Alumni Notes | January 2026

Pastor Wallace J. “Wally” Mapes Jr. of 64 Foster Hollow, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Friday (Jan. 16, 2026), following a brief illness.

He was born Feb. 13, 1944, in Lockport, N.Y., to Wallace J. Mapes Sr. and Ruby Martin Mapes.

He graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1963 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps until 1967. Wally held several careers, including law enforcement and car sales before answering his true calling after finding Christ. He pursued ministry and graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1988.

On Sept. 30, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and love.

Pastor Wally carried the Word of Christ across the country, evangelizing in various churches before founding Healing Reigns Fellowship in 2007. He was well known in the community and could often be found at local establishments enjoying a cup of coffee and striking up conversations with everyone he met. His greatest passion was sharing the love and message of Christ with others. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle who cherished time spent with family and friends. Wally had a rare gift for making people feel seen, loved and full of hope within moments of meeting them. He made it a point to know everyone’s name and bring a smile to each interaction, and he never left a penny behind if he found one. His legacy of faith, kindness and unwavering love will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Wally was a proud member of Six Nation Indian Reservation of the Mohawk Tribe in Canada and deeply honored his heritage throughout his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Ruth; three sons, Joe (Patricia) Mapes of Vance, Ala., Randy (Chris) Calkins of Honeoye Falls, N.Y., and Adam (Angela) Mapes of Hamlin, N.Y.; and one daughter, Julie Mapes, and her significant other, Edward Prince, of Bradford. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Randi, Kristopher, Ashlyn, Hunter, Brayden, Ryan, Jarrett, Camryn, Robbie, Devin, Austin and Damien; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and James Mapes; and one sister, Joan Wilsey.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at First Church of God, 142 Main St., Eldred, with Pastor James Kazimer and Pastor Jamie Metcalfe co-officiating. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Healing Reigns Fellowship, P.O. Box 291, Kill Buck, NY 14748.

https://www.lombardofuneralhome.com/obituaries/wallace-mapes-jr

Rochester - Ellen M. Long passed away on January 4, 2026 at the age of 85. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Emma Meyers.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Art; her children, David (Kim) Long, Ruth (Peter) Braun, Mark (Crystal) Long, and Nancy Long; her grandchildren, Matthew (Myndi), Isaiah, Katie, Joshua, Gregory, and Samuel; and her sister, Nancy Meyers.

Ellen stayed home to raise her children and care for her family. When her children were older she worked as a teacher's aide for BOCES in Spencerport.  She was a faith filled woman who loved the Lord and was a devoted member of  Parma Christian Fellowship Church. Ellen's passion for her church inspired her to write "Joy Bells", a curriculum for Sunday School.  In her leisure, she enjoyed reading and doing puzzles. Most of all she loved her family.  She will be deeply missed.

https://www.burgerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Ellen-M-Long?obId=46861222

Doris Joan Peterson, age 91, of Troy, OH passed away on December 30, 2025 at StoryPoint of Troy. She was born on June 1, 1934 in Rochester, NY to the late Homer John and Bonita Marie (Perry) Knights.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years of marriage: Peter J. Peterson; son and daughter-in-law: Steven and Joan Peterson; daughter: Donna Farr; four grandchildren: Ashley (Nathanael) Smith, Gregory Peterson, Haley (Ryan) Miller and Jacob (Courtney) Farr; six great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her 6 siblings.

Joan attended Brockport State Teacher’s College, Roberts Wesleyan College and graduated from University of Texas at Denton with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She served as an educator at several school systems over the span of her career. She was deeply loved by her students and colleagues. Joan enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting and needle pointing. The greatest joys of her life were her two children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Private Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery in Troy.

https://www.bairdfuneralhome.com/obituary/DorisJoan-Peterson

Guy Rayner, of Eatontown, New Jersey, passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born on January 21, 1948, in West New York, New Jersey, to Helen and Phillip Rayner, who predeceased him.

Guy graduated from Middletown High School in 1966. He went on to receive the DAR Citizenship Award to attend Roberts Wesleyan University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He continued his graduate studies at Murray State University in Kentucky, earning a master’s degree, and was recognized in Who’s Who in American Universities in 1970.

Guy devoted his professional career to public service, working for the Department of Defense at Fort Monmouth until its closure. He was a highly awarded employee, respected for his dedication, professionalism, and strong sense of patriotism.

Following his retirement, Guy embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity, traveling extensively to destinations ranging from Alaska to the Mediterranean. He also became a devoted and active member of the Presbyterian Church on the Hill in Ocean, New Jersey. A person of deep faith, Guy took his spirituality seriously and lived according to the values it instilled in him.

