FORESTVILLE: Joan A. Snyder, 63, of Dennison Road, Forestville, passed away Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 at home with her family by her side, following a lengthy illness. She was born in Jamestown on July 21, 1957, the daughter of the late Milton and Alberta (Gillette) Swanson.
Joan attended Jamestown Schools until her senior year and then moved to Elyria, Ohio, where she graduated from Elyria West High School in 1975. She worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension Fredonia, and various other jobs. Her favorite was at Merritt Estate Winery, where they became like a second family to her.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Fredonia and a member of J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, Ladies Auxiliary, Forestville.
Joan had a beautiful soul and loved life to the fullest. She loved music, shopping, socializing, making jewelry, cross-stitching and gardening. Joan’s family was very important to her and she was always active in her children’s lives- chaperoning many class trips, never missing sporting events or concerts.
Survivors include her husband Richard B. Snyder of Forestville, whom she married on August 9, 1975, in Jamestown, after marriage, they resided in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Richard was serving in the US Air Force until December 1979 and then moved back to New York in 1982, three daughters, Heather (Joshua) Juul, of Forestville; Hillary (Shawn) Hadley, of Forestville; Bethany (Fiancee Ricky Lyman) Snyder, of Prescott, AZ; a son, Bradley (Millicent) Snyder, of Kingston, OK; and a sister, Betsy (Herb) Anderson, of Gerry. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and soon to be three great grandchildren. Besides her parents she was predeceased by a brother Gary Swanson and a sister Ann Castellano.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Friday afternoon from 2-5 PM from where Funeral Services will follow at 5 o’clock. Private Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Forestville Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials may be made either to the Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062 or Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
FORESTVILLE: Todd L. Rizzo, 49, of Third Street, Forestville, died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 5th, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Dayton, OH on November 10, 1971, the son of Joseph Rizzo, of Fredonia Carolyn Taylor, of Mansfield, Texas.
He was a graduate of the former Cattaraugus High School, Class of 1990 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1990-1998. Todd worked for Growers’ Co-op, Inc. Westfield and also previously worked for the former X-Press Screen Printing & Embroidery in Fredonia, with his father. He was a member of Samuel Cimino VFW Post #6472, Silver Creek, the Beaver Club, Fredonia and an avid Pool player, belonging to three different leagues. Todd enjoyed making wine, hunting & riding his motorcycle.
Surviving besides his parents are his wife Angi (Hajduk) Rizzo of Forestville, whom he married in 2001 in Jamestown, a daughter, Sharyl Rizzo, of Savannah, Georgia; and a brother, Chad (Kristen) Rizzo, of Mansfield, Texas. Also surviving are two grandchildren Preston Rizzo, Vallorie Radach, two nieces Bailey & Devan Rizzo a nephew Edward Hajduk and his mother in law Barbara Hajduk of Dunkirk. He was predeceased by his grandparents, his stepmother Martha Rizzo, who died August 22, 2017 and father in law Charles Hajduk, who died April 28, 2010.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM from where Funeral Services will be held Monday morning at 11 o’clock with Rev. James D. Hankey, pastor of the Forestville United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Pioneer Cemetery, Forestville, where Military Graveside Services will be conducted by members of Samuel Cimino VFW Post #6472, Silver Creek.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Samuel Cimino VFW Post #6472, 13 Main Street, Silver Creek, NY 14136. To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
SINCLAIRVILLE: Barbara A. Turnbull, 78, of Sinclairville, passed away Thursday, April 29th, 2021 at her residence with family by her side. She was born in Buffalo, NY on December 6, 1942, the daughter of the late Arthur and Gladys (Burkhard) Dorsheimer.
Barbara was a graduate of Kensington High School, Class of 1960.
Survivors include her husband Ronald D. Turnbull, of Sinclairville, whom she married on September 9, 1978, in the former Cottage Methodist Church, a daughter, Janet (Michael) Kerr, of Webster, NY; two sons Martin Martens, of West Seneca; and Thomas Martens, of Buffalo. Besides her parents she was predeceased by a brother Arthur Dorsheimer.
