Obituaries

LYNDONVILLE/MEDINA- Daniel M. Schultz, Jr. passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 after struggling with the devastating effects of Frontotemporal Dementia.

Dan was born in Medina on May 29, 1944 a son to the late Daniel M. Schultz, Sr. and Florence (Kubatek) Schultz Andrews. He graduated from Medina Senior High School in the Class of 1961 before earning a degree in Metallurgy from Erie Community College. He worked extensively in the foundry industry for over 50 years. He began his career at Abex Corporation in Medina, where he became Superintendent of High Integrity Castings. In 1985 he left Abex and Medina to become Senior Manager of Metallurgy & Quality for Johnstown Corporation in Johnstown, PA, a US steel spin off and start-up foundry. Finally, Dan joined Unicast Company in Boyertown, PA in 1999 as their Vice President of Quality, eventually becoming Unicast’s President and CEO before retiring in 2018.

Dan enjoyed being outdoors working in the dirt, listening to great tunes on his stereo, fixing things, problem solving, watching the numbers and his career. He would tell you he “never had a bad day in his life” even when he was sick with dementia.

Besides his parents, Dan was predeceased by his first wife, the former Kathleen (Ford); sister, Linda Flower; and stepfather Edward Andrews.

He is survived by his wife, the former Karen (Collette); his son, Scott (Kathleen) Schultz; daughter, Renee (David) Meese; grandchildren, Mackenzie (Jeremy) Bernstein, Maximilian (Morgan) Meese, Jennifer (Michael) Reznikow and Samantha Schultz; and three great-grandchildren Emme, Elias, Sophie and one more on the way.

His graveside committal service will be held on Thursday, September 14 at 11:00 A.M. in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Medina. A memorial service will also be held on Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 A.M. at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 E. Shelby Rd., Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.

The family would like to personally thank the amazing staff of Hospice of Orleans for the wonderful care they provided both Daniel and the family in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be greatly appreciated to Hospice of Orleans at www.hospiceoforleans.org. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

HAMLIN – Duffy Bettilyon passed away peacefully on August 29, 2023. She is survived by her sons Jimmie, Danny and Randy, 11 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. Calling Hours will be held at Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 2 – 4 pm with a Memorial Service following. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:00 am in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Brockport.

KENDALL- Larry H. Fisher age 86 passed away peacefully August 27, 2023 at the Villages of Orleans. He was born May 8, 1937 in Salamanca, NY, a son of the late Agustus and Ethel (Wood) Fisher and had lived in this area for the past 54 years. 

Larry served in the US Air Force from 1955-1959. He worked at Eastman Kodak as a Machinist, retiring in 1991. He was a member of the Albion United Methodist Church and the Albion Rod and Gun Club.He and his wife Jo Anne enjoyed traveling down South in their fifth wheel camper, visiting their children. Larry loved working with his hands building and repairing things. He made many different things from his wood working skills; rocking horses, rocking chairs, toy trains and he fixed small engines and machinery.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his granddaughter Samantha. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Jo Anne; children Sonya (Roger) Cox, Larry (Debbi) Fisher II, Keith (Renee) Fisher; grandchildren Nichole Cox, Benjamin Cox, Amanda Fisher, Sarah Fisher, Adam Fisher, Ellison Fisher; great-grandchildren Ethan, Audrey, Amelia, Madeline; brothers Harlow (Judy) Fisher, Ira Joe (Michelle) Fisher as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. 

His Celebration of Life Service will be held a date to be announced. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6400 Sheridan Dr., Suite 320, Amherst NY 14221.Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion. 

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

ALBION- Marcia J. Elwell, 88, passed away August 29, 2023 at the Martin LInsen Hospice Residence.  She was born October 19, 1934 in Albion, a daughter of the late Chester and Celia (Jablonski) Sledzinski.  Marcia enjoyed going to the casino, playing slot machines and traveling.  Marcia was a terrific stay at home mom.  Marcia and her husband William loved to refinish antique trunks.

