Obituaries

Deborah B. Anderson, 71 of Batavia passed away peacefully Thursday (June 2, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born August 3, 1950 in Medina, NY, a daughter of the late Carl E. and Esther May Hillyard Reak.

Deborah was a licensed practical nurse for the former St. Jerome Hospital. She enjoyed arts and crafts and was a very social person. Most of all she loved her family, especially her loving grandchildren who were very precious to her.

She was the wife of the late Obie Anderson and mother of the late Philip Carl Reak.

Survivors include her children, Joseph Lawrence Nelson, Alana Monska and Brian Reak, all of Batavia. She was known as "Grandma Grapes" to Casanna (Dan) Dressler, Marleana Hand, Avalina Hand, Phillip Monska, Izabella Nelson, Anastacia Monska, Brielle Nelson, Julian Monska and Khaleesi Jane Deborah Reak. Deborah was also a great grandmother to Raelynn Dressler, Ameliana Hand and Beckett Dressler 

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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.

 

 

Gary K. Newell, 68 of Wethersfield, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at his home. He was born July 20, 1953 in Buffalo to the late Rodman and Evelyn (Codd) Newell.

Gary was retired from Triple S Construction in Crittenden. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved hunting, fishing, boating and gardening. Gary enjoyed hot rods and his companion Buddy.

He is survived by his loving wife Kimberly (Weatherbee) Newell of Wethersfield; daughters, Kari (J.R.) Kemp of Warsaw, Kristi (Chad) Crawford of Batavia, Sommer Weatherbee of Alexander; sister Jody (Jeffrey) Hager of Varysburg, 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road, Attica, NY 14011 or 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.

Paul R. Westermeier, 68 of Bennington, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born April 30, 1954 in Batavia, to the late Robert and Shirley (Marquardt) Westermeier.  

Paul worked as a self-employed contractor in the area for many years. His four grandchildren were the joy of his life.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Carla (Beck) Westermeier; sons, Ryan, Dustin (Laycee Willson), Guy (Sommer Weatherbee) and Tate (Bri) Westermeier; grandchildren, Ryan, Austin, Autumn and Harper Westermeier; two sisters, numerous in-laws, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom loved him dearly.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

  Carol L. Coffta, 59, of Bergen passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Brockport on September 4, 1962 to Richard and Joyce (Sloper) Sands of Bergen. Carol is predeceased by her sister; Laurie Sands.

Those that had the pleasure of having Carol in their lives will remember her as the most generous and loving person they met, but even better than that it was her ability to teach those same attributes to others.

From the moment Carol woke, until the time she laid her head to rest she was teaching.  She taught love, kindness, forgiveness and inclusion along with her every day lessons to whom would become the young leaders of the world.

In the morning Carol would grab her infamous red Ms. Frizzle bag and be off to change children’s lives forever, and that she did.  One of the greatest compliments Carol ever received was when someone told her “You teach like you are Mr. Rogers’ daughter”. Something she was very proud of and brought a smile to her face.

If we had to rank all of Carol’s finest accomplishments then above all things she did, she simply made this world a better place one student at a time leaving a lasting imprint for all of us to emulate.

She is survived by her loving husband; David Coffta of Bergen; sons Jonathon (Marissa) Coffta of Greece and Jordan (Fiancé Hailey Stevens) of Holley;  siblings Wendy (Greg) Didas of Bergen, Byron (Chris) Ariyaratnam of Bergen, Timothy Sands and Todd Sands both of Rochester; mother and father in law Chuck (Carm) Coffta of Batavia; brothers and sisters in law of the Coffta family; grandchildren Dominic, Grant and Elijah Coffta; 11 nieces and nephews, 14 great-nieces and nephews; dearest friend Janet Cappotelli and the Red Raider family, along with thousands of little friends.

A 2:00PM Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday June 7, 2022 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020, immediately followed by visitation from 3:00-6:00PM at the Funeral Home.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Gillam Grant Community Center 6966 W. Bergen Rd. Bergen, NY 14416 or in C/O Wendy Didas to be used toward a Memorial Playground in Carol’s honor.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

LeRoy ~ Sergio A. Forte Jr., age 56, of Myrtle Street, passed away at home unexpectedly on Monday (May 30, 2022).

