Obituaries

Anita M. Wight, 83, of Stafford, passed away on June 30, 2018 peacefully at her home. She was born on March 5, 1935 in Alexander to the late Raymond (Beatrice Sprague) Good. She is preceded in death by her husband Carlton Wight; sister Janet Radley.

Anita worked for many years as a waitress at Country Kitchen in Batavia. She enjoyed bingo and garage sales. Anita loved vacationing with her husband, especially spending time at Rushford Lake.  

She is survived by her children Dennis Wight of Batavia; Laurie (Jason Burk) Brady of LeRoy; brothers Richard (Alice) of TX; Gerald (Charlene) of Batavia; Larry (Sue) Good of Alexander; 7 grandchildren Bradley Wight; Jessica and Bethanee Brady; Alex Egeli; Lauryn Wight; Kayleb and Sierra Burk; two great-grandchildren Trenton and Dominic, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Anita will be laid to rest at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals of Genesee County www.vol4animals.org. 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 Street, Attica, New York 14011.

ROBERT M. "BOB" HARROWER ~ Batavia businessman Robert M. Harrower, died peacefully Friday morning June 22, 2018 at the New York State Veterans’ Home @ Batavia. Mr. Harrower, a Batavia native, was born October 9, 1933, the son of the late Harold Edgar Harrower and Harriet F. Harrower. He is predeceased by his two sisters; Jean Harloff and Marjorie Spaulding.

He was a 1951 graduate of Batavia High School and earned a Business Administration in Management degree from Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in 1958. Mr. Harrower served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion.

On April 26, 1958, Robert Harrower and Carol Rowcliffe were united in marriage, raised 3 wonderful children and celebrated their 60th year together on April 26, 2018. Bob passed peacefully last Friday morning and just 4 days later Carol took his hand to reunite with him and strengthen the bond that can never be broken.  

In 1963 Mr. Harrower became President of the Genesee Lumber Co., Inc. as well as Batavia Homes and Development Corporation after the unexpected death of his father who founded the business in 1928. He successfully ran the business until his retirement in 1995 at the end of Franklin St. in Batavia where it stands today, expanding and still run by the Harrower family. Mr. Harrower developed the Clinton Gardens subdivision in Northeastern Batavia where Naramore Dr. is the primary road through the subdivision. He also served on the board of Directors of Genesee Reserve Supply Inc. from 1969-1972. 

Mr. Harrower was active in community service groups including the Batavia Jaycees, Rotary Club, Moose Lodge and the former Elks Lodge. He served on the Board of Directors with the Genesee Memorial Hospital (UMMC) and was chairman of the Building and Grounds committee. A member of the former Batavia Club (Seymour Place and home of GO ART), where he served as chairman of the restoration of the historic landmark building that sits on the corner of Bank and Main Sts and enjoyed many years of playing Bridge with his "buddies". He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church where he served on the building and grounds committee. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout while in the Boy Scouts of America. Bob enjoyed many years at Stafford Country Club playing golf, and travelling with his beloved, Carol along with spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons; John (Leslie) Harrower of Batavia, James (Judy) Harrower of Alexandria, VA and his daughter, Susan (Scott) Cosgrove of Churchville; four grandchildren, Michael (Stacy Barwick) Harrower, Eric Harrower, Ryan and Katie Cosgrove; brother and sister-in-law, Lynn (Mary Ellen) Rowcliffe of Batavia; brothers-in-law, Harold "Harley" Harloff and Oliver Spaulding both of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews survive.

 

CAROL ROWCLIFFE HARROWER ~ Age 82, of Batavia, died peacefully Tuesday June 26, 2018 at Unity Hospital in Rochester surrounded by her loving family. A Batavia native, she was born August 16, 1935, a daughter of the late Harry and Myrtle (Bates) Rowcliffe. Carol mourned the loss of her beloved husband, Robert just four days earlier on June 22, 2018.   

