Obituaries published the week of April 5, 2001

New Feature Obituary search

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

For previous listings, click here

In Memoriam

Agnes P. Adonnino

Agnes P. Adonnino, 75, of 13 Hopkins Street, Mt. Morris died March 29, 2001 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born the daughter of Sam and Rose (LaBarbera) Pagano on Oct. 24, 1925 in Mt. Morris. She was a life resident of Mt. Morris. Prior to her retirement in 1985 she was employed at Rochester Gas and Electric in Fillmore and Mt. Morris for over 35 years. She was a member of St. Patrick¹s Church where she sang in the choir, the Italian-American Club and the Senior Citizen Club. She is survived by her husband of over 48 years, Anthony ³Bucky² Adonnino; two sisters, Connie (Sam) Loncao of Mt. Morris, Rosalie (Frank) Constantine of Erie, Pa.; three brothers, Jerry (Amalia) Pagano and Pasquale ³Pat² (Marie) Pagano, both of Mt. Morris and Sam (Dolores) Pagano of Middletown, N.Y., and many nieces and nephews. Friends called Friday at the JOHN W. MARTIN FUNERAL HOME, 37 Chapel St. (Route 408), Mt. Morris where prayers were said Saturday followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick¹s Church with the Rev. Michael Brown officiating. Interment, St. Patrick¹s Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Patrick¹s Church Home and Heart Project, 46 Stanley St., Mt. Morris, NY 14510.

Ruth N. Deir

Ruth N. Deir, 71, died suddenly on March 15, 2001 at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Mrs. Deir was born December 13, 1927 in East Aurora, New York, the daughter of Ephraim Purdy, and Florence (Rouse) Purdy. Mrs. Deir was a member of Elim Gospel Church. She was predeceased by her husband Rev. Dr. Costa S. Deir in 1998. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law Alexa (Manfred) Shneider of Lima; 3 sons and daughters-in-law Salim (Birgit) Deir of Lima, John (Anita) Deir of NC, Tim (Ellie) Deir of Lima; 2 sisters and brother-in-law Betty (Norman) Radlick of Darien, NY, Joan Rieppel of Buffalo, NY; brother and sister-in-law John (Carol) Purdy of VA; 12 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Calling hours were held at the O¹Connell-Dougherty Funeral Home, Lima, NY. Funeral services were held at Elim Gospel Church, Lima, NY. Contributions may be made to the Elim Bible Institute, Costa S. Deir International Leadership Scholarship Fund, 7245 College Street, Lima, N.Y. 14485 in her memory. Spring interment Oakridge Cemetery, Lima, NY.

B. Stewart Donnan

B. Stewart Donnan, 88, of York, died April 1, 2001 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born July 27, 1912 to George and Sara (Van Deusen) Donnan. He married Ruth Webb Donnan on Feb. 23, 1935. Stewart was a well known and highly respected dairy farmer and businessman. He served as president of the Arcadia Milk Cooperative and was a founder of the Genesee Valley Cooperative which later became Upstate Farms. Stewart served as secretary of Upstate Farm Cooperative from 1971-1983. He also served the Oatka Milk Products Board of Directors as president (1970-74), treasurer (1974-78), secretary (1978-82) and as vice president (1982-84). The activities and dedication of these organizations benefited many dairy farmers in western New York and began the initiative for milk cooperatives as an industry. Stewart continued to be active in many of the agricultural and environmental area throughout his life. He served as president of the local Farm Bureau, was a member of the Holstein-Friesian Association, chairman of the GLF (which later became Agway) and was district vice-chairman of the NYS Fish and Wildlife Management. Stewart enjoyed people and was active within his community. He served as president of the Republican Club and a member of the Republican Committee. He served many years on the York Central School Board with several years as president. Stewart was a member of the York Fire Department for more than 50 years and served on numerous committees for the York Presbyterian Church. Stewart was a director and chairman of the Board of the Allegany Co-Operative Insurance Company for many years. He was honored for this service as a director emeritus until his death. He is survived by Ruth (Webb) Donnan, his wife of 66 years; three sons, Bruce (Allie) Donnan, G. Ernest (Jan) Donnan, and Thomas M. Donnan, all of York; eight grandchildren, Gretchen (Peter) Daley of Oak Creek, Colorado, Robert (Courtney) Donnan, Gregory (Jean) Donnan, Aaron (Charity) Donnan, Danielle (Michael) Falk, James Currant, all of York, John (Pamela) Linfoot, Jr. of Geneseo, and Patricia Linfoot of Denver; 13 great grandchildren; one brother, William (Lorraine) Donnan, Apache Junction, Ariz.; two sisters, Mary (John) Wells, Newman, Ga. and Dorothy (Oel) Johnson, Hilton Head, S.C. No prior calling hours. Memorial services will be held at the York Presbyterian Church, Saturday at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the York Ambulance Fund and the York Fire Department, P.O. Box 95 or York Presbyterian Church, Main St., York NY 14592. Arrangements, Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 W. Main St., Caledonia, N.Y.

