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Obituaries

Betty P. Strzelec

By Howard B. Owens
Corfu - Betty P. Strzelec, 88, longtime resident of Corfu for over 52 years, passed away Wednesday (November 27, 2013) at ElderWood at Williamsville.
 
Mrs. Strzelec was a devoted and active member of Mogadore Chapel, member of the Corfu Free Library Book Club, was a volunteer for numerous organizations including Heathwood Nursing Home, the Cancer Society and the gift shop at United Memorial Medical Center. Betty was a devoted friend, always ready to take anyone to doctor appointments or wherever they needed to go. Betty was the beloved wife of the late Stanley Strzelec, mother of the late Jackie Strzelec and sister of the late Audrey Rehbaum.
 
Surviving are her children; Elynn (Jae-Kyung Kim) Strzelec, Joe (Lori) Strzelec, Pam Whitney, Jim Strzelec, Wendy (Mike) Moriarty, Susan Vogel and Patricia Matlasz; eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 
 
Family and friends may call Sunday 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Mogadore Chapel 8063 North Pembroke Road, Batavia, NY. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mogadore Chapel or the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

Benedict A. "Benny" Joy

By LaVern Falcone

Pavilion ~ Benedict A. "Benny" Joy, age 90,  of Pavilion Center Road, died Tuesday morning (Nov. 26, 2013) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

     He was born October 10, 1923 in LeRoy, a son of the late John and Frances Marino Joy.

     Mr. Joy will be remembered as a beloved husband of 62 years to his late wife, Bernadette and a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his family.  He was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy and enjoyed gardening.

     He is survived by his sons, John (Deborah) Joy of MA, James (Karla) Joy of Wyoming, NY, Charles Joy of Linwood, Francis (Shari) Joy of Pavilion, and Edward Joy of CA; his daughters, Kathleen (Hillsman) Williams of KY, Elaine Kearney of Buffalo and Monica (Robert) Diasio of KY; sisters, Rita DiFrancisco of LeRoy and Josephine Kozlowski of Batavia, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his wife, M. Bernadette Joy in 2012 and his siblings, Charles Joy, Joseph Joy, Mary Joy and Savina Joy.

     Family and friends are invited to his Memorial Mass on Saturday at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish (St. Joseph's Oratory), 27 Lake St., LeRoy.  The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorial contributions suggested to the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia, Attn: Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, N.Y. 14020

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

     Mr. Joy and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.

                                                              

Kenneth R. Gardner

By T.J. Woodward

Kenneth R. Gardner, 64 of Oakfield, passed away Monday November 25, 2013 at the Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens. He was born May 6, 1949 in Albion to the late John R. (Carol Rheinwald) Gardner. Mr. Gardner is a United States Navy Veteran and a member of the Oakfield Community Bible Church. He worked for the Parker-Hannifin Corporation in Fairport. When his boys were little he volunteered for the Oakfield Little League and took care of the field. He loved camping and fishing with his boys as well as woodworking. Ken’s pride and joy was his grandchildren, he loved them so very much. He is preceded in death by a son Cory Gardner; mother-in-law Janice Chamberlain; brothers-in-law Richard Knights and Larry Chamberlain. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Kathy J. Gardner of Oakfield; sons Shawn of Graham, NC; Brett (Melissa) Gardner of Penfield; sisters Jackie (Tom) Nicolay of Rochester; Kathi (Joe) Granchelli; Sue Knights; Barb (John) Daluisio; Diane (Bill) Rucinski; Roberta Poole; Christine Griffin all of Medina; 4 grandchildren Ayden, Allison, Kyle and Cole Gardner; father-in-law Marvin Chamberlain, brother-in-law James Chamberlain, sister-in-law Debbie Chamberlain all three of Oakfield; along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family to be distributed to various charities. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Evelyn E. Armitage

By T.J. Woodward

Evelyn E. Armitage, 94 of Batavia, passed away November 25, 2013 at the Batavia Health Care Center. She was born April 10, 1919 in West Valley to the late Herbert (Helen Gerwitz) Werich. Mrs. Armitage was a past member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Williamsville. She was a founding member of the Nature Sanctuary Society, member of Nature Conservancy, the Camera Club and the Botany Club. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles J. Armitage and a sister Norma M. Borrell.

