Obituaries

She was a loving and caring mother, wife and beloved friend who had a smile and uplifting words for all the people she met.   She was a graduate of Batavia High School and a retiree of Genesee Community College where she worked for 21 years.  She was also very devoted to her faith as an active member of St. Anthony’s Church on Liberty Street in Batavia where she taught church school and was involved in many committees and activities.  She enjoyed spending time with her large family and many friends on the southside of Batavia. 

She is survived by her sons Michael (Joan Carr), Paul (Vera Olijnyk) and Patrick (Traci Purtell), daughter in-law Cathy Pontillo, thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and her life-long best friend Janet Telga of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.   

Due to current restrictions, traditional services are not possible. Immediate family will attend Pauline’s interment in the St. Joseph Mausoleum on Ellicott Street in Batavia, NY on Wednesday, May 20^th. At 11:30AM friends and family are invited to drive through the St. Joe’s Cemetery at that time.   

The family wishes to thank the hard-working staff of The Brightonian Nursing Home in Rochester and The Gilmartin Funeral Home in Batavia for their tender care and thoughtful service.

Donations in Pauline’s memory can be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020.  For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia - Joanne M. Wagner, 84, of Batavia, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Rochester General Hospital.

Mrs. Wagner was born June 24, 1935, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Peter and Theresa Schiavone Della Penna.

She is survived by her husband, Richard T. Wagner, whom she married November 6, 1954; her children; Richard (Deb) Wagner, Sr. of Batavia, Robin (late Wayne) Bassett of Batavia and Deborah (Ron) Gibson of Batavia;  four grandchildren; Roy Watson, Jr., Sarah (Kevin) Copeland, Rich (Jennifer) Wagner, Jr. and Ashley Gibson; six great-grandchildren; Jayce Wagner, Gavynn Trippany, Kendra Watson, Tyler, Dylan & Letti Copeland; two sisters; Mary Bregg of Medina and Rose Glatz of East Bethany; three sisters-in-law; Betty Pfalk of Clarence, Esther (Richard) Brown of Lockport and Nancy Forbes of Lockport along with several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brothers; Peter, Thomas and Sam Della Penna.

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joanne's memory may be made to American Heart Association, 5488 Sheridan Dr #300, Williamsville, New York 14221 or National Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 678572 Dallas, Texas 75267-8572. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

During World War II she met the love of her life, Harry Pappalardo who was stationed in North Africa during the war. They married November 15, 1943. After 3 months of marriage, Harry was sent back to America. 10 months later, Edith came over to the United States on a warship with 9 other war brides. She became a US Citizen in 1949. Edith and Harry spent 21 beautiful years together before his passing. Edith was an excellent mother and grandmother, and loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved working on a wide variety of crafting projects, and was especially known for her beautiful knitted items. Many babies throughout the years have gone home from the hospital in an outfit made with love from Edith.

Edith is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Bianchi and her son Ronald (Suzanne) Pappalardo, grandchildren Rhonda (Richard) Nolt, Vincent (Hootch) Bianchi, Aaron Pappalardo, Brandon (Amanda) Pappalardo, and great grandchildren Bianca and Nicholas Nolt, Evan, Kyle, Abbie, and Mason Pappalardo.

We would like to say a special thank you to all the nurses and staff at the New York State Veterans home in Batavia, for all the special care and kindness you showed Edith through the years of her stay.

Due to the on-going COVID 19 Epidemic the family will privately celebrate Edith’s Mass of Christian Burial and Graveside Service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Ellicott Street, Batavia.

Memorial contributions in Edith’s memory may be made to the New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

He was born October 5, 1945 in Albany, NY and worked several years for the U.S. Railroad. Mr. Griffin was a Veteran of the U.S. Army having served his country from 1963 to 1965.

He was predeceased by his son James E. Griffin who died March 8, 2011.

Survivors include his former wife, Doreen E. Griffin of Batavia and close friends.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family with burial in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

Cherished daughter of Sharon (Bill) Pagels of Corfu, NY and David (Ruth Anne) LaPort of Rio Rico, Arizona. Beloved sister of Michelle (Dan) Wojewoda, Sue Doll, Terry (Kurt) Neibacher, Robert LaPort, Kathryn Cleveland, Rick (Alma) Pagels, Kate (Steve) LaPort and Kim Olivadoti Martin.  Niece of Roger (Judy) LaPort and Mary (Bill) Robinson. Also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her wonderful laugh will always echo in our hearts.

A celebration of Andrea’s life will be held at a future time. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu.

Robert grew up in Fredonia, NY. He graduated from Fredonia High School in 1952. He excelled at Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track, and later was a Charter Inductee of the Fredonia High School Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in July 2001. Following high school, he attended Michigan State University on a football scholarship. Later, Robert served his country honorably from November 1953 to October 1955 in the US Army in the 6^th Infantry Regiment stationed at Templehauf Air Force Base in Berlin, Germany.

