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Obituaries

ROSE V. VAITER

By Michael Tomaszewski

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ROSE V. VAITER

Age 96, of Batavia died peacefully Friday morning November 2, 2018, in the home where she was raised, and in the company of her compassionate skilled caregiver, Jacqueline Hendricks. She was born October 15, 1922, daughter of the late Orazio and Carrie (Dispenza) Syracuse. She was preceded in death by her doting husband Andrew E. Vaiter; brothers Harry (Helen); Vincent (Mildred); Joseph (Matilda), and sister Madelyn (Lawrence) Torcello.

Mrs. Vaiter was known for her generosity. She never met a worthy charity she wouldn’t support, and she was always lending her help and her attentiveness to neighbors, friends, and family. Rose devoted herself to her Catholic faith, to various Catholic aid organizations, and was a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph). Earlier in her life, Rose was an actual “Rosie the Riveter,” working during World War II for Doehler-Jarvis while manufacturing items for the war effort. After the war, she began her own hair salon, located in her home, which she maintained for many years. Rose always loved a good story and a good joke. She enjoyed eating out as well as Italian cooking and was an inspired baker. She loved socializing with her many friends, especially while playing bingo.       

Rose is survived by a sister she cherished, Francis (Dominic) Dirisio of North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Matilda Syracuse of Batavia; Helen Oles of Oakfield; many adoring nieces, and nephews, as well as her cat Bibi. She was dearly loved by her nephew and godson, Larry (Katie) Torcello, and delighted in spending time with his five-year-old daughter, Atia.    

Rose’s family will be present from 9 – 10:15a.m. on Friday November 9, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC where prayers will be recited at 10:15a.m. followed by her Mass of Christian Burial 11a.m. at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Site). She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband in Joseph's Cemetery. In keeping with her commitments to charity, Rose’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends and mourners consider donating to UNICEF USA 125 Maiden lane New York, NY 10038.

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

THE FAMILY OF ROSE V. VAITER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

Jerry L. Warner

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Jerry L. Warner, 75, of Oakfield, passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Crossroads House.

Jerry was born February 9, 1943 in Batavia, the son of the late Benjamin and Ruth (Peio) Warner.

Jerry's career at WBTA began on September 13, 1971, the day State Police stormed Attica Prison to end the uprising.  In a 2016 interview Jerry recalled, "It was my very first day on the air at WBTA. It was scary as hell. It was a situation you could not describe unless you the and even if you were, you couldn't describe it. It was horrific."  "I was sent to hospital to interview the hostages who were saved. It was just an awful, awful day."  Jerry spent more than 30 years at WBTA. His tenure was split in 1989 when he accepted a job with WEZO in Rochester and became the host of the most popular morning in the city.  He then returned to WBTA a few years later where he hosted the morning show until his retirement due to ill health in 2017. Jerry also hosted WBTA's morning talk show, "Main & Center," where he interviewed hundreds of community leaders, political figures and citizens eager to spend a few minutes with Jerry and share their stories to a vast hometown audience.  When asked when he was going to retire, he often replied “I’ve got the greatest job in the world.  I wish everybody could be as happy at what they’re doing as I am”.  Prior to his most recent time at WBTA, Jerry was the morning man for WEZO.  Taking it from as easy listening station with only music, to one with a great personality that people enjoyed tuning into every morning.  While there, he did voice work for Kodak and a narration for an exhibit at the Grand Canyon.  He was a former member of the Oakfield Presbyterian Church, a member of the Oakfield Historical Society, served with the United States National Guard, enjoyed golfing and was a Buffalo Bills fan.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Darlene K. Warner, of Oakfield, who together celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in August; two sons, Michael L. (Laurie) Warner of Lancaster and Stephen D. Warner of Maryland; granddaughter, Kinsey L. Warner of Lancaster; sister-in-law, Diane DeMus of Charlotte, NC; nephew, Aaron (Allison) DeMus of Charlotte, NC; neighbor grandchildren, Susie and Jake Houseknecht of Oakfield and several cousins.

Calling hours are Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where services will be held Friday at 10 a.m.  Jerry will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.

Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate, Oakfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 74, Oakfield, NY 14125 or the Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield, NY 14125.  

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

Clara Karas

By T.J. Woodward

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Clara Karas, 92 of Lockport, formerly of Elba, passed away on Monday November 5, 2018 at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. She was born February 16, 1926 in Detroit, MI, to the late Anthony (Josephine Krol) Jachimowicz. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph Karas, son Joseph Karas, brother Anthony Jachimowicz and sister Margaret Plevniak.

Mrs. Karas was a longtime member of St. Padre Pio Parish, she was very active in the church and it’s Altar & Rosary Society. She loved reading, books and crossword puzzles.

Mrs. Karas is survived by her children Victoria (Mark) Shea of Youngstown, NY; James Karas of Batavia; sister Rose (Frank) Cibor of MI; 7 grandchildren Erin (Will) Cuiffo, Michael (Ashlee) Shea, Katherine (Joseph) Hoover, Peter Shea, Megan, Kristin and Janelle; several great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to calling hours on Friday November 9, 2018 from 4 – 8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:15 AM on Saturday November 10, 2018 at the Funeral Home followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christina Burial at St. Padre Pio Parish, 65 South Main Street, Elba, NY 14058. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

 

Lorraine Damon

By Joshua Smith

Elba - Lorraine Damon passed away on 11/2/18 at the age of 60 after battling pancreatic cancer. She was born Feb. 1, 1958 to Harold and Rosamond Peterson. She is survived by children Brandy Rose Douglas and Robert Douglas, grandchildren Gina Rose Giuliani and others. She is predeceased by daughter, Krista Douglas of Rochester NY. She was a graduate of Webster High School.

Raine raised her family in Elba. Elba provided the ideal backdrop for her antique business and passion for photography. She will be missed by her entire community, whom she looked forward to meeting and sharing family fun with at the Annual Elba Onion Festival.

She believed places of gathering were sacred, whether it was her dining room table or her favorite creek at Taughannock Falls. All were welcome.

She was an artist who always viewed everything as fixable, so she frequently found herself in the role as project manager. The role she most cherished was being a Mother and Grandmother.

She was an advocate for persons with disabilities, always standing up for others.

She was pure blend of historian and enthusiast that left an impression on all who met her.

She captured the small town Americana lifestyle with generations worth of photos of the town.

Raine’s family picture consisted of many friends, whom she considered her most valuable treasures, many who have been blessed to have learned many life lessons; choose peace, be good to yourself, and be good to others. Raine’s was home to everyone and always had the room for everyone.

Special thanks to Richard Emmal, Jeanne McBride and Millie Wolcott for their love and care in Raine’s final days. She will be missed by all.  

Lorraine’s arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story of light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Dorothy Della (Landon) Edgerton

By Joshua Smith

Batavia- Dorothy Della (Landon) Edgerton, 93, of Sunset Terrace joined her beloved husband in Heaven after a long five year separation on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 (All Saints Day).

Dorothy was born on December 21, 1924, in White House NJ, daughter of the late Jacob and Della (Lewis) Landon.

As a young girl, Dorothy worked on her parent’s farm in Lamington NJ. As a young woman, Dorothy worked first as a government security guard at a U.S. Armory Depot and then as a production worker at a bomb manufacturing plant in Potterville, NJ, during World War II (one of many known as “Rosie the Riveter”). After the war, Dorothy was employed by the Brady family (James and Elliot and their children, including son Nicholas) of Far Hills, NJ as an au pair. Nicholas Brady would go on to serve in President George H. W. Bush’s administration as Secretary of the Treasury. While accompanying the Brady family on a trip to Hyannis Port, Massachusetts she met and fell in love with her future husband, Freeman Edgerton of Batavia, NY, at the local malt shop. During their early years together, Dorothy and Freeman enjoyed dancing the Charleston and the Jitterbug and listening to the Big Band songs of the era. In the 1950’s, Dorothy and Freeman moved to Batavia, where they put down roots and raised a family. While her children were young Dorothy worked as a Nurse’s Aide at the Hilltop Nursing Home for the elderly. During her lifetime, Dorothy was a member of the Moose Lodge, Tops Bowling League, The Batavia C.B. Club, Kelly’s Speedway, and the Limerock Racing Club.

