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Obituaries

Carrie Faith Desjardins

By Joshua Smith
carrie

Carrie Faith Desjardins, age 48, of Oakfield, New York, passed away on Sunday, April 14th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at Strong Memorial Hospital.

She was born on Saturday, December 6th, 1975 in Medina, a daughter of Bonnie Grimes Gilbert of Oakfield and the late Kevin Gilbert.

Carrie was a beloved social worker at the Office for the Aging in Batavia. She was a 1995 graduate of Oakfield-Alabama Central School where she was actively involved in cheerleading, track, the school band where she played flute, and chorus. Carrie attended Grace Baptist Church in Batavia and was a member of the Oakfield Betterment Committee. She had a passion for crafts, music, and decorating. One of Carrie's greatest joys was being an aunt to Jackson, Rylee, Dallas, Lucas and Logan.

Surviving along with her mother is her spouse, Frankie Desjardins Jr.; her brother, Chad (Sonya Charache) Gilbert; sisters, Kristina Gilbert and Candy (Justin) Hill, nieces and nephews, Jackson and Dallas Gilbert, Rylee Hill, Luke Toal and Logan Toal; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank (Darlene) Desjardins, sister-in-laws, Alicia Desjardins and Nicole (Duane) Toal along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm at Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine Street, Batavia, where memorial services will be held on Saturday at 11 am Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine Street, Batavia, New York, Oakfield Fire Department, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield, New York 14125 or to Wilmot Cancer Institute Development Office, Alumni and Advancement Center, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, New York 14627. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Carrie will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Cynthia "Cindy" L. Young

By Joshua Smith
Cynthia Young

Cynthia “Cindy” L. Young, 62 of Rochester, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Maple City Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Hornell, New York.

Cindy enjoyed playing rummy, puzzles, coloring, knitting, reading, and watching movies. She liked to spend her time sitting outside in the breeze, and spending time with her friends and family. When she was younger Cindy would enjoy riding her bicycle, hiking, camping, dancing, and listening to music.

Cindy was born on March 7, 1962, in Rochester, New York, a daughter of Richard Pierce and the late Joyce (Robinson) Henry.

Cindy will be remembered by her daughter, Caitlyn Heidenreich and her companion, Michael Baer jr; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Pierce, Konner Pierce, and Alexis Heidenreich; ex-husband and good friend, Pastor Timothy Young; sisters, Deborah (Michael) Stein, Colette Batten and her companion, Richard Tillinghast; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Cindy will be reunited with her son, Geoffrey Pierce, brother, Scott Pierce, and mother Joyce Henry.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Cindy’s funeral service will be Immediately following the calling hours at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Halstead Square Community Residence- 770 West Main Street Rochester, New York 14611.

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

Martha Monsees

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Martha Monsees, age 92, formerly of West Main Street, passed away early Wednesday morning (April 10, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

     She was born July 18, 1931 in Karul, Romania, a daughter of the late Johannes and Luise Durr Renke.  

martha monsees

   Martha’s family lived in a two room home which had to accommodate her parents and five siblings.  She recalled living “off the land” at an early age, growing vegetables and getting milk from their cows, goats and sheep.  With the onset of the war in Europe, Martha’s family had to move several times.  In 1950, her family began applying for their paperwork to migrate to the United States. Martha remained behind and married Bernhard Monsees in 1955.  She, Bernie and son, Heiko left Germany on June 7, 1961 on the ship, MS Berlin and arrived in NYC to start their lives in the United States.

     She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Heiko (Dawn) Monsees; sisters, Tina Hundt and Olga (Cyril) White, along with many nieces and nephews throughout the US, Germany and Australia.  She was predeceased by her husband, Bernie, along with other loving family members.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, April 17 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where Martha’s funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM.

     Contributions in memory of Martha are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, 7 Clay Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

Jess LeSage

By Joshua Smith
Jess LeSage

Stafford - Jess LeSage, 50, from Stafford, New York, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at home with his family.

Jess was born Thursday, December 27th, 1973 in Batavia, New York, a son of Sue (Vile) LeSage and the late Thomas "Poppy Tom" LeSage.

