Obituaries published the week of July 28, 2005

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In Memoriam

Irene I. Carson

Retired postmaster

Irene I. Carson, 95, of 2657 York Road West, York, died July 15, 2005 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville. She was born the daughter of Frederick and Stella (Callan) Surdam on Nov. 18, 1909 in Leicester. Prior to her retirement in 1974 she was the Postmaster at the York Post Office for over 15 years. She was a member of the York Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her husband William in 1972 and her son Rodney in 1999. She is survived by her four children, William (Mary Lois) Carson of Geneseo, Estella (Walter) Stone of Sparta, Judy Brayer of Bloomfield and Beverly Bauer of Geneseo; daughter-in-law Betty Carson of Pavilion; 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Friends called Tuesday at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home Inc., 111 Main St. in Geneseo where Funeral Services were held Tuesday. Burial Pleasant Valley Cemetery in York. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the York Baptist Church or the Juvenile Research Foundation.

E. R. Doolittle

Dairy farmer

Linwood - E. R. “Pete” Doolittle, 90, died July 22, 2005 at the Morgan Estates in Geneseo. Mr. Doolittle was born on Jan. 13, 1915 in Canadice, N.Y. the son of Claude and Cynthia Doolittle.He was a lifelong dairy farmer with the Doolittle Brothers Farm in Linwood. He was a member of the Linwood Grange, Pro-Fac Cooperative, Agway and the Dairyman's League. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Caledonia and the Genesee Country Museum. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Arthur and William Doolittle and stepmother Louise Doolittle. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Arlene Doolittle; his sisters, Elsie Hart of Webster, Emma (Howard) Crawford, Helen Wolfe, Alice Pringle; sister-in-law Ruth Doolittle, all of York; 13 nieces and nephews; many great nieces and great nephews. Calling hours were held July 24 at the Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 W. Main St., Caledonia. Funeral Services were held July 25 at the First Presbyterian Church in Caledonia with Pastor David George officiating. Interment, Pleasant Valley Cemetery in York. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Caledonia, 3080 W. Main St., Caledonia NY 14223.

Perry C. Euchner, Jr.

Perry C. Euchner, Jr. age 78, a resident of Huntington, NY passed away Jan. 4, 2005 in the Huntington, Long Island Hospital. Perry was born August 17, 1926 in Geneseo the son of Perry C. Euchner, Sr. and Katherine Adams. He is survived by his wife, Gale Euchner of Long Island, 5 children, Nancy (Richard) Corzatt of NH, James (Nancy) Euchner of Waccabuc, NY, Susan (Ramiro) Casarez of MD, Charles Euchner of CT and Claire (Michael) Giangrasso of Long Island, eight grandchildren and one brother, James (Doty) Euchner of VA. The funeral will be held at 11 am on July 30 at St. Michael's Church with an interment following at the Temple Hill Cemetery. Reverend Patty Mover, of Asheville, NC, cousin to the family, will officiate. Reference: Rector Hicks Funeral Home in Geneseo.

Phyllis A. Gardner

Artist

Avon/Warsaw - Phyllis A. Gardner, 73, died on July 17, 2005 at her home in Avon. Mrs. Gardner was born on April 25, 1931 in Munising, MI the daughter of Theodore and Dorothy Tunteri. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Lois Pope in 1994. Phyllis was an accomplished watercolor artist. She was a member of the Livingston Art Group. Phyllis was a devoted wife, nurturing mother and steadfast friend. Her passion and talent later in life was watercolor painting. She was a true artist even if she did not think so. Who can forget her ready smile for one and all? She will be missed. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Richard Gardner of Avon; her sons, James Gardner of Tucson, Ariz., Robert (Cathy) Gardner of Geneseo; her brothers, James (Patti) Tunteri of Rochester, Michael (Judy) Tunteri of MI; her granddaughter Hannah Grace Gardner of Tucson; several special nieces and nephews. Calling hours were held July 20 at the Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc. in Avon where her Funeral Service was held following calling hours with Rev. Ralph English officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions may be made to the Livingston County Hospice Fund, 2 County Campus, Mt. Morris NY 14510 or Teresa House, 21 Highland Road, Geneseo NY 14454.

