Obituaries

Joseph H. Albiez , formerly of Batavia, NY entered into rest at  Memorial Hermann Medical Center of The Woodlands, Texas, on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. He was born in New York, New York on July 3, 1929, the son of the late Joseph  F. (1976) and Elizabeth Obrist Albiez (1994). He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, June D. (Rogers) Albiez (2005), and his brothers, William and Bob.

He lived in Batavia for nearly two decades, serving as the General Manager for Eaton Yale & Town; served as Deacon for many years at the First Presbyterian Church; enjoyed his service with the Batavia Rotary Club, and the former Elk’s Lodge for many years. Moving to Illinois in 1979 he continued working for Eaton serving as GM in Carol Stream, Ill. ; then on  to Texas in 2013 to live closer to family.

He is survived by his two sons, Joseph R. (Erin) Albiez of the Woodlands, Texas ; Mark (Doris Holvey) Albiez of Lockport, NY; and daughter Kim (Stephen) Davies of Alexandria , Va.; grandfather to  Joseph, Kaitlin, Haven and Jeffrey Albiez,   Sister-in-Law, Cathrine (William) Albiez; Uncle to many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Funeral services will be held immediately following with interment at Grandview Cemetery. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Gerald A. Aberth, 53, of Perry passed away Sunday May 24, 2015 at his home. He was born in Warsaw, New York on March 2, 1962 to the late Harold Aberth and Eleanor (Richardson) Aberth of Perry. He is preceded in death by his brother Paul Aberth.

He was a graduate of Perry High School after graduation he enlisted with the US Navy. He worked for Patriot Towers in Scottsville as a master electrician. He was a member of the Oatka Valley Snowmobile Club, and the Perry Vets Club. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping, riding his four wheelers, snowmobiles, motorcycle and spending time with his friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Jeriann (Willey) Aberth of Perry whom he married in December 2013, daughter  Jennifer Aberth of Winter Park, FL.; sons  Joel Aberth of Winter Park, FL., and Jeremy Swain of Perry; step-children Joshua Willey of Nunda, Nicholas Willey of York and Kristle Willey of Nunda; sisters Sandy (David) DeLavergne of Pavilion, Linda (Steve) Poydock of Oswego, Carol (Donald) Bach of Elma, Vicki (Paul) Sczypierowski of Orchard Park, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Friday May 29, 2015 from 11:00 AM -2:00PM at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Funeral Services will follow at 2 PM at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Samuel T. Monteleone, age 62 of Perry, died on Friday May 22, 2015 at Park Ridge Hospital. He was born in Warsaw, New York on June 4, 1952 to the late Samuel A. ( Marion Wood) Monteleone.

Sam was a 1970 graduate of Perry High School. He worked for the former Walkley’s Farm Equipment in Perry, Lamb and Webster in North Java and was about to retire in June from Cummings and Bricker in Batavia. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish in Perry, the Perry Kiwanis Club where he was active in their youth baseball leagues, was a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, a founding member of the Perry Sports Booster Club, a former member and president of the Perry School Board of Education and was a councilman for the Town of Castile for 10 years. He enjoyed Silver Lake where he boated and fished, an avid golfer, and mostly enjoyed spending time with his family especially with is grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy (Watson) Monteleone whom he married in June of 1972; sons Samuel (Jennifer) Monteleone, John (Amanda) Monteleone and Bryon (Jessica Weibel) Monteleone all of Perry; sister Sharon (Ben) Midea of Albion; brother James (Jevon Cassidy) Monteleone of Perry; 6 ½ grandchildren Cooper, Jaxson, Madelyn, Olivia, Gabriella and Antonia Monteleone along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday May 26, 2015 from 1-4 PM and 6-9 PMat the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Prayers at the funeral home on Wednesday May 27, 2015 will precede a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in the West Perry Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association 26 Broadway, 14th Floor New York, New York 10004 jdrf.org, Fingerlakes Donor Recovery Network Corporate Woods of Brighton, Building 30, Suite 220 Rochester, New York 14623 http://www.donorrecovery.org as Sam was a organ and tissue donor, or to the Ricky Palermo Foundation 5159 Sunset Terrace Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

J. Robert Buckley, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday May 22, 2015 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born February 23, 1925 in Batavia to the late Joseph (Alice Ryan) Buckley. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley E. Buckley on March 23, 2015, brother Paul J. Buckley, sister Rita Feeney and son-in-law Craig Hale.

