Obituaries

Batavia - Judy Lathan, 79 of Batavia passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness, at United Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born Sunday, March 4th, 1945 in Corning, a daughter of the late Oliver and Shirley (Mosher) Bortle.

She enjoyed gardening flowers, putting together puzzles, and watching Law and Order. Judy loved cats, fishing at Godfrey Pond, and auctions. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Judy graduated from Alexander High school and later married the love of her life, Clarence Lathan, on May 28, 1971. She worked for the US Postal service in LeRoy for 20 years until her retirement.

Judy is survived by her children, Ron (Tammy) Lathan of Silver Lake, Kathy Lathan of Virginia, Stan (Lisa) Mosher of LeRoy, Colleen (Tim) Miller of Fillmore, Karen (Jim) Perry of Corfu, and Carolyn (Joe) Surani of Florida; 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; siblings, Oliver Wayne Bortle Jr of Rochester, Pamela (Bob) Evans of Florida, Cindy May (Late Todd) Rusten of Florida, Jerry (Hafdis) Bortle of Florida, Carol (Thomas Craft) Jimerson of Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

In death Judy is reunited with her husband, Clarence Lathan; son, Calvin Lathan; nephew, Jerome T. Hope and aunt, Joyce Sport

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. Judy's funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm following calling hours at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Batavia. Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10:00am. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Shirley's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Vincent H. Fay “Ted”, 91 of East Bethany, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (January 14, 2025) at Crossroads House.

He was born March 4, 1933 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Vincent and Ethel Hampton Fay.

Ted was a man of many lives, from a survivor of an airplane accident at the age of 16 to a motorcycle accident later in life. He enjoyed thrift shopping at Goodwill, Salvation Army and garage sales. After a purchase, his favorite saying was “It’s just like new”. Ted also enjoyed watching Bills games, playing horse shoes, washers, corn hole, euchre and spending time fishing with his son. He was a very well known finishing contractor in Genesee County and built not only his own home but several homes in the area. He started building with Gary McWethy and later started his own business, Ted Fay & Son. The stories of Ted will live on through his family, who will miss him very much.

Survivors include his children, Debra (Jack) Zajaczkowski of Batavia, Steven (Deborah) Fay of Batavia, Keith (Melissa) Fay of Florida and Tracy Tiede of Texas. Siblings, Donald (Betsy) Fay and Audrey Keady. Grandchildren, Christopher Zajaczkowski, Kimberly (JC) Kabel, Jennifer (Chad) Turner, Megan Fay, Zachary Fay, Alyssa Tiede, Emily Fay and Parker Fay. Great-grandchildren, Chris Zajaczkowski, Olivia Kabel, Kyleigh Kabel, Cooper Turner, Chase Turner, Camden Turner and Kayden McKenna. Great-Great-grandchildren, Hazley and Mazlyn Zajaczkowski.

He was the brother of the late Richard Fay and Kenneth Fay.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (January 18^th) from 3-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a service of remembrance will follow visitation at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or at www.crossroadshouse.com. 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.

Donald C Porter, of Batavia passed away on January 13, 2025 at the age of 94 years and 362 days.

Born the middle child of the late William J. and Bernice Bartz Porter, Don was an avid adventurer, euchre card-shark, and master storyteller.

During the Korean War, Don was assigned to the 329th Communication Division intercepting enemy transmissions. While serving with the army, Don was rescued from boarding the wrong train by a directionally savvy Loraine Ivison (the kid sister of a fellow soldier). Once on the right track, Don began corresponding with Loraine frequently throughout his deployment. They were married shortly after the war.

After completing a post-war degree at Erie Tech, Don was employed as a civil engineer for the NY Department of Transportation from 1956-1988, where he designed, supervised, and inspected bridge projects throughout western NY. He also designed the drainage culverts for the earliest iterations of the Erie Canal Bike Path from the widewaters in Pittsford to the west for the state.

Upon retirement, Don perfected his talent for photography while touring all 50 states with Loraine in their RV. By 1991 they had settled in central FL where Don continued to work on planning boards well into his 80s. Don grew his interest in golf, working at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bayhill for many years, and playing with “The Nasty-Niners” league at Zellwood Station until moving back to NY to be closer to family in the spring of 2022.

