Obituaries

ALBION – Byron Alan Paul Neal, 8, passed peacefully after a brave battle with cancer on April 14, 2023. He was surrounded by his family, doctors and nurses at 7 North at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

He was born on June 23, 2014, a son to Jeremy and Kristina “Tina” (Rowella) Neal.

Byron is predeceased by his great-grandparents, Franklyn and Margaret Neal, Leona and Nino Scipioni, Henry Bruning, Carol Bruning, Steve Karmedar, Keith Rowella, and uncle Brian Bruning.

He is survived by his parents, big sister Lyla Neal, paternal grandparents Ed & Lillian Neal, maternal grandparents, Brian & Susan Bruning, great-grandmother, Grandma K, and lots of uncles, aunts & cousins. He is also survived by a very special friend Kera who he loved very much.

Byron loved playing on his iPad with Kera & his sister Lyla. His absolute favorite thing was being at the farm with grandpa, his dad, his uncles & the cows! His favorite cow was Pancake. He also loved the 4-H Fair and being daddy’s helper.

Byron’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 W. Avenue, Albion on Tuesday, April 18, from 3 to 8 p.m. Byron’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Parish/St. Joseph’s Church on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Please wear blue to the Mass, as it is Byron’s favorite color. Please write a memory of Byron to share with his family.

Interment will be in Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association (www.curekidscancer.com/donate).

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

MIDDLEPORT – Paul M. Sevenski, 73, of Middleport, NY, entered into rest on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Paul was born in Medina on February 21, 1949 and graduated from Medina High School.

He married the former Patricia Wells and together they made their home in Middleport and raised two sons. He worked for the former Brayemore Furniture Company in the S.A. Cook Building and lastly retired from Brunner International in Medina. Paul enjoyed going on picnics, camping at state parks, going for long walks, and traveling, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Paul is survived by his two sons, Chadwick Sevenski of Middleport and Jody Sevenski of Waterport; two grandchildren, Christina and Cory; four great-grandchildren, Isabella, Jacob, Benjamin and Rylee. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Nora (John) Benfer of Lyndonville and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paul is predeceased by his wife, Patricia A. “Snooky” Sevenski.

There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in West Shelby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Paul’s name to PAWS, P.O. Box 244, Albion, NY 14411.

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

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

LYNDONVILLE – Harold E. Knapp, 85, of Lyndonville NY went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, April 10th, 2023 at his home. Born on November 30th, 1937 in Syracuse, he was the son of the late Edward and Rose (Hildreth) Knapp.

Harold moved and attended Attica Central School, and was later employed at General Electric / Black and Decker until they closed. He then went to work at Genesee Community College in the maintenance department.

He enjoyed raising and breeding poultry for exhibition, where he showed within NYS and beyond. He worked with the youths of 4-H for 2 ½ decades sharing his passion of poultry and showmanship. When not doing 4-H shows, you could find him spending time with his lovely wife, and in his garden where he planted a variety of vegetables and flowers.

He was an active member of Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church in Medina.

He is survived by his children, Edward (Hope) Knapp of Alexander and Donald Knapp of Indiana, James and Robert Vanderwoude, both of Medina, and Linda (Henry Azcue) Vanderwoude of Brooklyn; 3 grandsons, Jonathan (Amirose) Knapp of LeRoy, Michael (Nicole) Knapp of Batavia, and Joshua (Brandy) Knapp of Bethany; granddaughter in-law, Shannon Daugherty of North Adams MA and Travis Vanderwoude of Florida, along with 8 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by sisters Mary Nelson, Pat Williams and Joyce Knapp.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial service in Harold’s honor at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Alabama Full Gospel Church, 5329 Gravel Road Medina, NY 14103.

Memorials may be made in Harold’s name to the AFGF at the address listed above.

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

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

BARKER – Cris A. Zanow, 61, of Barker, passed away April 4, 2023 in Beechwood Nursing Home from esophegeal cancer. Born March 17, 1962, in Newfane, he was the son of Kenneth L. and Jeanne A. (Landers) Zanow.

Cris was a 1980 graduate of Barker Central School and owned and operated Cris’s Custom Carpentry. He was an avid hunter, trapper, and ham radio operator and a member of the Lockport Amateur Radio Association.

Cris was predeceased by his first wife Becky (Heidemann) Zanow; father Kenneth and nephew Ira IV. Chris is survived by his mother Jeanne; sister Debra (Ira III) Cumberledge and nephew Jesse (Jackie) Gingerich.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service to be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Royalton Bible Church, 8457 Bunker Hill Road, Gasport, NY 14067 at 11 a.m.; luncheon to follow at the church.

