Obituaries

Paul T. Merrill, 47 of Miami Beach, formerly Alexander, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022. He was born October 7, 1974 to Ronald and Evelyn “Peach” (Brooks) Merrill of Alexander.

Paul was a 1992 graduate of Alexander High School. He was a tremendous athlete and excelled at wrestling.

Along with his parents he is survived by his daughters, Allison and Lia Merrill of Rochester; sister, Katherine (Douglas) Kautz of Lafayette and a niece Samantha Kautz.

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tri Town Youth Athletics, Inc. PO Box 252, Alexander, NY 14005. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Douglas H. Niebch, 75 of Batavia passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022 at Crossroads House in Batavia.

He was born Wednesday, November 13, 1946 in Batavia, a son of the late Paul H. Niebch and Doris Youngs Niebch.

A member and certified lay minister for the First United Methodist Church in Batavia, he was a faithful servant of the Lord.

He is survived by his sister.  

There are no prior visiting hours. His memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. 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, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Catherine M. Claus, 91, of Bergen, passed away on June 26, 2022 at the Sunset House in Rochester.

Catherine was born October 10, 1930 in Rochester.

Catherine loved bowling and her grandchildren.  She  was a member of the American Legion, St. Brigid's Church and the church's Recycle Club.  Catherine was a volunteer with the Red Cross.

Surviving are her children, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Aradine and Gerald Claus; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Bethany) Aradine, Jenna (Mark Roeske) Aradine and Troy (fiancée Lexie Patterson) Claus; great-grandchildren, Kate, Abby and Charlotte and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Claus.  

Catherine's services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sunset House, 3746 St. Paul Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14617, http://www.sunsethouse.info/donate.  

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

Arrangements for Catherine were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

LynnAnn Washburn, 82 of Attica, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born June 4, 1940 in Batavia, to the late Frank and Shirley (Wallradt) Hall. She is preceded in death by her sister Sandra Cook, and her daughter Wendy Mae Washburn

She was an avid music lover. LynnAnn loved her family dearly.

She is survived by her loving husband Glenn Washburn, her daughter Laurie (Robert) Webb of Arizona, siblings Gwendolyn Willey, Catherin Aubry, Deborah (Mark) Farrel, Daniel Hall, sister-in-law Joyce (Douglas) Warner, granddaughter Cassie, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

James F. Hemmer, age 80, passed away peacefully June 11, 2022 at Northwest Medical Center, Bentonville, AR with family by his side. He was born November 13, 1941 in Wayland, NY to the late Frederick and Harriet (Burke) Hemmer. Jim was predeceased by his son, James F. Hemmer Jr. and daughter, Christine E. Hemmer, sisters Joyce Butler and Carole (Robert) Alianell and step granddaughter Mallory Hale.

Jim, who was a long time resident of LeRoy, NY served for 8 years in the US Air Force and worked for many years at Eastman Kodak Co., Synthetic Chemicals Division. In 1985 he moved to Escondido, California and opened his own business which he ran for 36 years until his retirement.

Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years Margaret (Mickey Heisler) Hemmer, daughter Laurie (Gary) Cohen of Escondido, CA, step daughter Melissa (Hale) Lund of Bentonville, AR, step son Michael (Linda) Hale of Brockport, NY, sisters Marilyn (Donald) Pursel, Jean (Ronald) Pangrazio and brother Thomas Hemmer all of LeRoy, NY. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Zachary (Emily)Tomlinson of Vista, CA, Olivia Hemmer of Escondido, CA, Justin Hemmer, Alesha Hemmer, Corey Hemmer of Rochester, NY, Megan Hemmer of Amherst, NY, Lauren (Dennis) Albert of Rochester, NY, Matt Hale of Brockport, NY, Melissa (Erik) Anderson of Boston, MA, Sean Hale of Byron, NY, Amanda (Jerry) Hill of Bentonville, AR and 12 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements were made by Smart Cremations/Benton County Funeral Home.

Keith O. Patterson, 67 of Buffalo, formerly of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born December 17, 1954 in Batavia to the late Reubon and Mavis (Griswold) Patterson. He is preceded in death by his sister Lucinda Metcalf.

He is survived by his children, Kurtis (Angela), Kelly, Brett and Aaron (Rebecca) Patterson; 6 grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Wilma I. Van Wagnen, 91, of Batavia, went home to be with Jesus on November 28, 2021 at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility.

Wilma was born November 29, 1929 in Olean, the daughter of the late Laurence and Bessie (Totten) Armison. 

Growing up on a farm instilled a strong work ethic in Wilma.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia, where she was involved in several ministries at the church.  Wilma was also a member of the ladies auxiliary for the Town of Batavia Fire Department and was a seasonal resident of Winters Mobile Park in Florida.  She enjoyed square dancing, bowling, crafting, baking pies and her gardens. 

Wilma's family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent care that she received while at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility. 

