Obituaries

ALBION – Maddox James Pearl, 5, passed away peacefully in his home Sept. 30, 2023 with his loving family by his side after a brief and courageous battle with DIPG.

Born October 15, 2017, he was the son of Ryan and Katelyn Pearl.

Maddox was a vibrant, fun loving and adventurous little boy. He loved steamed engines, camping, side by side rides, working with his Daddy in the garage, shopping, snuggling with Mommy, and playing with his best buddy Owen and his two dogs, Tyson and Nava.

He was predeceased by his great-grandparents Betty and Bob Cherry, great-grandfather Richard Pearl Sr., great-Aunt Nancy Neri, and cousin Ciara Callicutt.

He is survived by his great-grandmother, Edna Pearl; great-grandparents, Sam and Sandra Neri, Stanley and Shirley Farone and Marv and Joan Christ; grandparents, Gary and Annette Mannella, Randy Pearl Sr., Kimberly Neri, Mark and Lisa Farone; and MANY aunts, uncles and cousins.

Maddox’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 W. Avenue, Albion on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 to 7 p.m.  A Celebration of Maddox’s Life will be held at the Albion First Presbyterian Church 29 E. State St. Albion, on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. Please wear red, purple or one of Maddox’s shirts. Private interment will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Tree House School of Play 243 S. Main St. Suite 220, Albion, NY 14411 or Tough2gether.org.

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

HOLLEY – Mary J. Blissett, 93, passed away peacefully in her home September 29, 2023. She was born April 12, 1930, in the Town of Murray, a daughter of the late Francis McAllister and Helen (Richard) Irvine.

Mary retired from Rochester Products. She enjoyed sewing, making dolls, gardening and looking out her kitchen window admiring the birds. Mary’s greatest joy was spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur D.; sons, Arthur J. and Michael J. Blissett; and her son-in-law, Kurt Stahl.

Mary is survived by her loving children, Rosemary Blissett, Kim Stahl and Douglas Blissett; and daughter-in-law, Deanna Blissett.

Mary’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Route 31, Holley, on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to noon followed by a brief service at Mt. Albion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.lovetotherescue.org.

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

In Loving Memory of Earl John Mallette.

Earl John Mallette Jr., born on December 15, 1944, in Albion, New York, left this world on September 27, 2023.

He was the beloved son of Earl John Mallette Sr. and Elsie (Campito) Mallette. Earl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who touched the lives of many throughout his journey.

Earl was married to Dolores (Dee) (Caldwell) Mallette of Medina, NY, for 51 years. In addition to his parents, Earl was predeceased by his father & mother-in-law, Benjamin & Mariam Caldwell.

Earl was a proud and caring father to his two sons, Robert Mallette (Angela) & Thomas Mallette (Christine). He is survived by grandchildren Ralstoun, Kayden, Luke, Breyson, Chloe, Brianna, Treygen and sister-in-law Elaine Renauf as well as many cousins.

Professionally, Earl dedicated 30 years of his life to the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester NY, where he worked in the payroll department and made many lasting friendships. After retiring, he embarked on a new adventure, finding fulfillment in his post-retirement job at JC Penney CO.

After retirement Earl and Dee moved from Greece NY to Melbourne, Florida, and later to Palm Bay FL. Earl and Dee eventually made the decision to relocate to Maggie Valley, NC, to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Haywood County in Earl’s honor (13 Haywood Office Park, Suite 107, Waynesville 28785).

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at the Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, October 6, 2023, in Brockport, NY. A graveside service to follow.

The care of Mr. Mallette has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.

ALBION – Jennie Z. Seager, age 95, passed away September 27, 2023 at the Martin Linsin Hospice Residence. She was born on November 8, 1928 in Elba to the late Stanley and Josephine (Swiergula) Zielinski.