HAMLIN/KENDALL – Michael J. Walzer passed away peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the age of 62.

Predeceased by his father James, sister Kim Grape and mother-in-law Bertha Cavers. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Kelly; sons Ian, Eric and Noah; mother Suzanne; brother Steve (Patty); sister Jenn (Mike) Talbot; father-in-law Dick Cavers; sister-in-law Tracey (Pete) Tashji; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.

Mike spent many years of his life selflessly volunteering for the Kendall community recreation, travel and school soccer teams.  He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and enjoyed a glass of Jack while listening to the Blues.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, April 15, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., 340 West Ave., Brockport, followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in Mike’s memory to the Palliative Care Program- Office of Advancement, Unit 4-1200, PO Box 278996, 300 E. River Road, Rochester, NY 14627. Or make a charitable gift online at http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/palliative-care and specify Unit 4-1200.

MEDINA – John A. Brendlinger Sr., 74, of Medina, NY passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at his house, with his loving family at his side, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born on May 15, 1948 in Johnstown, PA, he was the son of the late Guy and Gladys (Pennrose) Brendlinger.

John was owner-operator of Brendlinger Firewood of Medina and was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed to fish and hunt. Most of all, John enjoyed going to auctions with his grandson to find the perfect deal.

John is survived by his two sons, John A. Brendlinger Jr. and Guy (Tammy Burtwell) Brendlinger and a grandson, Brody, all of Medina, NY. Also surviving are two siblings, Sandy (Jim) Jenkins of Griffith, GA, Paul (Cathy) Brendlinger of Lyndonville, NY and several nieces and nephews and his four canine companions, Max, Rocky, Sable and Amara.

Besides his parents, John is predeceased a daughter, Melissa, and a sister, Donna Stewart.

Relatives and friends may attend a graveside committal on Saturday, April 22, at 11 a.m. at the Bates Road Cemetery in Medina.

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

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

ALBION – Helen Lucille Bilicki, 87, passed away April 6, 2023, with her loving children at her side, after a short illness.

She was born in Albion, NY on May 17, 1935 as the youngest of three children to Clark and Mildred (Ingalls) Ireland.

Helen was a lifelong resident of the town. She was a graduate of Albion High School with the class of 1954 and earned a bookkeeping degree from Genesee Community College in the early 1980s. She worked for many years for the Orleans County Nutrition Program, starting as a baker for Meals On Wheels and then as their bookkeeper.

With a passion for volunteering, Helen was always willing to step up when a group needed a treasurer or help organizing a fundraiser. Always involved in her children’s lives, she stepped in when her daughter’s Girl Scouts troop needed a leader and got involved with the Band Booster when her son was in the high school band.

She was deeply involved in many organizations in her community including Girl Scouts of Western New York, Orleans County Historical Society and Orleans County Veteran Van Transportation. Helen enjoyed camping with her family as a member of Family Campers and RV’s, doing crafts with the Home Bureau and most recently putting together puzzles with her friends in the community room at her apartment.

She was predeceased in 2013 by her husband of 56 years, Leonard and her sister Evelyn Homuth.

She is survived by her son, Alan (Amy) Bilicki of Medina; daughter, Elaine (Clifford) Nelson of Niagara Falls; grandchildren, Madeline (Brian Bogan) Bilicki and Katie Bilicki; brother, Norman (Joan) Ireland of Albion and a niece, Audrey Homuth Behlau of Rochester.

Her family would like to express their thanks to all the healthcare workers the Rochester Regional Healthcare System who provided her compassionate care during her illness.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Orleans County Veterans Agency, Veterans Van Transportation Service, 13996 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.

Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, April 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, 106 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Albion.

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

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

Audra Ferris Schutt, age 91, passed away on April 2, 2023 at the Hospice House in Sun City Center, Florida.

Born March 19, 1932 in Batavia NY, she was the daughter of the late Allen and Helen Ferris.

In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by her long-time companion Laverne “Jiggs” Green and her beloved dog “Cassie.”

Audra was a retired Registered Nurse who loved to travel with Jiggs in their motorhome full time. They traveled up and down the east coast visiting with family and friends, playing golf, and going to Blue Grass Festivals. They eventually spent much of their time at the Masonic RV Park in Wimauma, Florida. She loved to crochet and made many prayer shawls for people that she knew at the RV Park. She was also an avid animal lover.

