Obituaries

 Bruce D. Clark, 73, of Varysburg passed away peacefully on Thursday February 15, 2018 at Suzanne’s Comfort Care in Perry, NY. He was born on June 15, 1944 in Buffalo to the late John & Dorothy (Reiner) Clark. In addition to his parents, Bruce is predeceased by his son; Kevin Clark.

Bruce was a 1961 Graduate of Attica Central School and a 1963 Graduate of NYS Ranger School. Mr. Clark retired from the NYS Department of Transportation after a 30 year career as a Civil Engineer in 1996. Bruce was an outdoorsman who enjoyed traveling, especially to National Parks. He was an avid golfer, ski instructor at Honey Hill Ski Area, a member of Edelweiss Ski Touring Club and a euchre player at Attica Golf Club.  Mr. Clark was also a member of Arts Council for Wyoming County and a charter member of WNY Old Time Music and Bluegrass Association.  He was a self-taught fiddle player who played with several bands and especially enjoyed playing Celtic music with his wife and son.  Bruce was a talented luthier who created 18 beautiful violins. 

He is survived by his wife Jerilyn Clark of Varysburg; son Todd & Amy Clark of Varysburg; step-children Cheryl & Kent Carpenter of New Jersey, Steven Grisewood of Warsaw; step-grandchildren Daniel, Emma, Ryan & Reese; brothers John Clark of Varysburg, Keith & Arlene Clark of Varysburg; along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday February 23, 2018 at Marley Funeral Home LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011.  A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Kidney Foundation of WNY 300 Delaware Ave Suite 101 Buffalo, NY 14202 or The Arts Council for Wyoming County 31 S Main St, Perry NY 14530.  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, NY 14011.  

Marilyn L. Strathearn Athoe, 86, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2018, at the Premier Genesee Nursing Home in Batavia, NY.   She was born July 31, 1931, in Buffalo, NY, to the late George and Vera (Handyside) Strathearn.  Later her family moved to Wyoming, NY, where her father ran W. G. Handyside’s Hardware.  She graduated from Bryant and Stratton College in Buffalo where she met her future husband, Harold W. Athoe, II, who she married on September 6, 1952.  Together they resided for over 40 years on Lewiston Road in Batavia, NY. 

Marilyn will be remembered for her sweet and gentle nature.  She was a loving and devoted wife and stay-at-home mother to her six children.   She enjoyed sewing, gardening and baking.  Once her children were grown, Marilyn worked part time at Joann Fabrics and J. C. Penneys.   She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Batavia. 

Surviving are her husband of over 65 years, Harold W. Athoe, II, and five children, Daniel (Debra) Athoe of Oakfield, John (Vicki) Athoe of Batavia, Peter Athoe, Elizabeth “Liz” (Richard) Farmer of Alexander and Paul (Donna Yasses) Athoe of Batavia; 14 grandchildren, Timothy (Hope) DeMay, Philip (Crystal) DeMay, Jonathan (Vanria) DeMay, Elizabeth DeMay, Amanda (Ben) Macdonald, Kristen (Aaron) Crawford, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Athoe, Joshua Athoe, Andrew (Kasia) Athoe, Meagan Athoe, Rebecca Athoe, Whitney Athoe, James Farmer and Nicholas Athoe; 15 great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Judah, Jaimin, Ashton, Maleah, Liam, Madalyn, Luke, Elena, Blakely, Carina, Hamilton, Blaine, Lillian and Brooklyn.  Also surviving are sisters-in-law Alicia Strathearn of Wyoming, Wilma Meyer and Gloria Allein of Batavia and many nieces and nephews.   She will be sadly missed by her lifelong friend, Janet Paine of Batavia. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah DeMay, who passed away January 11, 2018; daughter-in-law Laura Athoe; brothers Wilbur “Bud” Lennington and Laverne Strathearn; sisters-in-law Eleanor Lennington and Janet Briggs and brothers-in-law Don Meyer and Fred Allein. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (February 23rd) from 11am-1pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where funeral services will follow at 1pm. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY. 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.

 

 

Batavia - Mrs. Violet Grace McCampbell, age 101, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at her home.

She was born July 5, 1916 in Racine, Wisconsin, a daughter of the late Charles and Mary Erhardt Zehrt where she attended Grace Baptist Church.

Vi was a bookkeeper for the state of Wisconsin prior to becoming a full time mother. She returned to the work force when her children were in high school and worked at EBSCO Industries in Barrington, Illinois and later at Teledyne Big Beam in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

She read her Bible daily and was an avid coin and stamp collector and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. An avid bowler, Vi bowled well into her 80’s and belonged to local bowling leagues. She loved basketball and football and was a fan of the Chicago Bulls, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.

