Obituaries

John L. Foss, 75, of 309 Lisbon Bridge Rd., Garland, went to be with the Lord with his family around him on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

John was born March 21, 1947, in Orleans County, NY, to the late Leo (Bud) & Elizabeth Foss. John worked at Eastman Kodak up until he retired and soon afterward moved to NC. He farmed on his NY home property and was the owner of J & P Furnaces with his wife. He worked at Taylor Manufacturing up until he became sick.  John was a beloved member of Rowan Baptist Church in Clinton.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Ingold Cemetery in Garland, NC by the Reverend Clay Carter.

John leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife: Peggy Callard Foss of the home, three daughters: Cheryl Weldon of Ingold; Amy Foss-Moyer and husband Tracy of Ingold; Jennifer Freeman and husband Jason of Fayetteville, and six grandchildren: Jeremy Foss; Ashlee Sadler; Casey Pruitt; Liberty Jenks; Bradyn Jenks; Brycen Jenks, two great-grandchildren: Railee and Kinsley, and several cousins and many friends. We have all lost a great man.

Service by Carter Funeral Home in Garland. www.carterfh.com

Harold Edward “Ed” Rightmyer of North Chili, NY passed away Sun., Sept. 11, 2022. Formerly of Hulberton Rd. in Holley, NY.

Harold was born on Feb. 28, 1939, in Auburn, NY to his parents Harold and Charlotte Rafferty Rightmyer.

Survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann Wizorek Rightmyer. Mary Beth (Peter) Ferrari with Christopher and Elizabeth. Gerald (Annie) Rightmyer with Rachel. Jean Nothnagle with Collin and Nathan. Peter (Cheryl) Rightmyer with Jacob and Gregory. His sister, Elaine Long-Ellis, and several nieces and nephews.

Ed was employed at Marine Midland Bank in Rochester and Buffalo for 34 years and he retired from Rochester Community Savings Bank. Ed was very active in the WNY German Shorthaired Pointer Club. Judging and competing with his pointers, along with serving as President and treasurer. He also served on the board of directors of the Rochester Credit Bureau, serving as President as well.

For more information visit www.walkerbrothersfh.com

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

CARLTON – David M. Bertsch age 80 passed away September 10, 2022 at Unity Hospital following a short illness.  He was born February 28, 1942 in Albion, a son of the late Martin and Mildred (Barton) Bertsch and had lived in this area all of his life. 

Dave served in the US Marines from 1960-1963.  He was a member of the Gaines Carlton Community Church and the Renovation Lodge #97 F&AM and served on the Town of Carlton Planning Board.  He worked at Eastman Kodak retiring in 1992.  He loved his coffee club known as the “Old Farts”; they met every morning at his house.  Farming was his life and his passion.  He was known for his apple cider which was named after his basset hound and his pumpkins which he started as a kid and continued into adulthood.  Dave owned and operated Bertsch’s Good Earth Market with his wife Sharon, daughter and son-in-law Heather and Jim.  He was a family man who loved his family and adored his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sharon; his children David Charles (Jennifer) Bertsch, Heather (James) Tabor, Stuart Bertsch; grandchildren Madelin, Natalie, Martin; sister Nancy Owens as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. 

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave. Friday September 16^th 12:00pm-1:00pm where his Memorial Service will follow at 1:00pm. Burial with Military Honors will be held privately at Mt. Albion Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411, COVA, 239 S Main St., Albion, NY 14411 or Gaines Carlton Community Church, 14585 Ridge Rd. W, Albion, NY 14411. 

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

MIDDLEPORT – Patricia L. Reale, 87, died September 9, 2022 in Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness. She was born October 14, 1934 in Gasport to Timothy and Lola (Bradford) Lahey and was a life-long resident of this area.

Patricia was a member of St. Stephen’s R.C. Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and on the Bereavement Committee. She also worked for many years as an Election Inspector and was a member of the Middleport Grass Roots. However, she will be remembered by most as a person who was devoted to her family. Mrs. Reale was predeceased by her brother James Lahey and her sister Judy Morphet.

