Skip to main content

Obituaries

Michael J. Andolora

By LaVern Falcone

Mount Dora, FL ~ Michael J. Andolora, age 94, formerly of Perry, N.Y., passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2016.

     Mr. Andolora was born July 25, 1922, a son of the late Louis and Antonia Andolora.

     He married the love of his life, Edith Barber in 1944 and they moved to Leesburg, FL from Perry in 1980.  He will be remembered as a loving family man and was the last of his generation.

     He is survived by his son, David (Suzanne) Andolora of Henrietta, N.Y.; grandson, Terrence (Michon) Ball; granddaughter, Beth (Christopher) Ball Kovach; great-grandchildren, Evan Ball, Elyse Ball, Lucas Ball, Chloe Kovach and Delia Kovach, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 70 years, Edith Andolora, and his brothers and sisters, Josephine, Sarah, Sam, Margaret, Joseph, Phillip and Pearl.

     A memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Interment in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy, will be at the convenience of the family.

     Memorials in his name are suggested to Autism Up, 855 Publishers Parkway

Webster, NY. 14580

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

     Mr. Andolora and his family’s local arrangements are being completed by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.

Aaron A. Seitz

By LaVern Falcone

Fredericksburg, VA ~ Aaron A. Seitz, age 44, formerly of Batavia and Orlando, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 19, 2016.

    

 He was born May 27, 1972 in Denver, CO, a son of Loretta Fiorella Seitz Vosburgh and the late LeRoy J. Seitz.

     Aaron was a 1990 graduate of Batavia High School.  After graduation, he enlisted with the U.S. Marines.  Upon completing his service with the Marines, Aaron moved south, where he worked for himself as a mechanic and body repairman.  Those who knew Aaron, knew that he always lived life to the fullest.

     He is survived by his mother and step-father, Loretta (Manley) Vosburgh of Bergen; his sister, Erica (Ian) Jermy of Stafford; his niece, Sophia Jermy; his fiancée , Ryan Kennedy and her son, Eddie, of Fredericksburg, VA, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

     Services and interment will be private.

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

     Mr. Seitz and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.

Karen E. Biegas

By T.J. Woodward

biegas.jpg
  Karen E. (Murtagh) Biegas, 55, passed away while in Orlando, FL. on November 8, 2016. She was born on December 23, 1960 in Rochester to the late Edward Murtagh and Myrtle (Bowling) Murtagh of Bergen.

In addition to her mother, Karen is survived by her husband John D. Biegas; son John (Kimberly) Biegas of Bergen; step daughter Deborah Groover; brothers Michael (Dee) Murtagh of Rochester and Thomas Murtagh of Bergen; grandsons Xander Biegas of Bergen and Tristan Groover.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday November 25, 2016 from 3:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street 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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.

Norine R. Leaton

By Joshua Smith

 

Byron - Norine R. Leaton, 86, of Byron, a former Town Clerk for the Town of Byron, died Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Genesee County Nursing Home, in Batavia. 

Mrs. Leaton was born April 10, 1930 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Henry and Zelda White.

She fought the hard fight, especially the last two years.  She lost her home and husband in December of 2014 as a result of a devastating house fire.  She has had many physical challenges since then, resulting in some hospital stays.  Through it all, she never lost her sense of humor.  She loved her family dearly.

She was a member of the Byron Presbyterian Church and member of the South Byron Fire Department Women's Auxiliary.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed crafting Afghans.

Her husband, Warren A. Leaton, died December 19, 2014.

Survivors include a daughter, Cindy Leaton Favata of Bergen; 2 sons, James Leaton of Byron and Alan (Roxanne) Leaton of Bergen; a sister, Gladys Janas of Rochester; 8 grandchildren, Ann Knack of Honeoye Falls, Aimee (Jim) Austin of South Byron, Jeffrey Leaton, Jared Leaton, Ashlee Leaton, Adam Leaton, all of Byron; Alan (Aubrie) Leaton, Jr. of Brockport and Melanie DiFalco of Long Island; 3 great-grandchildren, Jordan Leaton, Kendall Knack and Griffin Knack; a brother-in-law, David (Joanne) Leaton of Byron; and several nieces and nephews. 

She is predeceased by 6 siblings.  

The family would like to thank the first and third floor staff at the Genesee County Nursing Home for the care given to our mom.  

