Obituaries

Robert J. Graham, of Alexander, NY, age 87, joined his loving and cherished wife Rita, of 64 years, in heaven on August 26, 2019. Bob passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his devoted family. Surviving are loving children: Robert (Cher), Donald (Doreen), Thomas (Eva), James (Lisa Wall), David, Susan (Kristopher) Kautz, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sister Jean Johnson and sister-in law Lynne Graham, both of Buffalo NY along with many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by parents Robert and Margaret Graham, brother James and brother-in-law Carl Johnson.

Bob retired as plant manager from Sylvania in Batavia, NY. Subsequent to his retirement from Sylvania, he ran his own business, A1 Painting and Wallpapering, for nearly 20 years. He and his sons also operated Vacationland boarding kennels.

Bob was an avid deer hunter and also enjoyed field training beagles, rabbit hunting and ice fishing. The thrill of opening day and hunting season was ongoing. He passed this passion on to his five sons and grandchildren, enjoying many exciting times together. Bob enjoyed years of riding his Harley with sons and close friends.

Bob and Rita spent the last 26 years wintering in Palm Springs, Florida, where they enjoyed going to the ocean, shuffleboard and club activities. Bob would hold Rita so tightly while dancing to their old-time favorites. An accomplished pool player, Bob earned numerous trophies. Euchre was a sociable game enjoyed by both. Traveling together, including trips to Ireland, Hawaii, Alaska and Caribbean cruises with family and friends was another favorite pastime.

So many cherished memories were made when Bob, Rita and all their children would gather together at the family camp in Shamokin, PA, target shooting, searching for bears, and playing cards. The simple things, like sharing a meal together, sitting around the table telling hunting stories and laughing were the times Bob treasured. For many years, the family gathered together each summer for a family vacation at Kring Point in the 1000 Islands.

Bob was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather, family was everything to him and he will be sadly missed by all. The family takes comfort knowing that inseparable in life, Bob and Rita are joined together again for eternity.

The Graham family welcomes you to attend a memorial service at the Alexander United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 2:00 PM. All are welcome to join in the celebration of Bob's life immediately following at the Attica Golf Club from 3:30 to 7:30 PM.

Contributions/Donations may be made to the Gateway Hospice Home of Attica NY.

LeRoy ~ Trevor M. Breemes, age 4, gained his angel wings on Wednesday, August 28, 2019.

    

 He was born May 24, 2015 in Batavia, a son of Kirk A. Breemes and Felicia A. Dumar.

     Trevor touched the lives of so many people.  He was so full of joy and the smallest things made him happy.  He loved cars and spending time with his family and friends.

     He will be sadly missed by Mom and Dad; brother, Thomas Breemes; sister, Tinsley Breemes; maternal grandmother and grandfather, Mildred Johnson and John Dumar; paternal grandmother and grandfather, Lillian and Thomas Breemes, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 10:00 AM ~ 12:30 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where Trevor's Service of Remembrance will be held at 12:30 PM.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Trevor are suggested to AutismUp, 855 Publishers Pkwy, Webster, N.Y. 14580  (www.autismup.org)

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

Tim B. Stoneham, 53, of East Pembroke, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27th at Premiere Genesee Nursing with his family by his side. He is predeceased by his father Charles Stoneham and niece Brandi Vincent.

Tim was self-employed with his father Chuck with their father son business, Chuck and Sons Carpet Service for more than 30 years. He had pride in his work and his business. He was also a life time member, serving more than 25 years with the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, where he formed a loyal 2nd family. He was a proud dad and even more proud the day he became a grandpa. 

Tim is survived by his mother Shirley Stoneham of East Pembroke, Daughter Magen (Jake) Martin of Bethany NY, Sister Debra (Danny) Vincent of East Pembroke, Brothers Rick (Lori)Stoneham of Corfu NY, and John (Ginny) Stoneham of Stafford NY, Granddaughter Autumn Nicole Martin of Bethany NY, along with many nieces and nephews and a great niece and nephew.

