Obituaries

W. Thomas Dotts, of Medina, entered into rest peacefully on Wed., July 27, 2022 at the Orchard Rehab & Nursing Center. Born on January 6, 1934 in Milton, Pennsylvania, Tom was the son of the late William M. and Martha S. (Kling) Dotts.

He graduated in the class of 1952 from Milton High School and went on to attend Penn State University. Mr. Dotts then served two years in the U.S. Army from 1955-57 before entering Ohio State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Horticulture and Floriculture in 1959.

In 1960, he moved to Medina to take a position with the White Bros. Rose Corp. There he would meet the love of his life, the former Nancy Barrett. The couple were married on August 20, 1960 and resided in the area ever since. Tom owned and operated Curvin’s News in Medina for five years. He was a parishioner of the First Presbyterian Church in Medina, where he served as Elder. Mr. Dotts also served on the Town of Shelby Assessment Review Board and was a lifetime member of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Co.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a sister, Virginia (Thomas) Powell; and two sisters in-law, Betty (Bernard) Zgirbar and Eileen (Jack) Eddy.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Nancy Dotts of Medina; son, William T. Dotts, Jr. (Kristine Martin) of Rochester; two grandsons, Ethan W. and Nathaniel J. Dotts; sister, Jeanne (Robert) Jolly; brother in-law, Theodore (Janice) Barrett; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 6th at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 522 Main St., Medina, NY 14103 with the Rev. Dr. William Wilkinson officiating. A luncheon will follow and interment will be in Bates Road Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church (address above) or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

HOLLEY –  Barbara (McBain) LaBarge, 74, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving children, siblings and extended family on July 28, 2022. She was born in Bronx, NY, on May 21, 1948, a daughter of the late Ralph and Virginia (Binninger) McBain.

She graduated from the House of the Good Samaritan with a nursing degree and went on to work at the Orleans County Nursing Home for 30 years. She was an active member and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of Holley V.F.W., Post 202. Barb loved to travel, watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She received the greatest enjoyment being active and spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by her son, Joseph LaBarge; siblings, Kathy McBain, Ralph McBain Jr., Carol Keller and Charlene Brown; and her beloved cats, Thomas and Cabbot.

She is survived by her husband 52 years, Dan; daughter, Michele Antram; son, Stephen LaBarge; grandchildren, Savanna Antram, Ashleigh Nichols, William Nichols and Camron LaBarge; great-grandchildren, Lily Nichols, Carter Helsdon, Chase Helsdon, Miles LaBarge and Weston LaBarge;  siblings, Valerie (Ralph) Sterling, Christine (Robert) Baslow, Jimmy McBain, Mike (Darla) McBain, and Particia (John) Babcock; special sister-in-law, Mary Astafan; special friend, Charlene Favaita; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes 16650 State Route 31, Holley on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by her graveside service at Hillside Cemetery at 1:15 p.m. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

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

Beverly J. Weatherbee, 84, of Albion died July 27, 2022 in the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence following a long illness.

She was born April 28, 1938 in Batavia, NY to Ellsworth and Ella (Mapes) Sands and had lived in this area most of her life. Beverly worked as a cashier for over 25 years at SUNY Brockport.  She was an extraordinary hard worker and had a special love for animals; especially her horses.  Mrs. Weatherbee was predeceased by her husband, Walter and sister, Joan Ritz.

She is survived by her son, Eric (Betty) Weatherbee of Holley; daughters: Cindy (Bruce) Albone of Albion, Kellie Weatherbee of Holley; grandchildren: Stephanie Dodson and Emily (Ken) Baker, Megan and Travis Weatherbee, Cassandra, Joshua and Addison Heintz; great-grandson: Grayson; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31, Holley, Tue., Aug. 30 from 10 am – 12 pm ONLY.  Private interment in N. Byron Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: PAWS, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY 14411.

