Obituaries published the week of January 15, 2004

New Feature Obituary search

Search just the online obituary archives for a faster, more accurate search.

For previous listings, click here

In Memoriam

Dawn E. Bliven

Avon resident

Dawn E. Bliven, 38, a resident of the Avon IRA, died Jan. 11, 2004 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville. Miss Bliven worked as a professional shopper for the Avon IRA. She is survived by her mother Judy Bliven of Geneseo; father Charles Bliven of Chaumont, N.Y.; grandmothers, Vivian Wakely of Geneseo and Mildred Hubbard of Phelps, N.Y.; two sisters, Jody (Robert) Nellis of Piffard and Jamie Bliven of Chaumont, N.Y; special friend Sybil Hunt and her family at the Avon IRA; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was born Feb. 9, 1965 in Clifton Spring, N.Y. the daughter of Charles and Judy (Wakely) Bliven. Visitation was held Tuesday at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo where Funeral Services were held Jan. 14 with Rev. Neil Frood of the York United Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial, Temple Hill Cemetery in Geneseo. Memorials may be made to VSAC, c/o Avon IRA, 107 E. Main St., Avon NY 14414.

Gweneth N. Constantino

Nurse

Gweneth Nichols Constantino, 60, went home to be with her loving Lord Jan. 5, 2004. She was born April 28, 1943 to the late Matthew and Mary (Stroble) Nichols in Warsaw, N.Y. She is survived by her beloved husband, Salvatore Constantino of Lakeville; her loving children, Lisa (Michael) Stivers of Leicester, Michele (Ron) Koomen of Geneseo, Tor (Kim) Constantino of West. Henrietta, Heather (Jeff) Case of Livonia and Matthew (Patty) Constantino of Farmington; her beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Nathan and Alexandra Stivers, Sebastian, Chaselin and Dane Koomen, Taylor Constantino, Gabriella Constantino and Ryan Case. She is also survived by a brother Matthew (Ruth) Nichols of California; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jim and Fran Koch and a brother-in-law Anthony Constantino, all of Mt. Morris. Survivors also include nieces and nephew, Camille (Brad) Holdrige and their three sons of Roundtreehill, Va. Nicole (Andy) Bringard and their daughter of Lafayette, La., Marcia Koch of Geneseo and J.B. Koch (Donna) of Rochester. She is also survived by aunts and uncles, Sally Johnson and Carl (Mary) Stroble. Gwen was a 1961 graudate of York Central School and went on to become a RN, graduating from the Wyoming County School of Nursing in 1964. During her nursing career she worked at Rochester Psychiatric Center, the Canandaigua Veterans Administration Center, and finally retired from the Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester. Gwen was a dedicated, caring nurse who was an advocate for all patients; she was active in her nursing profession and much loved by all. Calling hours were held Jan. 8 at theShepard Funeral Home Inc., 36 Chapel St. in Mt. Morris where services were held. Interment, Leicester Cemetery. Donation may be made to a charity of your choice in her memory. Friends and family gathered at J.J. Leisures in Lakeville following the service to celebrate her life.

Louise Irene Cratsley

Louise Irene (Bennett) Cratsley, 82, passed away Jan. 8, 2004. She was predeceased by her husband of 28 years Leslie W. Cratsley of Honeoye in 1970, her sister Doris George and brother Leon Bennett. Also predeceased by a very special man in her life Robert Newman in 1997. She is survived by her 10 children, Sandra (Robert) Gendreau of Canadice, Samuel (Linda) Cratsley of Hemlock, Sharon Washburn of Bath, Steven Cratsley of Honeoye, Susan (Bud) Menz of Naples, Stanley Cratsley of Rochester, Stewart Cratsley of Honeoye, Gary (Erin) Cratsley of Bristol, Mary (Kevin) Schreib of Lima and Lorraine (Jack II) Stover of Naples; 24 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and two great-great grandsons; six brothers and sisters, Ervin (Dorothy) Bennett of Baltimore, Md., Betty Michael of Dansville, Leona Giltner of Ocala, Fla., Ernest (Carolyn) Bennett of Charlottesville, Va., John (Kathy) Bennett of Rochester and Beulah Stephens of Hornell; many nieces and nephews. Friends called Monday at the Honeoye Untied Church of Christ, Route 20A, Honeoye where Funeral Services were held Monday afternoon with the Rev. Brian Krause officiating. Interment, Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Richmond Ambulance Fund, Honeoye Untied Church of Christ or F.F. Thompson Nursing Home. Arrangements Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc. Honeoye.

Ronald M. Dacey Jr.

