Obituaries

Marilyn J. Hoffmeister, age 88, of Medina, entered into rest on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion.
Born January 29, 1936 in Attica, NY she was a daughter of the late Theodore and Mary (Wolcott) Young. Marilyn was born and raised in Attica and graduated from Attica High School in 1955. She married Richard W. Hoffmeister and the couple raised a family of six children. They lived in Darien for many years and the family moved to the Albion area in 1973. In 2009 she moved to Medina.

A lover of nature and its beauty, Marilyn was a talented landscape artist and painted using various mediums. She was a natural problem solver and was known to be able to fix just about anything. She assisted her son Bernie in many home renovations over the years. Always one to stay busy, Marilyn enjoyed working alongside her husband running their yard sale business in Shelby. A devoted mother, wife and grandmother, she was a true matriarch and pillar of her family. A kind and compassionate person, Marilyn was not only a mother, but a best friend and confidant. She will be dearly missed.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Dick Hoffmeister in 2005; and her only sister, Silvia (Chuck) Yueckstock.
Left to cherish her memory are her longtime companion, Herbert Brant; her six children, Vicky (Edward) Houseknecht, Mari Hoffmeister, Richard W. (Dawn) Hoffmeister, Jr., Bernie (Edee) Hoffmeister, Rusty (Holley) Hoffmeister and Michael (Linda) Hoffmeister; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be privately held by the family and interment will be in Millville Cemetery, East Shelby. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans County at www.hospiceoforleans.org or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com
 

Mark L. von Kramer, 72, of Corfu, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024.

Mark was born June 8, 1951, in Batavia, a son of the late Frederick M. and Vivian R. Marble von Kramer. He was the brother of the late Gretchen Pittman.

Mark retired from Fisher Price and was a member of the National Guard. If he wasn’t on his computer, Mark enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his grandchildren. He looked forward to playing Destroyer Golf every year with his work family and fishing in Florida with his brother. He was an avid Coca-Cola collector. He and his beloved wife Linda, loved spending time at their cottage on Lake Ontario. Mark never missed an opportunity to dance with his sweetheart in the kitchen.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Linda Wells von Kramer; his children: Matthew (Kelly) von Kramer, Jeffery (Jaime) von Kramer and Krista (Joshua) Green; grandchildren: Rachael, Jacob, Brenden (Courtney), Zachary (Aralyse), Logan, Dakota, Cooper, Noah and Jackson; his brother Eric (Donna) von Kramer and his sister Claudia (Richard) Wells; several nieces and nephews also survive along with his adoring cat, Sandy Paws.

Family and friends may call Friday, February 9, 2024, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 10th at 10 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY. Burial in Hillside Cemetery will follow Mass, with a Martha’s Table at the church hall following the burial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Pembroke Fire Department or the Bagged Meal Program c/o the Corfu Food Pantry, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036.

Batavia- Russell H. Blumer, age 51, of Batavia passed away on December 25, 2023.

Russell was born on July 28, 1972, the son of James and Sherry (Griswood) Blumer.

He was a lifetime member of the WNY Gas and Steam show and enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, and spending time with his family and friends.

Russell will be remembered by his wife, Connie (King) Blumer; children Skylair (Alex Stockschlaeder) Blumer, Richard Blumer, James Blumer and Madelynn Blumer; parents, James and Sherry Blumer; former wife, Phyllis Bloomer; stepson, Steven (Makaila) King Jr.; step grandchildren, Michael and Miles; grandmother, Marjorie Blumer and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Arrangements are under the care of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. There will be no calling hour.  A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made to his twin at https://www.gofundme.com/f/russell-h-blumer

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

Isabel F. Laesser, 93 of Batavia, graduated to heaven on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia. She was born January 14, 1931 in Clarendon, NY, to the late Roy and Mildred (Euler) Jannanain. She is preceded in death by two sisters, Elsie (Robert) Pugh, May (Gerald) Grice and a nephew, Dan Grice.

She was a 45 year member of Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia, where she actively played the piano, taught Sunday school and sang in the Choir. She volunteered at Genesee Christian Academy at the Church for nearly 10 years in the reading program.

Isabel was an employee of Porter & Bonney Farms on the Elba muck. She was employed at Rochester Products Corp for 6 years and the Best Western in Batavia for 4 years. What she enjoyed most was being a mother to her 5 children. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, her cat and in her remaining 5 years she enjoyed spending time with the good friends that she made at Premier Genesee.

