Obituaries

 

 

Alabama - Josephine Mudrzynski, 94, of Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia where she had been a resident since December 7, 2013.

She was born in the Town of Oakfield, on July 4, 1921 to the late Anthony and Mary (Horzempa) Mudrzynski.

After high school, she was employed by Curtis Wright Corp, during WWII and later attended Delhi College where she took a nursing course and, upon graduation, started working at Genesee Memorial Hospital in 1950.  She retired in 1985 with 35 years of service.  She worked the 2nd shift (3-11) on the hospital's second floor. 

During the blizzard of ‘77, she worked six days of double shifts as she couldn't get home and other employees couldn't get in to work. 

She loved to crochet and knit, making hundreds of hats and pairs of mittens for her many nieces and nephews.  She served as the President as well as other offices of the Alabama Fireman's Auxiliary where she was a 50 year member.  She also prepared food for many weddings and other functions at the fire hall.  She was known for baking hundreds of pies for various fireman's functions as well as hospital bazaars and bake sales.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Amelia Koziel Brown, Bernice Marble and Helen (Ralph) Bauer and a brother, Walter Mudrzynski.  

She is survived by two brothers, Anthony (the late Helen) Mudrzynski and Henry (Janet) Mudrzynski, both of Alabama and a sister-in-law, Genevieve Mudrzynski of Batavia.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Miss Mudrzynski’s Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2015 at St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia's Worship Site in Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, NY 14125 or to Alabama Fire Department, P.O. Box 798, Basom, NY 14013.  Burial will be in St. Cecelia's Cemetery, On the Hill in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

LOLA B. HENSEL HAGEN, Devoted and Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother formerly of Corfu and Batavia was called home to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by her loving family on Sunday (September 27, 2015).  She was a true inspiration to us all and a true example of Christian love.

Lola  was born April 28, 1934 in the town of Pembroke to David S.and Ruth (Gabbey) Boyd.

Lola retired from Ford Gum & Machine Company in Akron New York where she was sales manager.  Lola was a lifelong member of Pembroke Community Church where she served as Church organist, Elder and Sunday School teacher for many many years.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and cooking but most of all she loved and enjoyed her family her entire life. Lola previously volunteered at Crossroads House and sang with the Sweet Adeline's, 

Lola was predeceased by her parents, her husband , Edward C Hensel Sr, her brother Glenn Boyd (Judy),Brother and Sister-in-Law Robert (JoAnne Hensel).

Survived by her husband Richard J. Hagen and her children Patricia Rogers of Corfu, Debra (Rodney) Stringham of Corfu  and Edward C Hensel Jr (Jean) of Fairport NY.  Survived by seven grandchildren,  David (Monica) Stringham, Stephen (Megan) Stringham, Timothy (Meagan) Stringham, Benjamin Hensel, Alexander (Alexandra ) Hensel, Nicholas Hensel and Katherine Hensel. Survived by eight great grandchildren: Mikayla, Allie, Charles ,Vaughan, Wesley, Hannah, Eli  and Garrett Stringham, several step-children and a loving church family. Lola is also survived by her brother, Sidney (Sue) Boyd of Ann Arbor, Michigan, sister-in-law, Janice Boyd, brother-in-law, Don (Darlene) Hagen and by several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours Friday, October 2^nd from 4 to 7 PM at Pembroke Community Church. A celebration of life will be held at the Pembroke Community Church Pembroke NY on Saturday October 3rd at 11:00 AM with a luncheon to follow. Pastor Judith Berges Officiating. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc. Interment will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu NY

 Flowers gratefully declined.  Memorials may be made the Pembroke Community Church Handicap Accessibility Fund or Crossroads House in Batavia NY.

Clara H. Logel, 96, of Varysburg passed away on Sunday September 27, 2015 at Eastside Nursing Home in Warsaw. She was born in North Java, NY on September 16, 1919 to the late Jacob (Helen Almeter) Becker. 

Clara is predeceased by her husband Joseph Logel; daughter Dorothy Kobylanski; sons in law Edward Kobylanski and Ronald George; grandson Frank Kobylanski; sister Marion Reisdorf along with 4 brothers in law and 1 sister in law.