Don is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Loraine Ivison Porter, son Thomas Porter, and four siblings: Bill Porter, Norma Maliszewski. Lorraine Nash, and Jack Porter. He is survived by his children: David Porter, Barbara Porter, and Nancy (Bill) Porter Yochum. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Jillian (Nick) Yochum Gauer, W. D. Yochum, Sara Peckham, Ian Peckham, Cassandra (Dan) Yochum-Palino, and Daemon Porter; two great grandsons: Samuel and Liam Gauer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don will be interred at the Byron Cemetery during a private ceremony. Memorials in Don’s name may be made to Serenity House Hospice, 1278 Brace Rd, Victor, NY whose volunteers and staff kept Don in smiles, laughs, and warm baked goods during his stay.

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

Arrangements for Don were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Cheryl M. Karl, 75 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) at Rochester General Hospital.

She was born May 29, 1949 in Oroville, CA, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Mildred Elkins Woolley. 

Cheryl was a nature enthusiast and loved anything that grew outside. She had a vast knowledge of flowers. She also enjoyed feeding the squirrels and chipmunks in her backyard. 

She is survived by her husband of over 53 years, Philip Karl of Batavia. Sister, Nora (Bobby) Judd of Arkansas. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family with burial in the Western New York National Cemetery.

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.

Darien - Gerald W. Geitner, 81 of Darien passed away on Sunday (January 12, 2025) at his home under the care of HomeCare & Hospice and his loving family.  

Mr. Geitner was born April 7, 1943 in Cowlesville, a son of the late Albert and Marion (Ells) Geitner.

Jerry loved his family, farm and his best buddy, Cooper (his dog).He enjoyed raising dairy heifers, snowmobiling, and riding around on his gator. His favorite word was "PEG" as he was always calling her name to be by his side. His love for her was unmatched. His mischievous laugh was infectious and will be missed by all.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Margaret "Peggy" (Kennedy) Geitner; son, Mark (Kathleen) Geitner; daughters, Barbara (Don) Hicks, Donna (Gary Good) Geitner, and Becky (Josh) King; brothers, Robert Geitner and Richard Geitner; sister, Shirley (Dan) Ford. 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to a 1:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at SS Joachim & Anne Parish - St. Vincent Church, 50 East Avenue in Attica on Saturday (January 18, 2025). Burial will be in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Gateway Home or SS Joachim & Anne Parish.

Arrangements for Gerald were entrusted to the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Maureen Zimmermann, 91, of Clarence, NY, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on January 5, 2025.

Born on May 28, 1933, Maureen was the wife of the late defense attorney Clark J Zimmermann and daughter of the late Joseph & Beatrice Meegan, of Lackawanna, NY.

Maureen is survived by her children: Molly (Joseph Callery) Zimmermann, of Syracuse, NY; Clark (Mary O’Connell) Zimmermann, of Rochester, NY; Amy (Dan) Provost of Boston, MA and Thomas (Margaret) Zimmermann, of Charlotte, NC. She was a proud grandmother to Olivia, Christopher, Mikayla, Thomas, Kate, Alex, Bridget, Clark, Riley, Aiden, Caitlin, Luke, Liam, and Lily. She is also survived by siblings: Kevin (Anne) Meegan of South Buffalo, Therese Maul of Kinderhook, NY and Mike (Carolyn) Meegan of San Antonio TX.  Joyce (late Pat) Meegan, Mary Anne (late Stephen) Meegan, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will remember her with deep love and affection. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Sharon (late Edmund) Burke and Nancy (late John) Kirsits.

Maureen attended St. Martin’s Elementary, and Our Lady of Victory High School. She earned her nursing degree from Sisters Hospital. Maureen’s career began and ended in nursing, where she provided comfort and kindness to those in need. Later in life, she transitioned into a successful business career, building the upstate NY operation for a national home improvement company from a room in her house to the District Manager of a multi-employee warehouse operation. She earned numerous awards for her exceptional work ethic and innovative management style. Yet, her true passion remained in nursing, which she returned to after retirement, volunteering for Hospice and serving as a school nurse at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf.

Born in Buffalo, married and moved to Batavia, Maureen truly bloomed where she was planted. She was a devoted mother to her children, a dedicated wife, and an integral part of her community. In addition to working at St. Jerome’s Hospital, she was the nurse for the Genesee County Migrant Center. Later, Maureen moved to Clarence, where she opened her home and heart to her family, in-laws, and grandchildren, creating a warm and welcoming space for all who entered. She had a love for animals and welcomed countless pets into the family. 

