Obituaries

KNOWLESVILLE – Darwin L. Sills, 77, died Jan. 5, 2023 concluding a long and tough battle. He was born to C. LaVerne and Madeline M. (Emery) Sills on March 30, 1945 in Albion, New York.

He lived in the Knowlesville area his whole life. He graduated from Medina High School in 1964, then worked for Rochester Products Division for 30 years before retiring in 1995. Following this, he worked part time for Gordon-Fisk and Toussaint Farms for several years. Darwin also joined the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Dept. in 1963, and become a life member.

Darwin was an avid hunter, enjoyed bowling, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and his three four-wheelers. He also liked to take care of his classic cars, go golfing, and play cards. Darwin loved NASCAR, attending races over the years, including the Pocono Raceway in PA, Martinsville Speedway in VA, Daytona & Talledaga in FL and the Michigan International Speedway.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister-in-law, Bonnie L. Sills.

Darwin is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Cheryl Sills. He also leaves behind three children, Melynda (Jon) Brown, Kimberly (Philip) Castricone, and Mark (Tina) Sills; six grandchildren, Jacqueline (Derek) Stack, Tyler Brown, Chelsea Castricone, Jenna Castricone, Becca Sills and Adam (Bianca) Sills; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Elizabeth, and one on the way; brother, Marvin Sills; two nephews, Micheal (Rose) Sills and Bryan (Tangee) Sills.

A celebration of life will be held by the family at their convenience.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center- Dept. of Neurology at Strong Memorial Hospital, 300 East River Rd., Rochester, NY 14627.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Albion, NY. To share a special memory of Darwin, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ALBION – M. Joyce Winkelmann, 79, passed away January 5, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital.  She was born February 7, 1943 in Albion and had lived in this area all of her life.

Joyce’s life revolved around Holy Family Parish where she was a very active member. She took great pleasure in every opportunity to lector during weekly Mass. She was a member of Ladies of Charity, helped with the Bereavement Committee and served multiple terms as Regent and Vice-Regent of the local chapter of Catholic Daughters of America. She also served on the Town of Albion Zoning Board of Appeals.

Joyce enjoyed photographing nature and especially enjoyed watching the deer and birds.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Clarence. She is the mother of Charles Reynolds, MSG Christian (Rebecca) Reynolds; grandmother to Renee and Rachael Reynolds and Gavin James; sister to Linda (Jim) Freas and their daughter Terri Rowe. She is also survived by other family members.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to Holy Family Parish or Catholic Daughters or the Americas.

There are no prior calling hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Parish. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. Albion.

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

MEDINA – Mrs. Lucy L. Poole, 90, of Medina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the Orchard Rehab & Nursing Center.

She was born November 25, 1932 in Shellman, Georgia, a daughter of the late Kaywood and Eula Mae (Pitts) Moses.

At the age of 18 she moved North and has resided in the Medina area ever since. Mrs. Poole married the late Milton “Bo” Poole in 1951. A woman of strong faith, Mrs. Poole was a longtime member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Medina and currently the Royal Church of God in Christ in Kendall.

In addition to being the loving mother of nine daughters, Mrs. Poole worked for a number of factories in the Medina and Barker areas including Birdseye, H.J. Heinz Co., Fisher-Price Toys and T.J. Lipton Co., where she retired after 16 years. She also enjoyed picking apples and cherries and worked as a cook and housekeeper for the Bewley family in Lockport. Mrs. Poole was a woman of prayer and was also a beautiful singer. She loved the Lord, her church and her family dearly and will be missed by all that knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bo on February 28, 1992; and brother, Lonnie Taylor in 2008; great-great-grandson, Devante Boston; niece, Cynthia King; sons in-law, Johnny Crenshaw and George Darrell.

Left to cherish her memory are her nine daughters, Vivian Crenshaw of Rochester, Joyce Gardner of Albion, Evelyn Evans of Montgomery, AL, Eula Poole (Johnny Walker) of Lockport, Dolly Darrell of Montgomery, AL, Catherine (Bobby) Lindsey of Medina, Connie Poole of Lockport, Mary Poole of Medina and Theresa (Dave) Pinnock of Montgomery, AL; son in-law, Wilbert (Shonda) Boston of Auburndale, FL; a host of grandchildren, great, great-great and great-great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Kaywood Moses, Arthur Will Moses, Irene Dolores (Paradise) Jackson, Jackie Moses all of Albany, GA, Nadine Moses of NJ and Oscar Taylor of Niagara Falls, Gloria (Levy) Hill of Medina, Daszell Taylor of Lockport and Dorothy Charles of Medina; also many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Lucy’s neighbor, Vern for all of his acts of kindness over the years.

