Obituaries

Nancy E. Hoyle, 86, quietly passed over the rainbow at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Fla. on April 29, 2020.

Born on Feb. 18, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Malcom and Violet Parsels.

Nancy began her journey in life in the town of Lyndonville. She lived a long and healthy life until this day in April 2020. At this time, she begins a new journey in life and is reunited with her husband, Clyde J. Hoyle.

She is survived by two sons, two daughters, two sisters, one brother, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Lynhaven Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St., Lyndonville NY 14098. Please share a memory of Nancy or light a candle in her name at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

Alexander Felso Jr., of Medina, passed away on May 5, 2020.

He was born on April 7, 1933 in Trenton, N.J. to the late Alexander and Mary (Kovacs) Felso. When he was a young boy, Alex and his parents moved to Medina and made their home in Ridgeway. Alex retired from T.J. Lipton and then went to work at Fisher-Price in Medina for many years.

Alex married Louise Sidari on Feb. 9, 1963. Together, they raised three daughters. He enjoyed making wood crafts, and collecting arrowheads and coins. He searched for treasures with his metal detector. He loved his many cats. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren for rides on his Attex six-wheeler. Alex loved the outdoors and living more than 80 years at his home, and he was happiest when he went for long walks along the banks of Oak Orchard River. He was a proud lifetime member of the NRA.

Alex was predeceased by his wife, Louise Sidari Felso, on Dec. 6, 2017.

He is survived by his three daughters, Mary Luckman, Diane (Martin Sr.) Stirk, and Alice Wilson; his grandchildren, Martin (Shelby Gaylord) Stirk Jr., Jason (Lauren) Stirk, Amanda, Kayla, and Jimmy Luckman, Sydney and Jacob Wilson; great-grandchildren, Madilynn and Daniel Fending, and Maisyn Stirk; sister-in-law, Janie Sidari; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and longtime neighbor friends, Merle and Roger.

Service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Road, Albion NY 14411.

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

Anthony C. “Ant” Vorholzer, 33, of Middleport, died suddenly May 3, 2020. He was born July 18, 1986 in Newfane, a son of Thomas (Jennifer) Vorholzer and Christina (Randy Fuller) Palisano and stepson of Christopher Ball. He lived in this area all of his life.

Ant was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and garden. He worked for 12 years as a land surveyor for Wendel Company in Williamsville. But most importantly, Anthony was a great family man who loved to spend time with his family, especially his son and daughter. He loved everyone and was loved by everyone.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Kristine; son, Anthony Thomas; daughter, Nora Elizabeth; brothers, Jeffrey and Jonathan Vorholzer; stepsister, Olivia Vorholzer; mother-in-law, Donna Conibear; niece, Hannah Vorholzer; and sister-in-law, Jessica Conibear.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the family for a scholarship to be established for his children.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, Middleport. To share a special memory of Ant, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Shirley Irene (Rieks) McCabe, 89, of Middleport, passed away May 5, 2020. She was born Nov. 11, 1930 to the late Henry and Gladys Rieks.

Shirley married the late Edward McCabe on July 21, 1951. In 1964, Ed and Shirley moved to Middleport, where they raised their four children. Shirley worked at Medina Memorial Hospital for many years until she retired. Shirley’s second love, next to her family, was her gardens.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Edward; son, Michael; brothers, Jack and Jimmy Rieks; sister, Bonnie Sovocool; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Rieks.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Mary Ellen (James) Jacobs of Middleport, Michele (Fritz Peters) Denniston of Middleport, Maureen (Brian) Thompson of Newport, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Joyce McCabe of Medina; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Joe (Laurel) Rieks and Tom (Nancy Hargett) Rieks of Moravia, N.Y.; sister, Barbara Seamans of Locke, N.Y.; brother-in-law, William Sovocool; sisters-in-law, Edna McCabe and Josephine McCabe; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A private graveside service at St. Stephen’s Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shirley’s name may be made to Tri Parish Food Pantry,  c/o St. Stephen’s Church, 21 Vernon St., Middleport NY 14105.

