Obituaries

MEDINA – Richard J. Pitcher, Sr., 67, of Medina, entered into rest with his loving family by his side on August 12, 2022 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute following a battle with cancer.

Born January 3, 1955 in Niagara Falls, NY, Richard was the son of Frank and Phyllis (Sayes) Pitcher. The family moved to Medina and he graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1973. He married the former Linda D. Baker on April 14, 1973. That same year he started his career with FMC in Middleport, where he held various job titles over the years and retired after 42 years. Richard was a lifelong and proud member of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Co., where he was the longest serving fire chief, serving from 1995-2004. An avid outdoorsman, “Ol’ Pitch” or “Piels Man”, as some friends called him, loved hunting especially at his hunting cabin in Angelica. He also loved boating, fishing and camping at Fairhaven. Richard also enjoyed cooking for his family and friends and spending time with his beloved beagle, Tyson, who he is now reunited with.

Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Linda D. Pitcher; three children, Richard J. (Stacey) Pitcher, Jr., Brian (Melinda) Pitcher and Sara (Andrew) Szatkowski; grandchildren, Tyler, Brock, Gunner, Shadow, Jacob, Erica, Michael, Zoe, Lukin and Wyatt; sister, Linda Moore; also several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18^th from 3-6PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. All are welcome to join the family immediately after for snacks and refreshments at the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall, 5021 East Shelby Rd., Medina. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be greatly appreciated to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, PO Box 684, Medina, NY 14103. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

HOLLEY – Kristina N. Kuellertz, 27, passed away suddenly on May 17, 2022 in Tampa, Florida.

Kristina is survived by her daughters, Alaya and Ariella Bisig; her mother and father, Eric and Meredith (Persia) Kuellertz; sister, Hayli Kuellertz; grandparents, Susan and Tom Persia and Bill and Germaine Kuellertz; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A calling hour to celebrate Kristina’s life will be held on Thursday, August 18th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 NY-31, Holley, NY 14470.

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

Carl DePalma passed on August 4, 2022, age 79; beloved husband of the late Anne (nee D’Allesandro) DePalma; devoted father of Carl (Marie) DePalma, Jr. and Renee Espinosa; loving grandfather of Matthew, Nicholas, and Marissa; dear brother of the late Albert DePalma Jr. and Donald DePalma; also survived by nieces and nephews.

The family will be present Monday, August 8 from 4-8 PM at the (Elma Chapel) Urban-AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, 7540 Clinton St. (at Girdle Rd.), where a Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, August 9 at 10 AM. Interment to follow in St. Adalbert Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends invited.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center at 50 East North Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 or at https://askbhsc.org/. Carl was a United States Army Veteran. Share memories and condolences on Carl’s tribute page at www.AMIGONE.com

Maryann J. Hildreth, 84, of Albion died Aug. 10, 2022 in Medina Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 24, 1937 in Medina to Vincent and Regina Sevenski and was a life-long resident of this area.

Maryann was a 1st grade teacher beginning her career in Gasport and finally retiring from the Albion Central School System.  She was a member of Holy Family Parish where she was active on many committees and was also a member of The Catholic Daughters. Maryann was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the NYS Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed reading, gardening was an avid bowler, but her main focus in life was her faith and family.

Mrs. Hildreth was predeceased by her husband, George.

She is survived by her children: Frank (Terri) Hildreth of KS, George Hildreth Jr. of NJ, Susan (Tim) O’Brien of AR, Scott (Jean) Hildreth of Waterport, her brother: Vincent Sevenski of NC, her sisters: Lorrain Catruna of Medina, Barbara Lincoln of Rochester, Patricia Howard of NC, Carol Fox of Medina, Rosemary Pegelow of Medina, Dorothy Callard of Medina, Margaret DePeters of Albion; grandchildren: Alexander, Timothy, Haley, Erin, Tara, George, Jacob, Jenna; as well as several nieces and nephews.

he family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave., Albion, Mon., Aug. 15 from 4-7 pm.  Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial Tue., Aug. 16 at 10am in Holy Family Parish, Albion.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medina Memorial Hospital, 200 Ohio St., Medina, NY 14103; or Holy Family Parish, 106 S. Main St., Albion, NY 14411.

