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Obituaries

David G. Liles

By Joshua Smith
David G. Liles

David G. Liles, 89, From Stafford, NY. Passed away in his home with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Elba, NY February 9th, 1935 to Robert and Ruby (Ruck) Liles

He was married to Marilyn Bernice (Cofran) Liles for 68 wonderful and adventurous years. They traveled all 50 states along with many fishing trips in Canada.

He retired from R E Chapin and also worked at Terry Hills, Attica Bus, Batavia Machine & Tool. He was a standing member of the Hesperus Masonic Lodge in Bergen and Creekside OES in LeRoy. He was District Deputy Grand Lecturer and Patron of OES. He was a longtime member of the Byron Presbyterian Church and the South Byron Fire Dept.

He spent many years bowling in multiple leagues. He befriended many over the years at the YMCA Water X classes. His love for John Deere tractors shows in the extensive collection that accumulated over the years. He enjoyed playing cards and Bingo with his many friends.

He especially loved spending time with his family and those Great Grandkids!

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (Cofran) Liles, his five children Larry (Cindy Fry) Liles, Cheryl (Robyn) Chaddock, Donald (Shirley) Liles, Douglas Liles, Robert (Heidi) Liles. He is also survived by 14 Grandchildren and 23 Great Grandchildren. Also survived by his sister Marcia Weber. Inlaws, Lois (Ronald) Starweather, Nancy Cofran, and Glenna Cofran. Also many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by a brother William Liles.

Calling and services will be at the Byron Presbyterian Church at 10:30 am on Saturday March 30, 2024. A reception and Celebration of his Life will be immediately following the service at the Byron Fire Dept. Please come and share your story.

Memorials can be made to the Byron Presbyterian Church.

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

Arrangements for David were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

John Robert Hahn

By Ronald Konieczny
Hahn

John Robert Hahn, 79 of Batavia, formerly of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Friday March 22, 2024 at the Batavia VA Medical Center. 

He was born September 7, 1944 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late John and Mary (Curry) Hahn. 

John retired as a staff sergeant after 21 years of serving his country in the United States Army. He did one tour in Korea 1963-1964, and two tours in Vietnam 1965-1967, and 1968-1969. John loved hunting and fishing whenever he could. He also was a great baker and cook. He made the best BBQ sauce! He was a dedicated Bills fan, and loved playing poker, and gin rummy. 

He was a loving and caring husband, and father who will be missed and forever in our hearts. 

Survivors include his wife, Patricia (Taylor) Hahn. Children, Kelly (Frank) Kowalski of Elba, John Robert Hahn Jr of Buffalo, Scott Hahn of Buffalo, Brian Hahn of Buffalo. Grandchildren Shawn Hahn of Colorado, Frank (Rachael) Kowalski III of Batavia, Elizabeth Kowalski of Florida, Donald Hahn of Tonawanda, and Adam Kowalski of Elba. Great-grandson Frank Kowalski IV. Brother in-law, Dennis (Francine) Taylor of Buffalo. Cousins, Mary Ann (Mike) LoGrosso of Tonawanda, Francis J Hahn of Texas. Along with many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend the most heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful people on Maple Lodge at the VA who cared for him. Your caring and loving hearts were so evident and were greatly appreciated by our family. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday, March 28th from 3-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave, Batavia NY, where funeral services will be Friday at 10:00am. Burial will follow in the Western New York National Cemetery. 

Expressions of sympathy 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.

 

 

Gerald Verne Harrington

By Lisa Ace
Gerald Verne Harrington


Gerald Verne Harrington "Lefty" or "Gerry", 91 of Indian Falls, NY and Port Orange, FL passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024 at his winter residence in
Port Orange, He was born April 30, 1932 in Leicester, NY, the son of William Harington and Marjorie Blacklack. In 1950 he graduated from Batavia High School and then from Simmons School of Embalming.