Jess took great pride in his employment at Liberty Pumps. Jess was dedicated to being a father to his boys Jason and Logan, always there teaching, supporting, and being involved in everything they did. Jess was also a bonus dad to Hayley Bouck, who started dating his son Jason in 2020.

Jess had a love and connection with his birds; chickens, ducks, geese, and his turkey. He spent the last years raising them, breeding them, and sharing his knowledge about them with everyone.

Jess was a one of a kind, a good-hearted person who brought love to so many.

Surviving are his wife, Melissa (Cofran) LeSage; sons, Jason Thomas-Fitzgerald LeSage and Logan Robert-Clayton LeSage; bonus daughter, Hayley Bouck; mother, Sue (Vile) LeSage; sisters, Melinda (Quaintance) LeSage, Lisa (Smith) LeSage, Emilie (Moss) LeSage, and Tracy LeSage; and mother-in-law, Nancy Cofran. Jess is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jess was preceded in death by his father, Thomas LeSage; grandmother, June Vile; a sister, Missy LeSage; a brother, Jason LeSage; and his nephew, Joshua Quaintance.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 27, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Liberty Pumps in Bergen, New York. Everyone is welcome.

Memorials may be sent to his family: The LeSage Family, 5751 Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, NY 14143.

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

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

Mrs. Patricia Ann Wright

By Joshua Smith
Wright

Patricia Ann “Grandma Pat” Schad Wright, 78, of Batavia, New York, entered eternal paradise peacefully with the love of her family on April 7, 2024 after a valiant battle with a prolonged illness. Born on March 27, 1946, in the same town, she was a woman of great spirit, joy and most of all spunk, who brought laughter, warmth and sarcasm to all who knew her.

She leaves behind her cherished daughter, Shell Lynn Duff, her “Bean”: her beloved grandchildren, Kameron Stuart McGhee, William Aaron Duff, Jr. (Jake), Karsen Olivia Duff, and her “sweet baby girl” Kannen Jayde Gardner; great grandchildren Kinslee, Levi and Raegan, all of whom reside in Virginia. She is also survived by her special loving and devoted niece, Rebecca Valentine and loving nieces Kristin (Jeremy) Jedrewski, Kelley (Felix) Ortiz, and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Pat was predeceased by her grandparents Levi and Mary (Coffey) Kelley; her parents, Charles and Emma (Kelley) Schad; her siblings, Gertrude Schad, Charles Schad, Jr. Paul Schad, Catherine Schad, June Schad Busch, and John Schad.

Pat was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her love of card games, yard saling, excellent culinary skills, her collection of books and reading, and being an avid sports fan and her unwavering support for Cubs baseball and UVA basketball.

Having spent the majority of her adult life in Virginia, Pat’s absence will be deeply felt by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Her competitive nature at the card table was matched only by her generosity in sharing her love for games with others. Grandma Pat shared countless hours with Kam and Jake on her lap cheering on the Cubs and reveling in Jake doing the “Sammy Sosa slide” any and everywhere he could. She loved being in the kitchen and whipping up something yummy and having Karsen as her taste tester. She especially loved teaming up with Kannen to give Shelly a hard time and was ready for the “dap” followed by laughs.

        Bask in the glory and beauty of endless bouquets of purple iris’s Grandma Pat.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, in honor of Pat’s love for animals donations be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.

A private funeral service to commemorate Pat’s life will be held at a later date. The HE Turner Funeral Home in Batavia, NY, is providing  support to Pat’s family during this time. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Nancy A. Tash

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Nancy A. Tash, age 87, formerly of Lake St. Rd., passed away on Sunday (April 7, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.   

nancy tash

  She was born February 20, 1937 in Batavia, a daughter of the late John and Ruth Azinger Miller.

     Nancy will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, companion and dear friend.  She started working her working career at Murphy’s 5 & 10 in LeRoy and went on to be a sales associate at Twin Fair in Batavia.  She was a 40+ year member of the Stafford ladies auxiliary and enjoyed traveling; visiting much of the U.S. as well as Okinawa, Japan.

