Obituaries

MARIA WITKO

Age 83, of Corfu, died peacefully Thursday morning December 29, 2016 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law where she resided. She was born February 10, 1933 in Germany, a daughter of the late Frank and Stanislava (Marcellak) Blasik, also preceded in death by her husband, John Witko in 1976.   

Maria was retired from General Motors in Illinois where she has lived most of her life until coming to Genesee County this past August. She enjoyed walking, her favorite meal, PIZZA and most of all time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her children, Theresa (Frank) Barone of Corfu and Peter (Janine) Witko of Morton Grove, IL; sister, Hanna in Germany; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jack), Laura, Caroline, Walter, Sheridan & Delaney; great-grandchildren, Amber, Isabelle, Olivia, Cole and a special niece, Zofia Rogers of Alabama.  

The family will be present from 9:30 to 10:00AM on Wednesday January 4, 2017 at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10AM. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

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

 

KIMBERLY A. WRIGHT

Age 33, of Batavia, died unexpectedly Thursday December 29, 2016 at her home. She was born August 17, 1983 in Batavia, daughter of the late Zeke (Alice) Wright. 

Kim was an employee of Kmart in Batavia where she was loved and respected by her co-workers. She enjoyed painting, crafts, reading and will be remembered for her selflessness, always doing for others before herself. 

Surviving are siblings, Tami Mileham of Batavia; Phil King of Wales; nephews, Timothy King, Kyle (Elise McManus) King, Nick King; niece, Jamie King; great niece and nephews, Nalayna, Rylan, Roman, Ryder King along with several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Kim's family will be present from 5-8PM on Thursday January 5, 2017 followed by A Celebration of Life service at 8PM with a reception to follow at the Dibble Family Center 4110 West Main Street Road Batavia. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in her memory can be made to the family in care of Kyle King. 

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

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

 

 

 

Oakfield - Anna Lewis Ahl, 100, of Oakfield, a school bus driver for the Oakfield - Alabama Schools, died Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Batavia Health Care Center in Batavia.

Mrs. Ahl was born August 10, 1916 in Darien, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Hattie (Hagen) Phillipps.

She was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Quilting Guild.  She enjoyed crafting, gardening, sewing, entertaining and dancing.  

She is predeceased by her husbands, Allison C. Lewis who died in 1980 and Sennette C.  Ahl, who died in 1999.

Survivors include 3 daughters: Bonnie (David) Starkweather of Basom, Joyce (Donald) Yunker of Oakfield and Cindy (Gary) Beechler of Westfield, IN; 2 stepchildren, Gary (Toie) Ahl of VA and Patricia (Paul) Frishkoff of OR; 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 

She was the sister of the late Betty Stidd and Jean Lyons.  

Friends may call on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia where services will immediately follow at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Attention Renovation Fund, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will be in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.  Arrangements were completed by Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Blanche P. Konarski, 88 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (December 27, 2016) at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

She was born July 11, 1928 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Walter and Stella Mislick Czaja.

Blanche was a member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia. She enjoyed bowling, cooking and traveling the country. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Donald M. Konarski of Elba. Two daughters, Vincenne (Dennis) Maute of Elba and Donna (Keith) Coyne of Washington, NC. Sister, Barbara (Alex) Guiliani of Florida. Brother, Florian (Joan) Czaja of Batavia. Grandchildren, Eric Johnston, Patrick (Kasie) Coyne, Brian (Megan) Coyne, Carrie (Brad) Fairbank and Lynette (Mark) Irwin. Also survived by 6 great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Stanley Czaja and Paul Czaja.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (January 2nd) from 12pm-1pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Celebration of Life Service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 1pm. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

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.

CORY J. TRYBUSHYN

Age 29, of Dansville formerly of Batavia, died from injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Christmas Eve in Dansville. He was born October 2, 1987 in Rochester, NY a son of William Trybushyn of Batavia and Patti (Metz) (Greg) Cole of Dansville. 

Cory was a 2006 graduate of Batavia High School where he played varsity football for 3 years, played in the orchestra and went on to study at the University of Buffalo. Friends and family will remember a smart, intellectual young man with a great sense of humor, he was kind, caring, compassionate and had an incredible ability to make people smile. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, camping, cooking, bowling, gaming and had a love of sports. Cory's big stature and calm demeanor led people to see him as a "Gentle Giant" who loved spending time with his kitten, Pancake.  

Surviving along with his parents is his sister, Kelsey Trybushyn of Dansville, half-brother, Bill Trybushyn of Rochester, step-brother, Brandon Cole of Mt. View, CA and step-sister, Cindy Cole of Alden; maternal grandparents, Robert (Elaine) Metz of Dansville along with many loving aunts, uncles & cousins. 

Cory's family will be present from 4-8PM on Friday December 30, 2016 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWKSI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Life will begin at 8PM. A reception will follow at the DIBBLE FAMILY CENTER 4110 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD and memorials in his memory are suggested to Volunteers for Animals/Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. 