Her Going Home Service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12 starting with an hour of visitation from 12:00-1:00 p.m., immediately followed by her funeral service at 1:00pm at the First Baptist Church, 203 W. Center St., Medina. Burial will be in Boxwood Cemetery, Medina. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Nancy Jane Howard was born in Franklinville, NY on September 11, 1934 to Myrtle Gertrude Whittaker and William Howard. She died at home in Reno, NV on December 22, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. Nancy was a hard worker who spent many years working on the Smith farms in Medina, New York.  She moved to Reno, Nevada in 1990 and worked in the hotel industry and later at a flower shop, a job she loved.   She also loved her home, family, nature, animals, and especially the ocean. Trips to California to the ocean to visit family was her greatest pastime, especially whale watching and listening to the sound of the waves. Always on her bucket list was to take a cruise which she did with friends she made when working at Harrah’s Casino/Hotel in Reno.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 of her children-Leon Putt, Jr, Laura Kyle (Wayne), Patrick Putt and her granddaughter, Amber Jones. She is survived by her children Deborah Jones, William Putt (Beverly), and Wendy Putt of Medina, New York; Mary Barry (Ronald) of Albion, New York; and Robert Putt (Theresa) of Racine, Wisconsin. Special thanks to her beloved niece, Diana Winchell, who maintained lifelong contact with her and to the Constantino family of Reno, NV who were family to her and loved her dearly.

Per her request there will be no services and her ashes will be scattered in the ocean, at Lake Tahoe and in upstate New York. She was very loved and we will miss her terribly.

Our father, Richard A. Stillinger, went home to be with his Lord on January 3, 2023 at the age of 86 after a long struggle with Lewy-Body Dementia. He will be sadly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts.

Born August 16, 1936, in Medina, NY, Richard was the only child of Alice (DuBois) and Allan J. Stillinger. Richard served in the Army from 1954 to 1957 as a helicopter mechanic stationed in Germany. Upon his return home he married Diana Stamp of Chicago with whom he had one daughter. In 1960 he married Mary E. Bensley of Medina and raised three sons along with his daughter. Richard retired from Harrison Radiator Div. of GM in Lockport, NY in 2001, sold the home on Marshall Rd. that he had built with his own two hands, and began preparing a new home deep in the woods of Lyndonville, on land his father had owned since the 1940’s. He and Mary happily lived there until 2019, when his health began to deteriorate.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Alice and Allan.

He is survived by his four children: Debra (Gary) Lynch, Jay (Pam) Stillinger, Jon (Elaine) Stillinger, and Jeff (Connie) Stillinger, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many cousins and friends.

We were blessed to have him as our father. He will be greatly missed, but we look forward to the day when we see him again as we meet together in heaven for a great reunion.

Relatives and friends may attend a memorial service on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church, 12111 Ridge Rd. Medina, 14103. Burial will be private for the family.

Memorials may be made in Richard’s name to the church.

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

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

Kathleen M. Kelly, of Medina, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at the Medina Memorial Hospital.

Born in Medina on July 4, 1947, Kathy was a daughter of the late Joseph E. and Dorothy (Levanduski) Balcerzak. She graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1965 and married F. Michael Kelly, Jr. on May 27, 1967. The couple resided in Medina and had two children, Brian and Patrick. Kathy was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, St. Mary’s Church in Medina. She was an avid NASCAR fan and also loved to bowl and bowled in the local bowling leagues for many years. She also enjoyed going to steam shows. Kathy was a phenomenal cook and enjoyed canning vegetables from their garden with her husband, Mike. Kathy’s family was her heart and soul.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Michael Kelly of Medina; sons, Brian Kelly of Rochester and Patrick Kelly of Medina; brother, Paul (Hilary) Balcerzak; sisters in-law, Jane Balcerzak and Marlene (Clarence) Smith; also several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, James Balcerzak.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, Jan. 9 from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St., Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Multiple Sclerosis Association at https://mssociety.donordrive.com/campaign/In-loving-memory-of-Kathleen_M_Kelly.  Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Basom – Lee C. Prentice, 82 of Basom, passed away on Monday, (January 2, 2023) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Prentice was born August 29, 1940 in Medina, a son of the late Roy and Joyce (North) Prentice.