Private Services will be held at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville and Interment will be in the Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu, NY.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 North Gale Street, Westfield, NY 14787.
To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
FREDONIA: Meredith R. “Zeke” Valentine, 77, of Webster Road, Fredonia, died Thursday, April 29th, 2021 at his residence, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Silver Creek, on November 16, 1943, the son of the late Loren A. “Pudge” and Amelia M. “Tootsie” (Desko) Valentine.
Zeke was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1962 and served in the U.S. Army as a Sgt during the Vietnam War. He worked as a Deputy for the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, Mayville, for over 20 years, owned & operated a grape farm in Fredonia and was a Real Estate Agent for ERA Real Estate for 10 years. Zeke was a lifetime member of the John W. Dill American Legion Post #434, Brocton, was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing.
Survivors include two daughters, Wendy Spinuzza, Patricia Valentine, a son, William (Nancy) Valentine, two sisters, Bonnie Valentine, Joyce (John) Teach, III and a brother, David (Lois) Valentine. Also surviving are his partner Cheryl Larson of Fredonia, three grandchildren Jennica Spinuzza, Cullen McCandless, Meredith Valentine, his cat “Spooky” & several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his first wife Janice (Bardo) Valentine and two sisters Roxanne Luther and Cynthia Stoll.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Sunday from 4-6 PM from where Funeral Services will be held Monday morning at 11 o’clock with James Quattrone, officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Silver Creek, where graveside Military Services will be conducted by members of John W. Dill American Legion Post #434, Brocton.
Due to COVID restrictions, capacity is 50% (approximately 80 people) in the funeral home at a time and masks are required.
To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
FORESTVILLE: Thomas M. Geary, 75, of Straight Road, Forestville, earned his wings Thursday, April 22nd 2021, after a year-long battle with heart & kidney failure, at Mercy Hospital, Buffalo. He was born in Buffalo on April 6, 1946, the son of the late Francis Geary and Wilma “Bonnie” (Barney) Heald. Tom was a graduate of Silver Creek Central School, Class of 1964 and served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman on the USS Dale during the Vietnam War.
He worked as a Guide Grinder for the former Al-Tech Specialty Steel Dunkirk, retiring in 1999. Tom at one time also worked for the GM plant in Tonawanda and the former Foster Aluminum in Forestville. He was a lifetime member of Hanover Fish & Game Club and a member of Samuel Cimino VFW Post #6472, Silver Creek. Tom enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, being on Lake Erie and his pets.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years Cathleen (Conley) Geary of Forestville a daughter, Tina Bowker, of Forestville; a son, TJ (McKensi) Geary, of Palmyra, PA; four sisters, Kathy Miller, of Angola; Patricia Dimond, of Hamburg; Trudy “Mary” Wilder, of Hamburg; Maureen (Bill) Lobko, of Plymouth, MA; and a brother, Rick (Shari) Heald, of Sheridan. Also surviving are three grandchildren Ashley Geary, Kylan & Bailee Geary, three great grandchildren Devan Giambrone, Zachary Stark and Kambria Kennedy and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother James Geary and a nephew Jonathan Lobko.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday from 3-7 PM from where Funeral Services will be held Thursday morning at 11 o’clock with Rev. Michael Pollock, pastor of Gage Chapel Community Church, Smith Mills, officiating. Interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Silver Creek. Graveside military services will be conducted by members of Samuel Cimino VFW Post #6472, Silver Creek.
COVID restrictions allow 50% capacity (approximately 80 people) at a time in the funeral home, masks are required.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062. To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
SILVER CREEK: John A. “Jack” Kohler, 91, of Silver Creek, passed away at his home with family by his side, Thursday, April 22nd, 2021. He was born in Silver Creek, on August 21, 1929, the son of the late George and Emma (Yonker) Kohler, Sr. Jack was a graduate of Silver Creek Central School, Class of 1948 and served in the U.S. Army with the Army Corps of Engineers as a Corporal during the Korean War.
