Drilling Fluids in Houston, Texas. Baroid Drilling Fluids was acquired by Halliburton, and Jim retired from Halliburton in 2007 as Controller of the Baroid Drilling Fluids Division North America.

Jim met his match in Gloria. Jim and Gloria married in 1965. In 1967 they welcomed their first child, Timothy James, followed by Melissa Elaine in 1972.

Jim and Gloria lived in Medina, New York; Howell, New Jersey and spent the rest of their lives as Texas transplants living in Spring, Texas for over 40 years. They moved to New Braunfels, Texas in 2022.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother John and sister Mary Anne, and brother-in-law Dave Weaver.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Gloria, son Timothy James, daughter Melissa Lamoreaux (Marc) and granddaughter Edie Lamoreaux, and step grandchildren Jacob Lamoreaux and Erynn Lamoreaux Engel (Matthew); brother Ramon Watt (Dolly), niece Julie Comfort, sister Sally Weaver and numerous nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, and work associates.

If you had the honor of being in Jim’s circle of influence, you always felt seen. He cared more about the person, then he ever did an outcome. He was empathic to the core and knew exactly how to inspire and comfort at the same time. He expected your best when he knew you could give it. More than anything, he wanted you to believe in yourself just as much as he did.

Jim was a big baseball fan; the New York Yankees and Houston Astros were his favorite teams. He appreciated a well-manicured lawn, classic cars, morning jogs, working out at the gym, and chasing firetrucks, police and paramedics during fires and bad weather events. He loved a good hometown parade, any card game, sharing a cold beer with good friends and family and dropping a good curse word at the most unexpected times. He was a pseudo father to many. Most of all, he loved and valued his family.

Jim’s favorite place was Lake Ontario, New York, where he spent many a good time with family and friends throughout his life. A celebration of his life will be held at Lake Ontario at a later date with close family and friends.

ALBION, N.Y. – Daniel G. Wright, 70, passed away peacefully at Rochester General with family by his side on January 31, 2025. Born on June 9, 1954, in Albion, he was the son of the late Rance and Estella Jean (Thom) Wright.

Dan got work and life ethics from his Dad very early on. Dan was a farmer through and through. From childhood to his final days, working the land was his life. He spent many years at Dragan Farms, taking pride in every job, big or small. He was also a natural mechanic—if it was broken, Dan could probably fix it.

He had a warm, easy laugh, the kind that made people feel at home. He was quick with a joke, always ready to lift someone’s spirits. Dan cared deeply for his family, especially his nieces and nephews, and was a genuinely kind man. He never thought of himself as anything special, but those around him knew better.

Dan was predeceased by his Dad and Mom, his favorite girl, Beatrice, his nieces Elaine and Patty Stahl, brother-in-law Dick Stahl and brother-in-law Norm Starkweather and his boss and friend Pete Dragan.

Dan is survived by his sister & family Marilyn “Mo” (Mike) Kilborn, Matt (Felicia) Kilborn with Josie & Rachel; Jessica (Ryan Bethem) Kilborn with Myles Bethem; and Mike Kilborn Jr.; sister and family Carolyn (late Norm) Starkweather, with Jackie Stahl and Morgan Haak; brother and family David (Marcia) Thom; Edward (Julie) Reid, Donna (George) Snell, Bridget Haley, Jennifer Thom (Steve Winans); a lifelong friend and love, Lynne Neri Wright, and longtime friends Gary, Warren, Tod, Steve, Jose and friends of Bill, to name a few.

A private celebration of Dan’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of your choice or to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263.

Arrangements are in the care of Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, Albion, NY. To share a memory of Dan, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ALBION – Mary S. Stirk, of Largo, Florida passed away February 1, 2025, at the age of 82. Mary was born in Medina on July 15, 1942 to the late Adam Sheelar and Verna Lech.

As an adult, she worked at Delco Products in the offices, and would drive almost an hour every day to and from work. She met her husband Donald, a tool and die maker, at Delco and married him on April 12, 1969 after he came back from being drafted to the Vietnam War. Mary and Donald were married 45 years before he passed away at 71 years old in 2014.

She enjoyed softball and played in a league when she was pregnant with Kelly Lynn. She loved watching baseball and football; the Buffalo Bills were her favorite NFL team. She played all the sports with her son Donald, and could hit the ball out of the yard across the highway and into the farmer’s field on a regular basis!

She was a homemaker and devout Catholic who attended Mass every Sunday without wavering. As her children grew and went to school, Mary used her shrewd business sense and ran the office of an apartment complex, and mini-storage, Crimson Heights in Albion. She loved mowing lawns and also made it a side business with her son Donald.

Mary loved the outdoors and camping. Every summer when her kids were out of school the family took long camping trips around New York State. When her husband Don retired, they used to travel with her camper to Florida each winter.

Christmas was her favorite holiday! She always made a big deal of Christmas for all the kids! She was a generous and giving woman who you could always count on to help others in need whenever she could. She always volunteered in the kitchens of the VFW and Masonic Lodge cooking, serving and cleaning up after large dinners for these organizations.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Donald, brother and sister-in-law, Adam Sheelar Jr. and Shirley Sheelar.

She is survived by her daughter Kelly Lynn (Michael W.) Grey, her son Donald A. Stirk; brother, Charles (Michele) Sheelar, and sisters Jean (David) Wetherbee and Judy Sheelar, sisters-in-law, Eileen Sorochty and Gloria (Peter) Monacelli.

She loved animals, dogs, and babies. She had no grandchildren, but had many beloved nieces and nephews, and even grand dogs, Frankie, Juliet, Dean, and Lenny.

Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411 on Wednesday, March 12th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Mary’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion, NY.

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

ALBION – Joseph Riley Sr. “Tootie Boot”, age 85, went to be with our Lord on January 29, 2025. He was born on September 25, 1939 in Fort Valley, Georgia to the late Jerry and Essie Riley.

Joseph was a bus driver for over 35 years at the Albion Central School District, driving bus “H”, which upon his retirement was also retired on his behalf. He also worked as a mechanic in the bus garage during his tenure. Joseph also served his community in the Auxiliary police for Orleans County with 43 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and time with his friends and beloved dog, Coco.

In addition to his parents Jerry Riley Sr. & Essie, Joseph was predeceased by his brother, Jerry Riley Jr. and his sisters, Dorithea Lee and Willie Marvin Lee.

Joseph is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Shirley; his children, Sharon (Anthony) Rumph, Angela Riley, Anitrice (Ocie) Bennett, and Joseph (Melissa) Riley Jr.; his grandchildren, Anthony, Ankeithian, Jasmyn (David), Kiara, Jordan, Malique, Joshua and Isaiah; great-granddaughter, Mya; siblings, Robert Lee, Jackie Lee Greg Lee, Johnny Frank Lee. Donald Riley Linda Riley, Lena Riley, Minnie Coleman, Rosa Riley and Joeann Lindsay-Hightower.

The family will invite friends to the Shiloh Judgement Free Church, 3286 Crandall Rd, Albion, NY 14411, on Saturday, February 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. with his funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Interment for Joseph will be at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

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

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