Friends may call Friday, August 30th from 3 to 6 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m. at the mortuary. 

Neil L. Schildwaster, 89, formerly of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 at his daughter’s home in DeBary, Fla., while under Hospice Care.

Neil was born in Batavia, NY on July 5, 1930, the son of the late Henry Jr. and Isabelle Henderson Schildwaster. He graduated from Oakfield Alabama Central School in 1949.

Neil worked as a miner at the Oakfield Plant of U.S. Gypsum until he was drafted into the Army in 1951. After two years in the service, Neil returned to work at USG where he held many positions through the years. In 1979, he became the Mine Safety and Health Administration Compliance Supervisor, a position that was created for him and one he held until his retirement in 1990.

Neil served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1951-1953 in Germany, for which he received an Occupation Medal. He was in the 91^st Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Automatic Weapons Battalion, and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class E-7.

Neil was a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s site) before moving to Florida in December 2017. He enjoyed all things outdoors, including golf and gardening. Neil always enjoyed being busy with handyman and carpentry work, and built an addition to the family home himself. He loved spending time with family, coaching his sons in baseball, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports.

Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Rider Schildwaster, who passed away on Jan. 14, 2019; his son, David Schildwaster; his brother, Richard Schildwaster; and his sisters, Lois Catino and Marilyn Chirico.

Survivors include his son, Mark (Sandy) Schildwaster of Batavia, NY; daughter Dawn (Ted) Oglesby of DeBary, Fla.; daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Schildwaster of Middletown, Conn.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 at Riverwalk Church of Sanford, 801 W. 22^nd St., Sanford, Fla. A Committal Service will be held in the fall at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia, where he will be entombed.

Please visit www.baldaufffuneralhome.com to offer condolences. Memorial contributions may be made in Neil’s name to St. Joseph’s Regional School, 2 Summit St., Batavia, NY 14020, or to Vitas Hospice Care, 1105 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, Fla. 32763.

Batavia - Helen I. Scroger, 86, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2019, at the Buffalo General Medical Center.

Helen was born December 26, 1932, in Medina, a daughter of the late Patrick and Mary (Stall) Macioszek.

A member of the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church, Helen enjoyed gardening, hummingbirds, crafts, all animals, particularly dogs and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She was a custodian for the Oakfield Alabama Central School District.

Survivors include her children, Jaqueline Scroger of South Carolina, Mike (Judy) Scroger of Rushford, Daniel (Theresa) Scroger of Buford, Georgia, Jimmy (Ronda) Scroger of Eldon, Missouri and Scott Scroger of Batavia; a sister, Victoria Mills of Pennsylvania; grandchildren,  Kerry (Michael) Karbowski, Jeremy Scroger, Corey Scroger, Michael (Ashley) Scroger and Danielle Tihey; several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Helen is the wife of the late Willis E. Scroger.

There will be no prior calling hours. Helen's funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road, Oakfield. She will be laid to rest in Alabama Cemetery, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen's memory may be made to the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road, Oakfield, NY 14125 as well as Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021. 

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

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.

 

RONALD E. ZUCH ~ Age 57, of Attica, died suddenly Monday morning August 26, 2019 at home after his short battle with ALS. He was born in N. Tonawanda, NY on October 9, 1962, a son of the late Judith (Welch) Schumacher and Ray Schumacher of Corfu.

Ron worked for Chapin manufacturing for 38 years and was a member of The City Church in Batavia. He enjoyed his projects around the house, archery, fishing and trips to Lorimer Lake in Canada. He will be remembered as a wonderful family man who most enjoyed his wife’s cooking and baking.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Brenda (Buchholz) Zuch of Attica; children, Sherri Wahr of Batavia and Adam (Christine Cowell) Zuch of Batavia; siblings, Dennis (Diane) Zuch of Batavia, Greg (Peg) Zuch of Batavia, Michelle (James) Cansdale of Corfu and Michael Schumacher of FL; 6 cherished grandchildren, Alexis, Lydia, Myles, Cameron, Keira & Isaac along with several nieces and nephews.   

