Obituaries

BATAVIA - Anthony S. Nigro, 68, of Batavia, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

He was born January 29, 1951, in Portsmouth, Virginia a son of the late Alphonso and Rose (Marchese) Nigro.

Mr. Nigro served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Pawcatuck.

He was a tournament fisherman and competed with Bass Masters fishing series.  He enjoyed animals, all of nature and hunting.  He had a huge heart and was always willing to help others. With a great sense of humor, he was a talented story teller and was a Rummi Master.  He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Batavia.

Survivors include; 3 daughters, Danielle R. Nigro (John Alberts) of Alexander, Alexandra Jensen of AR and Taya Boatman of TX; 2 sisters, Shirley Nigro of Albion and Carrie Grillo of CA; a brother-in-law, Jim Hill of Batavia; 8 grandchildren, McKenzy Nigro, Haylee Dioguardi, Kayla Dioguardi, Jasmin Long, Camryn Boatman, Paige Boatman, Rylie Jensen and Ava Jensen; 3 aunts, Mary Marchese of Batavia, Toni Marchese of FL and Carolyn McGorray of AZ.  

He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Tori Nigro, and 2 brothers, Pat Amico and Joe Amico.

Friends may call from 3- 5 p.m. on Saturday July 13, 2019 at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia where Military Honors will be rendered at 5:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Anthony’s name to a charity of the donor's choice. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Helen Heale of Batavia died July 4, 2019 at her home.

Helen was born April 1, 1929 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Bachorski) Cichocki.

Her husband, Joseph Paul Heale died on September 30, 2016.

She was a member of Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church.  She retired from GTE Sylvania then worked at ABB Kent Taylor in Rochester and the Office for the Aging for RSVP in Batavia.  She also volunteered at the Genesee County Veteran's Service Office.

Surviving are a daughter, Linda (Paul) Lewis of E. Bethany, a son, David (Mary) Heale of Batavia; 2 grandchildren, Bryan Heale and Brandon (Anna) Lewis; a great-granddaughter, Ahri and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was the grandmother of the late Stacy Heale and sister of the late Anna Pastecki, Clara Tuttobene, Frank Cichocki and Edmund Cichocki and Henry Cichocki.

There will be no calling hours.  Family and friends may attend Helen's Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph's Church at 9:30 am on Saturday, July 6, 2019.  Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Oakfield - Mary A. (Guppenberger) Yunker, 94, a longtime resident of Oakfield, passed away peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. 

Mary was born in Buffalo on September 21, 1924, a daughter of Mary and August Guppenberger, she was the loving mother of nine children, nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, John (Barbara) Yunker of Rochester, Kenneth Yunker of Oakfield, David (Vicki) Yunker of Alexandria, VA, Jeffrey (Sandra) Yunker of Avon, Gregory Yunker of Rochester; daughters, Mary K. Yunker of Batavia, Patricia Yunker of Calabash, NC and Suzanne Yunker of Calabash, NC.  She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara Guppenberger of Batavia, Helene Beuler of Tonawanda, Lois (John) Gringer of Spencerport and James Guppenberger of Titusville, FL; and her in-laws, Joan Schrauth of Hamburg, Richard (Lucille) Yunker of Oakfield, Donald (Joyce) Yunker of Oakfield, Irene Yunker of Batavia and Bonnie Yunker of New Smyrna Beach, FL as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Mary is predeceased by her husband, John W. Yunker, whom she married in June 1946, her son, Robert D. Yunker, brothers, Francis (Carol) Guppenberger, August Guppenberger and Joseph Guppenberger.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia's Church, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield. Mary will be buried in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the donor's choice. 

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.

Nancy E. Rodgers, 79 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Sunday (June 30, 2019) at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home.

She was born March 12, 1940 in Medina, NY, a daughter of the late Gaylord and Jean Bane.

Nancy was employed by Pixley’s Shurfine prior to her retirement. She enjoyed painting, drawing and ceramics. She was also a member of St. Teresa of Avila Church in Akron.

Survivors include her husband, William J. Rodgers of Akron. Sons, James Rodgers of Hickory, NC and Michael (Janet) Rodgers of Akron. Daughters, Kelly (Greg) Stahl of PA and Melissa Rodgers of Buffalo. Also survived by 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and her canine companions, Pepe and Sparky.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (July 5^th) from 5-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, where funeral services will be Saturday (July 6^th) at 11:00am. Interment will follow in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Batavia - Jeanette A. Towner, age 88, of Batavia, passed away Monday, July 1, 2019, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born March 4, 1931, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Louis and Irene Happ Moss.

Her husband, Harlo C. Towner, passed away on September 27, 2017.

Jeanette will be remembered for her creativity and had a wide range of talents and interests. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, painting and crafting.