Surviving are her children, Karl (Leonora) Laesser of Alexander, Steve Laesser of West Seneca, Jannene (Ron) Bauer of Oakfield, Cindy Messinger of Scottsville, Gordon (Paulette) Laesser of Batavia, 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 3515 Galloway Road, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:30am Celebration of her Life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Church. She will be laid to rest in Calvary Baptist Cemetery, Batavia.   

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

Batavia - Hazel F. Shortt Fletcher, age 89, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at United Memorial Medcial Center.

She was born on February 9, 1934, in Brockport, a daughter of the late Basil Whitney, Sr. and Addie Wheeler Whitney.

Hazel is predeceased by her her husbands, Donald Shortt and John Fletcher, Sr. and her daughter, Donna L. Shortt.

Surviving are her sons, Edward (Eileen) Shortt and Michael (Julia) Shortt, both of Bergen; granddaughters, Stephanie Bowen of Las Vegas and Amy Shortt; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Basil (Charlene) Whitney, Jr. of Bergen; sisters, Ruth (Calvin) Platten and Betty (Tom) Kent, both of Batavia, Katherine Anderson and Dorothy Goodell, both of Florida along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Hazel had a fondness for word puzzles and enjoyed time with her late husband, John Fletcher Sr., while traveling on the road in his tractor trailer.

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, February 9, 2023 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family at Mount Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or the Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Robert (Bob) Walsh, son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, left us peacefully on January 25th, 2024 after a brief illness and short hospitalization at Millard Fillmore Suburban. Bob joins the following loved ones in Heaven: wife, Brenda, daughter, Cindy, and son, Bobby. Robert is survived by his children; Robin and Patrick Walsh (Jocelyn Berg, also Bob’s caregiver) as well as, Son in Law Mark (Cindy) Fugle; Grandchildren: Jeremy (Lisa) Perry, Catherine Perry (Jeffrey Bloomer), Nicole Perkins (Jared), Wesley and Jason Ellsworth. Bob also leaves behind three beloved great grandchildren Ryan and Oliver Perry, and Zaiden Bloomer.

Bob worked as a Mechanic, Corrections officer, Fire and Safety Inspector, Carpenter and Master Craftsmen, Small Business Owner, Firefighter and Emergency Rescue Volunteer. He had many hobbies including snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and trapping. Bob’s expertise in trapping has been passed down to individuals who have thrived to the point of local and national recognition in the field. Many hunters were welcomed into his home over the years for an annual deer camp that took place in the Walsh’s garage. His skills, methods, and hospitality impacted many.

Bob will be laid to rest next to Brenda, in St. Joseph’s Cemetery after a Christian Mass at the Church of Saints Joachim and Anne. Bob’s funeral will be held on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at 10 am at Sts Joachim and Anne’s church in Varysburg, NY. There will be no wake or calling hours as per his final wishes. The family asks that any flowers be sent to the church for the ceremony and that any donations be gifted to the Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department or to Saints Joachim and Anne’s Parish. Bob stayed with us diligently and remained with all of his faculties until the age of 85. His presence and wisdom will be greatly missed, yet we find some solace that he has gone home to the Lord and to the rest of his family members, awaiting his arrival. Thank you to Marley’s Funeral Home for making the arrangements for Robert Walsh and his Family.

Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Joseph Leonard DeFazio, 83 formerly of Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully at home in Fort Mill, SC.   He was born June 17, 1940 and died January 29, 2024. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard A DeFazio and Antoinette M (Castronova) DeFazio, his sister Roseanne( DeFazio) Kowalik,  his brother Leonard S DeFazio and his nephew Joseph Kowalik.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara (Rodon) DeFazio, his 3 daughters Tina Maalouly and her fiance Brian Bellavia of Pembroke, Massachusetts , Mellisa Nicholson and her husband Douglas Nicholson, D.O. of Fort Mill, SC, and Joanna Gould and her husband William Gould of Fort Mill, SC,  and his 6 grandchildren Alexander Nicholson, Duncan Nicholson, Eliana Maalouly, Sophia Maalouly, Olivia Gould and Joseph Gould.

Joe volunteered for the US Army in 1959 and served in Germany for 3 years as a radio operator and Redstone Crewman. He was the owner of The Vac Shop on Ellicott Street in Batavia and a HAM radio operator, call sign W2DIG, and member of The GRAM Radio Club.

After retiring Joe volunteered as the organist for the Catholic Masses at the VA Hospital and Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for decades, playing the piano and accordion.  He was an avid collector of clocks and a talented painter.

A funeral Mass will be held at St Philip Neri RC in Fort Mill, SC on February 15, 2024 at 2:30pm. You can live stream this  service at www.saintphilipneri.org  He will be laid to rest at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Crescent Hospice, 1030 Riverwalk Parkway #101, Rock Hill, SC 29730.