Guy is survived by his loving sister, Gail Alverson.

https://www.app.com/obituaries/pnys1369257

Jim Harriff of Manlius passed away on December 14th, after a determined 2½-year battle with cancer, maintaining a positive attitude and a love of life every moment of that journey. Born in Seattle, Jim was a graduate of Brighton High School and Roberts Wesleyan University and earned his Master of Divinity from Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. Before his professional career, his experience with Cross Counter Ministries in Newark, New Jersey affected and shaped him profoundly. Jim served as Pastor for several churches, most recently the First Baptist Church of New Hartford, which hosted a celebration of his 30 years of ordained ministry this fall. He served as Treasurer for the American Baptist Churches of New York State for 14 years and loved singing with The Barnstormers and The Master's Touch Chorale, singing at the White House on three occasions. Jim and his wife, Rev. Suzi Harriff, shared their music ministry at the Syracuse Nationals, coffeehouses, and many churches, especially treasuring their many years at Otter Lake Community Church, and they traveled regularly to Rwanda, partnering with several ministry organizations there.

Jim was also a Realtor, first with William-Alan Real Estate, then with RE/MAX, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and later with Jim Harriff Realty. He served as a Director and President of the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors and was recognized as GSAR Realtor of the Year. He also founded the Central New York chapter of the Council of Residential Specialists, serving as its first President and later named CRS of the Year. Unwilling to fully retire, Jim continued to consult on property sales, and completed his drone pilot certification, providing photos to clients, churches, family, and friends.

Remembering him with love are his wife Suzi, son Michael, beloved cat Murakoze, siblings Jack (Carole) Harriff, Martha (Dale) Mack, David (Gaila) Harriff, and numerous wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members, along with many good friends, colleagues, and partners in ministry. He was predeceased by his parents, Rev. Robert and Jane Harriff, and his youngest brother, Mark.

We are deeply grateful to the stellar team at Upstate Cancer Center, especially Dr. Rahul Seth, whose compassionate care was a true gift, and who all inspired Jim to donate his body to Upstate Medical University for research.

Family and friends are invited to join in sharing and remembrance on Friday, February 6th from 4-7pm at B.L.Bush & Sons Funeral Home, 10 Genesee Street in Camillus, and to a Service of Celebration on Saturday, February 7th at 11am at Mission Hope Community, 23 Genesee Street in Camillus. To continue Jim's legacy of ministry and service, we invite contributions to the Blessing Fund at Mission Hope Community.

https://obits.syracuse.com/us/obituaries/syracuse/name/james-harriff-obituary?id=60538004

Rebecca Lee Colson Sandel of Tuscaloosa, AL, died October 12, 2025, at her home after a long illness. She was born August 10, 1937, in New York State to Lewis Colson and The Rev. Helen Hanley Colson.

She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 69 years, Robert Loyd Sandel. Her children, April Joy Connell (Larry LaGrone) of Northport, AL, Lorrie Sandel Lane (Dr. Alan Lane) of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Dr. Todd Lyle Sandel (Donna Ching-Kuei Sandel) of Macao, China, will miss her deeply. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Elizabeth Lane (Chase Bryan), Sean Miller Lane, Charles Lane (Fatima Carbajal), Sarah Sandel (Jordan Ho), Robert Sandel (Amanda Knaup), and Pearl Sandel, as well as great-grandchildren Brooklyn Bryan and Estelle Bryan. She is also survived by her sister, Judith Colson Ganton, and brother, Dr. Theodore Colson, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was known to her family and many friends as ‘Becky.’ Always outgoing and energetic, she attended Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY, and later graduating from Hobart William Smith College in Geneva, NY (1977). She received a Master's in Social Work degree from Syracuse University in 1982. Becky was elected to the Midlakes School District School Board in Clifton Springs, NY, in the 1970s. Her life of service extended to her chosen profession of family counselor and addiction therapist. After her employment as a counselor for several agencies in western New York, Becky retired in 1997 and moved to Tuscaloosa, AL.

Becky loved her family, her church, and her many friends. She constantly served others by volunteering, most recently with Tuscaloosa International Friends. She enjoyed travel, downhill ski trips, entertaining, church mission trips, gardening, and cleaning house. She spent countless hours teaching children’s church, leading church women’s events, and participating in spiritual retreats. She and husband Bob built a cottage at Pine Grove Camp in Saratoga, NY, enjoying many summers up north.’ Becky welcomed all without reservation. Her hospitality extended to creating and sending cards to all whom she knew.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tuscaloosa-al/rebecca-sandel-12554893

MARION: Entered into rest suddenly on September 16, 2025 at the age of 59. He is predeceased by his parents, Peter (Jean) Raes; and sister, Carol;. Survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Heather; daughters, Brianne (Abbie Porcello) Raes, Brenna (Jackson) Hansen; grandchildren, Nora and Oliver Hansen, Sydney Vailancourt; brother, Charles “Butch” (Becky) Raes; sister, Lucille (Robert) Sprong; mother and father-in-law, William (Margaret) Liddle; brother-in-law, Jeff Liddle; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mark has an immense passion for sports, encompassing activities such as watching games, playing various sports, and coaching aspiring athletes. His dedication has earned him the endearing nickname "Coach Dad" from many athletes in the Marion community, reflecting the strong bond he has formed with them. In addition to his love for sports, Mark cherishes the time he spends with his family, often immersing himself in creative projects, and building unique furniture for his daughters. Yet, the title that brings him the most pride and happiness is "DA," which he adores hearing from his grandchildren, highlighting the special connection he shares with them.

https://www.stevensfhmarion.com/obituaries/Mark-E-Raes?obId=45455156#/obituaryInfo

Pearl “Pearlaceous” Louise Neil, age 76, of Branson, Missouri, went home to her heavenly father on August 25, 2025. She entered this world on June 27, 1949, in Abington, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Gerald and Grace (Laning) Rushik whom she was preceded in death by. Pearl was joined in marriage on September 17, 1994, to Richard K. Neil.