  

   He was born January 24, 1966 in Batavia, a son of Margaret Corcimiglia Schepler and the late Sergio A. Forte Sr.

     He was raised with the belief that he held strong in his heart for Jehovah.

     Sarge worked with his dad, Sergio Sr., in the family marble & granite business until his father passed away in 2016.  He then went on to work for himself and was always ready to help anyone that needed it.

     Sarge was not only known for his big heart, but his laughter was contagious.  His love for his family was immeasurable as much as his love for life.

     He was an avid hunter, fisher and gatherer.  Once you met Sarge, you were instantly friends, even if it were for a brief moment, you were his friend for life.  No one knows that better than his best friend & "brother", Gary Dempsey.

     In addition to his dad, Sergio Sr., Sarge was predeceased by his grandmother, Marina Forte and grandparents, Sam and Arlene Corcimiglia.

     He will be sadly missed by his children, Sara Jo, Sergio III "Gino", Lola Rae (Shawn) and stepdaughter, Ajia Hasenauer; grandchildren, Kallia, Tatum, Stella, Maddox and Hazley; significant other, Missi Wray; mother, Margaret (Mitch) Schepler; sisters, Angela (Juan) and Chrissy and her daughter, Gianna; two brothers; nieces, Kristen, Savannah, Gigi and Ellianna; nephews, Timmy, Dominic, Julius, Armani and Nico, along with many dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 5, from 3 ~ 6 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where a Celebration of Sarge's Life will be held at 6:00 P.M.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sarge's family c/o Lola Forte, 88 Myrtle Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Sarge's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Sandra G. Hennessey, 58 of Darien Center, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Amherst. She was born March 1, 1964 to the late Henry J. and Lois R. (Fetzer) Gizynski.

Sandra, worked as a cook for many years and in green houses. She loved cooking, baking, cats, her dog Sable and most of all gardening.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Glenn Hennessey of Darien Center, brother, Martin Gizynski of Florida, several aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Funeral Services will be held privately and a Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

BYRON - Janet M. Pike, 78  of Rochester, formerly of Byron passed away unexpectedly on Monday, (May 30, 2022) at her son's home in Rochester.

Mrs. Pike was born November 6, 1943 in Bergen, a daughter of the late DeLos and Mary (Wood) Barber.

She was a member of the Byron First Presbyterian Church and a former member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of both the Byron and South Byron Fire Departments. She enjoyed gardening when she was able, doing puzzles, listening to country music, playing cards, and crocheting.

Janet is the wife of the late John W. Pike who passed away in 2020. She is also preceded in death by a brother, Roy Barber.

Surviving are her son, Jason (Brian Hoffman) Pike of Henrietta; a brother, Wesley (Marian) Barber of Syracuse; sisters, Lucille (late Harold) Burch of Georgia, and Irene Barber of Geneseo; a sister-in-law, Gail Barber of Florida. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, (June 6, 2022)  from 4:00 pm  to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Janet's Funeral Service will be held immediately following visitation at 7:00 pm.  Burial will be in Byron Cemetery in Byron.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Byron First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 206, Byron, New York 14422 or the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Dr Suite 320, Buffalo, NY 14221. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Katherine J. Cianfrini, 94 of Rochester, formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully at her daughter Maria’s home on Sunday, May 29, 2022. She was born September 19, 1927 in Batavia, to the late Felix and Antoinette (Parrinallo) Marchese. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward Cianfrini, son Edward Cianfrini Jr, siblings, Joseph, Anthony, Samuel Marchese, Mary Tiberio, and Rose Antinore.