     She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Cheryl McEwen (D. Bruce Becking) of Medina, Lori McCaffery (Dane Brege) of Batavia, Christy (Thomas) Scheuing of LeRoy and Colleen Tash of LeRoy; her “like a daughter”, Laura Phillips; her brother, Gary Miller of LeRoy, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

     Nancy was predeceased by her longtime companion, John Zimber; sisters, Marilyn Pasquale and Lorraine Curry and sister-in-law, Catherine Miller.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, April 15 from 11 AM – 1 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where her Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM.  Interment in Machpelah Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the American Diabetes Association or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Jean S. Monroe

By Joshua Smith
ll

Batavia - Jean  S.  Monroe , 76  of Batavia  passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York.

Jean was born Wednesday, September 10th, 1947 in Batavia, New York a daughter of the late Francis Monroe and Hattie C. Rudd.

She was a member of Godfrey's Pond in Batavia, NY. Jean also enjoyed crafting, crossword puzzles, shopping, going to Vermont in the Fall, animals, and especially spending time with her cats.

Jean is survived by her sister-in-law JoAnn Monroe; nieces and nephews, Beth (Peter) Ziccardi, Gary (Laurie) Monroe, Anne Allen, Andrew (Vicky) Monroe, Elijah Monroe as well as many great and great great nieces and nephews. In death Jean is reunited with her parents, Francis & Hattie Monroe; brothers, Douglas (Patricia) Monroe, Gilbert Monroe and James Monroe; nephews Jeff Monroe, Douglas Monroe and Adam Monroe.

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. Burial for Jean will occur at Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.


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

Rosemary M. Graham

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Rosemary M. Graham, age 83, of Linwood Road, passed away early Sunday morning (April 7, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.   

rosemary graham

  She was born June 29, 1940 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Ambrose and Catherine Mooney McBurney.

     Rosemary will be remembered as a very selfless person, who dedicated herself to raising her family alone after the untimely passing of her husband, Douglas. She was a graduate of LeRoy Central School Class of 1958.  Besides being a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear friend, she was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

     She is survived by her children, Kelly Baylor, Colin Graham and Kerry Driscoll; grandchildren, Derek Baylor, Brynn Baylor, Rachel (Matt) Livermore, Miranda (Ryan) Graham Fair, Shaun Graham, Alanna Driscoll and Ryan Driscoll; great-grandchildren, Rory Livermore and Mavis Livermore; sister-in-law, Grace McBurney; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Joanne Graham, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas Lee Graham Sr.; son, Douglas Lee Graham Jr., sisters, Veronica Airth and Madonna Haley; brother, Donald McBurney and sons-in-law, Jeff Baylor and John Driscoll.

     Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 13 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Rosemary are suggested to Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, 3841 W. Main St. Rd., Batavia, N.Y. 14020

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

Mrs. Florine A. Radley

By Joshua Smith

Basom - Mrs. Florine A. Radley, age 82, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital.

She was born on July 10, 1941 a daughter of the late Floyd Kenneth Smart and Cecilia Squires Smart.

She enjoyed camping, mowing her lawn and taking pictures of her grandchildren.

Her husband, Dennis P. Radley, passed away on October 22, 2021.

She is survived by her children, Kristina (Jason) Heale of Oakfield and Jason (Jessica) Falker of Vermont; her grandchildren, MacKenzie Wood, Tyhler Wood, Elijah Falker and Melody Falker; her great-grandchildren, Vance Grazioplane and Ivy Grazioplane.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 12 pm at Cary Cemetery, Oakfield. A celebration of life for Florine and Dennis will follow on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Oakfield Fire Hall, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

James R. Pacino

By Joshua Smith
James R. Pacino

James Russell Pacino, 77, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024. He had been ill for the past six months.

Born in Batavia on November 10, 1946, Jim was the son of the late Russell & Shirley (Towne) Pacino. He was a proud 1964 graduate of Batavia High School where he was a four-sport Blue Devils letterman in wrestling, baseball, tennis, and football. Following his graduation, James began pursuing a physical education degree at SUNY Brockport.

In 1967, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy.  He was trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois, where his unique aptitude for science and experience working summers at the Batavia Veterans Hospital made him a perfect candidate to be trained as a Navy Medical Corpsman.