She is survived by her by her husband, Michael J. Reale; children, Michael Reale of Middleport, Rebecca (Richard) Hinkson of FL, and Joseph (Melissa) Reale of Buffalo; her grandchildren, Mike (Nicky), Jennifer (Jeff), Matt (Brianna) and Jarred; 10 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State Street-Middleport, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen’s Church. Interment will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity or organization of your choice.

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

KENDALL – James L. Andre, Sr., 86, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday September 7, 2022.  Jim was born June 30, 1936 in Irondequoit, a son of the late Charles and Olive (Bartlett) Andre and had lived in this area most of his life.

Jim served in the US Navy from 1956-1960 on the Battleship Steinaker “Tin Can” DD863.  He was an active member of the Orleans County Veterans Joint Council and was instrumental in the development of WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke and starting the transportation service, taking veterans to and from their doctor appointments. He was one of the main volunteers and drove for over 25 years. He was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching hockey, baseball, especially the Toronto Blue Jays and football, especially the Buffalo Bills. Jim was a very caring man who was always willing to help anyone.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Matthew; brothers Richard, Bob, Francis “Buzz”; sisters Rose Patterson, Leona Perry and Arlean Snyder.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ann; his children Sherry West, Margie Steffen, James Andre II; grandchildren James Andre III, Ashleigh Andre, Matthew Andre, Jr., Michael Andre, Marissa Andre and Mitchel Andre; several great-grandchildren; sister Anna (Ed) Nichols; brother-in-law Edward Snyder as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. His burial with Military Honors will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at WNY National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd., Corfu NY 14036.  Memorials may be made to the Orleans County Veterans Joint Council, 13996 State Route 31, Albion NY 14411.

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

Roger L. Soule, 81, of Albion died Sept. 5, 2022 in Unity Hospital following a short illness.  He was born Dec. 14, 1940 in Albion to Claude and Cornelia (Sadler) Soule and was a life-long resident of this area.

Roger retired from Rochester Products and then started his own Landscaping and Yard Business named Roger’s Lawn & Garden.  He enjoyed the outdoors and was known to love camping, collecting tools, and birdwatching.

Mr. Soule was predeceased by his wife Gail, and two brothers: Ronald and Russell.  He is survived by his children: Melissa (Glenn ) Tyler of Medina, Nancy (John) Ellison of Albion, Kevin (Sara) Soule of Rochester, his significant other and companion: Beth Mogray of Spencerport, his brother: Richard (Rita) Soule of Waterport, his sister: Diane (Larry) Reed of Holley, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave., Albion, Mon., Sept. 12 from 12-2 pm and 5-7 pm.  Private service and interment in Mt. Albion Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Joyce D. Gavenda, 94, of Albion passed away Sept. 6, 2022.  She was born in Albion July 1, 1928 the daughter of the late Elmer and Velma (Mowers) Draper.  Joyce was a member of Holy Family Parish and Ladies of Charity.  She was a former legal secretary for Church & Church Attorneys. 

Joyce was predeceased by her husband Ralph W. Sr. in 1995, son Ralph (Susan) Gavenda Jr., brother Donald Draper and sisters Clara Gibbs and Hazel Waldo.

Survived by several nieces & nephews.

No prior calling hours.  Joyce’s mass of Christian Burial will held at Holy Family Parish/St. Joseph’s Church on Fri., Sept. 9, at 9:30 am.  Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish 106 S. Main St., Albion, NY; or PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY 14411.

Joyce’s family would like to thank the staff of Medina Memorial Hospital North Wing for the loving and devoted care given to Joyce.

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

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

“The day she had to leave us when her life on earth was through, God had better plans for her, for this we surely knew” – author unknown.

Joan Wigley (JoAnn), nee Crawford, loving mother, 86, entered into her final rest on Fri., Sept. 2, 2022, at her home in New Castle, PA.

