Obituaries

Michael R. Houseknecht 38, local businessman and life-long resident of Batavia died most unexpectedly on January 7th.  

Michae

Michael was born on May 2nd, 1977.  He is survived by his truly bereaved parents, his mother Sheila Mitchell of Batavia, and his father and stepmother Ralph (Buddy) Houseknecht, Jr. and Katy Gorton Houseknecht of Perry and Bonita Springs, Florida; his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Agnes Houseknecht, Sr. of Stafford.  

He is also survived by his in laws, Timothy and Margaret Thornton, sister and brother in law Bridget (David) Uberty along with nieces Allison, Emma-Kate and Lily, brother and sister in law Kevin (Sarah) Thornton; aunts and uncles, Greg Houseknecht, Mary Kay (Bill) Barton, Thomas (Lynn) Houseknecht, Tim (Sue) Houseknecht, John Houseknecht and Aunt Katie (Gary) Berger. 

Michael was a 1995 graduate of Batavia High School.  He earned a baccalaureate degree in business from SUNY Brockport in 1999.  From there, Michael went on to achieve success as a business owner, both in his former role as co-owner of Loose Ends Vending and in his current endeavors as owner of both Statewide Machinery and House O’Laundry.  

In addition to his accomplishments in industry and the business world, Mike had many outside interests.  He loved to play golf, boat, attend sporting events and concerts with his family and friends.   He always found the time to volunteer as a soccer coach for his girl’s teams, assisted modified basketball coach for his daughter Meghan's team, and serve on the Board of Governors at Stafford Country Club.  Mike will be loved and remembered forever by his family and friends.  His devotion, loyalty and generous spirit made him a remarkable man; one that many were fortunate to consider a friend.   Eternally etched in our hearts and minds will be his contagious full body laugh, his inability to whisper, his sharp wit and memorable one liners.  Mike was a man that commanded a room and made it a funnier, happier place once he was in it.  His love of laughter and levity in all situations was a gift he shared with all who knew him. 

Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, the family suggests contributions made in Michael’s memory to the Michael Napoleone Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 267, Batavia, New York 14021 or online at www.michaelshope.org. This was a cause that was near and dear to Mike’s heart. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

He is survived by his nieces and nephew Deborah Pautler of Long Island, Thomas (Diane) Pautler of Utah, Dawna (Jacque) Thompson of Berne, NY, Brenda (Michael) Post of Alexander,NY and Cindy  Laney of Georgia; cousins Linda and Diana Dent of Bradford, PA; brothers-in-law Harry (late Joyce) Thomas of TN, and John (Barbara) Pautler of FL.

Miles retired from WIVB-TV after many years and continued to volunteer annually at their Erie County Fair Booth.  Miles had a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, was a Reiki Master, Hypnotist, and a Korean Army Veteran.

Miles chose to have no calling hours or memorial services.  Miles spent his life giving to others.  In that spirit, his final gift was a donation of his organs.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Erie County SPCA 205 Ensminger Rd, Tonawanda, New York 14150. 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.

Stafford ~ Nina Marlene Paladino Vicary, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, was called home at age 68 on January 6, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma.

     Mrs. Vicary was born June 15, 1947 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret DeMars Paladino.

     She worked for about 20 years in the admissions department of SUNY College at Brockport and then for about 10 years as an administrative assistant at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia.

     She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, David G. Vicary; her children, Mary Margaret (Buddy) Johnson of Rock Hill, SC, Bonnie Jean Vicary of LeRoy and David G. Vicary Jr. of Asheville, NC; her 6 treasured grandsons, Andrew Vicary, Nicholas Nobles, David Vicary III, Logan Vicary, Dalton Cowell and Colton (CJ) Cowell; her 3 sisters, Alice Macaluso of Batavia, Marjorie Buckley of Batavia and Joann (Michael) Wrobleski of Eden Prairie, MN, along with several beloved nieces, nephews and children born of her heart.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, William Paladino.