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

Darlene R. Coleman, 69, of West Barre, passed away peacefully on Mon., Aug. 8, 2022 at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY. 

Born Dec. 9, 1952 in Hornell, NY, Darlene was the daughter of the late Arnold Drake and Barbara Hawley.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Coleman, whom she married on July 4, 1970; daughter, Kittina Caldwell of Albion, NY; son, Darrick (Erica) Coleman of LeRoy, NY; and six grandchildren who were the sunshine of her life: Brianna (Austin) Caldwell of Albion, Emily and Andrew Caldwell; Esme, Linnea, and Isla Coleman. She also leaves a stepmother, Roberta Drake, of Hornell, NY; brother, Steve (Shelly) Drake, of Victor, NY; and sister, Debra (Cliff) Unger, of Oakfield, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Scott Crowner, and her stepfather, Bruce Crowner. 

Darlene was a longtime employee of Kennedy Bros. clothing store in Medina, NY, and Walmart in Albion, NY where she enjoyed interacting with customers. She loved to shop and make things for others and was generous with gifts. Her home was open and inviting for friends and neighbors to visit and she enjoyed traveling to connect with family. Darlene was an active member of several local churches throughout her life. She was a baseball fan who followed the Mets and Yankees and never missed her children or grandchildren’s games and activities.  

No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. Friends and family are invited to share memories, condolences, or photos at https://tinyurl.com/darslar. 

Darlene’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.

Charlotte Larsen, of Rochester, NY, passed away on Aug. 7, 2022.  She was born July 16, 1942 in Albion, NY to the late Anthony and Elsie (Vendetta) D’Amico.  She was also predeceased by her husband, Donald Larsen, and sister, Betty Ann Brundish.

Charlotte is survived by her children: Kimberly and Christopher Larsen; granddaughter, Summer Barone; sister, Delores (Fioravante) Martusciello; sister-in-law, Shirley (John) Nicolosi; brother-in-law, David Brundish; nieces: Renee Backus (Steve DiFelice) and Natalie Galletto (Todd Wells); nephew, Brian Potter (April Blaise); as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

At her request, there will be no prior calling hours.  Charlotte’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 106 S. Main St, Albion NY 14411 on Fri., Aug. 12 at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charlotte’s name may be made to her granddaughter Summer’s college fund at 50 Knollbrook Rd. Apt #9, Rochester, NY 14610.

Charlotte’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 West Ave., Albion, NY.

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

Dr. Stephen Collins Stockton, 72, entered into rest unexpectedly on Sat., Aug. 6, 2022. He was born on June 29,1950 at Lockport Memorial Hospital. Stephen was the son of John David and Dorothy Claire (Collins) Stockton and was the oldest of their three sons. Stephen grew up in the post World War II / Baby Boom Neighborhood of Dorchester Road in South Lockport with its two rows of new Cape Cod homes full of many young families with children running all about.  In his youth, Steve would play Anjo-League Baseball, belong to Boy Scout Troop 6, take piano lessons for many years with Beatrice Frazier and graduated from Communicants Class at First Presbyterian Church. He attended Charles Upson Elementary, Emmet Belknap Junior High and graduated with a regents diploma with honors from Lockport Senior High School Class of ’68. Stephen would go on to attend Ohio State University on an academic scholarship graduating in 1972. He would also graduate from the University of Buffalo School of  Dental Medicine in 1976.

