Obituaries

MICHAEL F. WRIGHT ~ Age 76, Holley, peacefully 12/5/19. Preceded by parents, Boyd and Berneice Wright.

Michael received his BS in Oceanography from Texas A&M and his Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University in New York City.

Michael was a well-respected and notable therapist who impacted many people throughout Western New York during his tenure.

At his request funeral services held privately, memorials a charity of the donor’s choice.

Words of comfort can be shared at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF MICHAEL F. WRIGHT WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC

4120 W. Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020.

Sarah E. Hoeppner, age 74 of Perry, NY passed away on Sunday January 12, 2020 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Warsaw, NY on May, 15 1945 a daughter to the late Merle F. and Norma (James) Petherick. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by a brother: James Petherick who passed away in 2016.

Sarah was a 1963 graduate of Warsaw Central High School. She was a teacher’s aide at Perry High School for over 25 years retiring in 2007. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Warsaw. Sarah was an artist who worked with many different mediums. She often had her work showcased at the Wyoming County Arts Council in Perry, Shoen Place in Pittford, International Art Acquisitions in Rochester and Go Art in Batavia. She and her family enjoyed putting up their annual Halloween displays that attracted hundreds of visitors each Halloween. She enjoyed quiet times with Max and her two dogs Jaisey and Jingles at their camp in Wethersfield.

She is survived by her husband Max whom she married on July 10, 1965; daughter Tracy (Douglas) Hoeppner-Russell of Perry along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pluta Cancer Center 125 Red Creek Dr. Rochester, New York 14623 or to the Wyoming County Arts Council 31 South Main St. Perry, New York 14530.  For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Keith A. Countermine, 66, of Attica, passed away on January 10, 2020 with his family by his side. He was born on February 24, 1953 in Albany, NY to the late Irving and the late Ruth (Hanlon) Countermine. Keith was preceded in death by his grandson, Ian Solberg-Countermine and his sister Cindi Lehnert.

Keith retired from the Attica Correctional facility in 2007 after 28 years of service. He was a member of St Joachim & Anne RC Church. He was a member of the Attica Lions Club, Republican Chairman for Town of Attica, the Attica Fire Department, Attica Masonic Lodge 462, and Royal Arch Masons & Cryptic Masons, and Knights of Columbus 3^rd Degree. Keith was previously on the Attica Town Board of Assessment review. He was previously an Assistant JV Football Coach for the Attica High School.

Keith is survived by his loving wife, Dawn (Salty) Countermine; children, Kevin (Ruth) Countermine of Darien Center, Kyle (Karen) Countermine of Ocala, Fl, and Ken (Melissa) Countermine of Attica; brothers, Jeff (Jeanne) Countermine of Altamont, NY and Ed (Leonard) Countermine of Rensselaer, NY; 13 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on January 25, 2020 at Sts Joachim & Anne RC Church, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family. For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011

 

 

Ralph M. Torcello, 89, of Batavia, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia after a brief illness.

Born on Sept. 29, 1930 and raised in Batavia, Mr. Torcello was the son of Michael C. Torcello, Sr. and Mary Torcello (Feniello). He grew up on the family farm on Creek Road in Batavia and lived there until his death.

Mr. Torcello graduated from Batavia High School in the late 1940s and was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Buffalo State College with his B.A. in education. He served in the Army following his graduation and after his duty was completed, taught Industrial Arts to high school students in the Letchworth Central School District until his retirement.

Mr. Torcello’s passion was harness racing. During college he worked part time as a security guard at Batavia Downs and that began a lifetime of involvement in the sport that would last almost 70 years. He was an owner, trainer and driver and raced almost entirely in Western New York. 

Mr. Torcello trained and often drove his small stable of horses after getting his license in 1962. During that time he raced campaigners like Gypsy Flash, Gold Piece, Outlaw Collins and Bait The Trap. His last driving win came in 1993 in a lifetime best effort with a trotting mare named Spell Rosie followed by his last training win in 1999 with one of his better horses, What About Bob. His love of the sport spread to many in his family who later owned, trained and drove horses themselves.  