Ron’s family will be present from 3 – 7p.m. on Thursday August 29, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of His Life will be led by Pastor Marty McDonald. Memorials are suggested to the ALS Association Gift Processing Center PO Box 37022 Boone, IA 50037-0022 or Home Care and Hospice 450 N. Main Street Warsaw, New York 14569.Please share your words of comfort with the family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

 

BETTY JANE TOWNE ~ Age 91, of Stafford, died peacefully Sunday evening August 25, 2019 at home while under the loving care of her granddaughter. Betty was born October 11, 1927 in Elba, NY to the late Albert C. and Alice (Emmonds) Morrow also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Towne; sons, Robert, Lawrence and Guy Towne; brother, David (late Jean) Morrow.

Mrs. Towne was a Park Ranger in the Arizona State Parks for many years, she enjoyed travelling and had a true love for life.

Surviving are her loving grandchildren, Darlene Towne, Lacey (Michael) Ruth and Eric Towne; 6 great-grandchildren, Reese, Shelby, Justice, Bailey, Elijah and Ethan; daughter-in-law, Doris Towne; former daughter-in-law, Colleen Smith along with several nieces and nephews.

Per Betty’s wishes funeral services will be held privately by her family. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Clear Creek Cemetery in Camp Verde, AZ and in lieu of flowers memorials in her memory are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY 6215 Sheridan Drive Suite 100 Amherst, New York 14051.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back 
and until we meet again 
may God hold you in the hollow 
of His Hand. 

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

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

 

KYLE LEE MADDISON MICHAELS ~ Age 21, of Batavia, died unexpectedly Friday August 23, 2019 at the home of his grandmother where he resided. Kyle was born November 5, 1997 in Elyria, Ohio to Lynette McCullough of Rochester and Ricky Michaels of Ohio.

Kyle was a wonderful, caring young man, an avid New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He attended the Batavia Assembly of God, enjoyed cooking and was darn good at it along with being a “gamer”, he loved playing on his X-Box.

Surviving along with his parents are his siblings, Rylen Michaels and Aleah Michaels both of Rochester and Mason Michaels of Ohio; beloved maternal grandparents, Sharon (Lynn Allen) Porter-Wood; special uncle, Timothy McCullough of Batavia and absolute best friend, Nick Stone.

Please join Kyle’s family 2p.m. Wednesday August 28, 2019 at Batavia Assembly of God 24 N. Spruce Street Batavia, New York 14020 for a Celebration of Life Service. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the family.

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

THE FAMILY OF KYLE LEE MADDISON MICHAELS IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

BYRON/CANANDAIGUA - Janice L. Snyder, 91, of Canandaigua, formerly of Byron, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2019, at M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua.

Janice was born on July 30, 1928, in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Harold and May (Dotterweich) Lownie.

She was a 1946 graduate of Holy Angel Academy and a member of the Red Hat Ladies.

Her husband, Glen Snyder died on May 4, 1997. 

Survivors include her four children, Patricia (Tom) Uhl of Utah, Mark Snyder of Byron, Linda (John) Shannon of Canandaigua and Eric (Penny) Snyder of Phoenix, NY; 7 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She was a sister of the late Ralph Lownie, Hal Lownie and Ruth Dorn.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Private burial will be in Grand View Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Janice’s name to M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, 350 Parrish St., Canandaigua, NY 14424.  Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.   Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

John Jablonski “Jabo”, 87 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday (August 25, 2019) at the New York State Veterans Home.

He was born October 1, 1931 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late John and Helen Bartosiak Jablonski.

John was a Korean War Combat Veteran, having served his country from 1952 to 1954 and received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and the National Defense Service Medal.  He was employed by Eastman Kodak as a machinist and after 25 years, retired in 1991.

John was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Many of his favorite times were spent hunting and fishing with his sons, and summers at Chautauqua Lake with family. He was proud of his Polish heritage and enjoyed life to the fullest. He made friends wherever he went and was always fun, positive and complementary.