Gerry proudly served his country with the US Army from 1952 thru 1954 in Korea where he was wounded and earned the purple heart after which he spent a year working for the Graves Registration in Japan. He retired as a Facilities Superintendent from Fisher Price Toys at an early age to pursue his hobby and love of buying, selling and collecting antiques. He and his wife, Marlene of 64 years spent most of those years participating in antique shows and flea markets. Gerry lived a full life and most will remember his great sense of humor and how he enjoyed people and animals. He took great pride in his home and especially
his yard and gardens. It was his greatest joy to be outdoors and never considered any of it work. He was also an artist at heart. Most all his life he would draw caricatures for his friends which were treasured by many.

Survivors include his wife Marlene (Keller) of Indian Falls, NY and Port Orange,FL, son Kevin of Port Orange, FL, grandson Casey and great grandson Marley of Bergen, NY. 

Gerry will be buried at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, NY at a later date with memorial service at that time where friends and family will
be invited to attend. Donations may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021 or an animal shelter, AmVets, VFW or the Legion of choice in Gerry's memory.

Leonard S. Yasses (Butch)

By Joshua Smith
Leonard Yasses

Leonard S. Yasses (Butch), 89, of Charlotte, North Carolina and formerly Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024.

Butch was a loving husband to Patricia (Pat) for 44 years.  He was an amazing father and grandfather.  Born in Batavia, New York in 1935, Butch lived a majority of his life in Batavia, but also called Orange Park, FL, and Charlotte, NC home during his lifetime.  Butch was employed by Graham Manufacturing in Batavia for 42 years.  He enjoyed bowling with his Graham team.  He loved to golf, especially when it was in the south.  His interests included caring for his rose garden, his pool, and sharing those passions with family during frequent summer clambakes where there were cold beers, grilling and lots of laughter.  Butch also loved Sunday football. He was known more for his armchair quarterbacking and thoroughly enjoyed critiquing the Buffalo Bills coaching staff every week.  In his childhood, Butch was an avid baseball player carrying his love for the game by cheering for the New York Yankees where we all heard more of his armchair coaching come to life each season.

Butch proudly served his country in the US Army, stationed in Germany from 1953-1955. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Fee, and eventually started their family of four children.

He was one of 12 children and was the last of his siblings to enter heaven…He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Wanda Yasses, his siblings: Henry, Frances, Jenny, Irene, Dolores, Frank, Edwin, Jeannie, Lorraine, Ted, & Alfreda.

Butch was also predeceased by his wife Pat in 1999, daughter-in-law JoAnn in 2010, and grandson Sean Ashworth in 2017.

Surviving are his four children: Pam Yasses of Charlotte, North Carolina, Brian (Judy) Yasses of Montgomery, Alabama, David Yasses of Columbus, Ohio, Timothy (Jill) Yasses of Batavia, New York; his ten grandchildren: Brandon (Gloria) Yasses of New Jersey, Carly (Sydney) Yasses of Montgomery, AL, Haley Yasses of Montgomery, AL, Zachary Yasses of Columbus, OH, Ashlee (Jason) Schulz of Webster, NY, Sydney Ciaschi of Charleston, SC, Courtnee Yasses of Batavia, NY, Sara (Eric) Kager of Buffalo, NY, Jason (Carley) Minderler of Los Angeles, CA and Lindsey (Danny) Wessinger of Columbus, OH.  

A private family graveside service will take place in Batavia later this year.

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

Peter W. Coleman

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Born July 26, 1966, Peter W. Coleman (age 57)  left this adventurous world far too soon when he passed away unexpectedly Tuesday evening (March 19, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital with family by his side. 

pete coleman

    In June of 1987, Pete met the love of his life, Roxanne, cruising the wild streets of Batavia.  It was then that his greatest adventures in life would begin.  Pete and Roxanne would marry and went on to have a son, Kyle.  Kyle, being Pete’s most prized creation; he often spoke of how proud he was of his hard work and life decisions.  Soon, Pete and Roxanne settled in the small town of LeRoy, starting their life’s journey together.