Dr. Stockton was a founding member of the Lockport Dental Group along with Dr. Richard Zimmer, Dr.Todd Retell and Dr.James Shaw and would later go on to head up the Medina Dental Group. In time, Dr.Stockton would proudly work together with his son Dr. Jon Stockton during his last six years in practice. Stephen would retire from dentistry in 2021 after 45 years of service to the Lockport and Medina Communities. Steve lived a full life and thoroughly enjoyed his many passions over the years. He was a cycling, boating, skiing and scuba diving enthusiast as well as a world traveler. He was a member of the Tuscarora Yacht and Holimont Ski Club’s and loved Ellicottville, NY. He was a fan of the Buffalo Sabres and Bills, the Ohio State Buckeyes and NY Yankees. Steve was a voracious reader and was also well known for his ultra-highly organized lifestyle. A connoisseur of Pinot Noir wine he once planted grape vines in his backyard to create his own vineyard. Fine cars and Formula 1 Racing were other passions along with trips to Watkins Glen. The Turks and Caicos were a very special place to Steve with many family vacations there as well as fishing on Lac Dumoine in Canada.

Stephen was predeceased by his youngest brother, Jack Cashion Stockton, who perished in an auto accident in 1978 at the age of 19. He was also predeceased by his father, John David Stockton in 1993 and mother, Dorothy Claire Stockton in 2022. Also, faithful companion Pug, ‘Rumple’ Stockton would leave this world in 2022 as well. Survivors include beloved wife Karen (Horanburg) Stockton; daughter, Shannon Laurel Stockton (Mark Scalabrino); son, Dr.Jonathan Barry Stockton (Erin Noble); brother, David Richard Stockton; grandchildren: Chase, Cashion, Jack and a soon to arrive granddaughter; aunt, MaryJane O’Day; cousin, Becky O’Day; cousins: John and James Nachtwey; and loving brother’s and sister-in-law’s and many close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Olcott Fire Company or the American Heart Association. Family and friends may call Wed., Aug. 10 from 4-7 pm at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.

ALBION/NEW PORT RICHEY, FLA. – Raymond Malcolm Lissow, 34, formerly of Albion and most recently of New Port Richey, Fla., passed away of Aug. 5, 2022 while in the loving arms of his family, with his beloved service dog by his side after a brief illness. He was born Dec. 5, 1987.

Ray is survived by his parents, Raymond and Frances Lissow; sisters, Amelia (Nick) Bakolas and Rachel Keith; brother, John Lissow; aunts and uncles, Barbara Beach, Cathy and Stu MacDonald, William Lissow, John and Leslie Strong, Dan and Kathy Strong, Caleb and Margaret Strong, and Hanna and Jon Baker; nieces, Evelyn and Grace Keith and Gianna Bakolas; nephew, Jace Bakolas; and countless cousins and friends. He is also survived by his personal care aide of 10 years, Dolly and his service dog, Buddy.

Waiting to greet him at Heaven’s gate are his grandparents, Raymond and Ruth Lissow and Malcolm and Ann Strong.

Born with cerebral palsy, Ray was still able to live a remarkable life. A proud graduate of Albion Central School in 2006, Ray so loved his various teachers, classmates and most especially his one-on-one aide through his entire school life, Dawn Bower. After graduation Ray spent many happy days at the ARC workshop, and volunteering in the community. He helped Dad often with various Rotary projects, and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for all his hard work and sunny disposition in spite of his physical limitations.

Ray was introduced to boating as an infant, and like his Dad was happiest on or around water.  He was able to boat for many years all around Lake Ontario every summer with his family, traveling throughout the Thousand Islands, Canada and points west. In 2008 he embarked on the journey of a lifetime with his parents, traveling through the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico on the boat that his Dad modified just for him, “Winstar”.

Ray enjoyed life in Florida, especially visiting with neighbors and attending The Red Apple ADT where he also had so many friends. He was able to participate in an annual fishing derby designed for young adults with physical limitations. He looked forward every Tuesday to “Boys night out”, which involved going out to eat with Dad, Uncle Bill, and whoever was able to join them.

Most recently he enjoyed being entertained by and playing with his niece and nephew Gianna and Jace. He loved holding them as babies and then as they grew pulling them in a wagon with his wheelchair. We will miss watching Jace give him fist bumps and Gianna playing slime with him. He loved them so and they brought such joy to his life!