Lee was a lifetime member of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department and a social member of the American Legion Post 626 in Basom. He was the owner of Prentice Auto Parts in Basom. Lee enjoyed racing, and took pride in having built many race cars over the years, both for dirt and asphalt tracks. He was an avid bowler, and competed in tournaments in Reno, Las Vegas, and Syracuse.

Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Carol (Scroger) Prentice; children, Russell and Leann Prentice; great-grandchildren, Russell and Justin Muntz; and brothers, Steven and Bruce Prentice.

He is survived by his daughter, Stacy (Ron) Swimline of Basom; grandchildren, Mike (Heather Captain) Swimline of Alabama, and Nicole (Corey Klase) Muntz of Alabama; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Reed, and Blair; sisters, Alair (late Norman) DuBois of Medina, and Valerie Prentice of Texas; sister-in-law, Rita Prentice of North Carolina. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 3 to 8:00 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield, where Lee ‘s Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Medina.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prentice Family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Anthony L. Stachewicz, age 70, of Gasport and formerly Medina, entered into Heavenly rest on Saturday, December 31, 2022 following a short illness.

Born May 24, 1952 in Medina, Tony was a son of the late John “Sharky” Stachewicz, Sr. and Ethel “Irene” (Pritchard) Stachewicz. He was a graduate of Lyndonville High School class of 1970. Tony went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1972-1974. Tony married the former Beverly J. Farewell on August 6, 1988. He worked at Fisher-Price Toys, then the Lyndonville Vinegar Factory and finally for Perry’s Ice Cream, where he retired. He enjoyed gardening and landscaping. Tony was above all a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Predeceased by his father, John in 2000; mother, Irene in 2018; brother, Michael (Alice) Stachewicz in 2011; and a niece, Laura Stachewicz Yates in 2019.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife and best friend of 45 years, Beverly Stachewicz; daughter, Kati (Bill) Draper; grandson, Sean Draper; siblings, John (Marge) Stachewicz, Jr., Sandra (Thomas) Taylor, Teresa Gean and Suzanne (Edward) Schutt; also several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Jan. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by interment in Royalton Mountain Ridge Cemetery, Gasport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Buffalo City Mission at www.buffalocitymission.org. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

FANCHER – Theodore A. “Ted” Fiorito Jr., 87, died December 31, 2022 in the Orchard Manor Rehab and Nursing Center following a long illness.

He was born August 11, 1935 in Albion to Theodore and Angeline (Passarell) Fiorito, Sr. and was a lifetime resident of this area.

Ted was a United States Marine Corps veteran and served during the Korean War era. He served over 65 years as a firefighter and over 41 years as a commissioner for the Fancher, Hulberton and Murray Fire District. He also served over 38 years as Chairman of the Board for The Fancher, Hulberton and Murray Fire Department. He was a founder and member of the Orleans County Fire Chiefs’ Association and served two years as President and 15 years as Secretary/Treasurer. Ted was also a retiree of Eastman Kodak, Co. and owned and operated Upstate Fire Equipment.

Mr. Fiorito was predeceased by his son, Theodore A. Fiorito, III.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances; his children, Angela Fiorito of Irondequoit, Mary Jo LoTurco of East Rochester, and Joseph Fiorito of Spencerport; his brother, Fred Fiorito of NYC; grandchildren, Jacob, Joel and Richard; and great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Brody and Jared.

His calling hours and funeral service will be held in the springtime with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Murray Joint Fire District, 7 Thomas St., PO Box 495, Holley, NY, 14470 or Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 Rt. 31 West, Albion, NY, 14411.

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

MEDINA – Janet K. Meier, 84, of Medina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 28, 2022.

Born October 28, 1938 in Medina, she was the daughter of the late William and Lydia (Hellert) Knuth.

Janet graduated from Medina High School in 1957, and married the late P. Charles Meier on June 22, 1963. Together, they made their home in Medina and raised a family of four children.

Janet was a lifelong and faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Medina, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served on the altar and ladies guilds. A homemaker most of her life, Janet also worked in the Oak Orchard Elementary School cafeteria.

