Obituaries

Ronald A. DeMena, 86 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (October 12, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born August 13, 1937 in Jersey City, New Jersey, a son of the late Andrew and Helen Gould DeMena.

He was predeceased by his wife Charlotte DeMena and a son Ronald DeMena II.

He leaves behind a daughter Pamela DeMena. Five grandchildren, Ronald III, Gary, and Nial DeMena, Walter Briggs, and Timothy Corey; 5 great-grandchildren, Camden, Madelyn, Anna, Dani and Gary Jr.

Ronald was a faithful man of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and a true servant. He was employed by Delco Products prior to his retirement. He trained horses and dogs and enjoyed painting pictures which were sold on the streets of New York City. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be missed immensely by family, church family and many friends.

The family desires no gifts but if you wish to honor Ronald, please send a love gift to Care-A-Van Ministries Inc., 4 Lewis Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

Batavia- Rosemary Fiannaca, 72, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22nd with her family by her side.

Rosemary was born on November 16, 1950 to the late Benjamin and Mary (Ferrando) Bonarigo.

Rosemary graduated from Batavia High School where she met and married the love of her life, Joe Fiannaca.  She enjoyed cooking and baking, but her real love was for spending time with family and friends.  She adored her six grandchildren.

Rosemary is survived by her beloved husband, Joe Fiannaca; her children and their families. Joseph (Kristin) Fiannaca and their children, Ryan, Kathryn and Samantha Fiannaca; Gregory (Amy Barone) Fiannaca; Melissa (AJ) Kasmarek and their children, Jacob, Kelsey and Andrew Kasmarek. Brother,Benjamin (Diane) Bonarigo. Nieces and Nephews; Benjamin (Lisa) Bonarigo, Justine (Brennan) Briggs and Elizabeth (Mehdi) Manii. Her best friend Cheri Pitcher and her best friend/cousin Lucille Ryan. Several cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 27th from 4pm-8pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith, 308 East Main Street Batavia, NY. Rosemary’s Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 28th at 10am at St Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street Batavia, NY.

Memorials can be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street Batavia, NY 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Nancy L. Alfes, 77, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Premier Genesee. She was born in Batavia, February 5, 1946 to the late Donald Cummings and Betty McLaggan. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Donald and Jay Cummings. 

Nancy retired as Deputy County Clerk for Genesee County DMV. She enjoyed crafting, baking and supporting local charities. Nancy was a member of Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church. She loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth N. Alfes of Batavia, children, Chad (Wendy) Caccamise of Batavia, Kimberly Alfes and Keith Alfes both of Cheektowaga, sisters, Joyce Gold of Depew, Peggy (Dave) Thompson of Churchville, 3 grandchildren, Sara (Michael) Borlaug, Stephen (Katherine) Christner, Emily Caccamise, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 3 to 6pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A Celebration of her Life will immediately follow calling hours Wednesday at 6:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Alfred Reisdorf of Johnsonburg passed away peacefully at home in the care of his loving family, October 14, 2023.  Al was born September 28, 1937. He is survived by his wife of  63 years, Mary Ann (Victor), daughters Sheila (Arthur) Chavers, Lisa (Kevin) Rubino, and Amy (Bob) Delzer, grandchildren Shanel (Aaron) Ranzenbach, Aaron (Emma) Chavers, Lauren (James) Barlow, Nicholas (Lana) Rubino, Derek (Melanie) Delzer and Tori (Madison) Wesolowski, and four great-grandchildren Logan, Clare, Luke and Enzo.

Al graduated from Attica Central School in 1956 and enlisted in the U.S. Army reserves for eight years. He worked for Hyman Construction Company, eventually buying it out and forming Johnsonburg  Construction Company with two partners. They built milking parlors, free stall barns, and pole barns throughout Genesee and Wyoming County. From 1983 to 1993 Al and his family operated the Mini Mart Motel & Country Kitchen in Orangeville known for their pies and friendly service.