Anyone who knew Ray recognized what a social butterfly he was. He was happiest when in the company of his Dad, with his dog Buddy on his wheelchair tray. He loved morning coffee with Dad and Uncle Bill, going to Home Depot, or just helping Dad with various projects. He truly was his Dad’s best friend.

We will miss Ray tremendously, but we know he is now reunited with his grandparents and running free!!

Calling Hours will be Sunday, August 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. with memorial service at 3:30 p.m. at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, 15 West Ave., Spencerport NY 14559.

In lieu of flowers a remembrance of Ray may be sent to: The Red Apple, ADT. 6640 Kentucky Ave., New Port Richey, FL 34653.
https://walkerbrothersfh.com/tribute/details/13514/Raymond-Lissow/obituary.html#tribute-start

HOLLEY – Clark W. Knapp Jr., 90, passed away August 5, 2022. He was born September 28, 1931 in Henrietta to the late Clark W. Knapp Sr. and Evelyn Warren.

Clark was a past chief of the Holley Fire Dept. and an active member of Disciples United Methodist Church in Clarendon. You could always see Clark behind the grill at many community events. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, golfing and woodworking. Clark was an amazing father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Joan in 2017, brother Robert Knapp, and sisters-in-law, Lenore, Lillian and Viola Knapp.

Clark is survived by his children, Gary (Carol) Knapp, Dean (Mary Alice) Knapp and Valerie (Steven) Schiller; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and two on the way; brothers, Clyde, Donald (June) and Edwin; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. His funeral service will be held at Disciples United Methodist Church 4410 Holley Byron Rd. Holley, NY 14470 on Friday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Clark’s name may be made to Disciples United Methodist Church 4410 Holley Byron Rd. Holley, NY 14470 or the Holley Volunteer Fire Co. P.O. Box 465 Holley, NY 14470.

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

Margaret A. Barry, 94, passed peacefully away on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at Francis House, Syracuse.

Margaret was born January 13, 1928 in Utica. She was the daughter of Andrew and Mildred (McCarthy) Wind of Victory Parkway, Whitesboro, NY.  As a teen, she worked at the Wind’s Bakery on Main Street in Whitesboro, founded by her grandfather, Wybo Wind, an immigrant from the Netherlands.

She graduated from Whitesboro Central High School, Class of 1945. Margaret attended Syracuse University, majoring in Child Welfare, and graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1949. At Syracuse, she pledged to Delta Delta Delta sorority. She treasured the fact that she was a “Tri-Delt” her entire life.

Margaret met Stanley “Bud” Barry at SU and they married in 1949. Together, they raised a family of six children in Lyndonville, NY in Orleans County. Lyndonville became a joyous holiday destination for the now-adult children, their spouses and grandchildren for decades. As large as the family became, Margaret and Bud received everyone for a grand dinner and celebration multiple times each year. Margaret liked to reminisce about the Christmas when she prepared dinner for 32 family members.

She and Bud moved to Medina, NY in 2004. After Bud died, Margaret moved to the Colonial Village Apartments in the Town of Manlius in 2011. She had many great friends there and lived independently with great dignity for the rest of her life.

Margaret enjoyed volunteering, notably with Literacy Volunteers of Orleans County where she tutored both adults and children. She also assisted at Medina Memorial Hospital and at St. Joseph’s Church, Lyndonville.

She is survived by her children, Richard (Jackie Harmon) Barry of Medina, NY; Donna and Michael Smith of Fayetteville, NY; Pat and Bill Durette of Belmont, MA; Steve Barry of Webster, NY; Annie and Craig Kay of Alford MA; Cathy and Matthew Clear of Williston, VT and by former AFS student and dear family friend, Gudrun Finnbjarnardottir of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Margaret is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who were great sources of personal pride to her. She is also survived by sister, Arlene McShane of Tennessee and by sister-in-law Dorothy “Dot” Wind of Connecticut,

Margaret is pre-deceased by Bud Barry, brother Andrew Wind and sister Lois Wind, by two daughters-in-law, Colleen Barry of Medina, NY and Carolyn Barry of Webster, NY and by granddaughter, Andrea Lonnen, also of Medina. We hold them all dear to our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs St, Fayetteville, NY 13066 on Tuesday at 9:30 for a calling hour. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church at 10:30. Internment will be at Lynhaven Cemetery, Lyndonville at a later date.