York Central graduate

Ronald M. “Buddy” Dacey Jr., 18, of Kingston Road in Leicester, died suddenly Jan. 9, 2004 on MacIntyre Road in York due to injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident. He was a 2003 graduate of York Central School. He is survived by his mother Kathleen of Leicester; his father Ronald of Virginia; sister Nicholle of Leicester; brother Richard of Leicester; paternal grandparents, Dennis and Shirley Dacey of Perry; maternal grandmother Rosanne Greinert of Collins Center, N.Y.; several aunts, uncles and many friends including dear friend Jodi Schirmer and her family of Cuylerville. He was born March 25, 1985 in Warsaw, N.Y. the son of Ronald and Kathleen (White) Dacey. He was President of the graduating class of 2003 at York Central School where he participated in Varsity Football and Basketball. He had been employed at Wal-Mart in Geneseo prior to his enlisting in the U.S. Marines. No prior calling hours. Memorial services were held Jan. 12 in the Ivan Hilfiker Auditorium of the York Central School with Rev. Neil Frood of the York United Presbyterian Church and football coach Dan Caraher officiating. Memorials may be made to Buddy Dacey Football Scholarship Fund, c/o York Central School, P.O. Box 102, Retsof NY 14539. Arrangements: Rector-Hicks Funeral Home in Geneseo.

Stanley R. Deuel

Past president of Livingston Co. Farm Bureau

Stanley R. Deuel, 82, of York died Jan. 11, 2004 at the Avon Nursing Home. He was born April 20, 1921 in Chili, NY to Ray H. and Ruth (Coleman) Deuel. Stanley was a long-time farmer in York, and member and a past trustee of the York United Presbyterian Church. He was very active with Habitat for Humanity, and past president of the Livingston Farm Bureau, and enjoyed gardening and woodworking. During his lifetime, Stanley donated over 120 pints of blood to the American Red Cross. He is survived by his daughters, Susan (George) Ackley, Mary (Dale) Hopkins; son, David (Celia) Deuel all of York; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his sister, Rachel Williams of Pittsford. His wife Louise O. Deuel predeceased Stanley. No prior calling. Friends attended his Memorial Service Wednesday at the York United Presbyterian Church, Main Street, York. Memorials may be made to the York U.P. Church, Main Street, York, NY 14592 or Camp Good Days and Special Times, 1332 Pittsford-Mendon Rd., Mendon, NY 14506. Arrangements made by Alhart Funeral Home.

Florence Doser

Retired secretary

Florence (Lang) Doser, 85, died on Dec. 27, 2003 at the Hurlbut Nursing Home in Brighton. Mrs. Doser was born on Feb. 7, 1918 in Rochester, the daughter of John F. Lang Sr. and Mary (Tschieder) Lang. She was a retired secretary for Grady Heating & Cooling in Rochester. She was a member of the Lima Senior Citizens. She was predeceased by her husband Harold G. Doser in 1973. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Richard (Nora) Doser of Webster, Walter (Kathie) Doser of Avon, Vincent (Donna) Doser of Webster; grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Vincent (Dorothy) Lang of Rochester; several nieces and nephews. Her Funeral Mass was held at St. Rose Church in Lima with Rev. Lawrence Gross officiating. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the GRHC/Hospice, 70 Metro Park, Rochester NY 14623 in her memory. Arrangements by the O'Connell-Dougherty Funeral Home in Lima.

Timothy H. Kelly

Lakeville resident

Timothy H. Kelly, 56, of Stone Hill Road, Lakeville, died Jan. 11, 2004 at his home after a long illness. He was born the son of Hugh and Lona Ann Luckett Kelly on Feb. 15, 1947 in Rochester He is survived by his wife Sharon Trubia Kelly of Lakeville; daughter Lori Ann (Mark) Riley of St. Petersburg, Fla.; grandchildren, Drew Bishop and Sarah Riley; sister Sandra Woods of Fairport; nephew Brent Woods of Lakeville; stepchildren, Joshua and Matthew Trubia. Friends may call Wednesday 2-4, 7-9 p.m. at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., Route 15, Livonia. His Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Livonia with the Rev. John H. Hayes officiating. Burial, St. Michael's Cemetery, Livonia. Friends wishing may make memorial contributions to the Livingston County Hospice Fund, 2 County Campus, Mt. Morris NY 14510.

