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Obituaries

Donald E. Hulse, Sr.

By Joshua Smith
Hulse

Caledonia - Donald E. Hulse Sr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Born on Wednesday, August 6, 1947, in the serene town of Blue Hill, Maine, Donald peacefully departed this world on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

Donald proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy, exemplifying dedication, courage, and patriotism. Following his military service, he embarked on a long and fulfilling career as a water treatment operator at Eastman Kodak.

Donald had a zest for life and a wide array of interests. He found joy in auctions, antiques, and sales, always on the lookout for unique treasures. Many will remember him riding his side-by-side, sharing laughs, and creating memories at family gatherings, where his presence was a steadfast source of love and warmth. He never missed a family function and cherished each moment spent with his beloved family. Donald also enjoyed playing cards, indulging in western novels and films, and testing his knowledge with a good round of Jeopardy.

Donald is survived by his devoted children: Darlene (Rick) DeMun, Donald (Tracy) Hulse, Jr., Denise (Phillip) Hulse Gayhart, Jr., and Dawn Hulse. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Krystal Spear, Morgan DeMun, Donald (Sarah) Hulse, III, Austin Shipley, and Kate Shipley, and through his cherished great-grandchildren: Aleksys, Donald, IV, Kenalee, Rider, Mavryk, and Alionah. He also leaves behind his loving brother, Bruce (Barbara) Hulse.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alberta Faith (Carmen) Hulse; his parents, Harold and Ilajean (Blaisdell) Hulse, Sr.; his brother, Harold "Ed" (late Frances) Hulse Jr.; and his sister, Eva Hulse.

Donald’s kind spirit and loving nature touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In memory of Donald and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. A celebration of Donald's life will be held in the future.

Arrangements have been lovingly provided by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Ann Coticchio Pappalardo

By Ronald Konieczny
Pappalardo

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ann Coticchio Pappalardo, who left us peacefully on March 23rd at the age of 85. Born in Batavia, she was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Lucy Coticchio.

Ann led an extraordinary life. A breast cancer survivor since 2000, she faced a heart attack in 2014. Yet just two months later, she was dancing in the 20th row at a Rolling Stones concert in Buffalo. She was a true fashionista, a passionate food lover, and a wine connoisseur. Her love for the arts took her to the opera, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the theatre. Music was the soundtrack of her life — from Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles to the Chairman of the Board himself, Francis Albert Sinatra.

She adored her Italian heritage and everything that came with it. A travel enthusiast, Ann explored nearly every corner of the world except Antarctica. Her favorite destination was always Florence. She ventured to places that are now too dangerous to visit and cruised across the Atlantic more than once, even flying on the Concorde.

A devoted motorsports fan, Ann followed Formula 1 with enthusiasm, and every Memorial Day, you could find her passionately cheering on the Indy 500. In the last three years, she proudly became a Buffalo Bills fan, never missing a game — even pre-season — in her Bills shirt.

But above all, Ann loved her family. She cherished the big, all-day Italian dinners, surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and laughter. Now, she is reunited with her parents, grandmother, and many beloved family members. No doubt, a grand table has been set for her, complete with an abundance of food and vino.

Ann will be deeply missed by her children, Gerry Pappalardo and Julie Pappalardo (Michelle Zirna); her brother, Tom Coticchio; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Pappalardo; numerous nieces nephew, about a half a million cousins and her cherished best friend of 80 years, Ceil Morette who lovingly helped care for her in her last months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Buffalo Palliative Care and Hospice in her name.

Her life was a celebration, and her memory will forever be a blessing.

A Celebration of Life will be held in May in Batavia. More details will be shared at a later date. 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.

 

 

Mary S. MacIntyre

By LaVern Falcone

Mary Shepard MacIntyre of Stafford, NY passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 24th, 2025, at the age of 70. A caregiver to all, Mary pursued a career in nursing and graduated at the top of her class.  Her compassion extended beyond her career, as she lovingly embraced the role of caregiver to family, friends, and anyone in need.  Those who knew her best called her a “living angel”.    

mary macintyre

  Mary also shared a love for antique hunting with her dear friend (partner in crime) Darla, turning each outing into an adventure filled with laughter and unforgettable stories.  She had a quick wit and was known for her sense of humor--when you spent time with her, you were probably laughing.  She volunteered at animal shelters, often bringing home new family pets, and enjoyed knitting, quilting, and painting.  She found joy in spoiling her many grandchildren.