Carol was a 1953 graduate of Batavia High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Keuka College in 1957, and was most proud of being a Registered Nurse along with an American Red Cross nurse. It was Carol's love of children that led her to a job as Charge Nurse in Pediatrics from 1957-1961 at the former Genesee Memorial Hospital (UMMC). After raising three children, she worked on call as a nurse in the Batavia City School District. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was a former member of the Vestry and was actively involved in the church annual Antique Show. She participated for many years in the annual Batavia Rotary Club show productions assisting namely with make-up and costumes. Carol enjoyed many years of planning and then travelling with Bob, socializing and playing Bridge with family and friends and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. Carol's love of her children and grandchildren was never more evident as she fought her illness to the final moment to be with family. 

She is survived by her sons; John (Leslie) Harrower of Batavia, James (Judy) Harrower of Alexandria, VA and her daughter, Susan (Scott) Cosgrove of Churchville; four grandchildren, Michael (Stacy Barwick) Harrower, Eric Harrower, Ryan and Katie Cosgrove; brother, Lynn (Mary Ellen) Rowcliffe of Chili; brothers-in-law, Harold "Harley" Harloff and Oliver Spaulding both of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews survive.

*PLEASE NOTE*

There is no prior visitation, The Harrower family invites all to celebrate in Bob and Carol's funeral service 1pm Thursday July 12, 2018 at St. James Episcopal Church 405 East Main Street Batavia, NY with Mother Bonnie Morris Officiating. Bob and Carol will be laid to rest together in Grand View Cemetery, along with Military Honors for Bob. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to John Harrower that will be  shared with Bob & Carol's community interests to include the United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC), YMCA and St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia. 

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

THE FAMILY OF ROBERT M.  AND CAROL R. HARROWER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

 

PAUL A. GILLETTE ~ 

Age 77, proud lifelong resident of Barre Center, died at Orleans Community Health in Medina Wednesday evening June 20, 2018. He was born November 3, 1940 in Albion, NY a son of the late Homer and Helen (Klinke) Gillette also preceded in death by siblings, Shirley Gillette and Robert Gillette.                                                      

Paul was employed for over 30 years at the Eastman Kodak Co. along with working and maintaining his true passion, his 400 acre farm to support his family and educate them in the farming business. He was active in the community including a member of the Barre Town Planning Board, Barre Center Fire Department, Albion Masonic Lodge #97 or just about anyone who needed an "extra hand", Paul was there. He had a love of the outdoors, hunting, bird watching and Sprint Racing. Paul will be remembered as a wonderful husband who provided for and loved his children and grandchildren immensely. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 43 years Penelope "Penny" (Pinkney) Gillette of Barre Center; children, Kathy (Sean Pogue) Klein of Barre, Barbara (Jack) Baird of Barre, Terri (Richard) Monicelli of Albion and Michael Gillette of Albion; grandchildren, Austin (Abigail Hoover) Klein, Bailey Klein and Emma Klaver, Josh and Katie Baird, Jacob and Cassie Monicelli, Zach (Amanda Schumacher) Gillette, Erin and Cody Gillette; great-grandchildren, Hope & August Klein along with several other great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Theresa Gillette of Barre; former sister-in-law, Lois (Robert) Bishop of Albion; aunt, Lois Shepler of Brockport; nephew, Scott Gillette; nieces, Bri Guzedek & Nikki Schuknecht along with several other nieces and nephews. 

In keeping with Paul's wishes funeral services will be held privately by the family and memorials in his memory are suggested to the Barre Center Presbyterian Church. 

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

THE FAMILY OF PAUL A. GILLETTE WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

 

 

Batavia - Dennis Larson, beloved husband of Ellen Bangs Larson and devoted father of Eric (Karen) Larson, Greg (Tamara) Larson and Sonja (John) Crews passed away on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at his home while under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Olivia Larson, Chloe and Cody Larson, Noah Beckley, Myah and Ivy Crews. He is predeceased by his parents, Edna Anderson Larson and Leslie Larson and brother, Donn Larson and Donn’s partner, Joseph Torres.