She was predeceased by her sons Mark and Russell Elwell, brother, Francis Sledzinski, great-grandson, Mark Philip Elwell and her loving husband William.

Marcia is survived by her daughters Valerie Rush of Albion and Bonnie Johnson of Waterport; grandchildren, Jason (Celia) Elwell, Jeremy (Erica) Elwell, Michael (Danielle) Blake, Steven Blake, Cheryl (Raymond) Laine and Samantha (Kyle) Ham; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins.

Family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 W. Avenue, Albion, on Thursday August 31, from 11:00-1:00, followed by her funeral service at 1:00pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorials may be made the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries P.O. Box 535, Albion, NY 14411 or Hospice of Orleans 14080 Route 31, Albion, NY 14411

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

MOUNT VERNON- Lawrence “Larry” Wesley VanBuren, age 62, of Mount Vernon, died August 27, 2023, at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, after a sudden illness. He was a native of Michigan and spent most of his life there before moving to Mount Vernon in 2015. Larry loved doing arts and crafts and landscaping and was preceded in death by mother, Dolores VanBuren and two grandchildren, Justin Allen and Brooklynn Rose VanBuren.

Mr. VanBuren’s survivors include three sons, Lawrence Theil-Vanburen, Charles VanBuren, and Jacob VanBuren all of Michigan; two daughters, Hillary Theil of Michigan and Cambria Carr of New York; his wife, Suzan VanBuren of Michigan; his father, Lawrence Leo VanBuren of Mount Vernon; one sister, Holly Jo Ruhlen and her husband Rob of Mount Vernon; four grandchildren, Peyten VanBuren, Celina Allen, Christopher Allen, and Kyla Carr; and several nieces and nephews.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

Wilkes Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of the arrangements.

OWEGO- Inamarie Kavulich, 63, of Owego, New York passed away unexpectedly in her home on August 23, 2023. Ina was born November 16, 1960 to Preston Sr and Beverly Stone. Ina’s survivors include her husband Tom Kavulich  of Owego, 5 children, Donnie(Terry) Weese of Medina,  Ronnie Weese of Broome County, Mary Weese of Albion, David(Lisa) Weese of Medina, and Jeffery Weese of Medina, 8 siblings, Preston(Tina) Stone Jr, Rita(Merle) Brace, Paula Stone, Paul Stone, Gene Stone, Jimmy(Lori)Stone, Sherry Nottingham, Tom Olsen, 19 grand children and 8 great-grand children. Services are private and will be handled by her family.

ALBION- William Scott Klemenz, 62, of Albion, NY, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Born March 29, 1961, in Rochester, New York. He was the son of William E Klemenz and Marlene Flesch.

William served in the U.S. Navy April 20, 1979 to March 4, 1982 on the USS Dewey DDG-45.

He is survived by his partner – Dawn Read; Daughters – Bethanne, Falon Nardi; Son – Christopher Klemenz; Sisters- Melody Fotte, Kathie Klemenz, Patricia Reed; Brothers – Kenneth Klemenz, Daniel Klemenz, Mark Klemenz, Frank Every; Grandchildren: Ariana, Jameson, Willow. Step-children- Amanda Belski, Brandon Belski;

Services will be held Friday, September 1, 2023, 9:45 a.m., Western NY National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd., Corfu, NY 14036

ALBION- Michael Allen “Mikey” Gaddis, 52, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Born on October 25, 1970, in Medina, NY, he was the son of Michael Lynn and the late Gail Cooper Gaddis.

Micheal graduated from Albion High School, worked for many years as an auto glass installer for several businesses, and later became his owner/operator. He enjoyed classic cars, camping, and spending time with his family and friends, especially with his four-legged companion, Tank. Micheal was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan.

Michael is survived by his father, Michael (Lisa) Gaddis of Lyndonville, NY, and two brothers, Stephen (Rachael) Gaddis and their daughter Leah of San Fransico, CA, and William Nemi of Lockport, NY. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a good friend and stepmother, Marsha Mullins Gaddis of Albion, NY.