The family would like to extend special thanks and love to “The Girls” at the Willows for the love and care they provided for Beverly.  Also, special thanks to the staff at Supportive Care of Orleans for all their support.

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

Diane “Boo” Bullo, 80, of Albion peacefully left this earth at home with family surrounding her. Diane loved watching and feeding the finches, cardinals, and hummingbirds from her back deck; she hated the squirrels. She was an avid collector of teddy bears of all shapes and sizes, and loved sharing their stories with her grandkids.

Diane was predeceased by her loving husband, Silvano; caring sister, Grace and eccentric brother-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Watson.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela (Todd) Eick;  grandchildren she loved dearly: Abigail (Gary Moore II) Maines, Devin Eick, Alexis Maines, Kennedy Eick, Camryn Eick and Mason Eick; sister, Beverly Watson; niece, Jennifer (Scott) Hunt; dear “adopted” grandchild, Ally Graham; as well as several fur babies she loved to care for.

There are no prior calling hours or services.  Memorials may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 Route 31, Albion, NY 14411.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. Albion. To share a special memory of Diane, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Aaron A. Bennett, of Lyndonville, passed peacefully at home on July 20, 2022.

Born March 1, 1965 in Medina, Aaron was the son of the late Gordon Bennett, Jr. and Joyce (Pulver) Bennett. He graduated from L.A. Webber High School in 1983 and went on to earn an Associate in Applied Science and Electrical Engineering Technology from the Agricultural and Technical College at Morrisville in 1985. Furthering his education, he then earned a Bachelor of Science 1989 and a Master of Arts in 1991, both from SUNY Brockport. In 1997 he received his Certificate of Advanced Study in School Business Administration. Aaron had a long teaching career at Lyndonville Central School District beginning in 1994, where he taught mathematics and secondary studies, retiring in 2019. He also taught Driver’s Education courses at Pittsford Central School District.

Aaron was a dedicated family man who enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was passionate about technology, conservation and gun safety. Aaron was also a longtime member of the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, Lyndonville Lions Club, and the Masons. He appreciated music with tastes ranging from Shiny Happy People by R.E.M., Pontoon by Little Big Town, to Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People. He once recounted attending a concert in his youth where Def Leppard opened, before their rise to fame, and thought it a memorable experience. True Grit was one of his favorite western movies along with other classics featuring John Wayne.

Aaron was predeceased by his father, Gordon Bennett, Jr. in 1983.

He is survived by his mother, Joyce Pulver Bennett; daughter, Rebecca (Justin) Hyatt; grandson, Harrison Hyatt; son, Charles (Hannah) Bennett; sisters: Susan Bennett Hrovat and Linda (Girgis) Bennett-Naiem; nephews: Travis (Jessica) Hrovat, Ty (Jelena) Hrovat and Daniel; nieces: Taylor (Andrew) Hrovat and Sylvia; and great-nieces: Emersyn and Lily.

Calling hours will be held on Thu., Aug. 4 from 6-8 pm and Fri., Aug. 5 11am -1 pm at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. A private graveside committal service will be held in Fairfield Cemetery, Spencerport.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Lyndonville Lions Club, PO Box 371, Lyndonville, NY 14098. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

HOLLEY – Denise E Swift, 49, of Holley, passed away after a long illness on July 21, 2022. She was born on December 5, 1972 to the late Michael and Karen (Jennejohn) Swift.

Denise was a very hard worker. She truly enjoyed all of the jobs that she held. She also loved to travel. In fact, it was her love of travel that led her to take a job that required her to travel across the country to different cities for months at a time. Her parents loved to join her and enjoy the different areas she was assigned to. She changed careers when her Dad became ill and she wanted to come home to be with him. Most recently Denise worked for SUNY Brockport, until her illness made working too difficult.

Denise also loved Disney World and Disney movies. Her favorite was Lady and the Tramp. She collected many figurines from the movie and even named her Cavalier King Charles Lady.

