Obituaries

SHELBY – Robert L. Pask, age 94, entered into rest peacefully at his home on April 21, 2025. He was born February 21, 1931, in Shelby to the late Glenn and Marian (Boyle) Pask.

Bob married the love of his life, Marie, on October 23, 1954, and together they raised three children.

He was a 1948 graduate of Medina High School and graduated from Cornell University in 1952, where he was a proud member of the AZ Fraternity. He was a lifelong farmer in the area and enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking care of his cherished mules. Bob kept busy with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4H, the Blue Bird Society and the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Marie in 2009; brothers, J. David (Maggie) Pask, Wayne M. Pask and son-in-law, Randy Steele.

Robert is survived by his children, Bradley (Sally) Pask, Cindy Steele and Kevin (Heidi) Pask; grandchildren, Ian (Angie) Pask, Jesse Pask, Brie (Jonathan) Trembley, Eli Pask, Audrey Pask, Gideon Pask, Sadie Pask, Adeline Pask, Jason Steele and Ryan Steele; great-grandchildren, Ezra Pask, Millie Pask and Riley Washington; brother, William (Sandra) Pask; sister-in-law, Judith Pask; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob’s funeral service will be held at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Rd., Medina, NY 14103 on Saturday, May 3rd at 11 a.m. Private Interment will be held in Millville Cemetery.

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

Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

LYNDONVILLE – Gerald “Shorty” Gene Nellist, 97, of Lyndonville, passed away Monday, December 2, 2024 at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Relatives and friends may attend a Graveside Committal Service on Sunday, May 4^th, at 12 noon at the Lynhaven Cemetery, Housel Ave. Lyndonville, NY. Full Military Honors will be accorded.

A Celebration of Life will be held following the committal at the White Birch Golf Course, 1515 N Lyndonville Rd, Lyndonville, NY 14098

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

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

MIDDLEPORT – Ronald W. “Juice” Matusak, age 75, of Middleport, NY went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, peacefully at home.

Born April 19, 1949, in Medina, he was a son of the late Edward and Victoria (Kaczynski) Matusak. Juice graduated from Medina High School in the Class of 1967. He went on to work for Harrison Radiator Division of GM in Lockport for 30 years. On August 28, 1993, he married his beloved wife, Karen L. (Clark) Matusak. He was a parishioner of the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church. Juice enjoyed a very active social life. He was a proud, active and longtime member of Council #651, Knights of Columbus in Medina. Juice was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed watching games with his family and friends. He also had a love for music. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 31 years, Karen Matusak of Middleport; son, Scott Matusak (fiancée Debra) of Lockport; stepsons, Darwin Poler and Eric (Kerry) Poler; step-grandchildren, Maxim and Stella Poler; brothers, Donald Matusak and Thomas Matusak; nephew, Andrew Matusak (Autumn); and great-nephew, Declan Matusak. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Richard Matusak; and sister-in-law, Jody Matusak.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 23 from 5-7PM, immediately followed by a service at 7PM at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport. Interment will be at a later date in West Ridgeway Cemetery. Share memories and condolences at www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

MEDINA – Walter C. Wehling, Sr., age 91, of Medina, NY entered into rest on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Born November 4, 1933 in Medina, he was a son of the late Arthur C. Wehling, Sr. and Bertha M. (Laatsch) Wehling. Walter left school at an early age to help provide for the family. He went on to serve his country in the US Army from 1956-1958. Walter worked in the shipping department at FMC Corporation in Middleport for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Prudence (Pike) Wehling; second wife, Theresa Wehling; daughter, Donna Wehling; and siblings, Arthur Wehling, Jr., William Wehling and Esther Wehling.

Survivors include his daughter, Deborah Wehling of FL; son, Walter Wehling, Jr. of Medina; stepchildren, Michael (Delania) Waters, Mark Waters, Daniel (Sarah) Waters and Jason (Tammy) Waters; and several nieces and nephews.

