Obituaries

ROYALTON- James L. Hollenbeck entered into rest on December 18, 2023, at ECMC.  Jim was born in Lockport to Donald and Mary Ann (Moore) Hollenbeck on July 15, 1964.

Jim was raised in the Town of Royalton on Hollenbeck Rd.  He is now reunited with his dad and cherished mom as well as his beloved nephew, Louis.

Jim was retired but was an extremely talented Heavy Equipment Operator.  He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 17.  He loved fast cars.  He made his childhood dream come true just a few years ago with the purchase of a Dodge Hellcat.  He was so proud of that car.

Jim is survived by his much-loved Uncle Ken and Aunt Janet Hollenbeck of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.  Jim is also survived by his brother, Carl of Gasport.  He will be missed deeply by his small circle of friends, who he considered his family.  He always ended a conversation by saying “bless you,” “love you” or just a “thank you” for always being there for him.  He had a love of God and love of family and friends.

There will be no prior visitation.  A private graveside service will be held in the spring.

Jim’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home of Middleport, NY.

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

MIDDLEPORT- Todd Michael Arlington, suddenly passed away Sunday December 17, 2023, at his home.  Todd was born in Kenitra, Morocco on May 5, 1971, on the US Naval Base where his dad was stationed.  He was the loving son of Thomas and Deborah Arlington of Akron.

Todd was a 1989 graduate of Royalton Hartland School and went to Niagara Community College for music, also to Orleans Niagara BOCES for welding.  He worked for a number of years at Barnes Metal Finishing in Medina, Also Whiting Door Mfg. and Strippit Inc. in Akron.  Most recently, he mowed and maintained the local church cemeteries for Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a job which he enjoyed and was proud to do.

Todd grew up Lutheran, and although he didn’t attend church in recent years, he believed in God and watched religious programs regularly.  His greatest loves were music and fishing, and his country home with the woods to work and hunt in.  He was always helpful to those in need, whether it was to plow a driveway or just be a friend.  He also had become quite a cook, teaching his parents his tricks for air frying or whatever.  He loved his three nephews, Hayden, Ian and Will; and niece Ada, having nicknames for each of them.  Todd had many special friends that meant so much to him.

He is survived by his parents Thomas and Deborah; brother Chad (Shannon) Arlington; sister Lisa (Matt) Zern as well as several aunts and uncles.

The family will receive friends at the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 6379 Wolcottsville Rd., Akron NY 14001 on Friday December 29th 11:00am-1:00pm where his Memorial Service will follow at 1:00pm.  Private burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Bates, Wallace and Heath Funeral Home Middleport.

To share a memory of Todd, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

LOCKPORT – Patricia Haight entered into rest on Friday, December 15, 2023 in Niagara Hospice House.

She was born in Lockport, NY on September 27, 1954, daughter of the late Harry Haight and Erma Miller Haight. Sister of Rose Ann (David) Betts, Shirley (Thomas) Kowalski, Mary Jane (Roger) Woodworth and James (Kristin) Haight. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Patricia loved the color pink and her kitties, she enjoyed all of the Holidays and doing Crafts.

No prior visitation. Burial will be in Somerset Cemetery. Memorials in Patricias name can be made to Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094. Please visit www.rutland-corwin.com to send the family a condolence. 

HOLLEY – Sarah Jane Wagner, age 91, passed away on December 15, 2023 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. She was born February 20, 1932 in Hamlin to the late Horatio and Donna (Alderson) Mowers.

Sarah was an active member of the Holley Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary and the St. Mary’s Women’s Club and Choir in her younger years. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Henry “Hank” Wagner on April 8, 2020, who she married August 20, 1949 and shared over 70 loving years with. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Ted, Don, Norman, Eugenia, Winifred, Genette and Betty.

Sarah is survived by her 6 children: Peggy (Lee) Berlin, Jerry (Roxanne) Wagner, Charles (Cindy) Wagner, Rodney (Pat) Wagner, John (Robin) Wagner and Edward (Fai) Wagner, 19 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sarah’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s RC Church 9 S. Main St. Holley, NY 14470 the same day at 12:30 p.m. Entombment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Resident Activity fund at the NYS Veterans Home at 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia NY 14020 or the Holley Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 465 Holley, NY 14470.