     Mary shared a beautiful life with her beloved husband, Robert MacIntyre who, like her, was a dedicated nurse with a heart for helping others.  She was also a devoted mother to Bris Robinson (Jill), Maggie Hoo Kim (Jamie), Mitchell Robinson (Rebecca), Kristopher MacIntyre (Katie), Stacy MacIntyre Elliott (Molly), and David MacIntyre (Laura), and she always cherished the memory of her beloved daughter, Kellie.  Mary is remembered by her sisters, Nancy Hubbart (Larry), Elaine Calhoun (Brian), and Sally Hicks (Ted) and preceded in death by her father, Harold Shepard; mother, Esther Shepard; brother, Jim Shepard (Florence) and sister, Christine Shepard.

     Calling hours will be on Monday, March 31st from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St Rd (Rt 19), LeRoy, NY, 14482.  A private burial will be held at a date to be determined. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, N.Y. 14021 (www.vol4animals.org  585-343-6410) in her memory.

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

Nicolette R. (Mocciaro) Ozzimo

By T.J. Woodward
o

Nicolette R. (Mocciaro) “Nikki” Ozzimo, 94, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on March 17, 2025 in hospice care. She was born on May 25, 1930 in Batavia to the late James and Louisa (Scamacca) Mocciaro. 

In addition to her parents, Nikki was predeceased by Victor Ozzimo; six brothers Rosario “Harry” and Sandino both killed in WWII, Louis, Anthony, Ralph and Salvatore Mocciaro; sisters Patrina Dixon, Mary Robutka, Margaret Bevin, Rose Marino and Josephine Colombo. 

She is survived by her sisters; Carol Maleszewski and Anita Dziekan, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Nikki owned and operated her own beauty salon in Batavia before moving to Las Vegas in 1956. She was the manager of the J.C. Penny’s Beauty Salon before opening her own salon in Vegas. She was a member of Guardian Angel Cathedral and was a strong Catholic, a Eucharistic Minister and involved in several church functions. The church she belonged to could always count on Nikki when it came to things for the church. She traveled Europe and made frequent trips home for visits and special occasions. She loved her family and was not only a sister to her younger siblings, but also acted as their mother with love, concern, support and advise. Being a strong, independent woman who was kind and generous lead her to a long, well lived life.

Friends & family are invited to call on Thursday April 3rd from 3:00-5:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home, Inc., 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday April 4th at Resurrection Parish 303 E. Main St. in Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North St. in Batavia or St. Joseph’s Catholic School 2 Summit St. in Batavia. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Phyllis Ruth Seager

By Ronald Konieczny
Seager

Phyllis Ruth Seager, 70 of Elba, passed away peacefully on Monday (March 24, 2025) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born March 3, 1955 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Albert Hottois and Hazel Davis Hagen.

Phyllis was an LPN for the former Genesee County Nursing Home, Genesee Memorial Hospital and Monroe County Community Hospital prior to her retirement. She enjoyed crafts and was a lover and caregiver to any animal in need. She was involved with many animal rescues in the area. Most of all she loved her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her sister, Patricia Smith of Tennessee. Brothers, Randolph (Tara) Hagen of Indiana and Richard Hagen Jr. (Tina) of Batavia. Son, Robert Seager of Perry. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and her loving animals that she thought of as her children.. 

She was the wife of the late Thomas Seager who passed away January 3, 2013 and sister of the late Albert Hottois Jr..

Family and friends are cordially invited to share condolences and fond memories on Thursday (March 27th) from 11am-12pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at 12pm. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Phyllis’s name to your local animal rescue. 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.

 

 

Stephen Davis Sr.

By Joshua Smith
Davis

Stephen Mark Davis Sr., age 53, of Oakfield, NY, passed away on March 2, 2025 at United Memorial Medical Center, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. 

He was born on November 9, 1971 in Buffalo, a beloved son of the late Charles and Virginia (Perkins) Davis.

Stephen worked as a paramedic and as a security guard for many years where he met the love of his life Jane (Williams) Davis in 1989 and then married on April 3, 1994. Stephen was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres. He loved his tv, animals and enjoyed staying busy and keeping productive with cleaning and laundry. Stephen’s greatest joy was his family.

