Obituaries

Agnes C. Witkouski, 92 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 14, 2016 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born May 23, 1923 in Medina, to the late Lewis Edward (Mary Ann Fisher) Guzik. She is preceded in death by her husband John Witkowski, brothers Louis, Joseph, Raymond Guzik, Bernard Buttons, sister Barbara Mary Janowski.

Mrs. Witkouski was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish. Agnes was a stay at home mom and an excellent cook. She enjoyed playing cards with the family, watching The Young and the Restless for almost 50 years, and still put jigsaw puzzles together on her kitchen table.

She is survived by her children Jan (Susan) Witkowski of Batavia; Cynthia (Craig) Linderman of Oakfield; Kathleen (Michael) Chimino of Tennessee; brother William Guzik of Knowlesville; sisters-in-law Jane Buttons of North Chili; Grace Guzik of Medina; Tuoi Guzik of Grand Island; 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday February 16, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday February 17, 2016 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020.She will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Medina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, New York 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.

Joyce K. Fleming, 82 of Bethany Center, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 13, 2016 at Batavia Healthcare Center. She was born September 21, 1933 in Batavia, to the late Norman Koester and Frances (Wicks) Koester. She is preceded in death by her husband Norman E. Fleming.

Mrs. Fleming was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was former Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Bethany, Council Woman, Tri-Town Medical Board in Attica, member of the Hobby Club and Home Bureau. Joyce was an avid reader, enjoyed sewing, baking and was a wonderful grandmother.

She is survived by her children Calvin (Joanne) of Bethany; Paul (Louise) of E. Bethany; Dana (Kathy) Fleming of E. Bethany; grandchildren Matthew (Sarah), Ryan (Jocelyn), Jordan, Kristin, great-grandchildren Liam and Rowan; brothers Norman C. Koester of PA; Kevin (Gervase Wood) Koester of Middlebury; sisters Yvonne (Michael) Muchard of NH; Wanda (Michael) Glazier of Oneida Castle, NY; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday February 17, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00 AM Funeral Service will be held on Thursday February 18, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 31 Washington Ave. Batavia, NY 14020.She will be laid to rest in East Bethany Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church 31 Washington Ave. Batavia, NY 14020 or to Alzheimer’s Association, Rochester & Finger Lakes Region 435 E. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14620.  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.

Jane Marie Laesser, 84 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (February 12, 2016) at Crossroads House in Batavia.

She was born November 19, 1931, in Maplewood, MO, a daughter of the late David and Ellanora Rampenthal Merrick.

Jane was employed for over 26 years by the former Genesee Memorial Hospital and Walmart for ten years prior to her retirement. She enjoyed playing cards, bowling and reading.  Most of all she enjoyed being with her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

She was the grandmother of the late Lisa Larkin and sister of the late George, Charles and William Merrick.

Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie (Edward) Reulbach of Hilton and Darlene (Scott) Larkin of Batavia. Sons, Gary (Connie) Laesser of Newalla, OK and Donald Laesser of Batavia. 7 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (February 16th) from 9:00am-10:00am at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 10:00am. Entombmemt will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020.Expressions of condolence 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.

Caledonia - Danette P. Czudak, 54, of Caledonia, passed away Thursday, (February 11, 2016) at Highland Hospital, in Rochester.

Ms. Czudak was born October 30, 1961 in Niagara Falls, a daughter of Daniel Graham of Warsaw, and the late Jane (Hutzulak) Graham.

Danette will be remembered as a great mother who truly enjoyed caring for her children.  She loved her dog, Kipper.

She is survived by her children, Zackery (Jenna Aradine) Czudak of Bergen, Shaina (Michael Paladino) Czudak, and Seth Tolanda both of Caledonia; a brother, Michael Graham of Mumford; two sisters, Hilary (Dennis) Horner of Arcade, and Louise (Harry) Briggs of NJ.

She is preceded in death a brother, Louis Persicetti

There will be no prior calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery, Bergen.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Danette’s name to Focus on the Children, PO Box 31, Caledonia, NY 14423. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen.

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

  Harriett A. Gill, 80, of Wadsworth, NY passed away on Thursday February 11, 2016 at Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia. She was born on December 23, 1935 in Warsaw, NY to the late Harry (Ruth Lowery) Barber

She is preceded in death by her husband Samuel W. Gill; daughter Barbara Knowles; son John “Jack” Gill; brothers Robert and Clifford Barber; sisters Dora Popp-Miliron and Ruth Marchese.