Born on Feb. 26, 1936, in Mount Jackson, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Lilah Blake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 59 years, Donald C. Wigley in 2012, also of New Castle, as well as a half-brother. She is survived by her children, David D. Wigley and Jodi L. Shaffer, both of New Castle, and Gregory C. Wigley (Kelli) of Boardman, OH, as well as by her grandchildren, Zachary C. Shaffer of Buffalo, NY and Cassandra and Mackenzie Wigley, both of Boardman, OH.

She had owned and operated, along with her husband, Parkstown Video, located at Parkstown Corners, New Castle, for 10 years. Upon retirement, she and her husband relocated to Western New York, where she enjoyed gardening, being a merchant of eBay, and visiting Turning Stone and Seneca casinos. JoAnn had recently returned to her home state where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, doing work search puzzles, watching NASCAR and football, where she cheered on her favorites, Kevin Harvick and the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen.

She was cherished by her family and will be sadly missed by them as well as her sidekick cat, Mimi.

In honoring JoAnn’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial for the immediate family will be arranged at their convenience.

Memorial contributions may be offered in JoAnn’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, where online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.

Thurman Mallard, 79, of Medina, passed away on Fri., Sept. 2, 2022 at the Orleans Community Health, Medina Memorial Hospital.

Thurman was the son of the late Freeman and Dorothy (Dye) Mallard and was preceded in death by his brothers, Leonard and Carl Mallard, Bill O’Brien and Alfred Stone; and his sisters, Mary Jane Howard, Betty Wright and Mary Helen Mallard.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gilda Cardone Mallard; daughter, Amber Conway (Jake Powell); much beloved grandchildren, Brady and Shaelyn Conway; and brothers Bobby (Wanda) Mallard and William (Shelley) Gazaway.

Thurman was a lifelong and well-respected auto technician, who worked long hours and enjoyed manual labor. In 2012 he retired from College Service Center in Brockport. During his retirement Thurman remained a loyal NASCAR enthusiast and turned his attention to supporting the burgeoning athletic and academic development of his grandchildren.

It was Thurman’s wish that there be no prior calling hours. Interment will be in the Calandra/Cardone burial site in Boxwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Thurman’s memory, his family appreciates supporting the York Junior Golden Knights, PO Box 75, Retsof, NY 14539, an organization which oversees the extracurricular activities of Thurman’s grandchildren, Brady and Shaelyn Conway.

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

Clarence V. “Butch” Wells, 79, of Canisteo, NY passed away on Sat., Sept. 3, 2022 at Strong Hospital after a short illness.

Born on July 1, 1943, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Joseph and Doris (Gray) Wells.

Clarence was drafted in the US Army and after his service to his Country, returned home and raised three children. In 1982, he started working as a diesel mechanic for Barden Homes, Beam-Mack and for his own firewood company, Wood X.

He is survived by a son Mark (Lis) Wells of Oakfield, NY and his two other children. Grandchildren Allison (Rick) Stanley of Medina, Ashley (Jeremiah Neyman) of Oakfield, Amanda (Scott Mabon) Wells of Batavia and Kyle (Kayla VanBilliard) of Oakfield, six great-grandchildren, Kahlen, Brianna, Caleb, Damien, Ryker and Mandalyn and his good friends, Clyde and Sharon Busch of Canisteo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Orleans Joint Veterans Council, NY-31, Albion, NY 14411

Relatives and friends may call on Thu., Sept. 8, 2022 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road, Oakfield NY where a funeral service will be held at 1 pm. Burial will be private for the family.

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

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

Eileen M. Auker, 42, of Albion, NY, entered into rest on Mon., Aug. 29, 2022 in Wellsville, NY.

Born on Feb. 18, 1980, In Ephrata, PA, she was the daughter of Ivan W. and Susan Martin.