Surviving is his wife, Jane (Williams) Davis of Oakfield; children, Stephen Davis Jr., Michael Davis, Justina Davis, all of Watervliet NY Joseph Davis of Oakfield NY, Michael’s best friend who ended up being like another son Raffi Baghdikian of Sacramento CA, his grandchildren Brayson and Julian Davis; siblings, Frances (Roy) Davis Hooten, and Charles Davis JR.; his brother in laws Billy (Shelley) Williams, David  (Lillian) Williams and many nieces and nephews. Stephen was predeceased by his parents Charles Davis SR and Virginia (Perkins) Davis, his sister Louanne Tidd, and his brother in laws Milford (Jean) Williams and Richard Williams. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave, Oakfield, New York. A celebration of life will be celebrated by the family at a later date.

Donations may be made in Stephen’s memory to, National MS Society P.O. Box 91891 Washington, D.C. 20090-1891.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Joyce Ann Sands

By Joshua Smith
Sands

Bergen – Joyce Ann Sands, age 82, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at her home in surrounded by her loved ones.

Joyce was born on March 25, 1942 in Batavia, New York, a daughter of the late Robert & Mildred (Ames) Sloper.

She was a long time member of the Eastern Star and United Methodist Church. Joyce loved giving back in her community, she volunteered at the Gillam Grant Center, Mason’s Christmas Outreach Program, Operation Christmas Child (hand sewing gifts, and making comfort quilts for the local nursing homes. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and spending time with her family. 

Joyce graduated from Byron Bergen High School and later married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Sands. She worked hard on the farm with Dick running a dairy, cash crops, and later sheep. Joyce retired from quality control at Bonduelle USA Inc. in 2000.

Surviving is her husband, Richard “Dick” Sands; her loving 4-legged friend, Trent; children, Wendy (Greg) Sands Didas, Byron (Chris) Ariyaratnam, Todd Sands, and son in law, David Coffta; grandchildren, Den (Jen) Janas, Jessica Ariyaratnam, Krystal (Trevor) Bertand, Jon (Marissa) Coffta, Erica Sands, Amanda-Kay (Dan) McCarthy, Kyle (Michelle) Didas, Rachel (Asher) McKissic, Jordan (Hailey) Coffta, Jeremy Fink, and Christopher (Carrie) Fink; 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In death Joyce is reunited with her children, Laurie Sands, Carol Coffta, and Timothy Sands. 

Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 3:00pm to 6:30pm, at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave. Bergen, New York, with funeral service immediately following. Joyce will be laid to rest on Friday, March 28, 2025 in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joyce’s honor to, The Bergen Volunteer Fire Department: 10 Hunter Street, Bergen, New York 14416 or a charity of your choice.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Wanda Lee Sage Gilbert

By Joshua Smith
Gilbert

Wanda Lee Sage Gilbert, 81, went home to be with the Lord and to be reunited with her son, Daniel, on March 20th, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and children.

Wanda was born on March 14th,1944 in Batavia, NY, the daughter of the late Carl and Beatrice Sage. She married Ronald E. Gilbert on January 12th, 1963, with whom she shared 62 cherished years. Together, they have three children; Dawn (Kevin) Fisher, Denise (Darrin) Bull and the late Daniel (Susan) Gilbert, five grandchildren; Erika (Jason) Ranlett, Jessica (Dale) Brumsted, Colleen Fisher, Matthew Gilbert, Jenna Gilbert, and four great-grandchildren; Penelope and Natalie Ranlett, and Hunter and Amelia Brumsted. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Janet Sage, brother-in-law, Leon Moore, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A life-long resident of the town of Alabama, Wanda was a 1961 graduate of Oakfield-Alabama Central School District. She continued her education at Harper Beauty School in Rochester, NY, where she graduated as a licensed cosmetologist. Prior to beginning her career outside of her home, she was a stay-at-home mother with her three children, a time in her life that she treasured. She was a secretary for Tyler Truck Lines in Oakfield, NY, for 29 years and was also an assistant in the attendance and nurse’s office at the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District for 10 years.