Batavia - Norma L. Hale, 98 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, (February 3, 2024) at East Side Living and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw.

Mrs. Hale was born June 13, 1925 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Spencer and Clara (Sheer) Foster.

Norma was a longtime parishioner of Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church in Batavia. She worked in the cafeteria in all of the Batavia City Schools and enjoyed volunteering at the Senior Center and the Mgsr. Kirby Lunch Program.

She is survived by her children, Margaret (Frank) Zambito of Elba, and Patricia (Jerome) Piepenburg of Wethersfield; a sister-in-law, Margaret Foster of Maryland; close friend Lois Nanni of Batavia. 8 grandchildren, including Jacqueline (Doug) Ferris of LeRoy, 8 great-grandchildren, including Jacob Ferris of LeRoy, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with her parents, Norma is preceded in death by her husband, LaVerne S. Hale; children, Daniel F. Hale, and Richard (late Sheila) Hale; grandsons, Ethan Diaz, and Jason Hale; brother, Spencer "Sonny" Foster; sisters, Dorothy (late Gordon) Amidon, and Doris (late Harry) Pask.

There will be no visitation. Family and Friends are invited to attend Norma's Mass of Christian Burial on Friday (February 9, 2024) at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street in Batavia. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteer for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.

Arrangements for Norma were entrusted to the care of Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Lowell J. Fairbanks, 86 of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, (February 1, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. Fairbanks was born May 21, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Lester and Matilda (Coffey) Fairbanks.

He was a member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church. Lowell was an avid golfer and greatly enjoyed spending time in the Adirondacks where he would hunt and fish. Most of all, Mr. Fairbanks cherished time spent surrounded by family and friends.

Surviving are his children, Lowell T. (Linda) Fairbanks of Texas, Lester Fairbanks (Judy Fairbanks Sanders) of Batavia, Steven (Daphne) Fairbanks of Batavia, Cheryl (Mark) Yasses of East Bethany, and Lori Beherns-Fairbanks of Batavia; a brother, Norman (Sharon) Fairbanks of Byron; sister, Carol (Carmelo) LoVerdi of Byron; brothers-in-law, Lester (Gloria) Stevens, William (Sue) Stevens; sisters-in-law, Missy Blackmon, and Norma Stevens. 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with his parents, Lowell is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine (Stevens) Fairbanks; a grandson, Eric Fairbanks; brother-in-law, George Stevens; sister-in-law, Helen (late William) Powers; and beloved dog Bozo.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, (February 10, 2024)  from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Lowell 's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Drive, Suite #320, Buffalo, New York 14221.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy ~ Steven Stappenbacher passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lottie Stappenbacher.    

  He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Hobbs, daughter Carrie (Oak) and grandson Stone Miller, brother and sister, Michael and Lisa Stappenbacher, along with several nieces. 

     Steven worked many years for RG&E and also as a police mechanic for the Town of Greece. Steven had various interests, he enjoyed antiques, 60’s music, Corvettes and attending car shows. After retirement his interests included making woodworking creations for family and friends. 

     He will be sadly missed by his family. There are no calling hours. 

     Please feel free to make donations to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home, Inc., 167 North Main Street, Perry, NY  14530 in his honor.

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

Batavia - Norma Newton, 94 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, (January 29, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs. Newton was born August 18, 1929 in Medina, a daughter of the late George and Margaret (Stillwell) Goldsmith.

Norma loved Elvis, and was lucky enough to see him in concert as a young woman. She had a very special place in her heart for local Elvis tribute artist Terry Buchwald. She would go to any carnival, fair or lawn fete in the region especially if they had a parade. No one loved a parade better than she did, particularly the marching bands- Mighty St. Joe's and the Alexander Fireman's Band were her favorites.

Norma is survived by her sons, John (Tammy) Newton of Batavia, David Newton of Basom, and Tom (Vicki) Newton of Batavia; grandchildren, Angela Newton, Patrick (Amanda Utley) Newton, Sarah (Dennis Saporito) Newton, Jenna (Kermit Demmer) Newton, Hannah Newton, and Allan Goodell; great-grandchildren, Adeline Newton, Jillian Utley, Tyler Newton, Liam and Luna Saporito, Aimee and Carter Demmer. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with her parents, Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Newton; brother, George Goldsmith; sisters, Muriel Goldsmith, Dorris Buttons, and Joanne Scroger.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (February 9, 2024)  from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial for Norma will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, (February 10, 2024) from Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 211 Eagle Street in Medina.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Medina.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.  

