Obituaries

MEDINA- Sandra A. (Gardner) Fox of Medina, NY passed away on October 23, 2023 surrounded by her loving family, at age 75.

She was born on July 4, 1948, in Potsdam, NY, a daughter of the late Maurice and Sharleen Gardner. Sandra is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Joseph Fox; her daughters, Jocelyn (Brian) Wilson and Jill (Kyle) Newman; grandchildren, Brooke, Cody, Connor and Claire; brothers, Charlie Gardner, Thomas (Terri Charlone) Gardner and Stuart (Valerie White) Gardner; and he extended family that includes brothers and sisters in-law, several nieces and nephews and her many friends.

Sandra worked as a 4th grade Elementary Teacher at Lyndonville Central School for 30 years. After retirement, Sandra loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed quilting, playing scrabble, gardening and weekly trips to the casino. Sandra also cherished her yearly trips to Myrtle Beach and Florida.

A private celebration of her life will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your time to help our understaffed long-term care facilities. The family would appreciate any memorial donations in Sandra’s memory to be made to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, PO Box 684, Medina, NY 14103 or to the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave, Medina. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences and memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

ALBION – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Martha (Saeva) DePeters on October 22, 2023 at the age of 101. She was born on August 2, 1922 to Pasquale and Antoinette (Barber) Saeva. She was a resident of Albion her entire life and was a graduate of Albion Central School.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, A. Louis DePeters, her siblings, Rose Monacelli, John Saeva, Mary Stevens, Nunzio Saeva, Ann Colonna and Joseph Saeva. She is survived by her children, Sandra (William) Osterhout, Louis (Debra) DePeters, Stephen (Karen) DePeters and her grandchildren, Marielle (Brian) Kulbok, Michael (Laura) DePeters, Jessica (Dan) Capurso and Robert Gallagher as well as six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Martha was a strong, determined, independent woman who lived life on her own terms. Above all else, she loved her family. Our sincerest gratitude the staff of Hospice of Orleans and to Eileen and Karen whose care and friendship enabled our mother to remain in the home she loved. She will be missed every day.

There will be no calling hours. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Family Church (St. Joseph’s), Thursday October 26^th at 9 a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Albion.  In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Hospice of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion NY 14411. Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion.

To Share a memory of Martha, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Johnny F. Bordeaux Sr., 85, of Delco, North Carolina, died peacefully at home on Thursday, October 19, 2023, with his faithful companion Lorde by his side.

Born on April 20, 1938, in Delco, N.C., he was the son of the late Edward and Mary (Malpass) Bordeaux.

Johnny was married to the late and former Judy Bernasconi for over fifty years.

He is survived by his son, Johnny F. (Kimberly) Bordeaux Jr., a daughter, Teresa Malpass Squires, and four grandchildren, Brett Bordeaux, Michaela (Micheal) Nundy, Julius Malpass and Destiny Capers. Also surviving are two great-grandsons, Braiden and Kentrell.

There are no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

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

ALBION – Francis C. “Hank” Hellert, age 85, died October 20, 2023 in Unity Hospital following a brief illness. He was born February 12, 1938 in Medina to Francis and Isabelle (Voelker) Hellert and was a life-long resident of this area.

Hank had served in the Army National Guard and retired as a pipefitter for NYSEG. He was a member of the Albion Lions Club, the Albion Lodge 1006 BPOE, and was the oldest member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Medina.

Hank also was a Little League coach for many years and in addition, enjoyed watching sporting events that his children and grandchildren took part in. He was one of the founders of, and also worked at the Albion Purple Eagles Concession Stand. Hank enjoyed traveling with friends, traveling to see his grandchildren, working as the “Engineer” on the Watt’s Farm Train Excursions into the orchards, and hanging out at the coffee shop.

