Obituaries

Rochester, NY ~ Dick Gamble passed away March 22, 2018 of congestive heart failure at Strong Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.  He was active, happy and vibrant until the very end.  He died peacefully with family members holding his hands. If you asked people to describe him in two words they invariably would say “humble” and “gentleman”.

     Dick enjoyed a long and stellar career playing professional hockey for 19 seasons as a left wing for both the NHL and the AHL.  He was a no nonsense goal scorer (earning him the nickname “grumps ”) with an amazingly accurate and strong wrist shot (earning him the nickname “dead eye dick”). He had early success and hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1953.  He also played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs. But it was with the Rochester Americans that he made his biggest impact on the sport, helping his favorite team win three Calder Cups in ‘65, ‘66 and ‘68 capturing the the AHL’s MVP and Scoring Champion trophies. For many years he held numerous records which were finally broken by fellow Amerk and good friend, Jody Gage, who shared his iconic # 9 jersey, which has been retired and hangs in the rafters of the Blue Cross Arena.  After almost 50 years he is still fourth all- time in the AHL. 

     “Dick Gamble will always be remembered as one of hockey’s all-time greatest players and a legendary figure” said AHL President and CEO Dave Andrews.  In 2007 he was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame.

     Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada in 1928 he was scouted at 17 to play for the Quebec Aces and then moved on to Montreal.  He raised three children in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; John Richard Gamble, Darlene Gamble (Scarlett) and Brent Gamble, all of whom survive their father. He is also survived by his five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

    

He was sent to the Rochester Americans team to play for one year and ended up playing here for a decade. He met and married his great love, his wife of 45 years Marcia (McNish) Gamble and stayed in the area for the remainder of his life. Dick and Marcia lived in Le Roy, NY for 20 years where they raised their son Craig Bradford Gamble, who resides in Brighton with his wife Beth Gamble.  Dick influenced thousands of kids positively with his hockey schools in Canada and Rochester.  He always wanted to make a difference in a child’s life. 

      After he retired from hockey he had a successful career in sales, with many years spent at Meyer’s RV Superstores in Caledonia, NY. Mr. Gamble and his wife traveled widely and spent their retirement years in Pittsford where Marcia continues to reside. He was always building something and his carpentry skills are known to many in the area.

     He will be buried in Macphelah Cemetery in Le Roy in early June when his immediate family will hold a private graveside service. A dinner to celebrate his life will follow.

     Donations may be made to the Rochester Americans Alumni Association, 111 Van Voorhis Ave. Rochester, NY 14617.

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

     Mr. Gamble and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Byron - Marian D. Shepard, 90, of Byron, Designer at Francis D. Shepard Engineer & Associates, Byron, NY, died Thursday, March 29, 2018 at her home in Byron.

Mrs. Shepard was born October 24, 1927 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Irving and Gwendolen (Durfee) Green.

  She was a lifetime member of the Byron Presbyterian Church, where she served as President of the Women's Association, Elder and Clerk of the Session and was active in the nursery school.  She was a member of Quota International of Batavia.

Her husband, Francis D. Shepard, died on May 13, 1996.

Survivors include her daughter, Gwendolen (James Crawford) Shepard of Byron, 2 grandchildren, Dida Shepard and Jamie Crawford; her sister, Eleanor Johnson of Byron; survived by nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Elizabeth Foster Shepard who passed away on May 15, 2011 and her siblings, Lawrence Barker Green and Irving Durfee Green.

Services will be at a time and place to be announced.  Memorials may be made to the family. Private burial will be in Byron Cemetery. Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

  Betty M. Totten, 94, of Stafford peacefully passed away on March 12, 2018 during her seasonal stay in Zephyrhills, Florida. She was born on July 9, 1923 in Canadice, NY to the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Oster) Buck. Betty is predeceased by her adoring husband Fay L. Totten; daughter Pamela Totten and son Kenneth Totten; great-grandson Lee Iburi; brothers Gordon, Clifford, Robert and Barton Buck; sisters Doris Martin and Alice Soto.