Friends may call on Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Byron Cemetery, Townline Road, Byron, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Byron Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 206, Byron, NY 14422 or to South Byron Fire Department, P.O. Box 22, South Byron, NY 14557.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Rosemary M. Warboys

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Rosemary M. Warboys, 86, of Batavia, passed away Friday, (November 18, 2016) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Warboys was born October 15, 1930 in Elba, a daughter of the late Ernest and Lois (Allyn) Shultz.

Rosemary was extremely family oriented.  She loved to cook, bake and spend time with her entire extended family.  She also greatly enjoyed Christian music.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Warboys along with several brothers and sisters.

Surviving are her children, Cathy Kirkpatrick of Zephyrhills, FL, John (Amy Franklin) Hopkins of East Rochester, Daniel (Laurie) Hopkins of Elba, Michael (Linda) Warboys, Laurie (Jerry) Fry, Susan (Jim) Brion, and Janet (Mike) Borkholder all of Oakfield; a sister, Gertrude (Phil) Sinasalco of Zephyrhills, FL; 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Rosemary will be laid to rest in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 (www.crossroadshouse.com/donate).

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

Nils R. Anderson

By T.J. Woodward

nils.jpg
Nils R. Anderson, age 78, of Perry, formerly of Livonia, passed away on Wednesday November 16, 2016 at his home. He was born on February 9, 1938 in Jamestown, NY a son of the late Axel E. and Thelma M. (Tillow) Anderson.

Nils was a 1955 graduate of Jamestown High School, 1959 graduate of Houghton College, and received his master’s degree in Social work from Syracuse University in 1966. He worked for the Livingston County Department of Social Services for several years, and retired from New York Division for Youth in Rochester after many years of service. He attended the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry where he was in the church choir and was active in the church ministry. He was a former Boy Scout leader, a board member for the Livingston County Service Board, volunteered for the Caring for Perry food pantry, drove for the Genesee County Department of Social Services and worked for the benefit of many other organizations. He enjoyed flying private planes and especially loved spending time with family, grandchildren and extended family.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Carolyn A. (Carlson) Anderson, a daughter: Marie Lynn (Gregory) Sweet of Livonia, 2 sons: Steven (Elaine) Anderson of Conesus and Erik Anderson of Cincinnati, OH., 1 sister: Allene (Douglas) Louie of Salisbury, NC, 3 grandchildren: Caleb, Josiah and Isaac Sweet, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 4:00-7:00PM on Saturday November 19, 2016 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, new York 14530. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday November 20th at 1:30pm at the Brick Presbyterian Church N. Main St. in Perry. He will be laid to rest in West Perry Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caring for Perry Food Pantry 6 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530 or to Heritage Christian Services 275 Kenneth Dr., Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14623. 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.

 

Rose M. Loiacono

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - Rose M. Loiacono, 85, of Bergen, passed away Thursday, (November 17, 2016) at Unity Hospital, in Rochester.

Mrs. Loiacono was born June 13, 1931 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Pasquale and Giovanni (Palermo) Murgillo.

Rose was a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Churchville and enjoyed traveling.  She especially loved going to the casino, specifically the Batavia Downs.  For many years, Rose owned a race horse along with her late husband, which she greatly enjoyed.   

She is the wife of the late James V. Loiacono.  He passed away on October 20, 2011.

Rose is survived by a niece and four nephews.  A close friend, Lana (James) Koneski of Bergen also survives.

There will be no prior visitation.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.  She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester.

Flowers are gratefully declined; however memorials in Rose’s name may be made in the form of Mass Intentions. 

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

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

Joseph Richard Gerace

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Joseph Richard Gerace, 80, proprietor of Gerace's Hair Care Center and along with his wife owned the former Bob Harris Realty Company, died on Thursday (November 17, 2016) at the New York State Veteran's Home in Batavia.

Mr. Gerace was born March 15, 1936 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph A. and Sarah (Gazzetta) Gerace.

A 1955 graduate of Batavia High School, he served with the United States Army from 1957 to 1959.  Prior to the hair care center he operated the Trailways Diner.

The lifelong Batavian was a member of many organizations, including the Batavia Rotary Club, where he amassed 33 years of perfect attendance,  served on the Board and also was the Sergeant at Arms, Knights of Columbus Fr. Vincent Capadanno Assembly 0755, Msgr. Kirby Council #325, City of Batavia Republican Committee, which he chaired for many years, Batavia Muckdogs Board of Directors and was on the teams’ Wall of Fame, Genesee Cancer Assistance program where he served on the Board since its inception and founded the Simply Beautiful Hair Service, Resurrection Parish, former St. Nick’s Social Club, Batavia Youth Bureau and a past president and co-chair of the Festival of Hope, Genesee Cancer Assistance golf tournament committee and was on the city of Batavia zoning board for 12 years.