Vi is survived by her son, Mac (Cheryl) McCampbell of Batavia and their family: Erin (David) Paris and their children Josephine Prabhakar and Adya Prabhakar and John (Nazli Ergani) McCampbell; daughter, Mary Ann (Mike) Ledbetter of Evansville, Indiana; step-son, Gary (Jenny) McCampbell and their family: Jason (Amy) McCampbell, Alex (Kate) McCampbell and Courtney McCampbell; step-son, Jack (Barbara) McCampbell and their family: Jim (Cathy) McCampbell, Douglas McCampbell, Linda Bowman and the late Larry McCampbell; several loving great-grandchildren, nieces, a nephew and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Jack T. McCampbell; brother, William Zehrt and sister, Ruth Nelson.

Vi’s family is thankful for the care received from Heartful Hands Homecare and especially for the kindness and love shown by Tracy Ace and her team.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in Graceland Cemetery in Racine, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Vi’s name to The Salvation Army, 529 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Eian Lynn Windham, 16, of Batavia, passed away Thursday, (February 15, 2018) at Hospice Buffalo, in Cheektowaga following a lengthy illness.

Eian was born March 2, 2001 in Athens, TX, a son of Terry L. Windham of Batavia and Theresa (Bernard) Slutsky of Eas Aurora.

A Junior at Batavia High School, Eian was a true athlete having played football and lacrosse, running track, and wrestling.  He also played guitar and was an amateur photographer.  His work was recently showcased at Go Art in Batavia. 

Surviving along with his parents is a sister, Lindsey Windham of East Aurora.

There will be no prior visitation.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday (February 20, 2018) at Greenspring Natural Cemetery, 293 Irish Hill Rd, Newfield, NY (Please dress as if you’re going on a hike).  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (February 24, 2018) at SGI USA Buffalo Community Center, 121 West Tupper Street, Buffalo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catie Hoch Foundation, 67 Catherine Street,Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or online at https://www.catiehochfoundation.org/donate. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Elnora Francis Welsted, 87, of Bethany, having spent one final day with her children, passed away at the home of her daughter on Sunday February 11, 2018. She is pre-deceased by her parents Murray and Alice Johnson and by her sister’s Aretha Hale, Ruth Staudinger, Winifred Johnson and her brother Gordon Johnson.

She is survived by her children; son Kirk Welsted of Conesus, daughters Kim (Don) Debnar of Tonawanda, Kendra (Rob) Thompson of Attica, Kristina (David) DioGuardi of Bethany; grandchildren Angela (Melissa) DeVos of San Jose California, Nate (Sandra) Peckham of Buffalo, Andrew DeVos of Cheektowaga, Stephenie Debnar of Tonawanda, Elena Welsted of Cheektowaga, Tyler and Katie DioGuardi of Bethany and by two great-grandchildren Elie and Oliver Peckham.

Elnora loved the craft fairs and the Erie County fair; she loved to read but nothing meant more to her then holiday time with her children. On Sunday, as her journey was about to end and the next about to begin, and as her children kissed her good bye for the final time whether it was with a look or touch she passed on these words: ‘I know how much you love me, as much as I love you and each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. He said my place was ready, in heaven far above and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.’

There will be no prior calling hours or services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County Hospice 450 N. Main St. #3 Warsaw, NY 14569. 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.

 

  Benny S. Giambrone, 91, of Oakfield passed away on Thursday February 15, 2018 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, leaving his family, friends and community with lasting memories of his laughter, life-long ambition and his love.  He was born on August 30, 1926 in Ohio to the late Louis and Rosalie (Nicosia) Giambrone. He is predeceased by his infant daughter Valerie and infant grandson Michael; daughter in law Barbara Giambrone; brothers Vincent Giambrone, Alfred Giambrone and sister Josephine Renz.

Benny owned and operated Ben’s Appliance & Kitchens in Batavia, New York together with his wife and children for over 59 years. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was a former Commander of the VFW in Oakfield, a member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield and a founding member of the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation and a Frank Sinatra enthusiast.