Jim was deployed in April of 1969 to serve with the Lima Company, 3rd Marine Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps – in Da Nang, Vietnam.  On May 29, 1969, Corpsman Pacino was wounded, treated and sent back to active duty until June 9, 1969, when his platoon was riding on a tank to set up outposts on the roadsides to prevent ambushes on the convoys. The tank exploded after hitting a land mine, killing 4 and wounding many others, including Corpsman Pacino.  He was treated for deep wounds in his legs, arms, chest, and neck. After three days, he was sent to Yokohama, Japan for more surgical procedures. Transported to St. Albans Naval Hospital in Queens, NY, he spent a year recovering from his injuries and learning to walk again.  

Jim finished his service at the Naval Dispensary in Quantico, VA before being honorably discharged on November 6, 1970. In addition to a Purple Heart with Gold Star, Corpsman Pacino was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Palm Leaf, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Department of Navy Good Conduct Award.

Jim married PattiAnn Cleveland on July 29, 1972.  The couple moved to Philippi, WV, where Jim had enrolled in the newly created Physician’s Assistant program at Alderson-Broaddus College. In May of 1975 he earned his BS in Medical Science with a concentration in Physician’s Assistant.

Jim and Patti returned to Batavia where he began his 40-year career in medicine.  He first worked in Rochester for the private practice of Dr. Alessandro Bertoni. In 1989 he became the first Physician’s Assistants to be hired at Genesee Memorial Hospital. He worked in the Emergency Room until 2000 when GMH merged with St. Jermone to become United Memorial Medical Center. He spent the last 15 years of his career working in LeRoy at Genesee Family Practice, first with Dr. Lorne Campbell and then with Dr. Vladimir Gaspar.

Jimmy was an avid sports fan both loving (and hating) the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, NY Mets, University of Notre Dame, and Syracuse Orangemen.  He spent years watching and coaching his kids in youth sports, and continued to enjoy youth sports while watching his grandchildren play. He was a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia where he enjoyed working on the pancake breakfast and the Easter egg hunt. James loved tending his tomato garden, working on his pool, and baking pies for holiday gatherings. He especially loved having his family over for pasta with homemade sauce and meatballs every Sunday, a tradition dating back to his grandparents arrival from Vallelunga, Sicily over a century ago.

James R. Pacino


    
Besides his wife of 51 years, Jim is survived by his children: Kristen Heather (Jeremiah) Elkins of East Pembroke, Jennifer Nicole (Jason) Lendvay and Joshua Michael (Carrie Rousseau) Pacino of Batavia; his 5 grandchildren: Izabella Elkins, Tyler Jay & Austin Jase Lendvay, Matthew & Garrett Rousseau; his sisters: Joan Eva (late Gerald) Halfenger, Judi (Felix) Maluso, Janice (Keith) Hunt, all of Batavia; Melanie (Craig) Cohen of Kenmore and Pamela (Patrick) Mills of Miami, FL; his nieces and nephews: G. Michael (Melissa) Halfenger of Whitefish Bay, WI, Jeff Konarski of Batavia, John (Melissa) Konarski of Ellicottville, Philip (Kelsey) Cohen, Daniel (Amber) Cohen all of Kenmore; his grand-nieces and nephews: Matthew & Kyleigh Halfenger, Gaege Morris, Blaise & Marley Konarski, Nika, Jionni, and Winter Cohen; numerous cousins, colleagues, and devoted friends.

Calling hours for James will be held on Friday, April 12, from 4-7pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, April 13, at 9:30am at Resurrection Parish, St. Joseph’s worship site, followed by a military burial in the Historic Batavia Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in James’ honor to the Batavia City Schools Foundation for the establishment of a wrestling scholarship.

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

James M. Wujcik

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy – James M. Wujcik, age 48, of Haven Lane, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.     

     He was born March 17, 1976 in Rochester, a son of John Wujcik and the late Carole Lapp Wujcik; grandson of the late Catherine and Clarence Lapp.  James will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.   

Jim Wujcik

   He will be sadly missed by his wife and best friend of 16 years, Katie Wujcik; his children, Joseph Wujcik (10 years old), Anna Rose Wujcik (8 years old) of LeRoy; brother Jeff (Michele) Wujcik; In-laws, Joseph and Nancy Nicklyn; nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins, along with countless friends.  In addition to his mother, James was predeceased by his brother, Jason Wujcik.