The family would like to express its immense gratitude to the nurses, staff and volunteers at Francis House, 102 Michaels Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13208. They provided Margaret with great care and comfort in her last days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Francis House in Margaret’s memory.

Local arrangements are entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

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

Ralph William “Bill” Neal, 76, went to be with the Lord on Mon., Aug. 1, 2022. He was born on May 8, 1946 in Lyndonville, NY and resided there his entire life.

He was the son of the late Ralph Kenneth and Jeannette (Barry) Neal. Bill was a 1965 graduate of Lyndonville Central School, attended Roberts Wesleyan College, and worked at a number of local businesses, including Abex and Kodak.

He was a member of Yates Baptist Church, having served as head usher at different times. Bill was a gifted photographer, an avid hunter, and an active hiker. He enjoyed reading, talking about sports (Go Bills!), and spoiling golden retrievers (especially Wyatt, Matthews, and Rogers). He was a devoted brother and a loving uncle—staying connected with many generations of nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Barry Neal and sisters: Elizabeth Vallance and Barbara Dunn. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Dorothy Neal of Lyndonville, NY and nieces and nephews: Jon (Carol) Neal of Lyndonville, NY, Carole (Glen) Steffler of Beaver Falls, PA, Colleen (Jim) Figucia of Woburn, MA, Lynn Neal of Winston-Salem, NC, Cindy (Mark) Woodard of Summerville, SC, Dan (Tim) Dunn of Wellfleet, MA, Tim (Elaine) Dunn of New Carlisle, Ohio, Beth Dunn of Mabank, Texas, Mary (Gary) Landsberg of Whitsett, NC, and John (Kristal) Vallance of Spokane, WA; as well as several great nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Sat., Sept. 10, 2022 at Yates Baptist Church, 11365 E. Yates Center Rd., Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Memorials may be made in Bill’s name to Yates Baptist Church.

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 Bill at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

PLANTATION – Thomas W. Baker entered into rest on June 29, 2022 in Plantation, FL. Son of the late Woodrow and Angelina (Farina) Baker of Clarendon. Brother of the late Woodrow Baker, JR (Sue) of Albion and sister Diane (Joe) Bridge of Elba.

Tom grew up in Clarendon and entered the US Army and served in Germany.

He is survived by his wife Ginger Baker, sons Thomas and Benny Baker. 6 loving stepchildren, Dan (Monica) Seeler, David (Rita) Seeler, Lorene and Nicki Seeler, Reina (Drew) Dayes and Ray.  Grandchildren and great grandchildren  in NY, Florida, California & Alabama.  Nephews David (Patti) Baker and Douglas (Deanna) Baker of Brockport.  Many loving great nieces and nephews. 

Tom held a pilots license and enjoyed flying. He spent many hours in the Everglades on Airboats, enjoying nature and giving tours. Loved hunting and deep sea fishing and riding his Harley. Owned and operated Baker Roofing in Fort Lauderdale with wife Ginger. They opened Sawgrass Recreation Park where many tourists participated in airboat rides, snacks, fishing and wildlife tours. 

A MILITARY remembrance will be held at Clarendon Falls, where Tom, growing up, loved to spend time there. Saturday, August 13 at noon. August 14, Ginger Baker, will be a holding a Memorial luncheon for Tom at 58 Main Restaurant. Brockport NY. 1 until 4 PM.

Any memories you would like to share are welcome. 

Linda Marie “Lin” Good, 72, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sun., July 31, 2022.  She was born Dec. 20, 1949 in Albion, a daughter of the late Jerome and Geraldine (Kingdollar) Jaczynski and had lived in this area all of her life. 

 Lin was an avid reader and Gnome collector.  She loved shopping for clothing and jewelry and loved traveling with her husband Tim.   

