Obituaries

OAKFIELD – Doreen A. Johns, 71, of Oakfield passed away on Saturday (September 2, 2023) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. 

Ms. Johns was born October 23, 1951 in Batavia, a daughter of Wilbur Easton of Oakfield and the late Julia (Mikolajczyk) Easton.

Doreen was a long time faithful parishioner of St. Padre Pio Parish – St. Cecilia’s Church in Oakfield. She enjoyed traveling with friends, knitting Christmas stockings and blankets, and teaching children. Most of all she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. 

Surviving along with her father are her children, Robert (Kathy) Johns of Stafford, Juliette Hyatt of Oregon, and Lynnette (Mike) Morris of Oakfield; grandchildren, Nash and Peyton Johns, Lucas and Derrick Hyatt, and Garrett Morris; brothers, Gerald (Bernadette) Easton of Alabama, and John (Kim) Easton of Akron; sister, Marianne (Rich) Cupler of Pavilion. The father of her children, Howard Johns of Batavia along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Doreen is preceded in death by her nephew, Eric Easton.

There will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend Doreen’s Celebration of Life Mass on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish – St. Cecilia’s Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Doreen donated her body to UB Medical School therefore burial will be in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or St. Padre Pio Parish. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com. 

Alexander J. Sczepanski passed away peacefully at his home in Bennington on August 31, 2023 at the age of 88. Alexander was born in Bennington on May 25, 1935 to the late Leo and Sophia (Muniak)

Sczepanski. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Jane F. Meyer Sczepanski, his brothers, Vincent (Genevieve) Sczepanski, Albert (Dorothy) Sczepanski, his sister, Florence (Vernon) Rennicks, his grandson, Jeremy Sczepanski, and his step-grandson Dean Cullinan.

Mr. Sczepanski is survived by his children, Dennis (Ellie) Sczepanski of Bergen, Mark (Kathy) of Lancaster, Jeffrey (Arlene) Sczepanski of Corfu, Kevin (Helen) Sczepanski of Texas, and Kimberly (Steven) Palmer of Arkansas. As well as his nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial, if desired, may be made to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program at 225 Farber Hall, Buffalo, NY 14414-3000.

There will be no calling hours. Arrangements will be at the convenience of the family.

Lisa Marie Boxler, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023 in her home surrounded by her family and close friends. She was born on October 2, 1963 in Zanesville, Ohio, to Carol Hathaway of Varysburg and the late Ernest Ray of McConnelsville. Lisa was the granddaughter of the late Bradford and Faye Cunningham and Luciel Bean Luce.

Lisa worked at Boxler Dairy Farm, picking up machine parts and always making sure the trucks and tractors never ran out of fuel. She was also known to bring back milkshakes for the guys.

Lisa loved Ohio, animals, traveling, hunting, fishing, cooking (especially her special chicken), camping, taking trips to the casino, playing dice, cards, going out for enchiladas and spending time with her family and friends. She was a very welcoming person and loved to be around people. Strangers became friends and friends quickly became family.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Boxler, daughter, Laken (Joe) Urtel, sons, Bradford Boxler and Gregory Boxler, mother, Carol Hathaway, stepfather, Darryl Hathaway, brother, Richard (Tammy) Ray, sisters, Lori (Keith) Helm, Krystal (Scotty) Sergeant, grandson, Talon George, granddaughters, Sicilia Urtel and Brielle Boxler, as well as cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She will be loved and missed by so many.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 3 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, 2311 Route 98, Varysburg, NY 14167. She will be laid to rest St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Varysburg.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Charlotte House, 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113 or to Varysburg Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Batavia – Thomas L. Russell, age 78, of Francis Rd, passed away Saturday evening (Sept. 2) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

He was born November 11, 1944 in Buffalo, a son of the late Lester & Dorothy Hyde Russell.

Tom will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother and uncle, who loved, cared for and doted on his family with every fiber of his being.  His humor brought a smile to anyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.  He enjoyed taking care of his lawn and gardening with his wife, helping out with whatever was needed at his daughter’s dance studio, shopping, spending time with his grandchildren, and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 53 years, Nadine Waite Russell; children, Thomas M. Russell and Kristin (Chad) Alquist; grandchildren, Devin Tyczka, Drake Tyczka, Gunnar Alquist, Tanner Alquist, Addison Alquist; siblings, Bev (late Patrick) Mooney, Judith (late Maurice) Atkins, Bruce (late Cheryl) Russell, Patricia (James) Ehmann, Edward (Pamela) Russell; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, September 9 from 9:30-11:00 A.M at West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Rd, East Bethany with a service to immediately follow at 11 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or to West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Road, East Bethany, New York 14054. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

LeRoy ~ Michael J. Spadacino, age 85, of East Avenue, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

   He was born September 20, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Anthony and Laura Ruffino Spadacino.