John was a strong athlete. He played football and baseball for Batavia High, football in the Army, and after his military service, played semi-pro football and softball for many years. He considered himself an expert on pheasant hunting and football, and was a dedicated Chicago Bears and Boston Red Sox fan. John was a member of the chain gang for the Batavia Blue Devils for more than 40 years, and enjoyed coaching youth football.

He also loved to golf and was one of the longest standing members of the Terry Hills Golf Club. As a member of the Polish Falcons of Batavia Nest #493 for 72 years, he received the Gold Legionnaire Medal. He was instrumental in founding the Polish Falcons Golf League at Terry Hills, and participated in nearly 50 National Polish Falcons Bowling Tournaments. John was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, American Legion, VFW, War Vets of Jamestown and the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Janet Miller Jablonski, whom he married July 2, 1955. Sons, John (Carol) Jablonski III of Lakewood, NY and Steven (Gaye) Jablonski of Malvern, PA. Grandchildren, Jenna (Dan O’Brien) Jablonski, Julia Jablonski, Jillian (Thomas) Walsh, Jack Jablonski, Cutter Jablonski. Special nieces, Bonnie (Michael Foisy) Rybak of Inverness, FL and Pam Kolmetz (Rich) of Stafford, NY.

He was predeceased by his brother, Stanley Jablonski and sister, Sue Rybak.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (August 30th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday (August 31st), 10:30am at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, 413 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 to ensure conservation of the Chautauqua Lake environment for others to enjoy and appreciate nature as John’s family has. 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.

 

 

Helen M. Cook, 75 of Elba, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at her daughters home. She was born March 27, 1944 in Lackawanna to the late Roy (Elizabeth Harris) Gee.  

Mrs. Cook was an amazing baker and made the best cookies around. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, cowboys and bull riding. Helen enjoyed watching the Game Show Network and listening to country music. Above all else, family was everything to her.    

She is survived by her beloved children David Cook of Elba; Elizabeth (Albert Coppini) Cook of Verona, NY; Victoria (Michael) Benge of Martinsville, IN; Tresslynn (Stephen) Ackley of Groveland, NY; siblings Betty Rigby of Port Byron, NY; Carl (Ellen) Gee of Elma; Roger (Lori) Gee of Bowmansville; 7 grandchildren, Stephen Cook, Christopher (Kirrin) Cook, Chad (Fiance Alex) Benge, Jennifer Cook, Jennifer (Corry) Wiechec, Rebecca and Sydnee Cook; 4 great-grandchildren Zeke, Zia, Zane, Rylan, with two on the way, Jameson and Amelia, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 3 to 5 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will immediately follow calling hours, 5:00 PM at the Funeral Home.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice of Livingston County, 2 Murray Hill Drive, Mt. Morris, NY 14510 Attn: Hospice Agency. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ Beverly J. Smith, age 79, of Myrtle Street, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning (August 25, 2019) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

     She was born February 21, 1940 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles and Helen Bratt Blatt.

     Beverly was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, who just loved life and loved to laugh.

     She will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted husband of 31 years, Gary L. Smith; her children, John E. Jaszko, Kim L. Weatherbee, Gerald F. (Darla) Jaszko and Sherry M. (Brian) Weaver; grandchildren, Jason (April) Weatherbee, Sommer (Guy Westermeier) Weatherbee, Melissa (Christopher) Plath, Amanda (Buzzy) Lowe, Curtis (Katie) Weaver and John Jaszko; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Lyle Blatt; special friends, Wendy Paladino and Lindia Cranston, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Robert P. Jaszko; brothers, Wayne, Terry and Charles Blatt; son-in-law, Mark Weatherbee and sister-in-law, Sylvia Blatt.

     Services will be private at Beverly's request.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK  73123.

