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Obituaries

Fredrick Merritt White

By Ronald Konieczny

Fredrick Merritt White, 83, of Batavia and formerly Olcott, passed away November 19, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center after a lengthy illness. 

He was born in Lockport, September 28, 1937, to the late Merritt White and Frances (White) Haight. 

Fred attended Michigan State, served in the Army, and then settled in Chicago, Ill. and Foxborough, Ma. before returning to the Lockport area in the early 70’s where he became associated with Paul Fox Auto Sales. This began his lifelong interest in the Retail and Wholesale Automobile Business, working in and with dealerships throughout Western NY as well as starting his own businesses.

Fred became a member of Olcott Yacht Club in 1975 was recognized as not only a dedicated sailor in OYC Club races as well as LYRA, South Shore and Youngstown Level Races, but also taught numerous people how to sail and race.  He was affectionately nicknamed “Fast Freddy” at OYC where he kept his various sailboats (Sunrise, Awesome, Cracker Jack and most recently Still Awesome).

Fred became an officer at OYC serving as Fleet Captain, Rear Commodore, Vice Commodore and Commodore several times over the forty plus years he was a member and also served on their Long Range Planning Committee and was one of the original organizers for their current Haulout and Storage Committee.

Fred is survived by his wife Kathy, his children Susan (Anne Casto) White of Columbus, Ohio and Mitchell White of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Step-children, Brian Havens of Batavia, and Jocelyn Sikorski of Alexander. Grandchildren David Arizosa, Jonathan and Donna White of Florida, Zack and Nick Casto of Ohio and Paige and Peyton Sikorski from Alexander, as well as former wife Janet Bagshaw of Canada and son-in-law Kevin Sikorksi of Attica. Sibings Sara Renna of Florida, Richard White of Virginia and Michael White in Washington state. Several nieces and nephews living throughout the country.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 21st from 2:00-4:00pm at the Olcott Yacht Club, Water St, Olcott, NY 14126.

The family asks that any donations be made to OYC Mantle Club or OYC Junior Sailing (PO Box 715, Olcott, NY 14126) in his name. 

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

 

Kenneth R. "Kenny-man" Nevinger

By Joshua Smith

Alexander - Kenneth R. "Kenny-man" Nevinger, 71 of Alexander passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, (August 10, 2021) at his home.

Mr. Nevinger was born December 17, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late Richard and Lois (Wheeler) Nevinger.

He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia and a long time truck mechanic at the former Houseknecht Motors in Batavia. Kenny loved car racing and was well known at Genesee Speedway where he raced Pro Stock for many years, driving the 06 car. Recently he was a staple at Lime Rock Speedway where he attended regularly as a "big fan." Kenny was also well known in the Empire State Pullers Association where he pulled several tractors and trucks over the years including "Family Affair," "Lil Stomper," "Lil Stomper II," and "Sudden Impact."

Surviving are his wife, Kathy (Kelley) Nevinger; a brother, Norman (Kay) Nevinger of Minnesota; sisters, Sandra (Bud) Richmond of Elba, Tandra (Robert) Jermy of Texas, Patti (Jeff) Farwell of Medina, and Charlene (Marty) Merle of Alexander; brothers-in-law, Butch (Cathy Jo) Kelley of Fruitland, Idaho, Scott (Becky) Kelley of Batavia; a sister-in-law, Linda Kelley of Batavia. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, (August 16th, 2021)  from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street in Batavia, where Kenny's Celebration of LIfe will be held immediately following visitation at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.  

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Cary L. Liles

By Joshua Smith

Byron - Cary  L. Liles, age 81, of Byron, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Rochester General Hospital.

Cary was born March 9, 1940 in Batavia, a son of the late Clyde H. Liles and Mabel L. Richenberg Liles.

