Obituaries

Walter M. Brockway 91, Indian Falls, a lifelong resident of The Town of Pembroke, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of January 2, 2018 at the New York State Veterans Home, Batavia, NY.
 
He was born at Pembroke Center on August 28, 1926, the son of the late, Roy M. and Mary Kohorst Brockway. Walt was a carpenter and for over 40 years he owned and operated a Saw Sharpening Business at his home.  He entered the army in December of 1944 and was in Okinawa on his way to the invasion of Japan when the Atomic Bomb was dropped ending the war.  He then served in Korea until discharged in December 1946.
 
He and his wife liked to travel and went all over the United States including Hawaii. For over twenty-five years they spent winters at Myrtle Beach, SC, where they made many friends. Walt enjoyed golfing, fishing, horseshoes, the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and Syracuse Basketball.
 
Walt was a devoted member and former deacon of the Mogadore Chapel at North Pembroke.
 
Walt is survived by his loving wife and best friend of  69 years, the former Lois Meiser and four children, Michael (Jane) Brockway, Greg Brockway, Cheryl (Michael) Bulas, and Thomas Brockway. Grandpa will be missed by his six grandchildren: Stacy Brockway, April (Joe) Barone, Melinda (Dana) Hagen, Melanie (Sean) Chaddock, Jessie Brockway and Melissa Bulas. Nine Great Grandchildren: Marcus, Joey, Hailey, Kiara, Trevor, Krystal, Mackenzie, Mia and Abigail. Grandpa was  always interested and proud of the achievements of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Barbara Dyke and a brother, David and a special niece, Jamie Vick. Predeceased are brothers: Everest (Red), Roy Junior and his twin brother, Donald.
 
A Private Service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home Activity Fund, 220 Richmond Ave.  Batavia, NY  14020. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036
 
The family wishes to thank the Staff at the NYS Veterans Home for the wonderful, excellent, loving care they gave Walt.

 

Edward A. Weis, 80 of Bethany, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Friday (January 5, 2018) at Crossroads House.

He was born January 27, 1937 in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Louis and Florence Stallman Weis.

Mr. Weis was formerly employed by American Stone Mix in Batavia, where he worked as a truck driver. He served his country with the U.S. Marines during the Korean War and was a member of the Marine Corps. League and honored deceased Veterans as part of the Genesee Joint Veterans Honor Guard. He also was a member of the American Legion Post #332 in Batavia and the Polish Falcons Nest #493. He had a passion for helping kids in the area and was involved every year with the Toys for Tots Program, even participating this year when he was battling his illness. Edward enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting and traveling with his wife to Hawaii, Florida and Myrtle Beach. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary Ellen Goold Weis of Bethany. Children, Thomas (Elizabeth) Weis of LeRoy, Donald (Deborah) Weis of Batavia, Donna Weis of Medina and Timothy (Sherri) Weis of Batavia. Brother, Richard Weis of Massachusetts. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (Jan. 9th) from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, where full military honors will follow the conclusion of visitation at 8pm. Interment will be in White Haven Memorial Park, Perinton, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of condolence 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.

 

 

MARGARET M. ALTON ~ Batavia 

Age 55, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon December 28, 2017 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born October 3, 1962 in Garden City, Michigan a daughter of the late Mendal B. and Eva (Malone) Parker.   

Mrs. Alton was member of Resurrection Parish worked for the Batavia City School District. A member of the Holland Land Office Quilt Club, she enjoyed gardening and loved her family very much. 

Surviving is her beloved husband, David W. Alton of Batavia; sons, Matthew W. (Danielle) Alton of Pendleton, NY, Kenneth B. (Kathryn) Alton of Plattsburgh, NY, Dennis M. Alton of Batavia; siblings, George (Bonnie) Parker of Michigan, Helen Riggs of Michigan, John (Teresa) Parker of Alabama, Mary G. (Michael) Smith of Michigan, Joseph (Barbara) Parker of Michigan; precious granddaughter, Keira Alton along with many nieces and nephews. 

The Alton family will be present from 3-7 pm on Friday January 5, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers ***PLEASE NOTE MASS SITE CHANGE*** will be recited 9:00 am Saturday Jan. 6, 2018 followed by a 9:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site), she will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to Foodlink 1999 Mt. Read Blvd. Rochester, NY 14615 or Western New York JDRF 331 Alberta Drive Suite 6 Amherst, NY 14226. 