     Family and friends may call on Friday from 2 ~ 4 and 7 ~ 9 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Nina's Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 9:30 A.M. at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY, with interment in Stafford Rural Cemetery to follow.

      Memorials are suggested to either Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank St., Batavia, N.Y., 14020, Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Wilmot Cancer Center, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, N.Y. 14627.

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

Dorothy graduated from Batavia High School in 1949 and was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Church. She was a homemaker, and worked part time at C.L. Carr Company. Dorothy also volunteered at the V.A. Hospital.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years Gerald Maley of Batavia; children Barbara (Penn) Pixley of Lancaster, OH., Douglas (Sharon) and William Maley both of Rochester, , Janice Maley of Rochester; sister Ruth Blossom of Batavia; sisters-in-law Regina Perkowski of Batavia, Donna (James) West of Port Huron MI; 6 grandchildren Brian (Meghan), Jennifer (Anthony), Juliana, Alexandria (Fiancé Josh), Victoria, Daniel; great-granddaughter Caroline; great-grandson Luke along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday January 8, 2016 from 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:00 AM on Saturday January 9, 2016 at the Funeral Home followed by a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation www.parkinson.org or 200 S.E 1^st Street Suite 800 Miami, Florida 33131 or the Activities Fund at the NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. in Batavia.  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.

Longtime resident of Batavia, NY and recently of Horseheads, NY passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the age of 102. She was born on November 1, 1913 in Oakfield, NY, a daughter of the late James and Vina Taylor Fuller.  Catherine is predeceased by her husband, Vincent R. Callahan; son, Robert V. Callahan; son-in-law, Craig Gorman; siblings, Marion Willson and Gerald Fuller.  She is survived by her daughter, Ann Gorman of Horseheads, NY; grandchildren, Kelli (John) Fesetch, Gus (Tiffanie) Gorman, Tom Callahan and Kate Gorman; four great grandchildren and other extended family members.  Throughout her life she was devoted to her faith and her family. For all of her 102 years, she always stayed true to her "old school" values and the Buffalo Bills. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Bethany Courtyard and Manor for all of  their loving care they gave her. Friends are invited to a Mass of Requiem at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, NY on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 11am with Mother Bonnie Morris, celebrant. She will be placed alongside her husband in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum immediately following. The family graciously accepts remembrances with donations in Catherine’s memory to a charities of one's choice. Condolences and words of comfort may be expressed in Catherine’s Book of Memories at www.sullivansfuneralhome.com

Ann Marie worked as a CNA at Mount Saint Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. Above all else, she was a devoted house wife and mother.

She is survived by her husband Joseph Ciraolo of Oakfield; sons Joseph and Samuel Ciraolo of Oakfield and Antonio Ciraolo of Japan; brothers Mike (Flo) Moser of Pembroke, Mark (Bonnie) Moser of E. Bethany, James (Kim) Moser of Bergen and sister Marilyn Moser of Hartland along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 4:00PM Memorial Service will be held on Thursday January 7, 2016 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities. 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.

In 1984 she married Mark Eddy and together they raised three children. Heide worked as a School Aid/Monitor for the Pioneer School District for over 10 years, and was particularly known for her quick wit, sense of humor, and unfiltered thoughts.

Heide is survived by her husband Mark, sons Bradley and Jeffery, her daughter Cindy and her granddaughters Haylee and Naomi.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 4 PM-7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An Intimate Service will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Heide’s name to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA  22312. 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.

Byron - Karen L. Sharp, 70, of Byron, a Registered Nurse at Attica Prison, prior to her retirement in 2012, died Saturday, January 2, 2016 at her home in Byron.

Mrs. Sharp was born June 6, 1945 in Albion, the daughter of the late Clifford and Virginia Standish.

She was a former member of the Byron Rescue Squad and enjoyed baking, cooking, yardwork and raising horses.  She dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Clifford L. Sharp, whom she married March 18, 1972; her children, Larry (Donna) Sharp of GA, Michele Arcouette of MS, Shari Sharp of PA and Aaron (Pam) Sharp of Byron; a brother, Harvey (Jackie) McMurray of MS; her dear friend, Vicki Novak of Byron; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.   