Along with his brother, Bruce, they were long time proprietors of Liles Brothers Construction in Byron for many years. Cary was a 1957 graduate of Byron-Bergen High School and played softball for many years with the South Byron Recreational Hall. He loved to fish and hunt and was proud that he never missed an opening day of deer season since he started hunting at the age of 16. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing on Lake Erie and was a fan of the late actor John Wayne.

Surviving are his daughters, Pam (Dan) Kelley of Alexander and Patricia (Jeff) Jarosinski of Byron; longtime friend, Kate Wride of Byron; four grandchildren, Christina (Jon), Kimberly, Daniel (Chantel) and Hunter Cary, three great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Addison and Daniel, Jr., his brother, Bruce C. (Linda) Liles of Florida along with many friends and relatives.

 He is predeceased by his twin brother, Gary Liles, who passed away in 1960 and his daughters mother Joan Bater Liles.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 14th, 2021 from 10:00 am  to 12:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen where funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 pm. He will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Byron Fire Department, P.O. Box 210, Byron, New York 14422 or the South Byron Fire Department, P.O. Box 22, South Byron, New York 14557. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Patricia Ann "Patty" Harding

By LaVern Falcone

Le Roy – Patricia Ann “Patty” Harding, age 83, formerly of Exchange Street, passed away peacefully at Premier Genesee Center in Batavia early Saturday morning (August 7, 2021) where she had been in residence several years.

     Patty was born November 3, 1937 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Roy and Albie Frigheit Harding. She is survived by her only sibling, Robert Harding of Batavia, along with many cousins and friends.

     Patty loved Le Roy and was always excited to read news of her hometown.  She especially enjoyed hearing the accomplishments of Le Roy’s High School athletes often expressing how proud she was of them.   Patty’s favorite was football “The Oatkan Knights”.  In her younger years Patty was a regular at football practices offering encouragement, in her own special way, and cheering the team on at the home games.

     There will be no calling hours.  Patty will be laid to rest beside her parents in Machpelah Cemetery.  A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

     Contributions in Patty’s memory are suggested to the LeRoy Sports Boosters, c/o LeRoy Central High School, 9300 South St. Rd., LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Patty's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Jane E. Terrill

By LaVern Falcone

A Service of Remembrance for Jane E. Terrill, who passed away on June 22, 2021, will be held on Sunday, August 15 at 3:00 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, N.Y.

John M. Davis

By T.J. Woodward

  John M. Davis, age 73, of East Pembroke lost his hard fought battle with cancer, passing away on Sunday August 8, 2021. He was born to the late Merritt V. Davis and Margaret (Schuessler) Davis on April 29, 1948. In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his eldest brother; Richard and his first wife; Andrea M. (Nelson) Davis.

He is survived by his wife; Patricia M. (Schult) Davis; his brothers; Michael (Heather) Davis and James (Helen) Davis; children Donya M. (David) Vaughn,  Yvonne M. (Rick) Lial, Eric J. Davis; along with 7 grandchildren.

John was a United States Army Veteran and the Co-owner of Davis Steel Corp. from 1982-2017. He enjoyed many interests throughout his life, but his love for flying was possibly the strongest. He was an active licensed pilot ready to take to the skies for any adventure. He enjoyed working on his plane over the years. John was a committed member of St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish in East Pembroke for over 40 years, where he gave years of time and effort to whatever cause the church needed. One of his favorite yearly events was the church’s annual chicken BBQ. The event was always a great turn out due to the work force and the group of volunteers that came together. He took pride in making sure the mashed potatoes at the Harvest Dinner were always the best that could be produced. John enjoyed being with people and talking about his work adventures putting up the structural steel for every building constructed.

Everyone that knew John, knew one of his favorite hobbies was complaining about Ernie’s Maintenance Program. “Everything” came back to the shop to be used at another time. He stored any and all remaining treasures from each job site. He genuinely enjoyed the life he was given and even though his last years were filled with pain and challenges, he pulled through to enjoy as much as he could with the zest for his life to the end. He completed his dreams and enjoyed his “Flight for Life”.