She is predeceased by infant son Thomas Clayton and loving husband Freeman of 65 years, as well as eldest daughter Linda Butler-Weddington. Dorothy is also predeceased by three brothers: Walter, Eugene (Joe), and Arthur.

She is survived by two brothers, Norman Landon of Lebanon, Missouri and Richard Landon of White House, NJ, her wonderful children Janet Edgerton of Batavia and Timothy Edgerton of Oakfield and beloved daughter-in-law Lettie Edgerton, as well as ten cherished grandchildren and 20 amazing great-grandchildren, and several treasured nieces and nephews. Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who also adored her canine granddaughter Bella.

Besides her love of gardening she made over 450 afghans for relatives and friends, and enjoyed listening to country western music. She was a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan through both good times and bad, even requesting that she be laid to rest in a new Buffalo Bills sweatshirt.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private graveside services will be at the convenience of the family at  Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, in care of The Children's Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, 1028 Main St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York 14202.

Arrangements have been entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Donald E. Davis

By T.J. Woodward

Donald E. Davis, 75, of Batavia, passed away on Friday November 2, 2018 at Highland Hospital. He was born April 20, 1943 in Batavia, to the late Joseph (Evelyn Delbridge) Davis.

Don will be remembered as a very happy, gentle soul. 

Don is survived by his siblings Joseph Davis of Kentucky; Dotti Coene of Rochester; Elizabeth Spring of Florida; Paul Davis of Batavia; John Davis of Florida; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Friends are invited to a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. He will be entombed at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epilepsy Foundation, www.epilepsy.com. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Mrs. Margaret E. Volpe

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mrs. Margaret E. Volpe, age 73, retired teacher at St. Joseph's School in Batavia, died Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester following a brief illness.

Mrs. Volpe was born March 15, 1945 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, a daughter of the late Edward Doyle and Margaret Long Doyle.

A member of Resurrection Parish, she was a member of the Sisters of Mercy for 7 years. Margaret graduated from D’youville College and received her Master’s Degree from SUNY Geneseo.  Previously she taught in the Buffalo area at various Catholic Schools, including St. Mary’s, Cathedral School, St. Martin’s and St. Bernadette’s.  She met her husband while teaching in Buffalo. They moved to, and lived in Davenport, Iowa where both were volunteer workers for Project Renewal/Catholic Workers House serving the various needs of the community. She and her husband moved to Batavia in 1987 and continued in their careers at St. Joseph’s School. 

She is survived by her husband, John A.  Volpe, whom she married December 14, 1973 and was the mother of the late Christina Volpe who died in 2015.

Surviving along with her husband include one son, Dominic J. Volpe of Ohio; one daughter, Annemarie (Kevan, Jr.) Sheppard of Rochester; three brothers, Daniel (Diane) Doyle of Ithaca, Thomas (Penny) Doyle of England and Ronald Doyle of Arizona and two sisters, Dolores (James) Kennedy of Pennsylvania and Carol (Matthew) Arigo of California.  She was grandmother to Maddox Volpe, Nyah Sheppard, Kevan Sheppard, III and Christina Sheppard.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Site, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Entombment will follow in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph's School, 2 Summit Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Grant A. Wheeler

By T.J. Woodward

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Grant A. Wheeler, 76 of Perry, passed away on November 2, 2018 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born July 20, 1942 to the late G. Herbert (Vera Stillman) Wheeler. Grant is preceded in death by sister Judy Lafferty and brother Gerald Wheeler.

Mr. Wheeler is an United States Navy Veteran, serving his country proudly from 1961-1966 and former member of the Perry Vets Club. He was an avid motorcycle rider, bow hunter, and animal lover, especially his dog Elsa. Grant enjoyed working with leather, making belts, wallets and purses. He made amazing donuts and venison meatloaf. Grand was a member of Local UAW 481 and grew up working on his parents farm.