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

The world lost a beautiful soul on May 4, 2020 with the passing of Barbara Lee (Dunn) Way.

We can take a little comfort in knowing we were there to hold her hand as she passed from this world into the next. We can be sure it will be days before the excitement dies down at the end of the rainbow bridge, where all of her past fur babies are there to greet her.

Barbara worked for many years at the University of Rochester, taking care of the animals. Later, she was a vet tech and, in her final years, a home health care nurse. She spent her life always caring for others.

She was predeceased by her parents, Donovan and Dorothy Dunn; her grandson, Brandon; and her brother.

She leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Ted; three children, Ted, Sheila and Kathy; her greatest joy – her five grandchildren, Jodi, Jessica, Kaylyn, Jordan and Amber; 11 great-grandchildren – she absolutely adored them, and they adored her; and her sisters, Peggy and Sally.

A celebration of her life will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Shirley A. Bielak, 83, of Medina, entered into rest at her home on Sat., May 2, 2020.

Born March 25, 1937 in Albion, Shirley was a daughter to the late Carl Wayne and Marie (Robinson) Sargent. She graduated in the class of 1955 from Albion High School. She moved to Medina and took a job at FMC in Middleport. Soon after, she married the love of her life, Richard “Pook” Bielak, on Sept. 7, 1957 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Medina. Shirley worked in the catering business for a few years before starting her career in the cafeteria at Oak Orchard Elementary School in 1972. In 1990, she was promoted to manager, and she retired in 2011. Shirley was a parishioner at the former Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church in Medina, where she was a member of the Rosary Society until its closing, after which she became a parishioner at Holy Trinity R.C. Parish, St. Mary’s Church. Shirley enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed doing crafts and playing her weekly game of cards with her daughter, Rindy.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Karen) Bielak of Medina, Laurinda “Rindy” Punch of Medina, Kathleen Bielak of Lockport, Karen Sylvester of Medina, and Steven (Janine) Bielak of Medina; grandchildren, Joshua Sylvester, Adam (Rachel) Sylvester, Brett (Nichole) Bielak, Madison Bielak, Kylie Bielak, Molly Bielak, Dylan Hack and Landon Bielak; great-grandchildren, Rachael, Ada, Isaac, Ava, Emily and Kameron Sylvester, Cody and Peyton Bielak, Cain and Eberly Sylvester; brothers, Carl Sargent and William (Barbara) Sargent; brothers in-law, Robert (Rose) Nickerson, Robert (Patricia) Fox and Loren Johnson; also several loving nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Richard “Pook” Bielak in 2014; daughter, Lynette Fralick in 2017; sisters, Patricia Nickerson, Elizabeth Fox and Margaret Johnson; and sisters in-law, Barbara Jablonski and Patricia Sargent.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date to be announced at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, Medina. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Medina Memorial Hospital – North Wing Activities Dept., 200 Ohio St., Medina NY 14103.

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

Edward R. Tagg, of Lockport, passed away May 2, 2020 at his home while under the care of Niagara Hospice and surrounded by his loved ones. He was born March 23, 1960 in Lockport to Charles W. and Eleanor R. (Micarski) Tagg.

Ed enjoyed going racing and camping, and he was a “Mr. Fix-it” and all-around handyman. He really loved spending as much time as he could with his family.

In addition to his father, Charles, Ed was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Jean LaForme.

Ed is survived by his loving companion of 19 years, Mary Sink; children, Jessica (Ken) Kahler, Jacob (Lauren) Sink, Alicia Sink, and Ronald Rowles; siblings, Eleanor “Bizz” Friend, Charles “Mike” Tagg, Patricia (late Gary) Mahar, Donald Tagg, Theresa (Frederick Pratt) Tagg, and Cathy House; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was a loving uncle to several nieces and nephews, and he also leaves behind several cousins.

Due to current health concerns, a Celebration of Life Service for Ed will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Ed’s name may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport NY 14094.

Ed’s arrangements have been entrusted to Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St., Gasport NY 14067. To share a special memory of Ed, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

On May 2, 2020, Richard D. Taylor, a great man, lost the fight and went to be with his Lord. He had won so many battles, and he fought an amazing fight. His mind had been taken from him years ago – untimely, but all who know of Alzheimer’s disease know how cruel it truly is. He is finally whole again; his mind and body again are as one.