Audra is survived by her four children, Becky (Phil) Gang, Kathie (Phil) Zirretta, Jay (Maria) Schutt and Allen (Kim) Schutt, her brother James Ferris, as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

At her request, there will be no services.

ALBION – John “Jack” C. Gaze, 86, of Albion, New York passed away peacefully in Florida on April 6, 2023.

Jack was born on November 20, 1936, in Albion, New York.  As a child, he enjoyed listening to the New York Yankee games on the radio including the greats like Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio.  He attended DeSales Catholic High School from 1950 to 1951 and Albion High School from 1952 until graduation in 1954.  Throughout high school, Jack was very active in the glee club, band (drums), drama, football, basketball, baseball, and track.

After graduating from Albion High School, he went on to further his education at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport, New York, between 1954 to 1955.  At the same time, he worked for the New York Central Railroad until 1959.  Later, he accepted a position as a Traffic Manager with Nifty Foods from 1959 to 1964.

It was at this time he became a Police Officer with the Village of Brockport, New York.  During this time, he simultaneously obtained his New York State Real Estate Brokers License in 1967.  He served honorably for the Brockport Police Department until 1969.

From 1969 until retirement, Jack started his own business and worked in real estate both in New York and Florida.  He earned an additional credential in 1990 when he became a New York State Certified Appraiser.  He enjoyed selling real estate, both residential and commercial appraising, and teaching real estate courses for Bryant & Stratton, Genesee Community College, and SUNY at Brockport.  After hours, Jack enjoyed playing drums in a band on the weekend at various local clubs.

Jack sponsored the team Gaze Realty that captured the inaugural United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association (USSSA) Classic C World Championship in 1975.  After decades of waiting, Gaze was inducted into the New York State USSSA Hall of Fame in 2016.

After retirement, Jack split his time between Central Florida and Upstate New York to enjoy what was most important to him, spending time with his family and friends (and of course rooting for the New York Yankees).

Jack is predeceased by his parents Clare Mason Gaze and Geraldine Rhoda Gaze.  He is survived by his loving family, brother Jim Gaze and wife Susan;  his sister Patty Harrold and husband William; his three children, Kenneth John Gaze; John Patrick Gaze, and wife Elizabeth Gaze, and Jacqueline Ann Hedin; his seven grandchildren, Candice; Christine; Chase; Joshua; Mackenzie; Bryan; Christian, and companion Connie Aulenti.

No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned.  The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service is scheduled.

Marissa Ann “Reese” Miller, 47, of Williamsville, NY, entered into rest on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital  with her loving family at her side.

Born on September 12, 1975 in Medina, NY, she was the daughter of Wanda Lee Weese Miller and the late Clark James Miller.

Marissa graduated from Medina High School in 1993 and received an associate degree in nursing from Niagara Community College and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Damien College, where she was a semester away from receiving her Nurse Practitioner degree.  She was employed with the Buffalo VA Medical Center for 11 years and later for Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She also worked for various hospitals and nursing homes. She gave comfort and healing to the many patients and their families. Marissa loved spending time with her family, especially with her grandson and nieces and nephews. She loved living in the moment and having fun with her family and friends.

Marissa is survived by her mother, Wanda Lee (Nicholas) Labban of Medina, NY. Her son, Andre (Denise) Miller of Tonawanda, NY, two grandchildren, Andre “Tooters” Miller Jr. and Camren Fonville. Also surviving are two siblings, Summer “Sasha” Miller of Lockport, NY, Alaric (Cady) Murg of Nashville, TN, and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great nephew.

Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 2PM – 5PM at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103 where a memorial service will start at 5:00 PM. All attending the service are invited to the celebration of life from 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM in the Emerald Conference Room at the Best Western of Lockport 515 S Transit St, Lockport, NY 14094. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

MEDINA – Debra S. Russo, 70, passed away unexpectedly at home on March 26, 2023.

She was born on August 14, 1952 in Medina, the daughter of the late Matthew McCauley and Helen (Kubatek) Mauragis.

Debbie was a resident of Medina all her life. Ever the entrepreneur, she began her business life with her husband, Joseph Russo in the operation of P&J Construction. She branched out on her own with the Wicker & Gift Gallery on Main Street in Medina. Later, Debbie founded, owned and operated Rudy’s Diner on West Center Street. Her businesses never kept her from her enjoyment of her family. Debbie loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She continued her life at Rudy’s up until her passing, it was her passion, along with caring for her three dogs, Sasha, Scooter and Violet.