Eleanor M. Parnell

Eleanor M. Parnell, 87, of Caledonia, entered into rest suddenly on March 27, 2001, at her home in Caledonia. She was born Jan. 17, 1914 in Seneca Fall, N.Y. to Patsy and Theresa (Zulfaneri) Rapone. Eleanor owned and operated The Cozy Kitchen in Caledonia from 1957-1974. She was a member of St. Columba Church. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Robert Kerr of Virginia Beach; son and daughter-in-law, Francis ³Lefty² and Kitty Parnell of Caledonia, daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and James Sayers of Caledonia; grandchildren, Robert (Clare Ellen) Kerr, James Kerr, Kate (Gary) Sgroi, Sharon Kerr, Tine Parnell, Michael (Melissa) Sayers, Jodie Sayers and Nicholas Parnell; great grandchildren, Kirsten Kerr, Victoria Kerr, Nicholas Sgroi, Morgan Dailey, Christen Sgroi, Korrie Sayers, Kathrine Sgroi and Alda Kria Sindradottir; sisters, Anna Middleton of LeRoy, Mary Middleton of Caledonia, Louise (Sam) Andolora of Caledonia, Theresa (James Noble of Dover Del.; brothers, Rocco (Florence) Rapone of Caledonia and Louis Rapone of Florida; sisters-in-law, Betty Acquino, Caledonia, Loretta Parnell, Caledonia, Virginia Rapone, Pavilion and Beatrice Parnell, Rochester; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by her husband Francis (Tinee) Parnell in 1996. Friends called Saturday and Sunday at the Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 W. Main St. in Caledonia. Her Funeral Mass was held Monday at St. Columba Church. Interment, St. Columba Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Audubon Society, 1 Tully Lane, Rochester NY 14626 or the Caledonia Ambulance, P.O. Box 1, Caledonia NY 14423.

Victor Pirrung

Victor (Pat) Prrung, 86, of 12 Scott Street, Wayland, died Sunday April 1, 2001 at St. James Mercy Hospital, in Hornell. Pat was born February 5, 1915 in Springwater the son of Fred and Clara Vogt Pirrung and resided in the Springwater-Wayland area all of his life. He married the former Bertha Oliver on November 11, 1939 in Cohocton and she survives. Pat owned and operated the Family Farm for many years. In 1948 he became an Auctioneer and in 1978 he founded Pirrung Auctioneers Inc. and operated it until his retirement in 1991 assisting his son James in later years. Pat was a member and a past Director of the New York State Auctioneers Association and was a Member of the National Auctioneers Association. An assessor for the Town of Wayland for over 24 years and served two terms as a Councilman for the town of Wayland. A communicant of St. Josephs Church and served many years on the Finance comittee. Pat was also a member of Wayland Lions Club and a past member of the Wayland Hook and Ladder Co. Pat is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Bertha; 2 sons: Gerald (Connie) Pirrung of Ulysses, Pa. and James (Sharyl) Pirrung of Wayland; 1 daughter: Linda (Robert) Odum of Elmira; 9 grandchildren: Victoria Pirrung, David (Date) Pirrung, Jeffrey (Denise) Pirrung, Catherine Pirrung, Lindsey Pirrung and Allyson Pirrung, Christopher (Kathy) Odum, Susan (Thomas) Wayland and David Odum; 7 great grand children; 1 sister: Rita Schwan of Dansville; several nieces and nephews. Friends may call 1-5 and 7-10 P.M. Tuesday at the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 West Naples Street, Wayland. Prayer Services will be conducted 10:30 A.M. Wednesday in the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. in St. Josephs Church, Wayland. Internment St. Josephs Cemetary. Contributions may be made in Pat¹s name to: Wayland Ambulance Corps.

Phyllis J. Reano

Mrs. Phyllis J. Reano, 76, died on March 23, 2001 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY. Mrs. Reano was born on June 24, 1924 in Honeoye Falls, New York the daughter of Howard Parmelee, and Genevieve Bennett. She was predeceased by her husband Roland Reano in 1996 and, daughter Deborah Reano. She was a member of the Stroke Support Group. She is survived by 2 daughters and sons-in-law Patrician (James) Kelleher of Lima, Diane (Tom) Ochsenhirt of Lima; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews. Calling hours and Funeral Services were held at the O¹Connell-Dougherty Funeral Home, Lima, NY. The Rev. Kay Michelinie officiating. Contributions may be made to the Lima Presbyterian Church (7295 West Main Street Lima, NY 14485) or the Lima Volunteer Ambulance Fund in her memory. Spring interment Honeoye Falls Cemetery, Honeoye Falls, NY.