Robert had an admirable 40-year career at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, now known as National Grid. He began his career as a lineman in Fredonia, later transferring to Batavia as a Safety Director. After serving as a Line Department Supervisor, he retired as Superintendent of Transmission and Distribution of the entire Genesee Region, where he was highly respected by his employees. Following his retirement with Niagara Mohawk, he delivered flowers for his loving daughter-in-law, Sherry Valvo, at Floral Fantasies for many years.

Robert was an active member of the Fredonia Beaver Club, St. Nick’s Club, Notre Dame Prayer Group, Stafford Country Club, and The Cursillo Movement. He was a trustee of St. Anthony’s Church, and a volunteer at the Fredonia Fire Department.

Robert was completely devoted to his family. Robert loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and found great joy in spending time with them. Family, faith, and friends were his life. He had the ability to light up the room with his smile and treated everyone with respect. Robert lived his life to the fullest. He faced the end of his life with great pride and immense courage. He touched the lives of so many, and his legacy lives on through his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine (Giambrone) Valvo, following 66 years of marriage. He is also survived by his 4 loving children: daughter Sally (Michael) Dorigo of Batavia; son Robert J. “Bob” (Sherry) Valvo, Jr. of Batavia; daughter Susan (James) Kelly of Connecticut; and daughter Michelle (Scott Mase) Schlossel of Batavia.

Affectionately known as “Papa,” he is also survived by 7 cherished grandchildren: Sarah Tsirtsakis; Jennifer (Nicholas) Parisi; Samantha Valvo; Courtney (Joey) Baker; Joseph Schlossel; Morgan (Nicholas Napierski) Schlossel; and Caitlin Kelly. He is further survived by 9 great grandchildren: Nikolaos, Alexandros, Kaliope, and Kalomira Tsirtsakis; Gianna and Aria Parisi; and Amelia, Knox, and Paxten Baker. He is further survived by sister Sally Manuel of California along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Due to the on-going Covid-19 Epidemic the Valvo family will privately Celebrate Bob’s Mass of Christian Burial and entombment in the Rev. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia, NY 14020 in Robert’s honor.

TO ALL FAMILY, EXTENDED FAMILY & FRIEND: BOB’S MASS, COMMITTAL AND MILITARY HONORS WILL BE BROADCAST ON THE FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE www.tomaszewskifh.com BEGINNING AT 3PM WEDNESDAY MAY 20.

THE FAMILY OF ROBERT J. VALVO, SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Patricia M. Preston, age 82, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2020 after a brief battle with the Covid-19 virus. She was born August 30, 1937 in Batavia, New York to Cecil and Helen Wujick Moscicki. She married her husband of almost 60 years, Willard D. Preston III, in November of 1958, who preceded her in death in 2018.

Patricia loved to spend time with her family. She especially enjoyed her family’s visits to The Villages, FL, where she and Willard spent much of their retirement. She loved golf cart rides and dancing in The Village Square with her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to join her family for a trip to the beach, or amusement park.

Patricia is survived by her brother, Robert Moscicki of Leesburg, FL; her three children Sharon (Alan) Porch of Bluffton, SC;  Linda (Michael) Bushart of Webster, NY; and Duane (Pamela) Preston of Batavia, NY; and nine grandchildren Mallory Porch, Mackenzie Porch, Caitlyn Porch, Christian Bushart, Aaron Bushart, Rachel Bushart, Kyler Preston, Evan Preston and Julia Preston. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

There are no prior calling hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on  Monday, June 29 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION). She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Ellicott Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 4955 N Bailey Ave #217, Amherst, New York 14226. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Bernie was a graduate of Batavia High School; he served his country honorably with the US Army during the Korean War and was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s). He was well known in the harness horse racing circuit as an owner/trainer for many years although most would remember Bernie and his wife Mary Ann as the owners and operators of Hanley’s Restaurant just across the street from Batavia Downs. As their golden years approached, they moved South to enjoy the sun for close to thirty years before moving back to Batavia to be closer to family. While in Florida Bernie was a member of the Deland Amvets Post #13 and the Deland Elks Lodge #1463 along with the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 in Batavia. He will be remembered as a hard-working man who loved his family deeply.  

Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Ann (Musshafen) Hanley of Batavia; children, Patrick (Carol) Hanley of Alabama, Elsie (Greg) Lee of Batavia and Dr. Greg (Angela) Hanley of Tennessee; brother, Larry (Mary) Hanley of Akron; 10 cherished grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Due to the on-going COVID-19 epidemic Bernie’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions in his memory are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice 26 Liberty Street Batavia, New York 14020 or at http://www.homecare-hospice.org

Please share your words of comfort with Bernie’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF BERNIE E. HANLEY IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 – (585)343-7500

EARL F. “SKIP” PICKARD, JR. ~ Age 59, of LeRoy, died Tuesday evening May 5, 2020 at The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Batavia. He was born in Rochester, NY on October 30, 1960 to the late Earl F. and Dian (Baker) Pickard, Sr.

