Obituaries

Elba - Mrs. Debra C. Higgins, age 64, longtime resident of Oakfield, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at her home in Elba.

Mrs. Higgins was born August 17, 1953 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert "Dutch" and Corrine Campbell Falker.

She was a lifetime member of Alabama Methodist Church.  She had been in fire service since 1976 and was a Past President of the Alabama Fire Department and first woman President of a volunteer fire department in New York State.  She was an active firefighter and EMT in Alabama and was a social member of the Elba Fire Department and Oakfield Fire Department where she served as the Financial Secretary. 

The top fundraiser in Genesee County for the past three years for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, she was an avid bowler and ran the Junior Bowling League in Oakfield. She enjoyed traveling and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Her husband, E. LeRoy Higgins, passed away on November 11, 2016.

She is survived by her children, Jonathan (Jen) Higgins of Waterport, Trisha (Steven) Werth of Elba and Chad (Julie) Higgins of Batavia; eight grandchildren, Miah and Mason Werth, Rori and Shayla Higgins, Eric and Ethan DiLaura and Ava and Jenna Higgins; two sisters, Kay Ciurzynski of Alabama and Victoria Falker of Oakfield; her brothers-in-law, Charlie (Diane) Higgins of Florida and Al (Bev) Higgins of Oakfield; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Douglas Falker and sister-in-law of the late Ronald Higgins.  

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where members of the fire service community will meet at 7 p.m. for services. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield.  She will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery.

To honor Debbie, please consider memorials for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380. In the memo, please specify to Debbie’s Dream Team.

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

Anna Susan (Zimmer) Zauner, 99, of Batavia passed away peacefully at home on Sunday September 3, 2017 while surrounded by her family. She was born on March 4, 1918 in Buffalo, NY. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph of 67 years; brother Frank, sisters Julie, Barbara, and Wilma.

She is survived by her children; Raymond (Theresa) Zauner of Corfu and Susan Murphy of Batavia; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours or Funeral Service.

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.

Cowlesville – Mrs. Nancy J. Settle, 80, of Cowlesville, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph's Campus, in Cheektowaga while under hospice care.

Mrs. Settle was born June 22, 1937 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Clifford Davis, Sr. and Pearl Grant Davis.

A member of Wales Center Community Baptist Church, she was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church and a member of the former Rebekah Lodge in Cowlesville. Nancy's family was the focal point of her life as she enjoyed spending with them; especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved sitting on her front porch with her husband watching the birds and deer on their property. Nancy loved watching sunsets and all the beauty that living in the country provided. She babysat many of the neighborhood children as well as her own grandchildren.

A woman of deep faith, she prayed daily and was grateful to God for everyday of life she was given. She loved listening to Elvis Presley music, especially during the Christmas season and would proclaim that Christmas didn't "officially" begin until she heard Blue Christmas. Nancy enjoyed decorating her home for every holiday throughout the year. She enjoyed word search puzzles and visiting with friends.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald W.  Settle, Sr., whom she married September 21, 1956; her children, Ronald W. Settle, Jr. of Cowlesville and Lori (Charles, Jr.) Pautler of Corfu; her grandchildren, Jenae (Jason) Wescott of Attica and Joshua (Marian) Pautler of Caledonia; her great-grandchildren,  Lauryn and Dean Wescott of Attica;  two sisters, Gussie (late Gerald) Taylor of Pennsylvania and Charlotte (late John) Wilson of Florida; her sister-in-law, Ginger Davis of Cowlesville and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Welcome (Effie) Davis, Harry (Velma) Davis, Alvin Davis, Clifford (Phyllis) Davis, Jr., Gladys (Sam) Lloyd, Agnes (Peter) Lanzendorfer, Betty (Donald) Forman and her twin sister, Rosie Davis and Garnet Davis

Friends may call on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 3515 Galloway Road, Batavia, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday. She will be laid to rest in Cowlesville Cemetery. Memorials in Nancy’s name may be made to Wales Center Community Baptist Church, 12150 Big Tree Road, East Aurora, New York 14052,  Calvary Baptist Church, 3515 Galloway Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or Cowlesville Fire Company, 351 Clinton Street, Cowlesville, New York 14037.  Please leave a condolence or share a story at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements for Nancy have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral  Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

 

David L. Valder, age 76, of Batavia, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 15, 1941 in LeRoy, to the late Vern (Mabel Fisher) Valder. He is predeceased by his sisters Doris Ridley & Louise Gill.

David was employed at Bell & Howell and 3M in Rochester for many years, until their closing. He then became caregiver to his wife of 56 years, Barbara. He was known as Dave at Pete’s Deli in the 1970’s & 80’s, and also his favorite coffee spots, the Pok A Dot & Denny’s. David was proud to be a veteran of the United States Army.

