Obituaries

 Karen S. Downs, 74, of Attica passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2017 with her husband and son by her side. She was born on October 20, 1942 in Kennedy, NY to Doris (Kunkel) and the late Walter Sweatman. In addition to her father, Karen is predeceased by her half-sister Beverly Leach.

Karen loved running and cycling. Most people would remember her as they would see her on her daily run through Attica. She enjoyed gardening and also was interested in Geocaching.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Dr. Ralph Downs of Attica; son William (Evinn Neadow) Downs of Rochester; siblings Laura Holt, Arthur (Bonnie) Sweatman, Ruth Ann (Daniel) Doupe, Doris Marie Hunter, Georgia John, Walter William 'Bill' (Rhonda) Sweatman, David (Stanche) Sweatman and Lucinda (Timothy) Atkins; grandchildren Ezra and Beatrice Neadow, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Friday May 19, 2017 at the First Baptist Church 3 Prospect St. Attica, NY 14011.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church at the address listed above. 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.

 

William McCartney, 86 of North Port, Florida, formerly of Oakfield, NY passed away on February 11 after a short illness.
Wiliam was born May 16, 1930 to David and Anna McCartney. He served in the US Army and worked as mail delivery for Curtis Burns. He was predeceased by his wife Joyce.

Surviving are a son Richard (Carol) McCartney of Danvile, Ohio and a daughter Christine (Brian) Hall of Corfu, NY. Grandchildren include David McCartney, Sarah and Rachel Hall,  sister-in-laws Margaret Donovan, Marie Jipson, Mary Strong and Kathy Mulvihill. He was also predeceased  by his brother David and his sister Christine. 
Grave site service to held 11 am Saturday May 20th at St. Padre Pio Church, Oakfield.  A celebration of William's life will be held following the service at the Indian Fall's Firehall. 
Memorial contributions may be made to  the American Heart Association.

ROY A. MYERS ~ Webster, formerly of Oakfield

Age 85, former President/CEO of Curtis Burns in Rochester, died peacefully Friday May 12, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born September 24, 1931 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late, Walter and Rosa (Simmons) Myers, also preceded in death by his only sibling, Audrey Clattenburg.   

Mr. Myers was a US Air Force Veteran and a member of St. Joseph's Church in Penfield. He was a Past President of the O-A School Board, Boy Scouts of America, an avid hunter & fisherman. Roy will be remembered as a wonderful, caring husband, father and grandfather who in his later years enjoyed nothing more than being with family and friends. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of almost 61 years, Anne (Acitelli) Myers of Webster; loving children, James (Marsha) Myers of Fairport, Michael (Catherine) Myers of Sudbury, MA, John (Linda) Myers of Penfield and Rosalie (Joe) Durand of Marcellus, NY; 11 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild along with several nieces and nephews. 

The Myers' family will be present from 3-7pm on Tuesday May 16, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where prayers will be recited 10:15am Wednesday May 17 followed by a 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Padre Pio Parish (Oakfield Site). He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery with Military Honors and memorials can be made to Benicasa Hospice Care 3880 Rush-Mendon Road Mendon, NY 14506 or the Oakfield Historical Society PO Box 74 Oakfield, NY 14125. 

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

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

 

Batavia - Ruth E. Brownell, 87, of Batavia, passed away Saturday, (May 13, 2017) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Batavia.

Mrs. Brownell was born June 5, 1929 in Gaines, a daughter of the late August and Martha (Schuck) Buckner.

She attended Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a former member of the Stafford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.  

She is the wife of the late Earl C. Brownell.

Surviving are a son, Larry (Charlotte) Brownell of LeRoy, a daughter, Vicki Rosemark of Barker; son-in-law, Thomas Finn of Batavia; 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was the mother of the late Sandra Finn, sister of the late Vincent Buckner, Lyell Buckner and Virginia Hawkins and grandmother of the late Amy Chimino, and Christine Brownell.

There will be no prior visitation.  Family and Friends are invited to attend Ruth’s Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday (May 18, 2017) at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brownell family.  Burial will be in Otter Creek Cemetery, Gaines.

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

Batavia - Catherine A. Emminger - Litzenberger, 85, of Batavia, an employee at ACDelco, Rochester, and formerly at GTE Sylvania, died Friday, May 12, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Litzenberger was born November 2, 1931 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Francis and Agnes (Laney) Linsler.

She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph's Church, member of the Ladies of the Moose in Batavia and LeRoy and was active at the YMCA in the Aquatic Exercise Class.