Skip will be remembered by family and friends for his wonderful sense of humor.

Surviving is his daughter, Crystal (Richard) Vance of W. Virginia and their children, Ashton and Trevor; siblings, Linda Woodworth of MS, Terry (Raymond) Kennedy of Savona, NY, Evelyn Scharf of Corning, NY, Derrick Pickard of LeRoy and Mark (Karen) Pickard of Bath, NY along with several nieces and nephews.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic a Celebration of Skip’s life for family and friend will be announced for a future time. Memorials in his memory are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Please share words of comfort with Skip’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF EARL F. “SKIP” PICKARD, JR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

EAST BETHANY - J. Daniel "Dan" Galliford, Sr., 93, of East Bethany, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020, at United Memorial Hospital in Batavia.

Mr. Galliford was born August 20, 1926, in Bethany, a son of the late Thomas and Lorene Rafter Galliford.

He was a General Foreman for Genesee County Highway Department where he worked for 39 years.  Dan also enjoyed operating his farm for 50 years. He was a member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church since 1951, where he served as a Trustee and Treasurer. He was a member of the Bethany Fire Department from 1948 to 1964 where he was the Fire Chief from 1949 to 1952.  He was a board member and Past President of the East Bethany Cemetery Association and member of the Bethany Republican Committee for 15 years. Dan was a family man and he loved Clara, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Clara (Raymond) Galliford, with whom he recently shared a 75th wedding anniversary. They were married on November 10, 1944.  Also surviving are 4 children, James Galliford, Jr. of Batavia, Linda (Gerry) Fry, Jean George, and Douglas (Judy) Galliford all of East Bethany; a sister Florence Speed of Batavia; 10 grandchildren, James Daniel (Kirsten) Galliford, III, Laurie (Donald) Fox, Julie Fry, Melissa (Allen) Iovannisci, Sarah (Tim) Lemley, Stacey (David) George Macdonald, Michael (Kristen) George, Debbie (Frank) Drazen, Brian (Becca) Galliford and Mary (Steve) Skoczylas; 21 greatgrandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

He was the brother of the late Isabel Mitterling, Evelena McGee, Mary Lambert, Mabel Hilken and Ruth Reamer, George Galliford, Thomas Galliford and Herbert Galliford, Sr.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, NY 14054.  A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at United Memorial Medical Center ICU, the staff at LeRoy Village Green Rehabilitation and Cindy Saeva at South Street Senior Care for their care and kindness throughout Dan's illness. 

Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Ruth A. Rupp, 88, of Batavia, formerly of Darien, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020, at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing, Batavia.

Ruth was born September 4, 1931, in Kenmore, a daughter of the late Joseph, Sr., and Marion Goldthwaite Hare. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years and the love of her life, Alton Rupp, and her daughter-in-law, Carol Rupp. She was the sister of the late Joseph Hare, Jr., Philip Hare, Marie Marohn, Betty Boyd and Verna Walker.

Ruth was a loving mother, sister, aunt and grandmother, who loved her grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Ronald (Margie) Rupp of Darien, Rick (Barbara) Rupp of Kingsland, Georgia, Jeffrey (Amina) Rupp of Alexander; a daughter, Suzanne Hare of Batavia; sisters, Delores Shisler, Lorraine Hayes and Sandra Stewart. Ruth is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date when it is safe for family and friends to gather once again. Private burial with the family will be held in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

LeRoy ~ Mary Jane Hellerman, age 75, of Genesee Street, passed away at home on Friday (May 8, 2020).

     Mary Jane will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear friend, who was devoted to her family.  She just cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed listening to country music and working on her puzzles.

     She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Theresa (Clarence) Hubbard of LeRoy, Lisa (Clark) Abbey of LeRoy, Mary Barber of Victor and Anne Herzog of LeRoy; her grandchildren, Tara (Doug) Stella, Erik Hellerman, Alexis Hellerman, Alyssa Herzog, Ariel Barber, Travis Hubbard and Jenna Hubbard; her great-grandchildren, Brynley, Isaac and Adalyn Stella and Nathan Hellerman; very dear friend, Sandy Dempsey, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Hellerman and her siblings, Lena LaRocco, Josephine Muoio and Joseph LaRocco.

     Interment in St. Francis Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

     Contributions in memory of Mary Jane are suggested to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA  02241-7005.