Dave is survived by his wife Barbara (Beckwith) Valder, his two daughters, Jacquelyn (Daniel) Phillips & Jodi (David) Dedman all of Batavia; grandchildren, Sydney Phillips of Rochester, Samantha Phillips of Batavia, Aiden & Mackenzie Dedman of Batavia. A sister, Audrey (Robert) Dial of Arizona.

There will be no prior calling hours or funeral service.

Memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Alvina E. Pigula, 96 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (August 31, 2017) at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, NY.

She was born June 22, 1921 in South Bend, Indiana, a daughter of the late Ladislaus and Josephine Paczesny Borkowski.

Mrs. Pigula was employed by Max Pies Furniture and Angelica Laundry Service prior to her retirement. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and a parishioner of Ascension Parish in Batavia.

She was the wife of the late William J. Pigula Sr. and sister of the late Eulalia Jean McGee and Walter Borkowski.

Survivors include her son, William J. (Susan) Pigula of Lawrenceville, NJ. Daughters, Emily K. Pigula of Sunrise, FL, Annette (Mark) Warren of Pompei, NY and Margaret E. Pigula (Allen Kalka) of Mt. Dora, FL. Granddaughters, Claire (Steven Zacharski) Pigula of Somerville, MA and Anne (Lt. Andrew Tresansky) Pigula of Cambridge, MA.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (September 6th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, 10:00am at Ascension Parish (corner of S. Swan and Sumner Streets). Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in the form of Mass Offerings. 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.

 

 

Batavia – Mrs. Josephine R. “Jay” Carter, age 93, of Batavia, longtime clerk at the former Marchese Bell Supermarket in Batavia, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Carter was born June 26, 1924 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Nicholas LaFarnara and Josephine Di Maio LaFarnara.

A member of Ascension Parish, she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and was an avid bingo player.

Her husband, Ronald A.  Carter, passed away in1994.

She is survived by her children, Nicholas (Sharon) Carter of Batavia and Carol (Donald) Shephard of Farmington; her brother, John LaFarnara of Batavia; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Pasquale, Anthony, Carmen, Vito, Columba and Mary LaFarnara.

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, where members of the Altar and Rosary Society will meet at 3:45 p.m. to recite the rosary. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 900 Rochester, New York 14620. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Richard A. Bridger, 63, of Attica passed away on Tuesday August 29, 2017 at Millard-Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo after a courageous battle with cancer. Richard was born in Buffalo on October 4, 1953 to the late Edward and Florence (Chapple) Bridger. In addition to his parents, Richard is predeceased by his brother Tom Bridger.

Rich loved the outdoors. You would often find him riding his bike around Attica.  He also loved to travel. Rich was a 20 plus year guard and retired from Attica Correctional Facility.

He is survived by his children; Matthew Bridger of Basom, Ashley Bridger of East Pembroke; Fiancé Mary Long of Buffalo; brothers Paul (Kay) Bridger of AZ., and Dave (Dorothy) Bridger of Wilson, NY.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 3:15PM Memorial Service will be held on Friday September 1, 2017 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. Interment will held privately.

For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

 

LeRoy ~ Bruce P. Vogel, age 70, of Warsaw Road, passed away Saturday afternoon (August 26, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

     He was born May 26, 1947 in Buffalo.

     Bruce was an avid "cruiser" and car show enthusiast, who loved his hot rods.  He also enjoyed hunting.

     He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 27 years, Linda Fay Vogel; his brothers, Kirk (Ruth) Vogel of Warsaw and Darryl Vogel of Bennington, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 6 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

     Memorials are suggested to the family.

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

Carl L. Aquino, 81 of Batavia passed away on Monday August 28, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born on October 11, 1935 in Batavia to the late Andrew (Bridgette Sepe) Aquino. He is preceded in death by brothers William and Andrew Aquino.  

Mr. Aquino retired as an Electronic Technician at Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonyea. He was an avid golfer, bowler and New York Yankee Fan. Carl was above all else a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Priscilla J. (Campbell) Aquino of Batavia; children Linda (Jeffrey) Norris of FL; Mark (Heidi) Aquino of Wheatfield; siblings Frank (Carol) of Elba; Charles (Rosemary) of Batavia; Robert Aquino of Batavia; Mary DiSalvo of Batavia; grandchildren Rachel and Nicholas Aquino, along with many nieces and nephews.

A 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday August 31, 2017 at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. He will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank St. 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.

Edward Francis Bartz, 71, a lifelong resident of North Java, died Friday August 25, 2017 after a brief stay in the hospital. Ed was born June 13, 1946, a son of the late Ferdinand and Annabell Bartz. On July 2, 1983 he married Michelle Lefort who preceded him in death on May 6, 2001.