     Mike will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, who cherished his grandchildren.  He was a proud US Army veteran, enjoyed gardening and was an avid sports fan, especially with the Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees.

     He is survived by his children, Michael (Julianna) Spadacino of FL, Annemarie (Mark) Brower of Rochester and Mark Spadacino of FL; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Bo) Bell, Michael Roney, Merchon (Ryan) Hargrave, Samantha Brower, Monica Brower and Alexandria Scheible; great-grandchild, Rowan Hargrave; sisters, Mary Rose Spadacino and Sharon Spadacino, both of FL; brothers-in-law, Allen Ruge and A. Edward O’Geen, along with many nieces and nephews. 

     He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth O’Geen Spadacino in 2013 and sister, Patricia Ruge.

     Family and friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. Private interment will follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Notre Dame Sports Boosters, 73 Union Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mike’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Pavilion – William “Bill” Weber, age 89, passed away Saturday evening (August 26, 2023) at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia.    

 He was born August 23, 1934 in Covington, a son of the late Harry and Addie Murphy Weber.

     Bill attended Pavilion Central School. He worked at Yale and Towne in Batavia for many years.  He was a Korean War veteran and also a big Buffalo Bills fan.

     He is survived by his daughters; Emily Trahan of Castile, Marcia (Gary Moore) Weber of Albion and Linda (Jeff) Hyde of Corfu; granddaughters, Nicole Danser, Brooke (Ronald) Tombari, Kristen (Joseph) Dux, Rachel (Kyle) and Spach (Rafael); great-grandchildren, Brianna, Jade, Tripp and Fig; his sisters; Genevieve Hint of Perry, Vera Pursel of Pavilion and June (Marlow) Leake of York; sister-in-law, Mary Weber of Pavilion, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Bill was predeceased by his wife, Connie Porter Weber, daughter, Lori Brightenfield and siblings, Maurice, Harry, Mary Eva, Elwood, Kenneth, Jake, John Weber and Elva Draper.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, September 6 from 11 AM ~ 12 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19) in LeRoy, where his funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM.  Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Ash Cemetery, Old State Road, Covington.

     The family would like to thank those who took care of Bill at the Veteran’s Home.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bill’s family. 

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Bill’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Batavia - Patsy Alene  Puckett Hauger, 79 of Batavia passed away on June 20, 2023 in Batavia.

Ms. Hauger was born April 13, 1944 in Long Beach, California.

There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in Johnsonburg Cemetery, 2320 Centerline Road in Johnsonburg.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Rose V. (Moscicki) Jacques, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 29, 2023 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. She was born in Batavia on December 2nd, 1932 to the late Bronislaus and Victoria (Twardowski) Moscicki. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Milton W. Jacques; her brothers, Alfred (Mary) Moscicki, Raymond (Dorothy) Moscicki, Joseph (Lillian) Moscicki, Edward (Esther) Moscicki and Henry (Rosalyn) Moscicki; her sisters Genevieve (James) Walker, Irene Michalak, Antoinette (Leo) Feary and Gladys (Walter) Konieczka; infant grandson, John D. Hale Jr.

Rose was a 1950 graduate of Batavia High School. She took pride in being a homemaker for most of her life. She did work for short periods of time at Kodak, Kisiel Die Casting and at Batavia Downs in the Kiddy Stand”. She was a member of Ascension Parish, formerly Sacred Heart Church, her entire life. She waitressed with her dear sister Genevieve “Bubbles” for church hall functions, parties and weddings for many years. Rose was very proud of her Polish heritage, polka music and cooking Polish dishes. She enjoyed painting and making an assortment of crafts with her husband. She loved to be out in her yard gardening, tending to her beautiful flowers and playing bingo.

