Obituaries

Lewis J. Serventi, 95, of Perry, NY passed away peacefully on April 11, 2017. Lew was born on December 6, 1921, a son of Michael Serventi and Mary Ferretti Serventi of Rimersburg, PA.

Lew met the love of his life, Clelia ‘Cleo’ Martinelli Serventi, 96, during high school in Rimersburg, PA. They dated for six years and were happily married for another 73 years. Their nightly toast to each other was ‘we were meant to be’! Lew and Cleo raised two daughters, Michele ‘Mikey’ Rechberger (Wes Kline) of Perry, NY, and the late Debra Jones Duncan (Mike) of Charlottesville, VA. Lew was devoted to and passionate about his family, and passed along his joy of skiing, jazz music, and gardening. He also adopted the interests of those he loved, including his three grandchildren David (Leslie Stinson, Boulder, CO), Kristin (Enric Sala, Washington, DC), and Ed Rechberger IV (Karen), and three great-grandchildren, Derek (Carmen), Lizabeth and Gregory Rechberger.

A WWII veteran, Lew served as staff sergeant in the United States Air Corps from 1942-1946. He was stationed at Boca Raton, FL where he trained incoming squadrons in a new thing at the time called ‘radar’. His tour of duty took him to Saipan and Iwo Jima where his tent was at the base of Mount Suribachi. He could see the American flag waving above him. He was proud to serve the United States of America. After the war Lew returned to the family business of movie theatres in Rimersburg, PA. Later, being entrepreneurs at heart, Lew and his late brother, Mark, brought their young families to Perry, NY in 1954 to start and build the Lew-Mark Baking Company, which became the NY-NJ franchise of Archway Cookies. The baking business flourished and expanded for 46 years under three generations of family leadership, including nephew, the late Michael Serventi and grandson Ed Rechberger IV. Lew was dedicated to community service and was an active, often anonymous philanthropist. He served in the Perry Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and a devoted photographer of the annual Perry Rotary Show. He was a great supporter of community organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Genesee Community College, Wyoming County Hospital, and Perry Central School. He was recognized regularly for his humble service. He often said ‘Make all you can honestly; Save all you can prudently; Give all you can wisely.’

Lew was known to be a generous gentleman, as well as a gentle man, full of kindness, good cheer and manners. He always, no matter what was going on, had time for the people in his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In honor of Lew’s legacy, donations may be made to Livingston County Hospice, Building #2, 2 Murray Hill Drive, Mt Morris NY, 14510 or to The Foundation for Perry’s Educational Future, Inc, 33 Watkins Ave, 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.
 

LeRoy ~ Jane E. Gillett, age 89, formerly of Hilltop Drive, passed away Tuesday afternoon (April 11, 2017) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home in the loving presence of her family.

    

She was born August 26, 1927 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Edward and Isabelle Fagan Criger.

     Jane will be remembered by her family as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, who always took an interest in all her family's activities, especially her grandchildren's sporting events.  She enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together, and later on in her life, took up bowling and golf.

     She is survived by her son, David (Sue) Gillett of Perry; grandchildren, Brent (Bree) Gillett, Peter (Rebecca) Gillett and Meghan (Josh) Trombley; great-grandchildren, Mia, Maddox, Talen and Riley; sister, Mary Lois Caruthers of FL ; step-brothers, Rex Miller of LeRoy and David (Darlene) Miller of Avon; brother-in-law, Joe Crnkovich of LeRoy, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Carol Crnkovich; step-sister, Elizabeth Shepherd, step-sister-in-law, Mary Ann Miller, nieces, Sharon Wilkerson and Barbara Ellingham.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, April 30 from 1 ~ 3 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.,  8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M.  Interment will be private in Fairview Cemetery, Pavilion.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the South Byron United Methodist Church, 7526 Byron-Stafford Road, S. Byron, NY 14557.