     Being in the great outdoors and sharing adventures with his wife, Roxanne, was Pete’s passion.  He was an adventurous soul who lived life to the fullest.  He looked forward to his summers, where he enjoyed riding his sxs and relaxing by the campfire with a Coors Light in hand.  Pete always had an invaluable knack for telling the perfect campfire story or had a great anecdote to share with a valuable life lesson attached. Pete was at one with nature, whether he was sitting on his deck, watching the deer or traversing the trails in his sxs, with Roxanne by his side. The only thing he loved more than the outdoors was the people he enjoyed it with the most, Roxanne and Kyle. 

     Pete was the best husband, father, and friend you could ask for. Those that had the pleasure of knowing Pete will tell you that he was a fierce and true friend, a stranger to no one.  He built a wonderful life full of goofiness, laughs, adventure, and surrounded himself with family and friends.  There was never a person who wasn’t enthralled by his infectious personality.  People that met him along his journey in life were easily drawn into conversations with Pete.  He was a savior of witty remarks, and known for his classic one liners.  Pete would be described as a giving and caring man, who was always willing to help anyone in need.  He was full of life and love; Pete generously gave from his heart to family and friends alike.

     Pete was the devoted husband to his beloved wife, Roxanne (Staba) Coleman and loving father to son, Kyle W. (Becca) Coleman. He was the beloved son of the late Merle and Patricia Coleman and cherished big brother to Allen (Heather) Coleman.  He was the treasured son-in-law to Charles and Susan Sztaba and the late Darlene (Dennis) Sztaba.  He will be greatly missed by his brother-in-laws and sisters-in-laws Jim (Sue) Staba, Melissa (Randy) Staba-Busch, and Susie (Mark) Ott along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 1-3 PM, at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Route 19), LeRoy.  Please honor Pete by wearing casual attire.  The family asks that you join them afterwards for a celebration of Pete’s life at the LeRoy American Legion, 53 W Main St, LeRoy.  

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to The American Heart Association.

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

Shelby Selover

By T.J. Woodward
s

Shelby Selover, 70, of Avon passed away on March 19, 2024 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris. She was born in Rochester on August 14, 1953 to the late Kenneth and Shirley (Horn) Tripp. In addition to her parents, Shelby is predeceased by her husband; Donald Selover; brother Dale Tripp.

Shelby worked as a Chef in Las Vegas for many years. She was a long time member of the Moose Club in LeRoy and American Legion 1830 in Scottsville. Shelby is now at peace after a long and difficult health journey. 

She is survived by her children; Erryn (Larry) Selover of Bergen, Brandy (Todd) Selover of LeRoy and Kenneth Stasiw of Gates; her sister Loren Tripp of Lakeville; 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Avon Fire Department 74 Genesee St. Avon, NY 14414. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Kenneth A. Dehm

By T.J. Woodward
d

Kenneth A. Dehm, 105, formally of Batavia, passed away on March 19, 2024 at Atria Greece Assisted Living. He was born on February 27, 1919 in Syracuse, NY; third son of Edward and Anna (Wahl) Dehm. In addition to his parents, Ken is predeceased by his wife; Teresa (Tretter) Dehm; brothers Harold, Donald and Robert. 

His first job began at age 11 as a paper boy, covering many country miles on his bike to supplement his family income during the Depression. After graduating from East Syracuse High School, Ken worked for GLF in Middletown, NY. Pearl Harbor on 12/7/41 changed the course of his life when he enlisted in the Navy on January 1st, 1942. He served until 1-23-46, with three years on board the USS Barnegat AVP-10, a seaplane tender in the North and South Atlantic, and one year with the Air Ferry Service Squadron at Floyd Bennett Field, NY, escorting fighter planes across the USA.

