Obituaries

MEDINA – Irene B. Kozody, of Medina, NY passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Born January 23, 1934 in Buffalo, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Julia (Waclawski) Slusar.

The family lived in Lancaster and moved to Charleston, SC in 1941, where her father was stationed at a naval yard during WWII. In 1947 the family returned to the area, settling in Alabama Center. Irene graduated from Oakfield Alabama High School, Class of 1952. She was proud to be the first female recipient of the Babe Ruth Award at Oakfield-Alabama.

Irene was employed by Linde Air in Tonawanda in 1952 until her marriage to Henry A. Kozody on September 3, 1955. They lived in the village of Medina until moving into the home that they built together on Slade Road in 1960. It was there that they would raise their family of five children.

Primarily a homemaker, in 1982 she worked as a library associate for the Warren P. Towne Primary School until 2010. Irene was a longtime parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church and then Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church. Irene was a member of the Rosary Society and also assisted her husband with the care of Sacred Heart Cemetery. Irene was an avid reader, was a huge Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed playing a variety of card games, excelling especially at pinochle. As her friends at the Lee-Whedon Library will attest, she loved jigsaw puzzles. Rare was the day that she was not putting together a 1,000-piece challenge. She always looked forward to her Wednesday morning breakfasts with her gal-pals and weekly chats with her friends at A Kut Above. Some other favorite activities of Irene’s were mowing the lawn, spending time with her faithful four-legged companion, Millie, and introducing the joys of Lawrence Welk to her granddaughters. Irene was always willing to lend a helping hand. She deeply loved her family and would share stories about them whenever an opportunity arose, which was often.

In addition to her parents, Irene was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Henry Kozody; her daughter, Jennifer Holbrook; son-in-law, Randy Holbrook; daughter in-law, Mary Steinbacher; brother, Gregory Slusar; and brother in-law, Roy Dexheimer.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Kozody, David (Kristen) Kozody, Brian (Carrie) Kozody and Paul (Carolyn) Kozody; grandchildren, Olivia (Matthew) Cupo, Macrae, Mason, Mallory and Sophie Kozody; great-grandson, Henry Cupo; sister, Frances Dexheimer; brothers, Lawrence (Janet) Slusar and Paul (Dianne) Slusar; and many nieces and nephews.

The rosary will be said prior to the start of her calling hours on Sunday, Dec. 21, rosary at 1:30 p.m., calling hours 2 to 6 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina, NY 14103. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Parish at the address above. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Angeline Marie Snell (Oliver) went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Oliver, she was predeceased by two brothers, Teddy Oliver and Guy Oliver.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Donald R. Snell, and her son Donald J. Snell; brother Marc (Therese) Oliver; brother Paul (Carolyn) Oliver; sister Alta (Mike) Brown; and brother Daniel Horner; several nieces and nephews that were very special to her.

Angie led a life of very strong Christian faith, starting every day reading her Bible. She loved attending services and the fellowship with her family. She also had many memories of all of “her kids” that she taught in Sunday school. She also loved just being with her husband and taking care of their home. She was so very kind and sweet to all and will be greatly missed.

Angie’s family will receive friends at the Cooper Funeral Home 215 West Center St. Medina, NY 14103 on Monday, December 22nd from 4 to 7 p.m. with a very short service to follow at 7 p.m. Private interment will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Medina.

Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

MEDINA – Dorothy A. Dutcher of Medina entered into rest on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at the Medina Memorial Hospital.

Born December 10, 1937 in Rochester, she was a daughter of the late Joseph W. and Josephine L. (Mack) Petkus.

Dorothy lived most of her life in the Medina area. In April of 1959 she married her husband, the late Charles L. Dutcher. The couple raised a family of three daughters. Dorothy worked for many years for Fisher-Price Toys until their closing. Dorothy enjoyed reading, quilting, going to yard sales and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Charles in 2004; and brothers, Joseph and James Petkus.