Private interment will be in Bates Road Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

HOLLEY – Mark B. Porter, age 54, passed away suddenly on April 15, 2025. Mark was born in Batavia on April 19, 1970, the son of the late Craig and Lynda (Booher) Porter.

Mark was a wrestling and baseball coach and attended all of Joshua’s and his grandchildren’s sporting events.  Mr. Porter was a dedicated Firefighter, EMT, Past Chief and Commissioner of the Murray Joint Fire District.  Mark served our community with unwavering courage, compassion and leadership. As a Firefighter, EMT, and Chief, he embodied the true spirit of service.  Mark was employed at Monroe Ambulance’s communication center for 30 years, retiring in 2023.  He was also a Sports Coordinator/Director for Joint Youth Recreation in 2012 as well as a village trustee from 2007 to 2011.  Mark’s service expanded when he was elected to the Holley Central School Board where he willingly gave his time and talent to the students and staff of the district.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Craig and Lynda Porter and sister, Kymberly Porter.

Mark is survived by his loving family, wife, Rose (McMillion) Porter, children, Jennifer (Matthew) Edmonds, Lori (Kyle) Vinciquerra, Joshua (Madilynn Schulte) Porter, loving grandfather to Maggie, Nolan, Connor, Carter, Olivia, sister, Karen Porter, and also survived by an aunt, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY, on Saturday April 26, from 3:00-7:00pm. Mark’s Funeral Service will be held on Sunday April 27, at 11:00am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family would like donations to Murray Joint Fire District, 7 Thomas Street, Holley, NY 14470.

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

ALBION – Charles Edward Van Orden “Buck” went home to the Lord on April 15, 2025. Charles was predeceased by his parents Florence and Edward Van Orden, daughter, Katie Marie Van Orden.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Peggy Van Orden, son, Brian (Kenneth George) Van Orden, daughter, Valerie (Thomas Dunn) Garrett, special niece, Lauri (Tommy Rushing) Buzard, brothers, William (Gretchen) Van Orden and Phillip (Joanne) Van Orden, grandchildren, Tracy and Nathan Garrett, several nieces, nephews, cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend Charlie’s interment with military honors on Tuesday April 22, at 11:00 at East Shelby Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Eagle Harbor Methodist Church.

Charlie’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes 21 W. Avenue, Albion, NY

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

Michael P. Szulis, 72, of Medina, NY, entered into rest on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at his home.

Relatives and friends may attend his graveside committal on Saturday, May 3^rd, at 12 Noon at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rt. 63, Medina, NY.

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

BARRE – Joseph W. “Joe” Grabowski, 84, of Barre, NY, passed away peacefully at the United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia, NY, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with his beloved wife and family at his side.

 Born on November 29, 1940, in Medina, NY, he was the son of the late William and Mae (Witkopp) Grabowski.

Joe attended Medina High School, started working at Dresser Farms, and then went to work for the Orleans County Highway Department. He was elected Superintendent for the Barre Highway Department, from which he retired after 18 years of service. Lastly, he worked for Keeler Barre Stone Products, where he enjoyed operating the loader. Joe was a 48-year member of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company, and one of his favorite joys in life was eating breakfast at the restaurant and starting rumors.

Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janice; two daughters, Christine (Mark) Maas and Julie (Brent) Kornow; two grandchildren, Miranda Merton and Kyle (Megan) Merton; two great-grandchildren that he loved dearly, Charlie and Brooklynn Merton; four sisters, Dorothy Keiffer, Betty Bush, Diane Riley and Candy Jones; two brothers, Donald (Cindy) Grabowski and Walter (Bonnie) Grabowski; a brother-in-law, Gary Harriman; and many nieces, nephews and two dear friends, Richard Bennett and Brian Neal.

Besides his parents, Joe is predeceased by his sister, Debra Grabowski; and three brothers-in-law, Robert Bush, Ronald Riley and Mike Jones.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe’s name to the Barre Volunteer Fire Company, 4709 Oak Orchard Rd, Albion, NY 14411.

