Obituaries

Gloria Abrams, 77 of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (March 2, 2024) at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY.

She was born September 12, 1946 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Homer Abrams and Ruth Printup. She was the sister of the late Guy Gerard Abrams.

Gloria was employed by the New York State Department of Health at the Rochester Psychiatric Center prior to her retirement. She was a member of the Alabama Fire Department where she was an EMT for several years. Gloria was of the Snipe Clan and a member of the Seneca Singers, Six Nations Agricultural Society, Tonawanda Indian Reservation Historical Society and served on the Peter Doctor Memorial Scholarship Committee for a few years. 

Survivors include her aunts; Shirley Snyder, Lenore Abrams and Patricia Abrams. She is also survived by several cousins and friends.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts and fond memories on Thursday (March 7^th) from 11am-2pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Alabama Fire Department. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Thomas Scheuerlein, 85, of Byron passed away on March 1, 2024 at his home. He was born on July 7, 1938 in Rochester to the late Joseph and Margaret (McDonald) Scheuerlein; his wife Patricia (Falcone) Scheuerlein; Grandson Kyle Scheuerlein and Daughter in law Lorraine Scheuerlein. 

He is survived by his sons; Timothy (Julie), Daniel (Debra), James (Mary), Thomas (Angela), David (Jenifer); sister Mary Ellen Morris; 13 Grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren. 

Thomas was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, the Stafford Fire Department and the 3^rd Order of the Mercidarians. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 1:00PM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 9, 2024 at Our Lady of Mercy & St. Brigid 44 Lake St. LeRoy, NY 14482. He will be laid to rest in Morganville Cemetery in Stafford. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to various charities of your choice. For more information call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Jacqueline Becker, 77, of Gates, New York, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.

 Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Blair C. Becker Jr. (“Chuck”) in 2005. She is survived by her son, Brian Becker (Michele) of Rochester, New York; daughter, Susan Kerley of Atlanta, Georgia; beloved grandchildren, Trent Kerley, Megan Becker, Chase Kerley, and Madisen Becker. Jackie is also survived by her special companion of 14 years, John Yonkoski; siblings, Jerry Foster (Carol), James Foster (Sandy), Margie Chaddock; and brother-in-law, Ron Becker (Donna). Jackie had many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends.

 Being a grandmother was Jackie’s greatest joy. She was a creative, beautiful, kind soul with a beaming smile who never met a stranger. An avid crocheter, she often made items for charities and even waitresses at restaurants she frequented.

 Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Walker Brothers Funeral Home (15 West Ave, Spencerport, NY 14559). A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John the Evangelist Church (55 Martha St, Spencerport, NY 14559). 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) in Jackie’s memory.

Carter John Smith passed peacefully in the arms of his loving parents on February 29, 2024 at Golisano Children's Hospital after a courageous battle with HLHS.

     Carter was born to Ashley and Brandon Smith on January 16, 2024.  

   In just 6 weeks with us, Carter was able to touch so many hearts.  He sure knew how to light up his room on 6 South in the Pediatric Cardiac Care Center.  Always doing things on “Carter” time and showing us just how he was feeling with his big expressive eyes.  Loved being read books, watching Moana, wearing his bombas socks, listening to Mommy and Daddy talk to him and falling asleep with his lamb sound machine.

     He will be unbelievably missed and cherished by not only his parents, but also his grandparents; John and Lorie Fix and Rick and Nancy Smith; his uncle and aunt, Dylan Fix and Jessica Preston; his uncle, Ryan Smith and great-grandmother, Rita DiFrancisco, along with many great aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, who may have never had a chance to meet Carter, but whose love was felt everyday.

     Ashley and Brandon, along with their families would like to thank the amazing nurses and doctors of the Pediatric Cardiac Care Center at Golisano Children's Hospital who cared for Carter as if he was their own.

     Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 5 from 3 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. Carter will be laid to rest privately at St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carter’s name to Golisano Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Cardiac Care Center, 300 East River Road, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627 or Zoey’s Light, 35 Rochelle Drive, Churchville, NY 14428

     Condolences may be shared with Carter’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.  

Bradley (Brad) Crandall, age 56, passed away peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital on February 22, 2024.

     He was one of four children, born on October 17, 1967.   

  Brad is survived by his mother, Nancy (Jim) Thomas; sisters, Tammy (Jim) Gleber, Kim (Mike) Myers and Kelly (Jeff) Kanaley; step brother, Mark (Kristy) Thomas, along with several nieces and nephews.

     He was predeceased by his father, Jim Crandall.

     Brad’s interests included playing the drums, the Philadelphia Eagles and collecting KISS memorabilia.

     He died as he lived…on his own terms.