Jack started his law enforcement career in the 1950’s, when he was asked to be a school crossing guard while working at the former “Hoppy’s Garage.” He was named a part-time officer for the Village of Silver Creek Police Department in 1954, and went full-time in 1961. He was named Chief of the Town of Hanover Police Department in 1971 and built the department to a team of five full time officers. A back injury that would require two surgeries is what halted Mr. Kohler’s days of fighting crime on the front lines. In 1980, he retired from police work and put his free time to good use, attending college and receiving his Associates Degree at age 50.
On April 1, 1981, he was appointed Town of Hanover Justice and then was elected, winning seven consecutive terms thereafter. Many residents and others who saw him on the bench for his 31 year career as justice remarked about his deep concern and caring. He was known to provide help for homeless victims and supply food to families. Justice Kohler’s sentences to young people often came with fatherly advice that was remembered for many years to come. Jack presided over many weddings and was frequently sought after to be the guest speaker or master of ceremonies at local events. He is perhaps best known to his friends for his remarkable wit and love of a good story.
In addition to his years of law enforcement, Jack was the Disaster Coordinator for the Town of Hanover and the Village of Silver Creek, was a member of the Silver Creek Fire Department and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Farnham. He took on dangerous tasks, including blasting ice in Sunset Bay and the local creeks to ease flood waters.
In his personal life, he will remembered for his love and devotion to his family. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a true joy to him. His truest love was his beloved wife Phyllis, whom he shared sixty beautiful years with. Jack will be remembered for his many hunting and fishing trips with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, including trips to Alaska and many other areas of the United States. Jack appreciated nature from gardens to mountain vistas. He also loved cars and motorcycles, often sharing his experience of driving on a NASCAR track with his son John.
Survivors include two sons John T. (Bethany) Kohler, Andrew C. (Genesis) Kohler, and a daughter, Melinda (Michael) Johnson. Also surviving are three grandchildren John Joseph Kohler, Michael Wyatt Johnson and Quinlan Jack Kohler, three great grandchildren Roan, Rorik & Jace, nieces & nephews James, Jacque, Cindy & Marc. The family would like to especially thank his caregivers for providing him continually with excellent care, comfort, support, compassion and love. Besides his parents he was predeceased by the love of his life Phyllis (Syracuse) Kohler, whom he married on October 29, 1960 in the Zion Lutheran Church, Silver Creek and who died February 5, 2021 and a brother George Kohler, Jr., who died in 1993.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Tuesday from 3-7 PM, from where a Masonic Service will be conducted by members of Silver Lodge F&AM #757, Silver Creek at 7 o’clock. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. COVID restrictions allow 50% capacity (approximately 80 people) at a time in the funeral home, masks are required.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the Silver Creek Emergency & Rescue Squad, 162 Central Avenue, Silver Creek, NY 14136. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
FREDONIA: David J. Bull, 49, of Swamp Road, Fredonia, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 13th, 2021, at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk. He was born in Dunkirk, on February 6, 1972, the son of Mary A. (Jamieson), of Heritage Village, Gerry and Donald Bull, of Fredonia.
David was a graduate of Fredonia Central School, Class of 1990, currently operated Bull Farms in Fredonia, where he grew grapes since graduating from high school and worked as a Forklift Operator in the warehouse at Nestle Purina Pet Care, Dunkirk, for 16 years. He was a member of the Northern Conservation Club and a life member of the NRA. David was an avid Bills and Sabres fan. He loved hunting & fishing and enjoyed spending time with family.
Surviving besides his parents are a sister, Susan (Nathan) Bell, of Dunkirk, his girlfriend Sandra Carlson, her children Rachel Eckam, RJ, Ryan & Becca Carlson, her great granddaughter Daisy May, niece Alicia (Zach) Schneider of Forestville, nephew Andrew Munch of Dunkirk and great nephew Theodore Milton Schneider.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Sunday from 2-5 PM from where Funeral Services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock, with Rev. Mark Emke, pastor of the Open Door Baptist Church, Cassadaga officiating. Interment will follow in Sheridan Center Cemetery Town of Sheridan. Due to COVID restrictions, 50% capacity is allowed in the funeral home at a time (approximately 80 people) and masks are required.