Mrs. Armitage is survived by her son David H. (Dona LaValle) Armitage of Batavia and a grandson Jeffrey Charles Armitage. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday November 30, 2013 at St. Vincent De Paul Church 50 East Ave. Attica, NY 14011. Entombment will take place in St. Peter and Paul Chapel Mausoleum, Williamsville, NY. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Adopt a Pet at www.adoptapet.com. For more information please call (585) 591-1212.  Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Harland E. Page

By T.J. Woodward

Harland E. Page of Pavilion passed away on November 23, 2013 at the Highland Hospital in Rochester surrounded by his family. Harland was the second of five sons born to the late Edward and Mona (Hodges) Page. He was born in Perry, NY on April 14, 1923 into a family where farming and music were very important. Harland graduated from Perry High School and during WWII he was proud to work as a precision hand polisher, polishing gun lenses for Bausch and Lomb in Rochester. Following that he worked for GLF (Agway) on Batavia. But in 1948 he was able to begin his life’s work of farming, sharing in that with his wife of 37 years, Jean (Ager) Page. During those years they raised three children Elaine, Carol and Randy. The family farm in Pavilion was a place where family and friends gathered and cherished memories where created. In 1978 Harland retired from farming to care for Jean in her last year of life.

As he began to rebuild his life he was introduced to Mary (Herman) McIlroy and their friendship soon became a commitment to marriage that was a blessing for Harland. His family grew by welcoming Mary’s sons into the family. Mary and Harland celebrated 34 years together. They traveled and most especially Harland was able to return to playing music. For 23 years he played his Martin guitar with the Wyoming County Senior citizens band, and at various churches and nursing homes. With Mary’s help in coordinating their calendar, they were able to meet many special friends. Although Harland loved farming and gardening, he often bragged about his best “crop” when he referred to his family. When Harland wasn’t busy with family or farming he would find time to hunt pheasant and quail, attend meetings or activities at the Constelation Lodge #404 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Perry or attending church at Covington United Presbyterian Church. He is preceded in death by his first wife Jean Page who died in 1979, his parents Edward and Mona and brothers Keith, Red, and Gordon.

He is survived by his wife Mary (McIlroy) Page of Pavilion, 2 daughters: Elaine (James Volke) Page of N. Chili, Carol (Gary) Freeman of Pavilion, 1 son: Randy (Linda) Page of Batavia, 2 step-sons: James McIlroy of Pavilion, Joe (Patty) McIlroy of York, 1 brother: Richard (Jean) Page of Perry, 3 sister-in-laws: Della Page of LeRoy, Evelyn Page of Castile, and Anna Page of Perry, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to join Mary and family at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. in Perry on Tuesday November 26th from 4-9pm. A Celebration of Harland’s life and faith will be held on Wednesday November 27th at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Harland will be laid to rest in the Pavilion Cemetery in Pavilion.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Covington United Presbyterian Church music program or to the Pavilion United Methodist Church. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Robert J. Bowman “Old Man Winter”

By Howard B. Owens

Corfu - Robert J. Bowman, “Old Man Winter”, 70, of Corfu, passed away Wednesday (November 20, 2013) at Buffalo General Hospital.

Bob was born on July 24, 1943, in Niagara Falls, NY, a son of the late Lavern and Florence Hiller Bowman. He worked for a chemical plant in Niagara Falls for 7 years and then went to work for Fisher Price in Medina for 22 years. Bob worked his way up at Fisher Price during those years, first as a mechanic, then lead mechanic and finally to the position of Maintenance Supervisor on the second shift.  Bob loved to hunt and fish, watch Nascar, football and baseball. He was a member of the LaSalle Sportsman Club in Niagara Falls, was a lifetime member of Buckmasters and lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Bob was the brother of the late John Bowman, Jeanette Geist, Calvin Bowman and Peggy Bowman.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 39 years, Linda (Muntz) Bowman of Corfu; his children; Brenda (Robert) Kent of Basom, Richard (Maureen) Cox, Jr., of Batavia and Jeffery (Jessica Schwab) Bowman of Corfu; 6 grandchildren, Matt, Jenna, Amanda, Hayley, Jacob and Adriana; 2 brothers, Lavern A. (Rosalie) Bowman II of Niagara Falls and Richard Bowman of Lakewood; 2 sisters, Sandra (Richard) Alessi and Gwendolyn (Dennis) Kearney both of Jamestown; and his aunt, Clara Hildabrant of Niagara Falls. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

There are no calling hours as per Bob’s wishes. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Memorials may be made to the East Pembroke Fire Department. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

Ronald L. Charles

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Ronald L. Charles, 79, of Batavia passed away unexpectedly Thursday, (November 21, 2013) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mr. Charles was born February 1, 1934 in Alexander, the son of the late Donald E. and Oneita (Wells) Charles.

Ronald was a long time employee of BOCES of Genesee County, retiring in 2012.  A life-long dog lover, he volunteered his time with the Batavia Animal Shelter, after his retirement.  He was proud to have acted as a coach at the Special Olympics since 1983.  In his younger years, he greatly enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by his children, Pam (Robert) Houseknecht of Batavia, Gary Charles of FL, Fred (Laurie Taylor) Charles of Rochester, and Steven (Patty) Charles of Attica; grandchildren, Katie Ferguson of Victor, Amy (Sam) Ramadan of Alexandria, Egypt, Jenna Wallace of Batavia, and Nick Busch of Elma; great-grandchildren, Adam and Zacheria Ramadan, both of Alexandria, Egypt.