Grant is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Judith Wheeler of Perry; children Dana Wheeler of Wellsville; Sarah Prouty; brother George Wheeler; sister Barbara (Neil) Green all of Perry; 9 grandchildren Sarena Straw, Dakota Ribbeck, Dillon (Katie) Wheeler, Breanna Pawlowski, Justin and Joseph Wheeler, Shayne Collins, Jewelissa Wheeler, Emmalee Collins; great-grandson Sebastien Pfenninger, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday November 9, 2018 from 1-4 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC., 98 North Main Street, Perry, NY 14530 where Funeral Services will immediately follow at 4:00 PM. He will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to Kidney Foundation of WNY, 110 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14203 www.kfwny.org, American Heart Association www.heart.org, or to the family. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

THOMAS J. PIERCE

By Michael Tomaszewski

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THOMAS J. PIERCE ~ age 82, of Elba, NY, died peacefully Thursday November 1, 2018 at the Premier Genesee Center. He was born May 18, 1936, in Olean, NY, the son of the late Earl and Mildred (Fahy) Pierce. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Mae King; siblings, Henry, Lyle, Donald Pierce and Betty Benson.

Mr. Pierce grew up in Allegany, served honorably from 1955 – 1959 in the United States Navy and raised his family in Caledonia, NY. He was a heavy equipment operator for the Rochester Union, member of the York Sportsmen’s Club and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elba. Tom had a love for the outdoors, a houndsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping. Tom as he aged enjoyed traveling and trips to the casino.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 20 years, Irene (Roth) Pierce; children, Thomas J. (Nancy) Pierce II, Terry J. (Wendy) Pierce, Dean A. (Teresa) Pierce; step-children, Betsy Griffith, Lisa Griffith, Kelly (Jay) Zintel and Kris (Ted) Tsoukalos; siblings, Jack (Peggy) Pierce, Jerry (Mary) Pierce, Richard (Betty) Pierce; grandchildren, Brent, Jonathon, Kaylynn and Kennedi, 10 step-grandchildren; special sister-in-law, Brenda Pierce; in-laws, Reba Pierce, Judy King, Clement (Beverly) King, Jr.

The Pierce family will be present from 10-1p.m. on Wednesday November 7, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Life will begin at 1p.m. Tom will be laid to rest in Mumford Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to the Elba Historical Society.

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

THE FAMILY OF THOMAS J. PIERCE IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120

 

 

LENA PELLEGRINO

By Michael Tomaszewski

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FILOMENA “LENA” PELLEGRINO ~ age 96, died peacefully Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at Premier Genesee Nursing & Rehabilitation. Lena was born in Varapodio Reggio Calabria, Italy on August 9, 1922 the daughter of the late Francesco and Carmella (Gatto) Pellegrino also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Domenico Pellegrino in 1998.

Shortly after WWII she married her sweetheart, Domenico in October of 1946 and together they moved their young family to the United States aboard the Andrea Doria in 1955. Lena loved her new life in the United States and would often “practice” the Pledge of Allegiance with her children and she became a US citizen during the 1976 Bicentennial. Her passions were cooking and she took great pride in preparing Sunday dinners that were enjoyed by family and friend. Her joy of cooking had her working at the Pellegrino Family Bakery on Liberty, the former St. Jerome’s Hospital and the VA Medical Center retiring in 1980.

Lena is survived by her beloved children, Frank Pellegrino of Batavia, Angela (Rocco) Barrese, Carmela (Matteo) Barrese both of Ontario Canada, Nancy (Herb) Chapman of Batavia and Nino (Denise) Pellegrino of Auburn; cherished grandchildren, Dr. Nancy (Carl) Damiani, Frank (Angela) Barrese, Romina (Michael) Cain, Dominic (Dena) Barrese, Frank (Maggie) Barrese, Rudi & Mark Barrese, Ian & Christopher Chapman; Dominic Pellegrino; 11 great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Pellegrino family will be present from 4-8p.m. on Sunday November 4, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020, please join in celebrating Lena’s Mass of Christian Burial 9:30a.m. on Monday November 5 at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart). She will be entombed in the Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested in the form of masses or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

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

THE FAMILY OF LENA PELLEGRINO IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

Joseph J. Richthammer

By Joshua Smith

Basom - Joseph J. Richthammer, 63, of Basom, a Union Carpenter at Carpenter's Local 276 in  Cheektowaga, died Friday, November 2, 2018 at his home in Basom.