Janet’s main focus in life was her loving family. In her later years, she was assisted by a team of dedicated personal care aides, especially Rosemary Eden, for whom her family will be eternally grateful. Janet will be fondly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, P. Charles, on December 24, 2007; and her brother, Donald Knuth in 2000.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children, Ellen (Roger Calhoun) Meier, Charles J. (Elizabeth) Meier, Sharon (Bryan) Kleinhans and Andrew (Richard Sarrero) Meier; five grandchildren, Justin Calhoun, Madison (Michael Moody) Calhoun, Dayna Kleinhans, Katie Meier and Michael Kleinhans; sister in-law, Helen (Paul) Petit; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1212 West Avenue, Medina, where her funeral service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave., Medina, MAAC Food Pantry, or a charity of one’s choice.

Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

MIDDLEPORT – Mary Lou Maynard, 87, of Middleport, NY, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022 at her home with her loving family at her side.

She was born on July 3, 1935 in Lackawanna, NY, the daughter of the Late Frank and Mary Heary, and lived in this area most of her life.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Gerald in 2006.

Mary Lou was the owner and operator of Mary Lou’s Beauty Shop for over 51 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, gardening, as well as planning and celebrating annual class reunion luncheons with many of her dear friends from North Collins High School. Mary Lou was also a devoted parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish.

She is survived by her daughters Kathleen (Ronald) Berlin, Patricia (Lance) Mark, and son Frank (Barbara) Maynard; cherished grandchildren Adrienne Berlin, Hilary (Nathan) Partin, Ashley Berlin, Jarod (Ashley) Brundage, Amelia (Jakob) Mickley, Christina Maynard and Benjamin Maynard; and four great-grandchildren Jameson, Jonah, and Jaxon Mickley and Catherine Berlin.

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on January 7, 2023 at Holy Trinity Parish, 211 Eagle St. Medina, NY 14103. A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made in her name to Holy Trinity Parish, 211 Eagle St. Medina, NY 14103.

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

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

Timothy M. Murphy, 27, of Lockport, formerly of Lyndonville, passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022.

Born November 30, 1995, Timothy grew up on Murphy’s Berry Farm on Rt. 18 in Lyndonville. His home was always filled with the raucous laughter of friends and family. Many of his days were spent exploring nature and making mischief with his brothers.

Timothy attended Lyndonville Central Schools and graduated from Barker High School in 2013. He attended the culinary arts program through BOCES and went on to attend NCCC for culinary arts as well. Timothy was an avid animal lover. He was also very artistic and loved to draw and paint.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Duane Murphy and Mary Askey; brother, Tyler Murphy; grandparents, Burrel and Arlene Murphy; and uncles, Kevin Murphy and Randy Murphy.

Local survivors include his siblings, Kathryn Richards, Chris (Jocelyn) Murphy and Tricia (Ian) Goodrich; his cousin by blood but brother at heart, Steven Murphy; aunts and uncle, Kathy Murphy, Judy Murphy and Anthony (Lisa) Murphy. Timothy also has extended family in Pennsylvania, grandmother, Sharon Askey; uncles, Brian Askey, Mike Askey; and aunt, Tina Bainey.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the PAWS Animal Shelter at www.paws14411.com or to the Dale Association at www.daleassociation.com.

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

KENT – Margaret “Margie” Petro, 72, passed away on December 29, 2022.

She was predeceased by her parents, Michael Petro and Olga (Jahasz) Petro.

She is survived by her beloved partner, John Velky; son, Michael (Celia) Milota; granddaughter, Fiona; also William Velky and Madison and many cousins.

Margie was born in Ithaca and graduated fromTompkins-Cortland Community

College. she worked as an electronics technician at Kodak and as a computer systems operator at IBM.

Services and interment will be held privately. To leave a message of condolence, please visit:

www.Miller1889.com.

On Sunday, December 25, Joyce Elizabeth Jess passed away. She was 95 years old. Born to Mildred and John Collins on Oct. 29, 1927.

She was the older sister of Bruce Collins and Avis Collins Williams.

Joyce graduated from Brockton High School and went on to apprentice to become a tailor. Joyce also worked as a baker and telephone operator before being married.

Joyce married Thurman Sheldon Jess in 1948. They were together for nearly 55 years. They both loved to spend a couple of weeks every summer in Cape Cod. Both were also fanatic Buffalo Bills fans. One did not dare call them during football season if a game was being played!

Joyce was an avid reader, able to read through 4-5 books a week. Braiding wool rugs, quilting projects, knitting, needlepoint and cross stitch were amount her many talents. She taught tailoring classes in Holliston night school during the late 1960s as well as during her time in California at Leah’s Fabric Gallery. During the 1970s, she worked at JCPenney managing their fabric department.