Mr. Hellert was predeceased by two sisters: Norma Hagen and Alice McArdle.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia; his son, Leigh (Beth Ann) Hellert of VA; his daughter, Laurie (Boyce) Sherrill of AR; his brother, Wayne (Judy) Hellert of RI; 5 grandchildren, Michael, Bradley, Emily, Cole and Matthew as well as several dear nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to attend Hank’s Memorial Service, on Friday, Oct. 27, in St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1355 West Avenue, Medina, NY, 14103 beginning at 3 p.m. Private interment in Mt. Albion Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10306 or St. Peter Lutheran Church at the address listed above.

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

KENDALL – Jeffery A. Speelman, age 68, died unexpectedly at home October 17, 2023.  He was born June 16, 1955 in Tonawanda to Kenneth and Wilma (Hawkins) Speelman and had lived in this area since the early 1980’s.

Jeff was a United States Navy Veteran and an avid woodworker.  He enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing as well as cooking and shopping.  Jeff was a good, kind-hearted person who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.  He also enjoyed going around the neighborhood and giving away cookies that he personally baked.  Jeff will also be remembered as a loving grandfather to Aiden.

He is survived by his wife of almost 32 years Wendy, his daughter: Toni (Andrew) Gilbert of Rochester, his grandson: Aiden Gilbert, his best friend and brother: Wade Caffery of Kendall, several nieces and nephews and his 4-legged children: Peanut, Striker, Nike and Apollo.

There will be no calling hours.  A private service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.  Jeff’s services have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Holley.   

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

ALBION – Ann Louise (Klingenberger) Clack, age 84, of 208 Crystal Drive Broadway, NC, formerly of Albion, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Ann was born July 21, 1939, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Helen (Warren) Klingenberger. Ann had an older brother, Karl Klingenberger, deceased and a younger sister, Rita (Klingenberger) Hammond, deceased.

Please pray for Ann’s family, Norman Clack, husband of 66 years; three married sons, Kenneth/Cathy of Broadway, NC, Gary/Sally of Banning, CA, Timothy/Denise of Northfield, MN, seven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, as they mourn their loss.

In 1957, Ann graduated high school as a member of the National Honor Society. Later working for the US Naval hospital system in Long Beach, CA, and Charleston, SC, retiring with 24 years of service.

There will be a celebration of life service for family and friends at the Broadway United Methodist Church, located on Church Street in Broadway, NC, on Wednesday, October 25^th, 2023 at 3:00PM.

Services entrusted to Adcock Funeral Home, Spring Lake, NC.

HOLLEY – Gloria J. Gilman, age 74, passed away at her home, October 17, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.  Gloria was born September 7, 1949, in Rochester, NY, the daughter of the late Allan and Alice (Richardson) Bennett.  Gloria was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Holley and for over 30 years was a breeder of English Golden Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.  Gloria loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Gloria was predeceased by her brother Allan Bennett, daughter-in-law Joan and grandchildren Richard and Matthew, and brother-in-law Donald Lindenmuth.

Gloria is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Arthur Gilman; children John (Erin Gieder) Bennett, Timothy Gilman, Arthur James Gilman, Peter (Rose) Gilman, Paulette (Pam) Stockwell and Richard Gilman; sister Nancy Lindenmuth, daughter-in-law Christine Gilman; a aunt and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gloria’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes 16650 State Route 31, Holley on Friday October 20, from 4 to 7 p.m.  Gloria’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday October 21, at 9 a.m., followed by interment in Parma Union Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church 13 S. Main St. Holley, NY 14470 or P.A.W.S Animal Shelter 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY 14411.

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

KENT – William “Bill” R. Oliver, age 86, passed away peacefully October 17, 2023 with his family by his side.  He was born April 13, 1937, in Ilion NY, a son of the late Roswell and Ellen (Backus) Oliver.

Bill was a life-long resident of the Town of Carlton, a graduate of Kendall Central School and was a member of the Carlton Fire Department.  Bill served in the US Air Force as an aircraft mechanic then worked at Liptons in Albion as a machine mechanic.  He was also self-employed as a carpenter.  He was a member of the Orleans Vets Club in Albion and the Albion Sheret Post #35 American Legion. 