She is survived by her three daughters, Sandra (Ronald) Hill, Sheryl (Barry) Mix and Susan (Jeffrey) Luxon; grandchildren, Steven (Michelle) Hill, Stephanie (Trevor) Fox, Tiffany Mix, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Luxon, Jr.; Joseph (Ashley) Luxon, Jennifer Luxon and Julie Luxon; seventeen great-grandchildren; sister in-law, Mildred Petkus; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held privately for the family. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Orleans at www.hospiceoforleans.org.

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

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MEDINA – Raymond C. Chase, age 75, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 12, 1950, in Medina, New York, to Antonia and Russell Chase.

Raymond was a lifelong resident of the area and was well known for his strong work ethic and skilled hands. A master carpenter and construction professional, he took great pride in his craft and in helping others. He was also a past member of the Akron fire department, serving his community with dedication and selflessness. Raymond enjoyed hunting and was a lifelong, passionate Buffalo Bills fan.

Raymond was predeceased by his parents, Antonia and Russell Chase; his eldest son, Matthew Chase; his sister, Shirley Mahnke; and his brother, Robert Chase.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Tammy Chase; his brother, Russell (Tammie) Chase; and his children, Brandon (Jaime) Chase, Mitchell (Melissa) Sanders, Carlin (Jacob) Osborne, and Nicholas (Lexus) Chase. He was a proud grandfather to Peyton, Gabriella, Ethan, Lyla, Arabella, and Macie, all of whom brought him immense joy.

Raymond will be remembered for his strength, generosity, dedication to family, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, service, and love that will live on in all who knew him.

Please join Ray’s family at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Thursday, December 18th from 4:00-7:00pm.

Memorial contributions in Ray’s name may be made to Hospice of Orleans 14080 Route 31 Albion, NY 14411.

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

MIDDLEPORT – Janet L. “Jan” Blount, 83, of Middleport, NY, was reunited in heaven with her loving husband, Kenneth, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Jan was born and raised in the Medina area and shortly after graduating from Medina High School, she would marry the love of her life.

She soon started a family and was a devoted housewife and mother, raising three children.

Later she had worked several jobs, including Tele-Service Company and lastly, for the former C.J. Perry’s John Deere in Gasport, NY.

Jan was also a Tupperware dealer for many years and excelled in her field, often earning the distinction of Top Dealer with her team “Janet’s Jems”, entitling her to vacations and vehicles.  She was also a long-time employee of the Board of Elections and a member of the Eastern NY Sportsman Rifle League.

She was a very giving person, and volunteered at several organizations, including the Medina Hospital Twigs.  She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority making lifelong friendships.  Jan was very active in her church FCF of Medina and loved her church family.  She also leaves behind several very close and dear friends.

Jan was the daughter of the late John L. and Margaret M. (LaMachia) Loiacono.

Jan is survived by her three children, Tina (Patrick) Reinhardt of Gasport, NY; Kenneth Jr. (Denise) Blount of Adkins, Texas; and John (Joanna) Blount of Spencerport, NY; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her aunt, Verna Iorio of Medina, NY. Also surviving are many beloved cousins, sister and brothers in law and nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and Husband, Jan was predeceased by a sister, Linda Coon and a grandson Aaron.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2026, with a time and date to be determined.

Burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Jan’s name to Richard Knights-Sue Kaderli Memorial Fund, P.O. Box#684, Medina, NY 14103.

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

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

CROSSVILLE, TN – Lynn Earl Canham, age 81 of Crossville, Tennessee passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025. He was born on April 14, 1944, in Medina, New York to the late, Maynard Earl Canham and Marjorie Canham.

Lynn was raised in Lyndonville, New York.  He was a member of the National Guard from 1965-1971 serving his country and his state with pride.

Lynn married the love of his life, Gail Harris in 1965 and raised 2 children in Medina, New York. In 2016, they relocated to Tennessee to enjoy retirement. Lynn enjoyed hunting in his early adulthood, pursued coin collecting and enjoyed spending his time traveling.

