Obituaries

Lewis B. Bowen age 93, passed away at his home on March 10, 2023. He was born Dec. 4, 1929, in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Burton and Marguerite (Stevely) Bowen and had lived in this area all of his life. Lewis served in the US Army during the Korean War. He served on the front line as a machine gunner and then served in the motorpool; driving transports and repairing ambulances.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Church for over 60 years and was a charter member of the Holley VFW Post #202 and Hickory Ridge.  In the past Lewis was a Town of Clarendon Zoning Officer, board member of the Hillside Cemetery and was a fire police and member of the Clarendon Fire Department. He and his wife Arlene loved to travel all over the country, especially to Hawaii and Alaska. They spent 20 years wintering in Florida together. In his retirement, he loved to do puzzles, work on his train set, bird watching, and sharing his stories with family and friends. Lewis will be remembered by many as the town historian. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Arlene; brother Howard; sister Ginny Interlicchia and several brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his children Charlotte (Gary) Trumble, James (Joy) Bowen, Sherry Williams; grandchildren Shannon (Chuck), Jennifer, Heather, Wendy (Robert), David (Kristin), Amanda, Joseph (Melinda); 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; siblings Norman (Vickie) Bowen, Sam Interlicchia, Harold (Jackie) Bowen, Jane (Wayne) Robinson, Janet Dennis, Debbie Roe; brothers and sisters-in-law Arden (Tina) Campbell, Marie Elphic, John (Kathy) Campbell, William (Kathy) Campbell as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley on Tuesday March 28th 4:00pm-7:00pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 9:30am at St. Mary’s Church Holley. Burial with Military Honors will be at Hillside Cemetery. To share a special memory of Lewis, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.   

Ertis J. “Bud” Bradley, age 78, of Edinburg, TX, entered eternal rest Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, after a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was born to Ertis Jack and Norine (Zimmerman) Bradley of Clarence Center, NY and was formerly of Buffalo, NY and Waterport, NY. Bud was a veteran of the US Air Force and completed two tours in Vietnam. He also served as a New York State Trooper and was the owner of Commercial Interior Supply Corporation in Buffalo and Rochester, NY. Bud was a former long-time member of Oak Orchard Yacht Club in Waterport, NY and a member of McAllen Elks Lodge #1402 in McAllen, TX. A lifelong sportsman, he loved to golf, bike, ski, sail, row, play tennis, hunt and fish. Bud was a force to be reckoned with. He was a big man with a big personality, a ready smile, and an enthusiasm for life. After many years of cruising in the beautiful waters of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Bud and the true love of his life, Meredith, retired to Edinburg, TX. They enjoyed 14 years of “land cruising” in their motorhome, and traveled to almost every state in the union. Bud was blessed with many great friendships with people across the USA and Canada. He will be dearly missed. Bud is survived by his devoted wife, Meredith Long Bradley of Edinburg, TX; a brother, Michael (Linda) of Holland, NY, and sister, Lynn (Steve) Carlo of Williamsville, NY. He was a devoted uncle to Justin (Morgana) Bradley of Sloan, NY, Jenna (Wesley) LaBar of Alden, NY, and Amanda (Andy) Swindall of Topeka, KS. A Celebration of Life will take place in the summer at Waterport, NY on the Oak Orchard River. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Salvation Army at give.salvationarmyusa.org. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg, TX.