Mr. Torcello was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, Anna Strollo (Michael), Marie Perry (Samuel), Frances, Lawrence (Madeline), Rose, Angeline, Genevieve, Michael Jr. (Patricia) and Marcella, as well as by his nephew, Anthony M. Strollo.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Ann Marie Caste (Paul), of New Jersey, Michael C. Torcello (Lynn) of Delaware and Lawrence Torcello (Katie), of East Bethany, Mary Jo Dumuhosky and Ross Perry, both of Batavia, Michael L. Torcello (Deborah), of Hamburg, Ralph P. Torcello (Diane), of Pavilion and Marirose Ethington (Larry), of East Bethany. He is also survived by numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as his longtime friend, Hiland Clark. 

Mr. Torcello was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Batavia and a former member of the New York State Teachers’ Association and the United States Trotting Association.

There will be a mass in celebration of Mr. Torcello’s life at the Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St. in Batavia on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to United Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Donald G. Butler, age 84, passed away on Thursday January 9, 2020 at Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home in Perry.  He was born in Warsaw, NY on July 24, 1935 a son to the late Gordon H. and Eva P. (Hilflicker) Butler.

Don was a 1954 graduate of Perry Central School. Don was the owner/ operator of Donald G. Butler Construction and Sunny Knoll Farms in Perry.  He took over the family farm at the age of 19 after the passing of his father. Don ran the farm from 40 head of cattle to a very successful robotic dairy farm today operated by his sons. He started Donald G. Butler Construction in 1973. He was a former owner of the Perry Raceway in Perry.  He served as chairman of the Board of Assessors for the Town of Perry for 16 years, served on the Town of Perry Zoning Board in which he helped in writing the new zoning laws and was the Town of Perry Highway Superintendent for 10 years.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center, Silver Lake Country Club, a member of the Perry Grange for over 60 years, Upstate Niagara Co-op and a very active member of the Perry Rotary Club starting in 1965. In his lifetime he attended over 80 years of the Perry Rotary show whether watching or participating in it. He was the director of the Perry Rotary show since 1969 as well as participating in many acts for over 50 years, even when his mobility was limited.  He organized many trips where a large participation of the Perry Rotarians were in attendance at the District conference.   He served as President of the Perry Rotary Foundation for 19 years and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship award in 1988, 2006 and 2010. In Donald’s spare time he enjoyed golfing with his friends, organizing yearly golfing trips, even after he had to give up golf do to his health. He enjoyed traveling to Florida during the winter with his wife and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife: Joann E. (Irwin) Butler whom he married on March 9, 1955, 3 sons: Scott (Bethany) Butler, Eric (Michelle) Butler and Jason (Angela) Butler all of Perry, 6 grandchildren: Kayla (Anthony Dell’Anno) Butler, Christian (Devon) Butler, Audrey, Zane, Lucas and Emma Grace Butler, 1 great grandchild: Julian , Siblings: Carol (C. Arnold “Arnie”)Wilson, Jack (Nancy) Butler both of Perry, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends may call from 2-6pm on Sunday January 12th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 13^t at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center at 4pm. Don will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

(In lieu of flowers) Memorial contributions may be made to the Perry Rotary Club P.O. Box 103 Perry, New York 14530, Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530 or to the First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

 

LeRoy ~ Mary M. Porter (nee Mooney), age 87, passed away on January 9th, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia after a short illness.

    

 Mary was born on November 24, 1932 in Medina, NY to her late parents, Joseph and Marie Mooney. She married Harry Porter in 1953. The Porters lived in LeRoy, where Harry worked at the local Jell-O plant until its closing and retired from Eastman Kodak.

     Mary was a stay-at-home Mom, an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church in LeRoy, and a member of the LeRoy/Stafford Friendship Club.

     Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) and John Garner of LeRoy, NY; her daughter and son-in-law, Michele (Micki) and David Shaughnessy of Mt. Morris, NY; her son, John (Jack) Porter of Cartersville, GA; her son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Sharon Porter of LeRoy, NY; her sisters-in-law, Barbara Sanderson and Lorraine Maloy and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

     She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her sister, Joanne Wegman; her brothers, Regis and Jack Mooney and her grandson, Ryan Porter.

      Family and friends may call on Monday, January 13th from 3 ~ 7 P.M. (Rosary Recitation at 6:45 P.M.) at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd., LeRoy.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14th at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary's life.  