     James graduated from Leroy High School, Canisius College, and Cooley Law School. He was an accomplished attorney practicing law for many years at Dadd, Nelson, Wilkinson & Wujcik, as well as serving proudly as the Genesee County Attorney and the Wyoming County Attorney.  He loved his family, friends, his dog, Pearl, and all things sports – he especially enjoyed his Canisius baseball career, coaching LeRoy Little League and spent countless hours cheering on his children’s ice hockey teams.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, April 7 from 4-7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 8 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, NY.  (Rite of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at www.ourladyofmercyleroy.org)

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with contributions in memory of Jim going to St. Joseph Regional School, 2 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Gail M. Kleparek

By Ronald Konieczny
Kleparek

Gail M. Kleparek, 65 of Bowmansville, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday (April 3, 2024) at her home.

She was born November 12, 1958 in Buffalo, a daughter of Donald and Mary Serach Schalk of Clarence, NY.

Gail enjoyed crafting, playing bingo and gardening around her home. She was also very fond of animals. Most of all, she loved her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving besides her parents are her husband, Martin Kleparek Sr. of Bowmansville. Daughter, Barbara (Carlos) Perez of Amherst. Sons, Martin Kleparek Jr. and David Kleparek, both of Bowmansville. Grandchildren, Matthew Kleparek and Anabelle Kleparek-Hoinski. Siblings, Donald (Carolyn) Schalk of Lancaster, George Schalk of Clarence, Marylou (John) Maier of Lockport and Amy (Micah) Fairbanks of Alden. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (April 13th) from 1-3pm & 6-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. A funeral service will be held Sunday (April 14th), 2:00pm at High Point Church, 1163 Main St, Corfu, NY 14036.

Expressions of sympathy 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.

 

 

Patrick J. Patton

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Patrick J. Patton, age 66, of Summit Street, passed away on Wednesday (April 3, 2024) at home surrounded by his loving family.

     He was born May 29, 1957 in Buffalo, a son of the late Edward and Agnes Nihill Patton.  

pat patton

   Patrick will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.  He graduated from Alfred University in 1978 with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts.  His contributions to his family and community were remarkable.  He loved working with the kids and music department at LeRoy Central School, where he volunteered countless hours working on set designs for their school musicals for 17 years.  In 2022, Pat received the Community Service Award from the Rochester Broadway Theater League in recognition for his years of work at LeRoy Central Schools. Pat worked at Armstrong Brands in West Seneca from its inception in 1993.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, enjoyed reading about history and loved to attend theatre productions with his family.

     He will be sadly missed by his wife and best friend of 37 plus years, Beth Erick Patton; his children, Joseph (Sarah) Patton of Williamsville and Katherine (Tyler) Owen of Buffalo; granddaughter, Eleanor Patton; brothers, Michael (Jeannie) Patton of CO and Kevin (Dawn) Patton of NC;  In-laws, Thomas Erick, Coleen Erick and Lynda (Mitchell Roemer) Erick; nieces and nephews, Andrew (Amy) Severson, Brigid (Steven) Filmer, Sarah Severson, Meghan Patton, Matthew (Taylor) Patton, Sean (Becca) Patton, Sarah (Mark) Erick, Cathleen Roemer and Christine (Dan) Schmitt, along with countless friends.

     In addition to his parents, Pat was predeceased by his sister, Mary Katherine Severson.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, April 6 from 1 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Pat’s Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 7 at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, Routes 5 & 19, LeRoy, NY. 

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with contributions in memory of Pat going to either the Patrick J. Patton Memorial Scholarship Fund at LeRoy Central School, 2 Trigon Park, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482 or to the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, 7 Clay Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482.

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

John Leslie Mullins

By Lisa Ace
John Mullins

We Have Lost a Cowboy.

John Leslie Mullins was born September 4, 1934, in Antelope County, Nebraska to William and Vida Chase Mullins. He died March 28, 2024, at his son’s home in Fort Myers, Florida, with his family at his side. He graduated from Plainview High, where he was on the 1951 State championship football team. John was also involved with FFA and 4-H and won his first Stetson hat showing his champion hog. John was destined to be a cowboy for life. He owned horses and was wearing cowboy boots in high school and his senior research project was on Appaloosas. When he joined the National Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) as a lifetime member in 1952, he was member #360.