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

     Mrs. Gillett and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  585-768-2400

Jolene J. Goodell, 37 of Oakfield, passed away on Saturday (April 1, 2017) at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY.

She was born October 16, 1979 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late John and Margaret Gregory Goodell.

Survivors include two daughters. Her boyfriend, Myron Hartford. Brothers, Lyndon Goodell, Jeremy Goodell, Michael Goodell, Daniel Goodell and John Goodell. Sister, Tammy Goodell – Newton. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts and condolences on Wednesday (April 19th) from 6-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. 

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.

Robert L. "Tully" Tullar, 69 of Byron, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday (April 9, 2017) at Rochester General Hospital.

He was born April 16, 1947 in Batavia, NY, a son of Mildred Grice Tullar and the late Ronald Tullar.

Robert served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a truck driver for Boyles Motor Sales for over 45 years prior to his retirement. Bob was a lifetime exempt member of the E. Pembroke Fire Department. He enjoyed playing bingo, driving trucks especially his tow truck, playing euchre and visiting the casino. 

Surviving besides his mother is his loving wife, Mary Larnder Tullar of Byron. Children, Sheri (Skip) Jansen of Paris, TX, John (Kelly) Tullar of Scottsville, NY and Robert II (Erica) Tullar of Batavia, NY. Grandchildren, Autumn Jansen, Alexis Jansen, Brooke Jansen, Lawerence Tullar and Ava Tullar. Brothers, Michael Tullar, Donald (Joan) Tullar, Jerry (Carol) Tullar and Rick (Kim) Tullar. Sisters, Yvonne Davies and Dawn (Tim) Mayer. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by his step-mother, Carolyn Tullar.

There will be no prior visitation and services will be private at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery in E. Pembroke, NY.

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., BATAVAI, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Oakfield - Gerald F. Herbst, Sr., “Jake,” 83, of Oakfield, passed away on Monday (April 10, 2017) at his home under the care of hospice and his family.

Gerald was born November 25, 1933 in Buffalo, a son of the late Raymond J. and Evelyn (Bell) Herbst.

Gerald enjoyed camping and bowling and he belonged to social clubs. He loved being around people, especially his friends and family.  He was a truck driver at Miller Lumber Company in Buffalo.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly M. (Geary) Herbst, of Oakfield, whom he married February 27, 1954; his children, Gerald F. (Judy) Herbst, Jr. of Buffalo, Carol Miller of Oakfield, Richard Herbst of Oakfield and Candy (Jim) Hockwater of Newstead; two brothers, Robert (Doreen) Herbst of Niagara Falls and Bert (Maureen) Atkins of Canada; 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Gerald is the father of the late Kenneth Herbst and brother of the late Raymond Herbst, Richard Herbst and Delores Fallacaro.  

There are no calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Memorials may be made to the Herbst family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Gerald’s memory at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements were completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325

John Richard Suozzi, age 65 of Hampstead passed away Wednesday April 5,2017 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 24, 1952 in Brooklyn NY, son of the late Vito and Josephine Dolcemaore Suozzi. He was also predeceased by brothers William Anton Suozzi and Michael Suozzi.
John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Ann Logsdon Suozzi of Hampstead; daughter Jodi Marie Suozzi (Nickolas) of New York; son John Anthony Suozzi (Samantha) of Wilmington; two grandchildren Nathan and Leah; brother Michael Suozzi (Erlinda) of VA; sisters Tess Suozzi (Cathy) of NY and Donna of PA. John is also survived by several loving brother and sister in laws; many nieces and nephews; and a strong brotherhood with Fire, EMS, Law, and the Red Knights.

John blessed our community with 21 years of service with Pender EMS and Fire as a firefighter EMT I and Rescue Tech. He loved to ride motorcycles and was a lifetime member of the Red Knights. John loved Racing and was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. He also enjoyed being a NY Yankee and UNC Tarheel fan.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was and operating engineer in New York.