Her first husband, Bill Emminger, died in 1984 and her second, Donald A.  Litzenberger, died in 2010.

Survivors include 5 children,  Kathy (Joseph) Giambra of Lewiston, Linda Emminger of Batavia, William K. Emminger of VA, John (Mary) Emminger of Byron and Keith (Jennifer) Emminger, of CT; a brother, Joseph Linsler of VA; three stepchildren, Glenn Litzenberger, Gary Litzenberger and Lynne (Gary) Hopkins; 4 grandchildren, Christine Giambra, Karen Giambra, Jonathon Thielemann and Matthew Emminger, 3 great-grandchildren, Keith Powers, Joseph Powers and Erik Davis, several nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.  

Friends may call on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St, Batavia.  Mrs. Litzenberger’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Site, 303 E. Main St., Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bergen - Daniel M. Alexander, 33, of Bergen, passed away suddenly on Wednesday (May 10, 2017) in Westover, West Virginia, where he had been residing. 

Mr. Alexander was born June 8, 1983 in Rochester, the son of Daniel J. and Lorraine (Trimble) Alexander of Bergen.

Daniel served his country honorably with the Navy.  He saw two tours of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He held a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from West Virginia University and was the owner of both KD’s Pub & Grille in Morgantown, WV and The Emerald Isle Club in Emerald Isle, NC.  Mr. Alexander enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing with his dad and the boys, and fishing.  He was a supporter of the annual Toys for Tots holiday campaign. 

Along with his parents, Daniel is survived by a sister, Kathryn (Greg) Swain of Caledonia; and his two nieces, Braelyn and Brielle Swain.  His beloved canine companion, Mila also survives. 

He is preceded in death by both is paternal and maternal grandparents as well as an uncle.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen, where Daniel’s Funeral Service will immediately follow calling at 5:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Warrior House, 10314 Johnson Road, Middleport, NY 14105.

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

JOSEPH M. BEZON, JR. ~ Byron

Lifelong, well known area muck farmer died peacefully Wednesday May 10, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center surrounded by his family at the age of 80. He was born February 10, 1937 in Batavia, son of the late Joseph A. and Stephania (Mickey) Bezon also preceded in death by grandson, James Vogt, Jr.; brother, Richard Bezon and sister, Monica Bezon-Rice. 

Mr. Bezon spent his nearly 80 years on the muck lands as it has been in the family for many generations, he loved his onion fields and the self-propelled onion harvester he built with friend, Lee Schuknecht. He was a 4H Beef Leader for 25 years and raised beef cattle on his own as a hobby, enjoyed his dogs and was very proud of his Polish heritage, he loved his Polish music and dancing. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 60 years, Edith (Stokes) Bezon of Byron; children, Joseph M. (Sandy) Bezon III, Ricky (Elaine) Bezon, Laurie (James) Vogt all of Byron and Amanda Bezon of PA; brothers, Eugene (Susan) Bezon of Elba and Douglas Bezon of Batavia; grandchildren, Joseph M. (Anne) Bezon IV, Angela (Chetan) Tiwari, Jennifer (Jason) Gaylord, Keith (Anne) Bezon, Valerie Bezon, Gregory & Hilary Vogt; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Brody, Luke, Payton, Quinn, Mason, Abby & Ben; In-laws, Marvin (Viola) Stokes of Elba, Raymond (Shirley) Stokes of Bethany, Dixie (Charles) Rudolph of Batavia, Esther Johnson of Oakfield, Doris Stokes of Bethany along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and four legged companion, Belle. 

The family will be present from 3 - 9pm on Monday May 15 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will take place 11:00 am Tuesday May 16. He will be laid to rest privately in N. Byron Cemetery in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Byron Fire Dept. Ambulance Fund or the Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter 2805 Wehrle Drive Suite 6 Williamsville, NY 14221. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Joe with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

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

 

 

 

Syracuse - Allan D. Loughborough, age 87, of Syracuse, formerly of Albion, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.          

Mr. Loughborough was born January 4, 1930 in Rochester, the son of the late Eldred C. and Leonora Steffen Loughborough.

He graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. Mr. Loughborough's career as a pharmacist spanned 54 years. His father, Eldred, was the former owner of Central Pharmacy in Pittsford, where Allan’s career began. He was the owner of Chilson's Pharmacy in Brighton for many years, worked for 10 years as the pharmacist at the Albion Correctional Facility and at K-Mart. Al was a member and past president of the New York State Board of Pharmacy.