Mrs. Gill was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Perry and was very involved in the church. She belonged to the Perry VFW. Mrs. Gill enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, cooking and baking.

She is survived by her son James (Barbara) Gill of Elba; son-in-law Randy Knowles of Perry; companion Donald Cuozzo of Wadsworth; grandchildren Randy (Ruth) Knowles, Beth (Thomas) McIntyre, Ryan Gill, Richard Clark, Amanda and Adam Gill; great grandchildren Jonas Clark and Brice McIntyre along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday February 15, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.  A 1:30 PM Funeral Service will be held on Monday February 15, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church 35 Covington St. Perry, NY 14530. She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Livingston County 67 Genesee St. Avon, NY 14414 or donor’s choice. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

 

 

 

  Gerald R. Sealy, age 65, of Perry passed away on Saturday February 6, 2016 at Unity Hospital in Rochester, New York. Jerry was born in Geneva, New York on November 22, 1950 a son of the late Ivan E. and Ellen Marie (Keefer) Sealy.  Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a sister Shirley Ellis.

Gerald was a 1969 graduate of Palmyra-Macedon High School where he played on the football team winning the State Championship, a 1973 graduate of Houghton College majoring in Business Administration, minors in Psychology and Education, he received his Masters Degree in Education in 1979 at Nazareth College in Rochester and received his Certificate of Advanced Studies at Brockport State College in 1984. Jerry was a Student Teacher at Belfast Central School District before coming to the Perry Central School District in 1973 and retiring in 2010 after 37 years as a business teacher. He was active in many school activities including coaching football as well as track and field, head of the Varsity Club, former President of the Teachers Union and active member of New York State Unified Teachers.  He was a member of the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry where he sang with the church choir and was an Elder and Deacon at the church, a member of the Perry Vets Club and was active in the Perry Village Zoning Board of Appeals. He enjoyed woodworking, wood carving, riding his motorcycle, being outside enjoying nature and taking the time to "enjoy the simple pleasures in life."

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dorothy (Chapman) Sealy; a daughter Jennifer Marie Sealy of Limerick, PA., a son Jason Matthew (Heidi) Sealy of Spring City, PA.; a sister Joyce Reif and her family of Santa Cruz, CA.; a brother  Kenneth (Florence) Sealy and his family of Durham, NC., along with 2 grandchildren,  Ivan Gerald and Clara Marie Sealy.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at the Brick Presbyterian Church 6 Church St. in Perry on Saturday February 20, 2016 at 10:30am.  He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery in Clifton Springs, NY.

Memorials may be made to the Brick Presbyterian Church 6 Church St. Perry, New York 14530.  For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Athens, Tenn. - James Delano German, 72, of Athens, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, (February 10, 2016) at his home, in Athens.

Mr. German was born in Batavia, a son of the late James R. and Helen D. (Delano) German.

James was a past member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Batavia.  Mr. German attended Rochester Institute of Technology where he earned both a Bachelors and Masters Degree.  He was a Finance Manager for several colleges and most recently, along with his wife, owned an H&R Block franchise in Athens, TN.  He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen (Feary) German of Athens, Tenn.; two children, Melanie (Daniel) Grubb of Maryville, Tenn., and Jonathan German of Knoxville, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Burl, Jane, and Mary Grubb; a brother, David (Margie) German of Batavia, and a sister, Janet (Donald) Brinkman of Batavia.  Nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Friends may call on Saturday from 12 to 2 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia; where James’ Funeral Services will immediately follow calling at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, NY 14228.  Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.  

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

Elba - Mea Marie Mack, three month old daughter of Frank W. Mack, III and Breea Carlson Mack of Elba, passed away on Wednesday (February 10, 2016) at her home under the care of her loving family and Buffalo Hospice.

Mea was born November 1, 2015 in Batavia.