Johan G. “Hans” Kobmann, age 89 died March 14, 2023, in Elderwood of Brockport following a long illness.  Hans was born March 25, 1933, to Paul and Kunigunda (Pohlmann) Kobmann.  In 1952, he traveled across the Atlantic from Muggendorf, Germany to fulfill his dream of a life in the United States.  Hans settled in Middleport where he met and married his wife Helga, whom he was married to for 44 years. As a self-taught, non-English speaking immigrant, Hans worked exceptionally hard learning and mastering the trade of carpentry. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build.  The talents of his skilled hands are still evident today in public schools from LeRoy to Spencerport, to Roberts Weslyan University Performing Arts Center and Letchworth Pool.  The structures that gave him the most satisfaction were the two family homes he built with his own hands on Freeman Road.  His natural gift for agriculture and gardening were a source of pride for him as he showered others with the fruits (and vegetables) of his labor.  Hans and Helga instilled the values of integrity, strong work ethic, independence, and high standards in his three daughters.  Hans’s happiness came from the accomplishments of his children, sharing the lives of his grandchildren, laughing, and cuddling with his great-grandchildren, and the realization of the legacy he leaves behind. Hans’s quick wit, guidance, know-how, euchre skills and Buffalo Bills commentary will be terribly missed by his loved ones.  Mr. Kobmann was predeceased by his wife Helga as well as several siblings. He is survived by his children: Heidi Kobmann of Florida, Lorie Green of Spencerport, Melinda (John) Keirsbilck of Greece, his siblings: Elfriede Hoepner and Arthur Kobmann of Germany, his grandchildren: Lindsey, Jacob, Ashley, Doug Jr., Daniel, Joshua, Jason, six great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews in Germany. The family will receive friends at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State Street-Middleport, TUESDAY (3/21) from 1-3 where his Funeral Service will be held at 3pm following visitation.  Private interment in Hartland Central Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 1212 West Ave., Medina, NY, 14103.  Hans’s family wishes to convey their gratitude for the kindness, support and friendship received by friends and staff at The Village at Unity, where he resided for the past two years.  To share a special memory of Hans, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com 

David G. Reed, 77, of Albion, NY, passed unexpectedly on March 9th, 2023. After having 2 daughters, Marion and Verona, Jesse and Mildred Reed finished their trio with a bouncing baby boy. David came into this world on April 5, 1945. He grew up in small town Medina graduating in 1963. After graduating he join the U. S. Air Force serving during the Vietnam War. He proudly served on the B-52 Stratofortress. Later in life he would contribute to books on the B-52’s either by interviews or photographs he had taken.  On a June 29th 1974 he married the love of his life Sandi Lyn Humphrey. In 1975 they welcomed a son Jesse, with daughter Jaime Rae making her appearance in 1977.  David was employed at FMC in Middleport as a Chemical and Environmental analyst for over 40 years. In 2010 he retired and started to indulge in his favorite pastime: trains. He belonged to the EL&DL WRR Historical society, the EL Dining car Society and the Orleans County Historical Society. If not tinkering with his trains David could be found in his yard planting with his granddaughters. He loved to be spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren’s activities. In May he loved to go to Las Vegas to visit his son and family. What David wasn’t was a cook. So many days he was a common face at the Village House in Albion. Here he would meet a fellow soccer enthusiast- Alex and a great friendship was born. Recently David told his daughter “I have a great life; I love my life”. But truthfully, he gave us a great life and we were blessed to share in his light. David was predeceased by both his parents. His sisters Marion (Schompert) and Verona (Pritchard). As well as his wife of 27 years Sandi. He is survived by his son Jesse (Brittney) and Jaime Rae (Ray) Reed. His grandchildren Sage, Raymond, Brenden, Sandi, Sadie and Caroline. As well as his great granddaughters Evelyn and Novallie.There are no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s name to the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council,  13996 Route 31 West, Albion, NY, 14411. Arrangements were made through the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of David at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com 