He was married to the love of his life, Judy Sheldon Taylor, for 54 years. He was predeceased by his parents, William H. and Ester W.; his sisters, Shirley and Deborah; and his brother, William.

Richard graduated from Royalton-Hartland Central School in 1964. His greatest enjoyment was fishing and hunting with his best friend, Bill. He also enjoyed camping, and playing with all of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his sons, David (fiancée Michelle Gay) of Dassel, Minn. and Aaron (Robin) of Buffalo, N.Y.; five grandchildren, Faith, Hope, William, Emmalyne and Adella; his brother, Edwin; and his sister, Rebecca.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of Middleport, 5 Park Ave., Middleport NY 14105.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, Middleport. To share a special memory of Richard, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Gail A. (Vandenberghe) Kester, 71, of Middleport, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2020. She was born June 21, 1948 in Rochester to the late George and Ruth Vandenberghe.

Gail had been a member of Middleport United Methodist Church since she moved to Middleport in 1977. Gail was on several committees, sang in the choir, and played hand bells in the church. She belonged to the Middleport Community Choir, singing and playing hand bells. Gail worked in the banking industry for 30 years. She was on the Middleport Free Library Board. She enjoyed knitting and reading.

Gail is survived by her husband of 43 years, Robert E. Kester; her daughters, Charlene (Kenny) Heschke of Gasport and Yvonne (Christopher) Lane of Lockport; stepchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Braun of Sarasota, Fla., R. Sean (Paula) Kester of Sarasota, and Robin (Tom) Greg of Doylestown, Pa.; grandchildren, Jacqueline Braun, Corey (Alicia) Martin, Adam Braun, Andrea (Tina) Braun, Julia Braun, Olivia Kester, Solenne Greg, Seth Lane and Roman Greg; a sister, Jean Vandenberghe (Barbara Branski); a sister-in-law, Suzanne Kester; a brother-in-law, Paul (Lori) Kester; a niece, Kaitlyn (Vince) Cherry; a nephew, Jeffrey (Kristina) Kester; several cousins; and many friends in the community and church family.

A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gail’s name may be made to Middleport United Methodist Church, Middleport Community Choir, or Middleport Fire Department.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bates, Wallace and Heath Funeral Home, Middleport. To share a special memory of Gail, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Frank L. Nicometi, 83, of Medina, passed away on April 24, 2020 at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Born Sept. 30, 1936, he was a son of the late Caesar and Martha (Tkacz) Nicometi. Frank served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962. He was a proud member of Lincoln Post #1483 VFW and Butts-Clark Post #204 American Legion in Medina, and also the Junior Wilson Sportsman’s Club. Frank worked as a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending summers with his wife, Vera G. (Connor) Nicometi, at their summer cottage in Carlton. He was an avid sports enthusiast and had been a Buffalo Bills fan since the AFC days. Frank was a great cook who loved to share his dishes with anyone around. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and spoiling them as much as he could.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Vera G. Nicometi, in 2008; his daughter, Donna M. Nicometi, in 2012; his brothers, Andy, Tony and Richard Nicometi; and his sister, Frances Nicometi.

He is survived by his sons, Jerry (Tracy) Belcher and Frank J. (Jaime) Nicometi of Hamlin; grandchildren, Jennifer, Tricia, Chelsey and Tyler Belcher, Nichole and Arianna Nicometi, Charles McKee, Giovanni and Sawyer Nicometi; numerous great-grandchildren; a brother, Nazarino Nicometi; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

John L. Williams, 70, of Albion, passed away peacefully at the Martin-Linsin Residence on May 2, 2020. John was born June 21, 1949 in Springville, N.Y., a son of the late Jack and Catherine (Parmenter) Williams.