After serving in WW2, he went back to HS for one year to qualify for entrance to college. Ken graduated from Cornell University in 1950 with a BS degree in Economics. He was selected to Ho Nun De Kah, an honor society for men majoring in agriculture. He met and married the beautiful Teresa Tretter while living in Batavia, NY, who remains the love of his life. He worked for J.I. Case Co., then on to Climax Co. in Batavia as Vice President and Financial Comptroller. He retired from Jones Chemical in Leroy, NY at the age of 70. He was also a member of the Honor Society for Men at St. Mary’s Church in Batavia. He enjoyed playing cribbage for many years with a gregarious group of friends, including some Saturday Poker! He traveled three times to the Pacific with his lovely bride, through all states of the US. He is forever grateful to his neighbors and friends, Sam, Terry, and Carl for keeping a watchful eye and clear yard, and friends for all the rides to and from cribbage! The last two years of his life he spent at Atria Greece Assisted Living where he was well loved. Living there reignited his love of art and competitive and collaborative play….many, many thanks to the compassionate staff and residents for making Ken’s last two years happy ones. 

Ken is survived by one brother; Ray Dehm and sister Annamae Herholtz whom he deeply loves, as well as his 3 children; Marie (Craig) Peterson, John (Laurie) Dehm and Jayne (Mark) Mariano; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who have all inherited a bit of his tenacity! 

Please extend a random act of kindness in his honor, and feel free to let his children know of your experience….our hearts will sing in the knowing!

Friends are invited to call on Monday March 25, 2024 from 9:30AM-11:30AM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:30AM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Megan Ann McNally

By T.J. Woodward
m

Megan Ann McNally, 34, of Batavia passed away on March 18, 2024 surrounded by her family at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born on July 10, 1989 to the late Gordon T. Musilli and Debra (Perry) Musilli of Amherst. 

In addition to her mother, Meg is survived by her beloved husband Cody McNally; son Leo M. McNally; sister Madison (Zack) Jacobs of Holley; brother Grey (fiancé Kelsey) Musilli of Rochester; grandmother Beverly Perry of Akron; father and mother-in-law Michael and Michelle McNally of Batavia; sisters-in-law Megan (Jason) Menzie of Bergen, Caitlin McNally of Corfu, niece and nephews, Holten Jacobs, Miller, Marleigh, and Lincoln Menzie, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Meg graduated from Batavia High School in 2007 and Geneseo University in 2011. She went on to receive her Masters Degree in Education, becoming a High School English teacher at both Warsaw and Notre Dame, where she was a honorary diploma recipient. 

Meg enjoyed road tripping across the country, writing novels, and inspiring others through her blog (www.escapingtype1.com). She loved spending time with her family, especially her son Leo, who was the light of her life. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday March 22, 2024 from 3:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. A 7:00PM Celebration of Life will follow visitation at the Funeral Home.  

Meg selflessly made an anatomical donation to the National Ataxia Foundation for research in hope of developing a cure. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NAF http://www.ataxia.org/ or the Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Paul Warren

By Joshua Smith
warren

Paul J. Warren, age 64, of Byron NY, passed away after a long illness at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia, NY.

He was born on February 29, 1960, a son of the late Edward and Helen (Huber) Warren.

Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to the casino, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Dorothy Calkins; daughter, Salena Warren; siblings, Linda (Ric) Hall, Sharon Warren, Ronald (Cathy) Warren, Edward (Karen) Warren, Sandra (Rick) Faro, Ken (Michelle) Warren, Diane Warren, Bruce Warren, Valerie (Jean Guy) Warren, and Dawn Vergari; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews.

In death Paul is reunited with his parents, Edward and Helen Warren, and his brother, William J. Warren.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. As per the family there will be no services at this time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Paul’s memory to  Genesee Cancer Assistance, https://www.geneseecancerassistance.org/support-us or United Memorial Medical Center, 330 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020

Mary Ann Spiotta

By T.J. Woodward
s

Mary Ann Spiotta, 86, of Batavia passed away on March 19, 2024 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born on May 18, 1937 in Reynoldsville, PA to the late Joseph and Leona (Maxim) Nogrosky. In addition to her parents, Mary Ann is predeceased by her husband; Vincent Spiotta. 

Mary Ann was a long time Parishioner at St. Mary’s Church. She loved going out for breakfast with her friends after Mass, was an avid bingo player and enjoyed reading. She always looked forward to spending time with family during the holidays, especially Christmas time. 