Besides her parents, Eileen is survived by her husband of 20 years, Daniel Auker, seven children, Margaret, Marie, Kathryn, Ellen, Arlan, Michael, and Kalvin. Also surviving are six brothers and three siblings and many nieces and nephews and her parents-in-law, Ivan and Minnie Auker of Ephrata, PA. and three brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Eileen was a devoted mother and homemaker and she enjoyed waiting on the customers at Fairview Farms on Rt. 31.

Relatives and friends may call at her home on the corner of Knowlesville Rd. and 12565 State Rt. 31, Albion, NY 14411 on Fri., Sept. 2 from 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm. A funeral service will be held on 9:30 am on Sat., Sept. 3 at the Stauffer Mennonite Church, 12287 E. Yates Center Rd. Lyndonville, NY 14098 with burial following the service.

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

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

Sharon A. Sedore, 76, of Medina entered into rest on Aug. 25, 2022 at Rochester General Hospital. She was born on July 13, 1946 a daughter of the late Ellis D. and Emogene L. (Hill) Sedore. Sharon worked for many years as an LPN at Medina Memorial Hospital.

No funeral services will be held.

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

Thomas N. Taylor, 74, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away on Fri., Aug, 26, 2022 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, Rochester, NY.

Born on Feb. 25, 1948 in Medina, NY, he was the son of the late Edward B. and Genevieve (Owen) Taylor.

Tom graduated from Medina High School in 1966 and on May 1, 1967, he married the former Sandra Stachewicz and together they raised two sons. He was employed as a Distilling Operator with Kodak for 38 years, retiring in the 2000s. Tom coached the Sweet Shop Little League Cardinal’s and the Lyndonville Lion’s Babe Ruth Baseball. Tom was a diehard St. Louis Cardinal’s fan, he also enjoyed snowmobiling and was a member of the snowmobile Club in Williamstown, where he had a cabin.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra Taylor, Eric (Heidi) Taylor of Medina, Keith Taylor of Durham, N.C., three grandchildren, Ryan, Kayleigh and Ethen, two sisters, Gail Farewell of Middleport and Patricia (Ross) Tennent of Ontario, Canada and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Tom is predeceased by a brother-in-law, Donald Farewell.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom’s name to the Lyndonville Fire department, P.O. Box 150, Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098. Please light a candle or share a memory of Tom at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

HOLLEY – Bruce J. Greene, age 71, died August 26, 2022 in his home following a short illness.  He was born in Hornell, NY and had lived in this general area most of his life.

Bruce was a 1969 graduate of Holley High School and was a United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam era. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, enjoyed woodworking, gardening, football, baking and watching NASCAR.

Mr. Greene was predeceased by his wife, Linda; his mother, Doris Calkins; stepson, Daniel Nichols; son-in-law, Jonathan DeYoung; great-granddaughter, Elayne Christensen; and his beloved dog, “Lil Bear”.

He is survived by his children, Shawn (Jill) Greene of PA, Arnie (Cheryl) Nichols of Holley, Becky (Mark) Beswick of LeRoy, Brenda (Joe Morlino) DeYoung of Clarendon and Nancy (Dennis) Nichols of Clarkson; his father, James Greene of FL; his brother, Jeff (Kim) Greene of FL; sisters, Valerie (Mike) Pontarelli of Scottsville, Cheryl (Mark) Hellert of Albion; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a time to share memories at his gravesite in Mt. Albion Cemetery on Sunday, Sept. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. His interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Clarendon Fire Company, 16169 E. Lee Rd., Holley, NY, 14470.

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

Thomas J. Engert, 67, of Holley passed away Aug. 25, 2022.  He was born Nov. 25, 1954 in Albion, NY the son of the late Charles F. and Lucy Isabel (Ruger) Engert.  Tom attended Day Hab. through ARC GLOW.  He loved family get togethers and spending time with his peers at ARC GLOW.

Tom was predeceased by his siblings, Charles J. Engert, Walter J. Engert, Ronald J. Engert and Dianne L. Paul.