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the LeRoy Pantry & Help Fund Inc., 48 Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482

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

BATAVIA - Shirley M. Pashong, 89, of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, (January 7, 2020), at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation following a brief illness.

Mrs. Pashong was born July 6, 1930, in Batavia, a daughter of the late William, Sr. and Helen (Colby) Kirkpatrick.

Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

She is the wife of the late Melvern "Mel" Pashong who passed away in 2014.

Surviving are her children, Bonnie (Dennis) Dugan and Randy (Pamela) Pashong both of Batavia; grandchildren, Kate (Michael) Whitcomb of Fairport, Joshua Pashong of Batavia, and Rachel Pashong of Lockport; great-grandchildren, Andrew and Zachary Whitcomb; brother-in-law, Ronald (June) Pashong of Stafford; sisters-in-law, Shirley (late William) Krause of Byron, and Lou Kirkpatrick of Batavia.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Shirley is preceded in death by her siblings, Vivian (late Alan) Taber, Viola (late Alton) Schuler, William Kirkpatrick, Jr., and Lucille (late George) Derck; brother-in-law Douglas Pashong.

In keeping with Shirley's wishes there will be no visitation.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.  She will laid to rest beside Mel in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Hiram W. Jones, of Basom, passed suddenly on Friday, January 3, 2020. He was born in Alabama, New York on March 26,1948 to the late Timothy and Delphine (Blackchief) Jones.

Hiram was a member of the Beaver Clan and a 1966 graduate of Alexander High School. Upon graduating from high school, he honorably served our country in the United States Army. Hiram was a huge lover of the outdoors and could often be found walking or taking long bike rides as far away as Clarence and Batavia. He especially enjoyed fishing.

Hiram had ten brothers and sisters and is survived by, Darwyn (Janette) Hill, Malcom Hill,  Audrey Hill and Loren Jones. Many nieces and nephews also survive Hiram. He is predeceased by brothers and sisters:  Phyllis Abrams, Cathleen Hill, William “Flip” Hill, Murray Hill, John Paul Jones and Carrie Cory.

Friends may call Wednesday, January 8th, from 12 to 2 PM at the Tonawanda Indian Baptist Church, 565 Bloomingdale Road, Basom, NY where a Funeral Service will take place at 2 PM. Arrangements were made by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. To share memories and condolences with Hiram's familyplease visit rossakron.com.

Stafford ~ Donald E. Paddon, age 81, of E. Bethany-LeRoy Road, passed away Saturday morning (Jan. 4, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

    

He was born January 18, 1938 in Stafford, a son of the late Wilbur and Ruby Leathersich Paddon.

     Besides being a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Don was a person who worked hard and cared about his community.  He was a longtime farmer, but also worked for the Stafford Highway Dept., Lapp Insulator and a devoted 4 H leader.  He was also a member of the Pavilion Grange, Stafford Fire Dept., Genesee Co. Agricultural Society and Genesee Speedway.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy Clark Paddon; his children, David (Donna Newton) Paddon of Pavilion, Susan (James) White of Stafford and Julie (Paul) Ehrmentraut of Stafford; his grandchildren, Brandy (Jeff Keuer) Paddon, Todd Paddon, Daniel (Lindsay Blankfield) White, Kelly (Johndavid Scarcliffe) White, Shaun (Kathryn Martens) White, Ashley, Andrew, Emily, Cody, Michael and Kate Ehrmentraut; his great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Evelyn White, Lucas Scarcliffe, Charlotte and Aubrey White; his step brothers and sisters, Tom (Sharon) Weber, Daniel (LuAnne) Weber and Marlene (Craig) Prucha, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his brother, Robert Paddon and step-father, Lawrence Weber.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held at 7:00 P.M. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Genesee Co. Agricultural Society, P.O. Box 355, Batavia, N.Y. 14021 or the Wilber Paddon Memorial Award, c/o LeRoy Central School District, 2-6 Trigon Park, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

Dennis G. Bzduch, age 63, of Perry, NY passed away on Saturday January 4, 2020 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born in Warsaw, New York on June 27, 1956 a son to Walter Bzduch of Perry and the late Stella J. (Szczepanek) Bzduch who passed away in 2010. Along with his mother he is preceded in death by a brother-in-law: Bobby Kruppner who passed away in 2018.

