BROCKPORT: Korber, Eugene C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 96. Predeceased by his wife, Jane Willis Korber; sister, June Wheeler; brothers, Vincent Korber, George Korber Jr., and parents, George and Helen Korber.
He is survived by his brother, Harold Korber; dear nephew, Kevin Korber; dear friends, Patricia and Stanley Galinski; special neighbors, Heather Camman and Shane Camman; and many other beloved family members.
Gene proudly served in the United States Army and was a member of the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Brockport.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 14 State Street, Brockport. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Those wishing may contribute to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or the Morgan Manning House.
Arrangements entrusted to Fowler Funeral Home Inc.
BROCKPORT: Pifer, Wesley E. Jr., age 62, died May 7, 2026. He was born May 26, 1963, in Rochester, to the late Wesley E. Pifer Sr. and Bertha (Harter) Pifer. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Debra (2014). Wes is survived by his children, Christopher (Robert) Pifer, Steven (Heather) Pifer, Heather (Matt Fandel) Sleeth, Betty Pressley; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Robert (late Melissa) Pifer, Robin Pifer, Bill Pifer, Wanda Blanco, Tammy Pifer, Terry (Shannon), Crystal (Raul) Botello; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wes enjoyed fishing, tinkering on cars, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, and NASCAR, especially Bill Elliott.
A Celebration of Wesley’s Life will be held at a later date. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Story of Hope Comfort Care Home, 813 Marshall Road, Rochester, NY 14624. Arrangements entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, Holley. To share a special memory of Wes, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
CHILI: Brown, Robert D., age 91, died May 8, 2026. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Edgar and Ruth Brown, and his wife of 52 years, MaryAnne Brown. He is survived by six children, Robert (Karen), Fr. Timothy, Fr. Michael, Thomas (Brenda), Kevin (Tracy), and Patrick; grandchildren, Dan (Sarah), Kristen (Matt) Hancock, Jonathan, Matthew (Marissa), Emily, Brennan, Timothy, Ryan, and Sarah; and four great-grandchildren. Bob pursued education at Saint John Fisher College and graduated from Niagara University, where he developed a strong foundation in business. He went on to build a meaningful career first at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, then as Personnel Director and Vice President at Monroe Community College. He retired in 1996 after 30 years. He was instrumental in bringing Catholic radio to Rochester, belonged to the Knights of Columbus, and was an active member of Saint Pius the Tenth Church.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated on May 13 at Saint Pius the Tenth Church, 3000 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624. Interment, St. Pius Cemetery. Donations can be made to St. Pius Tenth Church in his memory. Arrangements entrusted to the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili.
CHURCHVILLE: Ehrmentraut, Raymond L. Sr., “Poppy,” age 83, died May 2, 2026. Raymond was predeceased by his parents, Fran and Hazel Ehrmentraut. He is survived by his wife, Jane Ehrmentraut; children, Patricia (Ed) Blaszak, Joanne Cooley, Charles Yueckstock; grandchildren, Cory (Lynn) Ehrmentraut, Matt (Kippy) Cooley, Zack Cooley; and five great-grandchildren. A veteran of the Army and a dedicated member of the Churchville Fire Department (1961–1982), Ray also served as Scout Master for BSA Troop #133. In recent years, his favorite job was simply “being Grandpa” at Ehrmentraut Auto. Ray was happiest outdoors, hunting, camping, or tending to his fields. He spent his mornings grabbing the paper and visiting with friends at ANG. Known for his classic “yeah, right,” Ray was a teacher and a helper to everyone he met. His skills and lessons live on in the many people he guided over the years.
Visitation will be held at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, 21 South Main Street, Churchville, on Friday, May 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. at the Funeral Home.
HILTON: Heffer, Ronald P., died May 7, 2026, at age 84. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Heffer and Ellen Ellis, and brother and sister-in-law, James (Cathy) Heffer. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; daughter, Tami Hills (Dominick Tantalo); stepdaughter, Cheryl (Wayne) Collins; stepson, Michael Siegel (Stacey Karstetter); three grandchildren, Taylor, Karlee, and Ashley; one great-granddaughter; two nieces; and several great-nieces and nephews. Ron was a Custodian for the Greece Central School District. He also worked as a Security Guard at St. John’s Home. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, especially on the St. Lawrence River. He was a wonderful storyteller and a big jokester.
His Memorial Service was held on May 14 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., in Hilton. Interment will be held at the family’s convenience. Donations in his memory can be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, Larry and Cindy Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center, 300 East River Road, PO Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627.