Mrs. Cianfrini was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s RC Church in Batavia and then St. James RC Church in Rochester. She loved taking care of Maria’s dog, Bella. Her biggest joy in life was cooking, cleaning and most of all family.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Maria Cianfrini of Rochester, brother Louis (Joanne) Marchese, sister-in-law, Gloria Marchese both of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

A 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at St. James Church, Peace of Christ Parish, 130 Brett Road, East Irondequoit, NY 14609. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greece Cancer Center, 155 Bellwood Drive, Suite 1, Rochester, NY 14606. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

Oakfield – Dr. Samuel J. Gerone, age 91, passed away peacefully due to dementia on Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Unity Hospital in Rochester, with his family by his side. Upon his admittance to the hospital, he always had one of his loving daughters with him.

He was born on July 19, 1930 in Oakfield, a son of the late John J. Gerone and Rose Cipolla Gerone.

He was the valedictorian of the Class of 1948 from Oakfield High School and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Buffalo with his Bachelor of Arts degree. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, a National Honor Society while he was an undergraduate student. Following his undergraduate work, he also received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Buffalo. Following his graduate work in 1955, he enlisted into the United States Army where he was a Captain in the Dental Corps in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He completed his service in the Army in 1963 and was honorably discharged.

He opened his private practice in Oakfield in 1956, next door to his parent’s home until 1974 when he went to work at the Canandaigua VA Hospital until his retirement.

He enjoyed bowling, gardening, grocery shopping at Wegman’s, watching the Buffalo Bills and loved to play golf. Oakfield residents knew every Thursday that the dentist, pharmacist and town mayor were “on vacation” at Terry Hills Golf Course.

He is survived by six beautiful daughters (one of whom composed this notice), Rose Marie (late Ian) Calder, Linda (Robert) White, Kathy (late Joe) Schifano, Beverly (Ryszard) Lipke, Jackie (Tony) Marcello and Susie (Mark) Jesse and their mother, Lois Klehn; his son, Sammy Gerone; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Peter (Lois) Gerone; his cousin, Jo Ann Cipolla along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia (PLEASE USE SCHOOL STREET ENTRANCE). His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday at St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester and the Finger Lakes, 435 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, New York 14620. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  James H. Wright Jr. 81 of Darien Center passed at home on May 27, 2022. He was born at home on Easter Sunday April 13, 1941, Buffalo, New York. Jim was preceded in death by his infant daughter Tammy Annette 3 months and 5 days of age and his brother George Frank Wright.

Jim worked for dresser industries until closing and retired from the State of New York as a Stationary Engineer working in numerous State facilities and retiring from Attica Prison.

Jim was a proud Navy veteran serving in the Atlantic Fleet. He loved his country, hunting , fishing, and his 1958 Chevy Stepside Truck dubbed The White Knight winning numerous local national and international trophies.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Josephine (Lauricella) Wright, his daughters Gina Marie (Dan) Weislogel of Henderson, Nevada Paula Ann (Mike) Boundy, of East Bethany, NY and James G. Wright (Teresa) of Darien Center, NY 6 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

There will be no prior calling hours. Burial will be in Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Darian Fire Co. PO 135, Darien Center NY 14040. 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.

Basom - Allan L. Grehlinger, 87, of Basom, passed away on Thursday, (May 26, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Grehlinger was born January 4, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Duane and Mildred (Long) Grehlinger.

Mr. Grehlinger served honorably in the United States Air Force for three years, and for six more years in the US Air Force Reserves. He was very proud to serve his country, and to be a jet mechanic crew chief.

Allan was a member of the Indian Falls United Methodist Church and a 50-year member of the Alabama Fire Department. He was a lifelong farmer and greatly enjoyed all animals, especially cows, golden retrievers, and Haflinger horses. He was a people person, and loved to talk with anyone he met. He had a knack for being genuinely interested in others' stories. Allan liked to go on adventures, and to take people with him.  Mr. Grehlinger also enjoyed antiquing, watching airplanes, and going to garage sales to find just what someone else was searching for.  Allan devoted more than two decades to the Salvation Army food pantry in Batavia. He began by carrying the donations from the Indian FAlls UMC to the pantry and progressed to coordinating the other volunteers for each month. With those volunteers, he sorted the donated food and packed the food boxes to share with those in need.  Allan's devotion to the Salvation Army's food pantry sprang from his desire to serve and to give when his health prevented him from continuing his farming. especially to Amish country to watch the Amish work their fields. While he appreciated modern day farming methods and machines, he was most fond of the down to earth family farming of his Amish and Mennonite friends.