Benny was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather whose family was the center of his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years; Mary (Ianni) Giambrone; sons Benny Jr. (Linda) Giambrone of Oakfield and Victor (Maria) Giambrone of Clarence; daughter Valerie (Duane) Schultz of Oakfield;

He cared for, loved and inspired his grandchildren; Steven (Megan) Giambrone of Phoenixville, PA., Carolyn (Tara) Abare of Webster, Anthony (Jerrod) Giambrone of Kenmore, Peter Giambrone of Chili, Gina (Andrew) Gerber of Philadelphia, Andrea (James Despaw) Schultz of Rochester, and Christina (fiancé Lee Sobieski) Giambrone of Depew; step grandchildren Lindsay and Carol Adornetto of Clarence. He encouraged mischief in his treasured great-grandchildren; Colin, Nora, Henri and Rosa. Also surviving are his brother in law; William Renz of Batavia; sisters in law Angie Mattioli of Akron and Linda Ianni of Corfu, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Per Ben’s request, services will be held privately by the family. He will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery on Maple Ave. in Oakfield.

In Memory of Benny, we say “Don’t disgrace your name and don’t disgrace your country.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Orleans ARC www.arcgo.org 64 Walnut St. in Batavia or St. Padre Pio Parish Fund 56 Maple Ave. Oakfield, NY 14125 or UMMC Foundation 127 North St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to share a memory or condolence with the family in memory of Benny, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia - Richard H. "Slugger" Lewis, 78, of Batavia, firefighter with the City Of Batavia Fire Department prior to his retirement in 1987, died Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at his home in Batavia.

Mr. Lewis was born August 17, 1939 in Batavia, the son of the late Harold and Marion (Kleps) Lewis.

Mr. Lewis was a member of the Notre Dame High School, Class of 1957 and served during Vietnam War with the Marine Corps.  He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, all in Venice Florida.  He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Yankees.

His wife, Elizabeth J. (Howe) Lewis died on July 15, 2007.

Survivors include a son, Richard (Cindy) Lewis of Batavia; 2 daughters, Shari Yark and Wendy (Russell) Marchese, both of Batavia; 7 grandchildren, Melissa Harrington, Rachael Kuszlyk, Hannah Marchese, Beth Marchese, R.J. Marchese, Andrew Lewis and Katie Yark; 2 great-grandchildren, Colton Kuszlyk and Brody Yark; 1 niece and 1 nephew. 

He was the father of the late Lance M. Lewis and brother of the late Betty Jane McNally.  

Private services will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Homecare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, NY 14020.  Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Jacqueline “Jacki” A. Cote (Kingston), 76, of Attica passed away unexpectedly on Monday February 12, 2018 at ECMC in Buffalo. She was born January 24, 1942 in Buffalo. A daughter of the late John E. and Margaret L. (Becker) Kingston. In addition to her parents, Jacki is predeceased by her step daughter Tasha Sergel.

She was a graduate Of Alexander High School 1960. Jacki was a LPN Charge Nurse and retired from East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw. Jacki enjoyed bowling and was on a bowling league for many years. Jacki and her husband enjoyed going to breakfast at Settler's on Sundays and she also enjoyed the coffee club every day at the Prospector. Jacki liked to bake deserts for Birthdays or just to try out a new recipe. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She enjoyed doing word search puzzles, being with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were everything to her. Any family could call and talk to her and she would always listen and offer advice.  She will be deeply missed by her family.

Jacki is survived by her loving husband; Gerard Cote of Attica; children Cheri Ruck of Attica, Bobby Maples of TN., Julie Maples of Attica; step-children Melissa (Rick) Blake of NH., Piper (Dana) Sharick of Corfu and Sarah (Danny Hall) Cote of NC.; 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday February 16, 2018 from 4:00-6:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to assist with funeral costs. 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.

 

  June E. Quintern, 91, of Alabama, NY passed away peacefully at home on Monday February 12, 2018. She was born on June 11, 1926 in Buffalo to the late Leo and Frieda (Swigert) Brown. In addition to her parents, June is predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years Homer Quintern; brother Kenneth Brown.

June was active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She enjoyed sending and receiving cards for all occasions and liked to shop at local merchants looking for that special perfect gift for someone while supporting local businesses. Fresh air walks, playing cards, table top board games with family and drives in the countryside to enjoy the scenery were among her favorite pastimes. She loved to read and in recent years had switched to talking books.

