Obituaries

Franklin Davis, 93, lifelong resident of LeRoy NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024 at UMMC after spending a loving day with his five children. Frank entered our world on March 15, 1931, in Buffalo NY, the youngest of four sons born to Alfred Rice Davis and Anna Board Gillett. Frank graduated from LeRoy High School ’49, attended Culver Military Academy and then completed his formal education at Babson College.

Upon graduation Frank purchased and operated a greenhouse/florist business on North St. in LeRoy for several years where he honed his talent for flower arranging. Frank then began working for Jones Chemicals in various positions including management, operations and sales, traveling throughout the United States to various Jones Facilities. He retired from Jones Chemicals as Sales Manager after 45 years. Frank was fiercely proud of LeRoy and the Davis heritage in the region dating back to the 1790’s. He gave back to his community by serving as a Mason for over 70 years, member of the Leroy Volunteer Fire Department and the Oatka Hose Co. for over 55 years. He was a lifetime member of both the Leroy Presbyterian Church and the LeRoy Historical Society. Additionally, he served on the boards of Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy Business Council, and the Genesee County Planning Board, He was a member of Stafford Country Club and teamed with Bruce Baker to put the first shovels in the ground for what would become the Bocce courts on Mill St. Frank was the LeRoyan of the Year in 2016.

Frank was the original ‘real deal’ in so many ways. One of a kind. A legend with a trademark. THE CIGAR! When Frank was mentioned, one would say “oh yeah, the guy with the cigar.” His kindness and doing for others was always his way, certainly as ubiquitous as his cigar. Frank enjoyed hosting parties, especially 4th of July and Thanksgiving morning. Frank was religious about his daily elixir for longevity, 7-10 bags of green tea stuffed in a mug. You would find Frank on Wednesday and Friday mornings with the ‘Breakfast Gang’, solving all of the local and national problems by 9:15am. One would most often find Frank tinkering in his shed, fixing something, breaking something, painting something…always a project to be completed! He was a prolific gardener and proud of his plantings, especially zinnias. He loved his John Deere tractor and was frequently seen riding around, many times over to the home of his close friend Bob Jackson, cigar firmly clenched between his teeth.

Frank was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Anna Davis, first wife Nancy (Jones), brothers Daniel, Lewis, and James. He is survived by his wife Martha, daughters Selby (Tony) of Interlaken, Hannah(AJ) of Baldwinsville, sons Benson (Joyce) of E. Bethany, Hugh (Jane) of Fairhaven MA, Andrew (Jennifer) of Hartland VT: grandchildren Jessica Davis of Easton MA., Justin Davis of Jacksonville NC., Nicholas Rizzo (Ceci) of Atlanta GA., Jeff Rizzo of Elmhurst Ill. Casey Denina (Michael) of Long Beach CA. , Alicia Normoyle (Aaron) of Greece, NY. , 6 great grandchildren and his beloved dog Oakley.

At his request there will be no calling hours. Franks memorial service will be held September 28, 2024 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church, 7 Clay Street, LeRoy. Interment will be private at Machpelah Cemetery. Memorials can be made in Frank’s memory to The First Presbyterian Church and the LeRoy Historical Society, 23 East Main Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.

Gloria Arlene Cotter, passed Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Predeceased by her husband, Steve Cotter, son Tim Fleck, sisters, Mabel Hale, Bertha Downey, Loretta Sackel, Mary Shultz, Jeanette Shultz, and brothers, Norman Hale and Donald Hale.

Survived by children, Deborah Smith (Al), Teresa Doran, Jeannin Sigler (Kevin), Linda Cotter, Stephen Cotter (Vickie), Shirley Boyd (Dan) and sister Mary Jane Fugle, 22 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren and 23 great-great grandchildren.

Gloria Cotter (Midge) volunteered for many years for the Boy Scouts, Little League, Salvation Army, Elba Ladies Auxiliary, and VFW.

For the last 20 years, Gloria has volunteered her time as Head of the kitchen making 3-4 meals per week for residents of 400 Towers…whoever signed up received a meal.

She founded the 90-plus celebration more than 20 years ago at 400 Towers in Batavia.  She bought, prepared, served and cleaned up after the annual luncheon.

Calling hours are Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, where Gloria’s funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. also on Friday.  She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/support-us. 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.

Pavilion ~ James “Smiley” Thompson, 87, passed peacefully at home on September 15, 2024.    

  A loving father and proud Marine veteran, Smiley was also a self-employed mechanic who enjoyed playing cards, bowling, camping and fishing. He loved sharing stories and jokes that brought smiles to those around him.

     He is survived by his daughter, Tara Bowen; grandchildren, Justin Losh (Rachel Crouse), Daniel J. Bowen, and Allison Bowen; and his brother, Bill (Linda) Thompson, along with several nieces and nephews. 

     In addition to his parents Clayton and Helen Kelso Thompson, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Robert Thompson, Clayton Thompson, Gary Thompson, Marlene Wood and Loretta Draper. 

     Smiley’s legacy of kindness and humor will be cherished and deeply missed by all who knew him.