A memorial service to honor his life will be on Thursday April 13, 2017 at 10:30am at Pender EMS & Fire Station 4 at 801 Flake Ave Topsail Beach. A procession of emergency vehicles will leave Kiwanis Park 586 Sloop Point Loop Rd and proceed to EMS Station 4 where the service will be conducted by Pastor Jeff and Pastor Joey. A celebration of his life will be held in New York at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to LCF Hospice 1406 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401 or Pender EMS & Fire Explorers 805 Ridgewood Ave. Burgaw, NC 28425. You are invited to sign the guest book above and write a tribute to the family if you wish, CLICK HERE.

SHARON SUE (JULIANA) KLOZBACH ~ Corfu

Age 78, entered eternal life on Friday April 7th, 2017. Her loving, curious and animated spirit is carried on by her husband, Charles Frank Klozbach; their seven children; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and three surviving siblings. She was born in Batavia, New York on July 27, 1938 and was raised by her loving Uncle and Aunt; the late Cydie and Myra Yankee of Albion, NY.

During the first part of her career, she proudly cared for others as a nurse at Genesee Memorial Hospital in Batavia. In the second chapter of her career, she served as a loving wife and mother to her family while going back to college in preparation to become an elementary school teacher. Upon completion of her undergraduate and graduate education degrees, she devoted herself to expanding the imagination and education of children throughout her years as an elementary school teacher at Pembroke Central Schools. Hundreds of people were impacted by her passion for nurturing the development of children and ensuring no child felt unloved or unworthy. Her legacy as a devoted and passionate champion of children will be carried on for many years to come through those whom she has directly and indirectly impacted.   

Sharon’s love for creative writing, music, singing, gardening and continuous learning was contagious to her family and loved ones who knew her best. Her Christian faith and deep love for her husband and family kept her grounded throughout each season of her life.  

She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren who surrounded her with perpetual love and gratitude: Charles Frank Klozbach; Thomas (wife Sandy); Michael (Lisa, children, Jacquie, Benjamin and Ryan); Patrick (children, Kelsey and Kiara); Jay (wife Wendy, children, Justin and Matthew); Kathleen Klozbach-Rivers (husband Jonathan, children, Krystal and Mikaela); Kelly Klozbach-Harlach (husband Troy, children, Brittany and Dakota; great-granddaughter Lila); and Elizabeth Klozbach-Cipolla (husband Michael, children, Nicholas, Anthony and Olivia); siblings Joan Smith, Sheila Kendzierski and Geoffrey Giuliano; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but never forgotten. Sharon is reunited with her brother, Robert Juliana.

The Klozbach family will be present from 4 - 7pm on Sunday April 9 at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church 7908 Alleghany Road Corfu, NY 14036 where a Celebration of Life Service will take place 11am Monday April 10, Pastor Karen Grinnell - Officiating. She will be laid to rest in Indian Falls Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to the North Darien Baptist Church or Albion Schools Alumni Association. 

Please share your thoughts and 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 KLOZBACH IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

GREGORY T. DICK ~ Batavia

Age 64, went peacefully Wednesday afternoon April 5, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born January 1, 1953 in Batavia, NY a son of the late Alan and Helen Dick along with his birth mother, Joan (Lambert) who died when he was only 5; also preceded in death by a brother, Patrick Dick.

Mr. Dick worked for the Eastman Kodak, Co. for many years, a military enthusiast who enjoyed building military models, enjoyed golf and reading. Greg's joy in life was family, especially the "Apple of his eye", granddaughter, Felicity.

Surviving is his wife, Karen Balkwill-Dick of Batavia; daughters, Elizabeth "Liz" (Stephen Gardner) Dick and Shannon Dick all of Batavia; siblings, Richard (Sonia) Dick of Hamlin, Gary (Patricia) Dick of Williamson, Alan "Steve" (Terry) Dick of Alexander, Mary Jo (George) Davis of Batavia & Timothy (Darralee) Dick of Batavia; granddaughter, Felicity Dick of Batavia; sister-in-law, Cheryln of Scottsville along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

The family will be present from 5 - 8 pm on Tuesday April 11 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will take place at 11 am Wednesday April 12. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorials are suggested to UMMC c/o 2nd Floor 127 North St. Batavia.