Tom is survived by his siblings, Marilyn (George) Strabel, Barbara J. VanLoan and William J. Engert; sisters-in law, Katie Engert and Sheron Engert; brother-in-law Jim Paul; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Route 31, Holley on Wed., Aug. 31, from 12-1 pm followed by his funeral service at 1 pm.  Interment will be in Sandy Creek Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ARC GLOW 64 Walnut St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Irene Will, “Hola!”, 74, of Alabama, NY passed away Tue., Aug. 23, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital.

Irene was born Oct. 23, 1947 to the late Charles and Sophie (Stuzenski) Will. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Michael Will and sister, Susan Fryer. She is survived by her remaining sister, MaryAnn Brown of St. Petersburg, FL and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and her dearest and best friend, Shirley of Houston, TX.

Irene was a member of CWA Locals 1122 and 1117 during her 26 year tenure at New York Telephone/NYNEX. Being the active, vibrant person she was, retirement was not her “thing.” After leaving the telephone company, she returned to college to complete an Associate’s degree. While figuring out what to do post-retirement, she became the Town of Alabama Assessor. Irene would enjoy that “something to do” for her remaining years. In fact, she liked it so much she was usually willing to help the neighboring towns, should they ever ask.

“Go ahead, live it up!”

“When God wants ya, God gets ya!”

Irene always lived life to the fullest extent of those two quotes that she was known for. She was always one to make sure everyone at the party was having fun, including herself! While never having children of her own, she took great pride and joy in the upbringing of her nieces and nephews. Whether it be trips to the zoo or parks, long trips to New York City or simple visits to Auntie’s to swim, she always made sure to “Live it Up!”

Irene was a truly unique and one-of-a-kind person. She could be delightfully blunt at times, however, Irene’s hard exterior hid beneath a kind, loving and loyal friend. She will be missed very much by her many friends and acquaintances. Be it the “Sunday dinner boys” and Medina crew, to her friends over the years at Alex’s Place and back to the Tijuana Lounge. Irene was always the life and driver of the party.

As per Irene’s final wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial mass will be held at the convenience of the family in the near future. Memorials in Irene’s memory should be directed to the Alabama Volunteer Fire Dept., 2230 Judge Rd., Basom, NY 14013; or the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main St. Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Finally, in Irene’s own words, “Ta Ta for now.” “I will see you on the other side.”

Fredrick C. “Fritz” Hart, 82, of Medina, NY, went to be with the Lord on Wed., Aug. 24, 2022, at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Born on April 5, 1940 in Richmond, VA, he was the son of the late Theodore and Janet (Mann) Hart.

Fritz was a graduate of VMI and served in the military. His career was a Human Resources Director which took him to many places including: Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, and Medina. He was very active in community affairs and was a devoted husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Moran Hart; children: Amanda (Tony) Piriano of Dallas, TX, Matthew (Marie) Hart of Palm Springs, CA and Sarah (Kyle) Armstrong of Omaha, NE; grandchildren: Joseph & Jeena Piriano, Luke, Noah & Cole Armstrong; step-children: Mark Barden, Kris (Ray) Colonna; Joy (Howie) Gardner; step-grandchildren: Scott (Carrie) Colonna, Stacey Costich, Bailey, Tyler (Andrea) Colonna, Andrew & Molly Barden, Emma & Connor Gardner, Martha (Kristian) Snyder: step-great-grandchildren: Bryson & Tessa Costich and Tucker & Jackson Colonna; brother: Eric (Adrienne) Hart and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded by his sisters: Nan (Robert) Droz and Sally (Norris) Webster.

Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours. Burial services will be held at a later date at Forest Hill cemetery in Fredonia, NY.

The family would like to thank the staff at Orchard Rehab and Nursing Center for the quality care and comfort Fritz received during his stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Richard Knights-Sue Kaderli Memorial Fund. P.O.Box 684, 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 Fritz at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com