 In addition to her parents, Lin was predeceased by her 1st husband, Ron Hafner; sisters: Gloria Allen and Carol Stymus. 

She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Tim; children: Christopher (Alan) Girangaya, Courtney Robertson, Jack (Christy) Robertson; grandchildren: Dana, Mallory, Jillian, Shawn, Bart, Breanna, Elena, Cadence, Michael, Mason, Maxwell, Myles; siblings: Cathy Sommerfeldt, Jerome “Jr” Jaczynski; brothers-in-law: Todd Good, Terry (Sue) Good; her beloved dogs: Buttons and Buffy and Gertrude; her Parakeet; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave., Albion Mon., Aug. 8 12-1 pm where her memorial service will be held at 1 pm.  urial will be in Lynhaven Cemetery.  emorials may be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642. 

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

Joan Heath Carlson, 88 of Holley passed away July 31, 2022 at Unity Hospital.  She was born Feb. 8, 1934, in Rochester, a daughter of the late Amos and Irene (Augustine) Heath.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Walter; son Ted Hettig. She is survived by her daughter, Hanna (William) Gifford; son, Edward Heath Hettig; grandchildren: Heath, Adrienne, Roxanne and Evan Hettig, Ted Vierling, Johnathan Gifford; sister, Judith (Roy) Maratta.

There are no prior calling hours or services.  Entombment will be private at the convenience of the family in Irondequoit Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. Holley.

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

Bernard F. “Ben” Gerbig born June 5, 1941, passed away on July 30^, 2022 after a brief illness.

Ben grew up on the family farm on Cody Road in Smithfield. He attended the Peterboro Elementary School, graduated from Morrisville-Eaton Central School in 1958, and from SUNY Brockport with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

He taught math at Kendall High School and served as Vice Principal at Albion High School. He also served as Principal of the Orleans-Niagara BOCES regional summer school and was an adjunct Math Professor at SUNY Morrisville. He coached boys varsity soccer for 32 years, varsity golf for 18 years, boys and girls basketball for 10 years, and girls volleyball and soccer.

Ben was proud to be chosen to the Section V Soccer Hall of Fame, Kendall Athletic Hall of Fame, and Morrisville-Eaton Central School Wall of Fame for his dedication to education for 52 years.

Ben belonged to several professional and social organizations including the Kendall Volunteer Firemen, Albion Elks #1006 (50 years), Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Eastern Orleans County United Way, Cazenovia Golf Club, and was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church.

Ben enjoyed visits to the 1000 Islands with his family, trips to Wisconsin (Rhinelander, Tomahawk, Gleason) to visit relatives, and family genealogy. His other interests included numerous sports, Peterboro history, fishing, and playing cribbage.

He is survived by his wife JoAnn (Horan) Gerbig. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 8, 2019; children: James (Charlene), William (Kori), Julee Hartwell (Scott), and George Gerbig; grandchildren: James (Amanda) Gerbig, Alex (Cara) Gerbig, Alisha (Drew) Hartwell, JoAnna Matthews, Madeline Gerbig, and Megan Hartwell; great-grandchildren: Emmit and Lainey Matthews, Drew Pearson, Logan Gerbig, and Julian Gerbig; brothers: Michael (Charla) Gerbig, Roger (Fran) Gerbig and Joseph (Alicia) Gerbig; his sister Mary Ann Benedict; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ben was predeceased by his parents, Fredrick Gerbig and Alice Marie (Dorrance) Gerbig; grandparents, George and Ernestina (Barnekow) Gerbig and Roger and Mary (White) Dorrance.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wed., Aug. 3, 2022 in St. James Catholic Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia. Calling hours are 4-7 pm Tue., Aug. 2, 2022 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road, Cazenovia.

Contributions in Ben’s memory may be made to CAVAC, 106 Nelson St., Cazenovia, NY 13035; or to Hospice of Central New York and of the Finger Lakes, 990 Seventh North St, Liverpool, NY 13088.

Condolences for the Gerbig family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com