Alumni Notes | October 2026

Born on September 6, 1939, and passing away peacefully on October 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, Merlin E. Reber leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and devotion that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his children, Scott (Karen) Reber, Heidi (Steve) Feenstra, and Sean (Brenda) Reber; and his grandchildren, Jacob (Laurie) Reber, Emily (Nick) Lazor, Luke (Brandon) Reber, Mitchell Rende, Sam Rende, Spencer Feenstra, Emma Feenstra, and Karensa (Kyle) Russell; and his great-grandchildren, Lewin and Wells Reber, Taytum Lazor, Elia Rende, and Arlo Nugent.

For 33 years, he dedicated his career to teaching mathematics, spending the majority of his time in the Hilton School District. While he spent his career teaching numbers and solving equations, his greatest lessons extended far beyond the classroom. He was a natural teacher, a devoted family man, and a man who always found a way to make others laugh.

Known for his wonderful sense of humor, endless jokes, and playful spirit, he brought laughter wherever he went. His grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of sitting with him as he helped them with their math homework, theatric readings of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve each year, and his endless retelling of his riddles and jokes. He had a special way of making even the simplest moments memorable, and his humor and warmth will be deeply missed.

Above all, he was a man of deep devotion who loved God and his family with his whole heart. He cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, finding immeasurable joy in his family. One of the greatest loves of his life was his wife, Dianne. Their bond was a testament to a lifetime of love and commitment. Though his family must now face the difficult days ahead without him, there is comfort in knowing that he is joyfully reunited in Heaven with Dianne, his beloved grandson Connor, his brother Melvin, and many other loved ones.

His family will remember him for his faith, his kindness, his unwavering love, and, of course, the jokes that could always be counted on to bring a smile. He will be deeply missed, but his family takes heart in knowing they will all be reunited again one day in heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Merl’s memory.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Merl’s life on Saturday, November 21st at Pearce Church, 4322 Buffalo Rd. North Chili, NY 14514, at 11 am. Calling hours will be held directly after the service until 1 pm.

https://www.beanandsonsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/merlin-reber/#!/Obituary

Diane M. Caruso – 64 – of Hilton, NY, formerly of Arkport, NY, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma.

Born in Hornell, NY, she was the cherished daughter of Robert and Patricia (Burke) Dwyer. Diane grew up in the Arkport area and graduated from Arkport Central School with the Class of 1980. She followed her calling to care for others by pursuing her RN at Alfred State College. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Roberts Wesleyan University and went on to complete her Master’s Degree.

Diane dedicated more than 40 years to the nursing profession. Although she brought her exceptional skills to several specialized areas, including maternity/obstetrics and aesthetics, oncology was her lifelong passion. For more than 30 years, she poured her heart, knowledge, and profound empathy into caring for people with cancer and supporting their families. She was known for her professionalism, clinical skill, and deeply compassionate nature, which made people feel safe and cared for during some of life’s most difficult moments.

An exceptionally strong and independent woman, Diane’s greatest pride was raising her three beloved children: Chelsie Caruso, Angelo Caruso and Michael Caruso (Tamra Tills). She was also the adoring grandmother of Jaicee, Rosalie, and Cassidy who brought immeasurable light and happiness to her life.

Those who knew Diane will remember her quick wit, strength, faith, and fierce devotion to the people she loved. She found joy in music and expressed her immense love for her family through her passion for cooking and baking, always creating warmth and lasting memories around the table. A lifelong animal lover, Diane shared an especially deep bond with her cherished Chow Chows, Honey and Song, who held a permanent place in her heart.