Surviving are her children, David (Esther) Van Wagnen of Fort Myers, FL, Nancy (Raymond) Argulski of Cleveland, NY, Pamela (Raymond) White of Boulder City, NV and Patricia (Richard) Dutton of Batavia, nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. 

Wilma is the wife of the late Robert J. Van Wagnen and sister of the late Maynard Armison.

Family and friends are invited to Wilma's services on July 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Morris Cemetery.  Following the services at the cemetery a reception will be held at the First Baptist Church of Wyoming where all are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility, attention: activities fund, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482. 

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

Arrangements for Wilma were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Paul Campbell, age 72 of Pavilion, NY, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on June 24th, 2022 after a 5 1/2 year battle with cancer. 

   

  Paul was Born on November 21, 1949, in Malone, NY to parents Emery and Mildred Campbell. He grew up and graduated from school in Williamson, NY. He attended Morrisville and Cornell Universities. Paul was married to the love of his life, Catherine Campbell on September 17, 1994. Paul spent the bulk of his career in the printing industry at Case Hoyt in Chili, NY as an engine mechanic. After leaving Case Hoyt, Paul retired from the Buffalo News-Press. Following retirement from the printing industry, Paul went to truck driving school and went on to help local farmers.

     Paul was a highly decorated Marine and Vietnam Veteran. He was awarded two high honors from the US Marine Corps for his time in Vietnam. He continued to do honorable work with the Veterans Association.  Paul was a proud supporter of Project Healing Waters where he worked with military vets, teaching them to fly fish and tie flies. He also served as a mentor for the Veterans Court in Batavia, NY.

     Paul was an avid community supporter. In addition to his work with the vets, Paul served in many local organizations. He was a long-time member and Pilgrim of the Le Roy Moose Lodge #1132. Paul was the Vice President of the NYS Moose Association. He was a member of the Masons Olive Branch #39, PA Trout Unlimited, Lifetime Member of Oatka Fish & Game Club, the VVA, American Legion, the VFW, and Rushford Lake Conservation Club. For the last 8 years, Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at Rushford Lake Campground.  Paul was very passionate about his hobbies which included: fly fishing, hunting, boating, golfing, sky diving, running 19 marathons, astronomy, and watching FOX news.

     Paul is survived by his wife of 27 1/2 years, Catherine Campbell; father, Emery Campbell of Macedon NY; brothers, Michael Campbell, David Campbell, Roger Campbell; children, Scott (Jeanie) Campbell, Sarah (Rick) Copes of Washington; stepchildren, Jerry (Michelle) Zakrzewski, Connie Zakrzewski; grandchildren, Caitlin Zakrzewski, Nessa (Josh) Weigand, Aiden Campbell, Isabella, Olivia, Chloe and Sammy Copes; one great-grandson, Henry Weigand (on the way); one special dog, Rosalee and many loyal friends. Paul was predeceased by his mother, Mildred Campbell; sisters, Marie Backus and Susan Graham, dog, Scoots, and many brothers of the Marine Corps. Semper Fi. 

     Friends are welcome to join the family for calling hours and the funeral service at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Street Rd, LeRoy, NY 14482 on Wednesday, June 29 from 2 pm-4 pm. The funeral service will immediately follow calling hours at 4 PM.  A celebration of life party will be held at the LeRoy Moose Lodge following the service. All are welcome.  

     A military internment service will be held on Thursday, June 30 at the National Cemetery in Pembroke, NY. Family is welcome to attend. 

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Project Healing Waters at https://projecthealingwaters.org/donate/.

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

Batavia - Shane E. Dann, age 45, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at his home.

He was born on September 22, 1976, in Dansville a son of Sheila M. Wheaton Meyer of Batavia and the late James Meyer who passed away on August 17, 2019.

Shane always kept himself busy. He loved woodworking, fishing at the Sandwash in Batavia and spending time with his family and Pita, his pitbull.

Surviving along with his mother is his daughter, Breanna Peorier of South Carolina; his sisters, Janette (Paul) Cipra of East Bethany, Tanya (Daniel) Campbell of Batavia and Jessica (Joe) Hewitt of Batavia; nieces and nephews, Sage Hopkins, Devin Harmon, Skylar Harmon, Makayla Corkery-Meyer and Jasmine Hewitt; three aunts, an uncle and several cousins.

He is predeceased by his grandmother, Ruth Reckentwald.

There are no prior calling hours. A celebration of Shane's life will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shane's name may be made to GCASA, 430 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Shane's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Darien Center - Carl  E. Doell, 85, of Darien Center passed away on Tuesday (May 17, 2022) at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, New York.

Mr. Doell was born May 16, 1937 in Ilion, NY, a son of the late Gordon and Hazel (Rouse) Doell.
 
