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Obituaries

Jesse A. Russell

By Ronald Konieczny
Russell

Jesse A. Russell, 34 of Basom, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

He was born October 4, 1989 in Rochester, NY, a son of John Russell of Batavia and Claranne Burgel of Batavia.

Jesse completed and gained his certificate of apprenticeship training where he then served as a journeyman carpenter. He was an avid skateboarder always kick flipping and grinding on his half pipes he built in his basement. His beloved cat Tiger was his favorite spectator.

Survivors include his parents, John (Yvonne “Lonnie”) Russell of Batavia and Claranne Burgel of Batavia. Siblings, Joanne (Craig) Iovino of Londonderry, NH, Wendolynn (Grant) Gildehaus of Charlotte, NC, Emily (Justin) Ridgeway of Fort Wayne, IN, Rhiannon (Brooks) Hawley of Batavia, Jonathan Burgel of Basom and Jacob Burgel of Batavia. Step-brother, Donald Ryan of E. Pembroke. Grandfather, Jack (Marie) Russell of Lake City, FL. Also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jesse was predeceased by his grandparents, Anna Russell and William and Jeanette Burgel.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (April 5th) from 4-8pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a funeral service will be Saturday (April 6th) at 11am. Burial will follow in Stafford Rural 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.

 

 

 

Joan M. (Reeves) Quaranta

By Joshua Smith

Joan M. (Reeves) Quaranta, 82, of Batavia, passed away on March 30, 2024 at home under the care of her loving family.

Joan was born July 28,1941 in Binghamton, a daughter of the late Richard and Lillian (Lyons) Reeves.

Joanie was happiest  when she was outdoors.  Whether it was a long walk in her beloved Broadalbin woods, gathering berries on a roadside, or spending time at home with her plants and dogs, Joanie came alive amongst nature's creatures.  While obtaining her Master's Degree, Joan also was raising her two children, Raymond and Tammy.  She was a habilitation program aide for the New York State School For The Blind in Batavia and demonstrated her love and commitment to the children there as if they were her own.

Surviving are her children, Raymond (Sandra) Moskal of Alexander and Tammy (Paul) Zambito of Batavia; grandchildren, Christiana (Abdool) Ganie, Taryn (Daniel) Carrigan and Raelynn Moskal; great-grandchildren, Arya, Gavin and Devin Ganie; her twin sister, Jean (James, Sr.) Martin and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by a sister, Ann Whittey.

As per Joan's wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ASPCA, www.aspca.org or to Genesee Cancer Assistance,127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org.  

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

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

Angeline R. Whitehead

By T.J. Woodward
arw

Angeline R. Whitehead, 83, of Batavia, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 31, 2024. She was born November 17, 1940 in Lockport, to the late Frank and Angeline (Mastendrea) Paradise. She is preceded in death by sister, Gloria (Calvin) Bradshaw, brother, Robert Paradise, brothers-in-law, Gerald Wagner and Lea Edmunds.

Mrs. Whitehead retired from General Motors in Lockport. She was an avid Bingo player, loved gameshows, soap operas, her flower gardens, feeding birds, word find puzzles and traveling with her husband. 

Family was everything to her, her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved having everyone together over meals, especially Christmas, watching everyone open gifts and being together.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Raymond E. Whitehead of Batavia, daughters, Diane (Norman) Hubbard of Batavia, Donna (Mark) DeMarzio of Inverness, FL, Debbie (Patrick) Accetta of Niagara Falls, siblings, Mary Lou Wagner of Lockport, Joann Edmunds of TN, Peter (Philomena) Paradise of TN, 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 5 to 6pm at the Funeral Home. A Celebration of her Life will immediately follow, 6:00pm at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St, Batavia, NY 14020.  To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Thomas F. Sacher

By T.J. Woodward
flag

Thomas F. Sacher, 83 of Oakfield, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was born March 10, 1941 in Buffalo to the late Thomas R. and Eileen (Miller) Sacher. He is preceded in death by his brother Timothy Sacher.

Tom was a proud United States Navy Veteran. He worked for many years as a contractor all around the area. Tom was a man of great faith and was very active in The City Church. He opened the church for prayer, constantly involved in Food Giveaway and Bible Study groups.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Judith M. (Steinhoff) Sacher of Oakfield, sons, Thomas J. (Nancy) of Arcade, Christopher (Rhonda) of Sardinia, Robert (Lori) Sacher of Batavia, sister Cynthia Ebert of Arcade, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nepehws.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 3 to 5pm at The City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A Celebration of his Life will immediately follow, 5:00pm at the Church.

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

Hazel Vonceil Lamb

By Joshua Smith
Hazel Lamb

Hazel Vonceil Lamb, 96, formerly of Attica, NY, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the NYS Veterans’ Home in Batavia.

Born on December 19, 1927 in O’Donnell, TX, she was the daughter of the late Monroe and Mordie (Manning) Self.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Evan Charles Lamb, siblings Kathleen Farquhar and Billy Ray Self and brother-in-law Thomas Farquhar.