HILTON: Way, James N. Sr., died May 7, 2026, at age 88. He was predeceased by his wife, Mona; parents, Donald and Alma Way; brother and sister-in-law, Theodore “Ted” (Barbara) Way; brother, Lawrence Way; sister, Patricia Goodwin; brother-in-law, Charles VanOrden; and sister-in-law, Trisha Way. He is survived by his children, Cheryl Dool (Kevan Richardson), Wendy (Kenneth) White, and James Way Jr.; grandchildren, Kurt (Jessica) White, Abby (Zach) Hartman, Daniel (Tiffany) Dool, Kevin (Stephanie) Dool, and Kelly (Scott) Carpenter; ten great-grandchildren; brothers, Randy Way and Michael (Marjorie) Way; sisters, Carol (Ron) Murphy, Sally Knapp, Peggy VanOrden, and Pamela Cagle; sister-in-law, Jean Way; and nieces and nephews. Jim dedicated 35 years to Eastman Kodak Company, where he worked as a Production Supervisor before his retirement in 1991. He served with the Walker Fire Department for 63 years and was also a member of the Walker Fire Department Exempts and Western New York Volunteer Firefighters Association. Jim found great joy in the outdoors, especially bullhead fishing and hunting. He was an avid sports fan who loved watching his favorite team, the New York Yankees.
Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., 735 East Avenue, Hilton, where Jim’s Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. Interment in Parma Union Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Walker Fire Department, 1420 Walker Lake Ontario Rd, Hilton, NY 14468, in Jim’s memory.
KENDALL: Gould, Shirley A., age 93, died May 9, 2026. She was born January 18, 1933, to the late Harold and Margaret (Barker) Furness. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, John (2012); daughter, Nancy Wright; son, Michael Gould; siblings, Harold (Shelva) Furness, Jack Furness, Estes Furness, Eleanor Furness, Janet Reis, Bill (Diane) Furness, James (Judy) Furness; and brother-in-law James Herring. Shirley is survived by her daughters, Marleen (Rick) Horsey, Sandy (Lynn) Murnan, Debbie (Tommie) Clark, Patty (Chuck) Costanza; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Leroy (Barbara) Furness, Sybil Herring, Barbara (Bill) Schuler; sisters-in-law, Mary and Anita Furness; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shirley was a longtime member of the Kendall United Methodist Church and enjoyed her weekly Euchre games with friends.
Her Funeral Service was held on May 13 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Holley. Interment in Sandy Creek Cemetery, Murray. Contributions in Shirley’s memory can be made to the Kendall Fire Dept. Inc., PO Box 387, Kendall, NY 14476. To share a special memory of Shirley, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS/BROCKPORT: Beck, Janet Welch. Born October 10, 1939, Janet Welch Beck died at home with her family on April 22nd, 2026, exactly where she loved to be. She had fallen ill in Venice, Florida, another of her favorite places, where she and her husband, Jack, wintered for 30-plus years.
“The biggest lottery you will ever win is the family you are born into.” … This was a quote Janet had jotted down in several places in their home in Saratoga Springs, NY, where they moved to in 2010 after 45 years in Brockport, NY. It seems in many ways to exemplify her perspective of life.
Janet was born and raised in Corning, NY, with her parents, the late Edna and Charles ‘Bucky’ Welch, and her brother, the late Phil Welch (Joan). Janet described her childhood as idyllic and Corning as a special, unique town. Her childhood was filled with great memories of camping trips with the Kimberlys on Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks, ice skating at Denison Park, and learning to play all sorts of sports and outside activities with her father. We think this must have laid the groundwork for her lifelong membership in the Buffalo Bills Mafia. We also think this may be where she honed her fishing skills. She became known as the “fish whisperer” by her grandkids, for her uncanny ability to haul one in when no one else was. By the time she entered high school, Janet was into everything, including chorus, band, school newspaper, library club, prom committee, cheerleading, and sports. She was particularly passionate about Girl Scouting and was an ambassador and leader, and that experience took her by train to places such as Wyoming and Canada.
During the beginning of her senior year of high school, she met Jack Beck, a dashing young man she would fall in love with and marry just after graduating from college. It was a love story that spanned nearly 70 years. Together they would have two children, Tom (Leona) and Nancy (John Begier), and five grandchildren, Catherine, Grayson, and Chris Begier, and Jack and Charlie Beck. Janet doted on them all, and they were all deemed her favorite… “favorite daughter,” “favorite middle-grandson,” “favorite son-in-law” …you get the picture.

In addition to raising their children, Janet was committed to her professional life, working in education and counseling. After graduating from Elmira College, Janet taught high school English before earning her master’s in counseling and embarking on a career in counseling and administration at SUNY Brockport. Janet loved helping adults with their educational counseling needs for over 25 years. During her working career, she also found time to get involved in various non-profits and regularly volunteered for various causes. One of her favorites occurred in 1979 when she volunteered as the chair of the Medals and Awards Ceremonies of the International Summer Special Olympics held in Brockport.
No one was immune to Janet’s attention, and she loved her one-on-one sessions. It often started with questions like “What makes you happy?”, “What would you like to do if you could do anything?”, “Do you know how interesting you are?”, and “How can I help?”. These sessions could happen any time of day, anywhere, and in nearly any setting imaginable. Janet really knew how to listen and was genuine in her kindness. She knew how to make you feel special because she believed you were special. Janet wanted everyone to make sure that they, too, felt like they had won the lottery.