Denise is survived by her siblings, Jason Swift and Christopher (Chaley) Swift; nephews, Richard, Jared and James Swift and Joel and Jenna Ferrigno; aunts and uncles, Kevin Jennejohn, Janet (Terry) Carey, Sheila (Don) Cox, Orville (Bernadette) Swift, Elmer Swift and Debby Swift.

She was predeceased by her brother Daniel and her parents Michael and Karen.

The family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY 14470, on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 3 to 5 p.m.

A private service will take place at the convenience of the family.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.

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

Mrs. Lorraine R. Musacchia, 88, passed away on Fri., July 22, 2022 at Premier Genesee Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. She was born on Jan. 11, 1934, in Queens, a daughter of the late William Watson and Madeline Hazdom Watson.

A member of Christ Episcopal Church in Albion, she worked as a bus aide for STMS in Albion. A friend of Bill W. for over 40 years, she was a member of the “lunch bunch” meeting and was proud of her 44 years of sobriety. She married John J. Musacchia on Sept. 26, 1952. He passed away on May 8, 2012.

She is survived by her children: Debra Musacchia, Michael Musacchia, John Musacchia and Wayne Musacchia; neighbor and “adopted” son, Stanley Bartman; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her sons, brother and sister.

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

Please make memorial contributions to the General Service Office, Post Office Box 2407, James A Farley Station, New York, NY 10116-2407.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Wallace L. “Wally” Klino, 95, of Lyndonville, NY, went to be with the Lord on Sat., July 23, 2022 at the St. John’s Home, Rochester, NY.

Born on Dec. 31, 1926 in Cleveland, OH, he was the son of the late Arthur and Leola (Bergeman) Klino.

He moved from Cleveland to the Lyndonville area in 1931 and enlisted in the U.S. Army at the tail end of WWII and was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sargent. On returning home, he married the late, former Anna Lewis and together they raised three children. He received his Journeyman’s Card in tool & die making and was employed with E & M Enterprises of Middleport and lastly worked as an Senior Engineer at Rochester Products, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the County Line Methodist Church and in his spare time enjoyed working on old cars and going to car shows. He also was a jack of all trades having built his house and barn.

He is survived by his children: James (Lorraine) Klino of Lockport,  Sherilyn Klino of Rochester, Kathyleen Marshall of NC; grandchildren: James L. (Ruth) Klino II, Jeffrey J. (Maria) Klino. Christy Marshall, and Erin (Trey) Johnson; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, Wally is predeceased by two sisters: Norma Jean Nellist and Delores Coke and an infant brother, Perry Arthur Klino.

Relatives and friends may call on July 29, 2022 at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St., Lyndonville, NY 14098 from 11 am – 1 pm where a funeral service will be held at 1 pm. Burial will be in the Lynhaven Cemetery with full military Honors.

Memorials may be made in Wally’s name to your local Hospice chapter or County line Methodist Church, 1385 County Line Rd, Barker, NY 14012.

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

MEDINA –  Virginia Marie Carr, 83, passed away at her residence on Sunday, July 24, 2022. She was born May 5, 1939 in Lockport, the daughter of the late Wilbert and Mae Viola (Clark) Downey.

Virginia lived in Medina most of her life. She enjoyed camping, cookies, swimming, playing cards, working in the garden and BINGO. Virginia will be remembered for her famous microwave fudge. She was a 25-year employee of Fisher Price, retiring in 1995.

She is survived by her daughters, Ann Carr of Medina and Cindy (Brian) Watson of Medina; grandchildren, Melissa Rodgers and Michael Ryder Jr., former spouse Melvin Carr.

Virginia was predeceased by her siblings, Merton (Sonny) Downey, Jean Downey, Janet Downey, Joyce Downey, Lois Ribbeck, Viola Downey and Marion Downey; her two huskies, Katie and Bandit and her beloved cat, Snoopy.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St. Gasport, where her funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery.