Friends may call on Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., 51 S. Lake St., Bergen, where services will immediately follow at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Byron Rescue Squad, PO Box 210, Byron, NY 14422.  Private burial will be in North Byron Cemetery.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Age 87, of Alexander, died peacefully Friday January 1, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 18, 1928 in Alexander, a daughter of the late, Charles J. and Margaret (Gilhooly) Buckenmeyer; also preceded in death by siblings, Elizabeth Buckenmeyer, Charles Buckenmeyer, Jr., Mary Falkowski, Dorothy Moynihan and Lucy Moag.

Catherine was a local real estate agent for many years and a member of Immaculate Mary Parish in East Bethany. She graduated in 1946 from Alexander Central School and was the class Salutatorian . A life member of the Catholic Daughters, former member of the Alexander Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. Catherine was a cancer survivor who had a deep faith in the Lord and a true love for her family, she enjoyed karaoke, singing and decorating. She will be remembered for her creative writing, poetry and her often "opinionated" letters to the editor at the Daily News.

Surviving is her husband, Paul R. Raines, Sr. of Alexander and her loving children, Paul R. (Michele) Raines, Jr. of Lyndonville, Mark W. Raines of Alexander, Dennis G. (Barb Phillips) Raines of Batavia, Renee` M. (Robert) Smith of Batavia, Kevin M. (Darlene) Raines of Alexander, Eric C. "Ricky" (Heidi) Raines Sr. of Alexander and Brian J. (Michelle) Raines of Wyoming; siblings, Francis of Alexander, George of FL; Margaret (James) Hoffman of Attica and Bernard of Alexander; sisters-in-law, Violet Buckenmeyer of Darien, Irene Raines-Sundberg of Orchard Park, Gerry Buckenmeyer of Alexander and Dorothy Buckenmeyer of FL; brother-in-law, James Hoffman of Attica; daughter-in-law, Dawn Raines of Attica; 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The family will be present from 2-4  & 6-8pm on Wednesday January 6 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020. Please join the Raines family to Celebrate Catherine's Mass of Christian Burial 10:00am at Mary Immaculate Parish (Immaculate Conception Site) 5865 Ellicott Street Road East Bethany, NY on Thursday January 7. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to Mary Immaculate Parish, West Bethany Baptist Church or the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Fund.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Catherine with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF CATHERINE R. RAINES IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Age 24, of Olean, died unexpectedly on Thursday December 31, 2015 at his home. He was born August 30, 1991 in Williamsville, NY a son of, Sandra (Gardner) of Batavia and Robert Longhini of FL, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Joyce Gardner-Renzo.

Tyler was employed at Wendy's in Olean and was known for being very social. He enjoyed music, loved his family and his mom's dog, Buffy.

Surviving along with his parents are his brothers, Jeffery M. (Melissa) Gardner and Samuel C. Longhini all of Batavia; maternal grandparents, Carl (Pat) Gardner of Batavia; uncle, James (Laurie) Gardner of Rochester; aunt, Mary Kay Longhini of Batavia along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family will be present from 5-7pm on Tuesday January 5, 2016 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where his funeral service will be celebrated at 7pm. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family.

Please share your memories of Tyler with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF TYLER F. LONGHINI IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

Russel A. Wentz, 71 of Akron, passed away Friday (January 1, 2016) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville after a brief illness.

He was born March 2, 1944 in Onalinda, PA, a son of the late David A. and Agnes Cordwell Wentz.

Russel was employed by Bandag Tire in Buffalo prior to his retirement.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Doreen Bogacz Wentz of Akron. Three daughters, Mary Wentz of Lackawanna, Barbara Wentz of Buffalo and Dawn Wentz of Buffalo. Son in-law, Shannon Baun of Lyndonville, NY. Seven grandchildren, Crystal Wentz, Robert Kron, Caitlynn Wentz, Emily Wentz, Megan Duggan, Brandon Baun and Kaley Duggan. Great-granddaughter, Alessa Wentz.

