Obituaries

ALBION – Brenda Starr Cruz, 63, passed away April 16, 2023 at the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY.

Brenda was an avid player of all games, especially crosswords and BINGO. She enjoyed reading a good book and loved owls.

Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Marylou Grove, and her son David Grove.

Brenda is survived by her children, Mary Cruz and Gregory Grove; grandchildren, Talia, Carlos, Maria, Raul, Anayeli, Damian and Ticarria; siblings, Sherry (Duffy) Rex, Robby (Ann) Grove and Steven Grove as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service to celebrate Brenda’s life will be held on Friday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411. To share a special memory of Brenda, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Ruth Marvetta (Gilbert) Letts, 95, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the Mills Manor Nursing Home in Mayfield, Kentucky.

Mrs. Letts was born in Wolcottsville, New York on October 30, 1928, to the late Merritt Herbert Gilbert and Sylvia Hazel (Leppien) Gilbert. Mrs. Letts retired from Fisher-Price and was of the Lutheran Faith.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Letts was preceded in death by her husband, Stewart Letts; one sister, Mildred Sylvia French; two brothers, LaVerne Merritt Gilbert and Gerald William Gilbert; and by one grandson, Benjaman Stewart Letts.

Mrs. Letts is survived by one son, James Stewart Letts of Benton, Kentucky; one grandson, James Charles Letts and wife Amy of Mayfield, Kentucky; as well as three great-grandchildren, Garrett, Olivia, and Jase Letts, all of Mayfield, Kentucky.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 1 p.m. in the Murray Memorial Gardens chapel. Rev. Kerry Lambert will officiate, and entombment will follow.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Online condolences can be made at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com.

ALBION – John Murray Dailey was born in Albion, N.Y. on June 26, 1931, to William Murray Dailey (who went by “Murray”) and Mary Connors Dailey.

John was raised in Albion, graduating from Albion High School in 1948. He graduated Niagara University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

John was then admitted to Harvard Law School, his most profound and favorite educational experience. After being invited to Harvard Law Review, he graduated highly ranked in the Class of 1955 and was a proud alumnus, following the school closely for years.

After law school, John took an unusual path and spent the next three years driving harness horses throughout New York State for his father’s stable. His racing career was brief but glamorous; it was the late 1950s and tracks were jammed with tens of thousands of spectators (and bettors) each night. John’s unusual combination of law degree and harness racing won him national notice, including profiles in the New York Times and Boston Globe, a radio interview with Howard Cosell, a print feature by famed syndicated sportswriter Red Smith, and even an appearance as a winning contestant on the then-popular prime-time network TV game show, “What’s My Line?,” in August 1958. (The segment with John is available on YouTube at the 20-minute mark right after tennis champ Althea Gibson.)

In 1957, one of his law school classmates invited him to dinner with an acquaintance named Marie Carr. Marie worked in PR in Manhattan and led a lively social life. In later years, they fondly recalled their immediate connection at dinner, and they were married within 15 months in 1958.

After marrying, John took a job in Rochester, N.Y., at Dynacolor Corp. The newlyweds moved to Brockport, where their first child, John, was born in 1959. In 1961, he combined his twin passions of law and horse racing when he took a job in New York City as a lawyer at the NYS Harness Racing Commission. The young family moved to Eastchester, N.Y., where sons James and William were born in 1961 and 1965.

Professionally, John spent most of his career as chief counsel for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board. The lone exception to this long public service was a 4-year stint as a solo practitioner in Albion in the early 1970s. John had many accomplishments as a lawyer and was well-respected when he retired in the late 1990s. Notably, he sat “second chair” at the US Supreme Court in 1979, seeing a case he had initiated argued victoriously before the Court by the NY State Attorney General’s Office.

John and Marie retired to Albion in 1996, and soon after began splitting the year between Albion and Deland, Fla. They loved the small-town feel and tranquility of both places. In later years, John was a loving caregiver to Marie, who passed away in 2016 after a long illness. In recent years, John lived with his nephew Mark Christy, who is the son of John’s late sister, Susan. As roommates, John and Mark enjoyed playing golf and caring for John’s loyal dog, Brit.

Throughout his life, John’s main focus was always his family. He consumed news and information voraciously, routinely conquered the NY Times crossword and other challenging puzzles, and was a tough debate opponent, so one needed to know their stuff to engage with him. He reveled in raucous playtimes with his sons, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He followed sports, especially golf, the Buffalo Bills and the NY Yankees (his late wife’s favorite team). He had a great sense of humor, laughed easily and was not above roaring at the dumb jokes of teenagers.