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

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

 

 

 

Doris A. Brackett, RN, SNT of Batavia, NY died peacefully at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital on Thursday, March 30th, 2017 in Williamsville, NY at the age of 79.
Doris is survived by her husband Philip “Joe” Brackett of Batavia, NY; children, Sharon Brackett of Laurel, MD and Jeffery Brackett and wife Marcy of Webster, NY; grandchildren Elizabeth, Emily, and Erica Brackett of Webster, NY and Steven and Jacob Brackett of Laurel, MD;  sister-in-law Donna Hatcher of Akron, NY.

Doris was born on November, 3rd 1937 in Baltimore, MD to H. Wilson and Hazel Anderson. She graduated from The University of Buffalo in 1959 with a degree in Nursing. After meeting each other as they worked together at Genesee Memorial Hospital she married Joe Brackett in 1960. They have been residents of Batavia since 1961.   Doris began working for the Akron Central School System as a school nurse/teacher in 1963 where she served until her retirement in 1999. In that role she has touched the lives of countless children and families including those of multiple generations in her tenure.
Doris was a dedicated person who loved helping others and was passionate about students and young people.

Doris was a certified Master Gardener and was very active with the Genesee County Master Gardeners program of the Cornell Cooperative Extension.  She was also an accomplished seamstress and quilt maker leaving many examples of her beautiful works for friends and families to remember her by. Following her retirement she became a "Court Appointed Special Advocate" (CASA) in Genesee County.
At Doris’s request, her body will be donated to science for the purpose of educating future medical professionals.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on April 8th, 2017 at the High Point Community Church, 1163 Main Road (RT 5), Corfu, NY 14036, with a reception to follow immediately at the church.  The family will be at the church at 9:00am for fellowship with friends and family prior to the service.   Pastor Bobby Dean will officiate the ceremony.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Doris’s life.  In order so there may be more flower gardens in the world we ask that in lieu of flowers you please send donations to the Master Gardener program.  Please send donations made out to Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main Street,   Batavia, NY 14020.  Please reference “In memory of Doris Brackett” on your check. Arrangements were made by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. To share memories and condolences with Doris' family, please visit rossakron.com.

 

BERGEN- Age 80, entered into rest Tuesday.

Son of the late Walter and Beatrice (VanSlack) Sherman. 

Mr. Sherman was a carpenter with the Local 276 in Rochester prior to his retirement.  He was a member of the retiree’s club and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Chruch.  He was also an avid fisherman.

Beloved husband of Joan (Peco) Sherman of Bergen; loving father of 7; devoted grandfather of several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; dear brother of 7. 

Preceded in death by 2 siblings.

Calling, Friday 4 to 7 PM at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake St., Bergen.  Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, 9:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 11 N. Main St., Churchville.  Interment, St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, Churchville. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hearts for ALS, 1899 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 or to ALS Assoc., Upstate NY Chap., 135 Old Cove Rd, Ste 213, Liverpool, NY 13090.  Online condolences at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Oakfield -Santo A. DeVito, Jr., “San”, 85, of Oakfield, died Saturday (Apr 1, 2017) at home, following a 2 year struggle with the rare blood disease, mastocytosis.

He was born Feb 14, 1932, in Lyons, N.Y., a son of the late Santo A. DeVito, Sr. and Helen M. DeSain DeVito.

Upon graduation from Lyons, N.Y. High School he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force honorably serving his country from Sept., 1951 to Sept., 1955, including 13 months in Seoul, Korea for which he received the National Defense Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.  He received basic training at Sampson AFB, NY and additional training for Air Police at USAF Tech School, Camp Gordon, GA.  Upon returning from Korea, he was assigned to 62nd Air Police Squadron (TAC), Larson AFB, Washington.  His rank at separation was Airman 1st Class.