Maureen had a special gift for making others feel cared for, always ready to share a cup of tea and something sweet. She loved a good joke and usually had a new one to share. She took exceptional care of herself and everyone around her, leaving every person, pet and place better than she found them. A lifelong learner, Maureen was always open to new experiences. In her 70s, she walked a marathon and even learned sign language to communicate with deaf children—a testament to her adaptability and inspiring spirit.

Calling hours will be held at Amigone Funeral Home, 8440 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221 on Friday, January 17 from 2-4 and 6-8; Funeral services will be held at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church 4275 Harris Hill Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221 on Saturday January 18 th at 11:30.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Erie County SPCA https://yourspca.org/ or Hospice Buffalo ://www.hospicebuffalo.com/ in her memory.

Curtis Brown, age 77 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday January 8, 2025 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Curtis was born on Tuesday, December 30, 1947 in Buena Vista, Georgia, the son of the late Martha (Brown) Reddick.

He was a member of the Church of Brotherly Love, Elba. Curtis enjoyed fishing and playing lottery tickets. He was passionate about playing music on his record player, but most important to him was spending time with his loved ones.

Surviving is his wife loving wife, Tessie Brown; children, Jeneve Reeves, Brandie Brown, Curtis Brown Jr., Patrick Reeves, and Willie Reeves; Sister, Emma (Willie) Morrison; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00am at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia Where Curtis’ Funeral Service will be held from 12:00pm to 1:00pm immediately following visitation. Curtis will be laid to rest in Elm Wood Cemetery, Batavia.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Shirley's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Shirley May Robinson, of Bergen, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10th, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in Brockport on May 22nd, 1945, Shirley lived a life full of love, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Shirley is survived by her beloved children: John Robinson of Bergen, Dave Robinson of Batavia, Paul Robinson of Bergen, Todd (Karen Crusoe) Robinson of Bergen, and Teresa Robinson of Bergen. She was a proud grandmother to Jennifer Robinson, Ryan Robinson, Samantha (John) Jeffo, Heidi Robinson, Justin Robinson, Nick Robinson, Josh Whalin, and Brett Whalin, and was blessed with eight great-grandchildren. Shirley's family extended beyond blood, as she shared a special bond with longtime family friend Tammy Sardou. She is also survived by her brother, Bob Davis of Bloomfield, and her sisters, Joan Russell of Florida and Margaret (Lee) Reibstein of Scottsville, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Frances Tulga Davis, her devoted husband, John F. "Jack" Robinson, with whom she celebrated 54 memorable years of marriage before his passing on October 24, 2016. She was also predeceased by her son, Rick Robinson, her grandson, Chris Miller, and her sisters, Barbara Hurley and Patricia Davis.

Throughout her life, Shirley found joy in the simple pleasures. She was an avid painter and enjoyed spending her weekends exploring garage sales and flea markets. Shirley was also known for her love of visits to Batavia Downs and other local casinos. Shirley's presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. A public celebration of her life is being planned for this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley's memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, honoring her generous spirit and love for children.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Shirley's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted the to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William J. Burns, Jr., 87, of Batavia. Bill passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 surrounded by his family at The Friendly Home, Rochester. He was born March 21, 1937, in Fairport, NY to the late William and Mary (Murphy) Burns, Sr. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne, and brother, Martin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia (Williamee); daughter, Catherine of Chicago, IL; sons William (Melissa) of Greenlawn, NY; Thomas (Holly) of Chicago, IL; and beloved grandchildren, Riley, Liam, Thomas, and Violet; and siblings, Carol (George), Robert (Lorraine), Mary, and Thomas (Carol), and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was a graduate of SUNY Brockport, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. He was an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who spent 34 years at Oakfield-Alabama Middle-High School, first as a coach, then as athletic director, and then as principal. After retirement, he went on to serve in several educational roles at Batavia High School, Notre Dame High School, and Genesee Community College.

