Obituaries

SHELBY- Lyle E. Schultz, passed away following a brief illness on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Born July 23, 1935 in the Town of Shelby, he was a son of the late Carl E. and Edith J. (Pratt) Schultz. Mr. Schultz was a graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1953. On July 26, 1969 he married the late Ruby E. Schultz. Mr. Schultz had many occupations, but his love was working as a truck driver and was the owner and operator of his own trucking business for many years. The couple operated the “Barnegat Store” in Shelby Center where they had many years of happiness. Mr. Schultz was a member of Masonic Lodge #1072 in Dexter, NY, the Wolcottsville Sportsman’s Club and Junior Wilson Sportsman’s Club. Mr. Schultz loved going to his camp, hunting, and in his final years, spending time with his youngest grandson, Mitchell Jr. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Ruby Schultz on February 23, 2015; sister, Wilma Cratzenberg; and brothers, William Schultz and Dayton Schultz.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Mitchell (Jamie) Schultz of Tennessee, Gerri Schultz and Darryl Schultz of Albion; stepchildren, Larry (Val) Bruning and Laurel Bruning; grandchildren, Brandon, Ashley, Elizabeth, Hannah, Brock, Savanna and Mitchell Jr.; great grandchild, Paisley; also several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 2 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His graveside committal service will be held on Saturday, June 3 at 11:00 a.m. in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. All are welcome to join the family immediately following the burial for a funeral luncheon at the Wolcottsville Sportsman’s Club, Ditch Rd., Akron, NY 14001.  

Memorial donations may be made to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 1, Medina, NY 14103 or to the Warrior House of WNY, 22 Mill St., Oakfield, NY 14125 or www.warriorhouseofwny.com. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

HOLLEY – Kimberlee A. (Patton) Tuttle, 66, passed away May 12, 2023, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. Kim was born June 21, 1956, in Bath, NY, a daughter of the late Gerald and Beverly (Hodge) Patton Sr.

Kim was a 1974 graduate of Holley High School and a life member of VFW Post #202 Auxiliary.  Kim was always helping others in the community, helping two families a year at Christmas and endless donations of items to the Eastern Orleans Community Center. The word “No” was not part of Kim’s vocabulary. She worked various jobs throughout her life, Home Health Aide, bartender and cleaner to name a few.

Kim was predeceased by her sons, Adam in 2010 and William “BJ” Tuttle Jr. in 2017; and sister, Penny Jo Patton.

Kim is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Tuttle; children, Paul (Melanie) Tuttle and Sonya Tuttle; grandchildren, Colton, Cody, Joey Tuttle and Joshua Moore; siblings, Michael (Patty) Patton, Jan (Mike) McCullough, J.R. (Melissa) Patton, Robert (Judie) Patton and Cindy Mason; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kim’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes 16650 State Route 31, Holley, on Tuesday, May 16, from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by her funeral service at 5.

Memorials may be made to the Eastern Orleans Community Center, 75 Public Square, Holley, NY 14470.

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

HOLLEY – Roy A. Pinson, Jr. passed away May 13, 2023 after a long illness.

Roy served his country in the U.S. Army.

Roy was predeceased by his parents, Roy Sr. and Diana (Fuller) Pinson. He is survived by his wife Donna (Turner) Pinson; sons, Ross, Aaron, James and Nathan Pinson; and sister, Connie (John) Stanton.

Roy’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. where calling hours will conclude with military honors.

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

CARLTON – Sherri (Knickerbocker) Seymour, Nov. 11, 1959 to April 24, 2023, and her husband Robert C. Seymour, born Aug. 14, 1968 to April 22, 2023.

Sherri was predeceased by her husband of 28 years, Robert; and her parents, Darla and Acie Knickerbocker. Robert was predeceased by parents, Robert and Luella Seymour; and brother Christopher.

Sherri and Rob were very active in all aspects of the Boy Scouts of America and camping.

Rob and Sherri loved going to concerts and both loved to cook. They loved spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

They leave behind to mourn daughter, Amy Dain; grandchildren, Devin Ware, Zara Knickerbocker and Aaliah Knickerbocker; great-grandchildren, Marquise Knickerbocker and Kayliah Knickerbocker.

Sherri leaves behind her sisters, Darcie Luczak and Nancy Daniels; brother, Marc Knickerbocker; and two nieces and two nephews. Rob leaves behind brothers, Todd Seymour and Michael Seymour

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at Bullard Park on June 3 at 1 p.m. Please wear your tie die and bring a memory to share.

Donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America in Sherri and Rob’s name.

HOLLEY – F. Lena Pellegrino, 92, died May 11, 2023 in the Schoellkopf Nursing Facility following a long illness.

She was born September 13, 1930 in Varpodio, Italy to Rocco and Caterina (Guerrisi) Gatto and had lived in this area since coming to America in 1948.

Lena was a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church of Holley, where she volunteered on many committees including the Bereavement Committee and often cooked for the St. Rocco’s Festival.  She was a devoted and faithful member of her church.  Her main passion however, was being with and taking care of her family.

Mrs. Pellegrino was predeceased by her husband Giuseppe as well as her brother Graziano and sisters: Amelia and Pina.

She is survived by her children: Carmela (Jim) Breslawski of Brockport, Frank (Mary) Pellegrino of NC, and Joseph Pellegrino of Holley; her brother, Gino Gatto of Italy; her sisters: Tina Campbell of Brockport and Concettina Gatto of Italy as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Rt. 31-Holley, on Monday, May 22, from 5-7 p.m. only. Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 23, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s R.C. Church-Holley.  Entombment will be in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 9 S. Main St., Holley, NY, 14470.  To share a special memory of Lena, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ALBION – Jeffrey G. Martin, age 54, passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2023. He was born June 29, 1968 in Albion to the late Melvin and Dorothy (Gill) Martin.

Jeff was an avid golfer, recently traveling to Virginia to play. He was a paramedic for many years with COVA and National/Rural Metro before he became an LPN and worked as a supervisor at the Villages of Orleans. Jeff loved collecting beer and liquor memorabilia including signage from over the years. He was known for his great sense of humor and gentle soul.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Leatha Taber and Linda O’Brien.

Jeff is survived by his siblings, Sherry Martin, Terry-Lynn (Steven) Corrigan, Susan (Peter) Heard, John (Carolyn) Martin, Tami Martin, Peggy (Ed) Mager, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, beloved dogs, Chip and Hattie, special friends, Steve, Cliff, Josh and Cass and his coworkers at the Villages of Orleans.

Services for Jeff will be held privately. Memorial contributions in Jeff’s name may be made to the Friends of the Orleans County Animal Shelter 4125 Oak Orchard Road Albion, NY 14411.

Jeff’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Albion, NY. To share a special memory of Jeff, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

MEDINA – Timothy R. Sands, 56, of Medina, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2023. He was born June 29, 1966 in Batavia, NY, a son of Richard Dick and Joyce Sands.

Tim was a loving family man that cherished his family above all else. He was a genuine guy, funny, hardworking, a jack of all trades, and had “Git-R-Done” attitude. He enjoyed fishing, back yard gatherings, music, and bowling.

Tim graduated from Byron-Bergen high school in 1985. He married Tina Conte in 2005 in Bergen. Tim started working on the family farm and Thru-way spring when he was younger. Later he worked in construction at LeChase Construction and Squires.

Tim will be greatly missed by his wife, Tina Conte Sands; parents Richard “Dick” and Joyce Sands; children, Amanda (Daniel) McCarthy and Rachel (Asher Mckissic) Sands; stepchildren, Richard Conte and his fiancé, Shannon Levandoski, and Danielle Zelazny; grandchildren, Nora McCarthy, Sylvester Conte, Clayton Conte, and Regina Levandoski; siblings (twin brother) Todd Sands, Byron (Chris) Ariyaratnam, Wendy (Greg) Didas, and Julie (Arthur Jr.) Webb; nieces and nephews, Dennis Janas, Jeremy Fink, Jessica Ariyaratnam, Kyle Didas, Krystal (Trevor) Bertrand, Michelle Didas, Parker Didas, Julian Didas, John (Marrisa) Coffta, Jordan (Hailey) Coffta, Erica (Brandon) Holcombe, Blake Holcombe, Levi Holcombe, Domminick Coffta, Everette Coffta, Grant Coffta, and Elisha Coffta; a brother-in-law, David Coffta.