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

ALBION- Noel J. Zicari, age 78, died December 13, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.  He was born December 24, 1944 in Albion to Francis and Josephine (D’Alesio) Zicari and was a lifetime resident of this area.

Noel was a United State Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam Era, a member of Holy Family Parish, The Shiloh Church, the Sheret Post #35 American Legion, the Albion Vets Club, a lifetime member of the Albion Fire Department and the Western NY Volunteer Fireman’s Association. He was a retiree of Eastman Kodak and St. Mary’s Hospital and enjoyed fishing, golfing, watching the Hallmark Channel and travelling…especially to Florida.  Noel enjoyed people watching and just ‘getting out and about’.  However, his greatest joy in life was his grandchildren who called him “Papa”.  Mr. Zicari was predeceased by his brother: Francis “Sass” Zicari.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years Deborah, his children: Scott Zicari of Rochester, his daughter: Caleia (Trellis) Pore of Albion, his grandchildren: Zyann and Ezra as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, TUESDAY December 19th beginning at 11am.  Military Honors will follow Mass and private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In honor of Noel, PLEASE wear your favorite pair of sneakers to his Mass!   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Holy Family Parish, 106 S. Main St., Albion, NY, 14411, or The Shiloh Church, 3286 Crandall Road, Albion, NY, 14411.  Noel’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.  To share a special memory of Noel, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

ALBION – Marilyn Ruth Thurston of Albion, 80, passed away  peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends on Dec. 6, 2023.

She was predeceased by her husband, John H Thurston.

She is survived by her sister, Beverly Krompart of Albion. She is also survived by her four sons, Tim (NY), Mark (CA), Ron Houghteling (Fla) and John Felong (Tx). She has many grandchildren that she loved so dearly.

Marilyn loved the Lord and taught Sunday School. Marilyn was an independent, well organized “spitfire” of a woman who cared so much for others.

She has donated her body to The University of Buffalo Anatomical gifts program.

No services are planned at this time. Donations can be made in her name to PAWS animal shelter in Albion.

She will be missed dearly by all who knew her. This is not goodbye but just goodnight for now.

ALBION/HOLLEY – Carol A. Rademacher, age 54, passed away after a short illness on December 12, 2023. She was born April 5, 1969 in Rochester to James and Arlene (Mussaw) Knutowicz.

Carol was a 1987 graduate of Albion High School and spent the majority of her life caring for countless people, including at the school where she worked as a bus aide for disabled children. She worked for many years as a caregiver for the Arc of Orleans and Genesee where she built special relationships with not only the individuals, she cared for but also their families. Carol loved to listen to music and dance and of course spending time with her family. Her family was the most special aspect of her selfless life.

Carol was predeceased by her father James.

She is survived by her sons, Robert (Kristy) Rademacher, Stephen (Marisol) Blank, Michael (Amanda) Blank, Gregory (Brittany) Blank; companion of 19.5 years, Kenny Blank; mother, Arlene (Ralph Kridler) Knutowicz; grandchildren, Elias, Arlo, Juniper, Christian, Cameron, Xander, Bryce; sister, Janet (Kevin Coleman) Knutowicz; nieces and nephews, Shawn, Shannon and Erik Coleman, Jason Gomez; several great nieces, great nephews, family members, cousins and friends.

Carol’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Saturday, December 16th from 2 to 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Kidney Fund.

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

MEDINA – Jeniavee Brown, age 76, died unexpectedly December 12, 2023 in Orchard Rehab and Nursing Center.  She was born January 22, 1947 in West Virginia to Ronald and Roxie (Stewart) Nichols and had lived in this area most of her life. 

 Jeniavee was a member of Oak Orchard Assembly of God, and enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening and going to the casino.  Her greatest love was spending time with her grandchildren.  Mrs. Brown was predeceased by several siblings. 

 She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard, her children: Jennifer (Jason) Cecchini of TN, Kimberley (Scottie) Scribner of Medina, Roxanne (Jim) Rhodes of Lyndonville, Cindy Tanner of Albion, her grandchildren: Landon, Logan, Jason, Jaiden, Noah, Willow, Aria, James, Jenia, Ashley, Jessica, Jakob, Anna, her mother: Roxie Nichols of Gasport as well as several great grandchildren, surviving siblings, nieces and nephews. 