     Services are private at the convenience of the family.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Brad’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Edward J. LaValley, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Crossroads House in Batavia. He was born October 17, 1934 in Bronx, NY to the late Edward C. and Mildred M. (Fagan) LaValley. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice A. (Genagon) LaValley (1999) and his son, Edward P. LaValley (1987). 

Mr. LaValley was a proud United States Navy Veteran, serving from 1951 to 1955. He enlisted in the Navy at 17, did his NTC in San Diego, served on the USS Leonard F. Mason DD-852 and at US NAVREC STA, Long Beach, CA. Ed went on to serve his community in the Batavia Police Department from 1956 to 1990 and as Batavia Yard Waste Station Attendant from 1990 to December of 2023. He was member of the American Legion and the VFW in Batavia, he was a competitive target shooter and he enjoyed golfing and fishing. 

He is survived by his loving daughter, Jeanne Marie (Greg) Steele of Batavia; his lady friend, Pauline E. Walker of Batavia, her children, Paula (Dennis) Hanson of Honeoye Falls, Patti (Richard Donk) Darch of Waterport, William (Pamela) Reed of Byron, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. 

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Crossroads House. “Dad your room is ready.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Martin D. Coffta, 68, went off on his last road trip, surrounded by his loving family on Feb. 29, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. 

A bright light and true adventurer he never shied away from a challenge and was an intrepid traveler. Marty visited 49 of the 50 states – sadly Hawaii missed out - and did a cross-country tour of Canada. He sometimes, went on foot, sometimes pedaled his beloved Takara 10-speed, sometimes hopped a train, and sometimes flew by as a blur on his BMW motorcycle. In the last years of his life, his preferred vehicle was his beloved 1997 Dodge Ram camper van, Belle. The Takara took him 840 miles on a scenic tour of the coast of California. His feet helped him hitchhike from Western New York to Seattle, and his BMW and van covered countless miles from Maine to New Orleans; Akron, NY, to Arizona and everywhere in between. 

Marty was born on June 17, 1955, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Leonard and the late Emma Coffta. He was a 1973 graduate of Akron Central Schools and attended Erie Community College, where he studied electronics. Marty was the go-to mechanic at several places throughout his life including Darien Lake, Fisher Price, Eastman Kodak, Webster Plastics and Xerox. In between those gigs he showed off his fishing skills working on a trawler in Alaska. He also spent time working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, stuffing himself with oyster po’boys and enjoying the New Orleans nightlife.

Marty traveled light and loved hard, making friends, and creating memories wherever he went. He had a passion for live music and attended hundreds of concerts and shows in his lifetime. His wicked sense of humor stayed with him until the end. Marty truly loved nothing more than being able to make the people he loved laugh. In the last six years he fulfilled two lifelong dreams:  traveling to the Isle of Man to see the world-famous Tourist Trophy Motorcycle Race in 2019; and finding the perfect houseboat in the perfect spot on the Wolf River, near Partridge Lake in beautiful Fremont, Wis. He was a beloved fixture at Anchor Point Marina, where he mowed the lawn and was the center of the Marina’s summer social scene.

Through it all, he never lost touch with his beloved family, including his children Megan (Todd) Dennis and Matt (Brittany) Coffta; grandchildren Maddison and Mason Dennis and Bryn Coffta; his cherished brother Jim (Chris) Coffta; sisters Michelle (Randy) Hollander and Kathy (John) Coffta Sims; and his niece Amy (Ed) Collver. In his last days, he finally won the Collver-Coffta Sorry Tournament – besting his favorite great niece Hannah Collver in an epic showdown.

Marty is also survived by his sister Suzanne (Robert) Webster; and brothers Joseph (Darlene) Coffta and Jeffrey (Stephanie) Coffta; many nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  In addition to his mother, he was predeceased by his sister Carol Ann (Steve) Hill and nephew Kevin Coffta. 

There will be no calling hours. A private Memorial Service and epic party, featuring a playlist Marty created just for the occasion, will be held in his honor this spring. 

Marty’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice of Western New York, with a special thank you to his wonderful nurse Lex and his favorite social worker Maria. Please consider a donation in his name to this amazing organization – which brought great comfort to all in his final days. 

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Vincent Edward Speed age 85, of Homosassa FL, passed away on February 24th 2024. Vincent was born in Batavia, NY to the late Harold K. and Eunice M. Speed. He graduated from Oakfield HS in 1956, later graduating from the U. of Toledo earning 2 Engineering degrees.  He married wife Barbara Pioterek and returned to NYS where he worked for 15 yrs at Xerox in Engineering, Manufacturing and Distribution. He earned his MBA at RIT, where he later taught. After becoming a New Product Manufacturing Start-up Specialist, he moved to San Diego in 1983 to direct the manufacturing technical support for production of test equipment for the B-1B bomber at General Dynamics. In 1984, he married Edith Slebiota and worked for 12 additional companies around the country directing engineering and operations until his retirement from GM in 2002.  After retirement he moved to Florida and in 2014 found his final loving companions Bonnie Graves and Baxter.