He was the father of the late Laura Baun who passed away in 2013.

There will be no prior visitation. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Expressions of condolnece 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.

James W. Tetter, 67 of Elba passed peacefully on We

He was born October 14, 1948 in Batavia, NY, the son of the late Robert and Elizabeth Randall Tetter.

Survived by the love of his life, wife of 20 years Dona Rohan Tetter; daughters; Tammy (Dan) Rykert of Oakfield, Kimberly (Fred Woods) Tetter of Batavia and Lisa (Rich) Biegasiewicz of Batavia; step-son Nathan (Chrissy) Buczek of Elba; step-daughter Kimberly Buczek of Cincinnati, Ohio; the beloved Papa of five beautiful grandchildren, Courtney, Zachary, Dylan, Avalynn, and Nathan; and sister Mary (David) Heale; nephew Bryan Heale and late niece Stacy Heale.

Jim graduated from Batavia High School in 1966, was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in Korea.  He retired from the U.S. Post Office in Batavia after 34 years of service in 2003.  He also worked part-time at the Rochester International Airport as a baggage handler for 13 years and retired in 2014.  He was a member of the Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years.  He played Contrabass in the Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Drum Corps.  He spent many summers as an equipment judge for the Genesee Valley Judging Association.

His hobbies included gardening, camping, carpentry, cooking, was known far and wide for his chicken barbeques, and traveling around the United States and Europe with Dona.  His greatest joys came from spending time with his grandchildren, supplying them with an abundant amount of cherries, attending all of their sporting events and concerts, and making memories carving pumpkins and surprising his family with his annual Christmas game.  

Friends may call on Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Funeral services, with full military honors, will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, 300 East Main Street, Batavia. Donations may be made in memoriam to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) or Crossroads House (www.crossroadshouse.com). To light a candle, leave a condolence or share a story for Jim, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Age 26, of Batavia, died suddenly Friday December 25, 2015 at home. He was born in Wichita Falls, TX on November 16, 1989, to Teddy and Jackie (Slocum) Gann of Batavia.

Kaleab was a parts manager for Auto Zone in Batavia. His passions were music and science, music of any genre, he played all types of instruments, wrote songs and sang as well.

Surviving along with his parents are his brother and best friend, Nick (Sherie) Gann of Pittsburgh, PA; sister, Siscley Gann of TX; uncles, Walt Gann and Jim Bruce; aunts, Gail Gray all of TX, Trudye Cantero and family of OK along with several cousins and friends in Texas and New York.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

The family will be present from 4-8pm on Thursday December 31 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 to celebrate Kaleab's Life. Memorials in his memory can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

THE FAMILY OF KALEAB DANIEL GANN IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Age 74, of East Pembroke, died unexpectedly on Friday December 25, 2015 in Bradenton, FL. She was born October 7, 1941 in Dunbartonshire, Scotland, a daughter of Susanne Johnston of Scotland and the late Andrew Docherty.

Annie was retired from WROTB and will be remembered for her quick wit, warmth and friendliness. Her personality was such, that if she told you to go to hell, you would look forward to the trip. She enjoyed her weekly Bingo trips with George & Mary Seiler, Debby Falcone and weekly lunches with her best friend, Serena Baiocco.

Surviving along with her mother is her loving husband, Albert of East Pembroke;  daughter, Tracy Parkis of Rochester; son, Michael Parkis and grandchildren, Megan, Rebecca & Zachary Parkis all of Oceanside, CA; sister, Cathleen (Bob) Cassels of Bowmanville, Canada; step-children, Alan (Lori) Kurek of Batavia, Kim (Kevin) Hale of Oakfield; step-grandchildren, Adam & Marc Kurek, Michaela & Mitchell Hale.

A Celebration of Life for Annie will be announced in the spring. memorials in her memory are suggested to Former Troopers Helping Hands 59 Covington Drive Buffalo, New York 14220.

Please share your memories of Annie with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF FLORENCE "ANNIE" KUREK IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK