Obituaries

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 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 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. 

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, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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 21^st 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.

Elice Allard DelPlato, Age 71, was born on October 10^th, 1953 in Webster Massachusetts to the late Harold and Norma (Green) Allard. Jesus took her home on March 8th 2025 at home in Batavia NY.  In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother; Joseph Allard. 

Elice traveled all over the world with her ministry, The 10th Coin. She attended SUNY Geneseo Faith School of theology. She loved to sing and get her hair done. She loved animals, adventures and loved helping people. Elice enjoyed sign language and her job working with the deaf. She was a friend to many. 

She wrote so many beautiful stories of her travels and experiences.  Her best one was October 7th 1994 the day God brought her a child.  A miracle as she always said.  Her baby was her whole world and her whole heart. That baby grew up to be so strong because of such a strong mother. That baby grew up to have so much love in his heart because of his mother, so much joy and happiness. That child has grown up and gone on many adventures with his mother. To him she was his hero. To him she was his whole world and his whole heart. Now that child is grown up and God has called his daughter home. He called that child’s hero home. To carry on the strength and love she gave to him and to bring peace and to help people. It is with such a heavy heart to say I miss my hero. Till the day I meet with her again she will always be in my heart. She leaves behind many friends and family that adored and loved her. She will always be missed. 

Elice is survived by her son; Jonathan (fiancé Sheenamarie Askey) DelPlato; sisters Robin (Gerald) Brodeur and Lori Allard, along with many brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Alexander - Marjorie J. (Rogers) Toal Kelsey, 85 of Alexander passed away on Thursday, (March 13, 2025) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs. Kelsey was born September 23, 1939 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Harold and Grace (Hart) Rogers.

Marg loved her family and carried the worry of her family’s health, especially for Kenny, Karen and Kevin. She enjoyed the holidays and decorated inside and out for most of them. She spent hours on her flower gardens and weeded them to perfection.

She was an independent person who enjoyed traveling to all 50 states, but enjoyed the beauty of New York State and local community events as well.

A lifelong Alexander resident, she was a member of the Alexander Fireman’s Auxiliary for 50+ years and volunteered for the Alexander Cemetery. Keeping in touch with her Alexander Central classmates was also a great joy for her. Marg worked for many years for Lawley Insurance in Batavia prior to her retirement.

Surviving are her son, Kevin Toal of Alexander; step-son, Thomas (Julie) Kelsey of Attica; sisters, Patricia (Robert) Chmielowiec of Byron, and Winnie (late Noel) Smith of Overland Park, Kansas; son-in-law, Gordon Biehl of Florida; step-daughter-in-law, Betsy Kelsey of East Bethany. 9 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren also survive.

In death, Marjorie is reunited with her parents; husband, Daniel Kelsey; daughter, Karen Biehl; son, Kenneth Toal, Jr.; step-son, David Kelsey; and grandson, Scott Shalkowski.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, March 19, 2025  from 4 to 6:00 pm at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica.  Marjorie’s Funeral Service will immediately follow the visitation at 6:00 pm at the funeral home.  Burial will be private in Alexander Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alexander Fire Department.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Joseph S. Ognibene, 45 of Byron passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston, NY. He was born January 29, 1980 in Batavia to Stephen J. (Loretta) Ognibene of Attica and the late Carolyn J. (Seweryniak) Ognibene. He is preceded in death his brother, Timothy J. and sister, Stephanie L. Ognibene.

Joe worked around the family Big O Farms in Elba and helped his uncle Mike at the car dealership. He loved football, hockey, riding his bike and stopping to visit with people on his way. Joe’s smile would light up a room.

Along with his father he is survived by his sister, Sara J. Ognibene of Tamarac, FL, brothers, Matthew J. Ognibene of Rochester, Stephen R. Ognibene of Attica, grandfather, Joseph Ognibene of Byron, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 18 from 9:30 to 11:00am at St. Vincent’s Church, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011. An 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at the church. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. 

The family has respectfully asked to not share Joe’s obituary on Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. 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.