Diane is survived by her parents, Robert and Patricia Dwyer; her children and grandchildren; and her sisters, Tracy (Mike) Dwyer-Baker, Colleen (Francis) Argentieri, and Meghan Dwyer (Chris Cartella). She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a large, loving network of extended family, colleagues, and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her older brother, Robert P “Bobby” Dwyer and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

https://www.dagonfuneralhome.com/?p=8386

Linda Schwab Cutler, a beloved, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away suddenly on September 7, 2026, at her home in St. Augustine, FL. She was born on August 19, 1946 in Corinth, NY, to the late Rev. Harold and Ruth Beckwith Schwab. Raised in a family rooted in faith and compassion, Linda carried these values throughout her life, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Linda graduated from Cassadaga Valley High School in Sinclairville, in 1964 and pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Roberts Wesleyan College, North Chili. Her passion for nurturing young minds led her to complete a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Fredonia. Her career began as a Social Worker at the North Haven home for pregnant girls in Rochester. Upon moving to Oklahoma City, OK, in 1972, and after dedicating years to raising her children, Linda embraced her calling as a preschool teacher. In 1982, the family relocated to Gerry, where she opened Happy Hours Daycare and cared for many children over the years until her retirement.

In her personal life, Linda was blessed with a long joyful marriage to Donald Cutler, whom she married on May 26, 1967, in North Chili, NY. Together, they shared 59 wonderful years, filled with love, faith, and family. They raised two children, Kimberly (George) Sisson and Edward Cutler, and were blessed with four grandsons, George Sisson III, Jacob Sisson, Andrew Sisson, and Charles (Emily Crouse) Sisson, and two great-grandchildren, George Sisson IV and Elizabeth Sisson.

Linda's life was enriched by her deep involvement in her church and community. A lifetime member of the Free Methodist Church and the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, she also served on the Cassadaga Valley School Board. Upon retiring and moving to St. Augustine, FL, she became an active member of the First United Methodist Church of St. Augustine, where she continued to share her faith and kindness in the church's ministry to the homeless population in keeping with her calling to care for people.

Linda's hobbies reflected her love for family and community.  Whether camping at Camp Chautauqua, cheering at her grandsons' sporting events and marching band competitions, or enjoying walks and dinners out while hosting vacationing friends and family in St. Augustine, she cherished every moment spent with loved ones. She travelled occasionally to visit her son in Nashville, TN and spent several weeks in Gerry, in the summer to spend time with family and friends and volunteer at the Gerry Rodeo. Her passion for Oklahoma Sooner Football was unwavering, and she was a devoted fan throughout her life.

Her warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Linda was known as a Prayer Warrior. She enjoyed a cup of coffee with a listening ear and imparted practical advice with loving wisdom. She was a mother to many who were not her own. She had a way of making everyone she met feel welcome and special, especially children. Her marriage to Don was an inspiration and together they became a pillar of love and unity to all who knew them.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Donald Cutler; her children, Kimberly and Edward; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister Alice Murray; and her close friend, Martha Hall. She was predeceased by her parents, Rev. Harold and Ruth Schwab. 

Linda Cutler's life is a testament to love, faith, and dedication. We rejoice with her that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know her.

https://jordansinclairville.com/tribute/details/2590/Linda-Cutler/obituary.html#content-start

Gerald A. McConnell, 82, of Jamestown and Clermont, FL, passed away peacefully Monday August 24, 2026, in UPMC Hamot, Erie with his daughter by his side.

He was born March 20, 1944, in Watertown, NY, a son of the late Woodrow and Delores Dorr McConnell.

He received his bachelor's degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and went on to earn a master's degree in chemistry from Syracuse University.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Falconer Central School District as a chemistry teacher for 32 years. He was also the golf coach for many years He earned the Channel 7 golf coach of the year in 1987.

He was a member of Fluvanna Community Church where he had served as a deacon.

Jerry was a man of strong faith. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, gardening, and going on cruises with his wife.

He will always be remembered for having a smile on his face and you could always count on a corny joke or two.

Surviving are two children Sherri (Dennis) Goodwill of Jamestown and Todd (Beth-Ann) McConnell of Carlisle, PA; grandchildren Christopher Goodwill, Jennifer (Justin) Johnson, Curtis Goodwill, Tray and Tyler McConnell and great grandchildren Alexa and Stella Goodwill, Aubrey, Alivia and Arielle Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lois Sawyer McConnell, whom he married June 18, 1966, and who died December 6, 2025; two great grandsons Bryce and Jack Goodwill and a brother Gary McConnell.

https://www.lindfuneralhome.com/obituaries/gerald-mcconnell