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

THE FAMILY OF MARGARET M. ALTON IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

Michael J. Szemplenski “Max”, 66 of Attica passed away suddenly at his home, January 2, 2018. He was born in Middletown, New York on January 7, 1951 to the late Stephen Szemplenski Sr. and Margaret (Bonney) Szemplenski.

Max was a fixture in Attica.  He was always the guy to smile and say hi, whether he knew you or not. If you needed to know something about trains, Max was your guy. He was always taking videos and reminiscing about waving to all the train conductors while they came through Attica as a boy.  He was the epitome of what people would consider a great guy.  Max worked 36 years as a counselor in Attica, Wyoming & Wende Correctional Facility where he retired as a Senior Counselor.  Max was also very dedicated to his church, St. Joachim & Anne.  Anything the church needed, he was there.  His duties there included Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Lectern, Alter Boy & many more. Max also worked at GCC and became the director of the impaired driving program at the college.  He has written many books and also liked to read books on the Civil War History.  Most of all, Max loved spending time with the love of his life, Sherry.  They were two peas in a pod. Max will be dearly missed by his friends, family, former co-workers & all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Sherry Ann Szemplenski of Attica, mother Margaret Szemplenski of FL.; siblings Steven Szemplenski of Attica, Edward Szemplenski of FL., John Szemplenski of VT.; sister-in-law’s Geraldine (John) Campanicki of PA., Nina Kriesl of PA.; brother-in-law Elbert (Brenda) Ney of PA.; mother-in-law Geraldine Ney of PA.; 4 nephews Anthony, Jeremiah, Zachery & Eric. 

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joachim & Anne Church 50 East Ave Attica, NY 14011 on Saturday March 17, 2018. Interment will be at ST. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sherry Ann Szemplenski, which she will disperse to his favorite organizations.  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.

Mary B. Meleca, 100, and lifelong resident of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (December 22, 2017) at the Premier Genesee Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she resided for over 15 years.

She was born in Lawrence, MA, on October 22, 1917, a daughter of the late Angelo and Lucy Pappalardo Borzi. After the untimely death of her mother Lucy Pappalardo Borzi when Mary was 6 and her sister Ann was 7 they were brought to Batavia and were raised by their maternal grandmother and grandfather, Benedetta and Placido Pappalardo.

She is survived by 2 sisters Jo (Jack) Gianni, and Sr. Rosemarie Borzi (Religious nun of the Venerini order). She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and other family members who she cared for deeply.  She was pre-deceased by both her sister Ann (Norfe) Pirro and her brother Tony Borzi. 

Mary was a wonderful homemaker and cook.  Many relatives and friends benefited from her cooking creations and still hold her recipes dear.  She spent several years working for Oliver’s Candy scooping ice cream and Branton’s Dairy. She worked for a law firm in her later years.  Reaching 100 years old Mary set the high watermark of longevity for the family.

There will be no prior visitation and a Memorial Mass will be scheduled for a time in the future. She will be entombed in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

CHRISTOPHER J. BARTNICK ~ Batavia

Age 36, of Batavia, NY, died unexpectedly Saturday December 30, 2017 at his home. He was born in Batavia, March 23, 1981, a son of Paul and Patricia (Richardson) Bartnick of Byron.

Chris earned an Associate's degree from Genesee Community College and attended the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship Church where his strong faith in the Lord guided him. He enjoyed collecting objects and had a deep love of friends and family.

Along with his parents he is survived by his sister, Jennifer L. (Matthew) Ogley of Kentucky; nieces and nephews, Hannah, Caleb, Abagail and Kira along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, he will be greatly missed by his dogs, Jack & Olivia, cats, Reba & Lenny and his guinea pig. 

Christopher's viewing will be from 3-5pm Saturday January 6, 2018 with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Donations may be made to the family in lieu of flowers. 

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

THE FAMILY OF CHRISTOPHER J. BARTNICK IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

Rochester - Kathleen O'Connor "Kaye" Gill, 97, of Rochester, formerly of Batavia and Brockport, a manager at Midtown Holding Co. in Rochester, died Friday, December 29, 2017 at The Highlands at Brighton.

Mrs. Gill was born August 19, 1920 in Salamanca, a daughter of the late Bernard L. and Bertha Belle (Van Fleet) O'Connor.