Lynn is survived by his wife of sixty years, Gail Harris Canham; a daughter, Kelly (Randy) Allen and a son, Brian (Pam) Canham; his grandchildren, Scott (Amanda) Allen, Lauren (Connor) Lewis, Kelsey (John) Dreisbach, Darren (Danielle) Canham, Taylor (Derek) Howes, Bailey (Adam) Wengrzycki as well as, several great-grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Cumberland County, 30 E Adams St, Crossville, TN 38555.

MEDINA – Eloise K. “Ellie” Pielecha age 76, passed away December 14, 2025, at Unity Hospital surrounded by her loving family.  She was born November 1, 1949, in Medina, a daughter of the late Ronald and Meta (Sweat) Dunn and had lived in this area for most of her life.

Ellie worked for GM in Lockport for 30 years, and after her retirement, moved to Florida and worked for Disney for over 10 years.  She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed painting, embroidering, ceramics, knitting and photography.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Stanley Pielecha; brothers Stanley Dunn, Rondald “Butch” Dunn Jr, Larry Dunn; sister LouAnn Lindsley.

Ellie is survived by her children Mark (Pam) Fearby, Carol (Willard) Martucci, Ronald E. Young; grandchildren Travis Angus, Heather (Cody) Backus, Mark (Holly) Fearby Jr, Brandy (Alex) Martucci, Willard (Kate) Martucci Jr, Kourtney (Matthew) Wheeler, Joshua (Rachel) Wheeler, Andrew Owens, Madison Owens; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings Kathleen Martin, Juanita (Lee) Richards, Bryon (Robin) Dunn, Lois Prentice  (Tom Kallenbach) as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Cooper Funeral Home, 215 West Center St., Medina, Thursday December 18^th 3:00pm-6:00pm where her Funeral Service will follow at 6:00pm.  Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Friday at 10:00am.  Memorials may be made Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 684, Medina NY 14103 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown MD 21741.

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

SHELBY – Janet R. Mundion, 82, of Shelby, NY, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Medina Memorial Hospital.

Born on February 3, 1943, in Dansville, NY, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Aleta (Schwartz) Hanks.

Janet’s family moved to the Medina area when she was three years of age. She graduated from Medina High School in 1961. That same year she married the late Norman Mundion and together they raised two children. Janet was known for her quilt making and enjoyed reading and tending to her garden.

Janet is survived by her two children, Steven (Ann) Mundion of Le Roy, NY, and Sarah (Tony) Esposito of Tonawanda, NY; two grandsons, Justin Bates and Byran (Deanna) Ahl; two great-grandchildren, Evan and Vivian; also surviving is her brother, Dean (Ruth Ann) Hanks of Washington state, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Janet is predeceased by a daughter, Amy Mundion; and two siblings, Carl Hanks and Kay Fergan.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Janet’s name to the East Shelby Fire Company, 5012 E. Shelby Rd. Medina, NY 14103, or to Hospice of Orleans Inc.  – Donations, 14080 Route 31 W. Albion, NY 14411, or to Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave. Medina, NY 14103

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

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

ALBION – Joseph Palmiotto, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on December 8, 2025.

Beyond his big presence, Joe’s sense of humor and generosity were undeniable. He took pride in working hard, helping others, and keeping a picture-perfect lawn. His secret talents included ping pong and gin rummy. He could figure out how to build or fix anything and everything. And he never said no to dessert.

Joe spent over a decade working for the city of Rochester, where he was known for finding treasures and bringing donuts to the breakroom. However, his favorite job was being a dad — and more recently — a papa.

Joe will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted wife Mary, whom he shared his life with for nearly 50 years; his children Elizabeth (Brandon) Gurnsey, Victoria Palmiotto, and Joseph Palmiotto; and his grandson, Dawson Gurnsey.