Eldyn W. Ryan

Mr. Eldyn W. Ryan, 96, died suddenly on March 14, 2001 at the Livingston County Skilled Nursing Facility in Mt. Morris, NY. Mr. Ryan was born June 23, 1904 in Naples, New York the son of Ernest F. Ryan, and Mae Washburn Ryan. He was a retired truck driver for Shank¹s Enterprises in Lima, NY. He was predeceased by his wife Bernice Ryan in 1998, and daughters Dorothea Leaty and Mildred Miller. He is survived by 2 sons and daughter-in-law Richard (Sylvia) Ryan of Canandaigua, NY, Gordon Ryan of Springwater; 2 daughters and son-in-law Edna (Lee) Shanks of Lima, Gladys Gresham of Rochester, 3 sisters Marion DeCracker, Calla Shanks, and Lorraine Miller all of Canandaigua, NY; brother Howard Ryan of Canandaigua, NY; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Calling hours and Funeral Services were held at the O¹Connell-Dougherty Funeral Home, Lima, NY. Rev. Corey Keyes officiating. Contributions may be made to the Lima Volunteer Ambulance in his memory. Spring interment West Bloomfield Cemetery, West Bloomfield, NY.

Joseph R. Sovereign

Joseph R. Sovereign, 65, a retiree of United Van Lines in Rochester, died Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, NY. Mr. Sovereign lived in Fox Hill Rd. in Dalton, NY. He is survived by his wife Delores, children Cynthia Barrett of Rochester, NY< Verdella (Peter) Hendrickson of Dalton, Miles (Rebecca) Sovereign of Chili, NY, Lisa (Dennis) Bennett of Dalton, Eric (Cynthia Mattoon) Sovereign of Chili, 8 grandchildren, Jason, Katherine, Peter, Savanna, Alexander, Joseph, Lauren and Joshua, brother Jack of CA, sisters Ann, Rainey and Teeter all of MO, nieces, nephews, additional relatives and many friends. He was born January 16, 1936 in Eden, NY the son of Richard and Verna (Much) Sovereign. He served in the Marines during the Korean Conflict enlisting on January 30, 1953 in Buffalo, NY and being discharged on January 29, 1956 at Camp Pendleton, CA. No prior calling hours. Memorials may be made to Nunda Ambulance Corp, P.O. Box 652, Nunda, NY 14517. Private Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, Geneseo.

Bernice M. Wakefield

Bernice M. Wakefield, 77, of 13 Cherry St., Mt. Morris, died March 28, 2001 at the Livingston County Campus SNF in Mount Morris. She was born the daughter of Homer and Katherine (Lockwood) Elliot on July 29, 1923 in Birdsall, N.Y. She was a resident of Mt. Morris for nearly 50 years. Prior to her retirement in 1982 she was employed in the food service department at the TB Hospital in Mt. Morris for 18 years and 13 years at the Rochester Psychiatric Hospital. She attended the United Church of Mt. Morris. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Angelica for over 50 years. She is survived by her two children, Donna Crocker and Loren ³Butch² (Deborah) Wakefield, both of Mt. Morris; four grandsons, Derek Crocker, Jason, Matthew and Chad Wakefield, all of Mt. Morris; one sister Eva Grusendorf of Vermont; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers, Ed, Art, Bing and Jim Elliot; three sisters, Viola Cartwright, Rose Hall and Sue Proctor. Friends called Friday at the JOHN W. MARTIN FUNERAL HOME, 37 Chapel St., Mt. Morris, where funeral services were held Saturday, with the Rev. Carin Farmer officiating. Interment, Mt. Morris Cemetery. Memorials may be made to United Church of Mt. Morris, 24 State St., Mt. Morris, NY 14510.

Ruth Hooker Woodruff

Ruth Hooker Woodruff died March 29, 2001 at Morris View Nursing Home in Morris Plains, N.J. after a long illness. She was born in North Collins, N.Y but lived most of her life in Avon and at their summer home in the Thousand Islands. Ruth, a University of Michigan music major, taught in Akron, Lima, Avon and Livonia schools. She also was active in Real Estate in the Lakeville Office of Nothnagle. She was predeceased by Kenneth W. Woodruff, a long-time Avon scoutmaster and her brother Byron Hooker of Michigan. She is survived by her stepmother Martha Fisher of Madrid, N.Y.; a brother James Hooker (Sue); sons, David (Lorraine of Clifton Park, N.Y. and Paul (Lynne) of S. Orange, N.J.; daughter Cynthia of Rock Hill, N.C.; and five grandchildren. A memorial service is Avon is planned for mid-July at the Zion Episcopal Church where she and Kenneth were active members. Memorials in memory of Ruth may be made to the Zion Episcopal Church, 10 Park Place, Avon NY 14414.