Say not in grief, “He is no longer”, but in thankfulness…That he was. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) He will be greatly missed, until we meet again.  

Friends are invited to call from 4:00-7:00PM on Monday August 16, 2021 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020.  A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday August 17th at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church 18 W. Main St. Corfu, NY 14036. He will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Charlotte House 4316 NY- route 98 North Java, NY 14113 where john spent his last days in comfort around his family and friends. For more information or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home and Cremation Company Inc., 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Elizabeth Rose (Cruit) Sphar

By T.J. Woodward

 
  Elizabeth Rose (Cruit) Sphar went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 6, 2021. She was born on November 30, 1927 in Shelbyville, Illinois, to the late Luther and Addie (Auld) Cruit. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Orvel Sphar, and siblings Robert Cruit, Donald Cruit, and Evelyn Cruit Dobson.

Elizabeth spent the first 23 years of her life in Shelbyville, IL, where she received a bookkeeping degree from Sparks College. On June 17, 1951, she married Orvel Sphar, and they moved to Attica, NY in 1963 to pursue a rose growing business. Expanding the business was quite an adventure these two embarked upon, and Elizabeth was able to put her bookkeeping degree to good use. Elizabeth also had many interests and was beloved by all who came into contact with her. She was known by her inviting, warm, and merry spirit and constant smiles. For most kids in the neighborhood, hers was the house to be at!! As a child, Elizabeth fell in love with art and started painting. She went on to create many beloved paintings, which her family cherishes and enjoys. Throughout her life, Elizabeth was also very involved in many church activities. Psalm 23 was her favorite Bible passage. Elizabeth lived a long, full life and will be deeply missed by her family and so many others.

Elizabeth is survived by her children: Deborah (David) Shore, Gastonia, NC; Gary (Lynn) Sphar, Attica, NY; eight grandchildren: Rachel (Seth) Shore Withers, Morrisville, NC;  Rebecca (Timothy) Shore Graham, Gastonia, NC; Sarah (David) Elizabeth Shore Pleasants, Gastonia, NC; Hannah Shore, Arlington, VA; Abigail (Jordan) Rose Shore Brooks, Gastonia, NC; Necole (Troy) Sphar Hubbard, Attica, NY; Matthew (Becky) Sphar, North Java, NY; and Daniel Sphar, Attica, NY; fifteen great grandchildren: Aiden Withers;  Liam Withers; Lydia Graham; Sophie Elizabeth Graham; Esther Rose Graham; Benjamin Graham; Sadie Shore Graham; Judah Graham; Emma Rose Pleasants; Charlotte Pleasants; and Grace Elizabeth Pleasants; Miles Hubbard; Mia Hubbard; Norah Sphar; and Hudson Sphar. 

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, NY 14011, which will be followed by a 1:00PM Funeral Service at the Funeral Home and burial at Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  ***Per Family’s request, Masks will be required for vaccinated and unvaccinated attendees***

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 3 Prospect St. Attica, NY 14011.  To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Joseph Patrick Gear

By Ronald Konieczny

Joseph Patrick Gear was born June 16, 1955 to William D. and Ruth F. (Scheider) Gear in Batavia NY. He died in his sleep in the early morning hours of August 8 2021.

Joe was well known in the community because of his outgoing nature and his exceptional gift for painting. His art was featured in many shows and galleries including Go Art, the Albright-Knox, and GCC to name a few, and he received numerous awards. Joe was beloved and highly engaged in the local ARC community. His memory will be treasured by his many friends and family.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth, and siblings Therese, Bill, Maria, John and Kevin. He was preceded in death by his brother Dave.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY, at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 12th, followed by a luncheon. All are welcome.

Flowers are gratefully declined in lieu of remembrances donated to ARC Genesee Orleans, 64 Walnut St, Batavia, NY 14020.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Robert P. Schroeder (Bob)

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - Robert P. Schroeder (Bob), 64, of Bergen, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a lengthy illness.  A special thank you to Highland Hospital’s East 5 staff for their wonderful care and support.

