Obituaries

Rodney J. “Hot Rod” Whiting, 72, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. He was born on July 31, 1952, in Batavia, New York, the son of the late Lauren and Shirley (Blackstone) Whiting. On May 29, 1976, Hot Rod married the former LuAnne Bow, and together, they raised two children. He was employed as a maintenance Foreman at Whiting Door Manufacturing in Akron, NY until his retirement. Hot Rod enjoyed being outdoors, especially while hunting, riding his Harley, and driving his 1952 Chevy

Wilfred Ground, Jr. affectionately known as Duner or Willie, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024. Born on August 9, 1953, in Batavia, NY, to the late Wilfred and Rubena (Logan) Ground. A devoted husband, he was widowed from his wife Beatrice Ground, who preceded him in death, and was a cherished father and grandfather. Willie was a proud and dedicated mechanic at NFTA in Buffalo, New York, before his retirement. He had an unwavering love for sports, with a particular fondness for basketball and lacrosse. He took great pleasure in playing horse shoes and honing his woodworking skills. He

Tom Gesel, born April 13, 1957, peacefully passed away at his home in Akron, New York, on October 2024. A dedicated resident of the Akron area for 27 years, he was the son of Mary Rae and Joseph Gesel from Williamsville. In his youth, Tom enjoyed helping his father at the family car lot and was active in the family business, Gesel’s Furniture, which he later took over as The Assortment. He was also passionate about racing, becoming one-third of the Gesel Brothers Racing alongside his father and brother Peter. A highlight of his racing career was winning the First

John Laude, 32, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly October 27, 2024. He is survived by his mother, Ruth (Scott Fehr) Perry; father, Lawrence (Wanda) Laude; siblings, Tiffany (Dan) Wetzler, Lawrence Laude, stepbrother, Alan Mileham, and his 5 nieces. Also, survived by his grandfather, Roy Perry, as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins. John was a hard worker who worked many laborious jobs and enjoyed his time working as a bartender. He will be remembered for his mischievous smile, love of adventure, and desire to make others laugh.  Friends and family may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday,

Flora Leamer, a tireless volunteer in the Clarence and Akron communities, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ last Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Lenard Chester Babel, mentor to many, loved by all, 78, passed away on August 10, 2024, in Washington, UT. He was born December 23, 1945, in Buffalo, NY to Chester L Babel and Betty June Martin. He passed quietly in his home on August 10, 2024, surrounded by family.

Sandra M. Skaine, 85 of Clarence, New York, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Robert P. Kiehl, Jr. passed away on September 20, 2024 at Hospice Buffalo after a four year courageous battle against cancer. He was born July 1, 1952 at St. John’s hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the son of Sandra Kiehl and the late Robert P. Kiehl Sr.. He moved to the Western New York area in 1982 to work at Darien Lake Amusement Park. Robert graduated from Canisius College with a degree in counseling and earned a Masters at the University of Buffalo. Bob was a giant, not only in height but the way he loved his wife and

Judith L. Meyer, aged 81, of Akron, New York, peacefully passed away on September 25, 2024. Born in Batavia, New York, on July 5, 1943, Judith lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to her family and community. She was the dedicated and loving wife of Samuel Meyer, with whom she shared a remarkable 63 years of marriage after their vows were exchanged on February 11, 1961. Judith retired from a fulfilling career as a deli manager with Pixley’s ShurFine Foodmart, where she was well-loved and respected by coworkers and customers alike. In her leisure time, she found joy in