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Obituaries

JAMES CLAYTON JOHNSON

By Joshua Smith

 LeRoy - Mr. James Clayton Johnson, 72, of LeRoy, former police officer for the City of Batavia Police Department for 10 years, died Thursday, February 3, 2011at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Johnson was born April 25, 1938 in Batavia, a son of the late Morris T. and Anita Patterson Johnson.
 
A 1956 graduate of Batavia High School, he was a member of the LeRoy Moose Club and LeRoy Business Council, Mr. Johnson was one of the founding members of the Genesee Society of Model Engineers in Oakfield and he attended Stone Church Presbyterian Church.
 
An avid model car collector, he was a member of the Edsel Car Club. He bought and in a three year period restored a 1958 Ford Edsel. He enjoyed taking his car to classic car shows, where he won many trophies. A train lover, especially steam engines, Mr. Johnson owned and operated a model train repair business for many years.
 
Survivors include his beloved companion of 13 years, Lucille Sargent of LeRoy; her children, Edwin (Susan) Sargent Jr. of Rochester, Debbie (Chris Bell) Uptegrove of Castile, John Sargent of Warsaw, Julie (John) Forrester of Gainesville and  Teresa (Charles) Wright of Perry; a brother, Thomas P. (Linda) Johnson of Bergen; two sisters, Jean (Charles) Weaver of Spencerport and Elizabeth (James) Conway of Pavilion; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and several adopted grandchildren including Alex Wright who was his special conductor in training.
 
Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. Memorials may be made to Stone Church Presbyterian Church's Building Fund, 7549 South Lake Road, Bergen, New York 14416 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
 
Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Winnifred L. Knipe

By Ronald Konieczny

 

Winnifred L. Knipe, 96, died February 3, 2011 at Orchard Manor nursing home in Medina.

Mrs. Knipe was born May 19, 1914 in Cornwall, Ontario, the second daughter of Fred and Lois Hanes Morgan, and grew up in Wales, Ontario. She was proud that the house in which she grew up, and the church in which her parents were married, were among historic buildings moved in 1957 when the St. Lawrence Seaway project flooded the village and fields she roamed as a child. She became an elementary teacher in rural Ontario and Toronto, where she met Roger Knipe, MD.
 

The couple married in 1943 and lived in British Columbia and Ontario before moving to the Batavia area in 1953, where Dr. Knipe became the first Genesee County public health director. The family moved to the Pacific NW in 1957. Dr. Knipe died in 1962, but “Win” remained in Everett, WA, returning to WNY in 2006 to be near family.
 

She was an avid community volunteer and served on the boards of the Red Cross and United Way, and other volunteer roles. She knit (and got others to knit) thousands of finger puppets, which became indispensable to children being treated at local hospitals. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Everett, and travelled extensively with her family.
 

Mrs. Knipe is survived by a daughter, Mary (Georges) Haour of Geneva Switzerland, and a son, Robert (Linda) Knipe of Batavia; four grandchildren, Anne (Richard) Doyle of Norwich, England, Patrick (Anne-Laure Meline) Haour of Paris, France; Thomas (Mary Grover) Knipe of Ithaca NY, and Andrew Knipe of Washington DC; and by six great-grandchildren. Win was the sister of the late May Morgan Reynolds, and has several nieces and nephews.
 

A memorial service will be held at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 1:30pm, Sunday February 6. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Everett WA.
 

Memorials may be made to Partners in Health (https://donate.pih.org/page/contribute/tribute) or to the charity of one’s choice. Win championed the causes of children, health care, and international church missions.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net or to the family
 

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, (343 – 6158).  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Gladys M. Litfin

By Ronald Konieczny

 

Gladys M. Litfin, 76, of Akron, died Wednesday (February 2, 2011) at Hospice Buffalo in Cheektowaga after a brief battle with cancer.

She was born in Buffalo, NY on April 26, 1934 a daughter of the late Robert and Gladys Hallet McCombs.

Gladys worked for M & T Bank in Clarence for 12 years as Head Teller prior to raising her family. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and being with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was also a wonderful care giver to others.

Surviving is her husband of over 54 years, Robert N. Litfin whom she married on June 30, 1956. Her children, Laura L. (Paul) Carley of Oneonta, NY, Kathy A. (Dave) Olson of Akron, Jayne M. (Brian) Perry of Akron and Gregory R. (Janine) Litfin of Akron. Ten grandchildren, Krista, Kendra, Katie and Brendan Lord, McKenna Carley, Brooke and Erik Olson, Jenna Perry and Lauryn and Ian Litfin. A brother, Norman (Grace) McCombs of Tonawanda. Nieces and nephews also survive.