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

BROCKPORT – Julia M. (Furness) Bragg, 88, passed away July 23, 2022. She was born November 21, 1933 in Medina, a daughter of the late Claude and Elvira (Wright) Furness.

Julia graduated from Kendall High School, class of 1951, where she participated in cheerleading, twirling and was senior Queen. She enjoyed her doll collection, gardening, family and friends.

Julia was predeceased by her son, Duane Bragg; brother, Robert “Bob” Furness; and sister-in-law, Judy Furness.

Julia is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Deforest Bragg; children, Becky (Mike) Turcotte, Ronald (Erwina) Bragg, Doug Bragg, Darrin Bragg and Cheryl Bragg; grandchildren, James (Kelly) Bragg, Jenny Ziminski, Paula (Matthew) Bertram, Mathew (Jennifer) Turcotte, Shelby Shampoe, Brandon Shampoe, siblings, Kenneth Furness, Nancy (Ronald) Coyle and Anne Marie (David) Gonyeau; sister-in-law, Diane Furness; dear friends, Cathy and Albert Stlinter of Kingston, Ontario and many nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours. Julia’s memorial service will be held at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Route 31 in Holley, NY 14470 on Thursday, July 28, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in N. Byron Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Julia’s name may be made to the Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance, Inc. Hamlin, NY.

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

BARKER – Elaine Gordon (Nee Blow), 92, of Barker, wife of the late Leonard “Bud” Gordon entered into rest on Thursday July 21, 2022 at Niagara Hospice House. Elaine was born on October 23, 1929 in Barker, NY to the late Ira C. Blow and Phyllis (Nee Wolff) Blow.

Elaine was a homemaker all of her life, was a lifelong member of Faith UMC in Barker, a 75-year member of the OES starting in 1947 when she joined the Townsend Chapter of the OES and ending as a current member of the Gasport Chapter of the OES. Elaine was a past matron and a past grand officer. She was also a member of the Avon study club.

Surviving are her children, Neal (Fay) Gordon and Judy (Timothy) Myers, all of Barker; her grandchildren, Josh (Heather) Myers and Melissa (Dan) Palmateer; 6 great-grandchildren, Carter, Addessa, Colson, Layonna Myers and Olivia and Maya Palmateer; and her brother, Robert (Evelyn) Blow of North Tonawanda.

A memorial service will be held at the Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home Inc., 2670 Main St. Newfane, NY 14108 on Friday (July 29th) at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Somerset Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the National MS Society or Niagara Hospice. Please visit www.rutland-corwin.com for online condolences.

MEDINA – Richard Lee “Dick” Ehrenreich, age 77, passed away on Friday, July 15, while visiting family in Medina, NY. Born and raised in Medina, he is the son of the late Carl and Wayve (Raymond) Ehrenreich of Lyndonville, NY.

Dick attended The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, graduating in 1967 (“None Shall Surpass”). On Christmas Eve of 1967, he met the love of his life, Mary Monica Repko, and they were married on June 29, 1968.

Dick was a true Cold War Warrior, graduating from West Point with other notables in the Class of 1967 and adjoining classes.  As with all new Second Lieutenants of the era, he cut his teeth immediately serving in Vietnam as a Ranger supporting the Army of the Republic of Vietnam across 3 separate campaigns and two tours of duty.

He later served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer with the nuclear-armed Nike Hercules Missile System adding another overseas assignment as a Battery Commander in the Republic of South Korea to his domestic service. He completed additional assignments as an instructor and with the test and evaluation community, his Army career culminating in 1987 as a Major and having been personally awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster to go with the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars and the National Defense Service Medal.

Having earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering with Stanford University in 1972, Dick entered the civilian defense sector in Huntsville with Dynetics working almost immediately on the  Strategic Defense Initiative, more commonly known as “Star Wars” program, directly leading to the end of the Cold War. He continued his work with missile defense working on foundational programs like the Patriot Missile System. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972 in 2002, with the creation of the Missile Defense Agency, Dick’s work moved into today’s premier Homeland Defense Systems of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and the Ground-based Midcourse Interceptor, which stand guard today. Finally, after 45 years of contributions to this nation’s defense as a citizen-soldier, Dick retired in 2012 in beautiful Huntsville, Alabama, his family in close company.