John was an active member of Albion Lodge #1006 B.P.O. Elks and was currently serving as the State Vice President of the West District. He will be remembered for his awesome chicken BBQ, fish dinners, and his love of mowing his yard on his John Deere. John was a longtime member of the Arcade Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Lesley (Jerry) Barber of Arcade, Mark Williams of Sardinia, Brooke (Jason) Foote and Corey (Corlyn) Webster; grandchildren, Ryan, Kylee Barber, Hailee, Allison Williams, Jacob, Emma, Garrison Foote, Cameron, Collin Connor Webster; siblings, Mary (late Roy) Young, Anne (Joe) Bunk, Suzanne (Brian) Strauss, Patricia Noeson and Michael Williams; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private celebration of John’s life will be held at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion NY 14411. To view John’s service, please follow this link: John Williams Memorial Service.

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

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

Howard R. Thorne, 74, of Clarendon, passed away May 1, 2020 at The Villages of Orleans. He was born Aug. 2, 1945 in Rochester, a son of the late Lester and Elsie Thorne.

Howard served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a member and past Chief of the Clarendon Fire Company, and he drove school buses for the Brockport school system after retiring from Eastman Kodak Company. Howard attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hamlin. He loved fishing, camping, and visiting Virginia Beach and Goose Creek, S.C.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret; children, Glenn (Lori) Thorne of Clarendon, Kelly (Chris) Warner of Pennsylvania, Charlie Thorne of Arizona, and Patty Thorne of Avon; grandchildren, Maya and Cody Thorne; brothers, Hugh and Bobby; sisters, Ginny, Joanie and Penny; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Colin and Fran; and a sister, Connie.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clarendon Fire Co., P.O. Box 136, Clarendon NY 14429; or to Alzheimer’s Association, 435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14620.

Howard’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 Route 31, Holley. To share a special memory of Howard, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Christopher Van “Chris” Wolfe, 72, of Appleton, fell asleep in death on May 2, 2020 at his home. He was born March 2, 1948 in Medina to the late William and Marjorie (Jesson) Wolfe.

He was a devoted member of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He spoke often of seeing his son, Justin, in the resurrection on a paradise Earth. He was a hard worker and a loyal, selfless and humble man. He built his family business from the ground up and “never worked a day in his life.” Chris loved to work on tractors and anything mechanical, and it was often said that if he can’t fix it, you don’t need it.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Justin; and his brother, Roger.

Chris is survived by his “precious pearl” of 17 years, Larissa, whom he married Oct. 11, 2003; his children, Christina (Chris) Gillinger, Lindsay (Simon Tew) Sabo, Penny (Clifford) Wolfe-Gammon, Jared Wolfe, Hallie (Stefan) Walters, and Christopher (Isis) Wolfe; stepson, Andy (Carlie) Michalak; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings, William (late Patricia) Wolfe and Marilyn (Terry) Luscher.

Private interment will take place at Hartland Central Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Chris’s name may be made to World Wide Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses at www.jw.org.

Mr. Wolfe’s arrangements have been entrusted to Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home, 6139 East Ave., Newfane NY 14108.

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

Janet Evelyn (Balcerzak) Engle, 85, of Albion, passed away peacefully May 1, 2020 with her three daughters in her presence. She was born April 27, 1935 in Bennington, N.Y. to the late Walter and Evelyn (Jagusiak) Balcerzak Sr.

Janet dedicated her life to her home and family. She enjoyed gardening, camping, flowers, spending time in the mountains, boating, and just being outdoors with those she loved.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Robert, on Sept. 12, 2016; her grandson, Jason R. Post, in 2014; and her brother, Walter Balcerzak Jr.

Janet is survived by her daughters, Deborah (Joe) Martillotta of Albion, Jacqueline Post of Albion, and Robin (Garr) Standish of Elbridge; grandchildren, Luke Gaines, Kyle (Sonya) Gaines, and Jennifer Post; great-grandchildren, Avery Gaines, Willow Gaines, Jackson Gaines, Rhoan Calkins and Tristan Post; siblings, Raymond (Jean) Balcerzak and Robert Balcerzak; aunt, Irene Lewandowski; several nieces, nephews and cousins; many loving in-laws (the Engle family); and her dear friend and neighbor, Cathy Jakaub.