She is survived by her daughter Bernice George of North Java; 10 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 19 great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews along with good friends Maggie Glenn, Kathy Petri and John Donnelly.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday October 2, 2015 from 9:30AM – 10:30AM at Holy Family Parish 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113 where a Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00AM.  She will be laid to rest in St. Nicholas Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113 or the North Java Rescue Squad 4274 Route 98 North Java, NY. 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.

Nancy H. Bulken, 87, of Batavia formerly of Unadilla and Clifton Park, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday September 24, 2015 at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia. She was born May 26, 1928 in Saugerties, New York to the late Earll H. (Grace VanEtten) Clum. She is preceded in death by her husband Frederick N. Bulken and her brother Robert Clum.

Nancy graduated Keuka College with a Bachelors Degree and later worked as a Librarian for Unatego Central Schools. Nancy was a dog lover, an avid reader and bridge player. She enjoyed traveling, attending music, theater and ballet performances with family and friends.

She is survived by her children Nancy (Scott) Herring of Batavia, Christina (Robert) Naylor of VT, Frederick (DeeAnn) Bulken of Baldwinsville; 6 grandchildren Christopher (Brianna) Herring, Lindsey Herring, Lexi and Rick Naylor; Corey and Erika Bulken; 2 great grandchildren Chase and Mathew Mosher along with many nieces and nephews also survive...  

There will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday October 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Unadilla, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. 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.

 

LILLIAN JAKUBOWSKI

   Age 92, of Batavia, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning September 23, 2015 at home under the care of Hospice. She was born in Niagara Falls, NY on July 15, 1923, to the late, Karol and Anna (Rochwal) Jarzab, also preceded in death by her father, mother-in-law, Albert and Bernice Jakubowski; brothers, Carl (Mary) Jarzab; sisters, Helen (Felix) Walezak and Mary (William) Bernat.

   Mrs. Jakubowski graduated from Niagara Falls High School, having taken extra courses in chemistry before going to work for Hooker Chemical Company. She supervised a team analyzing and developing chemicals used to create the A-Bomb. Throughout the years she worked as an administrative assistant for various companies and volunteered at Genesee Memorial Hospital and with voter registration and elections. Along with raising a family she was active in golf, tennis, and bowling, playing all well into her 80's. As her age no longer allowed those activities, Lillian took to playing bridge, visiting area parks and trips abroad and through the US with her husband.

   Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 69 years, Henry Jakubowski of Batavia; loving children, James (Barbara) Jakubowski of N. Tonawanda, John (Christine) Jakubowski of Shrewsbury, MA and Karen (David) Perkins of Roanoke, VA; grandchildren, Jennifer (Christopher) Holzbaur, James (Lindsay) Jakubowski, Janelle (Nathan) Cox and Jonathan Perkins; great-grandchildren, Hudson Holzbaur, Brady and Ressa Cox along with many nieces and nephews.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

   The family requests no visitation and that funeral services be held privately. Memorials in her memory can be made to Homecare & Hospice, Inc. 29 Liberty Street Batavia, New York 14020.  

   Please leave your words of comfort to Lillian's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

James A. Toal, 62, of Trenton, Fla., passed away from a stroke at North Florida Hospital in Gainesville, on September 19, 2015.

Jim was born June 26, 1953, in Batavia, to Joyce Brown Toal Covert and the late Wayne Toal. He graduated from Pembroke High School in 1972 and worked in the dairy business for many years. Jim moved to Florida in the 1980s and worked as a herdsman and prison guard. He attended Santa Fe Community College to become a Cardiovascular Technician and worked at Sacred Heart Hospitals in Pensacola and Destin, Fla.

Jim courageously fought desmoid tumors and other health issues for many years before experiencing a debilitating stroke on May 20, 2014.

Jim loved his family above all else. He is survived by his mother, Joyce (Wilson) Covert; his wife, Michelle Romito Toal; his children, Kevin (Roxanne) Toal of  North Chili, Duane (Nicole) Toal of Oakfield, Pamela (Eric) Pangrazio of Oakfield, and Michael and Tyler Toal of Tenton, Fla.; grandchildren, Luke Toal, Logan Toal, Elizabeth Toal, Austin Pangrazio, Terry Pangrazio; step-grandchildren: Mitchel Pangrazio; Ethan and Evan Putney; siblings, Linda Toal and Kevin (Pamela) Covert; step-siblings: Chris (Bob) Ralston, Carolyn (Gary) Dawson, Kathy (Randy) Alexander, Cyndi (Tony) Lewandowski, Mike, Jim and Mark Covert, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim had a special relationship with his Aunt, Janice Kjeldgaard Boyd.