John Mullins

In 1955 he joined the US Army and was a welder with an armored infantry unit in Fort Polk in Louisiana, and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During off duty hours he would get to know the local Appaloosa owners and show their horses. At the 1958 San Antonio Stock Show he won the Championship Appaloosa Stake race on Chief of Fourmile, who was later inducted into the ApHC Hall of Fame. In 1999 Breyer model horse #752, the limited edition of Chief of Fourmile has a picture of John Mullins riding him at that show. After his time in the army he returned to work at the Pitzer Quarter Horse Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska, and started his training career. He bought an Appaloosa mare named Navajo Turquoise of AA and bred her to the Pitzer’s AQHA stallion, Little Fob, and the resulting foal in 1962 was Little Navajo Joe.

In 1962 John made the move to the Acomb’s Farm outside Stafford, New York, to work with their Appaloosas. In 1963 he married Cleo Murphy of Norfolk, Nebraska, and she started her career at the VA hospital in Batavia as a medical technologist. In 1964 they bought property in Elba, New York to begin John’s training and breeding business. At one time they had 44 horses on their farm. He was also an approved Appaloosa judge. It was a joy to John that his twins, Susan and Douglas, both rode and competed in 4-H and Appaloosa shows. John trained Little Navajo Joe and started showing him and won 35 Grand Championships at halter and over 50 High-Point End of Year awards. Little Navajo Joe and John competed in western pleasure, reining, and game classes. With John riding as jockey they also won a flat race out of the gate. John and Little Navajo Joe have been credited with “playing a starring role” in spreading the popularity of the Appaloosas east of the Mississippi River during the 1960s. Little Navajo Joe was inducted into the ApHC Stallion Hall of Fame in 2000.

John taught riding for many years and in some cases several generations in the same family. He was active in the Genesee 4-H horse program by being on the advisory board, judging shows and holding clinics at the farm. In later years he would find a place on the top seat in the bleacher to take pictures of the 4-H horse contestants at the Genesee Co. Fair and then give the pictures to 4-H to view at their end of year program. The last few years, he took pictures from his walker.

John Mullins loved life, his faith as a lifelong Methodist, enjoyed nature, photography, traveled to all of the states and other countries, also collected minerals and gems and liked people. His favorite song was “the Last Cowboy.”

John is survived by his wife, Cleo, and his twins, Douglas Mullins and Susan Calandra, grandchildren, Lauren and John Calandra, his sister, Margaret Shoemaker, brother, Jim Mullins, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and a huge list of close friends that made life special every day. He was predeceased in death by brother, Lyle Mullins.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Co. 4-H Horse Program, 420 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020.

Calling hours will be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on May 24th 5-8 PM and May 25th 10-11 AM. His Celebration of Life will also be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on May 25th at 11 AM. The burial will be at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, New York at a later date.

Bonnie J. Caton

By Joshua Smith
Bonnie J. Caton

Bonnie J.  Caton, 77, of Oakfield, NY passed away on March 29, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center following a long battle with COPD.

Bonnie was born January 10, 1947 in Batavia, NY, the daughter of the late David P. and Cecile (Gilliatt) Patterson, Sr.

Bonnie was a graduate of Oakfield Alabama Central School.  In earlier years, she worked as a waitress at the Alabama Hotel and later as a part-time cashier at Walmart.  Her full-time job was at The New York State School for the Blind from which she retired in 2008 after nearly 28 years of service.  She enjoyed crafts, working in her yard, being outdoors and spending time with her family.  She had a passion for her plants as well as tending to her annual “swarm” of hummingbirds crowded around her feeder, situated on her front porch, in full view from her living room recliner.

Bonnie is survived by are her three sons, her proudest accomplishments, Michael Caton of Oakfield, NY, Timothy (Karla) Caton of Copley, Ohio and Todd (Kimberly) Caton of Oakfield, NY; her foster brother, Richard Bisig of Batavia, NY; her sister-in-law Margaret Patterson; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, David P. Patterson Jr.

Per Bonnie’s request, there are no prior calling hours. A private service will be held on May 11, 2024.  Bonnie will be laid to rest in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

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

Arrangements for Bonnie were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 958-5325.

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