Dennis was born March 9, 1933, near Minot, North Dakota. The family later moved to Minot where he graduated from public schools, community college and North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota with a degree in Civil Engineering. After serving two years in the United States Army, he began his career as a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in city government in Minot, North Dakota; Clarksburg West Virginia; Rochester, New York and retired in 1997, after 25 years as City Engineer and Public Works Director in Batavia.

In Rochester, he was a past member of Incarnate Word Lutheran Church. In Batavia, he was a past member of the Batavia Rotary Club and Genesee Symphony Board. He was also a Webelos Scout leader and is a current member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Following retirement, Dennis and Ellen enjoyed 12 years of travel in their motorhome throughout the United States and Canada sight-seeing and visiting family and friends.

Dennis pursued woodworking as a hobby and kept up with his household and vehicle repairs; skills he shared with his children and grandchildren. He had fun sharing his Norwegian heritage including a hearty laugh and his signature “Uffda”.

Friends may call on Thursday, July 5th  from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 6th  at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020, Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy ~ Visitation for Nancy A. Steffenella, age 81, who passed away unexpectedly on April 12, 2018, will be held on Friday from 5 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.

     Memorials are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, NY 14482.

Shirley Thelma Holbrook passed into Heaven on June 21, 2018, in Pahrump, Nevada. She was born on August 13, 1931, to Ella Amelia and John P. West, Sr. in Orangeville, N.Y.

After high school graduation, Shirley was employed as a teller at the Citizen’s Bank in Attica, N.Y., where she met the love of her life, Richard C. Holbrook, a Naval Officer, who had just returned from World War II. They married June 9, 1951, and had two children. They recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. Following time off to raise her family, Shirley returned to work as Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and Wyoming County Treasurer through retirement in 1989. She also served as President of the New York State County Treasurers Association. In her leisure time, Shirley enjoyed church, baking, quilting, stained glass, gardening, travel, family gatherings, and meeting people.

Shirley is survived by her husband; Richard; son John (Terry) Holbrook of Maryland; daughter Janet (Robert) Monaco of Nevada; grandchildren Lindsey (Andrew) Delis, Phillip Holbrook, Christine Monaco, Jialing Monaco, Ryan Monaco, and great-grandchildren Benjamin and Eleni Delis. Shirley is survived by her brother Everett West, sisters-in-law Loretta (Paul) West, Rose (Floyd) West, Beverly (Richard) West, Beverly (John, Jr.) West, Mary Jane Pearce (James West), brother-in-law Roger (Trisha) Underwood, and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.

Shirley is preceded in death by her mother Ella Amelia (Glor) West, father John P. West, Sr., brothers Paul, Raymond, Floyd, Richard, James, and John Jr., sisters Ruth Bottone and Pauline West, and mother-in-law Esther R. Underwood.

Calling hours will be Friday July 6, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 7^th from 10 a.m. to Noon at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. A 1:00PM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 7^th at Orangeville Immanuel United Church of Christ, Exchange Street Road, with graveside burial and meal to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orangeville Immanuel UCC Perpetual Trust in the name of Shirley T. Holbrook at 10332 Old Creek Road, Alexander, NY 14005-9745, c/o Edith Hirsch.  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 Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Ellen Bessie Meier, 95, passed away on June 20, 2018 at her granddaughter’s home in Rixford, Pa. She was born on July 30, 1922 in her family home on the Dodgeson Rd. in Alexander, NY to the late Martin Mielcarek and Ellen Bessy Vile.