Betty continued to be actively involved with Hy-Hope Farms, Inc. operations until retiring at 91 years old. She loved and cherished all children and in her early years served as a superintendent of MUCC Sunday School and Summer Bible School, and worked with migrant children during the summer months.  Betty was gifted in the arts of sewing, designing elegant culinary wedding cakes, crafts, and enjoyed reading and travel.

She is survived by her loyal cat companion Toby; her children Linda (Charles) Miller of Warsaw, Richard (Bonnie) Totten of Morganville, Ronald (Barbara) Totten of Stafford, daughter in law Patricia Totten of Stafford, Brenda (Masami) Iburi of Morganville, Terri Ernst of Morganville; sisters Emeline Macomber of Mt. Morris and Viola (Marvin) Stokes of Elba; sister in law Carol Buck of LeRoy. Her loving legacy will also be commemorated by 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday April 7, 2018 at the Morganville United Church of Christ 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford NY 14143.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to No Kid Hungry in the US P.O. Box 75475, Baltimore MD 21275-5475 or Boys & Girls Club of America 1275 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta GA 30309-3506 or Prevent Child Abuse America 228 South Wabash Avenue 10th Floor, Chicago IL 60604 or Morganville United Church of Christ 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 Street Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ Lewis D. Mowry III, age 83, of Harris Road, passed away peacefully at home in the loving presence of his family early Sunday morning (March 25, 2018).

    

He was born Sept. 6, 1934 in Englewood, N.J., a son of the late Lewis D. Mowry Jr. and Isabel Gwynne Mowry.

     Lewis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly; sons, Lewis IV (Lorrie), William (Ann) of LeRoy, Timothy (Kristan) of Fairbanks, Alaska, daughter, Elizabeth (Jake) Fletcher of Salem, VA; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

    A lifelong farmer, Lewis started Mowacres Farm in Morrisville, VT in 1960.  The family relocated to LeRoy, N.Y. in 1972, bringing the livestock and machinery with them and the farm continues today.  He was proud of his chosen profession and was involved in numerous organizations through his years.  Anyone who knew him loved his dry sense of humor and ability to tell stories of his heritage.

     Special thanks to his care givers, Howard, Barb, Peg and others, for their professionalism and compassion in caring for Lewis.

     There will be no prior calling hours and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the American Parkinson’s Foundation,

P.O. Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9902, the LeRoy Ambulance Service or HomeCare & Hospice.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Lewis’ family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Mowry and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Patricia Ann (Forscey) Clauson (88) of East Pembroke, New York, passed away on Wednesday, March 21st, 2018, the first day of spring. She was born in Jamestown, NY, on December 6, 1929 to Helen (Bailey) Forscey and John George Forscey.  Patricia enjoyed her early years at home with her father while her mother worked at Bigelow's Department Store during the depression.  She grew up in Celeron, at a time when Celeron Park and roller rink were big attractions.  After graduating from Celeron High school in 1948 she married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Clauson and they had two daughters.  While they lived in Lakewood, NY, she worked for an accountant, then as a teacher's aide at Lakewood Elementary. She was a member of the Lakewood Women's Club, Lakewood Methodist Church, and a bridge club.   For three years she operated her own gift shop "The Red Geranium" in Jamestown, NY.  Her devotion and care for her parents during their later years was testament to her commitment to family.
   
In midlife she moved to Batavia, NY to be near her sister Jeanne (Forscey) Seamans.  There she was employed by the Richmond Memorial Library as a clerk, where she could indulge her love of children's literature.  Following retirement she worked at Genesee Country Museum as a quilter.  Patricia's love for hand quilting, creating doll quilts,  reading, gardening, attending Herb Society, and spending time with her grandchildren filled her life with joy.  Throughout her life she loved vacationing on the coast of Maine, visiting Chautauqua Institution, antique and quilt shops.   She joined her family and  moved to mid-coast Maine in 2014.  Patricia spent her final year back in western New York state.  
    
Patricia is survived by two daughters: Barbara Clauson of East Pembroke, NY and Mary (Taylor) Pancoast of Steuben, Maine; two granddaughters: Anna (Peter O'Malley) Pancoast of Cambridge, Mass and Ingrid Pancoast of Portugal:  one great granddaughter: Iris O'Malley of Cambridge: nephew James Seamans of East Pembroke, NY, and many good friends and cousins.  She was predeceased by her sister Jeanne (Forscey) Seamans and her husband Ronald Clauson.
     