She is survived by her children; Norma Reed of VA., Joyce (Ken) Anderson of Alabama, NY., Cindy (Randy) Miller of Corfu, Glenn Quintern of NY, Crystal (James) DePiazza of TX.; 8 grandchildren Jeremy (Corrie) Anderson of SC., Aaron (Jennifer) Reed of GA., Shelley (Tim) Kropelin of Basom, April Reed of GA, Sean (Hillary) Miller of Chili, Justin (Karie Woodward) Miller of Rochester, TJ (Carrie) DePiazza of TX and Ashley (Sherman Sheehan) Quintern of Batavia; 13 great-grandchildren Shelby, Merry, Zachary, Phoebe, Charles, Madison, Izzie, Ty, Kody, Maddy, Nicholas, Ayvah and Novah; along with her brothers 6 children and their families.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday February 17, 2018 from 10:00AM-12:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:00PM noon Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. June will be laid to rest in Corwin Cemetery in Newfane.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homecare and Hospice of Batavia 29 Liberty St. Suite 6 Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

 

Batavia – Wanda M. Gardner, 75, of Batavia, passed away Friday, (February 9, 2018) at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Mrs. Gardner was born September 7, 1942 in Albion, a daughter of the late George and Arlene (Martin) Motz.

Wanda held dual memberships in the Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ and the Wyoming Presbyterian Church.  She was a former member of the Batavia United Methodist Church.  She was also a past member of the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office Special Deputies and the Alexander Methodist Sunshine Club.

Mrs. Gardner worked for many years at Niagara Mohawk in Batavia.  She worked in both a secretarial role and in the planning department.

She loved to bake and was known for her incredible cakes and pies.  She took great pleasure in helping people in any way she could, especially driving people wherever they needed to go.  She also enjoyed sharing her cooking with her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her husband, Rev. James A. Gardner.  The two were married August 31, 1968 in Batavia.

Surviving along with her husband is her son, James R. Gardner of Denver, CO; two grandsons, Kaden and Mica Gardner; a brother, Ronald (Mary) Motz of Batavia; four sisters, Linda (Mike) Wright of NM, Cheryl Baron of AZ, Cindy (Dennis) Waldmiller of Buffalo, and Nancy (Don) Shepherd of Gainesville, FL; a brother-in-law, Richard (Cindy) Rada of Batavia; several nieces and nephews.  Wanda’s foster children, whom she loved as if they were her own, three Michaels and Jennifer also survive.

She is preceded in death by a sister, Onlee Rada.

Friends may call on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Wanda’s Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, (February 15, 2018) at Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ, 14023 Ridge Road, Albion.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL, 33607 or online at www.shrinershospitals.org/donate.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  

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

Batavia - Mrs. June R. Dorf, 97, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 9, 2018 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility, with her loving family by her side.

She was born June 24, 1920 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of the late Hubert and Ida Cordner Rhodes.

June was a 1938 graduate of Harpursville Central School in New York and resided on Oak Street in Batavia since 1947.  After raising their six children, she worked at the Batavia Daily News and the J.C. Penney Co., and has been a longtime member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church. 

June is predeceased by her husband Richard Dorf who passed away on February 11, 1979. The two were married on April 11, 1939.

She is survived by her children: David (Barbara) Dorf of Marion, Linda (Walter) Engle and Debra (Rodney) Mosier, both of Elba, Richard Dorf and Jack (Karen) Dorf, both of Batavia; 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Her 23rdgreat-grandchild is due in April and her first great-great-grandchild is due in June. Also surviving is her brother: Gary Rhodes of Harpursville; her son-in-law:  Robert Coogan of Easton, Pennsylvania and several nieces and nephews. 

She was the mother of the late Sharon Dorf Coogan who passed away on April 2, 2012.  

June’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the LeRoy Village Green for their dedicated and loving care that was provided to June while she was a resided at the nursing home. June loved all of you.

Friends may call on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia where services will follow at 1 p.m. at church with Pastor Allen Werk officiating. Private burial will be held in the springtime at the convenience of the family at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in June’s name to Lipson Cancer Institute at United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Blanche I. Brown, 96, of Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2018, at the Batavia Health Care Center.

She was born on June 16, 1921, in Vine Valley, NY, to the late Fred and Hazel Lamphier Hadsell.

Blanche worked most of her life at the Seneca Ordnance, Barden and Robeson Basket Factory, and Penn Yan Hospital before retiring. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, ceramics and playing Yahtzee. She was known among family members as a great story teller. Her pride and joy in life were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Laurence W. Brown, son, Richard, daughter, Bonnie Hall, granddaughter, Valerie Morgan and grandson, Darryl Brown. Survivors include her son, Ronald (Barbara) Brown, of Lady Lake, FL, daughter in-law, Betty Brown of Wildwood, FL, seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and six great great-grandchildren.

She would wish to acknowledge all the help and support given to her by her grandson, Chris, his wife, Julie Hall, their daughter, Tessa and loyal family friend, Laurie Bush.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan, NY, on Saturday, February 17, at twelve O'clock PM. 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.