She was predeceased by her former husband, Joseph Russo; her daughter, Kelly Russo Duffield both in 2019, and brother, Ronald McCauley in 2000.

Debbie is survived by her son, Anthony Russo of Ashville, NC; her grandchildren, Brody Hoffmeister (Jenna Pangrazio), Brett Hoffmeister (Brooke Cooper), Aubrey Hoffmeister (Brandon Arnett), Eden Russo, Francesca Russo and Charlotte Russo; and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Pat (Ancel) Lyons, Gloria (Fred) Fierch; brothers, Donald (Diane) McCauley and Michael (Kathy) McCauley; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 West Center St., Medina. A private interment will be done at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

PENFIELD – Patricia A. Hughes entered into rest peacefully at her home with her loving sons at her side on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Born January 9, 1937 in Brockport, she was a daughter of the late Adelbert and Hazel (Russell) Kane. Patricia married the late Robert E. Hughes, Jr. on July 6, 1957. A homemaker most of her life, she raised two children, Robert and Ronald, who will miss her dearly.

In addition to her parents, Patricia was predeceased by her husband, Robert in 2015; and two sisters, Shirley Bolton in 2010 and Elma Huffman in 2015.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Robert E. Hughes III and Ronald A. Hughes both of Penfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Patricia’s sons wish to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Michelle, Suzi and Amy for their kind care and support through these difficult times.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Her funeral will immediately follow at 12 p.m. and interment will be in Bates Road Cemetery. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

June 17, 1950–Feb.15, 2023

Carolyn Sue Dunn of Brockport, New York died of natural causes while vacationing in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, on Feb. 15, 2023. She was 72.

Carolyn was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 17, 1950 and moved with her parents, George T. and Betty C. Dunn, to Brockport when she was one year old. A resident of Brockport, she graduated from Brockport High School, received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Rochester, and a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport. She held various retail and marketing positions in the Rochester area and worked as a salesperson from approximately 1990 to 2010 in the family business in Brockport, Dunn’s Furniture.

In her youth Carolyn enjoyed snow skiing, showing, and riding horses, and water sports, including sailing and scuba diving. In later years, she was an active swimmer and did regular laps at the college pool in Brockport. She was a creative quilter and seamstress as well. Despite a diagnosed and treated mental health condition that limited some activities in her later years, Carolyn volunteered at the Morgan Manning House, loved reading, and especially enjoyed family gatherings and occasional trips to the Virgin Islands. She was very attentive to her parents’ needs in their later years, especially when both were in facilities for the elderly.

Carolyn is survived by her sister, Julia (San Diego, CA), brothers Todd (Sharon) Dunn and John (Wendy) Dunn of Spencerport, NY, and her six nieces and nephews: Dena (David Milliner) Emmerson (San Francisco, CA) and Laura Emmerson (Seattle, WA); Erin (Andy Martin) Dunn (Las Vegas, NV) and Colin Dunn (Providence, RI); and James Dunn (Madison, WI) and Kate Dunn (Rochester, NY).

A memorial service will be held Sat., April 15, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 14 State Street, Brockport. A combined reception with a light lunch and calling hours in the St. Luke’s parish hall will follow at 12 noon. All are welcome to attend either or both activities.

Internment, which is open to the public, will take place Wed., May 10, 2023 at 11 a.m., at Lakeview Cemetery, 4988 Lake Road, Brockport. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or the Morgan Manning House in Brockport.  Arrangements entrusted to Fowler Funeral Home Inc.

MIDDLEPORT – Donna L. Ribbeck, 72, died April 3, 2023 in Buffalo General Hospital following a short illness.

She was born March 25, 1951 in Lockport to Glenn and Louella (Hasser) Ribbeck, Sr. and was a life-long resident of this area.

Donna was a member of T.O.P.S., the MT. Morris VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and enjoyed reading and cooking.

Ms. Ribbeck was predeceased by her parents, and her siblings, Patricia and Glenn Ribbeck. Jr.

She is survived by her brother, Ernest (Marsha) Ribbeck of Medina; her sister, Evelyn Jones of Middleport as well as several nieces and nephews including a special niece, Carrie Ribbeck and special friend, Debbie Glenn.

The family will receive friends at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport, on Tuesday, April 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in Pioneer Cemetery in Akron.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304.  To share a special memory of Donna, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.