She was the sister of the late Robert McCombs and Edna Younkers.

Family and friends may call Friday from 1 - 4 and 6 - 9PM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON.   Services will be Saturday at 11AM at the First United Methodist Church, 7 Church St., Akron with Rev. David Weidman officiating.

Burial will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON.   Ronald P. Konieczny, director & veteran.

Evelyn B. Gillmor

By T.J. Woodward

 

Evelyn B. Gillmor, 91 of LeRoy, NY died February 2, 2011 at the LeRoy Village Green. Born October 16, 1919 in Rochester, New York to the late Max (Barbara Gessner) Balzer. Mrs. Gillmor was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in LeRoy and had a number of leadership roles including governing of the Church and the Ladies Guild. She was very active with the Girl Scouts of America and became an International Representative that included a trip to Greece. She wrote and acted in many plays and was also an artist. Mrs. Gillmor loved weaving, cross stitch and knitting. Voluntarily put on many dinners for foreign students at the University of Rochester. Mrs. Gillmor and her husband volunteered for the LeRoy Ambulance for 14 years and many other community events and functions.  She will be remembered as a smart creative woman with a lot of energy that was devoted to a marriage of 68 years, raising six children and her community. She is preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth Berend. 
 
She is survived by her husband Robert E. Gillmor of LeRoy; children Sharon (Ken) Wall; Rodney Gillmor; Lynn Steinberg; Greg Gillmor; Ann Harlach; Jeff (Ellen) Gillmor; sister-in-law Eleanor Amos; grandchildren Stephen (Judith) Solberg; Peter (Aimee Marie) Solberg; Shaina Steinberg; Heather (Angelo) Rampino; Melissa (Frank) Dahl; Jonathan Connolly; Jeff Connolly; Michael (Natalie) Connolly; Julie Gillmor; Jennifer (Frank) Lane; Robyn Gillmor; great-grandchildren Brayden, Layla, Gavin, Ian, Nate Solberg; Halle Rose Dahl; Jael Paul; A.J. Rampino; Mickhale Meyer; nieces Joan Berend and Patricia Demetrick. 
 
There will be no prior calling hours. The family will be gathering for a celebration of Evelyn’s life 2:00 PM on Saturday February 12th at the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, 7 Clay St. LeRoy, NY 14482. Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Brockport. 
 
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, 7 Clay St. LeRoy, NY 14482.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Harold E. Smith

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mr. Harold E. Smith, 88, of Batavia, died Thursday, (February 3, 2011) at the New York State Veteran's Home.

Mr. Smith was born February 1, 1923 in Williamsville, the son of the late Edward and Anna (Gaser) Smith.

He was formerly employed by GTE Sylvania for 40 years. A veteran, he served during World War II with the United States Navy. Mr. Smith was a member of Resurrection Parish, GTE Retirees Association and a former member of Stafford Country Club. An avid bridge and card player, he was a former resident for many years at Horseshoe Lake and also Little River, South Carolina. 

Survivors include a son, James (Mary) Smith of Batavia; a daughter, Georg Ann (Thomas) Feldman of Little River, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Jason (Lori) Smith of Batavia, Justin (Elizabeth) Calarco-Smith of Elba, Joshua (Kristin) Smith of Batavia, Jenna (Mark) Alexander of Oakfield, Kristen (Stephen) Cassell of South Carolina, Thomas (Nancy) Feldman of Illinois, James Feldman of South Carolina; eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Smith is predeceased by his wife, Marian A. (Hammer) Smith who died in 2004 and his sisters, Vera Walters, Geraldine Beiter and Frances VanderWerf.

Calling hours are Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 16 Bank Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or Homecare & Hospice, 550 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Harry R. Zito

By T.J. Woodward

 

Harry R. Zito, 90 of Batavia died February 1, 2011 at the NYS Veteran’s Home in Batavia. Born August 18, 1920 in New York City, NY. Son of the late Salvatore (Concetta Parrinello) Zito. Mr. Zito was retired from Hevron’s where he worked as a bartender. He was a World War II Air Force Veteran, a member of the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332, the Veness Strollo Post #1602, Ascension Parish, the former St. Nicholas Social Club and St. Anthony’s Holy Name Society. He was preceded in death by his wife Eileen Proulx Zito in 1993, a son Donald Zito, Brothers Manuel, Frank and Anthony Zito and a sister Josephine Paladino. 
 
He is survived by his daughter in law Mary Ann Zito of Maryland, sisters Mary Barone of Batavia, Anna Amato of Italy, brothers John Miller of Rochester and Joseph Zito of Batavia.  One sister in law Celia Zito of Batavia, two grandsons David Zito and Darryl Zito both of Maryland, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. 
 