Services will be held privately at Mt. Albion Cemetery. A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Janet’s name may be made to Holy Family Parish – St. Joseph’s Church, 106 S. Main St., Albion NY 14411.

Janet’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion NY 14411. To share a special memory of Janet, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Anita M. Virga, 85, of Medina, entered into rest on April 30, 2020 at The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab Center in Albion. She was born Sept. 22, 1934 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Samuel and Anna (Rosen) Jadofsky.

On April 18, 1953, she married the late Frank A. Virga Jr. In the late 1960s, they moved to the Medina area, where they raised a family of nine children. Mrs. Virga worked for many years at Fisher-Price Toys in Medina, and then for BernzOmatic. She was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church and then Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church. Active in her community, Mrs. Virga was a member of Court Santa Maria #295, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Red Hat Society and the Buffalo Doll Club. She was an avid bowler who also enjoyed doll making.

Mrs. Virga was predeceased by her husband, Frank Virga Jr., in 1993.

She is survived by her nine children, Sandra (Thomas) Fritschi, Frank (Christine) Virga III, Bernadette George, Samuel (Betty) Virga, Anita (Jeffery) Dugan, Jennie Johnston, Christine Sutka, Susan Virga and Rosalind (Robert) Bingman; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside committal service will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Medina at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Anita’s name may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, 211 Eagle St., Medina NY 14103.

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

Doris Betty Stout Grimes, 93, of Medina, died peacefully on Thu., April 30, 2020 at The Villages Rehabilitation Center in Albion.

Doris was born in Gasport on March 9, 1927 to George and Eva Stout.

She was predeceased by Noel Grimes, her husband of 54 years; two brothers, Donald and Louis; a sister, Joy Stout Burns; and a son-in-law, Kevin Gilbert.

Doris was the mother of five children, Rebecca (David) Odell, Robert (Esther) Grimes, Bonnie (Kevin) Gilbert, Bennett (Sharon) Grimes, and Brian (Marna) Grimes. She had 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Following graduation from Royalton-Hartland Central School in 1945, Doris worked for Friends Manufacturing Co. in Gasport. From 1972 until her retirement in 1986, she was employed by Fisher-Price Toys in Medina. Doris was a member of New Life Alliance Church in Medina for 73 years, serving at various times as organist, pianist, deaconess, Sunday School teacher and youth leader. She loved music and, as a young musician, accompanied her father on the piano when he performed vocal solos in church and at other community venues. Later, she and Noel sang duets in their church.

Doris was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved attending plays, concerts and sporting events involving her children and grandchildren. She was very fond of weekly Bible studies in her home with neighborhood friends. Doris enjoyed crocheting afghans for all her family, reading, and watching Buffalo Bills games.

There are no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in West Shelby. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Doris’s name to New Life Alliance Church, 4140 Shelby Basin Road, Medina NY 14103.

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

Linda Mae Cohen, 72, of Clarendon, died April 30, 2020 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Aug. 27, 1947 in Canton, N.Y. to Harold and Isabell (Ladison) Cota and, aside from being an overall wonderful woman, she loved all animals, especially her beloved cats.

Mrs. Cohen was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Howard, on Sept. 13, 2016; a brother, Kim; and a sister, Roxanne.

She is survived by her daughters, Jenny (Carl Joslin) Marrese and Rosealee (Allen) Foster; her mother, Isabell Cota; her siblings, Pam (Ray) Smithers, Diane (John) Freego, Kevin (Patty) Cota, Keith (Pat) Cota, and Leroy (Karen) Cota; grandchildren, Jake, Raven, Anna Marrese, Cheyenne Foster, and Catrina (John) Lasher; and great-grandchildren, Wesley, Stella and J.J.

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

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

James “Jim” Frank Chizick, 77, of Lyndonville, skipped church and went straight to heaven to be with the Lord on Sun., April 26, 2020.

Born on March 5, 1943 in Detroit, Mich., Jim was the son of the late James and Helen (Donitzen) Chizick. He was raised in Port Leyden, N.Y. and attended Port Leyden Central School, where he was class president, prom king, state champion basketball star, and accomplished trumpet player, graduating in 1962. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from SUNY College at Buffalo, and then a Master of Science in Education, concentrating in Special Education, in 1970 on a full scholarship.