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his son, James Wayne Toal, and step-brothers Andrew H. Covert and John A. Covert; sisters in law: Lisa Covert and Debbie Covert.

There will be a Celebration of Jim’s life for friends and family, Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church at 2 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the family to help cover medical expenses. Please send to Linda Toal, 5 Woodrow Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

East Bethany - James (Jim) Richard Smith, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, 87, of East Bethany, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 24, 2015 surrounded by his loving family after a long illness.    

He is survived by so many who love him: his beloved wife Agnes Ann Dillon Smith, his “Sweet Love” of 62 years, daughter Sharon (Larry) Smith of East Bethany and The Villages, Florida, and their children; Kristie (Chris) Toomath of Los Angeles, California (Kayla Ferreira, Braxton and Brodie Toomath), Katie (Glenn) Taylor of Pavilion (Jacob and Ayden), Ryan (Kristie Noelle) Smith of Victor (Riley and Gabriella), daughter Cynthia (Thomas) Schubmehl of East Pembroke, and their children; Erin (Steven) Jacobson of Princeton, New Jersey, Brian (Katelyn) Schubmehl of Boston, Massachusetts (Eleanor), and daughter Peggy (Douglas) Fuller of Delevan, and their children; Cassidy (fiance, Justin Schwab) of Chaffee, Dillon and Megan of Delevan, and Julienne Rice (Nick Benton) of Rochester.  

 Mr. Smith is also survived by a sister, Nancy (Charles) Rieks of Greeneville, Tennessee; two sisters-in-law, Elma Smith of LeRoy, and Mary Jane (Ronald) Heywood of East Bethany, two special sisters; Judy (Nicholas) Cecci of Corning, and Patti (Robert) Nephew of Warsaw, his extended family Amy Jo and Marty Griffith of Clarence Center and their children Taylor Leigh (Jacob Amankwaah) of Buffalo, Sammi Jo (Luke) Gill of Eden (Marleigh Jo and Henry),  a special daughter, Jane (Rick) Scott of Stafford, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Mr. Smith was known to many outside of his “biological” family as “Grampa Jim.”

 Mr. Smith was born August 6, 1928 in Hornell, New York, a son of the late Daniel Patrick and Mary Jane Reese Smith. He attended school in Batavia, and later attending and graduating from Alexander Central.

 Mr. Smith had a long career at Niagara Mohawk Electric Company as a lineman, a rural representative, and a district operator, and lastly as a service man. He also took great pride in his very long tenure serving as Secretary Treasurer of the Rural Cemetery Association. He volunteered his time as an electrician generously to the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, the Bethany Firemen’s Carnival, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and many family friends. He was extremely hardworking, whether the work was volunteer or paid.

 James was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Mary Jane Smith, his twin brother John R. Smith, and his sister Diane J. Smith Wheatley.

 Mr. Smith’s family would like to thank the many people and agencies who have made these last years of his life so much easier to manage; The Rev. Walter Wenhold for pastoral care, his Visiting Nurse Association nurse, Sue Nevinger, RN, Homecare & Hospice for their support, Connie and her staff at the Lake Plains Dialysis Center here in Batavia, Sue Riner, NP for her wonderful care throughout the years, and his nephrologist Dr. Rebecca Monk who became a friend. Additionally, the family would like to thank our family and friends who have been there for Jim and for them during this difficult time.

Friends may call on Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  A Funeral Service officiated by The Rev. Walter Wenhold will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, New York. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service in the East Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials can be made to the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, the Bethany Fire Department, or Lake Plains Dialysis Center (Batavia Location).  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Robert W. Emens, 85, of Batavia passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Wednesday September 23, 2015 at his residence. He was born February 12, 1930 to the late Fred H. (Jean Whitney) Emens.