 The family will receive friends at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God, 12111 Ridge Road-Medina, SATURDAY from 11-12 where her Funeral Service will be held at 12 Noon.  Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oak Orchard Assembly of God at the address above.  Jeniavee’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.  To share a  special memory of Jeniavee, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com 

MEDINA – Sharon R. “Daffodil” Nottingham, 61, of Medina, NY, went to with the Lord on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Rochester General Hospital.

Born on January 19, 1962 in Batavia, NY, she was the daughter of Rosabelle (Holcomb) and the late Samual Nottingham.

Sharon was a strong and devoted mother, having raised five children. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren. She liked listening to Bob Seger and enjoyed going out to eat and to draw and sketch.

Sharon is survived by her five children, Jody, Aaron, Jared, Isaiah and Ethan Nottingham; nine grandchildren, eight siblings, Kitty (Marlon) Roe, Samuel, Curt, Blaine, David (Shelly), Terry, Burt, and Brian Nottingham. Also, many nieces and nephews.

Besides her father, Sharon is predeceased by her three siblings, Clifford and Gary Nottingham and A. Anita Brown, and a grandson, Aaron Michael Nottingham Jr.

Relatives and friends may call on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the Community Fellowship Church, 3144 Johnson Creek Rd, Middleport, NY 14105, where a funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Burial will be private for the family.

Memorials may be made in Sharon’s name the Community Fellowship Church.

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

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

MEDINA- Freda May Barnard May 23, 1939 – December 10, 2023 Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Freda Barnard, age 84, of Raleigh North Carolina, formerly of Medina NY, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 10, 2023. She was born in Ridgeway, NY to William Scott Coleman and Doris Lillian Kirkman Coleman. Freda was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Edward, and her brother, Richard and his wife Sara. She is survived by her loving husband, Dan;  children Nadine (Kevin) Gallagher of Hilton, NY, Randy Ruhlman of Medina, NY, Lisa (Larry) Mitchell of Raleigh, NC and Amy (Kevin) Cifelli of Medina, NY, special friend, Lisa Beadle (Lenny Gessin), grandchildren Michael (Jamie) Stack, Tim (Missy) Stack, Rachael (Chuck) Tobin, Steve (Kate) Kunkle, Ashley (Eric) Grennell), John (Janice Taylor) Kunkle, Jackie (Mo Coughlin) Musson, Christina (Spencer) Worrells), Jesse Balcerak, Josh and Adam Cifelli, 14 great-grandchildren, and her nephews and nieces.

Freda loved hosting her family, gardening, and pets, especially their German Shepherd, Max. She passed on her love for gardening and pets, along with her best recipes, to her children and grandchildren. She sold shoes for many years and loved shoes, purses, earrings, and hats. Freda and Dan enjoyed many adventures in their antique cars and Scotty campers and loved Celtic music at Fitzgibbons. She loved all music and especially classical because she remembers her brother playing piano at home and at their Presbyterian church.    

A Celebration of Life for Freda will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Fitzgibbons Public House, 429 Main Street, Medina, NY 14103 with a brief service at 5:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to The Center for Volunteer Caregiving either via mail to 1150 SE Maynard Road, Suite 210, Cary, NC 27511 or online at https://volunteercaregiving.org/donate/

HOLLEY- Marion L. (Babcock) Marshall, age 96, passed away following a short illness on December 11, 2023.  She was born in Albion, NY, a daughter of the late Jesse and Lucy Ada (Smith) Babcock.  Marion was a member of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church.  Marion and her late husband, Clifford, worked on the family farm in West Barre.  She also worked at Eastman Kodak Co. for 21 years, retiring in 1986.

Marion was predeceased by her husband Clifford in 2001, daughter Ethel Mae Sands in 2006 and daughter-in-law Catherine Marshall in 2011. Also predeceased by her brothers, Carl, Franklin, Howard, Homer, Lincoln and Albert Babcock, sisters Jessie Townsend, Blumera Babcock, Barbara Babcock, Helen Cole, and Althea Grasby.