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where Ronald’s Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, (November 26, 2013). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 16 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will be in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Aaron D. "Dave" Thomas

By LaVern Falcone

    

LeRoy ~ Aaron D. "Dave" Thomas, age 84, of Craigie Street, passed away on early on Wednesday morning (Nov. 20, 2013).

     He was born August 24, 1929 in Henderson, NC, a son of the late Moss and Judie McGhee Thomas.

     Mr. Thomas enjoyed traveling with his wife and best friend, Jan.  He also loved gospel and country music and playing cards.

     He is survived by his wife, Janice Thomas, his children, Judith Orlando of LeRoy, Jeffrey (Krista) Thomas of Holley and Timothy (Cheryl) Thomas of Stafford, his stepchildren, David (Teri Lyke) Holdridge of Caledonia, Debra (Charles Jr.) Hackett of LeRoy and Dawn (Michael) Poczynek of DE, a brother, Howard (Edna) Thomas of NC, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Josephine Steffenella Thomas.

     Services will be private at the family's request.  Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association.  

     Mr. Thomas and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.   Your memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.falconefuneralhome.com

Kevin E. Carhart

By LaVern Falcone

Stafford ~ Kevin E. Carhart, age 57, died Tuesday morning (November 19, 2013) at home.

     Mr. Carhart was born August 11, 1956 in Syracuse, a son of the late Eugene and Julia Carney Carhart.

     He will be remembered as a man who loved the outdoors, his cattle, his wood business and had a general love for all animals.

     He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Connie Kent Carhart, his children, Riley Carhart of Rochester, Ciera Carhart of New York and Sutton Carhart of Stafford, brothers, Edward (Tori) Carhart of Hamilton, Larry Carhart of Hamilton and  Chris (Ellen) Carhart of Hamilton, sister, Nancy (Tom) Murray of Waterloo, special friend, Beth Keene along with many nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Friday from 2 ~ 4 and 7 ~ 9 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where Kevin's memorial service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 P.M..  Memorial contributions are suggested to Genesee County Mental Health Assoc., 25 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 

     Mr. Carhart and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  Condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.falconefuneralhome.com

ANGELIA CHARLEEN WILLIAMS

By Michael Tomaszewski

ANGELIA CHARLEEN WILLIAMS – Age 51, of Batavia, died peacefully in her sleep Monday morning November 18, 2013 at her home. She was born March 10, 1962, in Batavia, NY, to the late C.J. & Rosa C. (Hatcher) Williams.

   Angelia attended City Church and worked at both Tops Market and Alpina Foods. She loved to shop especially on QVC, was an extraordinary singer, loved the Lord and her dear Brandon.

   Surviving is her loving son, Brandon Williams of Batavia; sisters, Carolyn G. Williams of FL, Sharon N. Williams of Rochester; brothers, Danny L., Lennon B. and Eric P Williams all of Batavia along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

   Family and friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Friday November 22, 2013 at City Church 210 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 where A Celebration of Life will follow. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to the church.

Please share your memories of Angelia, with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF ANGELIA CHARLEEN WILLIAMS IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

Harry E. Lougheed

By Ronald Konieczny

Harry E. Lougheed, 66, of Batavia, passed away Saturday (November 16, 2013) at the Batavia Veterans Administration Medical Center.

He was born in Rochester, NY on August 3, 1947, the son of the late James and Dorothy Koehler Lougheed.

Harry was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War having served from 1967-1969.  He was also a machine operator for LeRoy Industries .

Survivors include his wife, Donna D’Ambrosia Lougheed of Batavia, whom he married March 11, 1967. Three sons, Dennie (Allison) Lougheed of Batavia, Joey (Kimberly) Lougheed of Ocala, FL and Jayson (Melissa Savage) Lougheed of Masaryktown, FL.  Three grandchildren, Samantha and Jackson Lougheed of Ocala, FL and Courtney Lougheed of Batavia.  Two step-grandchildren, Steven Corcoran of Venice, CA and Amy Corcoran of Rochester. One brother, James (Nancy) Lougheed of University Place, WA. Two sisters, Beverly (Charlie) Wenzel of Webster and Carol (Alfred) Gray of Perry, along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share memories, condolences and thoughts on Tuesday from 3-6pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERALHOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a full military service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 6pm.

Expressions of condolence may be made 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 & PROPRIETOR.

