Obituaries

ALBION- Joyce H. Roberts, age 90, passed away with her loving family by her side at the Martin Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion on April 24, 2024. She was born September 27, 1933 in Canandaigua to the late Chester and Thelma (Wallace) Haigh.

Joyce was a longtime member of the Albion First Baptist Church, worked as a supervisor at OTB in Albion for over 20 years and along with her late husband ran “Tommy’s Restaurant”. She was a lifetime member of the Carlton Fire Co. ladies auxiliary and very active in the Home Bureau. Joyce and Tom enjoyed square dancing together and spent time travelling all over WNY and the surrounding area. In her spare time, she enjoyed needlework, crafts, reading and working around the farm.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Thomas on July 14, 1994, brother Gary Haigh, son-in-law, Franklin James, and brother-in-law, Weldon Astle.

Joyce is survived by her children, Cynthia Roberts, Dawn James, Paul (Linda) Roberts, Mark Roberts, Judy (James) Bennett, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister, Donna Astle, sister-in-law, Rena Haigh, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joyce’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Wednesday May 8th from 4:00-7:00pm. Her memorial service will be held at the Albion First Baptist Church, 30 W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411 on Thursday, May 9th at 10:30am. Interment will be held in Carlton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to the Albion First Baptist Church 30 West Park St. Albion, NY 144411 or Hospice of Orleans 14080 Route 31 Albion, NY 14411.

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

ELBA – Loretta  “Jean”  Love, age 80, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Mount Morris surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Monday, November 1st, 1943 in Batavia, a daughter of the late William Shafer and Laura Maxwell Shafer.

She loved her animals, tending to her flower beds, gardening and cheering for the Buffalo Bills, especially for Jim Kelly. Most of all Jean loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her great-grandson Mason play baseball.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Darwin F. Love; her daughters, Cheryl (McQueen) Love of Medina and Laurie (Joseph) Graham of Attica;  three grandchildren, Rita (Sam) Vigiano of Elba, Felicia (Robert) LeRoy of Victor and Holly (Taylor) Ellis of Canton; two great-grandsons, Mason Vigiano of Elba and Liam Ellis of Canton; her brothers, Leslie (Dorothy) Shafer of Batavia and Wayne (Karen) Shafer of Lancaster; her sister, Theresa (Gary) Cervone of Houston, Texas along with several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Carol Shafer who passed away as infant, Donald Shafer, Annie Fisk and Timothy (late Carol) Karnafel.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024  from 4:00 pm  to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where memorial services will be held at 11 am Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 6400 Sheridan Dr #320, Buffalo, New York 14221.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

BARKER – David G. Newman, age 70 of Barker, NY passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. David was born on March 23, 1954. He was preceded in death by his mother Stella J Grendisa and father Theodore George Newman.

Dave is survived by his wife, Clara Perez-Newman, brother Daniel Newman, children Nicole and Joe and grandchildren Nevaeh, Michael, Angelo, and Riley.

David retired from General Motors after 30 years and was a member of the UAW. He is remembered for his love of sports particularly his love of baseball.

A ceremony to honor and celebrate David’s life will be held at Hartland Central Cemetery, 8541 Ridge Road, Gasport, NY 14067, on May 18th, 2024, at 12 pm.

May he rest in peace.

ALBION – Louis H. McGuire, Jr., age 77, died April 20, 2024 in Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility. He was born February 13, 1947 in Albion to Louis and Arlene (Schmackpffer) McGuire and had lived in this area most of his life.

Louis enjoyed fishing, taking car rides, watching the boats go in and out of the harbor at Pt. Breeze and loved his coffee!  However, his greatest love was the time he got spend with his grandchildren. They truly filled his heart.

He is survived by his sons, Adam McGuire of Mt. Morris, and Michael (Tatiana) McGuire of Albion; his sister, Brenda Cimino of NC; his grandchildren, Leo, Caleb, Peyton, Olivia, Piper and Aspen as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours and his services will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Hillside Cemetery. Louis’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.

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

MIDDLEPORT – Richard M. Vendetta, 86, entered into eternal rest on April 18, 2024. He was born on August 26, 1937 in Medina, NY, a son of the late Thomas Anthony and Amelia Marie (nee Castricone) Vendetta.

Rich attended and graduated from Medina High School in 1955. Following graduation, he joined the US Navy and served until 1958. He worked for the Medina Police Department before accepting a position working for Harrison Radiator Division, General Motors Corp. plant security, where he retired in 1992.

Rich started volunteering for the American Red Cross in 1976, as a First Aid and CPR Instructor, as well as an EMT with Tri-Town Ambulance. In 1982, Rich was awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit by the Eastern Niagara Chapter. The highest award given by the Red Cross to a person who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in a volunteer training program. He enjoyed hunting with his family, golfing with his sons and bowling with the guys.