She is survived by her daughters; Janis (Greg) Lontkowski of Batavia and Sheryl (Denley) Edgerton of Wilson; three grandchildren; Emily Lontkowski, Cherish and Benjamin Edgerton; her sister; Lorene (Lynn) Goetz of Elba and nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her sister, Beatrice Yohe.

There will be no visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeanette's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

 

ELBA - Frederick E. Read, 76, of Elba, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, (July 1, 2019), at his home in Elba.

Frederick was born June 14, 1943, in Clearfield, PA, a son of the late Kenneth and Helen (Huston) Read.

Fred worked for General Motors - Rochester Product as an electrician and was a member of the UAW Local 1097.  He was a frequent volunteer with the American Red Cross and enjoyed playing euchre.  Mr. Read will be remembered as a dedicated and hard working man.

He is the husband of Barbara Read, of Elba.  The two were married on July 17, 1965. 

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Thomas (Kimberly) Read of Rochester and Theresa (Daniel) Scroger of Buford, GA; grandchildren, Joey Wells and Danielle Tihey; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Kenneth Read of Albion and Donald (Heather) Read of Churchville; sister-in-law, Lynn Read of SC.

Fred is predeceased by a brother, Larry Read.

Friends may call from 3:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia where Fred's Memorial Service will be  held at 10:00 AM Saturday. Burial will be held privately with military honors in Byron Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined, however, contributions in Frederick's memory may be made to Byron Fire Department, PO Box 210, Byron, NY 14422 as well as Elba Fire Department, PO Box 58, Elba, NY 14058 or to a charity of the donor's choice.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

South Barre - Frank C. Sheelar, 89, of South Barre died Friday, June 28, 2019 at Premier Genesee Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Batavia.

Born in South Barre, son of Avis Sheelar Dash and John P. Sheelar, he lived in this area his whole life.

He engaged in farming for many years and retired several years ago.

Surviving is his sister, Marilyn Morton (Don) of West Virginia and several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

BATAVIA - Nancy Lee Russell, 70, of Batavia, passed away Monday, (June 17, 2019), at her home

Nancy was born March 13, 1949, in Batavia, New York, the daughter of the late Bud Hale and Rose Stringham.

She enjoyed crafts, movies, and her dogs, Pookie and Baby.

Survivng are her children, Nicky (Derek) Stefanski of Oakfield and Daniel Russell of LeRoy; grandchildren, Corey (Matthew) Scarborough of Oakfield, Ethan Russell of Buffalo, and Leo Russell of Batavia; great-grandchildren, Oliva and Ava Scarborough; sisters, Ann (Norman) Steinbaugh of Attica and Helen (late Robert) Mullen of Stafford; a brother, Harold Hunt of Iowa.

Ms. Russell is preceded in death by a sister, MaryLou Sweeney.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in East Bethany Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia or online at www.geneseecancerassistance.org.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.  To leave a message of condolence, share a story, or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Henrietta - June Ellen Dorf, 73, of Henrietta, longtime resident of Elba and 1964 graduate of Elba Central School, passed away Friday, June 28, 2019, at Strong Memorial Hospital after some challenging times and a good life. After working in retail for many years, June Ellen went to work for the Orleans Correctional Facility and retired in 2007.

June Ellen was born June 11, 1946, in Batavia, a daughter of the late June and Anna Allen Dorf.

She is survived by her sisters; Lynda (late Kris) Porter of Lewiston and Gail (Joseph) Gabriel of Brockport; two nephews; Jeffrey Porter of Marysville Washington and David (Paula) Porter of Olathe, Kansas; two great-nieces; Courtney and Mary Beth Porter of Olathe, Kansas; her aunt; Dorothy (late Bernard) Allen of Elba. June is also survived by many good friends and cousins.

Friends may call from 4- 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2019 at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, contributions in June's memory may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Road, Albion, New York 14411 or to Medical Motor Services, 608 Clinton Avenue South, Rochester, New York 14620. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in June Ellen's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bergen – Mary T. Sardou, 91, a longtime Bergen resident and business woman, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Sardou was born on August 6, 1927 in Fairport, a daughter of the late Michael and Mary Marchioli.

She purchased the Rose Garden Restaurant in September of 1954.  Later it became the Viking Valhalla Restaurant at Rose Garden Bowl.  For many years, Mary ran the business as one of the only woman-owned business during the era ranging from 1967 to 1980.  The business continues to be owned by her family to this day.

Mary was very customer minded and she truly loved all of them.  She was also very community minded with memberships in the Bergen Business and Civic Association, Bergen Historical Society, the Ladies Auxiliary of Sackett Merrill White Post 575 in Bergen, and the Churchville Moose Club.

Her husband, Pierson “Doc” Sardou died in 1967.