Friends are invited to call from 10 to 11:30 AM on Saturday February 5, 2011 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home at 11:30AM on Saturday followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon in Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church), 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 
 
The family suggests memorials be made to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 

LOUISE M. BAILEY

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - Mrs. Louise M. Bailey, 83, of Bergen, an employee of the Rochester City School District for 20 years, died Saturday, January 29, 2011 at her home in Bergen.

Mrs. Bailey was born November 5, 1927 in Rochester.

Her husband, Donald F. Bailey, died in 1982.

She is survived by her children, Donna (John) Smith of Broadalbin, Jeff (Mary) Bailey of Rochester, Russell (Martha) Bailey of LeRoy, Linda (Charlie King) Hanna of Rochester and Wayne (Nancy) Bailey of Bergen; three sisters, Betty Vereecke of Greece, Estelle Barber of Ohio and Barb (Joe Putch, Jr.) Widger of Spencerport; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She is the sister of the late Don and Ken Van Alystine.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bergen First Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Street, Bergen. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, New York 14228 or to the Byron-Bergen Public Library, P.O. Box 430, Bergen, New York 14416.

Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

CARL YUNGFLEISCH

By Joshua Smith

Elba - Mr. Carl Yungfleisch, 84, of Elba, retiree of the former Iroquois Gas/National Fuel Company in 1988, died Saturday, January 29, 2011at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle, in Buffalo.

Mr. Yungfleisch was born February 1, 1926 in Barre Center, a son of the late Joseph and Margaret  Keane Yungfleisch.
He enjoyed his garden, lawn, gun raffles and visiting with his family and friends.
He began his career with the former Iroquois Gas company as a laborer, retiring as an assistant general foreman with National Fuel Gas after 31 years of service.
Devoted husband of 57 years to  Loraine Kuhn Yungfleisch; father of Alan (Rosie) Yungfleisch of Elba,  Robert (Colleen) Yungfleisch of East Pembroke, Sharon (Jeff) Hillabush of Albion,  Mark Yungfleisch and Annie Yungfleisch, both of Elba; beloved grandfather of Kristen Yungfleisch, Stephanie (Shane) Carlsen,  Courtney (Matt) Campbell, Krisha, Ryan and Adam Yungfleisch; great-grandfather of Makenzie, Ryleigh, Kadyn and Gage; a brother, Edward (Eleanor) Yungfleisch of Barre Center; two sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Marek and Gloria Kuhn, both of Albion; a brother-in-law, Arnold Kuhn of Batavia; and several nieces and nephews.
He is the brother of the late Dorothy Yungfleisch and Mary Snyder.
 
Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 58, Elba, New York 14058. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.
Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Luceille Carey Seigfred

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield/Akron – Mrs. Luceille C. Seigfred, 92, formerly of Oakfield and Akron, died Thursday (January 27, 2011) at Absolut Care in Gasport.

Mrs. Seigfred was born November 28, 1918 in Elba, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Lottie (Boyce) Bridge.

She was a member of Genesee Country Church and a long time employee of FE Mason & Sons in Batavia.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Garry Bauer of Akron; five grandchildren, Christine Cannon, Cheryl Carey, Nick Carey, Jason and Dana Bauer, also five great-grandchildren, Jonah, Jerry, Chelsea, Randy and Alexa.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles Seigfred, her brother De Los Bridge and her son Gerald Carey.

There are no prior calling hours. Funeral services are at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. Memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia N.Y. 14021. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com. 

Arrangements were completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield.

JOSEPH ROTONDO

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Age 84, of Batavia, died peacefully Thursday afternoon at the New York State Veteran's Home @ Batavia, his wife and children at his side. Joe is well known to the business community as the former owner of Terry Hills Golf Course & Restaurant, today run by his son and daughter also the Plant Manager of the former Coca-Cola Plant in Batavia until 1988. A complete obituary will appear Friday.

ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING COMPLETED BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 ~ FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500.  

EILEEN V. WALTON

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Age 87, of Batavia, died Thursday morning January 27, 2011 at the Batavia Nursing Home. A complete obituary will appear Friday afternoon.

ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING COMPLETED BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 ~ FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500.