He was an avid New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan.  He proudly attended each Super Bowl the Bills appeared in and was on the Founders Wall at the New Era Stadium tunnel entrance, recognizing season ticket holders since the beginning of the Buffalo Bills in 1960.  A favorite activity of his was the large selection of Christmas lights he displayed each year at his home.

Among the recognition and awards he received over the years included the two-time recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, which is Rotary’s Club highest award, 2008 Humanitarian Award presented by the United Memorial Medical Center  Foundation and the Jerome Foundation, 2006 Volunteer of the Year Award for the city of Batavia, Italian-American of the year awarded by the Batavia Downs and a similar award from the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation, 1993 Geneseean of the Year and the Batavia Lions Club Italian American Award.

Surviving is his wife, Lois (Wagner) Gerace, of Batavia, whom  he married July 16, 1960; two sons, Robert J. Gerace  and  John P. (Rhonda Saulsbury) Gerace, both of Batavia;  one daughter, Karen A. (Scott) Rowland of Perry; one brother, Alfred J. (Patricia) Gerace of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and one sister, Theresa (late Joseph) Irrera of Batavia. He is the grandfather of Ashley Gerace, Chelsea (Josh) Smith, Justin Gerace and Kirsten Rowland, Lindsey Rowland and David Rowland.  Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

He is a brother of the late Louis Gerace and Sarah Bateman.

Family and friends may call on Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main St., Batavia. The Knights of Columbus #325 will hold a prayer service on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main St., Batavia.  Burial with full Military Honors will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or online at http://crossroadshouse.com/donations, or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., c/o United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or online at http://geneseecancerassistance.com/donate/or to the New York State Veteran's Home, Attention: Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Warren "Buddy" Oderkirk, Jr.

By Joshua Smith

Pavilion - Warren “Buddy” Oderkirk, Jr., age 20, of Pavilion, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at his home.

Buddy was born June 5, 1996 in Batavia, the son of Warren Oderkirk, Sr. of Byron and Debra (Bill DuBois, Jr.) Zalar of Pavilion.

A 2014 graduate of Pavilion High School where he graduated 4th from his class, Buddy was a member of National Honor Society. He loved traveling and following his high school graduation he took an eleven day European vacation where he fell in love with the country of Switzerland. An accomplished wrestler throughout high school, Buddy began wrestling at the age of 6. He served as a mentor to many younger wrestlers and volunteered much of his time to ensure their success. He was a student at Genesee Community College with the aspirations to transfer to Monroe Community College to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. A member of Genesee County 4-H and the NIOGA Holstein Club, Buddy loved music and was a member of the Psyberdyne .Ind, Niagara Falls Car Club and was an honorary member of the Ghost Crew. He enjoyed trading sports cards, playing fantasy football, and loved listening to music. He will be sadly missed by his dog, Sophie Grace.

Surviving along with his parents are his wife, Alexandria Holderer; two sisters, Constance (fiancé TJ Czworka) Davis and Courtney (fiancé Andrew Kelkenberg) Oderkirk, both of Byron; his step-brother,  Billy DuBois, III of Byron; his step-sister, Emily DuBois of Byron; his sister-in-law, Abigail Holderer of Perry; grandparents, David Oderkirk of Bergen and James (Bonnie) Smoot of Silver Lake; his father and mother-in-law, John (Stacey) Holderer of Perry; aunts and uncles, John (Kathy) Zalar,  Jim (Bobbie) Zalar, Barbara (John) Zalar, Benjamin (Lisa) Zalar, Ronald (Barbara) Zalar, Andrew (Michele) Oderkirk, Audra Bates, Christa Oderkirk and Pamela (Aaron) Sharp; his best friend, Kyle (Samantha) Dougherty and several cousins.

Buddy is predeceased by his grandparents, Francis (Constance) Zalar, Sr., Sandra Oderkirk, his step-grandmother, Sharon Oderkirk and his uncle Mario Zalar.

