Obituaries

Death Notices: 11-21-2025

BROCKPORT: LaSorte, Dr. Michael Antonio, age 94, died November 15, 2025. Michael is survived by his son, Frank La Sorte (Judy) and grandchildren, Marcello and Alena; daughter, Michelle La Sorte Minervini (Chad) and granddaughter, Risa; his former wife Diane Boyd; and many nieces and nephews, including Marcia (Paul) Proto, Diane Cohen, Theodore (Tess) Cohen, Deborah (Edward) Hoyt, Antonio La Sorte, Dr. Bradley (Antonia) La Sorte, Denise La Sorte, Adrian La Sorte, and Desiree Behanick. He was predeceased by his siblings, Dr. Antonio La Sorte, Frank La Sorte, Francesca La Sorte Cohen, and Rosa (Rosie) La Sorte Rich; and his parents, Vitantonio and Rosa La Sorte. Michael carried his Italian heritage with deep pride throughout his life. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps. Following his service, Michael attended Harpur College, State University of New York, where he earned his B.A. in 1958 through a Regents War Service Scholarship. He went on to pursue his doctoral studies in Sociology at Indiana State University, earning his Ph.D. in 1967. Michael devoted his professional life to teaching, first at Hofstra University on Long Island and later at SUNY Brockport, where he found his academic home. A prolific scholar, he published numerous articles and books throughout his career. Among his most cherished accomplishments was translating his father’s diaries and transforming them into his book, La Merica, a labor of love that honored the courage and sacrifices of his family’s immigrant journey. He found joy in tending to his yard and garden and spending treasured time with his children and grandchildren. After retiring, Michael embraced a simple, peaceful life in Brockport with his longtime companion, Dorothy Porreca, by his side.

In keeping with Michael’s wishes, there will be no public service. A private family gathering will be held to honor and remember him. Michael’s legacy lives on in the stories he told, the knowledge he shared, and the love he gave so generously. He will be deeply missed. Arrangements entrusted to Fowler Funeral Home, Brockport.

BROCKPORT: Rybolt, Earnest L., died November 12, 2025, at age 92. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Jane Osier Rybolt; son, Brian Rybolt; daughter, Tammi Tolle; parents, Ellis and Sarah Rybolt; and siblings, Martha Gannon and Ralph Rybolt. He is survived by his children, Douglas (Christine) Rybolt and Barry Rybolt; grandchildren, Benjamin Rybolt, Leanne (Austin) LeRoy, and Sophia Rybolt; brother, Richard (Anita) Rybolt; and nieces and nephews. Earnest was a veteran of the US Army. He retired from Eastman Kodak Company, where he worked as an emulsifier.  

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations can be made to Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport, 170 West Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420, in Earnest’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton.

CHILI: Azzolino, Rosalie A., died November 15, 2025. Predeceased by her parents, Paul and Mildred Peraino. Survived by her husband of 62 years, Anthony; children, Steven Azzolino, Susan Azzolino, and Lisa (Mike) Testa; grandchildren, Randall and Grace; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Paula (Mark) Waldman, Joe (Carol) Peraino, Tom Peraino, and Mary (John) Chiavetta; sisters-in-law, Elaine Tripi and Mary Azzolino; and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Although she had a few different jobs as an adult, including working at the RCSB in Chili and at the Chili Town Hall, her main focus was her family. Raising three children with Anthony and opening her home of 62 years to all who needed a place to stay gave her great pride. She always loved having family around. She was also very proud of her Sicilian heritage and took every opportunity to teach the kids new Italian words. Rosalie loved dogs and gardening.

Services were held on November 20 at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili. Private interment at Westside Cemetery. Donations can be made to a charity of choice in her memory.

CHILI: McGill, Marie T., (February 1, 1928 – November 14, 2025). Marie is survived by her children, Robert (Lisa) McGill, Thomas (Patricia) McGill, and Joanne (Alan) Johnson; grandchildren, Kelly (Ryan) Bennett, Brooke (Tyler Edge ) McGill, Thomas (Mary) McGill, Christy (Brent) Berkovitz, Brian (Lisa Marie) McGill, Jennifer (Timothy) O’Connor, Kari (Jon) Maas; ten great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her loving brother, Alfred Heilman, and her companion, Ritchie Grosser. Marie was a feisty woman who enjoyed life. She spent many years at Rutgers College as a secretary in several departments. She was an active member of the Chili Seniors and an avid reader. She enjoyed Bingo, especially when she won.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on November 21 at St. Christopher’s Church, North Chili. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions in her memory can be made to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450, or to the church at PO Box 399, North Chili, NY 14514. Arrangements entrusted to the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili.

CHILI: Nicolosi, Philip G., died November 8, 2025, at age 82. Predeceased by his parents, Alphonse and Mary; sister, Carolina (Parker) Montgomery; and grandson, Kael Nicolosi. Survived by his wife, Linda A. (Dalba); four children, Kim Nicolosi, Phil (Audrey) Nicolosi, Keith (Tiffany) Nicolosi, and Tiffany (Tommy) Musson; grandchildren, Wyatt Lewis, Kristi Ames, Keith Nicolosi, Alexa Nicolosi, Ari Nicolosi, Izzy Musson, and Kaia Musson; sister, Linda Nicolosi; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Phil was an Army Veteran and a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

Family and friends may call at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home on Monday, November 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. Private family funeral service and interment at Westside Cemetery. Contributions in his memory can be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, 300 East River Road, Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627.