Besides his mother, Gail, Michael is predeceased by a brother, Steven Brewer.

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

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

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

LOCKPORT- Loretta Letts, 48, passed away August 27, 2023.  She was born in Medina on May 5, 1975, the daughter of David and Sharon (Boyce) Letts.  “Red” was a 1995 graduate of Lyndonville High School and a former employee at Kleen Brite in Brockport.  Loretta’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Loretta is survived by her siblings, Tammy Daigler, Theresa (Matthew) Fearby, Amanda (Karl Schmitt) Postle; significant other, Thomas Kendrick; daughter, Natalie Kendrick; grandfather, Leland Boyce; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins.

A graveside service will be held at Kenyonville Cemetery on Wednesday August 30, at 11:15am.

Red’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 W. Avenue, Albion.

To share a special memory of “Red” please visit; www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

KNOWLESVILLE- Sandra Wagner Faville, 52, of North Charleston, South Carolina and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina , and Knowlesville, New York, died on Monday, August 21, 2023 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C.

She fought a courageous battle with cancer for 4 years, never giving up and was always positive each and every day.  She would never think of the negative things.

Her loving family was at her side at the time of her passing.

Her legacy should be that she only looked at the positive and always put others first during her life. She loved being with nature, taking walks and being near the tranquility of water.  She always looked forward to spending a week in Canada at a cottage on Wolfe Lake with her family around her.

Her whole career was in Human resources and most recently was Director of Human Resources working for Premier Senior Living.

She leaves behind her son, Alden Faville, his life partner Connor Stoffer, her parents Carl and Jeanette Wagner, Sandra’s life partner Curt Allen and special friend Karen Blossom, Aunts, Barbara Fetterman  and Theresa Wagner and many cousins.

There are no calling hours as per her wishes, she donated her body to science to hopefully help in dealing with cures for cancer.

GREECE/HOLLEY – Donald P. Webster, age 69, died August 26, 2023 at his residence following a long illness.

He was born October 18, 1953 to Charles and Hazel (Mower) Webster. Don was an Eastman Kodak retiree and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a firearms enthusiast, liked watching old Western shows and person who enjoyed photography.

Mr. Webster was predeceased by 3 brothers: David, Jerry and Mark Webster.

He is survived by his children, Brooke (Jason) Foote of Barre, Corey (Corlyn) Webster of CT, and A.J. Webster of Greece; his brother, Steven Webster of Holley; 6 grandchildren, Jacob, Emma, Cameron, Collin, Connor and Garrison as well as several nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Don’s brother Steve for his personal care and attention over the last two years, so that Don was able to stay in his home.

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a Time to Share Memories of Don on Sunday September 3rd at The Holley Falls beginning at 1 p.m.

Don’s interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Don’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Holley. To share a special memory of Don, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ALBION – Gloria J. Lonnen, 75, passed away August 26, 2023 at the Villages of Orleans following an extended illness. She was born January 15, 1948 in Albion, a daughter of the late Joseph and Florence (Garod) Luczak and had lived in this area all of her life.

She was a member of the Victory Baptist Church where she found comfort during her adult years.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband Delbert Lonnen whom she was married to for 33 years and her brother-in-law Leo Spohr.

She is survived by her sons Joseph (Mary Pat) Brennan and Patrick (Jennifer) Brennan; step-children Dan (Lisa) Lonnen, Alex “Pete” (Linda) Lonnen, Brian (Nikki) Lonnen and Scott Lonnen; sisters Fran Spohr and Barbara (Darryl) Szklany; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, where her memorial service will follow at 5:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to Victory Baptist Church, 3713 Clarendon Rd., Albion NY 14411.

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

MIDDLEPORT – Ronald E. Riley Sr., passed away August 25, 2023 after a long battle from lung disease. Ron was born to the late Carlton and Evelyn (Dietrich) Riley.