Mrs. Jacques is survived by her children; Robert (Barbara) Jacques, Donna (Lisa Blandi) Jacques, Cathy (Ritchie Tibbs) Jacques, Daniel (Victoria) Jacques and Victoria (Rob Geandreau) Jacques. Grandchildren; Allyssia, Kimberly, Angela, Brandon, Megan and Marissa. Great grandchildren; Alexa, Lucas, Rachel, Cameron, Brennan, Brayden, Dylan and Elynde. Sister in laws, Mary Jacques Crothers, Shirley Picanso of Massachusetts, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the extraordinary staff at the New York State Veterans Home for the wonderful loving care Rose received in the short time she resided there. Their compassion and kindness will never be forgotten.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for distribution to local charities. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Alan R. Murray, 77, of Batavia passed away on August 25, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born on May 1, 1946 in Bangor, Maine to the late Elmer and Arlene (Hailey) Murray. He was also preceded in death by his brother Wallace (Jasmine) Murray. 

He is survived by his daughter; Julie (Eric) Stock; son David (Amy) Murray; four Grandchildren Emily, Alyson, Owen and Sara; sister Joan (Edward) Brady along with several nieces and nephews.

Alan was a Seaman for The United States Navy. He retired in 1996 after a 26 year career as a New York State Corrections Officer. Alan was a Diehard Boston Red Sox fan and he enjoyed country music and the music of Del Shannon.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 1:00PM Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday September 13, 2023 at the Western New York National Cemetery 1254 Indian Falls Rd. Corfu, NY 14036; Anyone that plans on attending this Service, please arrive at 12:45PM. 

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Jean L. Wasiulewski, 69 of Oakfield, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, August 28, 2023. She was born February 1, 1954 in Batavia, to the late William H. and Mary L. (Irion) Sweet. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry S. Wasiulewski, granddaughter, April Angel Diaz, siblings, Mary Ann Alban, Elizabeth Shea, William G. Sweet, Richard D. Sweet.

Jean worked at the Oakfield Hotel for years. She enjoyed playing Bingo, going to the casino, birdwatching especially cardinals, and any outdoor activity with her husband. In her later years she spent half her time in Arizona with her best friends, Paulette and Beanie. Jean adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they were her everything.   

She is survived by her beloved children, Rachil (Nick) Pontillo, Travis (Stacie) Wasiulewski, Crystal (Scott) Dugan, Jeri (Heidi) Wasiulewski, MaryAnn (Adam Young) Forsha, brothers, James (Cindy) Sweet, Kenneth (Karen) Sweet, 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours, a Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.   Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Chad G. Pratt, 55 of Oakfield, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (August 26, 2023) at his residence.

He was born July 19, 1968 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Norman and Eileen Burgett Pratt.

Chad was employed by Mobile Air Transport of Cheektowaga. He was a member of the Alabama Vol. Fire Department, the Sportsman’s Coon Hunters Association and Thursday Night Horseshoe League. Chad was an avid Yankees, Bills, Sabres, NASCAR fan and loved fishing.  His love of those teams showed in the tattoos he proudly wore.  His infectious and gregarious laugh was his calling card and would bring smiles and joy when it was heard.  Meeting you with a beer in hand and a joke at the ready, he lit up the room.  He had a deep love for his family and his lifelong “Brothers” Pat, Jeff, and John.  He would always say “I Love You Man” when they parted ways. 

Survivors include his siblings, Norma Bauer of Texas, Patricia Dick of Canandaigua, Bettyjo (David) Gizzi of Hamburg, Sherry (Andy) Coppi of Texas, Norman (Debbie) Pratt of Darien and Kelley (Scott) Smith of Virginia. Daughter Corey (Matt) Scarborough, and the apple of his eye, his granddaughters Olivia and Ava Scarborough. Stepdaughter Elizabeth (Brette Hensely) Johnson-Walsh. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and his feline friends, Skittles and Girlie.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (Sept. 1^st) from 5-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Burial will be in Morganville Cemetery, Stafford, NY.

Donations in his name may be made to the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Amelia Christina Sheelar, 85, of East Bethany, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Amelia was born July 22, 1938 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Ralph and Mary (Avino) Parise.

Amelia was a member of Resurrection Parish.  She enjoyed baking, watching the birds, bowling, spending time with her family, friends and her beloved dog, JoJo.  Amelia was a receptionist for Dr. Guy Patterson, D.D.S. in Batavia.