He was predeceased by his sister Arlene Henderson and brothers Richard and Donald. He is survived by his children Kenneth and wife Deborah of NY; Terry and wife Kathleen of VA and Diana Caccamise of NY. He also leaves 3 grandchildren and a sister-in-law.  

Friends may call on Friday, March 8th from 11 am to 12 pm at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will immediately follow at 12 pm with burial at the SPEED family plot at Daws Corners Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a memory or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Maureen Kirby, 85, of Attica NY, passed away peacefully on February 28th, 2024 at Gateway Home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 25, 1938, daughter of the late Gerald & Mary (Kirsch) Sennott.

She was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Sennott.

Maureen is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Robert Kirby; children, Gregory Kirby of Mt Laurel NJ, Stephen (Jennifer Texter) Kirby of Amherst NY, Brian (Dr. Lori Bowman) Kirby of Orchard Park NY. She was a proud Grandmother to Alex, Tori, Emma, Chloe & Mari Kirby and Great Grandmother to Braxton Kirby. Maureen is also survived by many loving nieces & nephews.

Maureen was the Valedictorian of the class of 1956 at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, graduated from Rochester Business Institute and attended Genesee Community College. She worked at Sylvania GTE in the Government Aerospace Research Division before staying home to raise her children.
Maureen also worked at the US Post Office in Attica and Alexander NY before retiring in 1996.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. funeral Home, 403 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Maureen’s mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Joachim and Anne Catholic Church 50 East Ave Attica NY 14011. Burial will be at a later date in St. Vincent's Cemetery, Attica, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Maureen’s memory to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street Attica NY 14011 and Sts. Joachim and Anne Catholic Church 50 East Ave Attica NY 14011.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Corfu – Mildred VanZile, 75 of Corfu passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mildred was born on April 1, 1948 in Johnson City, Tennessee, a daughter of the late James Tolley and Minnie (Gladys) Eckridge. 

She enjoyed her dog, Peyton, anything that was purple, crafts, and watching Dr. Pol and Madea. Mildred retired from 76 Truck Stop where she worked as a cook until retiring.

Mildred will be remembered by her daughter, Constance Schirmer; grandchildren, Joshua Olowski, Nichole Rodriguez and Cheyenne Staats; great grandchildren, Annalise Rodríguez and Lamont Rodriguez; Siblings, Paul Tolley and Theodore “Teddy” Tolley; companion, Anthony “Tony” Jack, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Mildred will be reunited with her, parents, James Tolley and Minnie Eckridge, and her sister, Barbara Tolley.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner Funeral Home, Batavia. As per the families wishes there will be no services. Burial will at the convenience of the family at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu, NY.

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

Batavia – Donna L. Wissinger, age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born on October 31, 1955, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Wilbur C. Hackett and Dolores M. Van Buren Hackett.

Surviving are her children, Christopher L. (Diana Washburn) Wissinger of Attica, Daniel L. (Robin) Wissinger of Middleport, Kimberly D. (Tino Fernandez) Wissinger of Batavia, Dale J. (Stacey M.) Wissinger of Oakfield and Rebbecca S. Wissinger of Batavia; 21 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; her brothers, Allan W. (Stacey) Hackett of Batavia, Stephen S. (Mary Jane Sage) Hackett of Oakfield; her sister, Tonya J. (Mark) Toporczyk of East Bethany along with all extended family.

There are no prior visiting hours. Donna’s memorial service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 11 am at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Wissinger family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Gerald (Jerry) R. Moscicki, 70 of Attica, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (February 27, 2024) at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY after a very recent diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer that had spread. 

He was born December 19, 1953 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Raymond and Dorothy Klimowicz Moscicki. Predeceased by a nephew, Shane O'Brien. 

Jerry was a lover of antique cars and often spoke of his 1939 Studebaker or 1953 green Chevy. He was a lifelong truck driver. He enjoyed tractor pulls and demolition derbies and the occasional car race. He was an active member of AA that slowed when his health decline when he started dialysis in around 2015. His life motto was "Everything happens for a reason...it‘s all about how you handle that reason". He was a believer that he was going home to heaven to be with his parents and many friends after his earthly death and with a heavy heart he will be missed for his interesting perspectives on life which he was very vocal about. 