She and her husband were long-time residents of Lyndonville, NY. Previously residing in Pittsford, NY, Mundelein, IL, Orange, CA, and Holliston, MA. Joyce had more recently moved to Brockport for these last 5 years.

She is predeceased by her husband, Thurman and older son, Richard. She leaves behind daughters – Christine Marrocco and Jennifer Jess of Rochester and her son – David Jess of Fort Lauderdale, FL, also, three granddaughters: Kirsten Lamb of Greece, Stephanie Hopkins of Hilton and Kerribeth Miller of Clarksville, TN plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On Wednesday, Jan. 4,  a memorial service will be held. Calling hours are from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a memorial service from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl Street, Medina, NY 14103. Interment in Lynhaven Cemetery, 12 Housel Avenue, Lyndonville, NY 14098 will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Yates Community Library, 15 North Main Street, Lyndonville, NY 14098. Please light a candle or share a memory of Joyce at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

Roger W. “Coonie” Coon Jr. 57, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 28, 2022.

Born on March 5, 1964 in Albion, NY, he was the son of Neomia (Scholes) Coon and the late Roger W. Coon Sr.

On August 25, 2018 he married the former Jill Wieneke and together they made their home in Lyndonville. Coonie was a dedicated employee with the Chaffee Family Farm, which he loved the job and his work family. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He also was a diehard Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed drinking his beer.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jill Coon; his siblings, David (Eileen) Coon, Darlene (Ed) Fischette, Jeff Coon, Kim (David Barker) Coon, Eric (Teresa) Coon, Laurie Midkiff, Jerry Kwiatkowski and Butch Holmes. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren.

Besides his father, he is predeceased by a son, Roger Coon III and a sister, Sandy Kwiatkowski.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 10 AM-11 AM at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church, 12111 Ridge Rd, Medina, NY 14103 where a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM with the Pastor, Daniel A. Thurber officiating. 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 Coonie at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

Surrounded by her loving children, Darlene Mae Moyer Willett, 76, of Nunda, NY peacefully passed away on December 1, 2022.  Darlene was born on March 27, 1946 in Troxelville, PA. She will be sadly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts.

She was predeceased by Ruth Moyer Sparks, Harry Bropst, Roy Kerstetter, Joe Lamey, Dale Kerstetter, Mary Weader, Rick Kerstetter and so many other loved aunts, uncles, cousins, and family members.

She is survived by brothers Thomas Kerstetter and Gerald (Sally) Bropst, sisters Carol Sodoma, Melodie (Greg) Sparks-Stewart; Sister-in-law June Kerstetter, her adored children Dennis Mandigo, Lori Yockey, Kelly (Joe) Furness, Stacy (Jeremy) Dean-Prince; grandchildren Nichole (Roger) Phillips, Jessica, David and Nicolas Mandigo, Sam (Kim) and Mariah Giglio, Jaden and Jason Conn, Brody Furness, Jesse, Alexis, Anna, Ramsey and Alena Dean-Prince; Great grandchildren Hayley and Nolan Phillips and Aveena Mae Richards; Forever Friend Frank Mandigo; Caring Companion David Swain in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the lovely ladies from Woodside Apts.

She loved reading, casinos, bingo and playing cards, well actually to be more accurate she loved winning in cards! (The names she would call us when she lost hahaha). She got the biggest kick out of us girls claiming each of us was her favorite and we would always try to be the one to say “I love you most.”  The smile and laughter that would always come with the friendly banter will be a memory that helps us get through the rough days.  Although she is not with us physically anymore, she will always be with us in heart and memories. Mom wanted to leave this world and enter heaven in very specific ways … we are glad to say she did it her way and through all the tears and brokenness we are happy she is in a better place.  We miss you mom and will always love you.  Until we are together again …..

(HOLLEY) Lori K. Lischer, age 55, died December 27, 2022 in Strong Memorial Hospital.  She was born November 25, 1967 in Stoughton, MA to Louis and Donna (Greenwood) Sodani, Jr. and had lived in this area since 1991.