She is survived by her children; Samuel (Yvonne) Monachino of Batavia, Vickie Klein of Batavia and Scot Monachino of Batavia; brother Donald (Marilyn) Norse of FL.; 2 granddaughters Erin Klein and Maggie Grace Monachino, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday March 25, 2024 at Resurrection Parish 303 E. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Patsy S. Vigneri Jr.

By T.J. Woodward
p

Patsy S. Vigneri, Jr., age 91, died peacefully Monday March 18, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital.  He was born March 4, 1933 to the late Patsy and Lucy (Burgio) Vigneri. Also preceded in death by his wife, Marie (Ramley), and daughter Carol Ann Burr; siblings, Charles (late Pauline) Augello, Pauline (late Joseph) Argento, Alfonso (late Josephine) Vigneri, Carmella (late Sam) Palermo, Frank (late Irene) Vigneri, Rose (late Carl) Mattioli, Philip Vigneri, and infant sister, Josephine.

Prior to his retirement, Mr. Vigneri operated P. Vigneri & Sons, along with his brother Phil, for many years. He was a long-time member of St. Padre Pio Parish. He loved the outdoors, working in the yard and tending to his garden.  He enjoyed yearly trips to Las Vegas with his dear friends, Norm, Joe, Sam and Bob, coffee at the “Garage” and spending time with his family.  Even in retirement he was still passionate about farming and enjoyed many drives to the muck to check the fields listening to the music of Frank Sinatra.

Surviving is his loving daughter Diane (Russell) Marchese, his loving sisters Rosalie (late Arthur) Pastore, Josephine (late Anthony) Deni, Caroline Vigneri, Mary Jane (Nick) Pilla, sister-in-law, Alice Vigneri, son-in-law, William Burr.

Patsy was Papa to Kristina (Greg) Thurber, Jennifer Burr, Patrick (Becky) Burr, David Burr and Joseph (Kari) Burr and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday March 21, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday March 22nd at Our Lady of Fatima Church 65 South Main St. (Route 98) Elba, NY 14058. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia. 

Memorials in his memory are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Rev. Harold N. Coller

By Joshua Smith
Coller

Rev. Harold N. Coller peacefully passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday, March 17, 2024. He was born in North Hornell, New York, the 4th child of eight children to George N. and Margaret Coller. He often mentioned he was born the year of the Hornell Flood during the Great Depression.

Rev. Coller received his bachelor's degrees in Theology and Sociology from the School of Theology of Alfred University, while working as a licensed mechanic alongside his father in the family automobile repair business. Upon graduation from college, he began his pastoral career starting with the Baptist Church in Hornell and then as a United Methodist Minister at the Brooks Grove Church which is now in the Genesee Country Museum. From there his career advanced to churches in Dalton, Rushford, Caneadea, Walworth, and Perry, NY, where he retired from full-time ministry. At that time, he began a second career in the banking industry starting with Citizen Bank and retiring from HSBC Bank. His mother had said that he had the “calling” from a young age and this was evident as he continued his ministry on a part-time basis for churches in Sardinia, Johnsonburg, Elba, Covington, and South Byron.

His life was his ministry and service to others which he truly loved performing all of his life. He was a very welcoming and warm person always interested in the well-being of people and what was happening in their lives.

A strong believer in community participation, he was a member of many organizations, including being a member for 60+ years of the Nunda Station Masonic Lodge, Damascus Shriners, Grand Chaplin for the Grand Lodge of New York, former member of the Perry Rotary Club and was a driver for the Perry Ambulance Corps. He was an Honorary Member of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company in which he recently provided the dinner prayer and benediction for their 48th annual banquet. He was still conducting weddings and other services including officiating his grandson's wedding two years ago.

Rev. Coller had a beautiful singing voice and loved church hymns. He enjoyed reading, especially the newspaper, which he looked forward to each day. He enjoyed countryside drives and attending local car shows with his wife. As for sports, he watched the NASCAR races where he cheered for not a specific driver, only caring that a Chevrolet won the race.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of over 65 years,Ve, his children, Harold (Lori) Coller, Norman Coller and JoAnn Coller, his grandchildren, Paul, Matthew (Sloane) and Shaun (Kaitlin) Coller. He is also survived by his brother, George, brother-in-laws Frank Griffin, Gary (Kathy) Salvagin and Edwin (Bonnie) Salvagin as well as many nieces and nephews and his granddogs, Dani, Charlie, Bear, Alfred and his buddy, Buddy.