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

Frank Lord, a beloved member of the Batavia community, left this world on January 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Frank was born on June 9, 1965, in Batavia to parents Frank Lord Sr and Barbara (Ferringer) Lord. He spent his formative years in Batavia, where he developed a deep affection for his hometown, sports, and music. His passion for sports and music was unmatched, and he shared his enthusiasm with everyone around him.

While a student at Batavia High School, Frank excelled as both a football and track star. He led his teams to multiple state championships, earning himself a well-deserved spot in the Batavia sports hall of fame. Even after his own athletic career, Frank continued to inspire as a coach for various sports teams, including the Batavia Ramparts and Batavia Youth Football. Through coaching, he instilled in countless young athletes the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Beyond the sports arena, Frank was also an accomplished race car driver and mechanic. He raced at local tracks such as Perry Speedway, Genesee Speedway, and Limerock Speedway, creating unforgettable memories with friends and family in the garage on Pearl Street.

Frank's vibrant personality and infectious laughter lit up any room he entered. He cherished spending time with friends and family, making each person feel valued and important. His open-mindedness and acceptance of people from all walks of life left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
In his later years, Frank enjoyed savoring moments with loved ones over a cup of coffee, attending comic cons, auto shows, and indulging in his hobbies of history, collecting sports cards, playing video games, and spending time with his dear friend, Frankie.

Frank will be deeply missed by his sons, Christopher (Kirrin) Cook of Lockport, Frank Ryan Lord of Warsaw, Nicholas (Taylor) Lord of Batavia, Dylan (Anna) Gossett of North Carolina, and Jessie Ray Lord of Batavia, as well as his grandsons, Jameson, Carson, and Edmund. He is also survived by his sister, Paula (Steve) Kingdollar, brother, Fred (Tammy Ball) Lord, an uncle, Paul (Patti) Lord, an aunt, Mary Pedone, and close family Joanie, Janette, and Paulie, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and enough friends to fill a book with.

Frank is predeceased by his grandparents Frank and Ruth (Smith) Lord, Craig and Elanor (Buckley) Ferringer, parents Frank Sr. and Barbara (Ferringer) Lord, an uncle, Fred Lord, and an aunt, Joanne.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Frank's life on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. at the Polish Falcons of Batavia, 123 South Swan Street, Batavia. Please join us in honoring Frank's memory with casual attire, as he would have preferred. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Niagara Hospice,4675 Sunset Dr Lockport New York 14094. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Pauline J. Hensel, 71 of Batavia, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. 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.

James D. Woodworth, age 77, of LeRoy, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, January 31, 2024 in the loving arms of his twin daughters.

     James was born January 24, 1947 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Deane and Louise Woodworth.  

   Woody grew up in the small town of Morganville, NY and was a LeRoy HS graduate, Class of 65’. He enlisted in the USAF fall of 67’ and served until the summer of 73’ as an aircraft mechanic. He proudly served his one year tour at Korat Royal Thai AFB, May, 1969 thru May, 1970 as a crew chief working with F-4E Phantom Fighter/Bombers on the fight line. Woody was well known and respected by his community as he serviced so many through his handiwork of plumbing and construction over the years. He was a loving father and a special friend to those closest to him. Always taking great pride in his family and work. He had an outrageous sense of humor, cleverness and attention to detail. Woody was always the life of the party. His pride and joy were his twin daughters (5:59 and 6:01) and his five beautiful grandchildren.

     He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Caroline (Andrew) Costa, Rebecca (Stephen) Saeva; grandchildren Christopher (10), Aiden (8) and Liam Costa (4), Gabrielle (G Pa’s “Queen” 9) and Evan Saeva (7); Sister Susan (Jim) Moore and Step-sister AnnMarie Ellis, nieces Kimberly Dubois, Carrie Pearce and nephew Johnny Gioia.

     He was predeceased by his sister Sherry Louise Woodworth (2010), Step-Mother Elsie M. Woodworth (2014) and step-brother John C. Ellis (2015).

     Graveside Services and Military Honors for Woody will take place on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 AM at the Morganville Cemetery, Morganville Road, Stafford, N.Y.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Batavia - Roxanne M. Redden, 58 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (January 3, 2024) at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester.

Ms. Redden was born July 8, 1965 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Leonard and Penny Redden.

Roxanne was a television aficionado and greatly enjoyed watching shows like Gordon Ramsey and Master Chef. The true joy of her life however, was spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Mark Constable, Jr. of Batavia, Christopher Laird of Rochester, and Kayleen Laird of Batavia; grandchildren, Kameron, Khloie, and Karson Laird.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Roxanne's name to the charity of the donor's choice.

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