Surviving are her children, Christine (Troy) Taggart of Greensburg, PA, Mark (Traci) Sheelar of Alexander, Peter (Ann Marie) Sheelar of Stafford and Gregory (Denise Rader) Sheelar of Batavia; her sister, Mary Marchese of LeRoy and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Amelia is the wife of the late Gerald Anthony Sheelar and sister of the late Carmon Parise, Ralph Parise, Salvatore Parise, Frances Cirillo and Jovanna Russell.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. also on Thursday.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter, www.alz.org/wny?form=alz_donate or your local SPCA.  

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Susan Vaccaro, 62, of Batavia, NY passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 21, 2023 at her home.

Susan was born Saturday, October 22nd, 1960 in Buffalo, New York, daughter of the late John Paul Ianni Sr. and Philomena (Colarusso) Ianni.

Susan graduated from Bishop McMahon in 1978. She married the love of her life, James R. Vaccaro on August 16, 2003 at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. She worked as an administrative assistant for Person Centered Services in Batavia, NY.

She enjoyed exploring thrift stores, decorating, and loved cooking and baking for her friends and family.

Susan is survived by her husband, James; her siblings John Jr. (Joanne) Ianni, Richard (Lia) Ianni, Cynthia (Louis) Horvath, and Paul (Lynn) Ianni; step daughters Amanda (Ben) Pearce, Jaclyn Vaccaro (Matt LoBuglio), grandson Edward Pearce, and her nieces, nephews and friends.

In death, Susan is reunited with her parents, John and Philomena Ianni and her godfather John Colarusso.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner Funeral Home, Batavia. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 9 th at 10:00 am at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden Ave. Buffalo, NY 14211.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, PO Box 448, Buffalo, NY 14215.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Frances I. Kowalik, 98 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.

Frances was born Wednesday, October 1st, 1924 in East Oakfield, New York a daughter of the late Raymond Finnican and Anabelle (Samson) Finnican.

She was a former president of the Batavia Lions Club and a lifelong member of Resurrection Roman Catholic Church. Frances enjoyed entertaining company, spending time with her friends and golfing. She was passionate about her work, serving as a registered nurse for Dr. Baker for over 30 years, and then retiring from New York School for the Blind.  

Frances is survived by her nephew, Robert Finnican, and her friend Lorraine Kuczynski.

In death Frances is reunited with her parents, Raymond and Anabelle Finnican, and her brother Ronald Finnican.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 30th, 2023  from 2:00 pm  to 4:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia .  Frances's funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Resurrection Roman Catholic Church - St Joseph Worship Site, 303 E Main St, Batavia, NY 14020

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Donald L. Grieger (Don), 89, well known Batavia artist, passed away August 21, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Louise (Bachinger), two daughters, Dr. Dara Grieger and Kimberly Grieger, nieces and nephews.

Don, a native of Niles, MI., held BS and MS degrees from the University of Michigan and The Air Force Institute of Technology. His working career was divided between the military (USAF), private industry (Xerox), and academia (GCC). In the 1970s he began oil painting and discovered a passion that directed the rest of his life. He was basically self-taught with help from a few workshops. He was pleased when he was invited to join the Batavia Society of Artists.

He and the late John Hodgins began a tradition of meeting Saturday mornings, rain or shine, at Miss Batavia Diner for coffee, conversation and cinnamon rolls, then going out to paint whatever field, farm or street scene that caught their attention. They gradually expanded to include other like-minded painters and evolved into The All Weather Gang. For more than 30 years they have become a familiar sight, with easels set up, battling the elements wherever the landscape draws them.

Eventually Don began entering shows, winning awards and recognition. He became an artist member of several prestigious art organizations. He was a long-time member of The Salmagundi Club, NYC, the oldest art organization in the USA. In 2017 he was honored to be awarded Emeritus status. He was also honored with Emeritus status in the Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters, Rochester, NY. He is listed in Who's Who in American Art.

For six years he and Louise operated a summer gallery in the historic Rocky Neck Art Colony, Gloucester, MA, which draws collectors from all over the world. Don's paintings are in public and private collections in almost every state, throughout Canada and Europe as well as South America and Australia. Don considered himself a painter, not an artist. He felt history should decide if what he created was art.

As he requested, any Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Anyone who wishes to remember him can send donations to the Don Grieger Plein Air Award at: GVPAP, Inc. 44 Meadow Cove Rd. Pittsford, NY 14534 or The Don Grieger Landscape Award at: Rochester Art Club c/o Gabriele Lodder (RAC Treasurer) 977 Pathway Lane Webster, NY 14580. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.