He worked for over 30 years at Harrison Radiator in Lockport and for 26 years for the Middleport Police Department. Mr. Riley was predeceased by his parents and a sibling, Michael Riley.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diane; children, Renee (David) Conroy, Ronald Riley Jr., Robert Riley and Rhonda Romero; stepsons, Michael and Brian (Steph) Bush; grandchildren, Austin and Madyson Bush, Evelyn Riley (who called him Papa), as well as other grandchildren, aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Ron’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home of Middleport.

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

MIDDLEPORT/GASPORT – Marie J. Kempton, age 89, passed away August 24, 2023 at Medina Memorial Hospital.  She was born October 21, 1933 in Newfane, a daughter of the late Fred and Mabel (Wolfe) Hass. 

Marie was a member of the Middleport United Methodist Church. She enjoyed gardening, shopping and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Donald; brother Norman (Joyce) Hass; niece Christine Washak; brothers-in-law Paul (Pat) Kempton, Joe Deptula, Roger MacKay and Gary Gursling. 

She is survived by her son Gregory Kempton; grandchildren Gregory (Anna) Kempton, Megan Kempton; great-grandchildren Delaney and Declan Kempton; sister Phyllis (Duane Godfrey) MacKay; sisters-in-law Mary Deptula, Sue Gursling as well as many nieces and nephews. 

There are no services. Memorials may be made to Middleport United Methodist Church, 9 Park Ave., Middleport NY 14105.Arrangements were entrusted to Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, Gasport. 

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

MEDINA – Janet E. (Simpson) Gooch, 64, of Spring, Texas and formerly of Medina, New York, died Tuesday, May 30, 2023 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Janet was born on August 17, 1958, in Medina, a daughter of the late Florence and Robert Simpson.

She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Fredonia State University in 1980. Janet was first employed as a sales and marketing representative for RP Fedder based in Rochester. Subsequently, she made a job change to AMP Corporation, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A promotion took Janet to Spring, Texas as an Account Executive for AMP. Through this career, she traveled extensively to England and Japan.

On August 5, 1994, Janet married Mark Gooch. Together the couple raised four children, Rachael (Alec) Bridges, Jessica (Stephen) Jones, Christina Gooch and Hannah Gooch.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Florence Simpson. She is survived by her husband, Mark Gooch; her four children; her two brothers, Dennis (Michelle) Simpson and Gary (Kelly) Simpson; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; one grand-nephew and three grand-nieces.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church in Medina at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial donations in Janet’s memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center at www.mdanderson.org or P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210. Local arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

ROCHESTER – Donna Curran August 21, 2023 at the age of 86. She passed peacefully surrounded by family.

She is predeceased by her parents and two sisters.

She is survived by her nieces Mary Jo Brenner & Sandy Restieri, Carla Olles & Robert Meister, Janine & Scott Parker, nephew RJ & Erica Brenner, brother in law  Richard Brenner & Sharon Kaminsky, cousin Richard Gagne, several great nieces and nephews, many dear friends.

She retired from Delco where she worked as a nurse. She committed her life to caring for family, friends and supporting several charitable causes. She loved to read, play games, watch movies and organize outings with friends.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 29^th at 9:30 a.m. at St Theodore’s Catholic Church, 168 Spencerport Road, Rochester, NY 14606.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Palliative Care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1676/giving19/giving19.aspx?sid=1676&gid=2&pgid=781&cid=1611&sort=1&bledit=1&dids=47.275&appealcode=11M0T in her memory.

To share a memory or condolences visit RochesterCremation.com

MEDINA – Terry Judd of Medina NY, born Feb. 15, 1956, suddenly entered into the gates of heaven on Aug. 19, 2023, leaving behind wonderful memories of a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He will always be remembered for his sparkling smile, his offbeat sense of humor and a life filled with special moments. He leaves behind a legacy of his never-ending love for his family and all that knew him.