In death Tim is reunited with his granddaughter, Meilla Conte, and sisters Laurie Sands and Carol Coffta.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave, Bergen. The funeral for Tim will be held at H. E. Turner & Co. funeral home immediately following calling hours. Everyone is invited to a luncheon at the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Ave., Bergen, NY, following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Niagara Gospel Mission, 1317 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Gordon A. Ralph, age 59, passed on to his heavenly rest with his creator and savior Jesus Christ on Monday, April 24, 2023.

Gordon was born April 8, 1964 in Medina, N.Y. the son of the late George J. Ralph and Doris Jean (Shickler) Ralph and was the youngest of nine siblings.

Gordon grew up in Middleport, N.Y. and was a graduate of Royalton Hartland High School, Class of 1983. After graduating, he moved to Florida where he lived for several years and was employed doing utility work installing water and sewer lines. He later returned to New York State and was employed by Babcock Underground Utilities installing gas lines.

Gordy was a good cook and enjoyed making fried chicken, BBQ ribs and steak for his nieces, nephews and their friends. His beef jerky was a favorite treat enjoyed by family and friends. He loved spending time at the family cottage on Lake Ontario.  Gordy’s nieces and nephews have fond memories of piling into the back of his pickup truck for a trip from the cottage to the nearby Country Store for ice cream and treats. Gordy also enjoyed gardening and fishing. He dearly loved his faithful dog Honey and his cat Spooky. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by seven siblings, Jud Ralph, Carol (Joel) Babcock, James Ralph and Marc Ralph, all of Barker, N.Y. Ann (Martin) Busch of Middleport N.Y. Donald (Betty Douglas) Ralph of Lyndonville N.Y. and Michael (Lee Ann) Ralph of Cape Coral Florida, as well as his sister-in-law Florence Ralph and numerous nieces and nephews. Beside his parents he was predeceased by his brother, John Ralph. He will be especially missed by his special nephew George Lester Gordon Ralph and his good friend Don Snider.

Relative and friends may call on Saturday, May 27, 2023 for a visiting hour at 10:00 AM followed by a memorial service at 11:00AM at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103 with the Pastor Sam Hershberger officiating. Burial in the Hartland Central Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made in Gordy’s name to PAWS, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd, Albion, NY 14411.

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

ALBION – Mildred “Millie” Ries Gavenda, 96, passed peacefully into God’s hands on May 5, 2023. She was born in Darien Center, NY on October 25, 1926 to Ellis and Martha (Mamott) Getman.

She is predeceased by husband Harmon, daughter Patricia King, 2nd husband Frank Gavenda, and step-children Kathy Gavenda and Steven Gavenda.

Millie was a graduate of the US Army Cadet Nurse Corps and was employed as a Registered Nurse at St. Jerome’s Hospital in Batavia and for 40 years at the former Arnold Gregory Hospital in Albion.

She was a musician and played piano for many community events. She was the organist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. For 30 years she was the organist at the Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award as well as the Woman of the Year Award from the Orleans County Office for the Aging.

As an active member for 53 years of the Catholic Daughters and St. Joseph’s Parish, she wrote and directed many comic performances. She loved to laugh and entertain… “Sing Along with Millie.”

She is survived by 4 children: Mary Jo (Marc) Hinman, Marcia (Greg) Rencsak, James (Sue) Ries, and Margaret (Alan) Vandetti; 8 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 13, beginning at 12 noon in Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, 106 S. Main Street-Albion. Private interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish. To share a special memory of Millie, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Paul Fuller, 84, of Medina, NY, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at the Hospice Care Unit at Buffalo General Hospital following a brief battle with cancer.

Born on April 2, 1939 in Shelby, NY, he was the son of the late E. Laverne and Dorothy Anne (Puff) Fuller.

Paul was the youngest of six children and grew up on the family farm and sawmill on Shelby Basin Rd in Medina. He graduated from Medina High School in 1957 and served in the National Guard Unit in Medina for six years.  In 1962 Paul married the late former Patricia M. Wolter and together they raised two sons in West Shelby. Paul worked at the Shelby Highway Department for nine years and lastly for Harrison Radiator until his retirement. He was a volunteer fireman for the Shelby Fire Company. Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing gardening, and camping. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankee’s fan.  Most of all, he loved his family and will be remembered as a loving, funny and dedicated Father, Brother, Husband, Uncle and Grandpa.

Paul is survived by his two sons, Dan (Sue) Fuller, Kevin (Mary) Fuller, grandchildren, Zach, Joe, Grace, and Abby, two sisters, Dottie (Ed) Hellwig, Betty Menz, a brother-in-law, Gary (Shirley) Wolter and many nieces, nephews and faithful companion, Tuffy.