Until his last days, John played golf three times a week with his League friends in each of Albion and Florida. John was also a fan of streaming TV programs, especially foreign detective shows. He loved to drive and listen to audio books, with detective stories a constant. He was a regular churchgoer (and generous benefactor), and his faith was a constant.

John was predeceased by his siblings, including Patricia Quarantello and Susan Christy.

He is survived by his three sons, John (Angela), Jim (Eileen) and Bill (Kris); his seven grandchildren, James, Meghan, Mary, Julia, Will, John and Caroline; and his three great-grandchildren, Conor, Fiona and Weldon.

He passed away believing he would soon be reunited with loved ones, and his family takes comfort in the strength of his belief.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Parish/St. Joseph’s Church in Albion. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion, N.Y.

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

MEDINA – Florence L. McKee passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Born May 19, 1929 in Shawmut, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Adam and Josephine (Snyder) Carr.

Florence married the late Paul P. McKee on September 20, 1947. The couple resided in DuBois, PA until 1952 when they moved to the Medina area. Early on Mrs. McKee worked for Brockway Glass in Brockway, PA and then for Birdseye in Medina and finally General Electric and Black and Decker in Brockport, where she retired from in 1989. Florence and her husband enjoyed camping and travelling in the summers. She also enjoyed arts and crafts and most of all loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Florence was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Paul P. McKee in 2017; son, Duane McKee in 2009; sister, Dorothy (John) Newell; and son in-law, Michael Hudomint.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Irene Hudomint of Royalton Center, Diana (Edward) Fackler of Medina and Deborah (Thomas) Koch of Las Vegas; daughter in-law, Sheryl McKee; eight grandchildren, Larry Hudomint, David (Shauna) McKee, Scott (Debbie) McKee, Doreen Maertin, James (Karlin) Grinnell, Daniel (Torie) Grinnell, Alicia (Jordan) Copenhafer and Amanda (Brett) Kast; several great and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Melvin (late Virginia) Carr and Norman (Mary) Carr; and several nieces and nephews.

Her memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 20, at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1212 West Ave., Medina. Interment will be in Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Romulus, NY. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Albion/Middleport- Sandra “Sandy” K. Murphy, age 75, passed away on April 17, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 9, 1947 in Humbolt, NE to the late Kenneth and Frances (Cusimano) Clark. Sandy was an avid golfer and worked at the Niagara County Golf Course for almost 20 years before she retired. Sandy was a member at Shelridge Country Club in Medina for many years. She spent most winters in Florida and enjoyed going on outings with her family. Family was her greatest love and she spent as much time with them as she could. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Gary Murphy, son, Clark Lewis, and brother-in-law, David Salvatore. Sandy is survived by her children, Sean Pillo, Sharon (Keith) Dunker, Robert (Crystal) Jaquin, Bernard (Jennifer) Lewis, 14 grandchildren, Austin, Nico, Dominic, Adriana, Kory (Shirley), Jeffrey, Danielle, Raychel, Justin (Caitlin) Hailey, Kelsey, Tracey, Samantha, Clark, 4 great-grandchildren, Riley, Lucas, Salena, Kaia, sisters, Linda Salvatore, Marilyn (John) Burgoon, dear cousin, Carol (Dave) Riviere, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home 4521 Main St. Gasport, NY 14067 on Thursday April 20th from 4:00-7:00pm. Her funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, April 21st at 11:00am. Interment will take place privately in Cold Springs Cemetery in Lockport. Memorial contributions in Sandy’s name may be made to Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094. To share a special memory of Sandy, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Entered into heavenly peace on April 11th, 2023. Peyton was born on May 27th, 1997 in Rochester, NY.

He was a graduate of Greece Athena High School, class of 2015. He went on to earn his degree in Psychology, from Suny Cortland.

Peyton enjoyed life…His exuberance was contagious, and his smile would light up any room. He enjoyed hunting and was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills. But his greatest joy came from his family.

Peyton was predeceased by his uncle, Kevin McKain and his great grandfather, Carmen Sorino, and great grandparents Gordon MacPherson and Jane MacPherson. Peyton was raised by his mother Danielle Brant, father Joseph McKain and stepmother (Carrie McKain). Additional survivors include his beloved dog Stella, his soulmate and companion; Siblings include Kolin, Joey, Jayce, and Taylor Piccone; Grandparents include Joseph and Sandra McKain. Jackie French, Rick French, Kevin and Elizabeth Corcoran, and Laurette Ireland; Great Grandmother Diane Wood, several loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, April 20th at Mother of Sorrows Church in Greece, NY.

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.