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

ALBION – Patricia Irene Peruzzini came to rest at Orchard Manor Nursing Home on April 11, 2025. She was born on September 11, 1932, in Albion to the late Joseph and Bessie Lusk.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Richard; sons, Gary and Larry Peruzzini; siblings, Betty, Bessie, Eunice, Stanley, George, Donald and David Lusk.

She is survived by her son, David; grandchildren, Melissa, Danny and Amanda Peruzzini; great-grandchildren, Geovanni, Rylie and Liam Peruzzini.

She was the first woman to receive the Babe Ruth award at Albion High School. She loved sports, baseball specifically, the NY Yankees were her favorite team. Pat was also the last of her siblings to graduate from Albion High School. She was fond of classic cars and was always sure to be well dressed. Pat was proud to be the first woman supervisor at Kodak and retired in 1990. Pat also loved to bowl and was member of a bowling league titled, “The Golden Girls.”

Patricia was the type of person who couldn’t hurt a fly. She would give you her last dollar and the shirt off her back to anyone in need, especially family. She had the biggest heart that anyone could possibly have, she took care of everyone. She was truly an amazing woman, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin and last, but not least friend. You couldn’t ask for a better human being. She will be missed tremendously.

In accordance with Pat’s wishes, services will be held privately with interment at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

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

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

MEDINA – Eugene J. Monacell, 84, of Medina, NY passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Born November 16, 1940 in Buffalo, he was the son of the late Vincent “Jimmy” Monacell and Laura (Siederowicz) Kubik.

Gene was a graduate of Medina High School where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He went on to serve in the US Army Reserves. Gene married the love of his life, the late Sally (Dujenski) Monacell on January 27, 1962.

He furthered his education at the University of Buffalo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Gene had an extensive career as an environmental chemist for FMC in Middleport for 27 years and later for SUNY Buffalo for several years in the same capacity.

Gene was a car buff, owning several classic cars throughout the years and also competed in drag racing. He especially loved Corvettes. A sports enthusiast, Gene enjoyed staying active throughout his life playing basketball and softball. He was known to never have missed a sporting event for his grandchildren, who were the lights of his life. Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gave him immense joy until his final days.

In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sally Monacell, in 2019; and sister in-law, Patricia Dujenski, in 2025.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Jan (Scott) Schickling and Kimberly (Timothy) McPherson, both of Medina; three grandchildren, Justine (Dan) Weiss, Benjamin (Baillie) McPherson and Bradley McPherson (Rebecca Brandel); great-grandchildren, Lydia, Lucas and Marianna Gene; sister, Pamela (Anthony) Gawron; brother in-law, Richard Dujenski; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will follow in Hartland Central Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans at www.hospiceoforleans.org.

Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

ALBION – Judith A. Preston, 78, of Albion, NY, passed away peacefully on April 10 at Rochester General Hospital. Born May 14, 1946, in Medina, NY, she was the daughter of Frank and Dorothy (Burke) Mazur.

After graduating from Medina High School in 1964, Judy attended Paul Smith’s College, earning an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts in 1966. In 1968, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport and received her teaching certificate.

In 1969, Judy married Alfred Preston. They made their home in Albion, remaining close to their family, and raising two children, Scott and Catherine.

Judy taught in Medina, Lyndonville and Albion school districts. She believed in the importance of education, requiring summer reading for her own children with frequent visits to Swan Library, and encouraging their academic pursuits.

Judy followed her teaching career with a second career as a Territory Manager for Hallmark for over 25 years. She also worked for several decades as a waitress at the Lakeland restaurant in Point Breeze, NY.

A long-time member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club, Judy enjoyed bantering with friends and strangers alike.

Judy was predeceased by her sister, Mary Ann (Mazur) Fearby; and survived by her husband, Alfred Preston; children, Scott (Marcia) Preston and Catherine (Erich) Marzolf; and grandchildren, Jackson and Fiona Preston.

Judy was laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, close to many family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice or your local pet shelter.