Dick was an avid sports fan. Throughout his life, he played baseball and basketball with various organizations, refereed high school basketball games, bowled in leagues, played golf, and coached his kids in DYA baseball. He was passionate about football, most especially Army Football, Auburn University Football, and the Buffalo Bills. He was excited for the Iron Bowl each year but most especially looked forward to the Army-Navy Game. Go Army, Beat Navy! He was a major league baseball fan and would attend as many games as he could, especially when traveling for work. While living in Maryland, he became a loyal fan of the Baltimore Orioles. He loved playing any card game and was very good at all of them.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Monica; three children and their spouses, Mary Jo (Clyde) Wikle of Madison, AL, Chris (Natalie) Ehrenreich of Kennesaw, GA, and Joseph (Pamela) Ehrenreich of Dawsonville, GA; eight grandchildren, Katie Wikle, Carl Wikle, Lauren Ehrenreich, Sydney Ehrenreich, Tristan Ehrenreich, Aidan Ehrenreich, Killian Ehrenreich and Stephen Ehrenreich. Surviving sisters are Diane Walker of Lockport, NY, and Marian (Daryl Osbourne) Pulis of Oswego, NY.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Wayve (Raymond) Ehrenreich, of Lyndonville, NY; brother David E. Ehrenreich of Lyndonville, NY; and his daughter Mary Katherine Nicole (Nikki) Ehrenreich.

He will also be missed by his beloved Chihuahuas: Jack, Roxie and Zoey.

Friends and family are welcome to visit the family at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 625 Airport Road, Huntsville, AL, on Monday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held after the visitation at 10 a.m. He will be interred at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

MEDINA – Bruce W. Huntington, Jr., 61, passed away on June 7, 2022. He was born on June 1, 1961.

A celebration of life for Bruce will be held on Sunday, August 21, at 2 p.m. in the conference room at the Comfort Inn and Suites, 11591 Maple Ridge Road, Medina, NY.

Bruce left this earth way too soon, but his memory lives on in all of us.  Family, Friends and “Framily” please join us to celebrate his life.  Please feel free to bring photos, memories, and stories to share.

A Mass for the Intentions for Bruce W. Huntington, Jr. will be held on Sunday morning on Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish (St. Mary’s Catholic Church), 211 Eagle Street, Medina.

ALBION – Richard W. Tower, 68, died suddenly July 21, 2022 as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

He was born August 9, 1953 in Albion, a son of Arnold and Marjorie (Wickham) Tower and was a life-long resident of this area.

Dick was a long-time member and ordained Elder at the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, the BPO Elks Lodge #1006, the St. Mary’s Athletic Club and was one of the original members of the Orleans County Dive Team.

He worked as a production foreman at Bayex and also worked all his life with his father on the family farm. After retirement, Dick enjoyed working with his family in the landscaping business and in the apple orchards. He was also a recipient of a double-lung transplant in 2011. Dick will be remembered as a loving husband, wonderful father, adoring grandfather and overall wonderful person and a great man.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ann; his children: Matthew Tower of Albion, Molly (James) Preston of Albion; his brother, John (Frances) Tower of Albion; sister, Susan (Joe) Barlog of Rochester; his brother-in-law, Harold (Deborah) Germeo of PA; his mother, Marjorie Tower of Albion; grandchildren, Blake and Boe Preston; several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Murphy.

There will be no calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to attend Dick’s Memorial Service in the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, 4706 Oak Orchard Rd, Albion on Saturday, July 30, beginning at 2 p.m. Entombment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church or to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cardio/Thoracic Transplant Unit, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213. Dick’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.