Al never really retired. He worked driving tractor for the safari wagons at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure well into his seventies.  He was most happy working in his woods with his schnauzer Bubs, helping family and friends with his trusty backhoe and rotary snowplow, woodworking in his shop, and enjoying family acreage on Thomas Road. When not four-wheeling or snowmobiling, he traveled with the Tri Town Seniors and to visit family in four states. He was a friendly, funny, easy-going guy with a gentle nature and generous heart who was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He was deeply loved and will live on in memory of all those who loved him.

Many community organizations benefitted from Al’s years of service, notably the Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, the Wyoming County Office for the Aging, Community Action, and the Warsaw Moose  Lodge 560 among others.

Al was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Elizabeth (Perl) Reisdorf, sisters Rosie (Ray) Schwab, Lucile (Bob) Powers, and brother Louis (Nancy) Reisdorf. Al is also survived by two sisters, Gert (Ron) Plowe and Peg (Barney) Bird and several nieces and nephews.  

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joachim and Anne RCC in Varysburg (formerly St. Joseph’s) on November 3rd at 12 noon followed by a Celebration of Life at The Farmstead Barn on Maxon Rd in Varysburg at 3:00 pm.  Interment will be in Johnsonburg Cemetery on Centerline Road immediately following the Mass.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Contributions accepted to Home Care & Hospice of WNY, 29 Liberty St. Suite 6, Batavia NY 14020 or the Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, 2446 Route 20A, Varysburg, NY 14167. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Attica.

Kenneth M. Price, 73, owner of KNK Plumbing, Heating and Electrical, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023, at his home.

Ken was born February 14, 1950, a son of the late Melvin and Helen Price. He was predeceased by his grandson Devante.

Ken was a veteran, serving in the United States Navy and was a long time volunteer for the Corfu Fire Department. He loved hunting, fishing and the Buffalo Bills.

Ken is survived by his wife, Diane; his brother, Keith (Joan) Price and sister, Karla Price; his children, Amy, Stephany, Klarissa, Nathaniel, Nicholas and Sam; his grandchildren Shaylynn, Tyler, Hannah, Aiynanna and Mekhi and his 6 great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Thursday, October 26th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 27th at 11a.m. at the mortuary with burial to follow in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, with full military honors.

Shad Christopher Roy, age 47, of Pavilion lost his lengthy internal battle with PTSD on October 17, 2023.

Shad was born on July 14, 1976, in Buffalo NY, to Richard Roy and Philomene “Mae” Abramo. Upon Graduating from Pembroke High School Shad enlisted in the army following his father’s footsteps. After completion of basic training and airborne school he was assigned to the 82^nd Airborne. Shad went on to serve for 16 years of active duty including two deployments to Iraq first as a paratrooper then as a medic. Between these two deployments Shad completed French Airborne School.  In his years of service Shad was awarded numerous awards including MSM (2), ARCOM (4), AAM (6), Good Conduct (4), NDSM, War on Terror also completing ARBORNE, BNCOC, ANCOC, HAZMAT Certification. 

Upon Shad leaving the military, as Staff Sergeant SSG (E6), he moved from Western NY to pursue his passion for Environmental Services, this took him to numerous VAs across the country. In 2018 Shad moved back to Batavia NY and reconnected with his high school sweetheart and love of his life Julie Buzzell.  On June 3^rd 2023, they were united in marriage. 

Shad loved golfing, hunting, “attempting” to fish, cooking, camping, and everything music.  Shad’s caring nature was his best quality and his love for his friends and family was both unwavering and extraordinary, and thankfully will remain in the hearts of his loved ones forever.

Shad is predeceased by his mother “Mae” Roy and his beloved sister Sabrina Roy.  He is Survived by His wife Julie Buzzell Ingalls Roy of Pavilion, his father Richard (Patti) Roy of Mt. Morris, son Ethan Roy of Leroy, son Alex Roy of Texas, stepchildren Haley Ingalls (Thomas) of Pavilion and Kyle Ingalls (Lily) also of Pavilion, sister Margaret Nobles (Jerimiah) Johnson of Batavia, Brother-in-law Mike Buzzell (Beth) of Attica and many Aunts Uncles Nieces and Nephews.