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

     Mrs. Smith and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

  Gabrielle D. “Sky” Nelson, age 21 of Perry, New York passed away on Wednesday August 21, 2019 at her home in Perry. She was born in Elmira, New York on July 12, 1998, a daughter to Amy E. (Lindsay) Nelson of Perry and the late James B. Nelson. Along with her father she is preceded in death by a sister: Piper P. Lindsay and maternal grandfather: Rodney G. Lindsay.

Gabrielle loved to play softball and basketball. She enjoyed listening to music, writing poems, drawing, going for walks especially through the Silver Lake outlet and exploring abandoned houses.

She is survived by her mother and step-father: Amy E. (Raymond W. Johns) Nelson of Perry, sisters: Austin B. Nelson of Batavia and Sopheya G. Johns of Perry, brothers: Noah R. Nelson and Anthony M. Northrup both of Elmira, nephew: Jakob J. Hatt, maternal grandmother: Judy Lindsay of Florida, paternal grandmother: Mary Nelson of Elmira Heights, along with many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Family and friends may call from 6:00-7:00PM on Thursday August 29, 2019 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, NY 14530, where Funeral Services will follow at 7:00PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. 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.

Joseph A. Amico Sr. Passed away on Thursday (Aug. 22) surrounded by his family.

Mr. Amico had a career as a builder, but he was also heavily involved in harness racing in western New York for over 55 years. He first got involved through ownership of a horse named Butch Mac in 1960 and had been an active owner in the sport until 2016. He owned a total of 60 horses during that time including High C Byrd, Oxford Flyer, Eyredale, Fays Rene, Better Bomb, Affable Poplar N, Prince Lee Norm, Tulip T Collins and Best Ears.

Mr. Amico is predeceased by his wife, Norma (Agricoltoso) Amico; brother, Jim (Fran) Amico; sister, Mary (Anthony) Gianni; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Raymond (Carmella) Agricoltoso, Alfred (Mary) Agricoltoso; Ida (Tony) Spaziano, Martha (Vincent) Pettrone, Jane (Santo) Pellitteri, Catherine (Ray) Magliozzi, Celia (John) Izzo, Virginia (Louie) Trombetta.

Mr. Amico is survived by his children, Joseph A. Amico Jr., Angela (Richard) Wolf; grandchildren, Deana (Stephen) Percassi, Joseph E. (Alison) Amico, Heather (James) Rodriguez, Amber (David) Santos, Alexa Wolf, Ricky Wolf; great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Dylan, Stephen, Carly and Collin; many nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be no prior calling. On Tuesday (Aug. 27) all are invited to attend his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson St., Bergen, NY. Interment is private. 

Those that wish to do so, donations in his memory may be directed to Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411. The family would like to thank all of Mr. Amico’s caregivers and neighbors for their love and support.

Bergen - Donald E. Coleman, age 69, of Bergen, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 3, 1949, in Oswego, the son of the late Harold F. and Lois Jean Harris Coleman.

A member of the Bergen United Methodist Church, Don was a former youth group leader and worked with the youth underground program at the church.   A coroner for Genesee County since 1992, he was honored to serve the people of Genesee County and will be remembered for his professionalism and kindness. He was a life member of the Bergen Fire Department and Rescue Squad; he also served on the Genesee County Republican Committee. Above all else, Don loved being Papa to his twelve grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Debra L. Runner Coleman, whom he married July 15, 1972;  his four daughters; Amy (Mike) Koziej of Akron, Sherry (Jim) Starowitz of Bergen, Carrie (Brian) Fair of Chesapeake, Virgina and Sandy (Colby) Owen of Bergen; twelve grandchildren; Jacob, Mary and Ashley Koziej; Jordan, Riley, Andrew and Cadence Fair; Emma, James, Libby and Collin Starowitz and Carson Owen; his sister; Linda Coleman of Brockport and cousins. 

Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Friday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. Services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Avenue with Rev. Dr. Wilson Jones officiating. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donald's memory may be made to the youth underground program or the needy family fund at the Bergen United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 216, Bergen, New York 14416 as well as Reconciling Ministries Network, 123 West Madison Street, Suite 1450, Chicago, Illinois 60602. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Don's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.