Elizabeth A. Knickerbocker

“Betty”

Elizabeth A. Knickerbocker, 83, of Mumford died Jan. 10, 2004 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. She was born Feb. 10, 1920 in Elba, NY to Michael and Rhuby (Bird) Scheiber. Betty owned and operated Hotel Knickerbocker in LeRoy. She was a member of the Women of the Moose of LeRoy and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, East Bethany. Elizabeth is survived by her sons, James Knickerbocker of CA and Joseph Knickerbocker III of Chili; son-in-law, Robert Musshaven of East Bethany; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Betty's husband, Joseph and daughter, Betty Musshaven predecease her. Service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements made by Alhart Funeral Home.

William F. Last

World War II Navy veteran

William “Bill” F. Last, 84, formerly of 1910 Main St., Perkinsville and more recently of 6 Hillcrest Circle, Dansville, passed away Jan. 5, 2004 at the McAuley Manor Health Care Facility in Hornell. Bill was born April 21, 1919 in Perkinsville, the son of Stephen and Florence (Gross) Last. He was a lifelong resident of the Perkinsville area prior to moving to Dansville a few years ago. Bill and Janet (Huette) entered into a loving marriage at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on Aug. 23, 1947. Together they have enjoyed over 56 years of marriage. Bill served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 as a Motor Machinist Mate 2nd class. During this time, he served in the Pacific Theater portion of World War II. Subsequent to his time spent in the Navy, Bill was employed as a tool and die maker for over 44 years at the Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation in Dansville. He retired from there in 1981. Bill enjoyed ice fishing and hunting deer. Although it took a few years, one of Bill's proudest moments as a deer hunter was when he took his first buck at the age of 80. It took a while, but it didn't matter to him. He was proud. Bill was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Perkinsville, and he was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Dansville Moose Lodge, Perkinsville Fire Department, Perkinsville Rod and Gun Club, Dansville American Legion, and the Foster Wheeler 25 year club. He was predeceased by both of his parents, Stephen and Florence Last; two sisters, Cecelia Luther and Catherine Grundman; and two brothers, Stephen and Leo last. He is survived by his loving wife Janet Last of Dansville; his four daughters, Donna Howe and husband Jack of Wayland, Linda Conrad and husband Rick of Springwater, Mary Briggs and husband Jim of Wayland and Theresa Bennett and husband Lee of Canaseraga; 10 grandchildren, Kimberlee Howe, Jennifer (Matt) Weslowski, Ben Briggs, Michelle Howe, Lauren Conrad, Stephanie Bennett, Molly Briggs, Emily Bennett, Sarah Briggs, and William Briggs; three sisters, Dorothy Briggs of Rome, N.Y., Priscilla Dieter of Bath and Roselyn (Ray) Davis of Naples; his brother-in-law Ray Grundman of Bloomfield and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends called Thursday at the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 W. Naples St. in Wayland where a prayer service followed calling. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday at Sacred heart Church in Perkinsville. Interment, Sacred Heart Cemetery in Perkinsville. Contributions in William F. Last's memory may be made to the Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund, in care of Steve Malter, Perkinsville Rd., Perkinsville NY 14529 or to the Perkinsville Fire Department, Main St., Perkinsville NY 14529.

Nelson F. Smith

County Agricultural Pioneer

Nelson F. Smith, 96, of York, passed away Jan. 12, 2004 in Batavia, N.Y. He was born in Deposit, N.Y. to Nelson E. and Anna G. (Weidman) Smith. The first of his family to graduate from college in 1928, Nelson earned a BS in agriculture from Cornell University. He became an agricultural agent for Livingston County Farm Bureau and Cornell University Cooperative Extension, a position he held from 1928 until 1944, during both the time of the Great Depression and World War II. He later served with USDA's Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCA, now FSA) until his retirement in 1970. Nelson founded Lawnel Farms, a large dairy located in York, currently owned and operated by his son, Lawrence N. and grandson, Andrew N. Smith. Nelson was preceded in death by his brother Warren, his beloved wife of 62 years, Rella J. Thomson and his second wife Marguerite Dibble, who passed away in 1996. He is survived by his three children, Lawrence N. (Catherine), Lorina Joyce Noble and Rella Jacqueline Bruce; ten grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Nelson's influence on agriculture went beyond his salaried position, and came at a critical juncture when new technology was making sweeping changes to traditional farm life. He was a member of the Covington United Presbyterian Church, a life-long member of the Grange, influential in the development of milk testing in Livingston County, the establishment of the Production Credit Association and county Soil and Water Conservation District. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the Genesee-Orleans County Cornell Club, for an agricultural scholarship fund to be developed in his honor, in care of John A. Noble, 7955 York Road, Pavilion, NY 14525; or the Livingston County Hospice, 2 County Campus, Mt. Morris, NY 14510. Arrangements by Alhart Funeral Home, Caledonia.