Mr. Richthammer was born March 24, 1955 in Bayshore, LI, NY, the son of the late Hal and Helen (Magnus) Richthammer.

He served during the Vietnam War with the US Marine Corps.  He was a member of VFW, Lincoln Post 1482 and former member of American Legion, Hiram G. Luhman Post #626.   He had also worked as a heavy equipment operator for Conrail in Buffalo. He was an avid sportsman and hunted many North American animals.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Desjardins) Richthammer, whom he married on February 21, 1976; 2 daughters,  Marcy (Jeffrey) Burger of Batavia and Samantha (Brad) Hilchey of Oakfield; 2 granddaughters, Makayla Hilchey-Richthammer of Oakfield and Ashleigh Burger of Batavia; 7 siblings,  Nancy (Gerald) Hess of S. Wales, Hal (Patricia) Richthammer of Union, OK,  Diane (Jerry) Mead of Churchville, Donna (Jeffrey) Alexander of Corfu, Gloria (Joseph) Record of Newport News, VA, Edward (Sandra) Richthammer of Clovis, NM and Robert (Nellie) Richthammer of Grand Rapids, MI; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  

Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield, where services and full military honors will follow at 5 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Family for distribution to various charities.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Eric Hiscutt

By Lisa Ace


Eric Hiscutt, 44, died unexpectedly in a car accident near his home in Colorado on October 28, 2018. 
Born Eric Adam Hiscutt in 1974 to Paul Hiscutt and Nancy Brasky Schmieder in Batavia, NY, Eric was loved by many. He had a knack of forming close friendships quickly that lasted a lifetime. Eric had a big heart and loving spirit. He traveled the world working in exotic locations and living internationally much of his adult life, yet always staying connected with his family and friends he made along the way. 

Eric leaves behind his son, Cole Hiscutt of Colorado as well as his parents Nancy (Jim) Schmieder, Paul (Beth) Hiscutt,; siblings Stacie (Mike) Beccaria, Gretchen (Sam) Fire, Josh Schmieder, Laura Schmieder, and Dar Dehmler; Grandmother Alice Brasky; and many extended family members and dear friends. 

A memorial service will be held at Northgate Free Methodist Church, South Campus, 350 Bank Street in Batavia from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday November 17. 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eric Hiscutt Memorial Fund that was set up to provide for Eric's son Cole's future education and goals. Eric's sister Stacie Hiscutt Beccaria will oversee the funds. You can donate by visiting: https://bit.ly/2RsVitE or visit gofundme.com and search for Eric Hiscutt. 

 

Alexis "Alex" R. Chavez

By Ronald Konieczny

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Alexis “Alex” Ronaldo Chavez, 20 of Oakfield, NY, passed away Tuesday (October 30, 2018) at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long battle with leukemia.

He was born September 20, 1998 in El Paso, TX, a son of Vidal and Carmelina Munoz Chavez.

Alex attended Elba Central School and graduated from Oakfield Alabama High School in 2016. He enjoyed electronics, graphic design, music and was a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills. He had a sense of humor and was known by many for his jokes, eye lashes and smile. Alex had a love for Christ and had newly rekindled his relationship with the lord. Most of all, he loved his family and friends and wanted to partake in helping other kids with leukemia, trying to keep their spirits up.

Survivors include his parents, Vidal and Carmelina Chavez of Oakfield.  Brothers, Douglas Yovani Marco Munoz of Guatemala and Luis (Elizabeth) Chavez of Oakfield. Sister, Maria (Matthew Russo III) Chavez of Lancaster. Girlfriend, Chelsea McEwen of Brockport. Nieces and nephews, Emmitt and Leyla Chavez and Matthew Russo IV. Uncle, Julio Munoz.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a funeral service on Sunday (November 4th) , 3:00pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY. A graveside service will be Monday, 10:00am in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhome.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

William J. Schum

By T.J. Woodward

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  The Greatest Generation lost another one of its greatest. On Tuesday October 30, 2018, William Joseph Schum, loving husband and father of three children passed away at age 92 while in hospice in Winston-Salem, NC. William was born May 26, 1926 in Batavia, NY to Augustus and Alice (Bristol) Schum.