Mary and the kids welcome friends and family at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home (21 West Ave. in Albion, NY) on Friday, December 12th from 3 to 5 p.m. with a prayer service at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter in Joe’s honor.

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

SANTA CRUZ – Ruth Seidel took the hand of God and went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 3 in Santa Cruz. A woman of deep faith and gentle strength. She lived her life with grace, surviving cancer and meeting every season with courage.

Ruth was born Sept. 25 1932. As youngest of her siblings, she was the last surviving member of her childhood family, preceded in death by her two brothers and two sisters. She was also preceded in death by her eldest son, Roger, whom she carried in her heart all days.

Ruth had a deep passion for crocheting baby clothes and blankets, which she lovingly donated to homeless mothers and charities supporting battered women. Her hands were always busy, and her heart was always giving.

Ruth is survived by her sons Steve and Dannie along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved her dearly. We rejoice that she is now in the presence of her savior and give thanks for the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Her ashes will be lovingly scattered in Monterey Bay.

N. TONAWANDA – Diana Lee Thering, 68 of N. Tonawanda, NY, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Millard Filmore Suburban Hospital.

Born on March 29, 1957, in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Dolores (Weber) Thering.

Diana graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1975 and enrolled in the BOCES Nursing Program, and went on to receive her Registered Nursing Degree from Children’s Hospital. She worked as an RN at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, retiring in 2019. She enjoyed traveling, especially to places with beaches. She enjoyed caring for her faithful furry companion, Stella.

Diana is survived by her siblings, Eileen (Lee) Kochendefer, Donna (Steve) Jones, Edward (Lorrie) Thering, William (Elaine) Thering, Gary (Nancy) Thering, Kathleen (Luis) Ortiz, Linda (Ernest) Johnson, Roger (Wendy) Thering, June Avino, Gail Thering, and Donald Thering. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and colleagues.

A memorial service will be announced on a later date in 2026, when the family can come together.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Diana’s name to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, 1028 Main St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202.

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

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

Mark A. “Rube” Houseman, 70, of Medina, NY, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at his home.

Born on October 6, 1955, in Medina, NY, he was the son of the late Clayton and Loraine (Wilson) Houseman.

 Mark graduated from Barker High School in 1975 and, at one time, worked for the former Fisher-Price in Medina, NY, and later worked for his father’s construction Company, Houseman-Fisher, until his retirement. Mark was an avid Revolutionary and Civil War reenactor, a true Renaissance man who could build or do anything. He enjoyed hunting and was currently in a band, the Stone Circle.

Mark is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and a daughter, Kimberly (Christopher) Panek of Brockport, NY. A sister, Debra Miller of Medina, NY, and two nephews, Mark (Jenna Balog) Hickey of Medina, NY, and Matthew Hickey of Palm Springs, CA.

Besides his parents, Mark was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Lee Miller.

Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 AM- 1 PM at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina, NY 14103, where a funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM. Burial will be private for the family.

Memorials may be made in Mark’s name to the Genesee Orleans Joint Veterans Council, 13996 Route 31, W. Albion, New York 14411.

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

MIDDLEPORT – Debra L. Gay, of Middleport, NY, formerly of Medina, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully at home in her sleep on Friday, December 5, 2025.

Born June 21, 1961, in Medina, she was a daughter of the late Amerigo “Pepper” and Dorotha “Nadine” (Mefford) Santillo. Debi was a graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1979. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1982.

Debi had an extensive career as a paralegal for the law offices of Kenneth Gallant and, most recently, for Lacy Katzen LLP in Rochester. She had retired just five weeks prior to her passing and was looking forward to more time with the people she loved most.

On July 15, 2000, she married Jeffrey A. Gay, blending two families that completed her life and brought her laughter, love, and her dream homes. They successfully remodeled two homes together, the second becoming their “forever” home.

Debi was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and loved attending games. She also enjoyed warm-weather vacations, playing card games and being the quiet life of the party. She found joy in birdwatching and tending to her many birdhouses and flower gardens. Debi was a kind woman, and her loss will be deeply felt by her family and friends, softened only by the loving legacy she leaves behind.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Marcy Lou Gay.