Mr. Buckley entered into the United States Marine Corp in August of 1942. He served during WWII, Iwo Jima in the South Pacific Theatre. Mr. Buckley worked for over 50 years as a Meat Cutter at Super Duper in Attica. He served two terms on Batavia City Council in the 1970’s representing the 6th Ward. Mr. Buckley was a member of Ascension Parish and volunteer for the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

He is survived by his children Constance (Floyd) Duesler of TX, Mary Hale of Batavia, John (Sharon) Buckley of TX, Dennis (Louise) Buckley, Tim (Mary Jo) Buckley, James (Sue) Buckley and Joseph Buckley all of Batavia. Brother James (Mary Ellen) Buckley of Buffalo; four sisters Mary Chase of Pittsburgh, PA;  Patricia (Paul) Lippold of Oakfield, Josephine Buckley of Buffalo and Margaret Schum of Batavia, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren survive along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday May 27, 2015 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday May 28, 2015 at Ascension Parish, Sumner and Swan Streets, Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society of Western New York www.svdpwny.org. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

David R. Spink, 64, of Varysburg passed away on Thursday May 21, 2015 at Chautauqua Lake. He was born January 17, 1951 in Warsaw, New York to the late Hayden (Mabel Jones) Spink Sr. He is preceded in death by his brothers Hayden Spink Jr. and Norman Spink.

David was a Correction Officer at Attica Prison for 36 years. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting fishing and boating.  David was an avid NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Sr. Most of all David loved his family more than anything.

He is survived by his beloved wife Linda M. (Penn) Spink of Varysburg; children Jeffrey Spink of Varysburg, Kimberley Spink of Varysburg, Kathy (Marc) Siterak of Orlando, FL; brother Paul(Debra) Spink of Varysburg; sister Sharon Bashlin-Kellogg of Fruitland, FL Park; 6 grandchildren Alicia Rautenstrauch, Dylan, Clayton and Logen Spink, Cheyenne and Tyler Pedarza along with many nieces and nephews and numerous other family members.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday May 24 from 1-4 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. Services and burial will be held private.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Lake Walleye Association Inc. 55 Center Street PO Box 414 Bemus Point, New York 14712. 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 St. Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Jackie L. Buszka, 43, of Batavia, died Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at her home, in Batavia.

Miss Buszka was born October 23, 1971 in Warsaw, the daughter of Shirley (Baker) Davis of Batavia and the late Jerome Buszka.

She attended the United Pentecostal Church of Batavia, and participated in the ARC Saturday Respite Program.  She was employed at the Genesee Chapter of ARC.

Surviving along with her mother is a brother, James Buszka of New York, NY and several nieces and nephews.  

Friends may call on Saturday from 11 am to 1 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E, Main St, Batavia, where services will follow at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.  

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

 

Edgar A. Terrill, 85, of Alexander passed away peacefully on Thursday May 14, 2015 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. He was born May 19, 1929 in Dunkirk, New York   to the late Warren G. (Wilda M. Willis) Terrill. 

Edgar worked for over 30 years as a Rail Road Maintainer for Conrail in Buffalo New York and was a member of the Moose Club.

He is survived by his loving wife Patty J. (Fisher) Terrill of Alexander; children Ronald (Dorothy) Terrill of Hillsville, PA., LeeAnn (Michael) Neddo of Pigeon Forge, TN., Carolyn Rasmussen of Magnolia, TX.; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 2:00 PM Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday May 31, 2015 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020

Vincent Dean Messina, 75, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2014, at his home in Haines City, Florida after a brief illness. Mr. Messina was born on August, 28, 1939, in Batavia, the oldest son of the late Charles and Beatrice (Martino) Messina.

“Vinny” graduated in 1957 from Notre Dame High School and then went on to attend Niagara University and the University of Buffalo. He worked as a Union Official at Batavia Downs and also worked on many construction projects throughout the area until retiring to Florida in 1999. Vincent enjoyed the harness racing industry and was a former harness horse owner and member of the United States Trotting Association. He loved all sports especially football.

Vincent is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean (Krakus) Messina.

He is also survived by two daughters, Denise (Charles) Hull of LeRoy, NY; Theresa (Steve) DiMarco of Rochester, NY; and one son, Dean (Patricia Orlando) Messina of Dunkirk, NY. He is the loving grandfather of Anthony Messina, Christopher Messina, Andrew Messina, Lucas Hull, Lauren Hull, Samantha Di Marco and Philip Messina. He is also survived by aunts and an uncle; cousins; along with many nieces; nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is the brother of Charles (Patricia Tatarka) Messina and Paul (Sharon Mancuso) Messina.

A 10:30 AM Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday May 23, 2015 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, New York 14020 where Vincent was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to Development Department, Good Shepherd Hospice, 320 W. Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33815. Funeral arrangements were completed in Florida. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfunrealhome.com  or for more information call (585) 343-8260

West Seneca - Doris M. Schoepflin, 90, of West Seneca, formerly of Bergen, member of the Bergen United Methodist Church, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Cheektowaga.

Mrs. Schoepflin was born October 7, 1924 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Alfred and Louise (Rother) Williams.

Her husband, Richard P. Schoepflin, passed away on September 11, 1999.

She is survived by three sons, Peter (Angela) Schoepflin of Ohio, Paul Schoepflin of Alden and Mark (Yvonne) Schoepflin of West Seneca; 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Katheryn Meredith of Buffalo and several nieces and nephews.

She is the sister of the late Ethel Vogt and Eleanor Haas.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial designations to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen.

