Obituaries

Edwin (Ed) Eveland, 71, of Keuka Park, N.Y. passed away peacefully at his home on March 20, 2023, with his family at his bedside following years of fighting cancer. Thanks go to Wilmot Cancer Center and URMC staff for their care over the past years. He was under the care of Ontario Yates Hospice in his last days and they assisted the family in keeping him comfortable and provided us all with support and comfort. Ed was a career Army Soldier and retired after 22 years of service. His service included paratrooper at Ft. Bragg, N.C. (2nd 508) and then as a Master Parachutist (Jump Master) At Ft. Myer’s, Va. “Old Guard” Guns Platoon his service included participating at the Inauguration of Jimmy Carter and during the Bicentennial Celebration, he participated in the 50-gun salute to the Nation for the 4th of July, the Scottish Military Tattoo at Wolftrap, and the Arrival Ceremony for Queen Elizabeth of England. He also participated in many armed forces Full Honor Ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While in the Army, he completed air assault school, and Drill Sergeant training. As an Army reserve N.C.O. he served in Penn Yan, N.Y. and Milwaukee, Wis. as an Engineer, supervising heavy construction both in the US and in under-developed areas of Central America and Africa. As he neared his final year of military service, he successfully completed the Sergeant Major Academy and then decided to accept retirement and decline the offer of promotion to Sergeant Major which would have mandated he stay a minimum of three additional years and move to a new assignment. Ed loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and shared his passion with others as an avid and knowledgeable sportsman. He was a mentor to many and was happy to share his knowledge and experience, sharing both his sportsman skills and also skills in building, motor vehicle maintenance and home improvement. He is predeceased by his parents Ronald and Leita Eveland and

Joan Stever Hayes, 88, of Penn Yan, N.Y. went to be with Our Lord on March 19, 2023. She was born in the town of Jerusalem in Penn Yan to parents Robert Stever and Gladys Russell Stever. Joan graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1952 and went on to work for Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

Penn Yan - James I. “Jim” Reed, Jr., 77, passed away at Albany Medical Center on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Knafo, a long-time resident of Penn Yan, N.Y. Raymond passed peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, April 11,…

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, our mother, our teacher, our shining light, Bernice Gail Andersen Fingar, 87, of Penn Yan, N.Y. passed away at Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home after a brief illness. Gail was born on February 9, 1936, in Penn Yan to Lester and Mildred (Kennerson) Andersen of Benton Center, N.Y. Gail attended country school in Benton Center for grades 1 through 5, then went on to grades 6 through 12 in the Penn Yan school system. She graduated from Penn Yan Academy third in her class, and as a four-year member of the National Honor Society in 1953. Gail married the love of her life, Burt Fingar, on November 20, 1954. Between periods as a stay-athome mother to raise and nurture her children, Gail worked as a secretary and receptionist for New York State Electric and Gas, local attorneys (Paul R. Taylor/Justin Corcoran; Anthony Geraci; Frederick Dugan/Weston Palmer), and in the Yates County Court System, retiring as County Family Court Clerk, and Deputy Surrogates Court Clerk in 1995. As a youth, Gail was a member of Benton United Methodist Church. As an adult, she was a member of Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does, Women of the Moose, and volunteered for many years at the Moose Lodge. Gail was involved with youth as an elementary school room mother, a Cub Scout den mother, a Brownie Scout leader, with the Penn Yan Little League Auxiliary, and with the Yates Day Care Center as a board member and officer. Gail was also a volunteer (Guardian) with the Yates County ARC, and with the Yates County Office of the Aging. Gail enjoyed bowling (as a member in various leagues), doing crossword puzzles and other word games, playing cards, and entertaining family and friends. She especially enjoyed giving gifts and treats to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gail was predeceased by her husband Burton E. Fingar in 2013, her father Lester Andersen, her mother Mildred Kennerson Andersen Covell, her step-father Ernest Covell, and her sister Joyce (Andersen) and brother-i

Janice “Jannie” Marie McConnell, 74, of Penn Yan, N.Y., passed away peacefully at FF Thompson on April 5, 2023, with her daughter by her side. To honor Jan’s wishes, there will be no funeral or services.

 Penn Yan – James I. “Jim” Reed, Jr., 77, passed away at Albany Medical Center on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Friends may call Tuesday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 1…

Samuel G. Madigan, Sr., 59, of Penn Yan, N.Y., passed away April 2, 2023, after courageous battle with cancer. The family received friends at Weldon Funeral Home, 102 E. Main St., Penn Yan on Thursday, April 6 from 2 - 4 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. He was buried alongside his parents at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception followed at the Mustang Pub following the burial. He was born in Penn Yan on September 6, 1963, the son of the late Francis and Shirley Madigan. Sam worked as a carpenter for Carlson Painting in Seneca Falls for many years. He is survived by his partner and love, Christine Sebring; three sons, Samuel Jr., Shawn, and Seth Madigan; sisters, Patricia Madigan, Alesia Hurlbert, and Melody (Robert Sr) Petersen; five grandchildren, Brianna Struck, Violet Madigan, Finn Madigan, Arizona Madigan, and Blake Thompson; several nieces and nephews, and many, many friends from the Mustang Pub & Tavern. Sam was a die-hard Yankee and Cowboy’s fan, and was an avid outdoor sportsman, hunter and fisherman. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to The Living Well, Penn Yan, NY 14527.

Dale Walter Christensen, 80, of Penn Yan, N.Y. passed away April 8, 2023, in his home. A private graveside service at Benton Rural Cemetery was held at the convenience of the family April 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. Dale was born in Penn Yan on May 26, 1942, the son of late Harold “Henry” and Mildred Christensen. He graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1960 and worked at the former Loblaw’s before enlisting in the U.S. Army June 11, 1964. He was honorably discharged May 31, 1970. After his service, he returned home and continued to work at Loblaw’s, who eventually transitioned to P&C Foods, where he worked until retirement as management. Dale was a member of the American Legion and YATES Antique Tractor and Engine Club. He loved hunting, fishing, farming, and visiting the Adirondacks. After retirement, he continued his love for farming by working on his nephew’s farm, Townridge Farms of Penn Yan. He married Doris Northup (Lane) November 13, 1970, in Penn Yan. They were married 28 years. She predeceased him January 9, 1997. He was also predeceased by his parents, as well as brother and sister-in-law Richard and Denny Christensen.

Richard “Dick” Nielsen, 71, passed away on April 8, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born and raised in Penn Yan, N.Y. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Dorothy Nielsen, and a sister, Peggy. He is survived by his spouse, Phillip Darrow, and their beloved cat, Lee. Richard worked for many years as a bookkeeper in the trucking and auto dealership industries. Later he worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and several retail merchandising companies. Due to ongoing health concerns, he retired early. Along with his husband, he served as a volunteer with Geva Theatre, AIDS Rochester, and several Gay Alliance events over the course of three decades. Over many years, his health steadily declined, and he eventually went to the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece, N.Y., where he passed. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, April 13, 7 p.m. at Spiritus Christi Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St, Rochester, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Yates County Humane