Wanda was a parishioner of St. Cecilia’s in Oakfield. She held the position of Board Member of the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee County and was a member of ARC Glow. Wanda was a talented seamstress, doll maker, and hairdresser. She enjoyed admiring her flower gardens, watching her son coach and her grandchildren play ball, and her special afternoon chats and snacks with her granddaughter, Colleen. She was devoted to her family and faith and above all, loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved son, Daniel Gilbert, her brothers, Eugene Sage, William “Billy” Sage, and Donald Sage, father and mother-in-law Earl and Myrtle Gilbert, brother and sister in-law Andrew and Patricia Zigrossi and sister-in-law Ann Marie Moore.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday, March 26th at 9:30am at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield, NY 14125. Wanda will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield-Alabama Dollars for Scholars, Dan Gilbert Memorial Scholarship or Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee County, Inc.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Carol Sue Scott

By LaVern Falcone

Carol Scott

February 7, 1941 ~ March 17, 2025

     Carol Sue left us this morning.  She was released from the shackles of dementia and is now walking through the flowered meadows of heaven with God.  

carol scott

   Carol was a dedicated teacher of biology and continued teaching in her later years and was on the board of Literacy Volunteers.  She enjoyed golf and served as president of the Stafford Country Club Women’s Association at one point.  A lover of nature, she could always be found in her gardens or walking the nature trails at the homestead with her pets trailing behind.

     Carol leaves behind her loving family: daughter, Kendra; son, Jeffrey; sister, Mary Kay; brother, William; grandchildren, Heidi, Eric, Walker and her husband of 60 years, Larry.  We all will cherish her memory.

     A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at a future date with close family at the Scott homestead.

     In lieu of any flowers or monetary donations, just offer a hug to your closest caregiver.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Carol’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com

Shelly M (Lewis) Johnson

By Kara Richenberg
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The family of Shelly M (Lewis) Johnson, 61, of Moravia is very saddened to announce her unexpected passing on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Shelly will be deeply missed by her Husband of 27 years Scott Johnson, her children- Haley (Jake) Tubbs, Thomas “TJ” Johnson, grandchildren Delanie and Colt, her father Kenneth J. Lewis, brother in law Mark Johnson (Pam), sisters in law Shelly (the late Donald) Nye, Laurie (Stan) Howd, Tammy (Donald) Langtry, Luanne (Donald) Hirsh, special friend Laurie Collins, many nieces and nephews, her cousins who were like her siblings, so many friends and her K9 companion Harvey The Fire Dog.

Shelly was predeceased by her mother Nancy (Kabel) Lewis, grandparents Kenneth (Kate) Lewis, her cousin Neil, brother-in-law Donald Nye, father and mother-in-law Francis and Betty Johnson, K9 companion Boot, along with many other cherished friends and family. 

Shelly was born and raised in Batavia, NY, where she was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church, graduated from Notre Dame High School and attended SUNY Geneseo. Throughout her life she enjoyed the challenges of being a systems analyst for Unity Life Insurance, computer/tech person for OCMBOCES, computer/tech person and district treasurer for the Moravia Central School District. Shelly had an intense love of learning and enjoyed all types of media. She gave back to her community as an EMT with Four Town First Aid Squad and as a member of the Moravia Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Shelly cherished every moment spent with her family and friends. This beautiful soul will never be forgotten. May she fly high and watch over us all, Sweet Angel. 

Services were held at the Moravia Fire Department, 38 Keeler Ave Moravia, NY 13118 on Saturday March 1, 2025 from 1PM-4PM with the services at 4PM. There was a reception with food, refreshments and memories afterwards.

 Donations in Shelly’s name can be made to Four Town First Aid Squad PO Box 28 Moravia, NY 13118

Christine M. Werth

By Ronald Konieczny
Werth

Christine M. Werth, 74 of Elba, passed away peacefully on Monday (March 17, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

She was born September 9, 1950 in Elba, NY, a daughter of the late Frank and Frances Bezon Mickey.

Christine was a lifelong resident of Elba. She was employed as a corrections officer at the Albion Correctional Facility prior to her retirement. She enjoyed baking and cooking. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children, Steven (Trisha) Werth of Elba, Dawn (Mike) Stoll of Elba and Lance (Michelle) Werth of Kendall. Grandchildren, Miah Werth, Mason Werth, Michael Stoll, Austin Werth, Brady Werth and Colton Werth. Sister, Kathy Putney of Brockport. She also survived by several nieces.

She was the sister of the late Ron Mickey and Frank Mickey.

Private services will be held at the convenience of
the family. 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.