When Janet wasn’t helping us all, she could be found cheering on her beloved Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees, reading, enjoying the NY Times crossword puzzle, spending time with her children and grandkids, researching and chronicling the history of the many places Jack and she called home over the last 64 years.
Janet never wanted to be the center of attention, but she liked to be in the ‘mix.’ She loved to be at the celebration, the event, the game, the party, but never overstayed her welcome. Janet would tell her beloved Jack, “I’m ready,” and then say in her short, sweet way, “G-bye, g-bye,” and off they went until the next time.
We all won the lottery knowing Janet. “G-bye, g-bye” to an incredibly beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SPENCERPORT: Gonzalez, Fernando L. Sr., of Spencerport, NY, passed away peacefully, April 18th, 2026, at the age of 83 and went home to be with the Lord.
He was predeceased by his Father, Juan Gonzalez, and his Mother, Ines Pabon, as well as his brothers, a sister, and a niece.
Fernando shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Soqui. Together they built a life centered on love and family.
He was a proud and devoted Father to his only son, Fernando L Gonzalez Jr. He was also a devoted Grandfather to his two granddaughters, Sophia and Miranda, and Great-Grandfather to twins, Luke and Ezekiel.

Fernando is survived by his brother, Almindo; his sisters, Zaida and Margaret; his brother-in-law, Eliud (Nancy) Rodriguez; his niece, Dawnyiel (Ben) Gonzalez, and their daughters; his nephew, Eliud Jr. (Anne Marie) Rodriguez, (and boys). He also leaves behind many extended family members who will forever hold him dear in their hearts. And special thanks to our friends, Darlyne and Greg Peet, and Mr. & Mrs. Tim Wilson. Heartfelt appreciation for all of the love and support we got from the Rodriguez family!
SPENCERPORT: Lenz, Robert W., passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026.
Bob was born on October 5, 1944, in Rochester, NY, the son of the late William and Marguerite Lenz, and was a lifelong resident of Spencerport, NY. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn S. Lenz, with whom they built a life filled with faith, love, and joy; his loving children, Mark (Rebecca) Lenz and Paul (Ashley) Lenz; cherished grandchildren, John, Adelaide, William, Elizabeth, and Alessandra; sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Wallace) Wendell and their two children and families; along with countless dear friends.
Bob received his Bachelor’s degree at RIT and worked for 30 years at General Motors (GM)/Rochester Products and was a Supervisor of Cost Accounting in their finance department. He was a longtime member of the Spencerport UCC church, serving faithfully in many roles over the years. In his free time, he greatly enjoyed camping, traveling, investing in stocks, and playing Euchre.

Bob was an avid Rochester Amerks and Buffalo Sabres fan and often could be found cheering them on with his dear friends, Anne and Bob Wallace, and participating in feverish text chats with family and friends. He was also a longtime Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed trips to see them in various stadiums with Mark, Paul, and their kids to catch a game, have a beer, and eat some peanuts. Bob most loved spending time with his family and was overjoyed to see and hear about their accomplishments and experiences, especially his five grandchildren.
Bob was gentle and welcoming to all. He was quick to share his kindness, preach patience, spread calm, flash a warm smile, tell a wry joke, and share an infectious laugh (something both of his boys inherited). His welcoming spirit filled a room and was appreciated by both close friends and recent acquaintances alike. In life, Bob created a wide community of family and friends who will fondly carry his love and laughter in their hearts.
The family will receive friends at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, 15 West Avenue, Spencerport, NY 14559, on Friday, May 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. A private burial will be held at Fairfield Cemetery on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to RIT’s Business School Program or a charity of your choosing.
SPENCERPORT: Pagani, Edward M., age 73, died May 10, 2026. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Matthew Pagani; parents, Nando and Anne Pagani; and in-laws, Claude and Esther Harris. Ed is survived by his wife of 48 years, Claudia; son Brett (Jennifer) Pagani; grandchildren, Isabella and Lincoln; Matthew’s wife, Colleen; siblings, Jeanne (Abby), David (Patty), Patricia (Steve), and Debora (Jackie); many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Soccer was one of Ed’s greatest lifelong passions. He attended SUNY Brockport, where he was a proud member of the 1974 National Championship soccer team, an accomplishment he treasured throughout his life. Soccer provided Ed with lifelong friendships that became a part of his extended family. Ed found true happiness in spending time with family and friends, boating, and making memories in Cape Cod and Florida. His presence, warmth, and unwavering love for his family and friends will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 15, at 12 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 55 Martha Street, Spencerport, followed by his burial in St. John’s Cemetery. Contributions in Ed’s memory can be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, Larry and Cindy Bloch Alumni & Advancement Center, 300 East River Road, PO Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627.


