Friends may call on Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. A celebration of Buddy’s life will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at BW's Restaurant and Banquet Facility, 11070 Perry Road, Pavilion.  To honor Buddy's wishes, please make memorials to his family.  He will be laid to rest in Morganville Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Buddy’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

John L. Redfern

By T.J. Woodward

redfern.jpg
John L. Redfern, 77, of Bennington passed away on Tuesday November 15, 2016 at the Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia. He was born on September 3, 1939 in Buffalo to the late Lloyd and Margaret (Hughes) Redfern.

John was a United States Army Veteran stationed in South Korea where he was a medic. He worked as a Supervisor of Education at the Attica Correctional Facility for 31 years prior to retiring in 2001. John taught at Genesee Community College and also BOCES in Batavia where he helped students obtain their GED. He was a very active in the Bennington and Attica communities. He would serve as a lector at Sacred Heart and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Attica. John was a Cub Master for the Cub Pack in Bennington, where he also was a Volunteer Firefighter and past secretary of the Bennington Fire Dept. He was a member of the Bennington Jaycee’s and wrote their monthly news letter. John loved to march in parades and was a self taught musician who could play the piano and the guitar, this lead him to spread his musical talent by teaching his children to play the piano as well.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Adele (Czworka) Redfern of Bennington; children Christopher (Joy) Redfern of Valencia, CA., Mark (Kathy) Redfern of Cheektowaga, Todd (Inok) Redfern of Santa Clarita, Ca. and Maria (Larry) McCleod of Darien; brother Paul (Ann Marie) Redfern of Cheektowaga, along with 9 grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday November 19, 2016 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish 1230 Clinton St. Bennington Center, NY 14011.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bennington Volunteer Fire Company 1353 Route 354 Attica, NY 14011. For questions or to leave a message of condolence please call 585-591-1212 or visit our website www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements competed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Timothy M. Ridgway

By T.J. Woodward

ridgway.jpg
“What words can’t say music speaks”

Timothy M. Ridgway, 34, of Newark Valley, NY joined the acoustic band in heaven on November 8, 2016. He was born on February 12, 1982 in Binghamton to James M. Ridgway and Anna M. Sopka.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters Martha Ann and Jane; grandmother Cleo, grandfather James D.; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tim suffered from addiction most of his life, his family wishes for others to seek help and be free from these demons. A drug or alcohol addiction line that can be reached 24/7 is 1-844-427-0370.

There will be no prior calling hours. A musical Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

The family would like to thank Pastor Marty for his love and support. Timothy’s faith and music guided him through the best times in his life. Please choose The City Church 210 East Main St. #2 Batavia, NY 14020 for any memorials dedicated in Tim’s name www.thecitychurch.com.  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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.

 

Mona Sheron Logar

By Lisa Ace

Mona Sheron Logar, 66, June 02, 1950 - November 13, 2016  Medford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2016, after a lengthy, courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born in Niagara Falls, NY, Mona resided in Medford for the last 32 years. She was a 1968 graduate of Notre Dame High School, Niagara University and Northeastern University Graduate School of Business. Mona was a parishioner at St. Mary of the Lakes R.C. Church in Medford.

Daughter of the late William and Joan Sheron; sister of the late Keith Sheron; she is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Richard W. Logar; her daughter and son-in-law, Kristen M. Logar and Lee Kleckner of Medford, NJ; her son and daughter-in-law, Richard W. Jr. and Cameron Logar, of Medford, NJ; her siblings, Molly Sheron (Ray Tortorice) and William Jr. and Shari (White) Sheron, sister-in-law, Marilyn Sheron and her grandson, Carson Logar; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 11:30AM, at St. Mary of the Lakes R.C. Church, 40 Jackson Rd., Medford, NJ.

Entombment will follow in Park View Cemetery at Kirby’s Mill, Medford, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mona’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

Mary Bellucci

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mary Bellucci, 87, of Batavia, passed away peacefully in the ICU at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia on Monday (November 14, 2016).

Mary was born March 5, 1929 in Jamestown, the daughter of the late Vincent and Carmella Riolo.

Mary worked at Genesee Farms, JC Penney, Kodak and Optimum Realty in Batavia for 20 years.  She is a member of Ascension Parish and its altar and rosary society.  Mary loved music, singing, cooking and spending quality time with her family and animals, Bailey, Sport and Sunshine.  She was loved by everyone that knew her and her infectious smile. 