Carl was a classic car enthusiast (especially treasuring his '57 Thunderbird), and a faithful attendee of car shows. Carl had a brilliant sense of humor. He was a hardworking family man, a loving husband, devoted father, beloved grandfather and cherished uncle.

He is the husband of Diane (Helwig) Doell of Darien Center. The two were married on August 22, 1964 in Attica and spent nearly 58 years together.

Surviving along with his wife are his son, Carl E. (Barbara Landers) Doell, II of Attica; a grandson, Nick Doell; brothers, Larry Doell of Ontario, and Richard Doell of Batavia. Carl is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Saturday (June, 25, 2022) from 10-11 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Carl's memorial service will immediately follow visitation at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Darien Fire Department (10537 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040) or to Mercy Flight (100 Amherst Villa Road, Buffalo, NY 14225) at https://www.mercyflight.org/support/. Flowers are gratefully declined.

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

Byron - Amy I. Ezard, 59 of Byron, passed away on Tuesday, (June 21, 2022) at her home in Byron.

Mrs. Ezard was born May 28, 1963 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Earl and Eva (Butcher) Armbrewster.

She was a member of the Byron First Presbyterian Church and was a teacher's aide at Byron-Bergen Central School for over 20 years. Amy enjoyed gardening and music. She had a deep love for children and cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving is her husband, Edward J. Ezard, Jr. of Byron; daughters, Heather (Matthew) Esten of Elba, and Elizabeth Ezard of Oakfield; grandchildren, Ava and Avery Esten; brother, Jason (Melissa) Armbrewster of Elba; sister, Lisa Armbrewster of Batavia; mother-in-law, Jane Ezard of Byron; brother-in-law, Ronald (Lara) Ezard of Byron; sister-in-law, Linda (Paul) Eaton of Elba. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Amy is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Edward J. Ezard, Sr.

Family and Friends are invited to attend Amy's memorial service on Tuesday at 11:00 am at Byron First Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main Street in Byron. Burial in Byron Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Byron First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 206, Byron, New York 14422.

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

  Walter P. Tillery Jr., 72, a simple man, who was the definition of a “Carolina Gentleman” was called home the afternoon of Monday, June 20^th, 2022 after an almost two year battle resulting from an untimely stroke. He was born on November 8, 1949 in Aulander, North Carolina to the late Walter P. Tillery Sr. and Jeanette (Derby) Tillery. In addition to his parents, Walter is predeceased by his wife; Patricia (Gullo) Tillery; sister Elaine Williams; nephew Kevin Williams.

Walter was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, nephew, “favorite cousin,” and friend to anyone he knew. Walter was an honest and hard worker who provided and sacrificed for his family like no other, but he also took his time and enjoyed life to the fullest. He relished spending time at the beaches down south, always had a guitar in his hand, and loved performing and singing with everyone, and always included a story with every song about his band “The Shifters” that he lead in his teenage years in North Carolina, enjoyed watching Tarheel Basketball and a was loyal Bills fan. The Light of his life was his wife, Patricia Anne, who had an untimely death at 58. He never let her memory go, and like a true love story, they are now reunited.

He is survived by his sons; Tom Tillery of TN, James Ronald Tillery of Batavia and Marc J. Tillery of Batavia; 6 grandchildren Ashley, Kevin, Braxton, Torrance, Patricia “Patty”, and Nathan; 1 great-grandchild, along with nephew Terry (Melissa) Williams.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 12:00PM to 2:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 2:00PM Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home following visitation.

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 & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Pavilion / E. Bethany ~ William A. “Billy” Phillips, age 73, formerly of Hawks Road, passed away Monday morning (June 20, 2022) at the Homestead Nursing Home in Penn Yan.

   

  He was born April 15, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late Arnold and Rose Metzler Phillips.

     Bill will be remembered as a very giving and caring person, who would do anything for anyone.  He had a jolly laugh and enjoyed visiting with people, often telling stories and jokes.  He was a graduate of the Pavilion Central School, an avid hunter and was a co-owner of William A. Phillips & Son in East Bethany.

     He is survived by his son, Bill Jr. and daughter, Lindsey, along with many other family members and friends.

     Family and friends are invited to his Graveside Service to be held on Monday, June 27 at 11:00 AM at the East Bethany Rural Cemetery.

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

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

Bernard A. Twardowski Jr. “Bernie”, 68 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

He was born December 25, 1953 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Bernard and Doris Stringham Twardowski.

Bernard served his country with the U.S. Marines from 1972-1973. He was an employee for Blue Cross Blue Shield, prior to his retirement. He was an avid bowler, golfer and enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his son, Daniel Wixson of Batavia. Siblings, Jeffrey Twardowski of Batavia, Frances (Art) Bowen of Batavia and Michael Twardowski of Brockport. Emily Silfies, whom he cared for all her life as a daughter. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Steve Twardowski, Pat Conway and Doreen Bogue.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (June 22^nd) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY. Private burial will be in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. 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.