Mrs. Seager graduated from Elba Central School with the class of 1947. After graduating from Rochester Business Institute as a Medical Secretary, she worked at Genesee Memorial Hospital as a laboratory secretary. In 1950, she moved to Albion after her husband’s discharge from the Army and began work in the office at T.J. Lipton Co. After she took a break for a couple years, she worked in the Orleans County Clerk’s Office. In 1985 she retired from the New York State Transportation Office after 14 years as a Transportation Office Assistant. She also kept books for her husband’s construction business and was also a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish is Albion.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband William in 2010; siblings, Stella Szymanski, Sophie Kingdom, Anne Surman, Helen Klinkbeil, Mary George, Frank, Julian, and Bruno Zielinski as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Jennie is survived by her son, Warren (June) Seager; sister, Martha Tierney; sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Jane Zielinski, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jennie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411 on Saturday, September 30th at 10:00am. Interment will be held at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

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

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

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

HOLLEY- Jerome F. (Jeff) Machamer passed away at home on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Born April 15, 1934 to Jerome and Luella Machamer of Duluth, Minnesota, he is survived by his wife Susan Hurd Machamer of Holley, NY, daughters Mary, Amy and Molly Machamer, grandchildren Annabelle Mannard, Amelia Sidonio, Annie and James Agar, and sons in law George Mannard, Joe Sidonio and Mike Agar, cousins Frank (Char) and Ralph (Linda) Voris of Aurora, IL and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his mother and father, sister Molly Evans of Duluth, MN and cousin Frances Voris Myers of Aurora, IL.

Jeff grew up on the Mesabi Range in northern Minnesota, which spurred his lifelong interest in earth sciences and in trains. He was a graduate of Duluth Central High School (1951), Cornell University (B.Sc.,1955), McGill University (MSc. Geology, 1959) and Pennsylvania State University (PhD Geology, 1962). He served in the US Army in Waukesha, WI, following which he had a long career as a professional economic geologist. He was highly regarded as an expert in minerals exploration, working for organizations including IMC Global, Phelps Dodge Corporation, US Steel Corporation, Essex Minerals, Inc., and the U.S. Bureau of Mines, before becoming an international consultant.  He was a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, a Life Member and Fellow of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists, member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers and Buffalo Association of Professional Geologists. He was also an active supporter of community organizations, including St. Paul’s Alter Guild (Duluth, MN), the St. Louis County (MN) Historical Society and the First Presbyterian Church of Holley, NY, where he served as an elder.

Jeff was fascinated by both the natural world and physical world. He loved nurturing his rose garden – the regal pink Queen Elizabeth rose was his favorite.  He was passionate about classical music, in particular Handel and Mozart, his favorite work being Handel’s Messiah. He was an avid reader, devouring the Wall Street Journal from cover to cover each day, as well as Time, Smithsonian and Trains magazines. He always enjoyed a good “yarn”, especially literature, poetry and music about real people – from Robert Service to Rudyard Kipling. He kept a copy of Birds of North America close at hand, and stopped to take notice daily of the beauty that surrounded him wherever he was.

Jeff loved nothing more than a crisp apple, a hot fudge sundae, a slice of rhubarb pie, a warm Pendleton shirt, his beautiful family and his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Susie. He was humble and grateful to the end for his many blessings.  There will be no calling hours.   Family and friends are invited to attend Jeff’s Memorial Service, SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 2023 beginning at 2:30 pm in the First Presbyterian Church of Holley, 34 East Albion St., Holley, NY, 14470.  Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Hillside Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Organ Fund at the Church listed above, the Buffalo Association of Professional Geologists, P.O. Box 179, Bowmansville, NY, 14026-0179 or to the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences of Cornell University at: eas.cornell.edu (click on the 2020 Vision Endowment tab).

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

Donna L. Bentley, 79, of Lyndonville, NY, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Hildebrant Hospice, Rochester, NY.

Born on December 10, 1943, in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter of the Late Ralph and Isabelle (Matthews) Gray.

Donna graduated from Horsehead High School in 1962 and then attended Corning Community College, receiving an Associate’s Degree, and lastly attended Oswego State, earning a Bachelor’s Degree. On June 24, 1967, she married Bradley Bentley, and together, they raised four children. Donna taught in both Medina and Lyndonville Schools before starting a family. She was a master quilter, having made over 150 quilts for family and friends. In her spare time, Donna loved to read books, bake cookies and pies. She was a dedicated member of the Yates Baptist Church, but most of all, Donna was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bradley Bentley; four children, Eric (Tammy) Bentley of Lyndonville, NY, Deb (Mark) Herzog of Richmond, VA, Jill Bentley of Carlisle, PA, and Amy (Nate) Waldron of Penfield, NY, eight grandchildren, Trevor and Cody Bentley, Katherine and Carrie Herzog, Abigal and Ellie Peak, Caleb and Ainsley Waldron, a great-granddaughter, Lowen Bentley, and her grandchildren by heart, Meghan and Natalie Menz. Also surviving is a sister, Sherry Markell, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Donna is predeceased by two brothers, Byron and Jeff Gray.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 PM-8 PM on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Yates Baptist Church, 11365 E Yates Center Rd, Lyndonville, NY 14098, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, with the Pastor, Rev. Lyell Drake, officiating. Burial will be in the Lynhaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Donna’s name to the Yates Baptist Church or to a Hospice facility of one’s choice.

