Obituaries

Edward A. Lein, 89, of Elma, N.Y., died March 5, 2020 at The Villages of Orleans following a long illness. He was born Oct. 24, 1930 in Buffalo, the son of Franklin and Lydia (Schroeder) Lein, and he lived most of his life in Elma.

Edward was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and, following his service, he and his father owned and operated Elma Nurseries for many years. In addition, he worked as the head janitor at Wales Elementary School. Edward enjoyed football, especially watching the Buffalo Bills. He also enjoyed country music and bowling, and he loved animals, especially his dogs.

Mr. Lein was predeceased by his wife, Grace.

He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Reigraf of Cheektowaga and Annette (Beth Mundschenk) Lein of Rochester; his sister, Vera Sachs of Shrewsbury, Pa.; and his granddaughter, Heather Uplinger.

There will be no calling hours. Private services and interment will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 6215 Sheridan Drive #100, Buffalo NY 14221.

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

Vicki L. Becker, 66, of Albion, passed away on March 4, 2020 at The Villages of Orleans following a long illness. She was born Dec. 28, 1953 in Endicott, N.Y., a daughter of the late George and Joyce (Morse) Hickein, and she lived in this area most of her life.

Vicki was a candy striper at Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital. Afterwards, she worked as a nurse’s aide for the Orleans County Infirmary for many years. She loved doing crafts, and she owned and operated Barnwood Creations. Vicki also loved doing hair, gardening, flowers, and baking. She would make more than 1000 cookies for Camp Top Ridge at Christmas time. Most of all, Vicki loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Wallace “Wally;” and her granddaughter, Kerstin Lee Brien.

She is survived by her daughter, Liza Brien; grandsons, Zach (Miranda) Becker, Hunter (Kaelie) Brien, Aiden Brien and Ozzie Matos; great-grandchildren, Colt Becker, KLee Becker and KarLee Becker; sisters, Linda (Paul) Roberts, T.J. (Rex) Hults, and Lisa (Dan) DeCarlo; best buddy, Jessie; as well as many loving family members.

The family will receive friends on Wed., March 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, where her Celebration of Life service will follow at 6 p.m.

Memorials may be made to C.O.V.A., 239 S. Main St., Albion NY 14411; or to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

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

Robert Alan Mathes was born on Dec. 6, 1951 and passed away on March 2, 2020. No services are scheduled at this time.

Wayne L. Woodin Jr., 49, of Lockport, died unexpectedly on Sat., Feb. 29, 2020 at Eastern Niagara Hospital. He was born on Feb. 2, 1971 in Gowanda, N.Y., a son of Wayne Sr. and Velma Woodin, and he lived in this area all of his life.

Wayne worked as a supervisor for Wheatfield Gardens. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching football, playing video games, and honing his skills as a woodworker.

He is survived by his wife of nine years, Carol; his daughter, Ashley (Keith) Crosby of Middleport; his brother, David (Holly) Woodin of Elbridge, N.Y.; his sisters, Nikki (Tom) Dunlap of Wilson and Becky (Rodney) Bartz of Java; his father, Wayne Woodin Sr. of East Aurora; his mother, Velma Woodin of Arcade; three grandchildren, Tucker, Thomas and Wessin; and several nieces.

There will be no calling hours. Wayne’s services will be held at the convenience of the family and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport NY 14094.

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

Vincenzo A. Nicolia, 94, of Lyndonville and Batavia, died Feb. 29, 2020 in the New York State Veterans’ Nursing Home, following a short illness. He was born Nov. 16, 1925 in Middleport, a son of Antonio and Gaetana (Spitallari) Nicolia, and he was a lifelong resident of this area.

Vincenzo was a United States Army veteran of World War II, and he enjoyed golfing, camping, spending winters in Florida, all types of music and, especially, dancing with his wife. He was known for being the unofficial financial advisor of his family.

Mr. Nicolia was predeceased by his beloved wife, Grace; his brother, Vito Ragusa; and his sister, Vincenza Martillotta.

He is survived by his sons, Vincent (Kathy) Nicolia of Brockport and Anthony (Toni Marie) Nicolia of Greece; his brother, Blase (Amelia) Nicolia of Grand Island; three grandchildren, Anthony, Cassandra and Angela; four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Luke, Mia and Marianna; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport, on Wed., March 4 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Wed., March 4 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church, 19 Vernon St., Middleport. Interment with military honors will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to NYS Veterans Home, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia NY 14020.

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

Gaetano “Guy” Joseph Terra, 95, of Albion, died Feb. 27, 2020 following a short illness. He was born Nov. 14, 1924 in Albion, a son of the late Bernadino Terra and Erma Passarell-Hewitt, and he lived in Albion all of his life.

Guy served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 32 years. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, the Knights of Columbus, Albion Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #1006, and American Legion Sheret Post #35 of Albion. Guy was an avid golfer.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Alberto Terra and Dominic Terra; and his great-nephew, Liam David Terra.

He is survived by his nephew, David (Carrie) Terra; niece, Karen (Bill Barrett) Terra; great-nephew, Isaiah Terra Barrett; and sister-in-law, Marlene Terra.

There will be no calling hours. His graveside service will be held Thu., March 5 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. His Memorial Mass will be held Sat., March 28 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Parish/St. Joseph’s Church, Albion.

Memorials may be made to Emilio Nares Foundation, 2650 Truxtun Road, Suite 202, San Diego CA 92106.

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

Janice L. Reifsnyder, 75, of Brockport, passed away suddenly on Feb. 27, 2020 at Rochester General Hospital. She was born Dec. 24, 1944 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. to the late John and Alverta (Weaver) Dixson.

Janice enjoyed going camping, riding her motorcycle, and archery. She was a member of Brockport Elks Lodge #2110 and was a very outgoing and witty person. Janice worked as a home aide for Visiting Nurse Services in Rochester for over 25 years.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Richard, on Dec. 28, 2019; grandson, Brandon Antram; brother, John Weaver; and sister-in-law, Liz Weaver.

Janice is survived by her sons, Jerry Antram and Michael Antramgarza; stepson, Richie (Annie) Reifsnyder; stepdaughter, Tandy Reifsnyder; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Tommy, Gail, Lonnie, Paul (Annie) Weaver; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Sun., March 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley NY 14470, where her memorial service will begin immediately following at 12 p.m.

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

Gilbert J. “Ozzie” Francis passed away peacefully on Feb. 25, 2020, after a short stay at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester. Born on Dec. 11, 1934, he lived and worked in this area his whole life.

Besides his family, he loved the freedom of his sailboat, as well as writing poetry and short stories. From an early age, he enjoyed the challenge of tearing apart and rebuilding almost anything that had a motor. This love of machinery led him to create his own excavating/trenching business. He enjoyed the world of vintage cars, British racing cars in particular. Ozzie was passionate about music, books and reading, a deep love that he passed down to his children. He was a huge supporter of Albion Purple Eagle football and a fan of the New York Giants. He loved spending his time outdoors, and his favorite place to be was Lake Ontario. Ozzie was a good man who cared about social injustice, animals and the environment. It was natural for him to lend a helping hand to those in need. He delighted in the social aspect of coffee with friends, telling tall tales, and engaging in deep discussions. Ozzie was a member of the Albion Fire Department, the Albion Fireflies Drill Team, the Elks B.P.O.E. #1006, the U.S. Naval Reserves and the American Legion, and he was a member of the Legion’s Clown Band. Ozzie will be remembered as a very caring man with a ready smile who extended the hand of friendship to all.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gilbert J. Francis Sr. and Loraine (Howard) Francis; infant sister, Peggy Ann; sister, Betty F. Robinson; and son-in-law, Michael A. Guarino.

He is survived by his children, Terry (Michael) Vick, Drew (Brittany Vasta), Carol (James Iademarco) Guarino, Nancy Jane (James Manley) Francis, Julie (Michael) Kappos, Alissa (Jason) Welch, Trevor (Maria), and Tyler (Brianna Schnurr); 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; loving companion, Michelle Watt; dear cousins, Mary Jane Parker and Carol Rowcliffe; and several special nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Fri., March 13 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 West Ave., Albion NY 14441, where a memorial service will be held on Sat., March 14 at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Ozzie’s name may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Road, Albion NY 14411.

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

Stanley L. “Stan” Passarell, 92, of Holley, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Feb. 26, 2020. He was born Dec. 7, 1927 in the Town of Murray to the late Peter and Cleda (DeSantis) Passarell.

Stan served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked for over 30 years as a chemist at Eastman Kodak Company. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, playing cards, watching the New York Yankees, and spending the winters in Florida. Stan was very community-oriented, belonging to the Holley Rotary Club, the Holley Central Schools Board of Education, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Mary Jane, in 1988; brother, Lawrence; and sister-in-law, Corrine.

Stan is survived by his daughters, Cindy (David) Dunn and Kathie (John) Reese; son, Scott; grandchildren, Brandon (Jason Rouse) Dunn, Vanessa Dunn, Miranda Dunn, Kaitlyn Reese and Kevin Reese; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley NY 14470, on Sun., March 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 9 S. Main St., Holley NY 14470, on Mon., March 2 at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will take place in the spring at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Stan’s name may be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411. To share a special memory of Stan, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Glenn H. Wilson, 70, of Morton, N.Y. and Florida, died Feb. 24, 2020. He was born Nov. 29, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late John and Gladys (Wilbur) Wilson. Glenn was a former employee of Owens Illinois in Brockport. He was an active member of the Morton Fire District, serving as Chief, Captain, 2nd Lieutenant, Secretary and Vice President, and also as Head Commissioner of the Fire District for 11 years.

He was predeceased by his wife, Margarette; and his godfather, Gerald Robinson.

Glenn is survived by his adopted children, Thelmaine and Dawn LaShomb II of Florida; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; children, Tammy Lynn Price of Chili, Glenn Edward Wilson of South Carolina, and Henry Wilson of Kendall; stepson, Douglas (Alison) Gravelle; sisters, Debra (Carl) Tracy of Florida and Carolyn (Robert) Winspear of Batavia; godmother, Arlene Robinson of Clarendon; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be private.

Memorials may be made to Disciples United Methodist Church, 4110 Holley Byron Road, Holley NY 14470; or to Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District, 1521 Lake Road, Hamlin NY 14464.

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

Eldine L. Gray, 85, of the Town of Shelby, entered into rest on Mon., Feb. 24, 2020 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home.

Born Feb. 15, 1935 in the Town of Alabama, Mrs. Gray was a daughter of the late Irving and Martha (Zabel) Kraatz. She graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1953. On May 7, 1955, she married Lawrence J. Gray. Mrs. Gray worked for many years at BernzOmatic in Medina. A nature lover, she enjoyed the outdoors and appreciated all of God’s creations. Mrs. Gray especially enjoyed spending time with her family and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence, on March 26, 2011; her grandson, Travis Gray, on Sept. 24, 2005; and her two sisters, Elinor (Edward) Zybeck and Erma (Robert) Stiemer.

She is survived by her three children, Deborah (Daniel) Wolfe, Kenneth (Laurie Rounsville) Gray and Michelle (Michael) Coots; four grandchildren, Justin (Theresa) Gray, Hannah Wolfe, Chandra Gray and Erin Gray; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Per Mrs. Gray’s wishes, funeral services will be privately held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, PO Box 684, Medina NY 14103.

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

Clara L. Smith, 95, of Albion, passed away peacefully Feb. 24, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 30, 1924 in Kent, a daughter of the late Carl and Luella (Houseman) Klatt. She was a devoted member of East Shelby Community Bible Church, and she enjoyed attending Old Tyme Days. Clara at one time owned and operated Sunny View Beauty Shop on West Lee Road and, later in life, worked at Rochester Products. Clara enjoyed traveling, playing euchre and bingo, the casino, talking on the telephone, and going out to lunch. She loved cooking and serving a big meal to anyone who came to sit at the table and, of course, everyone will remember her minced meat pie, which was her specialty. Most of all, Clara will be remembered for her heart of gold.

Clara was predeceased by her husband, Clark; brothers, William, Albert, Arthur, Francis and Walter Klatt; sister, Viola Hernburger; and grandson, Kyle Scott Hodgins.

She is survived by her children, Sherman (Kathleen) Smith, Shirley Smith, Sheila Smith and Sandra (Kenneth) Snyder; 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sister, Laura Organisciak; special caregiver, Mike “Nick” Arnold; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, on Thu., Feb. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. Clara’s memorial service will be held at East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 E. Shelby Road, Medina, on Sat., March 7 at 11 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the family.

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

Nicholas “Nick” Kersch, 81, of Lyndonville, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed away on Mon., Feb. 24, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, following a short illness.

Nick grew up in Wyoming County and worked many long hours as a manager for McCormick Potato Farms. He met and married his wife of 56 years, Mary Louise “Dolly” Songer, and she was the love of his life. In the mid-1960s, they moved to Orleans County, where Nick managed the apple orchards for LaMont Fruit Farms for nearly 45 years. Upon retiring from LaMont, he owned and operated Empire Orchards in Lyndonville, which at the time of planting had the largest block of Empire apples on the east coast of the United States.

They raised two daughters, Loriann and Kathy, on the family farm, where they later planted a blueberry patch. Nick successfully operated a U-pick blueberry market known for blueberries the size of quarters.

Nick was always willing to help a fellow farmer in need, fixing tote boxes or machinery and offering farming help in the apple orchards of the Amish community when they first settled in this area. His two grandsons were the apples of his eye, and they have many fond memories of “Pop’s” antics on family vacations. Nick loved to play cards and won many games of cribbage with his sister, as well as games of euchre as a member of the Medina VFW Euchre League, never trumping his partner’s ace. Nick had a strong work ethic and was a devout Catholic. You could always find Nick driving his Kubota forklift out in the orchard or gossiping with his fellow farmers over coffee.

He served his community by being a town board member for the Town of Ridgeway, a member of the Lyndonville Lions Club, a member of the International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association, a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Medina Council #651, and a parent host for several foreign exchange students with the American Field Service.

Nick is survived by his wife, Mary (Songer) Kersch; daughters, Loriann (Kevin) Martel and Katherine (Kevin) Bogan; two grandsons, Brian and Nicholas Bogan, both currently attending engineering degree programs at RIT; sister, Mary Lou Kersch; brother, Michael Kersch; brother-in-law, Robert Songer; and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, George and Gertrude Kersch; and his two brothers, Mark and Anthony Kersch.

Relatives and friends may call on Sun., March 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina NY 14103. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Mon., March 2 at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 38 Lake Ave., Lyndonville. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Nick’s name to United Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 127 North St., Batavia NY 14020.

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

Edward L. Salvatore, 89, of Albion, died Feb. 21, 2020 at his home following a short illness. He was born June 24, 1930 in Albion, a son of the late Angelo and Victoria (Schiavone) Salvatore, and he lived in this area most of his life.

Ed served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from Kodak, served as Mayor for the Village of Albion, and was the Chairman of the Albion Republican Committee. Ed was a lifetime member of the Albion Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for many years. He enjoyed boating and fishing.

Ed is survived by his loving friend, Betty Passarell; his sons, Edward (Claire), Steven (Karen), Michael (Paulette) and James; grandchildren, Emily, Valerie, Justin, Victoria, Alexander, Samantha and James; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services and burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the organization of one’s choice.

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

Michael A. Iannello, 68, of Middleport, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 17, 2020 at his home. Michael was born Jan. 14, 1952 in Buffalo to the late Carl T. and Doris M. (Rosche) Iannello.

Michael served his country in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1976 and worked at the Buffalo VA for 40 years. He enjoyed listening to music, collecting albums and Beatles memorabilia, and gardening.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Carrie (Bryan) Smith; siblings, Marlene Iannello, Donald T. Iannello, Janice Sahr, Sharyl (Shaun) Rafferty, Joanne Gozdziak and Thomas C. Iannello; seven grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services with military honors for Michael will be held at a later date in the spring.

Memorial contributions in Michael’s name may be made to a local veterans’ agency of your choice.

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

Barbara J. Edmister, 77, of Gasport, entered into rest after a brief illness, with her friends and family by her side, on Feb. 23, 2020 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born Nov. 21, 1942 in Lockport, a daughter of the late Donald A. and Helen S. Saxton.

Barbara was a 1960 graduate of Lockport High School, and she received her LPN certification from Trot Vocational. She married her husband of 59 years, Steven, on March 25, 1961 and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed cooking and crocheting, and she loved serving the Lord at the First Baptist Church in Lockport. She kept busy with her church’s inner-city ministry. Barbara had a beautiful voice and sang at multiple weddings and funerals, and she was also a church organist and pianist. Barbara was a mom and aunt to many people in her life with her caring and loving personality.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Steven; children, Steven D. (Connie), Michael A. (Barbara), Terri, Mark (Carolyn) and Stephanie (Joseph) Jaczewski; sister, Beverly (Thomas) Gardner; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at Ridgewood Bible Church, 7073 Ridge Road, Lockport NY 14094, on Sat., March 7 at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to Lockport Cares, 188 Genesee St., Lockport NY 14094.

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

Sherry S. (Hollenbaugh) Smith, 54, of Lockport, died suddenly on Feb. 22, 2020.

Sherry was an LPN who enjoyed reading, especially Danielle Steel.

Sherry is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Sara (Nicholas) Puleri and Steven (Briana) McCaffery; stepchildren, Amy Sue Gibbson and Melinda Sue Adams; parents, Norman and Nancy Hollenbaugh; brother, Tim (Karen) Hollenbaugh; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Thu., Feb. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St., Gasport, where her memorial service will follow at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 331 Alberta Drive #106, Amherst NY 14226; or to American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst NY 14228.

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

David James Adler, 64, passed away on Jan. 11, 2020 in Boulder, Colo. following a brief illness. He was born in December 1955, a son of Barbara (Grant) Adler and Dr. S. David Adler, and a grandson of Goldena (Morgan) Grant and Alexander William James Grant of Medina.

He was fondly known as “Jimbo.” He grew up in Newton, N.J. and graduated from high school in 1974. He later earned his B.A. in journalism and communication in Greeley, Colo.

Jim loved photography. His life was colorful and pushed boundaries. He lived life to the fullest. His sense of humor and appreciation for family, friends and nature were profound. He fostered much joy within his family and lived his life with a sensitivity rarely found. He worked at Whole Foods in Boulder. He enjoyed nature, animals, and spending time with his sister, Nancy Dene Adler, and her life partner, Mr. Kim Daldos. Prior to his years in Boulder, Jim spent time in Rhode Island with his sister, Elizabeth and Arthur Rodrigues; and his nieces, Audrey, Chelsea and Jocelyn. Jim’s passion, humor and love endeared him to his family and friends. He adored his cousin-sister, Debby Grant Rodrigues; every moment spent with his extended family was cherished mutually. He loved and was loved by his friends from Newton.

Family members will celebrate his life with a private ceremony in Medina in the spring of 2020.

To honor Jim’s life, please feel free to donate to an environmental or animal rights organization, adopt from a shelter, or plant a tree. Please share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Dennis P. Steffen, 59, of Kendall, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 20, 2020 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born June 17, 1960 in Brockport to Walter and Mariam (Swanger) Steffen.

Dennis was a 1978 graduate of Kendall Central School. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Reconnaissance Unit from 1978 to 1982. He then worked in law enforcement for the next 10 years before working on his own, doing landscaping and plowing. Dennis loved watching his kids play sports and always did everything around the house, minus the cooking. Grilling was the only cooking he did, with a Bud Light in his hand as well. He was a big jokester, always smiling, always happy, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Dennis spent countless hours helping the elderly with taking care of tasks around their houses, or even bringing a fish fry to them. He was a very caring and loving man to everyone who knew him.

Dennis was predeceased by his siblings, Debbie Steffen, Barbara Adolf and David Steffen.

Dennis is survived by the love of his life, Halia; his children, Brian (Jen) Steffen, Shelly (Ryan) Kehoe, Cody (Sara) Steffen, Jonathan (Brynn) Steffen, Autumn (Tomah) Steffen and Alayna Steffen; parents, Walter and Mariam (Swanger) Steffen; siblings, Danny, Doug (Rhonda), Patti (Taras) Salamanca, Dale (Kathy), Connie (Saul) Harrison and Susie (Ron) Kyle; several grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his mother-in-law, Olha Korobka; brother-in-law, Mike Korobka; grandmother, Pearl McMillan; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1769 Kendall Road, Kendall NY 14476, on Sat., March 7 at 11 a.m., with military honors accorded after the service.

Dennis’ arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley NY 14470. To share a special memory of Dennis, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Geoffrey L. Whittier, 74, of Waterport, passed away on Feb. 19, 2020 at the Martin-Linsin Residence – Hospice of Orleans in Albion, after a long career at Eastman Kodak Company and a struggle with prostate cancer.

Geoffrey had a strong passion for real estate, his land and his animals. He was raised in Kendall, was a graduate of R.I.T., and was a photographer in the United States Army.

He was predeceased by his father, Hiel E. Whittier; his brother, David H. Whittier; and his son, Scott A. Whittier.

He is survived by his wife, Joan H. Whittier; his son, Kevin L. Whittier (Sarah Bechdel); his daughter, Rene S. Whittier; his mother, Phyllis S. Whittier; his brother, Hylan R. Whittier; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and several in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, on Sat., Feb. 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. Services will be private.

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

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