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 29th, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. 
Funeral services will be held on Friday March 30th at 1:00 p.m. at the mortuary.  Burial, following the funeral, will be at Hillside Cemetery in East Pembroke.  
Memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter at 3841 W. Main St Road in Batavia or the Richmond Memorial Library at 19 Ross Street in 
Batavia.

Bergen – Carolyn “Butchie” Weit, 70, of Bergen, passed away Friday, (March 23, 2018) at Unity Health System, in Rochester.

Mrs. Weit was born December 8, 1947 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Myers Robert “Bob” and Helen (Brundage) Blair.

Carolyn was a 20 plus year employee of Wegmans in Brockport.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed cross-stitch, crocheting, spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren.

She is the wife of Gerald Weit, of Bergen.  The two were married February 17, 1973 and spent 45 wonderful years together.

Surviving along with her husband are her children, Laura (Josef) Marcum of NH and Matthew (Jessica) Weit of Clarendon; two grandchildren, Olivia Marcum and Robert Weit; brothers, Richard (Lee Anne) Blair of IN and Jerry (Gail) Blair of LeRoy; sisters, Nancy Blair of GA and Linda (Richard) Ayres of Bergen; a sister-in law, Susan Menz of Honeoye Falls.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Carolyn is preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Weit.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Ave., Bergen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Byron-Bergen Public Library, 13 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY 14416. Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery, Bergen.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bergen - Guy L. Burr, Jr., age 86, of Bergen, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mr. Burr was born September 16, 1931 in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Guy L. Burr, Sr. and Lila A. McKervey Burr.

Guy enjoyed remote control airplanes, gardening and doing yardwork. He and his wife, Joyce, traveled extensively for the past 20 years and spent many winters in Arizona and Florida. He loved music and enjoyed playing his guitar, mandolin and violin. Mr. Burr worked for over thirty years at Owens-Illinois in Brockport.

He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Joyce Baker Burr; his children, Tim (Kerri) Burr of Syracuse, Brian (Vicky) Burr of Boston, Massachusetts and Jan Parsons of Byron; eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Guy is predeceased by his son Gary L. Burr who passed away on December 1, 2013 and his three brothers.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Card Creek Cemetery, Roulette Township, Pennsylvania.  Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 25 Circle Street, Rochester, New York 14607. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen.

 

Regina A. Nesbitt, 68 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday (March 18, 2018) at her residence under the care of her loving family and hospice.

She was born April 26, 1949, in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Robert Sanders and Barbara Gray Sanders Hottois.

Regina was a home health aide and medical secretary prior to her retirement. She enjoyed reading books and was a long time camper at Dream Lake Campgrounds in Warsaw, NY. Regina and Dan enjoyed their time together bird watching throughout New York and Pennsylvania as well as gardening together.

Survivors include her husband, Daniel C. Nesbitt of Batavia. Son, Thomas Gilliatt of Batavia. Sister, Rosanne Sanders of Batavia. Grandchildren, Steven, Brianna and Sara Gilliatt and Megan Royse. Step-son, Robert Spenton.

She was the mother of the late Steven Adam Gilliatt.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (March 30^th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7pm.

Memorial contributions in Regina’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org. 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.

 

  Timothy P. Ostrowski, 47, of Batavia passed away on Thursday March 22, 2018 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born on December 15, 1970 to the late John Ostrowski and Viola (Bonk) Ostrowski of Batavia. In addition to his father, Tim is predeceased by his sister-in-law Barbara Ostrowski.

Timothy will always be remembered as a loving son and brother.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his siblings; Gary (Barbara) Ostrowski of Albion, Michael Ostrowski of Ridgeway, Brenda (Mike) Pellet of FL., Thomas Ostrowski of Batavia and Tina (Jeff) Rolando of FL., along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Funeral Services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association https://www.mda.org/disease National Office 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1500 Chicago, IL. 60606.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

 

Oakfield - Bettina Zaffram, 96, of Oakfield, cafeteria employee at Oakfield - Alabama Schools for over 51 years, died Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Batavia.