He loved spending winters at his home in Hudson, FL. Throughout the years, Bill enjoyed hosting camping parties at his home in Kent, fishing, snowmobiling locally and in Redfield, he had a passion for riding in small aircraft, playing computer solitaire and words with friends.  But most of all, Bill thoroughly enjoyed his Coors Light and socializing with friends at the “club(s)”.  Bill was an avid wood worker, taking on many types of projects and took pride in his workmanship.  He was a man of little words, but was strong willed with a sense of humor.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law Larry and Janice Oliver.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Nancy; daughters Karen (Mark) Collichio, Donna (Tommy) Cicero; grandchildren Katrina Moyer, Michele Collichio, Mark Collichio, Anthony (Jessica) Collichio, Jordan (Gina) Collichio, Stacee LaClair; great-grandchildren Devin Moyer, Blake (Kiara) Moyer, Keian (Alayna) Moyer, Julia Robinson, Brayden Collichio, Adriella Collichio, Aaliyah Collichio, Lily Modzelewski, Sienna Collichio; great-great-grandson Keian Moyer, Jr.  He is also survived by his brother Ken (Linda) Oliver, sister-in-law Judy (Jim) Plummer, as well as many nieces and a nephew.  A special thank you to Robin Roberts and Kristen Ferris for their additional support to Bill and his family.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 W. Ave. Albion, on Friday October 20^th from 4 to 7 p.m.  Private interment will be on Saturday in Kent Cemetery.

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

MEDINA – Merle Walter Brace, 72, of Medina, NY, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Rochester General Hospital.

Born on October 11, 1951, in Medina, NY, he was the son of the late Walter and Caroline L. (Ekerd) Brace.

Merle worked as a bartender for the former 31 Club in Medina and for the ARC in Albion, NY. On July 7, 2010, he married the former Rita Stone and together they were raising two granddaughters, Dalilah and Bailee. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping and hunting.

Merle is survived by his wife of 13 years, Rita, two daughters, Veronica and Jennifer Gean, six grandchildren, three siblings, Dorothy Bush, Catherine Cruise, and Cheryl Brace, all of Pennsylvania. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may attend a memorial service at 11:00 AM, on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Grove United Methodist Church, 11004 W Center St, Medina, NY 14103. Burial will be private for the family.

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

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

MEDINA – Charlotte Skellon entered into rest on Sunday, October 15, 2023 following a lengthy illness at the age of 80.

Born July 12, 1943 in Buffalo, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Margaret (Marcus) Baranyi. In 1955 Charlotte moved to the Medina area at the age of 12. On Labor Day, 1961 she married Lewis W. Skellon, Jr. The couple resided in the Medina area, raising a family of three children. In 1968 Charlotte began a long career at Harrison Radiator Div. of GM in Lockport, where she retired after 38 years. In retirement she enjoyed spending time with her family and also dining and socializing at the Country Club Restaurant “The Greeks” in Medina.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her former husband, Lewis Skellon, Jr. in 2013; and her brother, Charles Baranyi.

Survivors include her children, Lewis Skellon III of Lyndonville, Roxanne (Kevin) Henry of SC and Sherry Skellon of Medina; grandchildren, Jennifer (Don) Weikel, Aaron Wisniewski and Fallon Seiler; great-grandchildren, Emma Wisniewski, Damien Roy-Henry, Xavier Roy-Henry, Bella Pinkney, Aurora Weikel, Jason Pinkney and Levi Pinkney; and her sister in-law, Lorraine Nelson.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 3-6 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, where her funeral service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. Interment will be in Millville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY 14411 or at www.paws14411.com. Please share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

MEDINA- Dorothy Hamilton (née) Holloway January 30, 1956 — October 15, 2023 dies unexpectedly Sunday October 15,2023 at the age of 67. She was born January 30,1956 in Medina NY, the late William and Grace Holloway.

She worked at Walmart for over 20 years where she retired from early this year. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed music, dancing and having a good time in the presence of those she loved. One of her hobbies was gardening.