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

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

LYNDONVILLE- Ronald Robert Quintern, Sr. 79, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023, peacefully at home with his loving family at his side, after a long battle with kidney disease.

Born on July 20, 1944, in Medina, NY, he was the son of the late Donald and Evelyn (Litchfield) Quintern.

In 1962, he graduated from Lyndonville High School. He worked as a Supervisor for Rochester Products for over 40 years, from which he retired. Ronald was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially in the Southern Tier.

Ronald is survived by his fiancée Christine Brown, and his children, Ronald Robert Quintern Jr. of North Carolina, Melanie A. (Ronald) Kelly of Virginia, Wendy (Brian) Brown of Lyndonville, NY, Mary Beth Artuso of Rochester, NY, Sarah (Steve) Wasserman, and Terry Brown, both of Florida, grandchildren, Nicole (Justin) Duck, Courtney (Jason) Holcomb, Megan (Brandon) Cross, Anthony Alyssa) Artuso, Michael (Ashley) Artuso, and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Patricia (Mark) Wurl of Tennessee and Sharon Botsford of Lyndonville, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Ronald is predeceased by his wife of 25 years, Mary Pat Quintern.

Relatives and friends may attend a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, 102 N Main St, Lyndonville, NY 14098, with the Pastor, Rev. Timothy Schultz, officiating.

Memorials may be made in Ronald’s name to the Lyndonville Lions Club, 4^th of July Fund, P.O. Box 371, Lyndonville, NY 14098.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Lake Plains Dialysis for the care and treatment given to Ronald.

Arrangements were made through the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

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

HOLLEY- Frederick H. Robinson age 71 passed away September 23, at Highland Hospital.  He was born February 3, 1952 in Medina, a son of the late Robert and Evelyn (Bosley) Robinson and had lived in this area all of his life.

Fred had worked for many years at Kodak and after, worked for Union Pipe Covering, retiring in 2016.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Fred was predeceased by his brother Robert H. Robinson, Jr. and brother-in-law Wayne Crandall.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Faith; his son Jeffrey L. Robinson; granddaughter Julia O. Robinson; siblings Lynda Crandall, James (Linda) Robinson, Sybil Robinson, Sally (Raymond) Martinez, Katherine Robinson; sisters-in-law Barbara (Rick Peck), Donna (Mike Ranaletti) Allen, Christine (Dan Morehead) Colby; his dog Patch as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There are no prior calling hours or services.  His Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.  Memorials may be made to any local animal shelter of your choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Holley.

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

HOLLEY – George E. Diehl, 70, passed away September 22, 2023, at Hildebrandt Hospice surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 26, 1953 in Milton, PA., a son of the late George and Betty (Swanger) Diehl.

He was a former employee of George’s Terry’s Co. and retired from Lapp Insulator. George enjoyed gardening, being outside and building things in his shop.  His greatest love was his grandchildren, dogs and family.

He was predeceased by his son Kevin Diehl, brother Ron and sister Grace Dorsey.

George is survived by his wife of 52 years, Doreen; children Mike (Kerri) Diehl, Kylene (James) Smith, Shawn (April) Diehl; grandchildren Khan, Jaden, Mia, Charlie, Emily, McKenna, Evelyn and Mason; siblings, Dale (Linda) Diehl, Sandy (Gary) Blosenhauer and Howard (Leanne) Diehl along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley on Thursday, September 28, from 4 to 7 p.m.  A celebration of George’s life will be held at the house he built at the convenience of his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hildebrandt Hospice, 2652 Ridgeway Ave. Rochester NY 14626, Dementia of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown PA 18901 or P.A.W.S. 3371 Gaines Basin Rd. Albion, NY 14411.