William served in the US Army stationed in Europe during World War II. He was employed in the printing profession for over 45 years earning the position of Pressroom Supervisor at the Batavia Daily News as well as an Associate’s Degree in Printing from RIT. On June 19, 1948 he married Meryl (Kriger) Schum, with whom he shared over 70 magical years. Together they raised one daughter, Suzanne and two sons, Richard and Gary.

William was passionate about helping his children and grandchildren, always asserting his positive attitude, wildly enthusiastic sense of humor and compassion. He loved to travel cross-country with his family and later, traveling to spend time with grandchildren and support their endeavors. He took many trips with family and grandchildren to Walt Disney World always making sure to visit the Enchanted Tiki Room and indulging in Mickey Ice Cream Bars. He was an avid bowler and a fan of the Buffalo Bills, attending the last two Super Bowls the Bills played in and making an annual trek to Buffalo to attend a game. He proudly wore his Buffalo Bills hat wherever he went. After moving from Batavia to North Carolina, he and Meryl enjoyed traveling back to Batavia and to Cary, IL to visit children, grandchildren and friends.

He was fortunate to see his grandson Christopher play many NCAA and more recently pro golfing events. He loved to watch Kimberly perform on stage and became a “super fan” for his grandson Connor during his high school football years. He enjoyed watching his two granddaughters Elizabeth and Courtney ride horses and enjoyed telling war tales to his grandsons Grant and Brent. There was never a visit to any of his children’s homes when he wouldn’t fix something – always willing to help – he loved home improvement and did his own home repairs and maintenance right up to his 91st birthday. William also loved his miniature long-haired dachshund Minnie which was only exceeded by his love for ice cream. Rarely was there a dinner out that wasn’t followed by a trip to the ice cream parlor! Perhaps his greatest love was his wife of 70 years, Meryl. Always looking out for her best interests right up to his last days. We will always remember the wedding dances where they were the last couple standing – they were the exemplary soulmates.

William was preceded in death by his father Augustus; mother Alice; brothers Donald and Eugene.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years; Meryl; brother Courtney of Kettering, OH; daughter Suzanne (Steve) Green, grandchildren Christopher (Rachel) Green, Kimberly Green (Brian Janty), Connor Green, great granddaughter Emma Green; son Richard Schum & granddaughter Elizabeth Schum of Winston-Salem, NC; son Gary Schum & grandchildren Grant, Brent & Courtney Schum of Alexander, NY, along with 3 nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Monday November 5, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Rd, Batavia, NY 14020 followed by lunch at the church.

Flowers or donations may be sent to the First United Methodist Church at the address listed above. 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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.

 

 

Richard A. Young

By T.J. Woodward

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Richard A. Young, 89, of Ellicottville, formerly of Attica and Alexander passed away on Monday October 29, 2018 at his home. He was born November 29, 1928 in Batavia, the son of the late Eugene and Clara (Barone) Young.

A well-known Attica businessman and self-employed salesman, he got his start at the early age of 19 with Dick’s Restaurant. In later years, he proudly owned Richard’s Delicatessen (Dick’s Deli), Clara’s Dress Shoppe and The Theatre Restaurant. He was also an active member of the Attica Lion’s Club. He loved skiing and for three decades was a ski instructor at Holiday Valley Ski Resort. He continued to ski several times a week through the age of 89 and enjoyed sharing the slopes with his sons, grandchildren and great grandchild. 

Mr. Young is survived by his dear companion Lorna Ball (St. Catherines, ON/Ellicottville); mother of his six children Mary (Rider) Young (Alexander); six children Ellie (George) Jinks of Pavilion, Beth (Bob) Parrish of LeRoy, Mary/Kathy (Tom) Young-Murray of LeRoy, Robert Young of Alexander, James (Holly) Young of Laguna Niguel, CA., and Jodi (Mark) Gates of Medina; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Family and friends are invited to call from 3:00-5:00PM on Saturday November 3, 2018 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 5:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Lions Club PO Box 6 Attica, NY 14011. 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.

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