William K. Rowles, age 90, died March 10, 2023 in United Memorial Medical Center following a long illness.  He was born Sept., 10, 1932 in Dubois, PA to Eugene and Nona (Patrick) Rowles and had lived in this area most of his life. William was a United States Army Veteran having served from 1954-1956.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and loved to play cards.  He particularly enjoyed yardwork, especially mowing the lawn, grooming to perfection.  Mr. Rowles was predeceased by a son: James, his brother: Eugene Rowles, and sisters: Eunice Petty, Doris Ezell and Kay Snyder. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Shirley, his children: David Fischer of Kent, William (Mariette) Rowles of SC, Donna (Steven) Kovacs of Parish, Lynette (David Gay) Gregori of Elba, his brothers: Robert Rowles of Victor, Fay Rowles of FL, his sisters: Barbara Rodas of Hamlin, Sara Gunderson of CA, 10 grandchildren, many great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends to share memories and stories during a Celebration of Life on Thurs., March 23rd from 11-5 pm at the Albion Elks Lodge, 428 West State St., Albion, NY, 14411.  Military Honors will be presented beginning at 2:30pm at the Lodge.  Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The American Cancer Society, 1120 S. Goodman St., Rochester, NY, 14620 or the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Ave., Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222.  William’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.  To share a special memory of William, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Frederick F. Seeman Jr. (Bud) age 91 passed away after a short illness on March 13, 2023. He was born on Sep. 10, 1931 in Rochester, the son of the late Frederick and Alice (Stewart) Seeman Sr. Sister, Shirley Ertle and Brother William Seeman. Frederick is survived by his wife Carole.  They spent over 50 years living in Clarendon. Frederick served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves from 1948-1951.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952.  Private first class Seeman was sent to Korea with the 19th Group, 8th Army Combat Engineers. Frederick is survived by his children Brenda (Dale) Shade, Paul (Jeannine) Seeman, Frederick (Melissa) Seeman, James (Jennifer) Seeman and Matt (Kelly) Seeman, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and Sister in laws. The family received friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31, Holley on Friday March 17, 2023 from 12:00-2:00pm.  Interment took place at a later date at Hillside Cemetery with military honors. Donations to Clarendon Fire Company P.O. Box 136, Clarendon NY 14429.

Ernest R. Stephens, Sr. age 74 passed away March 10, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born June 24, 1948 in Cameron NY, a son of the late Carrie Gladys Hallett. Ernie worked tirelessly in construction at Northrup Contracting, Webb Construction and retiring from Villager Construction.  He enjoyed working, hunting, fishing and giving so much to everyone who came into his life.  He always wanted to help others have a better life.  But most importantly, Ernie lead by example on how to be a loving husband, doting father and grandfather and a role model.   The most famous question asked: “Does he ever quit”? Answer: “Not a quitter”. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rose Marie Lonnen whom he married on August 31, 1969; sons Ernest (C. Rose), Shaun (Rebecca), Terry (Laura), Larri (Jennifer); daughter Sherri; grandchildren Chadlee (Heather), Kanyon, Xavyon, Avianne, Dior, Daniel, Edward (Miranda), Russell (Alexis) Ashlee, Kaleb, Kaylee, Carrie, Cassidy; great-grandchildren Lucia, Emilia and countless others who knew him as pa, pappy, papa;  sisters Wanda Travis, Maylonda Elliott, Deanna Papp, Alice, Leona, Mary Ann (John); brothers Wayne (Dawn), Clayton, best friend Ken (Linda), George (Cindy) as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother, he was predeceased by his brothers Forrest, Dale, Edward, Alexander Papp, Albert Elliott, William, Harry, Delbert, Al, Russ, George, Gregg. There are no prior calling hours.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the convenience of the family at Camp KRG.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion. To share a special memory of Ernie, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com. 

Eleanora R. Tagg, age 92, died March 9, 2023 in the home of her daughter surrounded by her family.  She was born May 14, 1930 in Medina to John and Josephine (Wisnock) Mielcarski and was a life-long resident of this area. Eleanora was an avid BINGO player, enjoyed country music, polka music, going for car rides; especially to view Christmas lights and was a very family-oriented person who also loved her cats dearly.  Mrs. Tagg was predeceased by her husband Charles, a son Edward, a daughter Barbara Jean LaForme and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children: Eleanor (“Bizz”) Friend of Gasport, Charles “Mike” Tagg of Lockport, Patricia (late Gary) Mahar of Lockport, Donald Tagg of Lockport, Theresa (Frederick Pratt) Tagg of Perry, Cathy House of Lockport, her sister: Clara Barbara Cain of Lyndonville, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family received friends at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St.-Gasport, on Wed., March 15th, from 4-7 only.  Her celebration of life and interment in Cold Springs Cemetery will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gasport Lions Club, P.O. Box 81, Gasport, NY, 14067.  To share a special memory of Eleanora, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com