She is predeceased by her parents. William and Grace Holloway, her husband Calvin Hamilton, brothers William K Holloway Jr., Terry Holloway, and sister Peggy Lee (Richard) Banks.

She leaves behind five children Yolanda Simmons(Jatasva), Anthony Simmons(Crystal), Amber Simmons(William), Stephanie Simmons, Jasmine Simmons(Micheal), 12 grandchildren and one great grandson.

She also leaves behind her siblings Cornelia Holloway, Yvonne Satchwell, Kathy (Jeffery) Myers, Kelvin Holloway, Clara (Randy) Barnum, Casetra Holloway, and Matthew Holloway.
She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God, 1211 Ridge Rd., Medina, NY 14103 on Saturday October 21, from 11:00-12:00, followed by Dorothy’s Funeral Service at 12:00pm. Interment will be in Boxwood Cemetery.

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

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

ALBION- Helena Spychalski, September 20, 1927~September 20, 2023, 96, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on September 20, 2023 on her birthday.

Predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert Spychalski. She is survived by her daughters Roberta Bommele, (Mt. Pleasant, TN) and Jeanne Rogers (New Port Richey, FL), Granddaughter Bridget Davis (Jeff), Great granddaughter Hannah Davis.

Helena was born in Albion, New York and lived in the Holley area until relocating to Florida after retiring from her position as Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools for the Holley Central School District. She was a long time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Helena spent many hours crocheting and took great joy in completing all of her projects. Helena made and gifted over 1500 hats for Cancer patients, as well as hats for newborns and the homeless. She received a Challenge Coin from Pasco Sheriff Nocco for her selfless generosity of time and talent for gifting dozens of crocheted toys for distribution throughout Pasco County Florida.

Helena was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

A Memorial Mass was held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church (5340 High St.) Tuesday, September 26 at 10am. A reception followed in Monsignor Foynes Hall.

Inurnment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

HOLLEY – Lawrence L. Hazzard, age 77, entered into eternal rest on October 13, 2023 at home. Born August 20th, 1946 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Larry was the son of the late Helen Clark Hazzard and grew up in Catskill, New York.

Having graduated from SUNY Brockport with degrees in Physical and Health Education, Larry was known as Coach Hazzard to thousands of students & parents throughout his three-decade career in the Albion Central School district. His love for athletics carried over into his hobbies which included tennis, golf, fishing, and enthusiastic armchair participation in televised Syracuse University athletic events. That said, nothing gave him more happiness than family.

One of Larry’s greatest joys was having the summers free to spend with his children, with long days spent in the pool, at Darien Lake, or on family vacations. In retirement, his time became increasingly filled with his three granddaughters, around whom the sun rose and set. Throughout his courageous 20-year battle with cancer, his top priority was always his family. Never was there a more devoted and loving “Papa.”

Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Charlene, his children, Jeffrey and Jillian, and three granddaughters, Aubrey, Tessa, and Aria. He also leaves two sisters, Lynne and Rhoda, as well as numerous extended family members. We are all so blessed to have had him in our lives and he will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace.

Calling hours will be held at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home at 16650 State Route 31 in Holley, NY 14470 on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m., followed immediately by a short memorial service. Attendees are further invited to join the family and celebrate Larry’s life with food and fellowship at Larry and Charlene’s home after the conclusion of the service.

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

KENDALL – Jeanette M. (Beebe) Behnke, age 85, passed away in the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, October 13, 2023.  Jeanette was born on March 11, 1938, at the Beebe homestead on Lynch Road in Holley.

She graduated from Holley Central School in 1956 and from Highland Hospital School of Nursing, as a registered nurse in 1959.

William and Jeanette Behnke were married August 15, 1959.

Jeanette’s career began at the Arnold Gregory Hospital in Albion. For many years, she worked for the Holley and Kendall school districts as a substitute school nurse. Other jobs included nurse for the New York State Migrant Childcare Program and night supervisor at the Beikirch Nursing Home.