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

OGDENSBURG/MORRISTOWN – Carolyn J. Ashley, age 89, passed away September 22, 2023 at the Martin Linsin Residence surrounded by her family. She was born October 1, 1933 in Ogdensburg, NY a daughter of the late William and Cora Matott) Dupree.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son Richard Ashley, Jr.; sister Vivian McCaffrey; brothers Henry, Harold, Larry and William Dupree.

She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Richard Joseph “Joe” Sr. whom she married on October 17, 1953; daughter Michelle (Brian) Hofstra; grandchildren Amy (Brian) Aina, Jason (Lindsay) Hernandez, Bryan (Gi Gi) Hofstra; several great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There are no prior calling hours.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery in Ogdensburg, NY.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion NY 14411. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion.

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

CARLTON – Justin K. Osborne, 38, of Carlton, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 18, 2023, at his home.

Born on April 24, 1985, in Rochester, NY, he was the son of Noelle (DeRoller) and the late Clay Hill.

Justin attended Albion School and finished at Brockport High School. He was currently employed at Landpro Equipment in Brockport, NY, at the parts counter. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Justin is survived by his mother, Noelle (Daryl) Maxwell, and his father, Francis (Lisa) Osborne; his fiancée, Brittany David; his two children, Harper June Osborne and Lainey DeRoller; his siblings, Nicole (Brad) Walter, Brandy (Dan) Arbia, and Bobby and Tiny Maxwell. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There are no calling hours. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Merritt Hall, 1509 Lake Rd. North, Hamlin, NY,14464.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his name to the Lyndonville Lions Club, 4th of July Fund, P.O. Box 371, Lyndonville, NY 14098.

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

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

HOLLEY – Wayne A. Robinson, age 77, passed away September 21, 2023. He was born January 9, 1946 in Batavia, NY to the late Lawrence and Althea Robinson. 

Wayne served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1966. He worked at Eastman Kodak for 30 years before he retired. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting and traveling all over the U.S. to see his family and friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Jane whom he married on July 8, 1967. He is also survived by his children, Rachael Escobar, Brian (Stacy) Robinson, grandsons, Joshua (Kirsten) Escobar, Antonio Escobar, sisters, LeeAnn Purvis, Jackie (Howard) Wilson as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Wayne’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on September 24, 2023 from 1pm to 4pm. Interment with military honors will be held privately at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

Memorial contributions in Wayne’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

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

LYNDONVILLE- Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus, age 67, died in her home in Lyndonville, NY from bile duct cancer on September 19, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of nearly 44 years, Michael Mingus, daughters Marissa and Paige, grandchildren Xavier Mendoza and Adalind Aponte, sisters Linda Scheuer and Jan McDonald, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews. Nancy graduated from Schalmont HS ’74, had a Bachelor’s degree in Math Education from SUNY Oneonta ’77, a Masters in Education from Alfred University ’82, a Masters in Historic Preservation from Goucher College ’01, and she was ABD in the American History doctoral program at SUNY Buffalo.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 3-4 PM on Saturday, October 7th at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St, Medina, NY 14103. A memorial service will be held beginning at 4 PM.

Please read Nancy’s full obituary at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411. Please light a candle or share a memory of Nancy at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

Batavia- Barbara J. VanLoan, 73, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born January 7, 1950 in Murray, NY to the late Charles and Lucy Isabel (Ruger) Engert. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert VanLoan, siblings, Charles J., Walter J., Ronald J. Engert, Dianne L. Paul and Thomas J. Engert.

Barbara enjoyed anything that had to do with crafts, knitting, crocheting and sewing. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her beloved children, Christine (Harold) Ertel of Bergen, Jeffery (Kristen) Lonnen of Wyoming, step-children, Sharon (David) Hartwell, Robert (Tammy) VanLoan, Harry Lonnen Jr, Carrie (Doug) Teeter, siblings, Marilyn (George) Strabel, William J. Engert, in-laws, Katie Engert, Sheron and Jim Paul, along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York, 14020. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.

BROCKPORT – Barry L. Jones – Father, Teacher, Fisherman, passed away on September 18, 2023.

Born in Medina on August 11, 1952, he was the son of the late George W. and Ruth (Nudd) Jones.