Roy Jerome

Avid golfer

Wayland/Dansville - Roy K. Jerome, 88, formerly of the Wayland and Dansville areas and more recently of Florida and Rochester, passed away July 18, 2005 at the St. John's Home Healthcare Facility in Rochester. Roy was born in Wayland, May 29, 1917 in Wayland the son of Howard and Rena (Folts) Jerome. Roy grew up in Wayland and resided the majority of his life in the Wayland/Dansville area. He enjoyed spending his winters in Florida and summers in Cape Vincent with his family. Roy's employment career included over 37 years at the Gunlocke Company in Wayland. He retired from Gunlocke in 1978 after spending many years as a spindle carver and eventually as a supervisor in three different departments. Roy and Wilhelmina Glover entered into a loving marriage on Sept. 18, 1937 in Wayland. Together they celebrated over 49 years of marriage prior to her passing away in 1986. Other than Roy's family, his true love of life was golf. He was an avid and accomplished golfer as evidence by his many championships; first place finishes and numerous course records. Including but not limited to: Sectional golf champion in high school 1934-1936; state amateur champion in 1938 won in New York City, State amateur champion in 1942 won in Lake Placid, competed in two National PGA Tournaments, the Times Union Open in 1942 and the Hagen Open, finishing 7th and 8th respectively; along with a 1st place finish in the LeRoy Open in 1935. Roy also has had the distinguished success of holding the following course records; Braeburn Country Club in Dansville with a 62; Lima Country Club with a 67; Nunda Country Club with a 67; Craig Brae in Rochester with a 68; he also was the club champion at Dansville Country Club twice. Roy's true love of golf though was as a teacher. He taught many people how to golf in Dansville and was also a club professional at the Rotunda County club for four years during the winter months in Florida. Roy also enjoyed playing basketball during school and his teams were very competitive in the state basketball tournaments from 1932-1936. He also enjoyed bowling as evidence by his being president of a local bowling league. Roy was predeceased by his wife Wilhelmina in 1986; a sister Nancy Jerome; along with five brothers, William Stewart, Robert and twins, Ronald and Donald Jerome. He is survived by his daughter, Judy (Roger) Peapples of Venice, Fla.; grandchildren, Marcy (Peter) Benvenuto of Rochester, Mike (Joan) Henchen of Geneseo and Melinda (Jeff) Kollmeier of Texas; great grandchildren, Joseph, Jonathan and Andrea Benvenuto; Michael Jr. and Robert Henchen; and Brandon and Sammy Kollmeier; siblings, Howard (Barbara) Jerome of Wayland, Vernon Jerome of Dansville, Tom (Velma) Jerome of Florida, Alice Wheaton of Atlanta, Muriel Gould of Dansville, and Beverly (Wayne) Atwell of Dansville; along with several nieces and nephews. Roy's family and friends called Tuesday at the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 W. Naples St., Wayland. Roy's Funeral Service was conducted Wednesday at the Funeral Home with Retired Rev. Calvin Sheasley of the Methodist Church in Dansville officiating. Interment, Village Cemetery in Wayland. Contributions in Roy K. Jerome's memory may be made to the St. John's Comfort Care Facility, 150 Highland Ave., Rochester NY 14620 or to the Vincent House, 310 Second Ave., Wayland NY 14572.

Gladys E. Rice

Gladys E. Rice, 75 died Friday, July 22, at her residence, 5951 Groveland Hill Road in Groveland. She is survived by her daughter Connie Mairs of Groveland, 4 sons Dale (Linda) Rice of Cohocton, Terry (Marge) Rice of Groveland, Scott (Lisa) Rice of Cohocton, Tim (Monica) Rice of Groveland Station, 14 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband William Wallace Rice, her daughter Dawn Rice, and her sister Margaret Richardson. She was born July 22, 1930 in York the daughter of James and Elizabeth Smiley Prior. She was employed as a secretary for a Buffalo Law Firm, was involved in private health care and domestic care. She loved gardening, animals, the NY Yankees, and her family. She also collected miniature cows. Visitation was held at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main Street in Geneseo on Monday. Funeral services were held Monday, July 25 at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home with Pastor Sally Glassbrook of the Groveland Federated Parish officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Groveland. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1400 Winton Road North, Rochester, NY 14609.

Kathleen D. Schede

Dansville resident

Kathleen D. “Kay” Schede, 84, of Red Bud Dr. in Dansville, died July 25, 2005 at Noyes Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient since Thursday. Kay was born May 28, 1921 in Potsdam, N.Y. the daughter of the late John B. and Bessie F. (Fisk) Donovan. She was a graduate of Potsdam High School and SUNY Potsdam, Crane School of Music. She was married on June 8, 1948 in Potsdam to Lawrence W. Schede who predeceased her on April 15, 1999 after 50 years of marriage. Kay had been employed by the Dansville Central School District on the Library staff of the former Dansville Junior High School where she assisted many children during their formative year. She was also a substitute Elementary School Music Teacher for several years. Kay was a 55 year member of the Dansville Presbyterian Church, an Ordained Deacon of the Church, a member of the Piece Makers and was well known for her music ministries to the church as a pianist accompanying the choir. She was also a vocalist for solos and duets. She served eight years on the library board of the Dansville Public Library. Kay was very appreciative of her family, friends, church, music and the game of bridge. She is survived by one son, David (Karen) Schede of Binghamton; one daughter Joan (Michael) Henchen of Geneseo; a sister Margaret Donovan of Dansville; four grandchildren, Linda Schede and Mark Schede of Binghamton and Michael Henchen Jr. and Robert Henchen, both of Geneseo. No prior calling hours. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 30 at 2 p.m. in the Dansville Presbyterian Church with the Rev. G. Calvin Sheasley officiating. Burial, Bayside Cemetery in Potsdam at the convenience of the family. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Piece Makers of the Dansville Presbyterian Church, 5 School St., Dansville Public Library, 200 Main St. or Dansville Ambulance Corp. P.O. Box 235, all of Dansville NY 14437.