Mrs. Zaffram was born May 3, 1921 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late Joseph and Antoinette (Desimone) Cianfrini.

She was a member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield and enjoyed crochet, knitting and cooking.

Her husband, Guiseppe Zaffram, died on June 14, 2001.

Survivors include her daughter, Ines (Jack) Long of Rochester; a son, Adelmo Zaffram of Oakfield; 4 grandchildren, Rebecca (Randy) Campbell, Amy (Gregory) Zah, Scott (Pietra) Zaffram and Shawn (Jill) Zaffram; 6 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. 

She was the sister of the late Domenica Nanni, Augustine Cianfrini, Elvira Cannito and Patricia Kraus.  

Friends may call on Sunday from 3-6 pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield, NY.  Mrs. Zaffram’s Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2018 at St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia's Site, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Golisano Children's Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642 or to Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, NY 14125.  Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

  Carol A. Aratari, 82 of Holley, passed away on Wednesday March 21, 2018 peacefully at Hospice of Orleans Inc. surrounded by her family. She was born June 5, 1935 in Rochester, to the late Aloysius and Mary (Hayes) Rigard. In addition to her parents, Carol is predeceased by her husband Albert J. Aratari; brother Richard Rigard.

Mrs. Aratari was retired from Kodak. She enjoyed crocheting and bingo.

She is survived by her children Kim (Loren) Parsels of Byron; Deborah Aratari of Greece; Joseph Aratari of Holley; Michael (Lori) Aratari of Batavia; sister Ginny Rigard of OH., sister-in-law Mary Aratari; 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday March 26, 2018 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday March 27, 2018 at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. Batavia, New York 14020. She will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans, Inc. P.O. Box 489 Albion, NY 14411-0489. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

Batavia - Carmen A. DiFilippo, age 80, of Batavia, steward for over 30 years at St. Nicholas Club in Batavia, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Unity Hospital.

Mr. DiFilippo was born April 19, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Frank DiFilippo, Sr. and Assunta DeCelso DiFilippo.

A graduate of Batavia High School, Carmen was a talented baseball player who played semi-professional baseball and was an outstanding bowler. An avid fan of the New York Yankees, he enjoyed watching harness racing, walking his dogs and his lottery tickets. Carmen loved spending time with his beloved family and would always lend a helping hand to anyone. He proudly served his country with the United States Army.

He is survived by his wife of over 44 years, Penny Wilkes DiFilippo; his children,  Kim M. (Jim) Turman, Lori A. (late Kevin Squire) DiFilippo and Richard A. DiFilippo, all of Batavia; his grandchildren, Jamie (Ben Holman) Turman and  Jessica Turman, both of Batavia and Brett and Jeremy Squire, both of North Carolina; his beloved dog, Toby; his grand dogs, Khloe, Cooper and Finn; his brother-in-law, Robert Darch of Batavia; his sisters-in-law, Veronica "Dolly" DiFilippo, Bernice DiFilippo and  Amelia "Millie" DiFilippo, all of Batavia and  Susan DiFilippo of Florida; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Rocco (late Eleanor) DeFilippo, Nicholas, Joseph, Victor, Frank, Jr. and Vincent DiFilippo and Catherine Darch.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Orleans Community Health, 100 Ohio Street, Medina, New York 14103. In the memo line please specify to Lake Plains Dialysis - Batavia.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Carmen’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Clarendon/Batavia - Lewellyn P. "Lew" Glover, 77, of Clarendon, formerly of Batavia, died Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at his home. 

Mr. Glover was born May 6, 1940 in Rochester, the son of the late Charles and Anna (Austin) Glover.

He served with the US Army during the Korean War, was a member of Veness - Strollo VFW Post 1602, a member for over 23 years of the Batavia Elks Club; and member of the LeRoy Loyal Order of Moose.

He is predeceased by his wife, Kathleen A. (Lewis) Glover who died in 2009.

Survivors include two daughters, Lori Nottingham of Medina and Cheryl (Mark) Shuler of Bergen; a son, Brian Glover of NC; a sister, Marlene Chatt of Rochester, a sister-in-law, Margaret Stack of Batavia; 9 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audobon Pkwy West, Amherst, NY  14228.  Arrangements were completed by Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home of Batavia.