Mary O. Adams, 94, of East Bethany, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 at Livingston County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on April 7th, 1930 in East Bethany to the late Peter and Ida (Schiavi) Sinibaldi. In addition to her parents, Mary is predeceased by her husband; Thomas Adams in 2021; siblings Richard (Millie) Sinibaldi, Victoria (Joseph) Piccolo, Jimmy Sinibaldi, Catherine (Joseph) Colantonio, and Valerie (Sebastian) DiFalco.

Mary worked as a licensed Hairdresser before staying home to take care of her 3 children. She then worked at Kaufmanns footwear in Batavia where she retired from in 1998. She loved playing bingo, cards, and going to the casino. She loved to travel with her sister Val and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

She is survived by her sons; Mike (Noreen) Adams, Mark Adams, and Daniel Adams (Rebecca Hackett); Grandchildren Tim Adams (Steven Foster), Scott Adams (Kelly Leatherman), and Morgan Adams; Great Grandchildren James Adams, and Quinn Adams; along with many nieces, and nephews.  

Family and friends may call on Tuesday March 18, 2025 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday March 19^th at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Fire Department 5253 Old Telephone Rd.  NY 14054 or Mercy Flight www.mercyflight.org. 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.

May 11, 1943 — March 8, 2025, Churchville, NY

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert Randall, who left us at the age of 81.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, a source of wisdom, laughter, and unwavering love. He lived a full and meaningful life, shaped by his kindness, resilience, and dedication to his family and friends. His presence brought comfort, his advice carried weight, and his love left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by Ann Randall, his loving wife of 61 years; children, Steve (Kim) & Scott (Maggie); his cherished grandchildren, Tyler & Alyssa; & a special friend, Tim Maier; sister-in-law's, Carol Randall, Beverly Boothe& Alberta Feiock; many nieces & nephews. Though he is no longer with us, the lessons he taught and the memories he created will live on in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choosing.

Attica - Christopher L. Rebmann, 51 of Attica passed away on Friday (March 7, 2025) at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo.

Mr. Rebmann was born August 9, 1973 in Batavia, a son of the late Donald and Diane (Horni) Rebmann.

In loving memory of our dear brother, father, and uncle, who was a highly skilled mason by trade. Known for his infectious "Rebmann laugh" and his humor, he brightened the lives of those around him. He cherished the company of his beloved dogs, Sadie and Munchie, and his cat, Minner. His talent, laughter, and love for his pets left a lasting impact on all who know him. He will be deeply missed by many.

Chris is survived by his daughter, Tess Rebmann of Florida; brother, Douglas (Tammy) Rebmann of Alexander; sister, Julie (Daniel) Vella of Rochester; his long-time partner Carrie and her daughter, Chloe. Nieces and nephews also survive.

In death, Chris is reunited with his mom and dad.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery in Darien. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Chris' name to the Animal Friends at Wyoming County Animal Shelter, 4380 NY-19, Silver Springs, New York 14550. Arrangements for Christopher were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

LeRoy – Cohocton - Wayland With great sorrow, the family of Karl William Bill Jr announces his passing. Karl was almost 84 years of age and a resident of LeRoy, NY for nearly 70 years. Karl was born May 22, 1941 in Rochester the son of Karl and Floral (McKeown) Bill. He was the owner of West End Sales in LeRoy and an avid car enthusiast. Many will remember his national record holding race car, Bonanza. In his later years, he enjoyed showing a variety of Muscle cars at local events. He was a good friend to many.

Karl was preceded in death by his father, Karl William Bill, Sr. and his mother, Floral Dutcher. He leaves behind his loving wife Kathy. Karl had 3 sons: Jeff (Kelli), Larry and Kyle (Wendy), and a step-son Austin (Heather). He had 2 daughters: Karla (Brett) and Lisa (Randy). Karl was also blessed with many
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Karl passed peacefully in Wayland, NY, the town he grew up in. He has gone home to the Lord. There will be a private interment at the family gravesite near his beloved father and grandfather, Willy Bill. A celebration of life will be held in LeRoy at the convenience of the family. For online condolences please
visit www.stgeorgefuneralhome.com