With her enduring faith, Pearl loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. From an early age she had a passion for music and desired an accordion, which she was gifted one Christmas. From that time Pearl became a prodigy of music, playing the accordion, organ, piano, and keyboard while also writing gospel music and singing. She became a musical teacher sharing her gift with others. After meeting her husband, Rick, they both became Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the many children that came to see them during the Christmas season. Pearl treasured her two dogs: Micah and Niki. She was a loving, kind, and compassionate person who would lend her ear to anyone who needed to share what was on their mind. Pearl will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

She is survived by her husband of thirty-one years, Richard K. Neil; brother and his family: William and Dawn Rushik, Shane and Shana (Luke and Seth), J.R. and Kim (Ryan, Jeremiah, and Nathan), favorite niece, Julie Rushik, and Merriett and Lance (Javan, Cosette, Violet, and Alexandria); and brother and his family: Thomas and Holly Rushik, Philip and Quinn (Orson), and Daniel and Elyse (Jonah). Pearl is also survived by a sister-in-law and family: Marcia Neil Jordan, Gregory Neil Jordan.

https://www.cremationsoftheozarks.com/obituaries/Pearl-Pearlaceous-Louise-Neil?obId=44911801

Passed peacefully May 2, 2025 at the age of 99, at her daughter's home in Portageville, NY.

She is survived by her daughters, Dawn (Vincent) Terziani and Cyd Peace ; seven grandchildren; sister in law, Dorothy Jennings; nieces, Debra Gosbee, Rhonda Esley, Karla Esley; nephews John Jennings, Randall Esley.

Predeceased by her husband, Glen C. DeBack; Jef Peace; parents John and Ethel Jennings; siblings, Edna Jennings, Arthur Jennings, Esther (Elwyn) Esley; niece Lucinda Ellis and nephew, Charles Jennings.

Edith loved singing in the choir and her voice graced the congregations of many churches in her life. Her devotion to God's ministry shown through her support to missionaries and volunteering at church. An avid rose gardener and seamstress, she also enjoyed bowling into her seventies.  She worked at Eastman Kodak; and Chase Lincoln for many years in the loan and bonds department.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Trinity Reformed Church or a charity in her memory.

https://www.newcomerrochester.com/obituaries/edith-deback

Elizabeth “Beth” A. Spetz, 94, of Youngsville, PA, and formerly of Grant St., Warren, passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Rouse Home. Beth was born August 9, 1929, in North Tonawanda, NY, the daughter of the late Fred Schnittker Jr. and Ada Iulg Schnittker. She was employed as a supervisor for General Motors for over 40 years from which she retired. Beth attended the First Church of the Nazarene where she was active in the Ladies Bible Study. Beth is survived by her three children, Lesa Kohr and husband Jim of N. Chili, NY, Sally Chapman of Australia, and Tim Lucie of Comstock, NY; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Rheta Klumpp and Joyce Conrad; brother, David Schnittker; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Beth was preceded in death on October 25, 2007, by her husband, William L. Spetz; and a son, Thomas Lucie.

https://www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com/obituary/ElizabethBeth-Spetz

Charles W. Beck, 73, "The Unoffical Mayor of Charlestown, RI" died suddenly on Tuesday March 19, 2024, at Rhode Island Hospital.

Born in Hartford, CT., on May 18, 1950, he was the son of the late Charles J. and Elenor (Kautz) Beck.

Charlie graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, NY. In the 1980s he became co-owner of the Charlestown Mini Super and was still working at the time of his passing.

Mr. Beck was an active in the Town of Charlestown civic affairs and had been past President of the Charlestown Town Council. He also, was a long-time member of the South County Tourism Association.

Charlie loved playing golf and had played his last round on Monday afternoon at Pinecrest Golf Course. He was a member of the South County Umpires Assoc. officiating at many baseball and softball games.

Charlie will be remembered for good character, sense of humor and his unwavering selflessness.

He was the proud loving father of his two sons, Calvin Beck and Cooper Beck. He also leaves his sisters and brother, Deborah Berry of Bloomfield, CT, Timothy Beck of Charlestown, RI and Kathleen Beck of Westminster, MA. He was the longtime dear friend and companion of Darlene DeSantis. He also leaves his former wife Wendy Beck.

https://www.buckler-johnston.com/obituaries/Charles-W-Beck?obId=35126330