Besides his parents, and wife, Paul is predeceased by his siblings, Bud (Doris) Fuller, Bob (Barb Allen) Fuller, Barb (Merle) Draper and a brother-in-law, Bill Menz.

Relatives and friends may call from 10 AM-12PM on Saturday, June 10^th, 2023 at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103 where a funeral service will be held at 12 Noon. Burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Paul’s name to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, 4695 S Gravel Rd, Medina, NY 14103 or to PAWS, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd, Albion, NY 14411.

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

 

Middleport- William M. Hickey, Sr. age 89, died May 2, 2023 in the Lockport Rehab and Health Care Center.   

He was born May 1, 1934 in Medina to Glenn and Geraldine (Ryan) Hickey and was a life-long resident of this area.  Bill was a United States Army Veteran, a member of Holy Trinity Parish-St. Stephen’s Church, and a former member of the Knights of Columbus.  As an outstanding baseball and basketball player in his younger years, Bill received a scholarship to play baseball at LeMoyne University.  He left college to go into the Army and then worked as a machinist at Harrison Radiator.  Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife and particularly enjoyed family vacations to the 1000 Islands, and the Finger Lakes.  He also enjoyed gaming at various casinos.  Mr. Hickey was predeceased by his wife Mary Lois, his son William Hickey Jr., and sister Mary Jean McFarland. 

He is survived by his daughters: Mary (Craig) Fitch of Middleport, Ann Boci of Lockport, his sister: Ellen Hickey of Webster, and his grandchildren: CJ and Eric Fitch as well as Emily and Ryan Boci. 

The family will receive friends at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State Street-Middleport, THURSDAY 3:30-5:30 only.  Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to an organization of your choice.  To share a special memory of Bill, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Medina- Richard A. Schwarzott, 70, passed away unexpectedly on the afternoon of Monday, May 1, 2023.

He was born on September 14, 1952 in Medina, a son of the late Eugene R. Schwarzott, Sr. and Dolores (Livingston) Schwarzott Luebke. Richard graduated from Lyndonville High School in the Class of 1972. He worked for Fisher Price Toys in Medina, where he eventually retired after many years. Richard had many interests and was known to be a jack of all trades. He enjoyed gardening and helping in many ways at his church, Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God in Medina. He enjoyed taking walks with his friend, Posie. Most of all Richard loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, who will miss him dearly.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Julie (Chris) Fenton, Jennifer (Matt) Baker-Austin and Jason (Alisha) Schwarzott; grandchildren, Brodie (Maddie) Fenton, Lawson Fenton, Emma (James) Fuller, Faith Baker-Austin, Kenley Fenton, Andrew Schwarzott and Frank Baker-Austin; great-grandson, Neil Fuller; sister, Linda Thuman; and brother, Michael Schwarzott. Predeceased by his parents; a daughter, Michelle Schwarzott; stepfather, Paul Luebke; and brother, Eugene Schwarzott, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to attend his memorial service which will be held on Friday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God Church, 11031 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Born February 11, 1933 in Medina, RC was the youngest of six children born to the late Francis Carl and Agnes (Coffey) Crowley. He was a graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1952. RC furthered his education at Paul Smith’s College and graduated from Michigan State University in 1956. RC then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. He was the owner and operator of Crowley’s Dry Goods on Main Street for many years. He was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church in Medina. He loved St. Mary’s Church and was an usher as recently as February of this year. Dick was an active member of Medina Council #651, Knights of Columbus for 63 years, where he served as Grand Knight and also belonged to Lincoln Post #1483, V.F.W. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five siblings, John Crowley, Marie Crowley, Paul Crowley, Thomas Crowley and Cornelius “Neil” Crowley; and nephew, James Crowley.

RC is survived by nieces and nephews, Patricia (David) Bellucci, Michael (Elizabeth Lyon) Crowley, Paula Crowley, Mary Crowley, Anne Crowley, Edward Crowley, Agnes Sullivan, Kathleen Bucciarelli, Timothy Crowley, Cynthia Murphy and Carla Crowley; a sister in-law, Keae Crowley; also several great-nieces and nephews.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina, NY 14103. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Parish at the address above or to Medina Council #651, Knights of Columbus, 418 Main St., Medina, NY 14103.

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