Friends and Family are invited to calling hours at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia NY from 10:00am to 11:00am on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Shad’s Funeral will be on October 25, 2023 at 11:00am at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia NY. Burial in WNY National Cemetery, on Indian Falls RD, will immediately follow the funeral services.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to DAV Disabled American Veterans or AFSP American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.   In Shad’s memory remember “LOVE IS THE GREATEST THING IN THE UNIVERSE, USE IT.”

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

Peter J. Dambra, aged 71, passed away on October 16, 2023 in Spencerport NY.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Rose Dambra and brothers, Samuel and Thomas Jr. Dambra.

    After graduating from Elba High School, Peter attended Rochester Institute of Technology and received a degree in Business Administration in 1973.  Peter was dedicated to providing excellent customer service and as such he had a successful career in sales.  He was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about American history.  Over the last few years, Peter had also learned much about artisan cheese while working part time at the olde worlde cheese shop at Wegmans.  He always brought the best to family gatherings!  He also had a love of animals, he never forgot the family pets and would always have a special treat for them as well.  Peter was a true gentleman; generous, patient, and kind to everyone he met.

     He will be missed and forever loved by his brother, Barton (Susan) Dambra, nieces and nephew, Thomas (Molly) Dambra, Heather (Michael) Fedele, Eileen (Stephanie) Dodd and great nieces and nephew, Abby, Ellie, Maura Dambra, and Ava, Michael Fedele.

     Peter’s funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 27 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.   He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Humane Society at Lollypop Farm.

     To leave a message of condolence, or for more information, please visit www.falconefuneralhome.com

Batavia - Neal V. Dancy, 95 of Batavia passed away on Tuesday, (October 17, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Dancy was born August 13, 1928 in Meadowview, Virginia a son of the late Alonzo and Gertrude (Snodgrass) Dancy.

Neal served his country honorably with the Army. He was a truck driver with Leaseway prior to his retirement. Mr. Dancy was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. He enjoyed tinkering and greatly enjoyed fixing most anything. Most of all, Neal cherished time spent with his family.

Neal is survived by his wife, Helen (Smart) Dancy of Batavia; children, Gail (William) Frega of The Villages, Florida, Cindy (Daniel) Baker of Batavia, and Timothy (fiance Megan Dailey) Dancy of Cape Coral, Florida; grandchildren, Ryan and Amy Doxtater, Lindsey Dailey, and Nicole Dancy; great-grandchildren, Ayden Rindell, Ryleigh, Mason, and Chloe Finch. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with his parents, Neal is preceded in death by a sister, Ramona (late Roy) Garrett.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Neal's funeral service will immediately follow at 5:00 p.m. Burial in Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Elmer J. “Smitty” Smith, 92, of Carlisle, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Country Meadows of West Shore. 

     He was born October 15, 1930, in Gainesville, NY to the late Floyd and Clella (Mix) Smith.  Elmer was the widower of Margaret (Zuckschwerdt) Smith who passed in November of 2009 after they enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage.    

    Smitty worked at a farm when he was young. It was during the depression and while he hated the work he always remembered they fed him well. He graduated from high school and worked for a year so he could afford college. He went to Heidelberg College in Ohio and right after graduation (1954) went to the Army (54-56). He wrote his own orders to be sent to Germany and that’s where he met Margaret. She worked at the officers club on the base. It took him a year to get her to the US. They were married 12/23/57 until she passed away in November of 2009.

     Margret, Smitty, Ellen and Mark lived in LeRoy NY. He left GM so they could raise their family in small town America. He was a Spanish teacher from 1962 to 1986, and worked at his friend Vic Blood’s Furniture store. Smitty and Margaret were very active in their church (United Methodist), The Vic Blood foundation (it established respite for elderly care and a day care), and a million other things. He was named LeRoyan of the Year in 2002. 