Besides his parents, Rich is predeceased by his second wife, Joan P. (nee Jarvis) Vendetta; and his siblings Thomas J. (late Barbara) Vendetta, Joann V. (late Francis) Beyer and Carol Petkus.

He is survived by his children, Richard M. (Karon) Vendetta, Jr., Duane A. (Jean) Vendetta, Kimberly A. (Greg) Nogle and Scott T. (Sandra) Vendetta; grandfather of 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; brother of Francis (Deborah) Vendetta; also survived by his former wife Nancy L. (nee Smith) Vendetta and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Cooper Funeral Home, 215 West Center Street, Medina, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina at 11 a.m. Family and friends are asked to please assemble at the church.

Arrangements by the Amigone Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorials are strongly encouraged to be made to Niagara Hospice. Please share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

GASPORT – Gertrude Szymanski, age 99, died April 19, 2024 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. She was born August 9, 1924 in Albion to Felix and Beatrice Kryzinski and was a life-long resident of this area.

Gertrude was a person who took great pride in being a homemaker. She tended to her family with love, affection and great care. Gertrude loved to travel, especially to the Southwest, and enjoyed reading as well. She liked to go on hikes as well as spend time gardening but, her greatest joy was taking care of her family and the home.

Mrs. Szymanski was predeceased by her husband, Alexander; and her siblings, Chester, Edward and Leonard Kryzinski, and Lucille Gross and Florence Whiting.

She is survived by her son, Michael Szymanski; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St., Gasport, on Monday, April 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. where her funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT, 84741.

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

MEDINA – Bruno P. Pacini of Medina, New York, formerly of Middleport, passed peacefully in the early hours of April 19, 2024 after a brief illness. He had celebrated his 102nd birthday this past January.

Born in North Tonawanda, New York on January 21, 1922, he was the son of the late Guy and Leontine (Bourdon) Pacini.

He graduated from North Tonawanda High School and was ready to enter Niagara University on a football scholarship when WWII intervened. He entered the Army in October of 1942 and served as a Staff Sergeant until February 1946. Upon leaving the service, he went back to Niagara University to continue his education. He earned his BS degree in Social Science in 1950 and his MA in 1951.

His teaching career was spent at Royalton-Hartland in Middleport where he taught Social Studies for 27 years. In addition to his classroom duties, he coached his favorite sport of football and at his retirement in 1977, this respected coach had the football field named in his honor. After his retirement he went on to be elected Royalton Town Justice, a position he would hold for 12 years.

He was also a member of the Clute Phillips Post 938 of the American Legion in Middleport and the Knights of Columbus. He was the last surviving member of the original inductees of the Foundation Award Winners of the Niagara Orleans League. He was proud to have been inducted into the North Tonawanda Football Hall of Fame, the Niagara University Hall of Fame and the Roy Hart “Proud to be a Ram” Wall of Fame.

Beside his parents, Bruno was predeceased by his wife Bertha (Pope) Kilworth Pacini and his brother Charlie and sister-in-law Shirley.

He is survived by his step-daughter Gina (Mike) George; step-granddaughters Audrey (Casey) Tuohey and Emily (Michael) McLaren; as well as great-grandchildren Brayden, Gavin, Shay and Camryn; two nieces Sandra (Edmond) Hess and Charlene (David) Gwinn. He will be missed by many long-time friends from his years in Middleport, his friend Jean Chatt of Medina as well as the many young men he coached over the years who long after graduation still kept in touch with their coach. He was deeply touched by the many former students and friends who attended the re-dedication of the football field.

There are no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church on Friday, April 26th at 10 a.m.

Burial with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Wednesday, May 1st at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate in his memory to a charity of their own choosing.

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

MEDINA – Serina M. Dixon, age 47, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

She was born October 12, 1976, a daughter of the late Kathleen (Dixon) Munn.

Survivors include her sons, Dillon (fiancé Karlee) Winters of Lyndonville, Austin Winters, Zachary Winters (Natilie Leno) of Rochester and Dominic Winters (Mila Molina) of Medina; grandson, Adrian Winters; and stepfather, Jack Munn of Medina.

She was predeceased by her mother, Kathleen Munn in 2019.

Funeral services will be privately held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.

Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

WEBSTER – Elizabeth “Betty” Baird, age 86, of Webster, New York, passed away on April 14, 2024. She was born on February 12, 1938, in Albion, New York, to Madalyn and Rulison Bigger. She was one of the many sets of twins in Albion that grew up on Erie Street.  Elizabeth was a very positive, upbeat, and caring person who cherished and sacrificed for her family above all else. Her life revolved around family, and she loved to travel, have fun, dance, sing, and live life to the fullest.

Elizabeth was a talented writer, known for her poems for children and adults, as well as a book. She began her career as a registered nurse, working in hospitals, nursing homes, and private duty. She attended Genesee Hospital School of Nursing and Albion High School.  She was a wonderful nurse!