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

     Mrs. Hellerman and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy. 585-768-2400

Mike was an amazing husband of 46 years but loved for 50 years by his wife Darlynne (Conlin). Beloved father of Jennifer (Patrick) Hammond of Attica; Michelle (Timothy) Bell of Attica; Michael (Meredith) Weber of Attica and Brandon (Rachel) Weber of Orangeville. Cherished grandfather to Kaylynne Bell, Hope Bell, Willow Weber and Ryan Snyder. Also a Grandson Daniel Patrick Hammond who was waiting for him in heaven. He is also preceded in death by his brother Charles Weber and his parents James and Patricia (Cunningham) Weber.

Mike also leaves behind his brother James (Diane) Weber, sister Eileen Godfrey and brother Bradley (Amy) Weber, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces and nephews.

Before a liver transplant over 22 years ago, Mike gave up farming and he followed his love of woodworking and began designing and building custom kitchens. Building his own cabinets. He left a legacy behind of possibly 100 beautiful kitchens and bathrooms. Developing close friendships with those he worked for.

Mike was a kind, compassionate man who was loved by all who met him. He will be so missed but we are so thankful he is with his Lord in his perfect healthy body.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be announced at a later date when it’s safe to gather together.   

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Attica Volunteer Fire Department, 11 Water Street, Attica, New York 14011 or to Connect Life www.connectlife.org. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Stephen Michael Ditzel, age 29, passed April 17, 2020 in West Pueblo, Colo. Stephen was born Sept.26, 1990 in the City of Batavia, NY, and was a graduate of Batavia High School.

He leaves behind his mother Mary Ditzel, father William Ditzel, sisters Christine and Tina Ditzel, nephews Willie, Malcolm, Brody, Malik and Marshall and nieces Christine, Brooke, Faith and Paralee. 

Stephen was a free spirit who loved to travel and spend time exploring the natural world, a passion that led him to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He enjoyed creating music, studying botany and horticulture, exercising and watching documentaries.

For several years he resided in the small town of Crestone, Colo., nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Range, where he pursued his love of exploration and desire to meet new people who shared his interests and aspirations. 

Stephen will be missed dearly by his family and friends who recall his humble, kind and compassionate demeanor and willingness to lend a helping hand.

His family encourages all to honor and remember his life in every mountain they climb, every trail they walk, every smile they offer to a stranger, every hand they reach out to shake, and every unknown road they choose to travel. 

A procession to honor Stephen will take place Sunday, May 17 at 1 p.m. beginning on North Lyon Street in the City of Batavia and ending at the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany.

David R. Scott, 77, died unexpectedly at his home on May 2, 2020. He was born in Batavia, NY to Donald J. Scott and Marie (Miller) Scott.

David grew up in Corfu, NY. He graduated from Corfu High School in Corfu, NY in 1960. After high school, he attended college at Alfred State where he received a degree in Floriculture. He joined the National Guard of New York in 1964 and served for 6 years.

David was the fourth-generation owner of Scott’s Florist and Garden Center until he sold it in 2006, after 113 years in business. His great-grandfather, William Scott, started the business after being a gardener for the Queen of England. William also designed gardens for the Pan-American Exposition.

Just as the other men in his family before him, David was known for his green thumb, his incredibly strong work ethic and his love of plants, trees and flowers. He could recall the genus and species of all plants and love to quiz others on them, especially his wife and daughter. David grew the majority of the plants for Darien Lake for over two decades. He continued doing landscaping, cemetery pots and chopping wood until his death. He also served many years on the Evergreen Hill Cemetery Association in Corfu, NY and the Corfu Area Business Association.

David was preceded in death by his parents Donald Scott and Marie (Miller) Scott, and his sister Donna (Scott) Millioto.

David is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou (Boloski) Scott; his daughter Ann Marie (Anthony) Hackett; his beloved granddaughters Alexandra, Ariana and Ava; his brother-in-law Charles Millioto; nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives. 

David met his wife Mary Lou while she was working at Scott’s Florist. Their first date was fishing, of course. They were happily married for 45 years. David was an incredibly loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who tried to help everyone he knew using his wealth of knowledge.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved the outdoors. His talents included chain saw carving, raising koi, scenic painting and helping his friends and family every way he could. Dave has taught so many people how to fish through the years.

Affectionately known as “Pa,” his love for his granddaughters was great and he loved to watch them play, work alongside him in the garden, and watching them at their sporting and music events.

A memorial service will be held at a later time in the summer.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to CompassCare, 1230 Eggert Road, Buffalo, NY 14226, www.compasscarecommunity.com/donate. Gifts can be designated as "In Memory of David R. Scott" either in the memo line on the check or in the notes section online. Condolences may be left on David R. Scott’s online guest book at http://memorial.yourtribute.com/David-R-Scott