Community service was always important to Bill, and he held several roles in the Genesee Region Athletic Association; he was also an involved member of the Lion’s Club and the YMCA skills camps, and a devoted and faithful member of St. Joseph’s (Resurrection Parish) Catholic Church. Bill was an avid golfer and a long-time member of Stafford Country Club, where he served several terms as club president and in many other volunteer roles.

He was a loving husband, a dedicated father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, a devout Catholic, volunteer, and faithful friend who will be dearly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:30 am at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St in Batavia, NY.

Flowers are gratefully declined, and we invite you to honor his passion for Oakfield-Alabama Athletics with a contribution in his name that can be mailed directly to the school: Oakfield-Alabama Athletic Department 7001 Lewiston Rd. Oakfield, NY 14125 or donations can also be made in Bill’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8693106&fr_id=154020&pg=personal  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.

Batavia - Deanna P. Lang, 84 of Batavia passed away on Thursday (January 9, 2025) at Gateway Home in Attica.

Deanna was born December 22, 1940 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Edwin and Annette (Eyerman) Wild.

Deanna was a member of the East Shelby Community Bible Church, and was a former member of the Sacred Heart Bereavement Committee and former Sunday School Teacher at Sacred Heart. She was a long-time election inspector with Genesee County Board of Elections and the former Tax Collector for the Town of Batavia.

In addition to finding her complete happiness being a devoted wife and spending time with her family, she loved her summer visits to the Thousand Islands, where part of her heart will always be.

Surviving are her husband of 65 years, Alfred E. Lang; children, Claire (Steve) Shaw, Michael (Kim) Lang, Gregory (Karen) Lang, Julie Tybor, Kimberly (Dave) Alvord, Scott (Trina Lorentz) Lang, Shelly (Ed) Chittenden, Erik (Sandra) Lang, and Daniel (Allison) Lang; a sister, Donna (John) Gerrard); 40 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survive.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday (January 18, 2025) from 9 to 11:00 a.m. at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road in Medina. Deanna's memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial in East Shelby Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Arrangements for Deanna were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Batavia - Nicolo Severino (Poppa) age 95 is now reunited with his loving wife Mary and our Lord in Heaven.

Beloved son of Giuseppe and Rafaella Severino, he is predeceased by his siblings Lawrence, Florence, Tony, Teresa, Gennaro, Frank, Antonio and Louie, his wife Mary (Priolo), son Peter Severino, daughter Teresa George, son in-law John George and granddaughter Ann Elizabeth Severino.  

He is survived by his sister Antonette and his children Joseph (Sheri) Severino, Christine (Randy) Bow, Rosemary (Norm) Giess, Maria (Darin) Waite, Nicholas (Robin) Severino, Rafaline (Greg) Shilvock, and Jerry (Dorine) Severino. His family legacy includes 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Nicolo, a devout family man represented the American Dream, born and raised in the Napoli region of Italy. At the age of 19, he came to America to start a new life. He soon met his wife Mary and together they raised nine children on the south side of Batavia, New York.  For over 30 years Nicolo worked primarily in construction and provided for his family. He left his mark on several facilities in the region including working on the Blind School, Park Ridge Hospital, Nazareth University, and Genesee-Wyoming BOCES. He was especially proud of his family, home, and garden.  A master gardener, Poppa grew garlic, tomatoes, peppers, grapes, and peach trees in abundance.  He was well known for his homemade wine that was kept on hand for anyone who came to visit, his homemade sausage became a standard at any family event, and Poppa loved to be the one at the grill. He knew where to find, in the fields, a green stalk known as gardunes which he would pan fry and add to the dinner table.  Every Sunday afternoon was set aside for family dinner with pasta and sauce. Poppa had a special spot at the table, and if you were lucky enough you were treated to excellent food, wine and conversation of his life in Italy as well as in America.  In his final years of life, his spirit remained strong and he received the care and continuous love from his family. Time was spent playing an Italian card game Scopa, visits with family, looking at photos, and remembering all the good times. Rest in Peace Poppa, your legacy will live on forever.

Family and friends may call on Friday (January 17, 2025) from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia. Nicolo's Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday (January 18, 2025) at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Worship Site, 303 East Main Street in Batavia. Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Attica - Lynn L. Tedford, 77 of Attica passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Tedford was born September 2, 1947 in Plattsburgh, a son of the late Robert and Betty (Lobdell) Tedford.

Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, Linda (Hull) Tedford of Attica; sons, Robert (Stephanie) Tedford of East Bethany and William Tedford of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; daughter, Katherine Tedford of Batavia; grandchildren, Brooke and Cameron; brother, Kenneth (Carolyn) Tedford of Watertown; sister, Janet (late Joseph) Alexander of Peru, New York.

Lynn is reunited in death with his parents and a brother, Samuel (late Joyce) Tedford.

Lynn proudly served his country and was a decorated Vietnam Veteran. Upon returning home, he had an accomplished career as a Corrections Officer for over 30+ years and served as Trustee and Mayor of Village of Attica for several terms. He was also heavily involved in the American Legion Post - Local 734. Lynn was a devoted family man who enjoyed driving the family to Cocoa Beach, Florida, for spring break and spending time with his pets and grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Lynn 's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, (January 14, 2025) at the funeral home. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made in Lynn's memory to the Attica Fire Department.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Denise Ellen (Geise) D'Angelo, 69, of Oakfield, NY, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer.

Born on November 29, 1955, Denise was the beloved daughter of the late Carol L. and James B. Geise, and the loving wife of the late Carl I. D'Angelo.

Denise is survived by her children: Jamie (Jason) Smith of Adamstown, MD; Gina D'Angelo of Washington, D.C.; and Joseph (Sabrina) D'Angelo of Rochester, NY. She was a proud grandmother to Lincoln and Tatum Smith, and she leaves behind her siblings: Linda (Ray) Leopold of Kalispell, MT; Donna (Steve) Lane of Attica, NY; and Jeff Geise of Attica, NY. Denise is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Jo (late Gary) Nicholls, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will remember her with deep love and affection. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Jeannie (late Paul) Wise.

Denise found joy in the company of friends, often gathering for coffee and luncheon dates. She was an avid supporter of her "other son," Josh Allen (#17), and followed the Buffalo Bills with great enthusiasm. Her love for the team was only rivaled by her deep devotion to her family, whom she cherished dearly.

Her kindness, warmth, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Denise’s strength and resilience in the face of illness were a true testament to the love she held for her family and the unwavering spirit that guided her throughout her life.

Calling hours in Denise’s honor will be held at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, on Monday, January 13, 2025, will begin at 10:00 AM with funeral services at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.

Denise’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she loved, and she will forever be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

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

John Paul “Jack” Shepard, of Brevort, Michigan, died November 23, 2024, after fighting cancer with quiet strength for seven months. He was 81.

Jack was born to Roy and Ruth (Merchant) Shepard and grew up on a farm in the Town of Batavia. From an early age, he developed a deep connection to the outdoors, spending his days hunting and fishing in the surrounding woods. 

A graduate of Alexander Central High School’s Class of 1961, Jack pursued his love of nature at Michigan State University, earning a degree in forestry. Michigan became his lifelong home, where he built both a career and a family. He worked for several timber companies before founding Shepard’s Forestry Enterprises, Inc. in the 1970s. He ran the business with dedication until his retirement at 70, when his son Michael purchased the business and continues to carry on his work. 
Jack’s life was rooted in two things: his family and the simple joys of the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or tending the gardens at his home in Brevort, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he found peace and purpose in nature. His knack for berry picking and gardening meant family and friends were always well-fed with his harvests, and his prolific flower gardens provided vibrant beauty to his home throughout the growing season. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two sons and grandsons and rarely missed a St. Ignace Saints game, proudly cheering on first his sons and then his six grandchildren from the stands.
Jack shared 35 years with his wife, Thora (Hagen), in a home filled with laughter, love, and an unmistakable sense of belonging. He was lovingly and attentively cared for by Thora and his step-daughter Melissa at home throughout the last days of his life.

Jack is survived by Thora; his sons, Michael (Helena) and Paul (Tammy); his stepchildren, Lee Foster and Melissa (Jason) Salerno; his first wife Nancy Swain Marshall and his grandchildren, Tessa, Tabitha, Tayah, Ethan, and Dylan. He also leaves behind his brother, Robert (Linda), of Batavia; nephews Jonathan (Mary) and Daniel (Joyi) Shepard; and niece Stacey Shepard of Bakersfield, California. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Tucker Joshua Shepard.
A memorial service was held on December 21, 2024, where family and friends came together to honor Jack’s memory and the legacy of a life well-lived.