Obituaries published the week of September 18, 2003

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In Memoriam

Katherine A. Bailor

Geneseo resident

Katherine A. Bailor, 42, of 200 Laughlin Lane in Geneseo died Sept. 10, 2003 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born the daughter of Harry Klemm and Mildred Dunne on April 30, 1961 in Rochester. She was a homemaker, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Geneseo Fire Department and an avid animal lover. She is survived by her husband David Bailor of Geneseo; daughters Susan Bailor and Stacy Bailor of Geneseo; mother Mildred Klemm; sisters, Marjorie Klemm of Geneseo, Mary Klemm; brother James Klemm; aunt Mary Wilkie; uncle Robert Klemm; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Doris Bailor of Geneseo. Calling hours were held Sunday at the Rector Hicks Funeral Home in Geneseo where Funeral Services were held Monday with Rev. Kathryn Stimson officiating. Burial, Temple Hill Cemetery in Geneseo. Memorials may be made to Hearthside Cats, Geneseo Fire Department or Lollypop Farm.

James M. Chaffer

Retired butcher

James M. Chaffer, 87, of Wilkins Tract, Livonia, died Sept. 7, 2003 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. He was born the son of Byron and Jane Miller Chaffer of Feb. 9, 1916 in Rush. He was a retired butcher of Shriver's Slaughter House in Rochester and West's Shurfine in Livonia. He was predeceased by his first wife Irene and son Thomas. He is survived by his wife Pauline; children, Nancy Wagner of Avon, James M. (Mary) Chaffer of Atlanta, Ga., Daniel (Brenda) Chaffer of Atlanta, Ga., Anita Chaffer of West Sparta; eight stepchildren; 15 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; brothers, Byron (Esther) Chaffer of Farmington; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Chaffer of Honeoye Falls, Bernice Chaffer of Honeoye Falls, Mary Chaffer of Canandaigua; several nieces and nephews. No prior calling. Services were held Wednesday at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Route 15, Livonia. Burial, Pine Hill Cemetery in Rush. Friends wishing may make memorial contributions to the Livonia Ambulance Fund, Box 8, Livonia NY 14487.

Harold G. Develder

World War II veteran

Harold G. Develder, 80, of Caledonia, died September 12, 2003 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. Harold was born December 5, 1922 in Rochester to John J. and Pearl (Lonsberry) Develder. He served in the U.S. army during World War II, and was a member of the Matthew Cleary Post 255, Caledonia. Harold worked as a caretaker for Wadsworth Farms, Geneseo. He is survived by his children, Charles Develder, George Harrington of Schenectady, Gordon (Dee) Develder of Churchville, John (Cheryl) Develder of Rochester, Mary Ann (Greg) Huff of Caledonia; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, June Doe of Rochester, Betty Greene of CA, Beverly (Don) Mertz of Rochester; brothers, Don (Pat) Develder of Churchville, Roger (Marilyn) Bundschuhn of Neward; several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 West Main Street, Caledonia. His Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, 11:00 A.M. at St. Columba Church. Interment at St. Columba Cemetery. Memorials may be Matthew Cleary Post 255, P.O. Box 22, Caledonia, NY 14423.

John Thomas O'Neil, M.D.

U.S. Army veteran

John Thomas O'Neil, M.D. of North Fort Myers, Fla., passed away on Sept. 13, 2003 at age 85. Born in Geneseo in 1918 and recognized for his compassion and dedication, Dr. O'Neil ('Jack'), held general medical practices in various locations including Malden, Weymouth and Plymouth, MA from 1948 to his retirement at age 72 in 1990. He moved to North Fort Myers, FL in 1991. Son of John P. O'Neil and Katherine (Sexstone O'Neil) Spencer, he was an alumnus of Clifton Springs High School and Hobart College. After receiving his medical doctorate from Albany Medical College in 1943, he served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre as a medical officer through 1945. Following internship at St. Vincent's Hospital and residency at the Hospital of the Holy Family in New York City, he married, relocated to Massachusetts and continued his medical career. In 1950 he was recalled for military service and served as hospital commander at Forts Bragg and Hood during the Korean conflict. He retired from the 94th US Armored Regiment in 1978 with the rank of full colonel. Dr. O'Neil leaves his wife of 21 years, Doreen E. McNeil, a son, John P. O'Neil, of Sacramento, CA, a daughter, Eileen O. Litts, of Highland, NY, three granddaughters, five step-children, two step-grandchildren and many friends. He will be laid to rest with his parents in Geneseo, with a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted by the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati OH 45250-0301.

Eleanor J. Robertson

Teacher

Eleanor J. Robertson, 89, of Caledonia/Scottsville, died September 10, 2003 at her home. She was born Dec. 20, 1913 in Caledonia to J. Lorin and Jane Elizabeth (Mullen) Reist. Eleanor graduated from the Geneseo Normal School in 1935. She began her teaching career in Canandaigua then took time off to care for her family. Eleanor returned to teaching in 1962 to Bergen Elementary School, and remained there until her retirement in 1979. Eleanor was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Caledonia where she was in the Women's Association, and in charge of mission collections for several years. She also was a Sunday school teacher, and a member of the Caledonia Chapter, Order Easter Star 451. She and her husband, Hugh were Matron and Patron in 1987. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and Roger Howlett of Hamlin, Jeanne and Andrew Earl of Caledonia, Elizabeth (E.A.) and Don Sears of Scottsville; son and daughter-in-law, James and Cindy Robertson of Castle Rock, CO, 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. Eleanor is predeceased by husband Hugh Robertson and her sister, Georgianna MacKenzie. Friends called Friday at the Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 West Main Street, Caledonia. Her Funeral Service was held Saturday, at the First Presbyterian Church, 3080 West Main Street, Caledonia, NY 14423. Officiating the service was Reverend Nancy Reinert. Interment, Mumford Rural Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Church, Wheatland Senior Center, 22 Main St., Scottsville, NY 14545 or Christian Children's Fund Inc., 2821 Emerywood Pkwy., Richmond, VA 23294.