Deborah A. "Debby" Long

By LaVern Falcone

Pavilion ~ Deborah A. Long (Schoenthal), age 57, of Big Tree Rd., died peacefully early Saturday morning (Nov. 16, 2013), surrounded by her family.

     Mrs. Long was born April 25, 1956 in Batavia. She is survived by her parents, Edwin and Sally Schoenthal of Batavia.  She was a 1974 graduate of Alexander Central School.

     Debby was retired from the Genesee County Mental Health Dept. where she served as a supervisor of medical billing.  She was union president of the local CSEA, a member of the Pavilion Fire Dept. and attended the United Methodist Church of Pavilion.

     She enjoyed spending time with her family, scrap booking and travelling.

     Debby was predeceased by her first husband, Paul R. Thater.  She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Edward Long; three sons, Jesse (Kelly) Thater of Silver Springs, Andrew (Wendy) Thater of Pavilion and Jason (Christine) Long of LeRoy, a sister, Judy Fairbanks-Sanders of Batavia, 7 grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 2 ~ 4 and 7 ~ 9 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Funeral services will be Thursday at 11 AM at the Pavilion United Methodist Church, with interment to follow in Pearl Creek Cemetery.  Memorials in Debby's name are suggested to either Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020 or to Pavilion United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 456, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525.

        Your memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Debby's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mrs. Long and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. (585) 768-2400.

 

Shirley E. Brumber

By T.J. Woodward

Shirley E. Brumber, 86 of Elba passed away Saturday November 16, 2013 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born September 30, 1927 in Batavia to the late Chester (Ernestine Schramm) Wiedrich. Mrs. Brumber worked for Black & Decker in Brockport. She is preceded in death by her first husband Lawrence Cooley; second husband Irving Brumber; son Douglas Cooley; stepson Dale Brumber; stepdaughter Nancy Rocklein; brothers Gerald and Donald Wiedrich.

She is survived by her son Larry Cooley; daughters Debbie (Mike) Kelly; Kimberly (Sharon) Brumber; brother Robert (Mary) Wiedrich; sisters Elsie Annunziata; Ruth (Joseph) DeFazio; 6 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday November 19, 2013 from 4-8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday November 20, 2013 at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

The family suggests memorials to the Batavia Animal Shelter 3841 West Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Mary Rose Mogavero

By T.J. Woodward

Mary Rose Mogavero, 85 of Batavia, passed away on November 15, 2013 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born December 29, 1927 in Batavia to the late Matthew (Lena Cicero) Recchio. Mrs. Mogavero was a member of Ascension Parish. She is preceded in death by her husband Samuel A. Mogavero  in 2004, son Ralph J. “Ricky” Mogavero, daughter in law Kathleen Mogavero, brother Michael Recchio, and sister Helen DiPiazza.

Mary Rose is survived by her sons Matthew (Paula) Mogavero of Arizona, Charles Mogavero of Batavia, sister Antoinette Ciaccio of Batavia; brother Matthew Recchio of Florida. 3 Grandchildren, 2 great-grandchild; along with many nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday November 20, 2013 at 9:30 AM at Resurrection Parish at 303 East Main St. in Batavia. Entombment will take place is St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia Activities Fund 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call 343-8260 or to sign the online guest registry go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

GEORGE A. McCONNELL

By Michael Tomaszewski

George A. McConnell Age 87, of Batavia, died early Tuesday morning November 12, 2013 at his home. He was born December 25, 1925 in Brantford, Ontario to the late Gordon and Hilda (Barnes) McConnell.

   Mr. McConnell was retired from the US Postal Service in Batavia where he worked for many years. As a young man he quit school to join the United States Army during WWII and served in the European Theatre, many years later under the program Operation Recognition, George was able to receive his High School diploma of which he was most proud. He was a life member of the VFW, avid bowler, former member of the Elks and Moose Lodges, member and tireless volunteer of the SPCA for 9 years, a great fan of baseball and the New York Yankees. George will be remembered as a kind, gentle, generous man with a wonderful sense of humor who was loved by all who came in contact with him. George's greatest loves, his dear Candee, the SPCA and his cats.

   Surviving is his beloved wife with whom he was to celebrate their 25th anniversary November 19, Candee (Duttweiler) McConnell of Batavia; sons, Brian of Rochester and Gordon of Alabama; sister, Shirley (Robert) Buckley of Batavia; cousins, Ray (Bridgette) Hughes and their daughter, Carolann all of Oakville, Ontario, Alison (Bob) Rosborough of Maine, Georgia (Ben) Oh of Virginia; dear friends, Dana (Joe) Roman of Rochester; 2 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services are private and memorials are suggested to the SPCA in the form of donations or families willing to adopt a cat or kitten, 808 Creek Road Attica, New York 14011.           

Please share your memories of George, with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF GEORGE A. McCONNELL IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

 

 

 

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