Lori worked as a Secretary for the Brockport Central School and as a Medical Secretary at Lakeside Memorial Hospital.  She enjoyed crafting and had a booth to sell her crafts at the Carriage Place Crafts and Antiques complex.  Lori also enjoyed playing card games and board games.  She was a New England Patriots fan and had a great love for animals of all kind.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years Eric, her daughter: Caitlin Lischer of IN, her step-daughter: Chelsea Randall of NH, her brother: Louis M. Soldani III of MA, her sister: Lisa (Gerard) Fortier of MA, her niece and nephews: Kendall, Troy, Timmy and her faithful companion and beloved dog, “Dusty”.

There will be no calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Lori’s Life on Friday January 13 from 5-10pm at the Brockport Conservation Club, 291 Ladue Road, Brockport, NY, 14420.  Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Fairport, NY, 14450.  Lori’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.  To share a special memory of Lori, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

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.

There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Bates Rd. Cemetery in the spring at a time to be announced.

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 – James N. Reed, 77, died December 26, 2022 in United Memorial Medical Center following a short illness.  He was born September 20, 1945 in Lockport to Norman and Doris (Costello) Reed.  He graduated from Barker Central Schools in 1963 and was a lifetime resident of this area.

Jim was a truck driver for Pilon Construction as well as an equipment operator for Root Brothers Farm.  He was a social member of the Albion Exempts, the Sheret Post American Legion and was elected and served on the Barker Board of Education.  In addition, Jim was a member of the Tonawanda American Legion Band, was passionate about agriculture and working for the American farmer and he enjoyed socializing and laughing with his friends. 

Mr. Reed was predeceased by his wife Linda Horn Reed and sons: Richard and David.

He is survived by his daughter: Jennifer DiLorenzo of Lockport; his stepchildren: Lee (Patricia) Horn Jr. of Gasport, Lisa (Anthony) LaRose of Lockport, and Lynette (Timothy) Shoaf of LA; his sisters: Elizabeth (Arthur) Bergman of Ontario, Canada, Rebecca (Daniel) Connolly of Wilson, and Jaclynne (Cheryl Stuper) Reed of Brewerton; 11 grandchildren who knew him as “Boppa”: Cassandra, James, Ashlee, Melodie, Adrian, Amber, Jessica, Mitchell, Christopher, Tabetha, and Nichole; 11 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend Jim’s Celebration of Life, Saturday January 7^th, 2023 at 1 p.m. in the Gasport Fire Hall.  Interment in Hartland Central Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Roy-Hart Chapter of the FFA, any local American Legion or any local Fire Department.  Jim’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home of Gasport. To share a special memory of Jim, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Abbott Francis Brownell, Jr., of San Diego, California and Castine, Maine, died December 4, 2022, after a brief time in hospice in St. Petersburg, Florida. His beloved sister Terri Brownell was by his side.

Abbott Brownell was born September 10, 1942, in Buffalo NY, the son of Abbott Francis Brownell Sr. and Louise O’Donnell Brownell. He grew up in Medina, New York and graduated from the Gow School. He joined the U.S. Navy and served from 1962-1966, as a radar operator aboard the U.S.S Lowe, a destroyer escort and radar picket ship, off the coast of Vietnam. After leaving service, he attended Leicester Junior College (now Becker College) in Worcester, Massachusetts.

In 1977, Abbott moved to San Diego for its beautiful climate and close connection to the U.S. Navy. Always fascinated by technology, he spent the early years of the computer revolution as a computer consultant. He was a very active member of the “Under the Computer Hood Users Group” or UCHUG. He was also active in the Sportsman Club of America, which provided technical support to car races in California, and a gathering of friends called the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group.

Abbot spent almost every summer since childhood at the rustic family home in Castine, Maine. An avid and expert sailor, he raced the family sailboat, Kate, in races staged by the Castine Yacht Club. 

A kind, gentle, funny, loving soul, Abbott made friends wherever he went. He was a regular sight at Dennett’s Wharf, Castine’s local pub, and his late-summer birthdays were attended by scores of friends, both summer and year-round residents.  He was also known as an inveterate punster. He will be remembered for all the terrible groans that made us laugh. Abbott and Terri shared their house, with its incomparable view of Penobscot Bay, generously with family and friends for decades.

He is survived by sister Teresa (Terri) Brownell of St. Petersburg,Fla, brother Dr. Will Brownell, of New York City. Brother, George Brownell, niece Brenda (Gary) Banazwski, nephew David Brownell, great-niece Brittany Marciszewski and great-nephew Noah Banazwski, all of Medina. A memorial service and internment will take place next summer in Castine, Maine.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hatch Community Youth Fund (https://thehatchfund.org/).