She is survived by her sons, Clifford Marshall Jr. of Hamlin and Richard (Mary Ann) Marshall of Corfu, daughter Linda (Stefan J.) Kessel of Hamlin; 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; brother George (Marian) Babcock of Newfane and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marion’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 W. Avenue, ALBION (note location) on Friday December 15, from 5:00-8:00pm.  Marion’s funeral service will be held on Saturday December 16, at 10:00am at the funeral home in Albion.  Interment will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Mary Cariola Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave. Suite 100 Rochester, NY 14629 or the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center 2652 Ridgeway Ave., Rochester, NY 14626.

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

ALBION – David C. Sanford, Sr., age 93, passed away December 10th at the Martin Linsin Hospice Residence after a short illness. He was born in Albion to the late Lloyd and Marjorie (Cole) Sanford.

David graduated from Albion High School in 1948, received his bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State University in 1952 and master’s degree in 1961. He served in the Army Signal Corps from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War, stationed in Fort Monmouth New Jersey where he taught radar repair. David was a lifetime member of the Albion Elks Lodge B.P.O.E #1006, Sheret Post #35 American Legion in Albion, and past president of the Orleans County Amateur Radio Club, his call sign was N2VPF.

He worked for the Albion Central School district for over 28 years as an Industrial Arts teacher and also taught driver’s education in his spare time. David was a founding member of the Albion School Employees Federal Credit Union and served as president for many years. He loved to putter around the house, read, take his motorcycle out and also mow his lawn.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by several brothers and sisters-in-law.

David is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Janet (Parsels) Sanford; sons, David Sanford Jr. and Jonathan (Beth Ann) Sanford; grandchildren, Jonathan (Stephanie) Sanford and Kaitlin (Joshua) Boston; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Eloise Sanford, Charles, Arthur and Theodore Boston; sister-in-law, Mari (late David) Ehrenreich; brother-in-law, Loren (Kim) Parsels as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service for David will be held at the Gaines Carlton Community Church 14585 Ridge Rd. Albion, NY 14411 on Saturday, December 16th at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow in Mt. Albion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orleans 14080 Route 31 Albion, NY 14411, Gaines Carlton Community Church, or American Juvenile Arthritis Organization.

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

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

BROCKPORT – Joan A. Peters, age 93, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2023 at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Facility. She was born June 12, 1930 in Rochester, NY.

Joan loved spending time with her family, friends, favorite cat, and watching John Wayne movies.

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her husband George Peters in 2005, son Glenn “Butch” Peters in 2022, granddaughter, Kelly Sue Peters, siblings, Mark and Ida Kemp.

Joan is survived by her children, Jack (Bonnie) Peters, Barbara (Ken Luce) Tanis, grandchildren, Brett (Jodie) Peters, Sherry (Jeremy) Bovenzi, John (Jenny) Tanis, Matthew Peters, Sondra Peters, Kevin McGuire; 11 great-grandchildren, Mike the cat, and her longtime caregiver and friend, Marianne Bower.

Joan’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Saturday, December 16th from 1 to 4 p.m. where her funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. Interment will be held in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery in Brockport. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held after her service, at the Brockport Elks Lodge #2110, 4400 Sweden Walker Rd. Brockport, NY 14420, beginning at 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to Lollypop Farm 99 Victor Road Fairport, NY 14450.

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

ALBION – Thomas J, Torres, 61, of Albion passed away unexpectedly on December 8, 2023. He was born on August 31, 1962 in Medina, NY to his loving mother, Sandra Tombari Freeman.

He attended Lyndonville Central School and was a talented artist who loved to draw. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed fishing with his son, Brandan, camping and canoeing down the Oak Orchard River. Thomas had a love for all things outdoors.

He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and silliness making people laugh. He was genuine, always smiling with a beautiful loving heart.  From jokes to chasing the kids around with “the Claw” and talking like Donald Duck. He was a joy to be around. The sound of his laughter and the way he showed his family how much he loved them will never be forgotten. He was always willing to help others who needed a helping hand.

Thomas is survived by his beloved mother, Sandra Tombari Freeman (Donald); son, Brandan Torres; grandson, Jayce Torres; siblings, Dawn (John) Condoluci, Martin Torres, Connie (Russell) Shaffer and Melissa (Chris Ewing) Tower; nieces, Jessica Verdesia and Taylor Ewing; nephews, Shane Lake, Tristan Torres and Damian Ewing; great-nephew, Anthony Lake; two aunts, Veronica (Gary) Pahura and Linda (Larry) Perry-Strickland and many cousins.