Allan was the husband of Jane (Silsby) Grehlinger of Basom. He is also survived by his sister, Laura (late William) Hagen of Batavia; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Shirley (late Charles) Green; and a nephew, Jimmy Lee Hagen.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 6 to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 10 to 12:00 noon at Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu, where Allan 's Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon, immediately following visitation. Burial will be in the Alabama Cemetery in Alabama.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donation Processing, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or Oakfield-Alabama FFA, 7100 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY 14125.

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

Hilton - Nicole L. (Worthington) Gerould passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022 at the age of 42. She is survived by her husband, Chad; her 3 daughters, Katelyn, Erica, Emily; her father, Dale (Cathy) Worthington of Byron; her mother, Gail (Bruce) Rizzo of Spencerport; her mother-in-law, Sheryl Hugh; her sisters, Paula (Paul) Anderson, Crystal Worthington, Nicole (Steve) Myers, Sara (Kevin) Ziesenitz; her brothers, Andy (Erica) Williams, Tim (Laura) Williams, Scott (Amanda) Williams, Matt (Jessica) Rizzo; her sister-in-law, Leah (Steve) Talarico; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Nicole was employed by Heritage Christian Services as a Case Manager. She enjoyed boating, camping, spending time at the beach, vacationing and being with her girls. She especially enjoyed when all the neighborhood kids would gather in her yard to play with her girls. She will be greatly missed by all.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, 735 East Avenue, Hilton, NY. Nicole's Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Jude's Church, 4100 Lyell Rd, Rochester, NY 14606. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 or to The Dream Foundation, 1528 Chapala Street, Suite 304, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. To donate online click on the charity name.

LeRoy ~ Joan T. Hammer, age 61, of Lincoln Avenue, passed away peacefully Friday morning (May 27, 2022) at home in the loving presence of her family.

 

    She was born January 7, 1961 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Ronald and Margaret Goldsmith Hammer.

     Joan will be remembered as a loving sister, aunt and dear friend, who enjoyed trips to the casino, scratching her lottery tickets and playing bingo.  She was a dedicated fan of the Buffalo Bills, the New York Yankees and Nascar.

     She will be sadly missed by her siblings, Theresa Hammer (fiancé, Dean Bates), Patricia Hammer, Kathleen (Walter) Kochmanski, Michael Hammer and Richard Hammer; brother-in-law, William Hirsch Jr., along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, dear friends and her special family friend and casino companion, Mary Hirsch.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Bonnie Hirsch.

     Services and interment will be private. 

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joan are suggested to either her family, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office canine fund or the LeRoy Food Pantry.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Joan's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

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

James C. Wierda, 76 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (December 17, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born February 25, 1945 in Elmira, NY, a son of the late Albert and Mary Grace Groux Wierda.

Mr. Wierda was an Army Veteran, having served his country during the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Ken Barrett Chevrolet in Batavia. He enjoyed country western music, was an avid golfer and was known for his cookouts, where he would always find a reason to have one. He also enjoyed horseracing and often you could find him at Batavia Downs. Most of all, he loved his family and his world evolved around them. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Schlenker Wierda of Batavia. Son, Derk Wierda of Batavia. Daughters, Lindsay Wierda of Batavia and Jessica (Thomas) Lewandowski of Pembroke. Eight grandchildren, Arianna, Azalea, Dimitri, Aiden, Gabreille, Ava, Tyler, Onaleigh. Daughter in-law, Oksana Wierda. Sisters, Sylvia Ripley of Buffalo and Mary Wierda of Buffalo. Brothers, Edward, John and Chris Wierda, all of Florida. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Christopher P. Wierda. Grandfather of the late Daniil Petlevanny. Brother of the late Thomas Wierda and Margaret Ryll.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at United Memorial Medical Center and Dialysis for the care which they have shown to Jim.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (June 2nd) from 3:00pm-5:30pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. There will be a celebration of his life after the visitation at the family home on North Lyon Street, Batavia. He will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, NY.

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.