In the early years, Elizabeth loved belonging to Oak Hill Country Club and playing golf and bowling with friends.  She was also a member of the Eastman Oratorio Society.

She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Snowden; son, Thomas Andrew Sugden; son-in-law, Joseph Snowden; daughter-in-law, Lisa Sugden; grandchildren, Shane Sugden, Julia Sugden, Thomas Snowden, and Robert Snowden; and sister, Jane Hail. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. Her twin sister Peggy Pieters passed away April 16, 2024, following her sister and now they are together again!

Elizabeth’s hobbies included dancing, singing, and writing, cooking, shopping, and walking five miles a day. She worshiped at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Rochester Cremation in West Henrietta, NY, is assisting the family with arrangements.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Elizabeth’s life will be held in August. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made by performing an act of kindness in her honor. If anyone wishes to correspond with the family, please send any and all to 500 Jondor Drive, Webster, NY 14580.

BROCKPORT – Francis H. “Frank” Slingerland. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday April 18, 2024, at the age of 86.  He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Pat, children Patty Keady, Francis “Frank” (Sue) Slingerland Jr., Mary (Joel) Johnson and Denise Slingerland, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, brother Richard “Dick” (Maureen) Slingerland,  and many nieces and nephews.

Frank was a great husband and father, who adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was an avid outdoorsman, a Scout Leader and a jokester.  He loved his camp, four wheeling and hunting.  Frank will be dearly missed.

A future Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.  Those wishing may contribute to a charity of your choice in Frank’s memory.

KENDALL – Frank L. Mandigo “Pops”/”Poppy”, 79, of Kendall, NY passed away on 12/20/23 surrounded by love.  He was born May 27, 1944 in Watertown, NY, son of the late Lewis and Dorothy Smith Mandigo. He graduated Watertown High School in 1962.

He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and then worked until retirement (at an early age) at Rochester Products.  He was the most generous man who loved making people smile, going fishing, hunting, telling stories and playing cards but most of all he loved his family.

He is predeceased by his stepfather Lawrence Lowe, his brother David Mandigo, and so many precious friends including his ex-wife and forever friend, Darlene Mandigo Willett.

He is survived by his 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 (Dylan) Phillips, Nolan Phillips and Aveena Mae Richards; Great great grandson, Lorenzo Ruffini. He will also be missed by his loving sisters Alice Sheldon, Jean Cornell and Dorothy Novotny and loving brother Bill Mandigo; Special nephew Jeff Mandigo, in addition to several other nieces, nephews and cousins.  He will be fondly remembered by so many friends we couldn’t begin to name – you all know who you are.

Friends and Family please join us for a celebration of life for both Frank and Darlene on Saturday April 27^th, 2024 from 1 – 5pm at the Carlton Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd, Albion, NY 14411.

WEST BARRE – James F. Davis, age 87, passed away April 16, 2024 at Medina Memorial Hospital.  He was born September 6, 1936 a son of the late Theodore and Ellen (Hitchcock) Davis and had lived in this area all of his life.

 James was a member of the West Barre Church.  He farmed for many years and he and his wife Marjory founded the Jam-Mar Farm in W. Barre.  James retired from Harrison Radiator in Lockport in 1999 after 34 years.

 In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife Marjory; infant son Clifford Henry Davis; sisters Anna Mae (Gerald) Hughes, Janet (Gene) Marsh, Mary Jane Miller, Sharon Davis; brother John (Melia) Davis; brother-in-law Edward “Skip” Omeara.

 He is survived by his children David (Jann) Davis, Lynette (Aaron) Kozlosky, Marlene (Erik) Seielstad; grandchildren Kerri (Jeffrey) Higgs, Megan (Brent) Martin, Morgan Seielstad, Riley Seielstad; brother Jerry (Irene) Davis; sister Eileen Omeara, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

 The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 W. Ave. Friday April 26th 2-4pm & 6-8pm.  His Funeral Service will be held Saturday April 27^th at 10:00am at the West Barre Church, 5377 Albion Eagle Harbor Rd., Albion NY 14411.  Burial will be in Millville Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the church.

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

CHURCHVILLE – Keith D. Brakenbury, of Churchville formerly of Albion, passed away after a four-year battle with cancer on April 12, 2024 at the Wilmot Cancer Institute in Rochester. He was born October 31, 1959 in Albion to Richard and Constance (Kwiatkowski) Brakenbury.

Keith enjoyed traveling to various places over the years. He spent over 25 years working for Home Depot in the Rochester area before retiring from the Henrietta store. He was active in and loved to be a part of the Rochester Gay Men’s Choir and was a big fan of RuPaul. Keith and his husband Jeff cherished time together camping, going to museums, or relaxing at home with their four cats and dogs, Parker, and Monty.