Ellen retired as a cafeteria worker in the Alexander Elementary School and was an original lifetime member of the ladies Auxiliary in the Alexander Fire Department. She belonged to the Alexander United Methodist Church and enjoyed being part of social groups, such as picnicking with the “Happy Agers”, or doing crafts with her “Hobbie Club”.  Ellen loved her life on the farm, staying busy gardening; tending to her flowers and baking pies and other goods for friends and various events.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband; Allen Frank Meier; her siblings Ivor (Shirley) Milcarek, Ronnie Milcarek, Winafred (Bernard) Stedman, Mabel (Harold) Graff; her 3 children, Kenneth Meier, Ellen (William) Batchelor, and Evelyn Nichols.

She is survived by her five grandchildren; Laura Batchelor, Amy (Randy) Greig, Rachelle (William) States, Katrina (Dustin) Crosby and Vaughn Meier, and her two great grandchildren, Kelsey Zeches and Evan Pekarski and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, July 6, 2018 from 11:00AM-12:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 12:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.  Ellen will be laid to rest at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. 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 Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Bethany Center - Rev. Lance B. Hattendorf of Bethany Center, Pastor of the Bethany Center Baptist Church, died Friday, (June 22, 2018). The God who called him to serve on this earth called him to his eternal home where he will enjoy forever sweet communion with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and receive his inheritance of all the joys of heaven.

Rev. Hattendorf was born March 26, 1952 in Aurora, Illinois to Richard and Cynthia (Stephens) Hattendorf. He grew up in Wheaton, IL, a western suburb of Chicago and was a proud Diehard Cubs Fan. He received his BA in Social Sciences from George Peabody College for Teachers in 1973. It was at college in Nashville where he met his future wife, Joy Merrill of Bethany Center.

They were married on March 2, 1974 and called Glen Ellyn, IL their home. While in Illinois, he worked for the Wheaton School District, Able Disposal, and the State of Illinois Treasury Department. They returned to Bethany Center in 1984 where he worked for the Genesee County Department of Social Services. They moved to Port Gibson, NY in 1988.

He worked for the US Department of the Treasury as a Revenue Collections Officer from 1987 until he answered God’s call to pastoral ministry in 1999. He received his Masters of Divinity from Bible Baptist Seminary in Clarks Summit, PA in 2004. He pastored several churches until accepting the call to ‘BCBC’ in 2007. Lance was also the President of the Maple Lawn Cemetery Association in Bethany Center after serving as a Trustee then Vice President for many years.

He leaves behind in the loving care of Jesus, his wife of 44 years and partner in ministry, Joy, and their sweetheart of a daughter, Lori Hattendorf of Greece, NY, 2 brothers, Richard of Raleigh, NC and Stephen (Debbie) of Gunderson, CO, and a sister, Missy Hattendorf (Dick Wells) of Greensboro, NC; also his father-in-law, Loren Merrill of Bethany Center; brothers and sisters through marriage Glenn & Linda Merrill and Ann & Greg Miller of Bethany Center, Ellen & David Bittner of Macedon, and Jim & Bethany Merrill of Folsom, CA; many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and teased mercilessly; last, but not least, his extended family, beloved church family and many friends.

Joy and Lori invite friends and family to honor him at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia on Friday, (June 29) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A memorial service of worship and thanksgiving to God will be held at the Bethany Center Baptist Church, 10420 Bethany Center Road, on Saturday, (June 30) at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Hattendorf will be laid to rest in Maplelawn Cemetery, Bethany Center.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Lance’s name to either than Bethany Center Baptist Church or the Maplelawn Cemetery Association, 10720 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, NY 14054.

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

 

Barbara B. Douglas formerly of Peoria, NY entered into Heaven on January 2, 2018 in Rochester. Barbara was born June 19, 1935, the daughter of her late parents, John H. and Viola Munger Douglas. After graduating from college, Barbara became a Baptist Missionary. She worked for many years in various locations in Africa, spreading God’s word to the local people.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Helen Lenhard of Canandaigua, several nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Elise Jean Cohen, Margaret LeFever and brother, John Douglas. 