     In 1971, He took a sabbatical in Spain. They lived in Madrid for a year. That is where Ellen met her husband, Jose Miguel. They still live in Madrid Spain. Mark moved to Texas years ago and comes to see his father every Thanksgiving. 

     He loved to travel, music, art, anything Spanish, his friends and most of all his family.

     Elmer is survived by his daughter, Ellen (husband Jose Miguel) Ilundain of Spain; his son, Mark E. (wife Linda) Smith of Texas; two granddaughters, Margo C. (husband Patrick) Stanton and Amber Smith both of Carlisle; two grandsons, Alex (wife Fatima) Ilundain of Spain and Mitchell Smith of Texas; six great-grandchildren, James (wife Alex) Stanton of Fayetteville, Elysia Bibb of Carlisle, Cristina Stanton of Carlisle, Lana Stanton of Carlisle, Alex and Yago Ilundain both of Spain; one sister, Irene McGinnis of New York; and many, many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two siblings, Gertrude and Jerry.   

     A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Falcone Family Funeral and Cremation Service, 8700 Lake Road (State Rt. 19) LeRoy, NY 14482.  A graveside service with military honors will follow at 1:15 p.m. at Machpelah Cemetery. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Smitty to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. 

     To sign the guestbook, please visit www.hoffmanfh.com or www.falconefuneralhome.com 

Vera A. Pray, passed away on October 15, 2023, at her home in East Bethany. 

Born on July 11, 1970, in Batavia, a daughter of the late James Donald "Don" and Barbara (Osborne) Donohue.

Vera's personality was infectious and she had a large network of friends who cherished her company.  Vera touched the lives of everyone she met and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Vera had many hobbies and interests that brought her great happiness. She loved spending time outdoors, embracing the beautiful nature that surrounded her. Summer was her favorite season, as she enjoyed basking in the sunshine and breathing in the fresh air. Vera also found comfort in curling up with a good book or losing herself in movies on The Hallmark Channel or on Lifetime.

While Vera's passing leaves a void in our hearts, we take solace in knowing that she is now reunited with her late sons Jeffrey J. Wenzel and Timothy Jacob Pray. Their reunion brings us some peace during this difficult time.

Vera is survived by her husband Timothy E. Pray; her children James Solomonidis, Gregory Solomonidis, Alex Pray and Arianna Pray, who were her pride and joy. She is also survived by her brothers Robert Snyder, Michael Snyder, Greg Snyder, and Gene (Barb) Snyder and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home located at 403 E Main Street, Batavia. Her funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023, starting at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

Vera was a kind-hearted soul who touched countless lives with her generosity and love. May her memory live on forever through the stories we share and the love we carry in our hearts. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

We are sad to announce the passing of Velnona Krieger. She passed away in her sleep at the age of 87 Sunday morning October 15th 2023. Even though her failing health took her away, Vel's love for family friends and life continues like a beacon of light. As a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt, the love and joy she gave will never be lost.

Vel is predeceased by Lloyd Morrison (father), Bernice Morrison (mother), Elnona Sharp/William (twin sister), Bill Sharp (nephew) and Marilyn Sharp (niece).

Survived by Richard Krieger (Husband of 65 years) David Krieger /Katherine (son), Leslie Krieger (daughter), Susan Hyman/Michael (daughter). Lauren Evans/Matt, Lisa Pitera /Ted, Richard Vogt (grandchildren) and Theodore Pitera (great grandson). Also survived by her extended family; grandchildren, Amanda & Chris Skotarczak, Julie & Jeff Stoll and great grandchildren, Jessica, Corey, Benjamin, William, Mason, Isabel and Nicholas. Niece and Nephew's; Cathy & David Rhodes, Daniel & Patricia Sharp, Ken & Linda Krieger and Bill & Shelly Krieger.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at H.E. Turner Funeral Home from 4pm to 7pm. 403 East Main St. Batavia, NY.