Jim married Joy in 1969. They settled in Lyndonville and had four children. He worked as a teacher for 43 years – the first 33 as a Special Education teacher for fourth to sixth graders at Royalton-Hartland Central School, and the next 10 as a GED instructor for Iroquois Job Corps – until his retirement in 2001.

Jim was a Renaissance man. When he wasn’t teaching, he played the trumpet, bagpipes and harmonica, and he was a published poet, an avid storyteller, and a beekeeper. Jim was a member of the “D” Company Buffalo City Guard Gordon Highlanders and the Somerset Historical Society, and he was a volunteer at the Niagara Celtic Festival. He chaperoned three student study tours in Europe with his wife and traveled to 13 countries.

Jim’s love of Jesus was a central driving force in his life. He gave others a taste of the freedom God intended each of us to live in the midst of – the feel of the wind whipping by while holding tightly to him on the back of his motorcycle: trust; the realization of just how small we are in comparison to the wide wide world as we looked down from his airplane in the sky; the exhilaration of conquering moguls while whizzing down a diamond run, night skiing at Holiday Valley.

Yates Baptist Church counted him as a deacon, trustee, award-winning youth leader, and church van driver. His faith drove his passion for causes he believed in, supporting through time and treasure many organizations that served those in need, such as Care Net of Orleans County, FoodLink, and Lockport Cares. Jim was a Co-Laborer in Messiah (CLIM) for Jews for Jesus, traveling to Toronto, Key West, Boston, Pittsburgh, Chicago and New York City to build relationships across religious lines. He was on the prayer team for Kingdom Bound for many summers. He enjoyed time at the Lighthouse Christian Camp and traveling with the Barker Seniors. His favorite response to his Job Corps students asking, “Hey, Mr. Chizick! What’s up?” would be, “Heaven. What’s down?” and then a pause before adding, “Don’t go there!”

Jim got excited about life, and he shared that enthusiasm with others. As he engaged you in conversation, he animatedly held your attention until you were ready to go along with him for whatever adventure lay ahead. Jim skied, rode motorcycles, drove fast cars and parachuted out of airplanes. He built model airplanes and full-sized gliders and refurbished an Aeronca Chief that he named “Amazing Grace.” Jim flew all those, as well as gyrocopters and ultralights. And he took others with him. Youth, family, friends—all were invited to ski, ride, fly. Jim ran a chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program, where he exposed over 100 elementary students to the joy of flying, changing perspectives on the world and life in general. When his Special Education students weren’t allowed to participate in school field trips, he took it upon himself to create trips to the airstrip and brought his motorcycle to school, just for them. He coached for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), was a leader for the 4-H Shooting Sports Club, and coached Ski Club for Lyndonville and Roy-Hart Central Schools.

Jim valued time in solidarity with others. He was a member of the Patriot Guard, the ABATE Motorcycle Club, the Niagara Soaring Society, the Gaines Valley Flyers Club, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild and the National Rifle Association. Always a kid at heart, Jim could be found exploring and experimenting, creating wooden masterpieces with his jigsaw in the basement, baking peach pie until he perfected the recipe, and even practicing daily an entire summer until he could ride a unicycle. In the summers, he and his wife would take the family on multi-week trips in the motorhome to explore national parks and visit relatives as far flung as Texas. A gentle spirit, coming alongside those in times of trouble, Jim changed the course of many lives through his counsel, coaching and friendship. He taught others how to work through their fears, gain new perspectives, and learn how to trust. He instilled confidence, radiated humility, and poured out patience. Teens and children loved him. Jim’s in-laws called him a saint, and his five sisters admired him. His wife found refuge in his embrace, and his children appreciated his listening ear and wise counsel.