A longtime member of the Kendall Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, she held the offices for President and Treasurer over the years.

Knitting and crocheting were her favorite pastimes, over the years making many gifts for family and friends. Her hands were always busy. She was also known as an avid reader. She also enjoyed travelling and camping and loved making cookies for her grandchildren to enjoy.

Mrs. Behnke was predeceased by her parents Reed and Beatrice (Barrett) Beebe, brother Selden Beebe and a son-in-law Scott Heidemann.

She is survived by her husband William, son Michael (Janet) Behnke, daughters Sharon (Charles) Patt and Lisa (Scott Hass) Heidemann-Hass, grandchildren Elizabeth (Steven) Rienks, Christine Behnke, Bryan (Meg) Patt, Jason (Quinn) Patt, Reed (Kristina) Heidemann, Spencer (Erin) Heidemann, sister Maxine (Joseph) Nenni, sister-in-law Debra Beebe, nine great-grandchildren, and nephews Michael and Gregory Nenni, and Jeramie and Eric Beebe.

There are no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend Jeanette’s memorial service, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1769 Kendall Rd., Kendall.  Private interment in Beechwood Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 1769 Kendall Rd., Kendall, NY 14476 or the Kendall Fire Dept., 1879 Kendall Rd. Kendall, NY 14476

Jeanette’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY.

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

ORLANDO- David Lee Wolk, 84, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2023, after a brief illness.

David was born on February 27, 1939, to Norman and Dorothy Wolk in Rochester, NY. He was a graduate of Medina High School class of 1957, after which he married Angie Ottaviano and became father to two boys, Dan and Marty, who currently live in Orlando, Florida.  David was a loving and involved father, coaching and serving as the President of Medina Little League.

Later in life, he was blessed to be the grandfather of five grandchildren, Richard, Sam, Nick, Dan, Mitch, and three great grandchildren, Carter, Ruby and Melody.   He greatly enjoyed traveling down to Florida yearly to visit the family.

David started his adult life working in his father’s clothing store, Wolk Apparel, before making a transition into the restaurant business where he worked as a banquet manager at many restaurants, including the Apple Grove Inn in Medina, NY.

He lived in Hamburg, NY, for many years, working at the Lakeview Hotel, Russer Foods and Wegmans.  One of his favorite events was volunteering at the Erie County Fair parking cars.

For those who knew David, you know he was a people person at heart.  He never met a stranger.   He took every chance to get to know everyone he met.  He was famous for knowing all the waitresses and staff at any restaurant or bar he regularly visited.   He was an avid card player and for many years hosted a poker game in Niagara Falls which was attended by folks from all over the country.   He loved spending time with friends and family, and, of course, loved the Buffalo Bills.

David will be missed by all who knew and loved him.   There are no formal services planned.  A Celebration of Life gathering was held in David’s memory October 14, 2023, in Orlando, Florida

HOLLEY- James Logsdon, age 74, passed away peacefully at the Martin Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion, NY on October 8, 2023. He was born December 19, 1948, in Norman, OK., the oldest child of the late James and Esther (Durkat) Logsdon.  Jim retired from Eastman Kodak Co. after 33 years of service.  Jim loved working, but his passion was his family.  He was an avid sports fan, having coached his sons in numerous sports.  He was an “Amateur Political Pundit.”

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother David and sister Mary Jo Carpenter

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife Dana; sons Benjamin (Krysta) Logsdon and Jacob (Kari-Lynn Flow) Logsdon; grandchildren Emma, Isabelle and Silas; siblings, Dr. Gregory (Vicki), Mark (Paul Willink), Kevin (Lisa), Dr. Karen (Mike Capan), Loretta (Bill) Andris, Peter (Roberta); sisters-in-law, Mary West-Logsdon, brothers-in-law, Dennis Carpenter and Dorr Burns.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside committal service on Friday, October 27th at 1:00pm at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Orleans for the amazing, loving and devoted care given to Jim and his family.

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

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

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