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

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

Batavia - Ronald R. Green, 92, of Batavia, owner and proprietor of Ron Co. Farms in Batavia, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at his home doing what he wanted – with his boots on outside working.

Mr. Green was born September 13, 1924 in Alexander, a son of the late Raymond and Isabella French Green.

After being rejected from the draft because of a heart murmur, he was a quality control inspector for Curtiss Aircraft in Buffalo for the C-46 cargo plane. The C-46 was the first plane capable of flying "over the hump" (India to China through the Himalaya's) to help our Chinese allies defend themselves. He also had a milk truck route where he picked up cans of milk and hauled them to Buffalo and worked for Houseknecht Motors in Batavia.

He loved his farming and was previously active in several local farming organizations. Ron was out on his tractor feeding cows’ right up ‘til the end. He also loved the Lord with his heart and was always praying and reading his Bible. Ron served as a deacon, secretary and on the board at Batavia Assembly of God for many years and helped build the church on North Spruce Street.

Ron was a giving man who would help anyone in need and always put smiles on people's faces; even those he didn't know. His smile, laughter, with and dry sense of humor will be missed by his family.

His wife of 63 years, Mary Alice Green passed away on October 31, 2004.

Surviving are his children, David (Janice) Green of Hemingway, South Carolina, Alvin ("Chip") Green  and Kathie Green, both  of Batavia; two grandsons, Tim (Cami) Green of Greece and Joe (Angel) Green of Conroe, Texas, his sister-in-law, Shirley Green of Nunda and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his siblings, Elton Green, Paul Green, Leora Hopkins and Lelia Bowers.

Friends may call on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Calvary Baptist Church, 3515 Galloway Road, Batavia.  Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Burial will be in West Middlebury Cemetery.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Ron’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lakeville ~ Melanie Lynn DeFazio, the beautiful little "Butterfly" of Brian and Kristi Cosimeno DeFazio, took flight to Heaven before her birth on Saturday, December 24, 2016.

    

 In addition to Mom and Dad, Melanie leaves a loving memory with her sister, Lily Ann DeFazio; her paternal grandparents, Salvatore and Barbara DeFazio; her maternal grandparents, Roger and Nancy Cosimeno, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

     Family and friends are invited to her Rite of Christian Burial on Friday, December 30 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen, NY.

     Memorials are suggested to the March of Dimes, Attention: DRFR, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605

     Condolences may be shared with Melanie's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

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

Norman Ripstein Sr. (Ripper), 85, of Attica passed away on Saturday December 24^th, 2016 at home with his family.  He was born on June 9, 1931 in Attica, the son of the late Charles and Helen (Bey) Ripstein. 

Norm served four years as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force. He was the head locksmith when he retired from the Attica Correctional Facility in 1989.  He loved being with his family, dancing and working in his metal shop for hours.  He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Moose Club, Attica Legion, and the Eagles Club for many years.

Surviving along with his loving wife of 65 years, Marilynn (Glor) Mano Ripstein are their three children, Norman Jr. (Bonnie) Ripstein of West Kingston, RI, Steve (Joanne) Ripstein of Attica and Wendy (Jim) Walsh of Marilla.  His eight grandchildren: Tina (Mike) Harding of Attica, Todd (Meghan) Ripstein of Batavia, Rebecca (Mark) Yedlowski of Navarre, FL., Jennifer (Jerod) Battaglia of Grand Island, Christopher Ripstein of Zellwood, FL, Meagen (Shawn) Simonsen of Hampstead, MD, Mackenzie (Steve) Jervis of Wichita Falls, TX and Meredith Walsh of Marilla.  Thirteen Great-Grandchildren: Chase and Cole Harding, Bridget, Claudia and Tucker Ripstein, Adelyn, Milo, Emery and Abel Yedlowski, Elizabeth and Charles Simonsen, Mason and Riley Battaglia.  Also surviving, a sister-in-law Ret. Col. Beverly Glor of Punta Gorda, FL along with many cousins and close friends.

There will be no prior calling hours.  An 11:30AM Memorial Service will take place at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 11 Washington St., Attica, New York 14011 on Thursday, December 29^th, 2016 with a family reception line prior at 10:30AM     

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church 11 Washington in Attica or American Legion Harder-O’donnell Post No 734- 83 Market St. Attica, NY 14011 or Home Care and Hospice of Warsaw 450 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569 or a charity of your choice. 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.

 

Bergen - Margaret Helen Berry, 77, of Bergen, a call center operator at the former Washington Mutual, (Dime Bank) in Albion, died Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at her home, in Bergen.

Mrs. Berry was born June 8, 1939 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Victor and Helen (Komerowski) Figlerwicz.

She graduated from Nazareth High School and was the operator of the former Fantasy Farm Market in Bergen from 1975-1983.  She was a former volunteer at the Gillam - Grant Community Center in Bergen, served as an Election Official in Bergen and enjoyed traveling.

Her husband, John Berry, died in October of 1985.