HILTON: DeHollander, Brett Harry, age 66, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. Brett was predeceased by his mother, Barbara Cassata (James). He is survived by his father, Harry J. DeHollander (Nancy Merritt); brother, Douglas; sister, Melanie Spade; children, Michelle Steiner (Mark), Daniel, Brett (Carrie); grandchildren, Caleb and Ayla Steiner; aunts, Linda Merk, Nina Ida Miller; and nieces, Dana Wright (Ian) and Heather.

Brett, known as “Pig” to many who knew him best, was born in Augusta, GA, and raised in Hilton, NY. He attended Hilton Central High School until 1977, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman. During his enlistment, Brett was stationed at Fort Knox, KY, Fort Devens, MA, and overseas in Furth, Germany. Brett’s time in the service left a lasting impression, and he often revisited that time through vivid stories, which he loved to share with those around him. After his time in the military, Brett worked for the Eastman Kodak Company, where he made life-long friends that he fondly thought of as family. Brett found his greatest joy in hunting with his buddies, snowmobiling, running his hound dogs, and sitting on his porch “watching the world go by” with friends and neighbors. He was happiest when surrounded by nature and those he cared about.

Brett’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. His stories, recollections, sense of humor, character, and guidance leave behind a lasting impact that will remain in our hearts forever.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mt. Carmel Home (https://mtcarmelhouserochester.org/) or to The Purple Heart Foundation (https://purpleheartfoundation.org/).

HILTON: Buckner, John P., died November 11, 2025, at the age of 79. John is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Buckner; two daughters, Starann (Chris) Dowling and Traci (Chad) Fagan; grandchildren, Ashlee (William) Wood, Arik (Jenny) Yox, and Tenley Fagan; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Ann Lippa and Adria (Bruce) Hagar; brothers, Charles, Michael, Stephen (Lise), and Alan (Janice) Buckner; sisters-in-law, Kathy and Evelyn Buckner and Nancy Geisler; niece, Tina (Scott) Ingham; great-niece, Alana (Adam) Greene; great-great-niece, Abigail; and several other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Viola Buckner; brothers, Raymond and Paul Buckner; brothers-in-law, Van Geisler and Dominick Lippa; sister-in-law, Patricia Buckner; and great-nephew, Colin. John retired from Eastman Kodak Company, where he worked as a Mechanical Engineer. He was a member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Hilton. He was a skilled carpenter and an outdoorsman at heart, spending time in the Adirondacks, where he loved to fish and take in the beauty of nature.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on November 20 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Hilton. Interment in Parma Union Cemetery. Donations can be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, Larry and Cindy Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center, 300 East River Road, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627, in John’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton.

RIGA: Maas, Martin R. “Pooch,” “Marty,” died November 17, 2025, at age 62. Predeceased by his parents, Donald and Sheila, and brother, Matthew. He is survived by his loving wife, Holly; children, Mackenzie (Dustin) Boyer, Morgan, Madison, and Mason Maas; sister, Martha (Tim) Daley; father-in-law, Paul Shinn; brother-in-law, David (Ann) Shinn; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Marty was a longtime volunteer with the Chili Fire Department Co. 1 and was a retiree of the Town of Chili Highway Department.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, November 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili. Funeral Service will immediately follow the calling at 5 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Contributions can be made to the Chili Fire Department, 3225 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624, in his memory.

SPENCERPORT: MaynePatricia A. “Pat,” died November 10, 2025, at age 79. She was predeceased by her parents, Carl and Myrna Lupo. She is survived by her husband, Arthur Mayne; daughter, Laurie Kitt (Mike) Hopsicker; son, Matthew (Amy) Kitt; step-daughter, Brooke Mayne; step-son, Matthew (Tiffany) Mayne; grandchildren, Jeffery (Maddy) Hopsicker, Kevin (Kaiti) Hopsicker, Katie Hopsicker, Morgan Hopsicker, and Leila Mayne; great-grandson, Hughes Hopsicker; sister-in-law, Elaine Quinn Lupo; nephew, nieces, cousins, and many friends. Pat loved nature and all outdoor activities, hiking, skiing, swimming, and windsurfing. A lifetime passion of Pat’s was “baton twirling.” Pat was a competitive twirler in her youth and, later in life, taught baton twirling and dance for 30+ years at several town recreation departments. In August 1995, Pat was inducted into the NY State Twirling Hall of Fame in honor of the thousands of children and adults she had taught to twirl.

Pat’s Celebration of Life Service was held on November 20 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3450 Ridge Road West, Rochester. Contributions in her memory can be made to The Shepherd Home, 1959 Five Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY 14526, and/or Trinity Episcopal Church, 3450 Ridge Road West, Rochester, NY 14626.  Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton.

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