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

Benjamin Neale Abrams, 49, of Batavia, passed away on September 16, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on April 17, 1975 in Batavia to Marshall Neale and Barbara (Howell) Abrams. 

In addition to his parents, Ben is survived by a daughter and son; Jessie and Jakob Abrams; sister Carrie Janes; grandmother Audrey Abrams Potter; nieces and nephew Tyler Janes, Kesa (Travis) Wasivlewski, Emily Janes; great nephew Chanceton; along with aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Ben loved working at HP Hood in Batavia and all the people he worked with. He enjoyed working on old cars, canoeing, hunting and fishing. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately for the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North 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.

David H. Van Scoy, age 82, passed away peacefully, in his home, on September 10, 2024.

Born on April 16, 1942 in Newburgh, NY, the first born son of the late Harry and Nellie Van Scoy.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Charleen D. Van Scoy; sons Shawn (Shannon) Van Scoy, Mark (Greta) Van Scoy; grandchildren, Hannah, Noah, Kate, Matthew and Cassidy Van Scoy; brother, Douglas (Gayle) Van Scoy of South Carolina; cousins, Irma Van Scoy and Charles Lynch.

David had a distinguished career in education, serving as a Math teacher and assistant principal in Webster CSD; Principal at  North Knox High School in Indiana; principal at Moravia High School; Superintendent of the Port Byron CSD and Superintendent of Batavia City Schools where he finished his career in 1998.  

Following his retirement, David enjoyed many years crisscrossing the United States  with Charleen, exploring new places and visiting family and friends. Throughout their travels he connected with people from all walks of life, making new friends along the way; attending Lions Club meetings across the country, and eventually joining the Palm Desert Strummers.  

David will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer grace to others.  His life in Batavia was marked by his service to the community.  Despite coming  from a modest background, he was determined to ensure that others had more. He actively participated in the First Presbyterian Church, the Batavia Lions Club and the Salvation Army.  Whether it was cooking hamburgers at the racetrack, coordinating the holiday bell ringers, serving coffee at dinners, helping serve Christmas dinner with the Lions Club, teaching Sunday school, or singing in the church choir, he was always willing to serve where he was needed.  

Family and friends will remember David for his sense of fun, copious corny Dad jokes, encyclopedic knowledge of camp songs, love of card and board games, love of fishing and the joy he found in playing the ukulele.

A service will be held for David at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, New York on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 2 pm.  Due to allergies the family asks that flowers NOT be sent.   In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, https://fpcbatavia.org/give/;  the Batavia Lions Club, https://batavialions.org/ , or the Salvation Army Batavia Corps https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/batavia/. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Jane C. Hamera, born December 13, 1930, in Batavia, New York, passed away peacefully at The Highlands of Pittsford on September 13, 2024. Jane was formerly of Batavia and spent many cherished years there before moving to North Chili to be closer to her family.

A longtime and beloved member of her community, Jane deeply enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She found immense joy in fishing, boating, and camping adventures with her late husband, "Matty" who predeceased her on January 30, 2002. Many fond family memories were made during these times.

Jane also had a passionate interest in supporting and attending her grandsons’ sporting events and played an instrumental role in helping raise them. Always a social butterfly, she greatly enjoyed visiting, socializing, and being around people, traits that endeared her to many.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy (Gary) Kanellis, and two grandsons, Matthew Kanellis and Benjamin Kanellis, all of North Chili, New York, who were the light of her life and constant sources of pride and joy.

Jane is predeceased by her parents, Francis Hulburt, Sr. and Agnes Hulburt, as well as her husband, Matthew W. Hamera. She is also predeceased by her siblings, Jack Hulburt, Francis Hulburt, Jr., Mary Tiede, and Joan Hale.

The family will hold visitation at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, New York, on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a funeral service from 1:00 pm. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials in her name may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Jane's presence, love, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

James R. Greene, 95, of Batavia passed away on July 20, 2024 at the Grand Nursing Home. He was born on March 21, 1929. 

James was a United States Army Veteran. 

He will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu. 

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 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Rita Sidari, 75 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (September 12, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born November 24, 1948 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Nunzio and Nunziata Tramontana Longobardi.

Rita was employed as a head cook for the Batavia City School District, NYS School for the Blind and was one of the first receptionists for Genesee Community College prior to her retirement. She also was a sales consultant for AVON for 31 years. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and was a volunteer for St. Stephans Table, Genesee County Senior Center and YWCA. Rita was also a longtime parishioner of Resurrection Parish in Batavia. She loved to travel and enjoyed being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter, Angela (Tim) Faucett of Batavia. Grandchildren, Brandon (Cassidy) Faucett of Florida, Bailey Faucett of Akron and Alaina (Quinten) Weis of Batavia. Companion, Gordon Meek of Batavia. Sister, Anne (late Robert) Platten of Florida. Brothers, Ralph (Erika) Longobardi of Fairport and Carmen (Maureen) Longobardi of Ogden. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was the wife of the late Frank M. Sidari, mother of the late Antoinette Sidari and sister of the late Gertrude Longobardi.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (Sept. 17^th) from 3-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. She will be laid to rest privately next to her husband and daughter in St. Joseph Cemetery in Albion, NY.