A longtime member of Holy Family Parish in Albion, he was a member of Our Lady of Peace in Syracuse. He was a member of the Brighton Volunteer Fire Department from 1953-1978 serving as Battalion Chief for 3 years. A friend of Bill W., he raced harness horses for many years. He enjoyed fishing at Canandaigua Lake and had a camp in the village of Honeoye Falls for many years.

He proudly served his country with the United States Navy during the Korean War.

He is predeceased by his first wife, the former Jean Arndt Loughborough who passed away in 1985.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Roth Loughborough, whom he married October 2, 1985; his children, Mary Lee Bishopp of Pittsford, Thomas W. (Anne) Loughborough and Ann (Jim) Doeller, both of Rochester; step-children, Patrick (Jackie) Salvador of Liverpool and Susan (Dennis) Tresco of East Syracuse; seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Gerald (late Mary Ann) Schuler of Batavia.

Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home 403 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 full military honors, will follow in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Al’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

SHARON M. SAUERS ~ Batavia

Age 63, departed in peace Monday May 8, 2017 at Crossroads House. She was born May 13, 1953 in Elmira, NY to the late Edwin and Helen (Yosh) Mansfield.

Mrs. Sauer's was a graduate of Elmira Heights High School and Elmira College and began her early working career in the employment field, where she found her niche.
Sharon started with Temp Force in Corning, NY and then TAD & Adecco in Rochester when finally in 2006 she founded ATB Staffing Services in Medina, NY and the company flourished behind her leadership. The office was her home away from home, she loved being there working with her staff, "The Girls", Barb, Jennifer, Bonnie, Tammy and Wendy. Sharon loved conversation which always turned to conservative politics, her hobbies included cooking and travelling with and for her husband, Tom. Her presence, laughter and smile will be forever missed but held in the hearts of all who knew her.

The Sauers family wishes to sincerely thank the ''Angels'' of Crossroads House for the wonderful care and respect shown to Sharon and her family during her stay.

Surviving is her best friend and husband of 27 years, Thomas Sauers of Batavia; daughter, Anastasia Jo (Cathy) Ward of TX; step-children, Erik (Jennifer) Sauers of
Greece and Leslie (Matthew) Hoyt of Fairport; brother, Terry Mansfield of Elmira; sister, Patricia (Robert) Henley of Horseheads; grandchildren, Carter, Brooklyn, Ryan & Emily; nephews, Paul and Ryan Henley; cousin, Jean Ann Bradley along with many cousins and dear friends in Elmira.

The Sauer's family will be present from 3:00 - 5:00pm on Saturday May 13 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC at 4120 W. Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020, where Funeral Services will begin at 5:00pm followed by dinner for family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Please share your memories of Sharon with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com/ and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF SHARON SAUERS IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120
 

Wilbur Wayne Brackett, 103, of Akron passed away peacefully, on May 8, 2017. He was born on November 26, 1913 in Akron to the late Wayne and Ruth (Ashbury) Brackett.
Wilbur was a 1932 graduate of Akron Central High School. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 74 years, Gladys Meiser. Wilbur worked as a carpenter for Erie County. He loved  working with wood and became well known as an expert cabinet-maker. He especially loved camping and fishing.

His children, Philip "Joe" Brackett of Batavia and Donna (Ronald) Hatcher of Akron survive him. Nine grandchildren, Twenty-one great -grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild also survive him. A daughter, Lois Weibel and daughter-in-law, Doris Brackett predeceases Wilbur.

Funeral Services will be private. The family would appreciate donations in Wilbur’s name to Brothers of Mercy Nursing and Rehab Center, 10570 Bergtold Rd., Clarence, NY 14031. Arrangements were made by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. To share memeories and condolences with Wilbur's family, please visit rossakron.com

 

  Roslyn Kehl Nonnengard, 89, of Batavia, a loving and devoted mother of 5 died on May 7, 2017 at her daughter’s home with her family present. She was born on June 29, 1927 in Sheldon to the late Levi and Agnes (George) Kehl. In addition to her parents, Roslyn is predeceased by her husband of 67 years; Blain Nonnengard whom she married on Sept. 18, 1948 and resided in with their children in Alexander, Avon and Batavia; She was the sister of the late Peter “Bud” Kehl, Francis Kehl, and sister in law of the late Robert Reisdorf, Audrey Kehl, Charles and Margaret Rich.