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

HOLLEY – Carol J. Silco, age 78, passed away April 10, 2025 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born April 19, 1946 in Brockport to the late John and Elsie (Cotter) McAllister.

Carol enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening, canning, and camping at both Lake Alice and Rainbow Lake. She was a caring and kind woman who loved her family tremendously.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Donald in 2023, brothers Robert and John McAllister.

Carol is survived by her children, Patricia (Robert) Kajfasz, Barbara Sands, Lynda Silco, Dale Silco and Jim Silco; grandchildren, Hanna and Daniel Sands, Andy and Steven Silco, Daniel Schreiber; several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sandy McAllister and Dixie Mayes as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carol’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Tuesday, April 15th from 5 to 7 p.m. where her funeral service will be held the next day at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Brockport.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

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

MIDDLEPORT – Patricia T. Dujenski, of Middleport, NY, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025 at the Lockport Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Born August 1, 1941 in Medina, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Marian (Morris) Tuohey. Pat was a graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1959. She married the love of her life, Richard L. Dujenski on May 29, 1965. Mrs. Dujenski was employed as an administrative secretary at the Orleans-Niagara BOCES in Medina for 37 years. She was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church in Medina. Pat was an avid reader, enjoyed going camping and spending time with her family and friends. Following retirement, she and her husband, Dick, enjoyed spending many years as snowbirds, living half of the year in Port Charlotte, FL.

Survivors include her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Richard Dujenski; brother in-law, Eugene Monacell; nieces and nephews, Jamie (Robert) Rivers, Carl (Jean) Tuohey, Charles (Kim) Tuohey, Craig (Molly) Tuohey, Timothy, Tracy and Todd Tuohey, Jan (Scott) Schickling and Kimberly (Timothy) McPherson; former sister in-law, Dorcas Tuohey; several great and great-great-nieces and nephews; and many good friends. In addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by four siblings, Carl Tuohey, Maurice Tuohey, Mary Jane Cliff and Charmaine Wright; sisters in-law, Marcia Tuohey and Sally Monacell; and her beloved dog, Saydi.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 11AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Inurnment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

OCALA, FL – Eva L. Balys, 84, of Ocala, FL, passed from this life on Monday, March 31st, 2025, at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital in Ocala, FL, shortly after suffering a medical emergency.

Born December 13, 1940, in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Arthur H. and Ruth L. (Moon) Brinkman. Mrs. Balys moved to Florida in 2019 to be closer to her daughter, Debra. Prior to that she was a lifelong resident of Western NY. Eva attended schools in Niagara Falls, NY and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1958, then attended Bryant and Stratton for Secretarial Studies. On October 11, 1958, she married Frank L. Balys in Calvary Baptist Church. Mrs. Balys was employed by the Niagara Wheatfield CSD, where she retired in 2002 as the Transportation Supervisor. In her younger years, Eva coached youth cheerleading and supported her children’s numerous activities, in her later years she and her husband spent time enjoying their beloved grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Eva is predeceased by her loving husband, Frank L. Balys, Sr. on January 6, 2015, and her brother Arthur H. Brinkman.

Mrs. Balys is survived by her four children, Frank L. (Cathy) Balys, Jr. of Holley, NY, Debra L. Balys of Ocala, FL, Daniel D. (Russell) Balys of Ocala, FL and Joseph M. (late Bonnie) Balys of the Town of Niagara, NY; six grandchildren, Matthew (Mary Scott), Ryan (Christie), Christopher (Madison), Erik, Mint and Joshua; three great-grandchildren, Luca, Theodore and Vincent; one brother, George D. Brinkman of Hamlin, NY and, sister-in law, Elizabeth “Betty” Birmingham of Lewiston, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM which will be celebrated in St. Vincent de Paul Parish at the St. Leo’s worship site, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY., followed by entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to OTTO RENDANZ FUNERAL HOME AND NIAGARA COUNTY CREMATION CARE, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007). Please visit www.GOODLANDERCARES.com to leave condolences and memories.