Employed for 32 years by the N.Y. State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, he worked at the former Newark State School and Syracuse Developmental Center. He served as a residential coordinator before his retirement.   While in Syracuse, he held a number of CSEA Local 424 offices, including President.  Upon retirement, he moved to Oakfield and married Linda Hatheway (Kingsley) DeVito on Oct. 11, 1987. 

As a lifetime VFW member, San was dedicated to his fellow veterans. He served as Commander of the Oakfield VFW Ira Spring Post 273 for 21 years and was a member of both the Genesee County Honor Guard and American Legion Post 626. San was also parishioner and greeter at St. Padre Pio in Oakfield.

San loved all sports, having played football, basketball, softball, and bowling. He was an avid golfer and fisherman.  San closely followed the Yankees and Buffalo Bills, but his heart bled orange for SU football and basketball, especially Coach Jim Boeheim, a fellow Lyons, NY native.  He enjoyed sharing stories and loved to laugh.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; sister, Angela (Carl) Backus, Newark, NY; son, Christopher DeVito (Kimberly Tomaselli), Atlanta, GA; step-sons D.Mark (Maria) Kingsley, NYC,  Brian Kingsley, Cambridge, MA,  Michael (Christa) Kingsley, Chicago, IL.  Step-grandchildren Samantha Kingsley (Ryan Borden), Warwick, RI, Alex Kingsley (Sarah Apple), Charlotte, NC, Clare and Cate Kingsley, Chicago, IL. Sister-in-law, Janice Saunders, Deptford, NJ; Nephew, Matthew (Jane) Ury, Newark, NY.

Calling hours are from 4 to 8 pm Thursday, April 6th at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave Oakfield. A Mass of Christian Burial concelebrated by Rev. Thaddeus N. Bocianowski and Rev. John P. Mack, will be held 10 am Friday at St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Ave, Oakfield, followed by burial in St. Cecilia Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials in San’s name may be made to the Padre Pio Fund, St. Padre Pio Parish or VFW Post 273, ℅ Clayton Fry, 994 Lewiston Rd., Basom, NY 14013. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

David L. Worthington, 54, of Batavia passed away on Saturday April 1, 2017 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on March 9, 1963 in Batavia to the late Raymond Worthington and Marian Worthington of Batavia. In addition to his father, he is predeceased by his sister Susan Molek.

David graduated from Batavia High School in 1981, SUNY Fredonia with his Bachelors of Science in 1985 and SUNY Brockport with his Masters of Arts in Math in 2010. He tutored math and taught statistics at Genesee Community College for several years.

He is survived by his mother, Marian Worthington of Batavia; brother in law Michael Molek of OH; along with his niece Julia Molek and nephew Jason Molek.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday April 5, 2017 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Thursday April 6^th at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Math Scholarship Fund at G.C.C. 1 College Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Matthew B. Burns, 57, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Saturday April 1, 2017 taking his last breath at home where he wanted to be surrounded by his loving family after fighting a 3 years battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on July 6, 1959 in Batavia to the late William and Lucille (Paravato) Burns.

Matt worked in construction for many years. He was an avid fisherman. He loved the outdoors and target shooting. He would often be found having a cup of coffee at the Pok-A-Dot in Batavia. Matt was an avid Sabres and Bills fan.

He is survived by his wife; Cathy Burns of Batavia; children Brandon (Kimberly) Burns of Batavia, Sarah Burns, Jason Burns, Jared Burns and Caitlin Burns all of Batavia; brother Timothy (Kimberly) Burns of Attica; sisters Julie (Maya) Martinez of TX., Colleen Burns of WA., grandchildren Bailey, Matthew, Hailey, Gracelyn and Caiden along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute Elm & Carlton Streets Buffalo, NY. 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.