Keith was predeceased by his mother, Constance in 2020.

Keith is survived by his loving spouse, Jeffery Bodine; father, Richard Brakenbury; siblings, Kyle (Colleen) Brakenbury, Kevin Brakenbury and Ondrea Brakenbury Pate; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

Keith’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Tuesday, April 16th from 5 to 7 p.m. where his Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7 p.m. Keith will be laid to rest with his mother at Old St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Brown Rd. in Albion on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Keith’s name may be made to Wilmot Cancer Institute or for HIV/AIDS research, amfAR.

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

MIDDLEPORT – Dr. Elaine B. Richards (Nee Black), of Middleport, entered into rest on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Born July 3, 1932 in Buffalo, she was the daughter of the late J. Elmore and Dorothy H. (Sommer) Black.

She married the late Walter B. Richards on December 7, 1957. Dr. Richards earned a master’s degree from Buffalo State College and went on to earn her Ed.D. in Education from SUNY Buffalo. The couple resided in Hamburg, NY and then lived in Middleport for many years.

Dr. Richards had a long and accomplished career as a teacher in early childhood education for Orleans-Niagara BOCES in Sanborn. She retired in 1999. Following retirement, she enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo. Dr. Richards was known as a counselor and confidant to many, but most importantly was a devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother.

Predeceased by her husband, Walter B. Richards in 2004; brother, Donald E. (W. Elaine) Black; nephew, Brian Black; and niece, Donna Siegel.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Ross W. (Lisa) Richards of Lockport; daughter, Marguerite E. Richards of Middleport; grandsons, Aaron, Aidan and Ethan Richards; and several great-nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, where her funeral service will also be held the next morning, Monday, April 15 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo.

Memorial donations in Dr. Richards’ memory may be made to either the Erie or Niagara County SPCA. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

LYNDONVILLE – Wanda D. Oakes, 93, of Lyndonville, NY, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Hospice of Orleans with her loving family at her side.

She was born on May 18, 1930, in Mays, Indiana, the daughter of the late Osro and Mae (Plummer) Draper.

Wanda was raised during the Depression on a small farm in Indiana. After graduating from Mays High School in 1948, Wanda continued her education at Ball State Teachers College, where she met her future husband, James Oakes, on a blind date during a sorority/fraternity mixer. They were wed on December 22, 1950. After the passing of her father-in-law, Leonard, the couple returned to Lyndonville to manage the family farm, which was to be known as LynOaken Farms, while raising their five children.

Wanda was a lifelong member of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church and was well known for her beautiful soprano voice, gracing many weddings and funerals. She loved her time portraying Mrs. Claus for the church Christmas Mini Mall and was an active participant of the Company of the Concerned, visiting the shut-ins and elderly of the community.

Wanda served on the Board at Medina Memorial Hospital for many years as well as TWIGS. After raising her children, Wanda focused on helping out with the family farm on events and during harvest. She had a compassionate and caring nature for her family and community. Wanda was also proud of her Hoosier heritage and maintained a close relationship with her Indiana friends and family. She was an avid reader and NBA fan and had a life-long love of hosting visitors from all over the world including international students from American Field Service.

Wanda is survived by her five children: Darrel (Linda) Oakes, Deborah (Ralph) Oakes, Diane (Rev. Daniel) Thurber, Dana (Paula) Oakes, and Wendy (Darren) Wilson. She also survived by eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband James, who passed in 1998, Wanda is predeceased by two sisters, Anna Louise and Virginia Joyce, and a great-grandson.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St., Lyndonville, NY 14098. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, 102 N Main St, Lyndonville, NY 14098, with the Pastor, Rev. Timothy Schultz, officiating and the Rev. Daniel Thurber co-officiating. The burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wanda’s name to the Lyndonville United Methodist Church or Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.

The Oakes family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and staff at Medina Memorial Hospital, United Memorial, Rochester General, and Hospice of Orleans for their excellent care and compassion.

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

ALBION – Eleanor Louise King, entered her rest on April 5th, 2024.  Born to Joseph and Mary (Rogers) Lipsett on October 8th, 1947 in Sunbury, PA. 

Predeceased by husband of 41 years, Wayne Leroy King; brother Arthur Lipsett; sisters Eileen Hunter and Rose Ackley; daughter Tammy King; daughter-in-law Michelle King; and great-grandson Nicholas Torregrossa Jr.

Survived by sister Pat (Tom) Gamble, sons Todd and Joseph (Connie) King, daughter Roxanne (Marv) Dobson, and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Eleanor worked for many years as a home health care aide, deeply committed to those under her care.  A petite lady with a big heart for all God’s creatures, Eleanor enjoyed yard sales, decorating, and family get-togethers.

A private graveside service will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Albion at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: PAWS, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY, 14411. 

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