Harold Smith passed away on May 17, 2015 in his home.  Harold was born June 3, 1929 in Middletown, NY to Harold and Myrtie Smith.  He graduated from St. John’s Academy in Plattsburgh, NY.  He served in the US Navy from 1947 to 1950.  Upon discharge he continued his education at various colleges in New York State.  He entered into the NYS Dept. of Corrections in 1952.  He worked in ten different correctional facilities.  He came to Attica in 1972 and became Superintendent in 1973.  He worked there until 1984 when he transferred to Wyoming Correctional Facility.  He retired as Superintendent of Wyoming Correctional Facility, concluding a 35 year career that included restoring stability at Attica Correctional Facility after the 1971 riot. 

Harold served as an original member of the Buffalo Diocese Peace and Justice Committee which was devoted to social justice.  He was a parishioner of St. Joachim and Anne Parish.  He served on the Parish council, served as a lector, and also a bingo worker.  Harold received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal issued by Pope John Paul II in 1987.  The award was presented by the Rev. Edward D. Head, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.  The medal was bestowed in recognition for work as an outstanding Catholic leader.  Harold was the first Superintendent in the history of New York State to be given this honor.

Harold was a big supporter of the Stevens Memorial Library.  He served for many years on the Library Board.  He was a long time member of the Attica Golf Club, also a member of the Attica Lions Club, and the Harder O’ Donnell American Legion. He was a VA volunteer in Batavia, NY for many years. Harold enjoyed all types of sports especially golf along with skiing and bowling in his younger years.  He enjoyed his retirement, traveling and spending winters in St. Augustine, Florida.  What he enjoyed most was his family and was happiest when they could all get together.

Harold is survived by his wife, Betty Smith, of 61 years, a son Scott (Diane) of Attica, a son Craig (Lisa) Bloomingdale, NY and a deceased son, Jeffrey (Barbara) in 2002.  Also, surviving is a sister, Karen Wyatt of Lawrenceburg, IN and a brother- in-law, Ed Spangenberg, Port Jervis, NY.  Six grandchildren; Jennifer, Stephanie (Eric), Christopher, Amee (Nick), Justin, and Kaitlyn.  Four great-grandchildren; Owen, Landon, Gavin, and Ali.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 4PM -8PM at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. in Attica on Thursday May 21^st.

He bequeathed his body to the University at Buffalo’s Anatomical Gift Program.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stevens Memorial Library 146 Main St. Attica, NY 14011 or Wyoming County Hospice 450 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569. 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 St. Attica, New York 14011.

Pembroke - Raymond R. Warren, 84, a long time resident of Pembroke, passed away Sunday (May 17, 2015) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.
Mr. Warren was born July 7, 1930, in Corfu, a son of the late Edward and Doris Aylsworth Warren. Ray was a life member of the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), A-On-Do-Wa-Nuh Sportsman’s Club in Geneseo and an honorary member of the Sportsman’s Coon Hunters Association. Ray loved to hunt, fish and especially trap shooting at area clubs and also clubs in Ohio and Florida. Ray was the beloved husband of the late Doris Witt Warren and brother of the late John, Thomas, Emma, Harriet and Margaret.

Ray is survived by two sons, James (Roxanne) Warren and Ronald (Catherine) Warren; grandsons, Kenneth (Kristen) and Andrew Warren; great grandchildren, Brooke Marie and Tyler Raymond; brothers and sisters, William, Augustus, Gertrude and Nancy. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to Noon at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funerals services will follow at Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pembroke Fire Department, 630 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

Fort Myers - Patricia Noel Merritt, 56, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Batavia, died Sunday, April 26, 2015  in Fort Myers.

Mrs. Merritt was born December 16, 1958 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Lawrence H. and Concetta Marone Merritt White.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Arth of Ft. Myers, Florida; her daughter, Corinne Edelstein of Stamford, Connecticut; two brothers, Larry Merritt and Bob Merritt, both of Batavia and several aunts, uncles and cousins survive.

There are no prior visiting hours. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015 at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Msgr. Schwartz Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Corinne Edelstein, c/o H. E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 to be distributed to Patty's favorite charities. To light a candle, share a story or send a condolence, please visit www.bataviafuneral homes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Bessie A. Grasso, 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 16, 2015) in Batavia at the home of her son and daughter in-law, with her loving family by her side.

She was born February 23, 1922 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Harrison and Annette Johnson Hale.

Bessie was employed by Union Steel Chest Co. in LeRoy and the V.A. Hospital in Batavia prior to her retirement.  She was very passionate about her family and enjoyed spending time raising her children and grandchildren.  Bessie also enjoyed collecting collect anything and everything for flea market sales.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Grasso Sr., who passed away on September 20, 2013 and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her children, Joseph (Carol) Grasso Jr. of Batavia, Betty Ann Nash of Florida and Richard (Kathy) Grasso of Hilton, NY. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sisters in-law, Betty Grasso, Louise Capuano and Sister Mary Virginia.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (May 19^th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7pm.  Burial will be private for the family in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY or Homecare and Hospice, 29 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 & PROPRIETOR.