Friends may call this Saturday, June 23rd at 12pm noon at the Olivet Cemetery in Pavilion. There will be a graveside service by pastor Michael Erdel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church of the donor’s choice.

  Kevin J. Richardson, 41, of Oakfield passed away on June 18, 2018. He was born on May 14, 1977 in Batavia to Raymond and Sheila (Brill) Richardson of Oakfield.

Kevin had a heart of gold. He was kind, loving and would do anything for anyone. His eyes were full of light that would shine through from the deepest part of his soul. Kevin was loved and will never be forgotten. Rest easy, Kev. “Buy me a drink, sing me a song; take me as I am, cause I can’t stay long.”

In addition to his parents, Kevin is survived by his beloved daughter; Aiyanna; sister Jessica Richardson of Austin, TX; brother Michael Richardson of Oakfield; nephews Augustus and Aren Carpenter; many special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, along with his dog, Simba.

Family and friends are invited on Sunday June 24, 2018 at 2:00PM to celebrate Kevin’s life at the Polish Falcons 123 South Swan St. Batavia, NY 14020.

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

 

 

 

  Elsie Annunziata, 84 of Lancaster, NY passed away on June 18, 2018 at Buffalo General Hospital after an extended illness. She was born June 1, 1934 in Batavia to the late Chester and Ernestine (Schramm) Wiedrich. She was preceded in death by her husband Anthony Annunziata; Sister Shirley Brumber, brothers, Robert Wiedrich, Gerald Wiedrich, and Donald Wiedrich.

Elsie attended Oakfield-Alabama High School. She worked for the Genesee County Health Department as an aide prior to retiring. Elsie was a loving mother and Grandmother who enjoyed Singing, Big Band Music, the annual Wiedrich reunions and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by daughters; Tina Hammerling, Regina Strobele, Rose Rowcliffe and Ann Annunziata-Marin; sons-in-law James Hammerling, Jonathan Strobele, and Eric Marin.  She has 13 granddaughters; Arreal Hammerling, Zophia Hammerling, Athena Hammerling, Jami Hammerling, Lorelei Strobele, Briana Strobele, Rebecca Strobele, Julia Strobele, Emily Strobele, Jacki Rowcliffe, Isabella Marin, Aaliyah Marin and Gianna Marin; 2 grandsons Jensen Strobele and Anthony Rowcliffe.  She is also survived by a sister; Ruth Defazio, along with many loving nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday June 22, 2018 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday June 23^rd at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org/.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

 

Batavia - Burton H. Anthony, 74, of Batavia, died Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at his home. 

Mr. Anthony was born September 23, 1943 in Batavia, the son of the late Mortimer and Marion (Hull) Anthony.

He was a graduate of Oakfield High School, University of Buffalo and Alfred State University and worked as a School Psychologist, occasionally a CSE chairperson, and was associated with the BOCES, in Attica, Wyoming, Alexander and Oakfield Schools.  He worked in the Byron Bergen School System for over 30 years, retiring in 2000, but continued his practice for 2 years in the Batavia City Schools. 

He was a chairperson for CSE.  He enjoyed talking to people where ever he went and was known for his great sense of humor.  He participated in bowling leagues with other teachers, enjoyed playing in golf leagues and loved sports and gardening.  He was a diehard Yankees Fan and dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild and also always attended their school events.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley J. (Vilder) Anthony, whom he married on October 23, 1965; 3 daughters, Lisa (Bill) Forsyth of Byron, Christine (Brent) Sadler of South Byron and Susan Johns of Batavia; 6 grandchildren, Connor Forsyth, Lauren Forsyth, Riley Sadler, Clayton Sadler, Chelsea Anthony and Brandon Johns and a great-grandson, Levi Bush.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday at H.E. Turner & Co, Inc., 403 East Main St., Batavia.  Services will be at 1:30 pm, Monday at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main St., in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homecare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, NY 14020. 

 

Please note the change in service location.

revised 6-21-2016 12:50 am