Robert lived in Batavia since 1941. Graduate of Batavia High School in 1947 and Alma College in Michigan in 1952. U.S. Army Signal Corp 1952-54. Employed in father’s farm supply business as he had done while in school and college. Reporter for The Daily News 1959-63, WBTA News 1963-65 and correspondent for the old Buffalo Courier-Express 1964-65, Genesee County news correspondent for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the now defunct Times-Union 1965-1978. Real Estate Broker, last with Optimum Real Estate until his retirement in October 1998. Trustee of Genesee Community College 18 ½ years retiring in February 1996. A Founding member of the committee that established Genesee County Conservation Education Field Days for area school children and was active with it until 1995. President of the Holland Purchase Historical Society 1974-1976. Married August 29, 1970 to  Brenda G. (Langdon) Emens of Batavia. Lifelong love of history, favorite reading-history and biography; all small animals, particularly cats.

Along with his wife, Robert is survived by brother-in-law and sister-in-law Sherrill and Barbara Langdon and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 2 to 4PM on Saturday September 26, 2015 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals www.vol4animals.org, Alma College 614 West Superior Street Alma, Michigan 48801, or Genesee Community College 1 College Road 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.

Bergen - Barry Garfield Miller, 50, of Bergen, passed away suddenly doing what he loved: helping others on Wednesday, (September 23, 2015) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

 

Mr. Miller was born June 6, 1965 in Batavia, the son of Tracy and Loretta (Werner) Miller, of Bergen.

 

Barry was a member of the Bergen United Methodist Church and the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners.  He was very community oriented and was the Chief of Emergency Medical Services in Bergen and a member of the Bergen Fire Department for 31 years. Mr. Miller started the Bergen Fire Department Explorers Program and was a Genesee County Coroner.  Barry served on the Bergen Town Board for several years.

 

He graduated from Byron-Bergen High School in 1983 and was owner of Miller's Millworks in Bergen, and the Beaver River Lodge in the Adirondacks.  He also worked for several years for the Rochester Eye and Tissue Bank. 

 

Anyone who knew Barry will remember him as a very energetic person who loved to fly his powered parachute, snowmobile, boat, waterski, ride his motorcycle and camp.

 

He was highly supportive of the Bergen Community and was proud to help anyone he could.  An extremely generous man, one of his favorite ways to demonstrate his love and support of others was supporting battered women and serving the people of Bergen and Genesee County.

 

Surviving along with his parents are his sister, Pamela (David) McCarthy and their children, Rebekah, Rachal, and Shannon McCarthy all of Baldwinsville.  Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins also survive.

Family and friends may call on Sunday and Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Street, Bergen.  Barry’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, (September 29, 2015) at Pearce Memorial Church, 4322 North Buffalo Road, North Chili.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, NY 14416.  Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery, Bergen.  

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.

Batavia - Anna C. Russell, 78, of Batavia, a nurse's aide for 40 years having served at St. Jerome Hospital and United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, died Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Russell was born December 4, 1936 in Erie, PA, a daughter of the late John and Anna (Okon) Kowalski.

She enjoyed the art of target shooting, doll collecting, garage sailing and dearly loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her dogs.

She is survived by her husband, Jack M. Russell, whom she married October 29, 1955; 6 children, John Russell of Batavia, Cecilia (Richard) Stearns of Byron, Robert (Susan) Russell of LeRoy, Theresa (Mark) Rice of Irondequoit Michael (Patricia) Russell of Pavilion and Matthew (Melanie) Russell of FL; a brother, Gerald (Marilou) Kowalski of PA; 2 sisters, Stella Kowalski of PA and Rose LaBarron of Quebec, Canada; 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her grandson, Kevin Patrick Stearns and two brothers, Joseph and John Kowalski.  

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, where services will be at 10 am, Saturday.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various charities.  Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery in Stafford, NY.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lucas S. Dillon, 2, of Perry died on Monday September 21, 2015 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.  He was born on August 25, 2013 in Warsaw the son of Jeffery S. Dillon and Valerie A. Halstead. He is preceded in death by a Maternal Great Grandma: Marcy Halstead, Maternal Great Grandpa: Robert Altoft, and Paternal Great Grandparents: Guy (Mary Etta) Dillon.

Lucas was always such a happy boy and had an infectious laugh.” He enjoyed music, playing patty cake with family members, kicking a soccer ball around, and watching movies. His favorite movie was Monsters University. He loved Winnie the Pooh. His favorite meal was spaghetti and Pizza.