Surviving along with her parents are her brothers, Tyler and Caleb Mack at home; grandparents, Frank W. Jr. (Judy) Mack of Albion and Knute (Barbara) Carlson of Batavia;  her great-grandmother, Martha Mack of Gasport; aunts and uncles,  Angela (Mike) Rogers of Batavia, Kristina (Justin) Tese of Albion, Dave (Emily) Carlson of Batavia, Rohn (Deanna) Carlson of Pavilion, Erik Carlson of Syracuse and Angela (Mat) Redmond of LeRoy along with several cousins.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Hospice Foundation of WNY, P.O. Box 590, Buffalo, NY 14240-0590 or online at https://www.hospicebuffalo.com/donate/give-hospice/ or to Support Organization for Trisomy, 2892 South Union Street, Rochester, New York 14624 or online at www.trisomy.org.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Mea have been handled by the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Desirae D. "Desi" Withey, age 33, passed away on Saturday February 6, 2016 at her home in Perry. She was born on April 30, 1982 in Rochester, New York a daughter of Duane D. and Alice A. (Freeman) Withey. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Rev. Horace N. (Grace M. Rowley) Freeman and paternal grandparents Jesse D. (Virginia E. Starr) Withey.

Desirae worked for Creative Foods in Perry. Desi was a talented and creative woman. She was an artist who painted and enjoyed working with clay. She loved cooking for friends and family, music and dancing, and playing games. She had a fun and adventurous spirit and a great sense of humor. She cherished her daughters, friends and family, and loved spending time with them. She loved discovering new things and collecting beautiful pieces, reading, and writing poetry. She was loved by many.

She is survived by her daughters Sophia Isabel George and Zoe Madison Withey; parents Duane D.  (Alice A. Freeman) Withey of Livonia; sisters Bethany (Scott) Butler of Perry, Amy (Ted) McLean of Ontario, CA.; brothers Bryan (Therese) Withey of Huntersville, NC, Justin (Ashley) Withey of Columbia, TN; nieces Janna Withey and Sarah McLean; nephews Sam Withey, Christian and Zane Butler, Caleb and Joshua McLean, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, "and sisters and brothers at heart."

Friends are invited to call on Friday February 12, 2016 from 4 PM- 8 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday February 13, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to set up a fund for her daughters Sophia and Zoe. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Willard G. Johnson, age 69, born in Genesee Memorial Hospital, Batavia, NY, on January 29, 1947 passed away on February 5, 2016 in Manatee Hospital, Fla.

Survived by his wife Jennifer (Bentley) Johnson, also two sisters, Cora (Bob Wright), Fern (Mick Norway) and sons, William Johnson, (wife Sarah), Richard Johnson, (wife Danniel), daughter Sarah (Bill Evan), Joe Johnson, Nathan Johnson, (wife Liz), another daughter, Felica. Stepchildren Frederick Hartgrove, Timothy Hartgrove and Christopher Hartgrove, plus 22 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Friends and family will hold a memorial on Saturday, May 28, at sister’s homes located at 5397 and 5399 Watson Road, Elba (NY 14058) from 1 p.m. until ?

Mary Louise Clark, 70, of Varysburg passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday February 7, 2016 at Cross Roads Hospice. She was born March 24, 1945 in Medina, New York to the late Clifford (Mary Stadel) Sipple.

Mary Louise, originally from Medina, NY, was a Family Support Assistant for Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties.  She loved her family and loved spending time with them.  She truly enjoyed nature:  morning walks with her walking buddies, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.  She was very active with the lovely, vast gardens surrounding her home.  Her favorite flowers were foxgloves and miniature hostas. She also enjoyed knitting blankets, reading, and completing a challenging puzzle.  She  was a beautiful, kind person who will be dearly missed.  Her husband, children, and grandchildren truly were the flowers in the garden of her heart.

She is survived by her husband John P. Clark of Varysburg; sons Zachery (Lindsey) Clark of Bennington; Matthew (Danielle) Clark of Johnsonburg; grandchildren Brittany, Brad, Brody and Madison; great-grandson Talyn; and brother Jim (Kathy) Sipple of Medina.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Cross Roads Hospice 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  For more information please call 585-591-1212 or 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.

Stanley B. Victor, 99 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning (February 6, 2016) in Marietta, Ohio.

He was born December 25, 1916 in Elkland, PA, a son of the late John and Katherine (Brzykowski) Victor.

Stan grew up in Gowanda, NY, attended Gowanda High School and graduated from St. Bonaventure University. Following college, Stan served as a WWII Army officer in the China Burma India region from 1942-1945. 

After serving our country in the United States Army, Stan moved to Akron, NY. From 1946-1979, he taught and later became the business manager for Akron Central School. He married Elaine (Schrantz) Victor in 1948 and together they built their home on Parkview Drive.

Stan was a longtime member of the Akron Lions Club (past president; past treasurer; Melvin Jones Fellow), the L. L. Tillman Post 900 of the American Legion in Akron (past commander), the Gowanda VFW Post 5007 (past commander), the VFW Newstead Memorial Post 3180, and the Buffalo Eye Bank. He served as a past president of the Akron Faculty Association and was a past president of the W.N.Y. School Business Association. Stan was a past treasurer for the Akron School Employee Federal Credit Union for 17 years. He enjoyed officiating football, woodworking, spending time with family and friends, and being a part of life in Akron, NY. 

Stan was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Elaine (Schrantz) Victor; parents, John and Katherine Victor; brothers, Frank Victor and John Victor and sisters, Blanche Gabel and Sally Elvin.

Stan is survived by his three children, Chet (Debby) Victor of Marietta, OH, Julie Gassaway of Atlanta, GA and Ken (Kim) Victor of North Huntingdon, PA; seven grandchildren Brian (Kate) and Paul Victor; Jaclyn and Troy Gassaway; and Jaison, Ryan, and Alyssa Victor; two great-grandchildren Owen and Tara Victor; sisters, Helen Kubasiak; Dorothy (Louis) Selan; brother, Richard (Lenora) Victor; several nieces and nephews, and many, wonderful friends.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday, February 12, from 3-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 11am at Saint Teresa of Avila Church, 5571 Buell St., Akron. Interment will be in St. Teresa’s Cemetery. 

For those wishing to commemorate Stan, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Akron Lions Club or St. Teresa of Avila Parish.

Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Patricia A. Litfin, 83 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Monday (February 8, 2016) at the Brookdale Senior Living Facility in Williamsville. 

She was born November 23, 1932 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Frank and Dolores Tollner Armbruster. 

She was employed by Strippitt Inc. in Akron prior to her retirement. Pat had a very strong faith and was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Church in Akron. 

She was the wife of the late Richard Litfin Sr. who died January 23, 2012 and sister of the late Donald Armbruster and Judith Pask. 

Survivors include her children, Richard Litfin Jr. of Akron, Nancy Byrd of Florida, Diane (Mark) Graziano of Akron, Linda Kulik of Sloan, Brian (Cindy) Litfin of North Carolina, Karen VanOsch of Crystal Beach, Ont., Alan Litfin of Florida and Christine (Mark) Hellenbach of Akron. Also survived by 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (Feb. 11th) from 5-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday 11am at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 5571 Buell St., Akron. Interment will be in St. Teresa’s Cemetery. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to St. Teresa of Avila Church, 5571 Buell St., Akron, NY 14001. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net. 

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Elsa Ortiz, 88, formerly of New York City where she lived until moving to the nursing home in January of this year, passed away peacefully on Friday February 5, 2016 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Medina. She was born April 21, 1927 in San-German, Puerto Rico to the late Louis (Monserrate Alvarez) Ramirez Gomez. She is preceded in death by her husband John Anthony Ortiz; son Charles Anthony Ortiz; along with several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Dr. Wayne (Cindy Norton) Ortiz of Bethany along with 2 grandchildren Ashley and Jason Knickerbocker.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately.

For more information please call 585-591-1212 or 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.

Josephine M. Geib, 92, of Batavia, died Monday (February 8, 2016) at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Josephine was born January 12, 1924 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Vincenza (DelPlato) Anastasio.

A member of Ascension Parish, she was a chef at the former Cristina's and Steakhouse Restaurant's in Batavia.  Josephine loved life, her family, cooking and taking care of other people.  She had a very good sense of humor and was generous and kind hearted to everyone she knew.  Along with her late husband, Arthur, they enjoyed dancing together. 

Survivors include one daughter, Barbara (Les) Gates of Easton, KS; one son, Robert (Laurie Slocum) Geib of Batavia; six grandchildren, Derek Geib of Batavia, Gina (Kevin) Dennis of Colorado, Amy (Mark) Bagley, Dana (Ashley) Stevens, David (Elizabeth) Gates and Suzie (Eric) Thorne, all of Kansas; ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Josephine is predeceased by her husband, Arthur Geib and she is a sister of the late Floyd Anastasio, Anna Torcello, Mary George, Chris Anastasio, Anthony Anastasio, Victor Anastasio, Lucy Greer, Margaret Anastasia and Donald Anastasio.   

Calling hours are Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Josephine’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street, Batavia.  Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Batavia.  Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.