James P. Reynolds

By Kara Richenberg
james-p-reynolds.jpg

March 25, 1956 - March 16, 2025

Reynolds-James P. of Corfu, NY was born March 25, 1956 and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on March 16, 2025.  Beloved husband of 38 years to Gretchen (Burkhardt) Reynolds; dear father of Jessica Reynolds, Theresa Reynolds and the late infant son Michael Reynolds; brother of Kathleen (Robert) Peterson, Joan (Keith) Price, Joseph (Gail) Reynolds, Susan (late David) Sleeper, John (Shelly) Reynolds and the late Paul Reynolds; son of the late Mary Frances (Murphy) and the late Edward J. Reynolds; son-in-law of Marie and the late Frank Burkhardt; brother-in-law of Heidi (Scott) Phillips and Eric (Kelly) Burkhardt; also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.  Jim graduated from Pembroke Central School Class of '74.  He was a member of the wrestling team, FFA and 4-H.  He grew up on the family dairy farm, Reyncrest Farms and continued on as part owner until retirement.  He continued to help on the farm after his brother John and family owned it.  Jim enjoyed antiques cars, tractors and wine making.  Family will be present to receive friends at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME 13228 Broadway Alden, NY on Friday from 4-7 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Parish,  Akron, NY on Saturday at 10 AM. Interment will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Alden, NY.  Memorials may be made to Gateway House in Attica, NY, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern or a charity of your choice.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com.
 

Cathy A. Burns

By T.J. Woodward
c

Cathy A. Burns, 65, passed away March 13, 2025 at Rochester General Hospital. Cathy was born September 23, 1959 in Batavia to the late Delton and Sally (Sumeriski) Shults. She is preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Burns and granddaughter, Addie Marie Burns. 

Cathy’s biggest joys in life were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. She loved talking with her children, spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren grow and play. She also enjoyed going antique shopping and thrifting to decorating her home with the treasures she found. 

She is survived by her five children; Sarah (Mike Butler) Burns of Batavia, Jason Burns of Batavia, Jared Burns of Batavia, Brandon (Kimberly) Burns of Pembroke, Caitlin (Matthew Griffin) Burns of Batavia; sisters Cheryl (Robert) Ball of Batavia, Cynthia (Stephen) Hall of Batavia; grandchildren Bailey (Amanda), Matthew, Hailey, Gracelyn, Caiden, Jayce, Eliana, Ian, Nathan, Maizie, Brayden; great grandchild Waylen; and many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished Batavia 445 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Marion L. Emer

By Joshua Smith
Emer

Attica - Marion L. Emer, 94 of Attica passed away on Saturday, (March 15, 2025) at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw following a brief illness.

Mrs. Emer was born March 3, 1931 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Rudolph and Lisbeth (Schulze) Epperlein.

Marion was a long time school bus driver both for the Alden School System and in Cape Coral, Florida. She loved participating in family events, both boating with her Northern Family, and joining her Southern Family to cheer on her beloved Buffalo Bills. Most recently, she returned to reside with her daughter in Attica, where her days were brightened by getting to know her first great-great-grandson. She will be dearly missed.

Marion is survived by her children, Wendy (Donald) Koch of Attica, Donna Erny of Cape Coral, Florida, and Raymond (Brenda Jewell) Emer of Winter Haven, Florida. 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a great-great-granson, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death, Marion is reunited with her parents; her husband, Raymond Emer; and brother, Werner (late Louise) Epperlein.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday (March 20, 2025) from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Marion's funeral service will immediately follow the calling at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. She will be entombed in the Coral Ridge Cemetery Mausoleum in Cape Coral, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Animal Refuge Center,18011 Old Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33917.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Stephen J. Merlino

By Ronald Konieczny
Merlino

Stephen J. Merlino, 78 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Friday, March 14, 2025.

He was born November 9, 1946 in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, Canada, a son of the late Peter and Christina Sanders Merlino.

Stephen will be remembered by his family as a good and loving man, hard worker and one of the “Best Storytellers” of all time. He was a former truck driver for transportation companies in South Carolina and was a member of the former Knight Rider Motorcycle Club.

Survivors include his daughters, Bree (Dan) Outten, Stephanie (Richard) Gibbs. Sons, Peter Merlino, Paul (Kim) Andrews, Scott Andrews and Derrick (Lynn) Andrews. Sister, Linda (Wayne) Gowers. Also survived by several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was the husband of the late Sandra “Sandy” Merlino who passed away in 2023 and father of the late Tracey Daigler.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share memories of Stephen and Sandy on Friday, March 21st from 5-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY.

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

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

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