Survivors include his daughters, Carol (Bob) Magoffin of Batavia and Jessica Moscicki of Rochester. Son, Jimmy Moscicki of Attica. Sister, Mickey O’Brien of Warsaw. Grandchildren, Alexis (Elexis- as Poppa Jerry called her), Patti, Jonathan and Jamison Magoffin, Marek Julia and Spencer Moscicki. Also survived by nieces, nephews and several cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (March 8^th) from 5-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a service will commence at 7pm.

Expressions of sympathy 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.

Bergen ~ Donald George Hart, age 96, passed away Monday afternoon (February 26, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center.

     He was born July 11, 1927 in Kendall, N.Y., a son of the late George W. and Bessie Koehler Hart.  

  Don was a proud Navy veteran, serving in WWII.  He will be remembered for his love of family and his Bergen community. Don wore many hats over the years.  He owned an excavation business as well as a sawmill.  He became the Town of Bergen Highway Superintendent, serving for 17 years and was a past chief of the Bergen Fire Dept.  Don was the oldest living Mason in Bergen, with over 65 years of membership.  He also was an avid hunter and a life member of the Bergen Rod & Gun Club. 

     He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Kathleen (Michael) Hammerl of Bergen; his four grandchildren, Emily Hammerl-Vegso (Roland Vegso) of Athens, GA and their children, Oskar, Ilona and Felix; Patricia (Jared) Plucknette of Bergen and their children, Nina, Michael and Rory; Steven (Laura) Hammerl of Spencerport and their children, Augustus and Gabriel; and Kathrine Hammerl of Bergen; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Edward) DeMars of North Chili and JoAnne Buda of Batavia; dear friend, Jerry MacConnell of Chittenango, N.Y., many nieces and nephews, along with his friends at the 400 Towers.

     Don was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Hart, Leonard Hart, John  Hart and Minnie Zenke and companion, Mary Lou Swabb.

     Don’s family will be present to receive friends on Friday, March 8 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Sage Pavilion, 62 South Lake Avenue, Bergen.  Interment in Mt. Rest Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bergen Fire Department, 10 Hunter Street, Bergen, N.Y. 14416

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Naomi F. Grice, 95 of West Batavia, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Naomi was born on November 20, 1928, in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Clayton and Freida Baum Scoins. She was the wife of the late Donald J. Grice; sister of the late Robert, Allan and William Scoins and Jean Chase.

Naomi was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. Her favorite pastimes were baking, cooking, painting, working in her garden, flowers, sitting on the bench in front of her home and all stray cats. She was a helluva good mother!

Naomi is survived by her loving son, Michael Grice and her daughter Mary Catherine and several grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

There are no calling hours. Private services were held at the convenience of the family. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.

The family would like to thank the LeRoy Village Green for their loving care of Naomi. Memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, New York.

Shanon Lynn Harkins, of Wyoming, completed her journey on Sunday, February 25^th at the age of 44.

     Shanon is survived by her loving family; parents, Brett and Donna Shepard of Pavilion; grandparents, Robert and Barbara Shepard of LeRoy; husband, Robert Harkins; children, Addison, Jayden and Olivia of Wyoming; sister, Cristen (Peter) Kingston of Geneseo; brother, Jeremy (Stephanie Curry) Shepard of East Bethany; mother-in-law, Barbara Harkins of Wyoming; grandparents, Bruce and Rody Pierce of LeRoy; grandmother, Ruth Boening of Wyoming; brother-in-law, Thomas (Jenny) Harkins of Wyoming; nephews, Cooper Harkins, Logan and Carter Kingston, Dylan Shepard; nieces, Ela Harkins and Brooklyn Shepard, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Shanon is predeceased by her father-in-law, Craig Harkins.  

   Shanon was born in Batavia on May 26^th, 1979.  She was a 1997 graduate of Pavilion Central School and GCC School of Nursing.  Shanon lived passionately as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and healer. Shanon worked at United Memorial Medical Center as a Registered Nurse for many years and then Genesee Orthopedics before she decided to embark on a new journey with her sister, opening The Farmer’s Wife in Pavilion.  As Shanon took ill, she continued to help others with a holistic approach who were fighting illness battles.  Shanon thrived during her illness by living with purpose and positivity; she would encourage you all to do the same.

     There are no calling hours, per Shanon’s request.  Please join Shanon’s family for a Celebration of Her Life on March 10^th at 12:00 PM at BW’s Restaurant in Pavilion, NY.  To support her spiritualty and strength & courage, she would like you to wear purple or black.

     Shanon has requested no flowers and ask that you consider planting a tree or flowers in memory of her. 

     Memorials may also be made to 4H of Wyoming County, 36 Center Street, Suite B, Warsaw, N.Y, 14569

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Shanon’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Shanon and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.