She was a former personnel manager of McCurdy & Co., Manager of B. Foreman Co., Specialty Shop; a former Fashion Coordinator for the former C.L. Carr Department Store; Co-founder of Genesee Area Genealogists, past president of Batavia Business Professional Women, American Cancer Society, Rochester Genealogical Society; Huguenot Society of America; Rochester Genealogical Educators Group; Trustee at Genesee Community College; First County Chairperson of Major Political Party in USA; Listed in 1962 Edition of Who’s Who in America.

Survivors include her granddaughter, Colleen (Dave Jennings) Gill of Alexander; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces, Carol Aiken and Joan Russell; 23 great-nieces and nephews and several cousins. 

She was the mother of the late Dennis Gill, mother-in-law of Barbara Burr Gill and sister of the late John O'Connor Sr. and DeEtte Chamberlain.

Services will be at the convenience of the family.  Private burial will be in Grand View Cemetery.  Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, NY.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

JOANNE SZYDLOWSKI ~ Batavia

Age 96, of Batavia passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 26, 2017. She was born in Batavia a daughter of the late John and Michaelina (Jackowski) Szydlowski also preceded in death by siblings, Cristina, Helen, Adam, Earl and Matthew. 

Joanne was a lifelong resident of Batavia who worked for many years at Dohler-Jarvis and was a member of Scared Heart R.C. Church. and Matthew. Joanne and her siblings were proud of their Polish heritage and born to immigrant parents who were grateful that no matter what happened, their children and grandchildren would be born in America. 

Joanne is survived by five nephews, David, Mike, Earl "Leo" Jr., John, Paul and a niece, Ann. 

Please join the Szydlowski family to Celebrate Joanne's Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am Thursday January 4, 2018 at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan & Sumner Sts.), she will be entombed in the Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials in her memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. 

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

THE SZYDLOWSKI FAMILY IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

FRANCIS R. "FRANNY" BOND ~ Batavia 

Age 86, died peacefully on December 26, 2017at United Memorial Medical Center with his loved one by his side. He was born July 27, 1931 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late, Helen Bartlett also preceded in death by sisters, Audrey Bond and Geri Mania.                                                                                                                                                            He served in the US Marine Corp 3rd Marine Air Wing from 1952-1954. He was a member of the Marine Corp boxing team, winning the All Marine Corp Championship and Golden Gloves welterweight division in 1952 in Jacksonville, Florida. 

He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, always giving a helping hand to friends and animals. This passion led him to become a harness horse owner, driver and trainer, racing for over 40 decades at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway. Driving home some of his favorites, Buckshot Dale, Lamberton Direct and Meadow H Hoo. He was a previous member of the United States Trotting Association and the WNY Harness Horseman's Association.

He is survived by a sister, Hilda Bond of Buffalo, brother, Russell (Joy) Bond of CA; his children, Susan (CJ) Harris, Jeanette (Randy) Rasmussen and Tom Bond all of TX; four grandchildren, Mandy, Brittany, Taylor and Connor; 2 great-grandchildren, Madison and Colton along with many nieces, nephews & cousins; he is also survived by his life partner, Terry Voorhees and his cat, "Mouse Man." 

At Fran's request there will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately, memorials in his memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. 

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

THE FAMILY OF FRANCIS R. "FRANNY" BOND IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

  P. David Meyer, 69, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday December 31, 2017.  He was born on March 13, 1948 in Batavia to the late Paul A. and Belva (Montroy) Meyer.

Dave will be terribly missed by his loving wife of 47 years; Pamela (Frazer) Meyer of Batavia; children Jason P. Meyer of Saratoga Springs, Erica (Chad) Minuto of Batavia and Matthew (Michele) Meyer of Stafford; brother Robert Meyer of Rochester; brothers in law Douglas (Sue) Frazer of Greece and Terry (Peg) Frazer of MD.; 6 grandchildren Sophia Minuto, Camryn Meyer, Landon Minuto, Miles Meyer, Jackson Meyer and Lena Meyer along with several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dave grew up in Oakfield, NY where he graduated from Oakfield Central School and met his high school sweetheart, Pam (Frazer) Meyer. He attended Pharmacy School at the University at Buffalo, but left to start what would be a 36 year career at Kodak as a chemist. After a brief retirement from Kodak he went on to work in the IT department for all of the Genesee Community College campuses. He was instrumental in the beginnings and direction of the local Genesee Amateur Hockey Association where he served as President for 5 years, The Batavia Men’s Hockey League, an assistant hockey coach for Notre Dame High School team for almost 15 years and a forever spectator of the team. He was a man of so many talents, anything from remodeling a house to building a computer. He was an avid golfer, a political junkie, a 20 plus year Buffalo Sabres season ticket holder, a loving, caring, fiercely loyal and some would say stubborn man that would always put family and friends first. His absolute pride and joy were his family, especially his children and 6 grandchildren who lit up his life.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday January 3, 2018 from 3:00-7:00PM 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 Thursday the 4^th at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia. Dave will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School 73 Union St. in Batavia or the David McCarthy Memorial Foundation 17 Brooklyn Ave. in Batavia or the Holland Land Office Museum 131 West Main Street 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.