Thomas was predeceased by his loving maternal grandmother, Julia Bale; step-grandfather, Howard Bale; maternal grandfather, Jerry Tombari; and uncle, Ronald Tombari.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 W. Avenue, Albion on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by his funeral service at 7 p.m.

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

HOLLEY – Joan W. Buell, 83, passed away on December 8, 2023. Joan was born on November 25, 1940, in Dover New Jersey but was raised in Holley, New York and graduated from Holley High in 1958.

Joan then entered Highland Hospital’s nursing program receiving her RN license in 1961. She married her high school sweetheart, Albert Buell, on December 23, 1961.

Joan started her career at Oswego Hospital and was a long-time nurse at Lakeside Hospital in Brockport before becoming the Assistant and then Director of Nursing at Lakeside Beikirch Nursing Home. She retired as the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Orleans County Nursing Home.

Joan was also active in volunteer and charitable organizations. She was a past president of the Orleans Council of the Arts, member of the Orleans County Republican Committee, past president of the NYS Retired Teachers Association, and member and long-time mentor with Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern. Joan also was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church serving at various times as a Sunday school teacher, youth fellowship, Deacon, Elder and Trustee. Joan loved antiquing and entertaining.

Joan is survived by her husband, Albert L. Buell; her three children, Geoffrey (Kitty) Buell, Greg (Kacky) Buell and Lewanne (Tom) Nettles; 7 grandchildren, Zachary (Amanda) Buell, Joshua (Bri) Buell, Brittany (Douglass) Schultz, Allison (Jon) Bosma, John Buell (fiancée Marisa Seifert), Joseph Nettles and Christopher Nettles; 3 great-grandchildren, James and Emelia Buell and Riley Bosma; siblings, Mary Lou Cardillo, Wilson Wyant and Jean Gleason.

Joan was predeceased by her sister, Nancy Teuful; brothers-in-law, Robert Teuful, Arnold Cardillo and H. Michael Gleason; and sister-in-law, Barbara Wyant.

She will be missed by many and remembered for many things but especially her wild sense of humor.

Joan’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 Route 31, Holley on Friday, Dec. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Joan’s funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. Interment will be Sandy Creek Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.

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

Victor Vincent Derefinko, better known to all who knew and loved him as Vic, passed away peacefully after a life well lived at his home in Brockport, NY surrounded by family and friends on December 1, 2023.

Vic was born in Buffalo, NY on November 9, 1939, to Joseph Derefinko and Olga Kiebala Derefinko. He spent his childhood in Medina, NY where he was part of a lively group of 9 cousins affectionately known as “Rings End.” He graduated from Medina High School in 1956.

His pursuit of higher education led him first to Erie County Technical Institute (now Erie Community College), then to Rochester Institute of Technology for a degree in Electrical Engineering and finally to the University of Virginia where he obtained a Master’s Degree, also in Electrical Engineering. He found time along the way to honor his commitment to the US Army. He started his career at IBM in Endicott, NY and then moved to Kodak/Johnson & Johnson in Rochester, NY where he was employed as an engineer for over 30 years. In addition to his work as an engineer, he began teaching, first at the Rochester Institute of Technology and then at the University of Rochester where as an adjunct professor he taught generations of young people the joys of engineering over almost 40 years. Keeping abreast of the developing technology allowed him to fulfill a lifetime passion for learning. He was an inspiration to his students and in 1995 the undergraduates honored him with a special award they created for his excellence and caring manner of teaching. He was named Teacher of the Year for the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Rochester in 1995. In 2006 he was honored by IEEE for “outstanding leadership, creativity, hard work and inspiration in the field of engineering for almost half a century”. He was so inspired by his students, the engineers of the future, that he did not retire from teaching until he was just short of 80 and even then, he did so reluctantly.