Survivors include a daughter, Eileen Brew of Irving; 3 sons, John N. (Jean) Berry of Batavia, Victor A. (Tina Rae) Berry of MA and Charles (Lynn) Berry of Rochester; 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She was the sister of the late Viola Burns and Deborah Byrd.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., 51 S. Lake Street in Bergen, where services immediately follow at 7 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, NY 14416.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Dustin R. Barrett, age 2 months, of Perry passed away on Friday December 16, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Dustin was born in Warsaw, New York on September 19, 2016 a son of Frank and Karen (Curry) Barrett.

He is survived by his parents: Frank and Karen (Curry) Barrett, brother: Damian Barrett, sister: Destiny Barrett both of Perry, Maternal grandparents: Kenneth (Theresa) Curry of TN, Paternal grandmother: Beverly Barrett of Perry, along with many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Family and friends may call from 4:00-7:00PM on Wednesday December 21, 2016 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530 where Funeral Services will follow at 7pm. He will be laid to rest in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in York.

Memorials may be made to the family or to the Ronald McDonald House 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620 or visit http://rmhcrochester.org. 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.

 

Pavilion ~ Elizabeth R. "Betty" Norton, age 98 , passed away Saturday morning (December 17, 2016) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

    

She was born June 15, 1918 in Rochester, NY,  a daughter of the late Byron and C. May Tufts Rudgers.

     Betty loved music and prior to graduating from Pavilion Central School, she composed the tune for a song that became the school's Alma Mater with the words written by Danny Conner.

She was a graduate of the Batavia Branch of the Rochester Business Institute and retired from Pavilion Central School after 35 years as secretary to the principal.  During her tenure, Betty was appointed as Clerk of the Board of Education until her retirement.

     Betty loved her cats and liked cooking, baking and preparing Sunday dinners for her family and grandchildren, as well as planting and caring for her many flowers.  Music continued throughout her life and she enjoyed playing both the piano and her Hammond organ. As a lifetime and oldest member of the Pavilion United Methodist Church, she would also occasionally play the church organ on Sundays.

     She is survived by her daughter, Karry (Harold) Reynolds; her son, Keith (Rhonda) Norton; 4 grandchildren, Todd (Mary) Norton, Michelle (Michael) Freeman, Christy (Chris) Schultz and Karyn (Jeff) Winters; 8 great-grandchildren, Tyler and Bobbie Jo Norton, Britannie (Michael) Fitch, Michaela and Marissa Freeman, Emma Winters and William and Drew Schultz; 1 great-great-granddaughter, Lilly Fitch, along with several nieces and nephews.

     Betty was predeceased by her husband, Stuart R. Norton, daughter-in-law, Shirlee Ann Norton and her siblings, Earl (Virginia) Rudgers, Charles Rudgers and Alta MacFarland.

     Visitation and service information will be announced at a later date in the Spring of 2017.

     Memorials are suggested to the Pavilion United Methodist Church, 11115 E. Park St., Pavilion, NY 14525.

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

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

Derinda M. Burnside, 78 of Corfu, passed away Saturday December 17, 2016 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born November 17, 1938 in Brockport, NY to the late Arthur (Lena Brown) Heise. She is preceded in death by a sister Royetta Kummer and a nephew Larry Burchfield.

Mrs. Burnside was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hamlin, NY. She collected tea cups, cardinals and enjoyed shopping. Mrs. Burnside loved nothing more than spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years Richard C. Burnside of Corfu; children Bonnie (Scott) Chatley of Corfu; Edward Burnside of Albion; James Burnside of Corfu; siblings Beulah Hand of SC; Willis (Carrie) Heise of Albion; Margery (Darwin) Hale of Morton, NY; 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday December 20, 2016 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday December 21, 2016 at the Funeral Home.She will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities. 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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.

Richard L. Fisher, age 63, of Perry passed away on Friday December 16, 2016 at his home. Richard was born in Kittanning, PA., on June 26, 1953 a son of the late Harry and Vera (Best) Fisher. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a grandson Lance "RJ" Riley Jr., and sisters; Cindy DeShane and Gladys Fisher.

Richard worked many years for the King Cole Bean Co. in Avon and later for Livingston County Highway Department. He was an outdoorsman who liked to hunt; he enjoyed working on mechanics, watching NASCAR racing and football games, especially watching his favorite team the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He is survived by 2 daughters: Tina (Dennis) Jones of Castile, Teresa (Lance) Riley of Springwater, his longtime companion: Tammy Garrett of New Orleans, his former wife: Joyce Taylor, sister: Diane (Dave) Thomas of Hawthorne, PA., brother: David (Melba) Fisher of Memphis, TN, grandchildren: Ashley, Noah, Matthew, McKenzie, Emica, Kassidy, Allexa, Triston, Taylor and Ryan, brother-in-law: Harry DeShane of Perry, 3 aunts: Cathy (Ross) Bower of PA., Gloria (Robert) Brywa of Perry, Phyllis Mohney of FL. , along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 4:00-7:00PM on Tuesday December 20, 2016 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75231 or visit www.heart.org. 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.