Richard I. “ Ric” Maurer, 82, of Corfu, passed away Wednesday (December 27, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side.

Ric was born on January 8, 1935, in Buffalo, a son of the late Leroy and Barbara Maurer. He was the husband of the late June Maurer and brother of the late Robert Maurer.

Ric retired from General Motors after working 50 years. He was a devoted member of the Pembroke Community Church, serving as an Elder for over 40 years. He belonged to the Corfu Darien Senior Citizen’s and enjoyed spending time with his friends there. Ric enjoyed camping and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his children, Patti (Dan) Bartz, Eric (Marianne) Maurer and Tracy (Thomas) Richardson; grandchildren, Kevin (Amanda) Bartz, Peter (Samantha) Bartz, Kirsti (Dustin) DeMarco, Michael (Kristen) Maurer, Janet (David) Parfitt, Barbara (Ethan) Verburg, Sarah (David) Verburg, Samuel, Margaret and Catherine Richardson; six great grandchildren and two brothers-in-law, Donald Nachtrieb and Harvey Lee (Erleen) Nachtrieb.

Family and friends may call Monday, January 1 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 2 at 10 a.m. at the Pembroke Community Church, 692 Main Road, Corfu. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or the Pembroke Fire Department. 

Oakfield - Tracy B. Carpenter, 54, of Oakfield, NY, a delivery person at Auto Zone in Batavia, died Thursday, December 28, 2017 in Stafford.

Mr. Carpenter was born April 8, 1963 in Batavia, NY, the son of Hattie (Wojkowski) Carpenter of Oakfield and the late Paul W. Carpenter, Sr.

He was a kind soul and loved working on his model kits and had a passion for all animals, especially his cat.  He enjoyed eating and was considered a "Foodie". 

Surviving along with his mother is a brother, Paul "Butch" Carpenter, Jr of Oakfield; a sister, Nadine (Kenneth) Snyder of Akron; a nephew, Kyle (Fiance Christina Bartz) Carpenter of Oakfield; an uncle, Walt Wojkowski of Batavia; and numerous cousins whom he loved dearly.  

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Flowers are declined.  Memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.  Arrangements were completed by Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield, NY.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Brockport – Rosemary “Rosie” Ridd Liese, 83, of Brockport, passed away Thursday, (December 28, 2017) at New ROC Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, in Rochester.

Ms. Liese was born October 9, 1934 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Vincent “Jim” and Gertrude (Maher) Ridd.

Prior to her retirement, Rosie was employed by Globe Security at the Monroe County Airport.  Later, she worked for ARA, also at the airport.  Ms. Liese was a manager for Home Properties at the Meadows Apartments in Brockport.  She was a volunteer at Lakeside Hospital, and at The Welcome Center in Brockport. 

Surviving are her children, Debby (late David) Caisse of Rochester, and Lori Bruton of Chruchville; grandchildren, Kelly (Bruce) Rasmusson of Hamlin, Katie (fiancé Michael Ayer) Caisse of Arizona, Kevin (Tina) Bruton of Bergen, and Joe (Stefanie) Bruton of Churchville; very special great-grandchildren, Brucie, Layla, and her Maggie Rose Rasmusson; a sister, Patricia Flaherty of LeRoy.  Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive along with many special friends, especially Gordy Whitaker, whom she thought of as a son.

Rosie is preceded in death by her brother, Gene (late Sara) Ridd.

There will be no visitation.  Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in St. Brigid’s Cemetery in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, 20 Ramona St., Rochester, NY  14613.

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