When Vonceil was three, the family made their way back to Central Texas from the Panhandle after the Dust Bowl ruined their cotton crop three years running. Vonceil’s grandfather gifted 125 acres on a small farm and a few head of cattle to get them started. She recalled her childhood as one of hot, dusty work, garbed in bib overalls, long sleeved shirts and split bonnets as she and her sister helped to pick cotton, pull broomcorn and bag oats, among other chores. Looking back, they were also happy, wholesome years spending time with family and neighbors in the rural Izoro community.

Following graduation from Evant High School in 1945, Vonceil left home to attend beauty school in El Paso, TX studying cosmetology. After earning her beautician’s license, she moved to Dallas, TX for work. It was there that she competed in two state hair styling competitions winning first place in 1949. While attending beauty school in El Paso, she met the love of her life, Evan, who was serving in the Army at the time and stationed in Fort Bliss, TX. They were married in Dallas on August 27,1949, honeymooned in Niagara Falls, and made their way to
Western NY where they settled and raised their family.

In 1952, Evan partnered with brother Gerald on the family farm in Darien where babies were welcomed and Vonceil perfected her sewing, baking, gardening and canning skills. The family later moved to Attica in 1963, when Evan was offered a teaching position. Vonceil resumed her hairstyling career, working out of her home salon for 30 years. She was an accomplished seamstress and shared her sewing talents with others, including many dresses/outfits for herself and her daughters. She added quilts, bedspreads, draperies and pillows to the home as well as crocheted afghans. Vonceil was also a gifted gardener and known for her beautiful landscape designs and flower gardens. She was a member of the Attica Garden Club and showcased her extensive gardens on sponsored home and garden tours.

A beloved member of her community, Vonceil was a faithful member of the Attica Trinity United Methodist Church for 55 years where she served in a variety of roles including the Women’s Ministry, Kitchen Ministry and Flower Committee. Vonceil made many homemade pies and fresh yeast rolls for various church social and fundraising events
and arranged beautiful bouquets for the church altar from her personal gardens. Her sewing skills extended to designing and assembling symbolic banners used as the seasons changed and making the first Chrismon's to hang on the church Christmas tree.

Vonceil was also an avid golfer and long time member of the Attica Golf Club. She enjoyed traveling across the US, Europe and South America with Evan and close friends. Although leaving her home in Attica in 2017 was difficult, she enjoyed her six years residing at The Manor House in Batavia and appreciated the activities, friends and devoted care she received there.

Vonceil is lovingly remembered for her inner and outer beauty, elegance and grace, giving heart, delicious southern cooking, extraordinary work ethic, common sense, strong Christian faith and devotion to family, church and community. She was known for her generosity and always looked for ways to help her family, friends and neighbors, preparing countless meals and baked goods for those in time of need. The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for the professionalism and exemplary care provided to both Vonceil and Evan during their time as residents of the Veterans’ Home in Batavia.

Vonceil is survived by her loving children, Natalie (David) Paradowski of Colden, NY; Merely (Michael) Krol of Churchville, NY; Timothy (Susan) Lamb of West Falls, NY; AFS daughter Anita (Jose Pedro) Deiderich of Trinidad, Bolivia, SA; five grandchildren, Marisa (Daniel) Esler, Ryan (Natalie) Lamb, Grayson (Rebekah) Krol, Ethan Paradowski and Robert Lamb; two great-grandchildren, Hudson Krol and Mira Esler; brother, Evon (Donnis) Self of Lampasas, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. All are invited to attend Vonceil and Evan’s Celebration of Life Graveside Ceremony on Saturday, June 15th at 11:00 AM at the Darien Cemetery, 1803 Broadway, Darien, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or the Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Shirley Cassatt

By Joshua Smith
Cassatt

Shirley Cassatt, age 82, of Batavia NY, and formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Premier Genesee Nursing and Rehabilitation, Batavia, NY.

She was born on April 26, 1941,in Niagara Falls, NY, a daughter of the late Wert & Inez (Wensley) Knapp.

Shirley was a devout member of the Salvation Army Church. She was a Buffalo Bills fan, enjoyed Knitting, Crocheting, Reading, studying her bible, traveling with Mark, Square dancing, and line dancing. Shirley loved her friends and family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a soldier in The Salvation Army and worked at J.J. Newberry for many years. She won the presidents volunteer service award in 2009.

Shirley is survived by her children, Lawrence “Larry” R. (Patricia) Cassatt of Elba and Cindy (Robert) Elliott of Batavia; ex-husband and good friend, Lawrence D. Cassatt of Batavia; longtime companion, Mark White of Barre; son in law, Bill Anderson; 8 grandchildren,14 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Shirley is reunited with her parents, Wert & Inez Knapp; daughter, Lorraine Anderson; siblings, Carol knight and Robert Knapp.

A celebration of life will be on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00am at the Salvation Army church. 

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Shirley’s memory to The Salvation Army- https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/batavia/

Thomas S. Mitchell

By Lisa Ace
Tom Mitchell

Thomas Samuel Mitchell Jr., 53, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, in Chicago, Ill., after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on March 4, 1971, in Huntington, N.Y., to Grace Furman Mitchell and the late Thomas Samuel Mitchell Sr. He is married to Cynthia Loree “Cindy” Mitchell.

