Obituaries

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.

Central Bridge - Wesley A. Dunn, 75  of Central Bridge passed away on Thursday, (December 12, 2024) at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Saint Johnsville.

Mr. Dunn was born November 5, 1949 in Rochester, a son of the late Herbert Spurles and Martha Dunn.

Wesley served his country honorably and was a proud Army veteran. He was a member of the American Legion Post #57 in Cobleskill and enjoyed bowling.

Surviving are his wife, Ann (Weidman) Dunn of Central Bridge; daughter, Hope (Joshua) Foringer of Geneseo; son, Shawn (Heather Hamilton) Burnham of Avon; grandchildren, Sabrina, Caitlin, Tiffany, Blake, Nevin, Alyssa, and Tristian; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Cathy (late Sonny).

Along with his parents, Wesley is preceded in death by a brother, Roy Dunn; and a step-brother, Wes Spurles.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements for Wesley were entrusted to the care of 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.

Leuza E. (Nogueira) Dunn, 80, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, January 06, 2025 at the United Memorial Medical Center. Leuza was born on February 9, 1944 in Salvador Bahia, Brazil, daughter of the late Francisco (Esmera Silveria DeJesus) Nogueira. She is preceded in death by her sisters; Aida, Lucia and Tereza Nogueira.

She came to the United States in 1963 and worked at St. Jerome’s Hospital in Environmental Services and then retired from United Memorial Medical Center, where she worked for over 40 years. She loved to travel and be with family. 

She is survived by her husband; Richard Dunn; sister Laurentina Rosa; brother Edvaldo (Ruth) Nogueira; niece Lorie Nogueira; step daughter Lauri (Gary) Brennan; 3 step grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren, half sisters and brothers, along with nieces and nephews living in Brazil.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately for the family.  Leuza will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.
 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lipson Cancer Institute Foundation 127 North St. in Batavia. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Marilyn Blair Britt, 88, of Byron, NY passed away peacefully at home on January 5th, 2025. She is survived by daughter Kim Dewey (Mark), son Donald B. Britt (Chrystal), granddaughters Meghan Dewey (Kevin Henneberry), Sarah Small (Steven), Kylie Britt Fiscella (Bryson), grandsons Nathan Dewey (Christie), and Benjamin Britt. She is also survived by her five delightful great grandchildren Winnie Small, Jude Small, Owen Dewey, Maeve Dewey, and Isla Dewey. Marilyn is survived by her sister-in-law June Britt; nieces Bonnie Blair, Laurel (Tom) Moormann, Lynne (Peter) Britt Kuhmerker, Wendy (Ken) Britt Teusink, Mary (Gary) Britt Turner, nephews, Bruce (Linda) Blair, Lee (Mary Ann) Blair, Edwin (Kathleen) Blair, John (Arlene) Porter III, David (Liza) Porter, Paul (Beth) Porter, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother Alvira Cole Blair and father Edwin R. Blair, husband of 57 years Donald C. Britt, brothers Griffith Blair and Lee Blair Sr., sisters-in-law Rev. Ann Blair and Jane Britt Porter, brother-in-law Gerald Britt, and nephew Aiden Blair.

Marilyn was born September 30, 1936 and was a lifelong resident of Byron, NY. Marilyn and Don were high-school sweethearts and married Feb. 26th, 1955. She started her career at Bell Telephone in the collections department, later working for  L-Brooke farms as an office assistant. She was a wife, mother, and homemaker. Marilyn was a source of constant support to Donald during their farm years and worked side by side when they started renovating houses. She was a member of Byron Presbyterian Church, Byron Garden Club, a former Girl Scout leader, past board member of the YWCA of Batavia, Gillam Grant Community Center  and former board member of Genesee Memorial Hospital. She had a special interest in archeology, especially the Byron dig as well as attending many tours of the American desert southwest and international tours of Central America and Egypt. Her family and church were the center of her life, and she will always be remembered for her love and devotion to both.

There will be no prior calling hours. Her funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main Street, Byron. She will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Byron Presbyterian Church, PO Box 206, Byron, NY 14422. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

Bonnie M. Burr of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 after a long illness.

Bonnie was a Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator at the VA Medical Center.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Renee) Burr-Tiggs.

There are no calling hours. Private services at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.  Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Pavilion ~ Kathleen M. (Blazak) DuBois, age 73, of Ellicott Street Road, passed away surrounded by her loving family after a long illness at UMMC Monday, January 6, 2025.

     Kathy was born June 3, 1951 in Warsaw, NY, a daughter of the late Donald and Shirley (Smith) Stack.   

  Kathy enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. She enjoyed family vacations, crocheting, reading and needle point embroidery.  In her healthier years she was an avid hunter, golfer, and enjoyed going to bingo and the Warsaw Vets Club. 

     In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Matthew J. DuBois Sr., her beloved Son, Matthew J. Dubois Jr., Brother, Randy S. Stack, In-laws, William & Barbara (Wright) DuBois and sister in-law, Patricia McCowen.

     Kathy will be sadly missed by her daughter, Crystal DuBois and son, Harley DuBois; grandchildren, Stacey DuBois, Jessica (John) Scheuing, Tayler Hayes, Joshua McCowen, Alaina Rowe, Makenzy Green and Maddasin DuBois; siblings, Linda Wilcox, James (Heidi) Stack, Judy (Brent) Alward and Julie Stack; brothers-in-law, William (Kim) DuBois Sr., Paul DuBois and Roger McCowen, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Per Kathy’s request there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 5 PM at LeRoy American Legion, 53 West Main St. LeRoy, NY 14482. 

     Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Crystal DuBois, P. O. Box 114, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525

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

James Bachorski, 56, of Oakfield, passed away on December 21, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital.

James was born September 25, 1968 in Dansville, a son of Elaine Bachorski of Stafford and the late Robert Raymond Bachorski.

James loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving along with his mother are his wife, Rose Marie Smith Bachorski, they were married March 7, 1992, married for 32 years and were together for 37 years; children, Aaron Smith of Batavia, Heather Bachorski of Batavia, Jamie Bachorski of Oakfield and Jesse Bachorski of Oakfield; his siblings, Robert G. (Laura) Bachorski of Geneseo, Richard (Pauline) Bachorski of Albion, Karen Joyce of Akron and Christine (Thomas) Hendershott of South Alabama; 11 grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his son, Alan Bachorski and a sister, Lea Ellen Mancuso.

As per the wishes of the family, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rose Bachorski and donations would be appreciated and can be sent to Venmo, Rose Bachorski@rosie_real.

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

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

Indian Falls - Lois M. Brockway 96, a long time resident of Indian Falls, went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Charlotte House Comfort Care.

She was born on May 7, 1928, the daughter of the late Raymond and Maud (Dodd) Meiser. Lois was the Town of Pembroke Historian from 1978 to 2019. She also worked as a Research Clerk for the Genesee County History Department from 1984 to 1999. Lois cowrote a couple of local history books and she received the Julia Reinstein Historians Award in 2009. She was the secretary for Mogadore Chapel from 1982 to 2006.

Lois was the wife of the late Walter M. Brockway, mother of four children, Michael (Jane), Greg, Cheryl (Michael) Bulas and Thomas. She was the grandmother of six granddaughters, twelve great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister Rosemarie Gilbert, a brother Raymond Meiser and a special nice Jamie Vick.

A private service will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be made to Charlotte House Comfort Care 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Charlotte House for the wonderful, excellent, loving care they gave to Lois.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Pavilion ~ Rhonda R. Rittenhouse-Norton, age 72, of South Street Road, passed away at home on Friday, January 3, 2025.

     She was born May 27, 1952 in Warsaw, NY, a daughter of the late Ronald and Ruth Yencer Thompson.   

  Rhonda will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She was a very loving, caring and compassionate person, not only to her family, but to those that she cared for throughout her nursing career which spanned 46 years.  She worked at Strong Memorial Hospital for many years as an RN, worked as a massage therapist and was the camp health director for Camp Hard Hat. Rhonda was an avid gardener, golfer, traveler, food & cooking enthusiast, storyteller, and enjoyed reading medical journals and sharing her knowledge with family and friends.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Delmer W. Rittenhouse and her sister, Roseita Braddock.

     Rhonda will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 18 years, Keith Norton; her daughters, Christy (Chris) Schultz and Karyn (Jeff) Winters; step-children, Todd (Mary) Norton and Michelle (Ray Bolster) Freeman; grandchildren, William Schultz, Drew Schultz and Emma Winters; step-grandchildren, Bobbie Jo (Adam) Hill, Britannie (Mike) Vogel, Tyler Norton, Michaela Freeman (Brian Wells) and Marissa Freeman; sisters, Ramona (Paul) Rathbun and Roxanne (Douglas) Morsch; brother-in-law, Rick Rittenhouse; sister-in-law, Rebecca (Kent) Anglin, along with many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, January 8 from 2 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, January 9 at 10:00 AM at the Hunt Baptist Church, 9932 S. Church St., Hunt, NY. Burial will be private at Union Cemetery, Dalton, NY.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with contributions in memory of Rhonda suggested to either The Pavilion Food Pantry, c/o Pavilion United Methodist Church, 11115 East Park, Pavilion, NY 14525 or Camp Hard Hat, c/o The Builders Exchange, 180 Linden Oaks, Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14625 (indicate “Donation” in the memo field)

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

Batavia - Donald V. Richardson, Sr., 86 of Batavia passed away on Saturday (December 28, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Richardson was born October 22, 1938 in Delevan, a son of the late Maynard Richardson.

Don served his country as a proud Marine and spent decades working as a dedicated UPS driver, yet his greatest calling was being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He never missed a single one of his grandkids’ games, showing up with an enthusiastic cheer that seemed to brighten everyone’s day. Even after the toughest challenges, Don had a remarkable gift for making people feel valued and reminding them there was always hope to be found. While he cheered loudest for his beloved Yankees and Bills, he saved his biggest cheers for those he loved most. His caring soul, unwavering support, and infectious optimism remain a testament to the extraordinary man he was. He will be deeply missed.

Donald is survived by his children, Lori (John) Thomspon of Attica, and Donald "Duke" (Caroline) Richardson, Jr. of Batavia; grandchildren, Bryan (Robyn) Thompson, Steven Thompson, Owen Thompson, Tanner Richardson, and Sawyer Richardson.

Along with his father, Donald is preceded in death by his wife, Dolores (Pappalardo) Richardson; they were married for 55 years.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday (January 10, 2025) from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica, where Donald's memorial service will immediately follow at 12:00 noon. Rev. Bill Hockey will officiate. Donald will be laid to rest with military honors in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make a memorial contribution to either Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 or the Wyoming County SPCA, PO Box 269, Attica, New York 14011. Online condolences may be left at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.