Barry was valedictorian of the Lyndonville Class of 1970, received bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honors from SUNY Brockport and dual teacher certification in Mathematics and Social Studies.  After teaching two years in Elba Central School, he returned to Lyndonville, where he continued to teach a variety of math courses and design curriculum until he retired in 2007.

In his spare time, he coached basketball, was Student Council Advisor, and also served on the New York State Regents Curriculum Team for Geometry.  In 1984, Lyndonville became a New York State Academic Decathlon participant under his guidance and Barry became the New York State Director for the program in 2007.

He accepted employment as an Adjunct Instructor in the Mathematics Department of SUNY Brockport in 1981 and continued to teach part time until the present.  He also designed and created an SAT Preparation Course which he conducted at several local high schools.

Barry was one of those rare individuals who was fortunate to spend his lifetime pursuing a career that he loved and never wavered from his commitment to the students and to Mathematics education.  An avid Bills and NY Yankees fan, he was a life-long fisherman and country music lover and enjoyed participating in plays and musicals in Lyndonville and with Lake Plains Players.

Barry is survived by his wife, Anne, children Sarah (Peter) Geer, Theresa Jones, and Benjamin (Mara) Jones, grandchildren Zane George Geer and Etta Maisie Jones, brother Larry (Ruth) Jones, aunts Janice Kelly Mack and Shirley Shawver, several nieces and nephews, and his dog Fergus.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Barry’s honor at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Tuesday, September 26^th from 4:00-8:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lyndonville Central School c/o Jones Family Memorial Scholarship.

ALBION-Donald R. Palmer was born on December 11th, 1943 in Albion, NY to his father, Edward Palmer and mother, Catherine Yell Palmer. Donald passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 17th, 2023 at age 79.

In 1964 Don met his former wife Jennie Bowman at Albion High. They went on to have three children Gary, Laurie and Ted. He graduated from SUNY Morrisville in 1964 with a degree in horticulture. Throughout his career he worked at Hamlin Beach State Park, Lamont Fruit Farms, Liptons, SUNY Brockport and Wegmans.

His love for animals and agriculture came to life during his retirement while he lived and worked on his son Gary’s farm. Don loved watching the horse races and never missed a Kentucky Derby. Anyone who knew him, knew his sweet tooth. He especially loved whatever was for dessert.

He will be dearly missed by his family that survives him; his three children, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Donald was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Charlie Palmer.

The immediate family has chosen to cremate and spread his ashes among themselves. We invite you to please privately celebrate Donald’s memory in your own ways. We know that he will be with us all in spirit.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

MEDINA- William E. Merithew, age 68, of Medina, NY, formerly of Dallas, TX, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born May 22, 1955 in Sodus, NY, Bill was a son of the late Maurice and Marian (Andrews) Merithew. Growing up in North Rose, NY, Bill attended the North Rose-Wolcott High School and graduated in 1973. He served in the U.S. Army from 1976-1980 and was stationed in Germany as a German Linguist. Bill lived in the Dallas, Texas area for over 30 years. He worked in the telecommunication sector as a Project Manager for Verizon, retiring in 2021. Bill had a passion for travelling and loved going on cruises. On February 1, 2003 he married Roger N. Layne. After residing in Texas for many years, the couple moved to Clearwater, FL in 2020, until Roger’s untimely passing in 2022. Bill then moved to Medina, NY to be closer to family.

Predeceased by his husband, Roger on February 13, 2022; his parents, Maurice and Marian Merithew; and siblings, Sharon Welker, Ann Roland, Leonard Merithew and Maurice Merithew.

Survivors include three siblings, Betty (Reinhard) Rogowski of Medina, NY, Mark Merithew and Betsy Merithew both of Kent, NY; two daughters, Shelley Valentine of White Pine, TN and Jenifer (Kevin) Bush of Muskogee, OK; grandchildren, William Valentine, Autumn and Jessica Shipman, Ashleigh (Michael) Bolen II, Misteigh Melton and James Melton IV; great-grandson, Jameson Bolen; also several nieces and nephews.

An hour of visitation will be held on Friday, September 22 from 2:00-3:00 PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, where a memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 PM. Funeral services in Dallas, TX are still to be determined and will be announced at a later date through the care of Grove Hill Funeral Home, Dallas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

KENDALL- Hilda H. Cater Passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the age of 97. Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 2 – 3 pm at Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., 340 West Ave., Brockport.