Terry was well known for his musical talent as a drummer performing throughout western NY with the band Country Unlimited, where he met his wife Cindy, the bass player in 1977 and were married in 1980.  He was a 15-year volunteer fireman and coached the Powder Puff girls’ softball league in Medina, who reigned as champions for six years, and later in life he became an over the road truck driver. He loved fishing, hunting, theme parks, call of duty video games, gardening and long rides. He also was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Terry always brought sunshine into a room and loved to make people laugh. But what he loved most in life was his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted father and grandfather. Terry will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Leaving behind his loving wife Cindy (Hartman) Judd and children Tammy Judd, Tracy Judd, Daniel Judd, Kelly (Hughes) Judd, Laura Judd, ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, his brothers Mike, Roy and Bill Judd.  Terry is predeceased by his Mother Mary (Peiffer) Judd, Father Roy Judd, and siblings Richard, Christopher, Teresa and Linda Judd.

A private family service will be held at Downing Funeral home 1214 Wendy Ct. Spring Hill, FL. 34607

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donation be made in Terry’s name to his favorite charity St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

MEDINA – Margaret H. “Peg” (Schroeder) Murphy, age 81, of Medina, entered into rest on Friday, August 18, 2023 with her devoted husband, David, at her side.

Born in Lockport, NY on June 18, 1942, Peg was the daughter of the late Edwin and Margaret (Heckler) James.

She was raised in Lyndonville and moved to Shelby after her marriage to her former husband, Charles Schroeder. Peg then lived in Albion while working for Thomas J. Lipton Co. and Ontario Foods for over 30 years. She went on to work for Associated Brands in Medina as a shift supervisor, where she would eventually retire from.

On July 2, 1994 she married David C. Murphy and the couple resided in Batavia until their retirement. In 2010 they moved to Medina. Peg enjoyed scrapbooking, baking and gardening. She and David both had a keen interest in family genealogy.

Peg came from a family of ten children, Ruth (Roy) Dunn, Kathleen (Glen) Klix, Mary (Kenneth) Ostrander, Esther (Richard) Meyers, George (Eleanor) James, Charles “Jess” (Evelyn) James, William (Betty) James, Edwin (Kalene) James, Gerald (Peggy) James.

She is survived by her three children, Cindy Schroeder, Mary Valdes and Lee Schroeder (Shelby Antonucci); two grandchildren, Charlie Valdes and Vanessa (Brian) Hickman; two great-grandchildren, Lexi Valdes and Leilani Hickman; three step-children, Tina (Rusty) Bergerson, Eric Murphy and Tammy Murphy (Jacob Horn); and two step-grandchildren, Anna Kuepker and Ian Kuepker.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. A luncheon will follow and interment will take place at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Parish (address above) or to the Medina Railroad Museum, 530 West Ave., Medina, NY 14103. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

MEDINA – Randy H. Stearns, 63, of Medina, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Born October 24, 1959 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Joanne M. (Caylor) Denning and Corky Stearns.

Randy lived with his grandparents, James and Sylvia Caylor until he was 12. An official “stump jumper”, he then moved to New York to live with his mother and step-father, George Denning along with their four children.

Randy graduated from Holley High School, Class of 1979. He met the love of his life, Valerie Trisel in 1980, who he eventually married on September 7, 1990. Randy went on to work most of his life in farming, for Piedmont Farms, Lloyd Christ and Root Bros. Farm. He also worked for Pat Masela, Freeze Dry in Albion and did logging for Keith Kent. A hard worker, Randy lastly worked for Yancey’s Fancy in Corfu.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting deer, squirrel, pheasant and grouse. Randy also enjoyed fishing and his goal every summer was to compete in the Erie Canal Fishing Derby. Randy also cut and sold firewood for around 10 years and also junked, taking in scrap metal. No matter the weather conditions, he surely loved being outdoors and going on an adventure. His family will miss him immensely.

Randy is predeceased by his mother, Joanne Denning; aunts, Audrey Plouse and Ruth Yeomans.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Valerie Stearns; daughter, Amber Stearns (fiancé, Jeremy Fisher); his son, Jason Stearns; and extended family in PA: cousin, Janet (late Clyde) Bouch, Heather Bouch, Jennifer (Steve) Clayton, Emily (Brian) Gaston, Elliott and Erica Clayton and Keegan Gaston.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.