After attending Elba Senior High School, Tom went on to study at SUNY Brockport University in New York. He earned his Medical Doctorate Degree at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico before training in surgery and then ultimately completing a family medicine residency at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. An accomplished medical professional, Tom practiced emergency medicine in various rural hospitals all over North Carolina and Virginia. He was also a member of St. Therese Catholic Church.

In addition to his mother and wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Tayler Mitchell and Madison Mitchell; granddaughter, Lillian Bloom; two sons, Lukas Mitchell and Isaac Mitchell; and two sisters, Anna Fenton and Elaine Say.

Those who knew and loved Tom will always remember him as a rockstar, a cherished husband, a compassionate doctor, and a loving dad. He was known to be kind to everyone he encountered. His presence filled every room he entered, not to mention his tall stature and memorable laugh. Tom’s zeal for life was well known and expressed through playing music as a young man, going to concerts with his daughters, and joining in his sons’ mischief and humor. He adored his wife and loved his family to the fullest and will be terribly missed by all.
 

Tom Mitchell 2

Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Troutman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately after the service and asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (www.curemeso.org).

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.

Karl J. Dilcher, II

By Joshua Smith
Dilcher

Batavia - Karl J. Dilcher II, 42 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, (March 22, 2024) at his home in Batavia.

Karl was born July 1, 1981 in Batavia, a son of Karl Dilcher Jr. of Oakfield and Rosemary (Carrubba) Campbell of Oakfield.

Karl’s magnetic personality and generous heart is what his friends and family will remember most. Family was everything to Karl. He was so proud of his children and loved being a dad. Growing up, Karl was surrounded by and always involved in his family’s horse racing business and he carried that love and passion for the horses into his adult life and never missed a race.

Along with his parents, Karl is survived by his stepfather, Steve Kiblin of Oakfield; fiancée, Janel Patterson of Batavia; children, Julianna and Olivia Dilcher; a step-son, Aiden Patterson; brothers, Samuel (Amber) Dilcher of Oakfield, and Craig (Racheal) Campbell of Basom; paternal grandmother, Lorraine Dilcher of Oakfield; uncle, Chris Carrubba of Batavia; aunts, Mary (Dennis) Bucceri of Oakfield, and Georgann Carrubba of Batavia; nephew, Weston Dilcher. Several cousins and friends also survive.

Karl is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Karl Dilcher; maternal grandparents, Samuel and Patricia Carrubba; uncle, Joseph Carrubba; and his aunt Kathy Kozlowski.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street in Batavia where a funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an organization of the donors choice. 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.

Franklin Ludwig

By Joshua Smith
Ludwig

Franklin Ludwig, of Oakfield, NY, formerly of Lancaster and Alden, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, at the age of 74.

He was born on Friday, July 15th, 1949 in Buffalo, NY, to the late Franklin and Irene Ludwig.

Franklin was a dedicated father to his sons Kevin (Susan) Ludwig and Jeffery Ludwig. He adored his grandchildren Devyn (Cara) Ludwig, Karlie (Andrew) Ludwig, Noah Ludwig, Emma Ludwig, Abbey Ludwig, and Annabelle Ludwig, as well as his great grandchildren Jensen and Theodore. He is survived by his sisters Rosemarie Stolt and Patricia Reydner, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Franklin was a graduate of Lancaster High School and served in the National Guard as a Staff Sergeant. He owned West Alden Meats and worked as a butcher for Tops Friendly Markets. Franklin was a hard worker who enjoyed any task set before him. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Franklin was preceded in death by his siblings Sandra Cooke, Daniel Ludwig, and Jean Pierson.

The funeral arrangements are provided by H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Franklin Ludwig will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

Donations may be made in Franklin's memory to the Brain Injury Association of America P.O. Box 7416 Merrifield, VA 22116-7416

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

Amy (Sando) Perkins

By Joshua Smith
amy

Amy (Sando) Perkins, 54, of Attica passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

Amy was born October 26, 1969 in Batavia, the daughter of Robert Sando and the late Beth (Scharping) Ryan.

Amy attended Alexander Central School from kindergarten to 10th grade, graduating from Byron-Bergen in 1987. After High School Amy attended Genesee Community College, then went on to have a career working for Brockport College in administration.

A kind hearted woman, she had a great love for animals, especially cats and dogs. She enjoyed spending time with family, friends, camping and playing cards.

Survivors include her father, Robert Sando of Florida; Uncle, Vincent Sando (Nancy) of Florida, Aunt and Uncle Charlie and Linda Kiel of Batavia, Aunt Alice Scharping of Attica, brother Jason Sando, of Elba; Nephews, Garrett and Wyatt Sando, of Elba.

In passing Amy is now reunited with her mother, Beth Ryan and sister, Darcy (Sando) Detine.

The family would like to extend the most heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful friends Karen Bridge, Sharie Erb and Mike Hammon who cared for her throughout the years.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY. Burial will be at a later date at Mount Albion Cemetery Route 31, Albion NY.

Memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.

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

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

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