Evelyn F. Tubbs

Evelyn F. Tubbs age 82 of 651 Sonyea Road, Mount Morris died Friday, July 22 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville. She was born the daughter of James and Anna (McNair) Morris on April 3, 1923 in Mt. Morris. A life resident of Mt. Morris she was employed at Craig Developmental Center in Sonyea for over 20 years, retiring in 1976 as head of housekeeping. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church where she belonged to the Rosary society. She is survived by her two sons Brian (Mary Jo) Tubbs of Sparta, Daniel (Patti) Tubbs, Jr. of Mt. Morris. Four grandchildren Dawn (Tim) Tubbs of Mt. Morris, Bobbie Jo (Robert) Mulvaney of Livonia, Tammy Jo (Lance) Day of Hemlock and Alison (Craig) Macauley of Geneseo. Seven great grandchildren. Also survived by Daniel Tubbs of Mt. Morris. Sister Marlene Morris O'Donovan of AZ and brother Kenneth Morris of Nunda. Several nieces and nephews. Friends called Sunday at the John W. Martin Funeral Home, 37 Chapel Street (Route 408), Mt. Morris where prayers were said Monday followed by a funeral mass at St. Patrick's Church at 10 am. Burial Mt. Morris Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Livingston County Campus SNF Activities Fund. Condolences may be emailed to JohnWMartinFH@aol.com

Nancy Mary Valentino

Nancy Mary Valentino, age 89, of 97 North Main Street, Mount Morris died July 22 at home. She was born the daughter of Sebastian and Crucifissa (Privitera) Palermo on March 29, 1916 in Mount Morris. Prior to her retirement she was employed at Mount Morris Central School. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church. She is survived by her husband of 70 years Joseph “Brownie”. 4 children Lawrence (Rose Marie) Valentino of Caledonia, Florence (Dennis) Bellon of CA, Trudy (James) Townsend of NH and Debbie (Terry) McDonald of Mt. Morris. 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren & one great-great grandson. One sister, Mary Migliore of Mt. Morris and one brother, Anthony Palermo of Ohio. She was predeceased by her two sons Joseph and Sebastian Valentino and daughter-in-law Arlene Valentino. Friends called Monday at the John W. Martin Funeral Home, 37 Chapel Street (Route 408), Mount Morris where prayers were said Tuesday at 9:30 am followed by a funeral mass at St. Patrick's Church at 10 am. Interment St. Patrick's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Livingston County Hospice Fund, Murray Hill, Mt. Morris, NY 14510 or the Teresa House, 21 Highland Rd. Geneseo, NY 14454. Condolences may be emailed to JohnWMartinFH@aol.com

Gordon D. Williamson

U.S. Air Force veteran

Gordon D. Williamson, 71, of 6231 Vista Hill in Dansville, passed away July 17, 2005 at his home surrounded by his family. Gordon was born June 5, 1934 in Niagara Falls the son of Reginald and Maud (McCrory) Williamson. Gordon grew up in Lewiston and graduated from high school there. Subsequent to high school and while being employed at different jobs in the Lewiston area, he met and entered into a loving marriage with Lois Gradin. They were married on Feb. 28, 1959 and have celebrated over 46 years of marriage. During the early years, Gordon served in the U.S. Air Force. He served from Sept. 1954 until his honorable discharge in July 1956. Gordon's employment career included many years as an electrician with the IBEW Local 86 Electricians Union in Rochester. He retired from there over 12 years ago. Other than Gordon's family his greatest enjoyment was his farm. His hobby was to farm, farm and farm some more. For over 35 years he raised cattle,horses and grew many different crops. Farming allowed him to purchase a rather large tractor which he enjoyed. Gordon also enjoyed skiing as evidenced by his being president of the Niagara Falls Ski Club. Playing Euchre was also a joy of his. He played in many tournaments and enjoyed many games with his son Troy and his daughter-in-law Nancy prior to her passing away in 2003. As they all were very competitive, a final tally of the games won and lost could not be easily determined. Gordon will truly be missed by all his family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter-in-law Nancy. He is survived by his wife of over 46 years Lois of Dansville; his children, Chris Williamson of Florida, Troy Williamson of Florida and Jacki Thomas and her husband Tracy of MI; his grandchildren, Justin Williamson, and Holly and Eric Thomas; sisters, Naomi (Merle) Collins of Florida, Halys (Karl) Ruppersberger of Florida, Dorothy Williamson of Lockport; brothers, Warren (Joan) Williamson of Virginia, William Williamson of Lancaster, N.Y., Norman (Dale) Williamson of Lewiston Heights, and Gerald (Linda) Williamson of Arizona; along with several nieces and nephews. Gordon's family and friends were invited to attend a memorial service for him Wednesday on the Williamson Farm. Contributions in Gordon D. Williamson's memory may be made to the Livingston County Hospice, Livingston County Campus, Mt. Morris NY 14454. Gordon's family has been assisted by the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 W. Naples St., Wayland.