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

Shirley J. Barnum, 95, of Greece was welcomed into Eternal Home on Tue., July 19, 2022.

Born in Lyndonville, NY to William A. and Alice J. (Draper) Barnum, she lived in Rochester and most recently at Legacy at Maiden Park, Rochester. The residents and friends at Maiden Park brought her much joy as did her beloved cat, Mister.

Shirley believed Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

She graduated from Rochester Business School and worked at Sibley’s Downtown for 25 years, retiring as Business Manager, Advertising Department.

She was active in the Saturday Night Club and more recently in Silver Squares and Journey Christian Church.

Shirley requested that memorial gifts be made to www.prisonfellowship.org

Private burial will be in the Lynhaven Cemetery, Lyndonville, NY.

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

Dennis G. Bates of Middleport passed away Wed., July 20, 2022, at Medina Memorial Hospital.  Dennis was born in Lockport, NY on March 7, 1944, son of George H. and Evelyn M. (Saia) Bates.

He was a 1962 graduate of DeSales Catholic High School and graduated from Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science in 1963.

He served in the NYS Army National Guard from 1965-1971, honorably discharged with the rank of SPC 5.  He was employed at Gaul Funeral Home in Lockport before purchasing the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home in Middleport in 1973 and in 1982 he bought the Bates Cleary Funeral Home in Medina.  He has operated the Middleport Funeral Home until retiring in December of 2015 and had been a licensed NYS Funeral Director since 1965.  He was a former member of several Funeral Director associations.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish/St. Stephen’s R.C. Church where he served as Catholic Charities Chairman for over 40 years, and he also continued to serve as the Sexton for St. Stephen’s Cemetery for 35 years.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 651 in Medina St. Joan of Arc 4^th Degree Assembly, Clute Phillips American Legion Post 938 in Middleport, Gasport Lions Club where he served as President and has received the Distinguished Service Award, Robert J. Uplinger Award and the Melvin Jones Fellowship and he was also a member of the Clinton Club.

Dennis enjoyed traveling, reading, and cooking. He took great pride in his children & grandchildren and his greatest joy was spending time with his family and cooking for them.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Ann E. (Whalen) Bates; children: Dennis G. (Tracy) Bates Jr. of Hilton, Jeffrey W. (Sheryl) Bates DDS and Susan E. (Michael) Lehman all of Lockport; grandchildren: Lauren Bates, Eric Lehman, Julie Bates, Brian Bates, Renee Lehman and Madden Bates; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard B. Whalen, and Mary J. Fox both of Lockport, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport, NY 14105 on Sun., July 24, from 3-8 pm.  His mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Trinity Parish/St. Stephen’s Church, 21 Vernon St., Middleport on Mon., July 25 at 10 am.  Burial will be in Cold Springs Cemetery in Lockport.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Oblates of St. Francis DeSales, 22043 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, Ohio 43607.

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

Joan E Robinson, 85, of Falmouth, MA, passed away on May 5, 2022. She was born on April 24, 1937 in Albion, NY to the late John D. and Helen (Lanagan) Robinson.

She was predeceased by her sister H. Patricia Robinson and brother James (Suzanne) Robinson.

Joan is survived by her nephews: James (Cindy) Robinson and John (Mary Ellen) Robinson; niece, Patricia (Jesse) Balcerzak and several great-nieces and nephews.

A graduate of SUNY at Geneseo, she taught for several years before working in marketing at GE. After retiring, Joan stayed busy working part time at Stop & Shop in Cape Cod. She was an avid photographer and loved to travel.

Relatives and friends may attend a graveside committal at 1 pm on Fri., July 29, 2022 at the Mount Albion Cemetery, NY.

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

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

Bill “Otis” Anstey, Jr.,76, of Medina, NY went to be the Lord on Mon., July 18, 2022. Born on July 9, 1946, he was the son of the late Otis William and Marjorie (Goldsmith) Anstey, Sr.

He graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1964 and later graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Physical Therapy. He worked for Sylvania in Batavia, NY and was a salesman for WLVL Radio in Lockport and lastly worked as a Physical Therapist for Lockport Hospital.

Bill always loved music, at the age of 15 he was a singer and songwriter making music for all to enjoy. His favorite music was early rock & roll, which included songs from the Beatles and Eagles, but also enjoyed other genres, including Christian Worship Music.  Bill was the leader of the praise band for the First Baptist Church of Medina and Lockport and lastly at the Hartland Bible Church.

Bill loved being outdoors, fishing, staying at the cottage in Canada, and feeding the birds. He designed the interior of his home on Hoffman Rd., along with the large dining room table and floating duck pond. He was a patriotic American and was the 10th cousin once removed from the original Minute Man.

Bill is survived by his wife Jacqui; children: Kenneth (Jeanne) Anstey of Medina, Erika (Wiegert Tierie) Dietz of Indian Rocks Beach, Fla. and Gretchen Penrose of Kenmore, NY; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his aunt, Eddie Anstey and daughter, Christine Washak.

Relatives and friends may call on Mon., July 25, 2022, from 10 am – 2 pm at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina, NY 14103, where a funeral service will be held at 2 pm and burial will be at the Millville Cemetery.

Memorial may be made in his name to a Christian organization of one’s choice.

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

Larry A. Gaddis, 79, of Versailles Kentucky. A long time resident of Hamlin, NY. He went to rest July 5, 2022.

He was predeceased by his parents Burdette and Mary (Hare) Gaddis and sister Judy, along with cat, Gizzy.

Survived by his wife, Carol, brother Michael and his children Renee and Phil Gaddis.

He worked at Owens Illinois glass factory for many years, then retired from Caldwell. He loved to watch boxing. But most of all loved listening to his favorite singer, Waylon Jennings.

Donna (Moysey) Sofokles, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 5, 1939 in Berlin, MD to I. Ellen (Carr) and W. Robert Moysey.

Donna resided in Berlin, MD, Fishkill, NY, LaGrangeville, NY, Poughkeepsie, NY and Medina, NY. Donna was a graduate of the 1956 class at Arlington High School and attended SUNY Albany (formerly known as State Teacher’s College) and Krissler Business Institute in Poughkeepsie. She married William K. Sofokles on Feb. 20, 1960 at Trinity United Methodist Church in LaGrangeville.

After raising her 3 boys, Donna worked for the Dutchess County Dept. of Health until her retirement. She enjoyed countless hours sewing and quilting and she belonged to the Dutchess County Quilt Guild and Trinity Piecemakers.  Donna won numerous ribbons in quilt shows at the Dutchess County Fair. Since 1962, Donna spent countless leisure hours watching her beloved NY Mets. She often watched games while tirelessly working on another of her quilting creations and making treasured gifts for her family and friends.

Donna was dedicated to volunteer work. Over her life, she gave her time to the Boy Scouts, PTA, church matters, food pantries, homeless shelters and as an adult literacy tutor. Donna cherished and was a lifelong member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. They all benefited from her kind and giving heart.

Surviving are her children: Bradley, Philip (Alycia) and John Sofokles; grandchildren: Bradley II, Nicholas, Alexandra, Philip, Alyssa (Anthony) and Amyli; great-grandchildren: Bradley, Aubrey, Anthony and Ava; brothers: Stanley (Valerie) and Richard (RaeAnne); and sister in-law, Peggy Sofokles; close family members, Charlie and Terri Sofokles; and many nieces and nephews.Donna was predeceased by her parents; her husband, William; brother, James Moysey; and brother-in-law, Mitch Sofokles.

Her memorial service will be held on Sat., July 23 at 3PM at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 6 S. Cross Rd., LaGrangeville, NY 12540. Interment in the LaGrangeville Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to her son, Brad for giving such great care to our mom over the last ten years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church at the address above. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com