MEDINA- Harriet K. Draper, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023 at the age of 87. 

Born on May 11, 1936 in Medina, Harriet was the daughter of the late Ernest and Sophie (Domoj) Bracey. She was a graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1953. She married the late Robert L. Draper on November 27, 1954. Harriet worked several jobs in her earlier years, and lastly for Fisher-Price Toys, where she eventually retired. She was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church and, alongside her husband, was an original and active member of the Junior Wilson Sportsman’s Club, which she regularly visited on Saturdays, along with the Vets Club. She was also a long term member of T.O.P.S. In 1975, Harriet enjoyed bowling on the N.Y.S.W.B.A league in Niagara Falls. In her later years She enjoyed knitting, sharing her talent with family and friends. She often donated scarves and wraps to the senior centers. If you knew her well, you know Christmas was a favorite time for her’s and she worked tirelessly on her snack mixes she gave to all. If there was a good reality TV show airing, Harriet knew about it. As the years past, she enjoyed ending her night with a vodka and tonic. Hummingbirds were a favorite thing to look forward to each spring. Harriet always looked forward to spending the cold winter days in Florida staying with family for extended periods. Family was most important to Harriet.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Draper was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert (2010); and her brother, Charles (2002) & wife Carol Bracey (2018).

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Susan Draper, Deborah Nichols (fiancé Joseph), Robert (Vanessa) Draper, Jr., Timothy Draper and Thomas (Annie) Draper; grandchildren, Patrick Kempton, Jeffrey (Jessica) Nichols, Julianne (Steve) Schumacher, Trisha Draper, Renee Draper, Casey Button, Christopher Draper, Spencer (Maddi) Draper and Christian Draper; great-grandchildren, Allie, Taylor, Quinn, Cole, Evan, Aidan, Hayden, Julia, Maddison and Audry; brother, Robert (Joanne) Bracey; sister, Mary Jane Frederick; former son-in-law, Gregory Nichols; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 24 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. Immediately following the Calling, the family invites all to join them at Junior Wilson’s Sportsman’s Club for a Celebration of Life with hors d’oeuvres and a toast to Harriet. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 25 at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Parish (address above), Senior Citizens of Western Orleans, 615 West Ave, Medina or to Connect Life at www.connectlife.org. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

LYNDONVILLE- Kathryn M. Prahler, 91, previously of Lyndonville, NY, was reunited with her beloved husband Charles on September 11, 2023, at Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington, IL. Charles and Kathryn were longtime residents of West Avenue, in Lyndonville, NY.

Born on August 30, 1932, in Medina, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harvey C.  and Marion E. (Bennett) Blanchard.

Kathryn graduated from Lyndonville Central in 1950 and Rochester Business Institute in 1952. She worked at H.J. Heinz in Medina, NY through 1953. Kathryn married Charles E. Prahler on September 5, 1953. She worked seasonally for the applesauce canning factory in Lyndonville for several years. She later worked for the local vinegar plant/Speas/Pillsbury/Lyndonville Vinegar/Nakano/Mizkan in the office and then as secretary to the President, where she retired in 1996 after 25 years of service.

Kathryn is survived by two children John C. Prahler (Trudy) of Barrington, IL, and Jeffrey M. Prahler (Robin) of Hilton, NY, three grandchildren, Justin M. Prahler of Palatine, IL, Jarad M. Prahler of Lyndonville, NY, and Christina (Jason) M. Calvaresi of Algonquin, IL, and one great-grandchild Amelia E. Calvaresi.

Kathryn is predeceased by brothers Richard “Dick” H. Blanchard, Arthur “Pete” N. Blanchard, Robert C. Blanchard and sister Marion “Tootie” EM Blanchard.

Kathryn loved to work with ceramics and read as hobbies and was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Lyndonville. She was an avid Bills and Sabres fan and loved spending summers at the Lake House.

Service and burial will be held in private for the family. Donations can be made in Kathryn’s name to the Lyndonville Lion’s Club, 4^th of July Fund, P.O. Box 371, Lyndonville, NY 14098. Arrangements were made through the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Please light a candle for Kathryn at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.