The family suggests memorials may be made to East Dunkirk Fire Department, 10949 South Roberts Road Dunkirk, NY 14048.
To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
DUNKIRK: Rose M. Falcone, 98, a resident of Chautauqua Nursing & Rehab Center, Dunkirk, formerly of St. Columban’s on the Lake & Silver Creek, died Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 at her residence, following a short illness.
She was born in Silver Creek, on December 6, 1922, the daughter of the late Charles and Sarah (Arcara) Bue. Rose was a graduate of Silver Creek Central School, Class of 1940 and assisted her late husband, John, with the family business Falcone Farms, Inc.
She was a member of Faith Community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and Tri-County Country Club, Forestville. Rose enjoyed golfing, gardening, traveling, making arts & crafts, playing bingo, had a love of music and especially enjoyed her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include a son, Joseph C. (Jane) Falcone, of Silver Creek; four daughters, Patricia (Charles) Nebral, of the Villages in Florida; Susan (Robert) Stenstrom, of Alpharetta, GA; Linda Falcone, of Buffalo; Gail Mott, of Trumansburg, NY; and a sister, Sarah Tabbi, of Geneseo, NY. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; John Falcone, Stephen Falcone, David Nebral, Laura Gooding, Sarah Mott, Lindsay Mott, Rachael Mott, nine great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband John Falcone, whom she married on January 3, 1948, in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, Silver Creek and who died May 5, 2013, a sister Jessie Ciminesi and brothers in law Herman Ciminesi and Joseph Tabbi.
A Private Catholic Burial Service was held at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville, with Rev. Daniel Fiebelkorn, pastor of Faith Community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, officiating and interment was in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Silver Creek.
The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Columban’s on the Lake Retirement Home Fund, 2546 East Lake Road, Silver Creek, NY 14136.
To post condolences or memorials go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
SILVER CREEK: Sandra J. (Ormsby) George, 84, of Silver Creek, passed away Thursday, March 25th, 2021 following a lengthy illness. She was born in Buffalo, on August 21, 1936, a daughter of the late Stanley Ormsby and Elinor (Gessner) Ormsby Nuwer.
A homemaker, Sandy attended schools in Buffalo. She worked as a Receptionist in the Radiology Department for the former Lake Shore Hospital, Irving, retiring in 1999. Sandy was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Silver Creek, and a member of the Trinity Ladies Guild. She was a kind, loving person who always greeted everyone with a smile. Sandy was happiest when she was surrounded by her family.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years Frederick L. George, of Silver Creek, a son, Kevin (Kathy) George, of Acworth, GA; a daughter in law Karen George of Fredonia, and a sister, Deborah (Robert) Miller, of Waynesville, North Carolina. Also surviving are three loving grandchildren Jimi George of Athens Georgia, Jessica (Nate) Miller of Fredonia, Kelsey (Nick) George of Ballston Lake, New York and great granddaughter Ava Miller. Besides her parents she was predeceased by a son Jeffrey George, infant grandson Derek George and a brother Russell Ormsby.
Due to COVID concerns, Sandy’s funeral service will be private. The family suggests memorials may be made either to Trinity Lutheran Church, 15 Porter Avenue, Silver Creek, NY 14136 or to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association, PO Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037-0022.
Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com
DUNKIRK: Elizabeth Belvin, 83, of West Lake Road, Dunkirk, passed away Saturday, March 6th, 2021 at her residence. She was born in Buffalo, on October 27, 1937, the daughter of the late William L. and Mary (Love) Belvin, Sr.
Elizabeth was a member of the Share & Care Senior Citizens Center, Fredonia and enjoyed gardening.
Survivors include a sister, Jeanne B. Robinson, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; a brother, William L. Belvin, Jr, of Columbia, SC and her caregivers.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday, March 31st from 10:30-11 am, from where a Memorial Service will follow at 11 o’clock with Pastor James Witherington officiating. Interment will be with her parents in Raleigh, NC.
To post condolences or memorials go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