She is survived by her two sons, Thomas (Christina) Sardou and George Sardou, both of Bergen, 3 grandchildren, Kerry (Sam) DiPasquale, Don Richards (Josh Withers) and Tammy Jo (Michael) Sardou; 3 great-grandchildren, Alanna, Mari Barbara and Michael and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Carmen (Josephine) Marchioli and Nicholas (Josephine) Marchioli, her sister, Rose (Sam) Papa and her dear friend, Paul Hanks.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 51 South Lake St., Bergen.  Mary’s Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 am Wednesday at St. Brigid’s Church, 18 Gibson Street in Bergen.  Burial will be in St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Bergen.  Memorials may be made to Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY  14642 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Please share a condolence, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

     

Jennifer M. Gartz, age 73, passed away at home on Saturday, June 29, 2019 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was born on January 7, 1946 in Buffalo, NY, one of eight children, to the late Harry and the late Thelma (Fulton) Schwarz.

Jen will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was known for a great sense of humor, incredible smile, and love of people. Jen had many careers during her life, but loved being a nurse the most.

Jen is survived by her loving husband, James; children, Gina Napierski, Annette Smith, Joseph (Michelle) Auricchio, Anthony (Cynthia) Bykowski, and Michael (Tanya) Bykowski; and 13 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 PM at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10 am at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10656 Alleghany Rd., Darien Center, NY 14040. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Homecare & Hospice, Inc., 450 N. Main St # 3, Warsaw, NY 14569 in Jen’s honor. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

 

Byron/Varysburg - Ruth E. Ribbeck, 81, of Byron/Varysburg, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home.

Ruth was born February 26, 1938, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Milton and Ida (Heywood) Acker.

Ruth loved puzzles, reading and was devoted to her family and church.  She was a former member of the North Bergen Presbyterian Church and the Johnsonburg United Methodist Church.  Ruth worked at Mallory Timers, Champion Products and Angelica.

Survivors include her children, Amanda (Warren) Spencer of Caneadea, Marjorie (Jim Cassidy) Ribbeck of Corfu, Buzz (Tammy) Ribbeck of Pavilion, Christine (Boyd) Poole of Warsaw, Julie Pope of Mt. Morris, Timothy (Angel) Ribbeck of Warsaw and Matthew Ribbeck of Warsaw; two sisters, Dorothy Dumbleton of Pavilion and Mary Backus of Newark; fifteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.     

Ruth is the wife of the late Roy E. Ribbeck and a sister of the late Delmar Acker and Albert Acker. 

Calling hours are Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.  Ruth will be laid to rest in North Byron Cemetery.

Memorials in Ruth's memory may be made to the New York State Veteran's Home, Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

Jane A. Grodem, 91 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 in the presence of her loving family.

She was born January 11th, 1928 in Bowmansville, NY, one of seven children of the late George and Gertrude (Kauffman) Sugg.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. Grodem, her son, James M. Grodem, grandson, James N. Grodem, brother Paul (Gloria) Sugg, sisters Rita (Jack) Gibbs and Gertrude (Gerry) McCormick.  She is survived by her sisters Irene Casper, Marylin Malucci and Rosemary Hopcia, her 7 children, Andrea (Dave) Kruger, Deborah Baehler, Greg (Deb Perkins) Grodem, Janine (Mike) Vogel, Lisa (Randy) Sharick, Becky (Norm) Seelbinder and Peter (Robin) Grodem, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.

Jane was a caring and giving person who was devoted to the Catholic faith.  She was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society, the Legion of Mary and was a Eucharistic Minister.  Jane volunteered with All Babies Cherished, Crossroads and the nursing home facilities in Batavia, NY.  She was also a Girl Scout and 4-H leader when raising her children.

A memorial service and Mass of Christian Burial will be scheduled at the family’s convenience.  In lieu of flowers, people are invited to contribute in memory of Jane to Crossroads House in Batavia (www.crossroadshouse.com) or to All Babies Cherished (www.allbabiescherished.com).

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE C.B. BEACH & SON MORTUARY, INC., 4-6 MAIN STREET, CORFU, NY 14036.

CLARENCE L. BLACKMON, SR. ~ Age 78, of LeRoy, died Monday June 24, at the Premier Genesee Center. Clarence was born February 22, 1941 in Columbia, SC to the late William and Myrtle (Baughman) Blackmon also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie (Figlia) Blackmon and a brother, William Blackmon, Jr.

Mr. Blackmon was a veteran of the United State Army and was retired from Wegmans. He had a love of stockcars, from building them to racing it was his passion. He enjoyed Bingo, could fix just about anything and cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his children, Sherry Palmieri of NC, Bonnie Russell of Rochester, Wilma Blackmon of Bergen and Lee Blackmon, Jr. of LeRoy; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

In keeping with Mr. Blackmon’s wishes there is no prior visitation and funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials in his memory are suggested to the NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY.

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

THE FAMILY OF CLARENCE L. BLACKMON, SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.