Mr. Schroeder was born August 19, 1956 in Rochester, NY to Robert W. Schroeder of North Chili and the late Mary Jane (Carter) Schroeder. 

Bob was an accomplished electrician always willing to teach anyone about his trade, most recently working for C.M. Armitage in Rochester. 

He is survived by his father; his wife, Julie (Youngs) Schroeder; daughter, Robyn Schroeder; sister, Deborah (Stanley) Miska of Pittsford; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, August 12th, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue in Bergen, where Bob’s Memorial Service will immediately follow visitation.  In lieu of flowers please donate to one of the following organizations in memory of Robert P Schroeder

  1. Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cancer-institute/giving/make-a-gift.aspx 
  2. American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 6060, https://www.lung.org/get-involved/ways-to-give;
  3. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450, https://www.lollypop.org/get-involved/give-today/honor-remember-gifts-of-love/.

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

Norman J. Bartz

By T.J. Woodward

Norman J. Bartz, 83, of Alexander, passed away at home on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

Norman was born on July 31, 1938 in Batavia. Norman is predeceased by parents, Anthony and Theresa Bartz, Richard and infant brother Gary Paul. Survived by wife, Norma (Brown) Bartz; son, Gary of Bradenton, FL; daughters, Paula (Joseph) Dean of Macedon, Lisa Wall of Alexander, Jodi (Robert) Hollwedel of Bethany; grandchildren Jacqueline (Raymond) Santiago, Samantha (John) Bauer, Rachael (Matthew) McShea, Mandy (Jeffrey) Sanford, Emily Dean, Kirk Hollwedel; great-grandchildren Delaney and Teagan McShea. Norman is also survived by sisters Eloise Brown, Patricia (Larry) MacConnell; brother Gerald Bartz; sisters-in-law Rose Bartz, Marcia (late Harold) Brown, Peggy (Joseph) Pfalzer; several nieces, nephews and cousins; along with furry friends, Miller and Heidi.

Norm married his high school sweetheart, Norma on October 4, 1958, and were married just short of 63 years. Norm worked in the milk bottling industry for 24 years and retired from the maintenance department at BOCES. Norm was especially proud of his 2 ½ acre lawn. He was a life member of the Alexander Fire Department and a third degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 2240. Norm enjoyed bowling, horseshoes and golfing and experienced a hole-in-one in 1992. He also had a keen sense of humor.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. A 10:30 AM Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Mary Immaculate Parish, Immaculate Conception site, Rt. 63, East Bethany, NY. He will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005 or to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

David H. Stearns

By Joshua Smith

A Celebration of Life for David H. Stearns, who passed away on March 23, 2020, will be held Sunday August 15th from 12:00 to 4:00 at the Godfrey's Pond Clubhouse.

Lynn M. McKeown

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Lynn M. McKeown, age 72, of Church Street, passed away Tuesday evening (Aug. 3, 2021) at Unity Hospital of Rochester.

    

 She was born November 30, 1948 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Earl and Mary O'Geen MacCowan.

     Lynn was a graduate of LeRoy High School and obtained her Associate's degree from GCC.  She was a licensed beautician, who had her own business on Main Street and also worked out of her home.  Among her other jobs, she worked locally as a supermarket cashier and in the meat department as well as a bartender.  She was a lifetime Moose member and an officer of the women's chapter.

     Lynn will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  She was a great cook, who loved reading and social media.

     She will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 53 years, George McKeown; her children, Tim (Beth) McKeown and Lori (John) Fisher; grandchildren, Dakota McKeown, Rachel and Danielle; brother, William (JoAnne) MacCowan, along with many nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Robert "Bozo" MacCowan, Bruce MacCowan and Marie Francis.

     Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

     Contributions in memory of Lynn are suggested to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, N.Y.  14450

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Lynn's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mrs. McKeown and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Alvin S. Cain

By Joshua Smith

Holley - Alvin S.  Cain, age 84, of Holley passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Elderwood at Brockport.

Mr. Cain was born Saturday, December 5th, 1936 in Akron, a son of the late Cleo D. Cain Sr. and Helen Garrison Cain.
He graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School where he was a member of the wrestling team. Following graduation, he worked in the mines at the U.S. Gypsum plant, eventually moving to the power plant. From there he worked for 25 years at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, where he retired as a supervisor. Following his retirement, both he and his late wife Martha become quite "tech savvy" and converted their favorite vinyl records onto their computer compiling quite an extensive library of "oldies" and Christmas music for his family. He and Martha also enjoyed working on their home and tending to their gardens. He liked old cars, watching NASCAR on television and riding his dirt bike. A gifted woodworker, he enjoyed creating many items for his home and family including wooden baby cradles. The Clarendon Historical Society has collected many of his pieces and currently has them displayed in their museum. Along with his family, he enjoyed attending events where the Ghostriders would appear. His family would always look forward to family reunions where he would fly one of his "big kites".
Alvin is the husband of Martha J. Smith Cain who passed away on December 28, 2012.
Surviving are his son; Patrick C. (Late Vicki) Cain of Lyndonville; his granddaughters; Brittany (Fiancé Derek Szwarc) Cain of Lyndonville and Monica (Fiancé Stephen Herbeck) Cain of North Tonawanda; his siblings; Gary (Late Loretta) Cain of East Pembroke, Audrey (Late Earl) Cain of Indian Falls, Gail Cain  of Oakfield and Gaye (Late Billy) Bolton of Florida; his brother-in-law; Roger (Sue) Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada and his sister-in-law; Noreen (Jim) Davis of Colorado Spring, Colorado. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his siblings; Cleo Cain, Jr., Richard M. "Morrie" Cain and Cherie Cain and his brother-in-law, Gordon Smith.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, August 9th, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, where funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 7 pm. He will be laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, West Shelby.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clarendon Fire Company, 16169 East Lee Road, Holley, New York 14470. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Mary T. Hayward

By LaVern Falcone

Le Roy, NY – Mary Trumbore Hayward, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2021 with her family by her side.

   

  Mary was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, the church, her community, and her family. Mary’s greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She never missed a soccer game, band concert, musical, or graduation. She never missed the opportunity to be the first person to “like” or comment on one of her grandkids Facebook or Instagram posts. When not at one of her grandkids events, she could be found quilting. She had a gift for quilting, and she could always be counted on to fix any number of holes the family put into their clothes. Each family member is able to treasure their own quilt made by “Geepooh”. The family celebrates that Mary, being a leap year baby, was able to have a 21st birthday celebration in 2020.

     Mary is predeceased by her husband, Charles Brace Hayward III, her parents Harry Kiel and Marien Trumbore, her sister, Pat, her son-in law, Scott Horr, and her grandson, Stephen Hayward. She is survived by her brother, Fred (Violet) and her children; Deborah (Dave) Mancuso, Barbara Horr, Charles (Amy) Hayward, Christopher (Kelley) Hayward, and James (Jill) Hayward. Mary is survived by ten grandchildren; Kathy, Christina, Becky, Ryan, Charlie, Kara, Rachel, Jenna, Connor, and Chloe; ten great-grandchildren; Taylor, Lianna, Anthony, Drew, Ali, Brady, Lottie, Haley, Aria, and Penny; one great-great-grandchild; Margot and several nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, August 8 from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc, 8700 Lake Rd (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Service of Remembrance will be held on Monday, August 9 at 10:00 AM at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1 East Main St., LeRoy.  Interment will immediately follow in Machpelah Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Le Roy Village Green Activity Fund, 10 Munson St., LeRoy, NY 14482 or Oishei Children’s Hospital, 818 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mary's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

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