He is survived by his Parents: Jeffery S. Dillon and Valerie A. Halstead of Perry, a Brother: Timothy Dillon and Sister: Addison Dillon both at home, Maternal Grandparents: Rick and Mary Jane Halstead of Perry, Paternal Grandparents: Scott Dillon of Penn Yann, Dana (Ed) McCloud of Dundee, Maternal Great Grandma: Elcy Altoft of Warsaw, Maternal Great Grandpa: Larry Halstead of Perry, a Aunt: Jennifer Dillon of Dundee, 3 Uncles: Tom Halstead of Perry, Adam (Vanessa) Halstead of Hackettstown, NJ and Justin Dillon of Dundee, along with many Great Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Saturday September 26th and from noon – 1pm on Sunday September 27th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry where funeral services will follow at 1pm. He will be laid to rest in LaGrange Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Antoinette E. Corbelli, 88 of Williamsville and formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday (September 20, 2015) at Brompton Heights Assisted Care Facility in Williamsville. 

She was born January 14, 1927, in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late John and Sophie Zimnal Wandryk. 

Mrs. Corbelli was a Registered Nurse for the former St. Jerome Hospital prior to her retirement. She was also a member of Resurrection Parish and the church sodality. 

She was predeceased by her husband, John R. Corbelli, who passed away October 14, 2010. 

Survivors include two sons, John (Jane) Corbelli of Amherst and Richard Corbelli of East Amherst. Grandchildren, Mary, Jennifer and Annie. Brother Frank Wandryk. Sisters, Anne O’Grady, Jane Crowe and Constance McGuire.  Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

She was the sister of the late Onofre Wandryk, Michael Wandryk, Caroline Wandryk, Rose Wandryk, Veronica Bezon and Sophie Trybushyn. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts condolences and fond memories on Friday from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 10:00am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of condolences 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 & PROPRIETOR.

 

 

 

Blain A. “Doc” Nonnengard 89 of Batavia passed away Sunday September 20, 2015 at the NYS Veterans Home at Batavia.

He was born in Batavia, January 7, 1926, son of the late Alfred Rich and Maebelle Kelsey, and he was the adopted son of J. Raymond Nonnengard.  He was a 1943 graduate of Alexander High School, and then attended Morrisville State College to obtain a certificate in aeronautical instrument repair, before working at the Curtiss Wright factory in Buffalo till he was drafted.  He is preceded in death by his brother Charles Rich and son in law Robert Burnup.

Blain served his country honorably in the United States Army Aircorp during World War II as an Infantryman and worked in aeronautical instrument repair while stationed on Iwo Jima. He fought battles along the airstrips on Iwo and Saipan, earning two Bronze Stars. After the War, “Doc” used the GI Bill to pay for training at Simmons School of Embalming in Syracuse, NY. He worked for the Charles Reding Funeral Home in Attica for several years. After starting his family, he became a lineman and then Line Supervisor for 35 years at Niagara Mohawk Power Company in Avon and Batavia. He belonged to the Lions Club of Avon, and later the Kiwanis Club of Batavia. He was a member of Our Lady of Batavia Knights of Columbus and Resurrection Parish. He enjoyed his memberships of many years in the Penn Yan Hunting Club and the Civil War Roundtable of LeRoy. He maintained long time memberships in the American Legion, VFW as well as the Alexander Fire Department. He will be remembered by friends and relatives for always having a joke to share, having the best supply of homemade venison jerky and sausages, handing out Dumdum lollipops, giving Fireballs out on the golf course and for his outgoing nature. A happy man with an easy smile.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Roslyn Kehl Nonnengard of Batavia, he was the father of Bonnie (Gary) Kullman of Albany, Nancy (Ronald) Bouchard of Perry,  Jane Burnup of Victor, Jo Louise (Todd) Wilkes of Batavia, James Nonnengard of Birmingham Alabama, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. He was a special father to Carole (Mike) Grotrian of New Zealand and Gioco (Sergio) Lopez-Faini of Quito, Ecuador. 

Friends may call from 4 to 7pm on Friday September 25, 2015 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday September 26^th at 12:00 Noon at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s), 18 Ellicott Street,  Batavia. He will be entombed with Military Honors with take place at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers memorials in “Doc’s” name may be made to the NYS Veterans Home Activity Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia or to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 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.