Left to cherish her memory and carry on the legacy of love, dedication and kindness are her beloved husband of 25 years, Jeffrey Gay; daughter, Kayleigh Ferra; son, Spencer Ferra; granddaughter, Brae Lynne DiLorenzo; stepson, Tyler Gay; sister, Diana Hogan; brother, Michael (Sandy) Hogan; cousin, Tina (Scott) Oosterling; nephew, Jeremy Hogan; father-in-law, Allan (Susan) Gay; sister-in-law, Kathryn (Danny) Lacefield; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Debi’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian church, 522 Main St., Medina. Interment will be in Boxwood Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Linda Lee “Bunny” Igoe was called home to be with the Lord on November 25, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late Frank J. Igoe (deceased November 23, 2020) and the beloved mother of Scott F. (Valerie) Igoe of Gansevoort, NY; Steven A. (Beth) Igoe of Bloomington, IL; Dr. Peter C. (Laura) Igoe of Lockport, NY; and Paige Stephanie Igoe of Seattle, WA.

Bunny was a cherished grandmother to eight grandchildren: Tori (State College, PA), Tyler (Denver, CO), Noah (Chicago, IL), Ashley (Fort Collins, CO), Jack (Chicago, IL), Ellie (Buffalo, NY), Sadie (Buffalo, NY), and Luca (Seattle, WA).

A dedicated special education teacher for more than 25 years in Western New York, Bunny touched countless lives through her compassion, patience, and commitment to her students. She also gave generously of her time through a variety of community and charitable organizations.

Outgoing and genuinely kind, Bunny had a natural ability to make others feel welcome. She enjoyed decorating and creating a beautiful home where she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and many friends. Her talents were many: she was an accomplished quilter, gardener and amateur photographer. She also especially enjoyed being in or around water both in the Adirondacks and in North Carolina, where she found joy and peace throughout her life.

A memorial service will be held at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs, NY, with Pastor Lynette Cole of Schroon Lake Community Church officiating, on the morning of Saturday, January 24^th.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home starting with visitation at 10:00 am and service starting at 11:00 am. A private interment will take place at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Lee–Whedon Memorial Library (leewhedon.org) in Medina, NY, or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), in honor of Bunny’s generous spirit and lifelong love of learning.

Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

ASHEBORO, NC – Paul M. Roth, of Asheboro, North Carolina, formerly of Carlton, New York, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.

Born to Fred and Lettie Roth, Paul grew up in a large and close-knit family and carried those values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness throughout his life.

Paul dedicated 35 years of service to Rochester Products, where he was known for his steady work ethic and unwavering dependability. Outside of work, he found his greatest joy on the water. An avid boater, Paul spent many cherished years at the Oak Orchard Yacht Club, where he kept his boat and made lifelong friendships. In the early 1970s, he played a key role in helping build the club’s current facilities and docks. His commitment to the club extended far beyond volunteering—Paul served proudly as Harbor Master, Rear Commodore, and Vice Commodore, always offering his time, skill, and steady hand.

After retiring, Paul relocated to Asheboro, North Carolina, where he embraced a quieter life filled with woodworking, small projects, and puttering around the yard—simple pleasures that brought him peace and contentment.

Paul is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Lettie Roth; his brothers Leon, Fred, Pete, Lester, and Bob; and his sisters Helen and Pat.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joleen G. Roth, and his four children: Martin Roth (Allyson Ricci), Darryl Roth (Amy McNeill), Jeff Plummer (Sheri Weaver), and Meme Lunn (Dan Lunn). Paul was also blessed with many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom brought great pride and joy to his life.

Paul will be remembered for his quiet strength, gentle humor, love of the water, and lifelong dedication to family and community. His legacy lives on in the people he loved, the work he left behind, and the countless memories shared by all who knew him.