Mary will be sadly missed by her daughter, Sharon (Charlie Murphy) Bellucci of Albany; her son, Frank (Patty) Bellucci of Batavia; her grandson, Frankie Bellucci of Batavia; two brothers, Joe (Barb) Riolo of New Jersey and Busty Riolo of Jamestown; her loving caretaker, Debbie Tydelski of Batavia; her best friend, Sally Pollino of Jamestown and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, John Bellucci.

Mary’s family would like to thank the ICU Department at United Memorial Medical Center for their excellent care and sensitivity in treating Mary during her final moments.  

Family and friends may call on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street, Batavia.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, in care of Sharon Bellucci, 32 Woodside Avenue, Albany, NY 12205-5440.

Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Mary’s memory at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

 

 

Aprille E. Yaskulski

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Aprille E. Yaskulski, 80, of Batavia, formerly of Elba, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2016.

Mrs. Yaskulski was born October 20, 1936 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of the late Charles DeBbouwt and Jesse DeBbouwt.

A successful business owner, she was the proprietor of Bob's Bar in Elba and Bourbon Street Lounge in Byron for many years along with her husband. A happy and out-going person with a great sense of humor, she loved collecting antiques. She was a longtime volunteer with the SAGE program through Richmond Memorial Library. During World War II, she lived with her grandparents in Kansas City, as both her parents served their country with the United States Army.

Her husband, Robert J. Yaskulski, passed away in 1994.

She is survived by her children, Aprille L. Hill of Batavia, Thomas P. (Joni) Yaskulski of Byron, Christopher M. (Laurie) Yaskulski of LeRoy, Michael L. Yaskulski of Batavia and Jill M. (Thomas) Gradwell of Lancaster; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at Mount Albion Cemetery.  Consider memorials in her name to Friends of Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

James P. Beitz

By T.J. Woodward

beitz.jpg
James P. Beitz, 92, of Attica passed away on Sunday November 13, 2016 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia.  He was born on September 19, 1924 in Attica to the late George and Lena (Courtwright) Beitz. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Doris (Bertsch) Beitz, brothers Raymond, Vernon, Leo and Earl Beitz and sister Esther Hayes.

He is survived by his son and daughter in law; James and Kelly Beitz of Attica; brother Irving (Carol) Beitz; sister in law Leona Beitz of Batavia; grandchildren James A. (Deena) Beitz of Attica, Caryn Beitz of Palmona, NY, Douglas Beitz of Attica; great grandchildren Jaslynne, Ashlyn, Madilyn along with his longtime companion and friend Ardyth VanValkenburg.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Attica, New York, graduating from Attica High School in 1942.  In September of 1942, Jim joined the Navy and served in Pacific Theatre aboard a minesweeper in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska during World War II.  After the war, he returned to Attica and married his high school sweetheart, Doris Bertsch, in 1946.  Jim was a member of the Harder O’Donnell Post American Legion in Attica, the VFW in Alexander, the Attica Exempt Firemen, and, of which he was most proud, a charter member of the Attica Golf Club where he had belonged since the club’s inception and won eleven Club Championships.  Over the years, Jim enjoyed bowling, shooting trap at many Western New York clubs and most of all, the game of golf.  Wherever Jim and Doris went on vacation, the golf clubs went with them.  Whether it be for one of the hundreds of tournaments Jim played in or just relaxing with friends, golf was his true love. Although Jim was very proud of his many accomplishments on the golf course, he was most proud of the accomplishments of his grandchildren.  He was in attendance when his grandson, Jim, and granddaughter, Caryn, both graduated from boot camp at Parris Island and honorably served their country in the United States Marine Corp.  He introduced his youngest grandson, Doug, to the game of golf and was proud to be riding in the golf cart along-side him when Doug got his first ever hole-in-one.  

Jim will be sadly missed by his family and friends, as well as, the local golfing community.  Jim can be remembered by a couple of thoughts he lived by: “Golf is a gentlemen’s game” and “I never met a person on the golf course I didn’t like.”  

The family will be receiving guests on Thursday November 17, 2016 from 2:00-6:00PM at the Attica Golf Club 95 Bunnell St. Attica, NY 14011 where a 6:00PM Eulogy will immediately follow visitation. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica at the convenience of the family.

Flowers are gratefully declined; memorials may be made to the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation http://www.michaelshope.org/  P.O. Box 267 Batavia, N.Y. 14021-0267. 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 St. Attica, New York 14011.

Authentically Local