Please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle for Velnona at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Ronald R. Smith, 71, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023. He was born October 11, 1952 in Erie, PA, to the late Raymond and Maxine (Gardner) Smith. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Vincent and Raymond Smith, a brother-in-law Joe Honan.  

Ronald was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired from Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia, as a Teacher’s Assistant in Culinary Arts and was known for teaching his students about music as they listened during class. Ron had a strong love for his family and will be missed dearly. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Karen R. (Kluczynski) Smith of Batavia, son, Matthew R. Smith of Batavia, daughter, Beth Ann (Allen) Peters of Churchville, brother, Edward (Lynn) Granke of PA, sisters, Elaine Honan of Williamsville, Suzy (Robert) Weimer and Joyce (Fred) Taylor both of Florida, grandson Tyler M. and granddaughter Madelyn R., along with many nieces and nephews. 

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, www.lung.org. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Gary L. Caryk, March 9, 1966 - October 15, 2023 of Batavia, NY passed away October 15, 2023.  Loving father of Jonathan and Brooke Caryk; son of Gregory (Christine) Caryk and the late Barbara Caryk; dear brother of Sandy (Gilbert) English, David Caryk and Jerrett (Elizabeth) Allen.  Family will be present at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 13228 Broadway Alden, NY Thursday, October 19th from 3-7 PM. with funeral services to follow at 7 PM.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com

June 18, 2013 - October 13, 2023. A light in this world, Levi Michael Zielonka entered this earth on June 18, 2013 into the grateful arms of  his parents and was received into the arms of his heavenly Father on October 13, 2023.

Levi gifted his parents Julie and Brian with the titles of “Mom” and “Dad” and the opportunity to witness zest for life and joy that will remain a legacy to them forever.  The origin of Levi is “united in harmony” and he embodied this by being the best big brother to Sofia, Noah, Ellie, Charli, Micah and Harper.  He was selfless in life and generous with love. Levi loved his family so deeply and so purely that his light will endure until one day they are reunited again in Heaven.

While Levi will be missed by his grandparents Mark and Sharon Zielonka and Dzia Dzia John Kochmanski, he was joyfully reunited at the gates of Heaven with his Babcia, Marie Kochmanski.  Levi will also be truly missed by his aunts and uncles: Amanda (Kenny) Almeter, Nicole (Larry) Lampke, Katie (Anthony) Poupalos, John (Marisa) Kochmanski, Mary Kochmanski, and Annie Kochmanski.  His memory will be cherished by many cousins, extended family, and friends; and his infectious smile will be greatly missed by his St. Joseph’s School family.

Levi was dedicated in his love of God and enthusiastically shared that love with others. This love especially came through while he was singing his praises to God at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and while learning to play hymns during piano lessons.  After Sunday church services, Levi could be found enjoying his second great passion, sports.  Whenever he was  tossing a football around or reciting sports statistics, he was in his element.

The family will be present to receive friends at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 13228 Broadway Alden, NY on Friday from 1-3 and 5-7 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Resurrection Parish/St. Joseph Site, 303 E. Main St., Batavia, NY on Saturday, October 21st at 10 AM (please assemble at church)  To honor Levi’s memory, please feel free to wear your favorite sports jerseys or team wear to the funeral Mass.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com

Aileen Ziehm, 96 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Friday (October 14, 2023) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born July 21, 1927 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph and Florence Prescott Sanders.

Aileen was the wife of the late Werner Carl Ziehm who passed away December 22, 2015.

She is survived by her daughter, Sonia (Doug) Doktor of Corfu. Grandchildren, Brian Doktor of Corfu and Rebecca Doktor of California. Great-grandchildren, Jenna Doktor of Kentucky and Emily Doktor of Rochester.

There will be no prior visitation and services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Indian Falls Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the Pembroke Vol. Fire Department or the Indian Falls Vol. Fire Department. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.