Mrs. Anita F. Johnson

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mrs. Anita F. Johnson, 88, of Batavia, a press operator at Motorola in Arcade prior to her retirement, died Thursday, January 27, 2011at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Johnson was born November 2, 1922 in Springville, the daughter of the late Milton and Mildred (Goodemote) Spencer.
Mrs. Johnson moved to the area in October, 2005 from Temple, Texas where she was a member of and taught Sunday School at the First Methodist Church. She was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader, active in the Grange, 4-H Club, and the Home Demonstration Unit where she served as president. She was a former secretary of the Dairyman's League. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, letter writing and traveling. Mrs. Johnson had visited all 50 states. She did her family's genealogy dating as far back as the 1790's.
She also worked at Fisher Price in East Aurora and as head janitor at Jellystone Park in East Otto where she was known as the "Moppin' Mama".
Her first husband, Eugene M. Ruhlen, died January 15, 1981 and her second husband, Leon M. Johnson, died in 1995.  
Survivors include 9 children, Carol (Richard) Curtis of Temple, TX, Mason (Donna) Ruhlen of Bayonne, NJ, Terry (Thelma) Ruhlen of Richmond, VA, Patricia (Allen) Collins of Delevan, LaVerne Ruhlen of Waco, TX, Mark (Shierly) Ruhlen of Garfield, NJ, Jo (Donald) Warren of Byron, Eric (Lorena) Ruhlen of Hutto, TX, Glenn (Michelle) Ruhlen of Milford, IL; 3 step-daughters, CeCelia (Larry) Benovsky of Prescott, AZ, Sharon Morse and Mary (Richard) Donaldson, both of LaBam, WA; a sister-in-law, Genny Fleury of LaBam, WA; a brother-in-law, Maurice (Florence) Ruhlen of Albion; 34 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was the mother of the late James Kelly Ruhlen who died September 23, 1977 and Ronald Carl Ruhlen who died February 25, 1946, and sister of the late James, Lowell, Richard Paul and Charles Spencer.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Drive, Amherst, New York 14226. Burial will be in Sardinia Cemetery. Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.        

 

 

Patricia L. Neth

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mrs. Patricia L. Neth, 51, of Batavia, died peacefully Friday, (January 21, 2011) at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Neth was born March 3, 1959 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Daniel and Dolly (King) Stiles.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and a friend to everyone. Mrs. Neth worked at Victorian Manor.

Survivors include her husband, R. Thomas Neth, whom she married May 29, 1976; a son, Michael (Karen) Neth; two daughters, Sarah Neth and Emily Neth; a grandson, Antonio Neth; three brothers, Dale (Beverly) Stiles of Batavia, Larry (Donna) Stiles of Batavia and James (Judy) Stiles of Pavilion; four sisters, Ione Johnson of Batavia, Sylvia (James) Marble of Nunda, Donna (Ron) Johnson of Batavia and Lori (Greg) Baldwin of Albion; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as many in-laws.

She is a sister of the late William (Nancy) Stiles and Frank (Lucille) Stiles.

There are no prior calling hours. Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday (February 5, 2011) at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, N.Y. 14642. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lois A. Billington

By T.J. Woodward

 

Lois A. Billington, 76 of Warsaw, NY died January 24, 2011 peacefully at the Episcopal Church Home in Rochester. Born January 23, 1934 in Rochester, New York. Daughter of the late Floyd (Emma Horton) Call. Mrs. Billington was retired from Kraft General Foods in Avon. She was preceded in death by her husband Stanley Billington. 
 
She is survived by sons Lawrence (Belinda) of FL; David of FL; Douglas Billington of Rochester; daughter Elizabeth (Robert) Feeley of Munnsville; sister Janet Dickens of Rochester; 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews also survive. 
 
Friends may call from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday January 29, 2011 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will take place at Grand View Cemetery in Batavia. 
 
Memorials may be made to the Family.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Addyson Zane Barker

By T.J. Woodward

 

Addyson Zane Barker, 2 ½ Months of Oakfield died January 24, 2011 at the United Memorial Medical Center. Born November 2, 2010 in Rochester, NY. She is daughter of Justin Z. Barker and Michelle C. Neth of Oakfield. She is preceded in death by great-grandfather Andrew Hastee. 
 
Surviving along with her parents are twin sister Kiley M. Barker of Oakfield; grandparents Lisa (Brian Florian) Hastee of Darien; Robert Neth Sr. of Pavilion; Donna Barker of Atlanta, GA; great-grandparents Linda Hastee of Alabama; Charles (Cathy) Neth III of Batavia; aunts and uncles Jason, Erica, Derick, Lina Barker all of Atlanta, GA; Robert Jr. of Batavia; Courtney of LeRoy;  Jacob, Jared Neth of Pavilion; along with many great aunts, uncles and cousins.
 
 Friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 PM on Friday January 28, 2011 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday January 29, 2011 at St. Padre Pio Parish-St. Cecilia’s Church 56 Maple Ave. Oakfield, NY 14125. 
 
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Oakfield Fire Department 20 Albert St. Oakfield, NY 14125. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.  
 
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