Mr. Bartz was a member of the North Java Volunteer Fire Department and St. Nicholas and Holy Family Parishes. For over 30 years he was employed by the Town of Java. His love of different kinds of wood was apparent as he designed and crafted many pieces of furniture, bowls and ornaments for his family and friends.  He donated several of his items for the auction at Holy Family’s annual spaghetti dinner.

Surviving are four children; Monica (Matthew) Hepler of Emlenton, PA., Emily Bartz of Buffalo, Kimberly (Phillip) Clemmer of Leesburg, FL., and Brian Lefort of Buffalo; a sister Marie (Peter) Ochal and nephew Peter Ochal of Arcade; six grandchildren Taylor, Jolene, Sabrina, Erika, and Orie Hepler of Emlenton, PA., Alex Clemmer of Leesburg, FL., also surviving are several friends and relatives as well as a special childhood friend; Jim George who was never too busy to lend Ed a helping hand.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday August 31, 2017 from 9:30-11:00AM at the Holy Family Parish 4316 Route 98 North Java, NY 14113 where an 11:15AM Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow visitation at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charlotte House PO Box 123 North Java, NY 14113  http://charlottehouse.org/ or the North Java Fire Co. 4274 Route 98 in North Java. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

 

Shelby G. Sliker, 91, of Leicester passed away peacefully on Friday August 25, 2017 at his home. He was born on August 1, 1926 in Perry, NY to the late Clarence and Gladys (Lines) Sliker. In Addition to his parents, Shelby is predeceased by his siblings; John Sliker and Ethel (William) Martz.

Shelby proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After his service, Shelby was a lifelong farmer along with wife Lois and his parents, raising black angus beef cattle on his century old farm. He was a 4-H Leader for 10 years. As an active member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center, Shelby held several offices over the years. He was a member of Walter Klein Post 532 American Legion. Shelby was also a 65 plus year member of the Free Masons Constellation Lodge No. 404. Shelby and wife Lois shared 70 years together building more memories than most could hope for.

He is survived by his loving wife; Lois (Wright) Sliker of Leicester; daughter Lisa (Walter) Wolinski of Leicester; grandchildren Melissa (Robb) Yoder of Webster, Caryn (Michael) Van Hook of Ontario, NY., and Michael (Tina) Wolinski of Rochester; sister in law Dorothy Sliker; great-grandchildren Kyrann and Tegann Yoder, Colin and Dylan Van Hook, Jaxson Wolinski along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday August 29, 2017 from 2-4PM and 7-9PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday August 30^th at the Funeral Home. Shelby will be laid to rest in Leicester Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church 7205 Perry Center Rd. Perry, NY 14530. For more information, please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence, visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530

 

 

 

 

Avis J. Weinert, 93, of Byron passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 23, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Bethany, NY on January 10, 1924 to the late Floyd and Ethel (Noakes) Putnam. In addition to her parents, Avis is predeceased by her loving husband William H. Weinert who passed away in 2001; sisters Lorraine Dunham and Irene Baker.

Avis was a long time member of St. Paul’s Church in Stafford, a volunteer at the South Byron Fire Department and the Byron Grange and would always lend a hand with the Red Cross with their blood drives.

She is survived by her children; Keith, Kirk, Kevin Weinert all of Byron, Karl (Marilyn) Weinert of S. Byron, Ruth Ann (Ted) Genegon of Oakfield, Jo Ann Toal of Byron, Sue Ann Cole of Byron, Cheryl Ann (Greg) Richenberg of Holley and Jacqueline Ann (Zeech) Ilazi of Rochester; brother Lawrence Putnam of Warsaw; 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday August 29, 2017 from 2 to 4 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 4:00 PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary 7389 Rt. 237 Byron, NY 14422. 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.

Martin K. Toporczyk, 49, of Darien Center passed away suddenly in Warsaw on Saturday August 19, 2017. Marty was born in Buffalo on December 4, 1967 to the late Daniel M. Toporczyk and his mother Dolores Kleps.

Marty was a mason at Pike Construction.  Marty loved to fish, collect coins, and was an all-around nice guy.  A people person with the gift of gab.  He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his children Brittany K. Toporczyk of Alden and Morgan K. Toporczyk of Springhill FL., brother Mark Toporczyk (Tonya Hackett) of East Bethany; nephew Brandon K. Toporczyk of California, serving in the U.S. Navy; niece Brianna C. Toporczyk of Alexander; Aunt MaryAnn (Paul) Reese of Arizona; Cousin Jeff Reese of Connecticut; and girlfriend Ann Cox of Warsaw

There will be no prior calling hours. A memorial Service will be held at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or to Our Lady of Good Counsel 10677 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040.  For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.