Vic was truly a jack of all trades and a master of many. He was an avid baker, famous for his pies and placek. He was a driving force behind the yearly Kiebala Family Reunion, leading the group in the nightly singalongs. With his daughters Donna and Karen, he shared a lifetime love of horses and he and Jeanne were devoted to the many dogs that shared their home over the years. He built his own barn and after his daughters grew up and left home, he opened his barn to a collection of boarders. The daily care of these animals brought him much pleasure. Vic was never happier than when he was hard at work on his land, bailing hay, treating youngsters to hay rides, feeding his flocks of birds, fixing fences or planting his quarter-acre garden with hundreds of leeks and the best tasting produce in the area. With tools in hand, Vic was always ready to help anyone with projects and could fix anything.

Vic was predeceased by his first wife Mary Ann Nowak Derefinko, his brother Eugene Derefinko, his son-in-law Mark McGohon and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Jeanne Pierce Derefinko, daughters Donna Derefinko, Karen Derefinko (Matthew Isaacs), Lida (Tim)Ward and son Alex (Amy) Ryan. He also leaves behind beloved grandchildren Shea McGohon, Henrieta Isaacs, Charlotte, Caroline and Margaret Ward, Kat and Quincey Ryan, sisters Sonia Derefinko (Fred) Handt and Jenny Derefinko Abbott, brothers-in–law Paul (Pamela) Nowak, Joseph Pierce, sisters-in-laws Lida Pierce (Wayne) Small and Willa Pierce (Sandy) Falck, niece Nancy Handt (Robert) Whalen and nephew Eric (Jennifer) Handt as well as many loving cousins and their families and special longtime friends and neighbors Nelson and Helene Kibler and Bill and Pat Leonard.

Vic’s family invites you to learn more about his remarkable journey by viewing his testimonial on the Fowler Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation by visiting michaeljfox.org or by sending a check to Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777. A memorial service in Vic’s honor will be held at a later date.

LYNDONVILLE- Constance Elizabeth “Connie” Goetze, 66, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at home, peacefully in her sleep.

Born on June 8, 1957, in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Victor Sr. and Margaret (Faiola) Maddalena.

Connie was happily married to Dewey Goetze for 19 years, and was a devoted mother and homemaker.  In her spare time, she enjoyed tending to her garden and rose bushes, along with watching “I Love Lucy” and reminiscing with her sister, Deborah.

Connie is survived by her two children, daughter, Alicia (Chelsea) Goetze of Albion, NY, and son, Ryan Goetze of Ohio, a sister, Deborah Maddalena Dennis and a brother, Leo Maddalena, both of Niagara Falls, NY. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Madison Velkey and Dustin Goetze, along with Alexis Dennis and many other nieces and nephews.

Connie was predeceased by her loving husband Dewey Goetze and two brothers, Victor Maddalena Jr. and Joseph Maddalena, both of Niagara Falls, NY.

As per Connie’s wishes, there are no calling hours and a private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made in Connie’s name to the Hospice of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411.

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

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

MEDINA – Ralph R. Boyd II, 64, of Medina, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Born July 16, 1959 in Albion, he was a son of Ralph R. Boyd and Bonita (Spring) Boyd.

Ralph was a graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1977. Mr. Boyd was a proud Native American and a proud United States Veteran. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1977-1986, earning the rank of Sergeant.

Ralph was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed working with his hands. He held various jobs, including for Agway Builders, BernzOmatic, Country Contracting and finally Snappy in Medina. Ralph enjoyed problem solving and was never afraid to learn something new. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Ralph was predeceased by his father, Ralph R. Boyd; his son, Brian D. Boyd; sister, Kathleen Vanderbrook; and brother in-law, Keith Newman.

Survivors include his children, Ralph (Jenelle) Boyd III of Lyndonville, Tanya (Troy) Callard of Reno, NV, Jessica (Ronald, Jr.) Breed of Manchester, NY and Sophia Boyd; grandchildren, Elijah Shadow Boyd, Lily (Christopher) Kompe, Mason Boyd, Katelyn Boyd, Anastasia, Layla, Cadence and Gwenevere Breed; his mother, Bonita “Bonnie” Boyd of Basom; sisters, Teri Mengs of Lockport, Tina Newman of GA and Kimberly (Scott) Sylvester of NJ; loving girlfriend, Sharon Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5-7PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Interment with full military honors will be held on Friday, Dec. 8 at 1PM at the WNY National Cemetery, Corfu. Memorial donations may be made to the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council, 13996 Rt. 31 West, Albion, NY 14411. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.