Roslyn was a devoted member of Resurrection Parish and active in many parish organizations at St. Mary’s Church. For many years she was the primary caretaker of the alter, sacristy and vestments at St. Mary’s. She served on the parish council, the Liturgy Committee, Alter Society, Bereavement Committee, Sodality, Catholic Daughters and was a frequent Lector and Eucharistic Minister. She received the St. Joseph Worker Award from the Diocese of Buffalo in 2008 for her efforts. Roslyn enjoyed volunteering to help others and did this for many years as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, worked at the Senior Center to help others understand their health insurance. Her work career included working at the Beikirk Ford Dealership in Avon while her children were young and after moving to Batavia she worked for Braukman Controls which would later become Honeywell. Roslyn will be remembered for her terrific cooking, her strong faith and her love of the New York Yankees.

She is survived by her children; Bonnie (Gary) Kullman of Albany, Nancy (Ronald) Bouchard of Perry, Jane (late Robert) Burnup of Victor, Jo Louise (Todd) Wilkes of Batavia and James Nonnengard of AL.; sisters Betty Reisdorf and Dorothy Irvin; she was blessed with 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday May 14, 2014 from 2:00-5:00PM 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 Monday the 15^th at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House http://crossroadshouse.com/ PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020

 

Anna Louise (Duncan) Thomas of Batavia went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2017 after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her loving family. Anna was the daughter of the late Hugh W. and Betsey Yeager Duncan. Anna was preceded in death by her late husband William F. Thomas, sisters; Pearline Lucas, Cecelia Duncan and brother Murphy Duncan, and one granddaughter Stacey A. Johnson.

Anna was born in Rochester, NY and later moved to Batavia. She married William F. Thomas and out of that union they had 10 beautiful children. When Anna was a young girl she loved playing the piano and singing. Anna was very witty, she loved her children, and was always there for her family. Anna loved to laugh, and she loved to babysit her grandchildren. Anna was proud that she had given all of her children middle names that began with the letter A. One of her favorite things to say was” love you more”. Her house was always open to everyone and she loved to cook for you when you came to visit.

She is survived by sisters; Beulah Duncan Coleman, Phyllis Duncan Griffin of Rochester; (10) children; Patricia Johnson (The late Sylvester Johnson), Rick (Mary Jo) Thomas, Kirk Thomas, Rand Thomas, Bart (Carmen) Thomas, Tim Thomas, Vicki (Jeff) Shelnut of Alexander, Peggy (David) Vasciannie, Bill Thomas and Greg Thomas ,all of Batavia. 20 grandchildren: Rick, Nick, Kirk, Shareen, William, Bart Jr., Shamarr, Adam, Tim, Brittney, Brandon, Justin, Jason, Aaron, Troy, Casey, Brandon, Alexis, Ashley, and Amber; and (18) great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends.

Anna will be missed by all but mostly by her children who will, as she always said, “love you more.”

Friends are invited to call on Friday May 12, 2017 from 4 to 8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Anna’s Life will take place on Saturday May 13, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church 300 East Main Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to Orleans Community Health Foundation, 200 Ohio St. Medina, NY 14103 or to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center 2652 Ridgeway Ave. Rochester, NY 14626. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

 

Muriel Ruth “Merle” Willard, 92, of Darien Center passed away peacefully at home on Friday May 5, 2017 under the care of hospice and her loving family. She was born in Attica on October 22, 1924 to the late Arthur and Delia (Seufert) Suess. Mrs. Willard is predeceased by her husband Donald E. Willard; brothers Richard, Robert, Irving, Norman and Arthur Suess; sisters Janet Riley and Marylou Edwards.

“Merle” was a homemaker all of her life, along with being secretary and bookkeeper for her husband’s farm supply business.  She was also employed with the New York State Police and with an insurance agency for a number of years. Merle loved canning and crocheting and also was a seamstress for her whole family.  She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and during her later days, looked forward to doing the crossword puzzle from the Batavia Daily News every day.  She is remembered by her warm smile, fun-loving spirit and great love of nature. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, and former member of Attica Legion Auxiliary, Darien Fire Department Auxiliary and Farm Bureau.

She is survived by her children; Lana (Jerald) Schlagenhauf of Darien Center, Mary Edmonds of FL., Donald A. Willard of Attica, Dale (Paul) Haller of SC., Laurie Mairose of Darien Center; sisters Ardyth VanValkenburg, Lorraine Kirkpatrick and Natalie Slocum; 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Friday May 12, 2017 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 11 Washington St. Attica, NY 14011. She will be laid to rest in Darien Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Darien Rescue Squad PO Box 135 Darien Center, NY 14040 or St. Paul’s United Church of Christ at the address listed above. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.