Rev. Coller was predeceased by his parents, George and Margaret, his in-laws, Edwin and Alice Salvagin, siblings, Anna, Joyce, Lynn, Lee, Ruth and Jack.

Family and friends may call on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A private service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank David Kent and family, HomeCare & Hospice, Dr, Nichols and all the staff at UR Medicine Leroy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecher Street, Utica, New York 13501 or Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center 665 Elm Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.

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

David L. Beswick

By LaVern Falcone

Hilton ~ David L. Beswick, age 75, formerly of LeRoy, passed away at home on Saturday morning, March 16, 2024.

     He was born October 26, 1948 in Batavia, a son of the late William and Roberta Drupp Beswick.  

david beswick

   David will be remembered as a kind and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who put his family and community first.  He was a proud retiree of the Rochester Police Department, where he spent 21 years in various roles.  He was a past Grand Master of Olive Branch Lodge #39 in LeRoy and past member of the Northwoods Sportsman Club.  In retirement, David was involved with many homeowners’ associations.  He was also on the Collier County Advisory Board and the Broward County Community Association where he served as president. David enjoyed photography and was a lifetime NRA member.

     He will be sadly missed by his wife of 41 years, Rose Beswick; his sons, Mark (Rebecca) Beswick, William (Helene) Beswick and Scott Beswick; grandchildren, Bryan (Christy) Laney, Alexandra Beswick, Julia Beswick, William Beswick, Ethan Beswick, Maddox Lawrence, Matthew Beswick and Rowan Beswick; great-grandchildren, Xayden Laney and Xohie Laney, along with several nieces, nephews and God Children.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, March 22 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.

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

Dennis E. Wolfley

By T.J. Woodward
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Dennis E. Wolfley, 82 of Alexander, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 17, 2024. He was born in Batavia, to the late Everett and Marjorie (Barrett) Wolfley. He is preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Amedick. 

Mr. Wolfley worked for 25 years as a Corrections Officer at Attica Correctional Facility and then went on to work as a rural mail carrier for Alexander before he retired. He was a varsity football coach at Alexander High School for many years. Dennis served on the Alexander School Board and was a member of Alexander Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Wolfley enjoyed taking care of his vegetable gardens, taking walks in the village with his wife and watching his grandchildren play sports. He will be remembered as a kind, generous, selfless and loving man.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carol M. (O’Brien) Wolfley of Alexander, children, Brett (Donna) Wolfley of Mayville, NY, Tina Rauscher of Churchville, Jill (Larry) Diehl of Attica, Jodi Wolfley of Alexander, sister, Jeanne Rugala of FL, 10 grandchildren, Christopher (Ali), Bryan (Catherine), Adam (Nicole) Erika, Cole, Spencer, Nathan, Josh, Tessa, Austin (Georgie), along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank his home health aides for treating him with love, care and compassion.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of his Life on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 3 to 6pm at The Miller House, 12701 Broadway, Alden, NY 14004. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alexander Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Melvin Croakman

By Lisa Ace
Melvin Croakman


Melvin Croakman, 86, of Corfu, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
Melvin was born on July 12, 1937, in Buffalo, a son of the late Arthur and Mildred Croakman. He was predeceased by his brother Walter Croakman.

Mel was a graduate of Seneca High School. He worked for Westinghouse for 25 years and retired from Lapp Insulators in LeRoy. Mel was a veteran of the United States Army. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing; he loved the Buffalo Bills, going to the casino and just spending time with his family.

Mel is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Elaine (Meininger) Croakman; his children, Andrew (Debra) Croakman, David (Ann) Croakman, Brad Croakman and Christine (Scott) Adamczak; 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Family and friends may call Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funeral services will be held from the mortuary on Monday, March 18th at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Indian Falls Cemetery with full military honors.

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