Dennis was a 1975 graduate of Perry High School. He graduated from Genesee Community College with an Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy Assistant, received his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education at SUNY Brockport and his Master’s degree in Health Education from the University of Alabama. Dennis worked for York Central School as a Physical, Health and Driver’s Education Teacher. He coached the Girls Varsity Basketball team, Track team and Varsity Football team at York Central, at Perry High School he coached Football and was the Director of Pools. He was a CPR and Lifeguard instructor for Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joesph’s Church) in Perry, Silver Lake Country Club and Davis Meadows Golf Course in Pavilion. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, boating, gaming, spending quiet times in the hot tub, vacations at Walt Disney World, playing Santa Claus for many events during the holidays, he was an avid Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Sabres fan and most importantly to him was his family.

He is survived by his wife: Wendy D. (Kruppner) Bzduch whom he married in 1985, 2 children: Chelsea (Ryan Winchip) Bzduch of Hamburg, Dennis “DJ” (Cortney Chamberlain) Bzduch II of Rush, his father: Walter Bzduch of Perry, mother-in-law: Patricia Kruppner of Silver Lake, sisters: Marian “Putza” Bzduch, Marcia (Dean) Preston both of Perry, brother: Edward (Celeste) Bzduch of Perry, sister-in-laws: Nancy (Al) Durfee, Lori (Gino) Standish both of Warsaw, granddaughter: Sophia Bzduch along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 3:00-8:00PM on Friday January 10, 2020 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 11, 2020 at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22202 or visit www.diabetes.org or to the American Red Cross 8550 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22031 or visit www.redcross.org to donate. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Betty S. Clark, 66, formerly of LeRoy, NY passed away on January 3, 2020 in Medina, NY. She was born in Batavia, NY to the late Claude J. and the late Joan (Johnson) Clark. She was preceded in death by her sister, Karen DellaPenta.

Betty was a former member of City Church in Batavia. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone that needed it.

She is survived by her son and his wife, Robert and Danielle Tooley of Oakfield; grandchildren, Gemma, RJ, and Rowan Tooley; sister, Kathy (Tom) Harper, of Florida; brother-in-law, Pat DellaPenta, of S. Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 12 pm- 2 pm on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 2 pm at the funeral home. For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011

 

 

DONNA M. WOLCOTT ~ Age 78, of Batavia, died peacefully Saturday December 28, 2019 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born in Batavia, NY on March 18, 1941 to the late John and Catherine (Camaratta) Wolcott, also preceded in death by her siblings, John, Michael, David & Butch Wolcott and Joan Watches.

Donna was employed by the ARC Day Program for many years, she was an avid Bingo player and enjoyed crafts of any kind.

Surviving is her loving sister, Mary A. Fitch of Batavia; brother-in-law, Chauncey Watches, several nieces, nephews and her ARC family.

Donna’s family will be present from 11a.m. – 12p.m. on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWKSI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Remembrance Service will begin at noon. She will be laid to rest in N. Byron Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family.

Please share your words of comfort with Donna’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

LARRY J. BUCK ~ Age 59, longtime public servant, died Sunday December 22, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a long illness. Larry was born February 19, 1960 in Dansville, NY to the late Charles and Gerri (Comardo) Buck; also preceded in death by his brother, Roger Buck.

Larry’s joy in helping others is what started his career in public service, which began in Attica as a Police Officer, moving on to be a Paramedic for the City of Batavia and finally settling in as a 911 Dispatcher for Genesee County also serving as a Genesee County Coroner for many years. He was an active member of the Genesee County Republican Party, enjoyed all sports, especially hockey, football, horse racing, baseball and NASCAR.   

Surviving is his beloved wife of 35 years, Donna (Gundell) Buck of Batavia; daughter, Michelle (John) Tracy of California and their children, Melody, Sarah & Benjamin; son, David Marniucci of Sodus, NY; sister, Sandra (Paul) Briggs of Dansville; brother-in-law, Fred Gundell of Batavia along with a special niece, Ashley (Chris) Politi.

Donna and family invite all to an afternoon of Celebrating Larry’s Life on Sunday January 12, 2020 from 1-4p.m. at the DIBBLE FAMILY CENTER at 4110 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 to enjoy food, drink, share pictures and memories of Larry. Memorials in his memory can be made to his family.

Please share words of comfort with Larry’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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