Jim was his mother’s first-born and only son. He will be missed dearly by all whose lives he touched. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles. (Isaiah 40:31a, KJV). Fly high, Jim, fly high.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joyce (Vertichio) of 50 years; four children, Jonathan (Tristan) Chizick, Jenée (Arturo) Chizick Agüero, Jarett Chizick, and Jordan (Raquel) Chizick; eight grandchildren, Braelan, Ridley, Larsen, Yohel, Jacek, Finn, Livia and Lucas; as well as his four sisters, Helen McHale, Barbara (Paul) Mirabito, Christine (Gary) Vollmar, and Cynthia Wiedrick.

Besides his parents, Jim is predeceased by his sister, Charlotte Mayfield; and by his brothers-in-law, James McHale, Robert Mayfield and Thomas Wiedrick.

A memorial service will be held at Yates Baptist Church, 11365 E. Yates Center Road, Lyndonville NY 14098, at a date to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to Yates Baptist Church; or to Royalton-Hartland Elementary School Playground Fund, 4500 Orchard Place, Gasport NY 14067; or to Care Net of Greater Orleans, P.O. Box 229, Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements were entrusted to 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.

Victorina Rodriguez, 80, of Medina, passed away on Tue., April 28, 2020 at Orleans Community Health/ Medina Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Puerto Rico and came to the United States when she was 15 years old. She worked various jobs while living in Medina and retired from the molding department at Fisher-Price.

Victorina is survived by her husband of 43 years, Roberto Rodriguez; two sons, Candido Candelaria and Diago Russell, both of Medina; two nephews, Pedro (Betty) Vargas of Medina and Carlos (Ferita) Vargas of Rochester; a niece, Rosa (John) McDonald of Lockport; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

There are no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family, and burial will be in Puerto Rico.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina NY 14103. Please share a memory or light a candle in Victorina’s name at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

Gail Anstey Culver, 78, of East Shelby, went home to be with the Lord at her home on Wednesday morning, April 29, 2020, after a battle with cancer, with her loving family at her side.

She was born in 1941 in Batavia to the late Charles and Mildred “Ann” Anstey (Schrader) and grew up in East Shelby, attending the one-room schoolhouse in East Shelby and graduating from Medina High School in 1959. She went on to become the first woman to graduate with a degree in mechanical technology from Erie County Technical Institute (now Erie Community College) in 1960. She married the late David G. Culver in 1963, and they were married for over 50 years before he passed in 2014.

She raised and leaves behind two boys, David C. (Tammy) Culver of Batavia and Daniel Culver of Medina. She also leaves behind a younger sister, Cheryl Tuttle (Anstey); grandchildren, Ashley (Josh) Dyrbala (Culver) of Oakfield, Erica Culver of Rochester, Chelsea Culver of Lyndonville, and Nic Culver of Medina; great- grandchildren, Chloe and Hailey Dyrbala; and her cats and dogs.

Gail’s life was full of community involvement; she worked for years at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge before moving on to The Arc of Orleans County and then Medina Memorial Hospital. Gail retired from her final career at Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension, where she was most proud of the Master Gardener program, continuing her work with 4-H, and promoting gardening for all ages.

Gail was a 4-H volunteer for over 40 years with Orleans County and was the first female chairperson of the Orleans County Fair. She spent countless hours helping kids learn and explore a vast amount of opportunities. She was named the Medina Journal-Register Outstanding Citizen at one point.

Throughout her life, Gail raised goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, pigs, cows and horses, and she was a wildlife rehabilitator. She took care of several wild animals, but she loved rehabbing deer.

During the last few years of her life, Gail enjoyed taking part in civil war reenactments throughout the country, as a civilian reenactor with the 9th New York Company B Civil War Reenactment Unit. Gail was also a 50-plus-year member of the East Shelby Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, serving in the majority of officer positions; and East Shelby Community Bible Church, where she enjoyed demonstrating how to make goat cheese, goat milk soap, and goat milk fudge.

There are no calling hours. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date at East Shelby Community Bible Church.

Per Gail’s request, memorials may be made to Orleans County Cooperative Extension 4-H Programs, 12690 NY-31, Albion NY 14411; or to East Shelby Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, 5021 East Shelby Road, Medina NY 14103; or to Richard Knights –Sue Kaderli Memorial Fund, P.O.Box #684, Medina NY 14103.

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