Memorial contributions may be offered to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or to a charity of the donors preference. 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.

Jean C. Baldwin, 92, of Batavia, passed away on September 7, 2024 at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina.

Jean was born April 25, 1932 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Elmer and Leona (McLaughlin) Jarecke.

Jean was an artist who began her education at Albright Art School and then graduated with her Masters Degree from Columbia University.  Jean enjoyed painting, sports, fishing, photography and she retired as an art teacher.

Surviving are her daughters, Lynn Baldwin and Carol Root and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Fred Baldwin and brothers, Robert Jarecke and Merle Jarecke.

Services for Jean will be held at a later date in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.  Those services will be announced.

Memorials may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, https://givenow.lls.org.

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

Arrangements for Jean were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Richard B. Lyons, 83 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Amherst. He was born in Batavia, January 1, 1941 to the late George and Janet (Braun) Lyons. He is preceded in death by siblings, Donald, Charles, Raymond, William and Lester Lyons, Maybelle Johnson and Betty Ruth Barlett.

Richard retired from US Gypsum in Oakfield. He was an avid fisherman and people loved him everywhere he went.

He is survived by a sister, Charlotte (William) Graham of Batavia, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

An 11:00am Celebration of his Life will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grand View Cemetery. 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 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Richard E. Mills, 93 of Pavilion passed away on September 11, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green. 

     Richard was born December 9, 1930, a son of the late Elmer and Myra Mills.    

  Richard was a retired truck driver for Greer Trucking in Avon. He was a lifelong farmer who enjoyed raising Black Angus beef cattle and being involved in the Genesee County 4-H Meat Animal Program. He was also a past Fire Commissioner with the Pavilion Fire Department. Anyone who knew him appreciated his practical jokes and great sense of humor. 

     Richard is survived by his daughter Cindy (Wayne) Wood, daughter-in-law Kathy Mills, brother Elmer Mills Jr., sister-in-law Sharon (Dick) Herman, grandchildren Jeff (April) Mills, Alex (Brad Lamie) Wood, Kim (Dave) Gross, Ty (Chloe) Wood, 9 great grandchildren Lliam, Kierdon, Brody, Paisley, Palmer, Cooper, Dutton, Poppy and Montana. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family members. 

     In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan W. Mills, son, Donald Mills, sisters, Edna Bater, Marguerite Dibble, and Ruth Eick. 

     Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday September 17, 2024 from 2 ~ 4 PM at Falcone Family Funeral and Cremation Service located at 8700 Lake St. Rd. LeRoy, NY 14482.   A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the immediate family. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pavilion Fire Department, P.O.BOX 156 Pavilion, NY 14525. 

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Richard’s family at www.falconesfuneralhome.com . 

Pavilion ~ Robert T. Kilpatrick, age 94, of South Street Road, passed away at home Tuesday evening (Sept. 10, 2024) under the loving care of his daughter and son-in-law.

     He was born November 18, 1929 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Robert A. and Mary Margaret (Hernon) Kilpatrick.  He graduated from Jamestown (NY) High School in 1948 and for several years worked as a reporter for the Jamestown (NY) Post Journal.  In 1956, he graduated from SUNY at Fredonia, which led to a 36 year involvement in education.  First as a classroom teacher in the Lancaster (NY) School District and for 22 years as Business Administrator at Royalton-Hartland Central School in Middleport (NY).  In 1966 he received an Educational Masters Degree from the University of Buffalo.    

 In 1955, Bob married Mary Helen Rutherford at St. Joseph’s Church, Fredonia, NY and in July of 2014, they celebrated their 59^th wedding anniversary.  In July 1992, he retired and later in the summer of 2002, they built a retirement home in the Pavilion-LeRoy area.  Over the years, he and his wife did extensive research on family histories of both the Kilpatrick and Rutherford families.

     During their life together, they found time to restore a 250 year old stone house in Middleport.  They also traveled to Italy, Alaska, the Amazon River area of Brazil, the Hawaiian Islands and the Caribbean Sea Islands.  For many years an annual visit was made to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Mary Helen passed away on December 30, 2014 after a long illness.

     Bob was a member of the Middleport, NY Rotary Club for 31 years.  During that period he served as president twice and was honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

     Bob is survived by his four children; Margaret Mary (Douglas) Thater of Pavilion, Kathryn Anne (Laurence) Symenow of Winchester, VA, Geoffrey Robert (Catherine) Lewis of Denver, CO and Dion Andrew (Lisa) Lewis of Amherst, NH.  These three were raised by the Kilpatricks upon the sudden death of their parents, Gordon and Mary Elizabeth (Kilpatrick) Lewis in an automobile accident.  Also surviving are ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and a cousin, Lucille Elizabeth Kilpatrick of Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario.

     In addition to his wife and sister, Bob, was predeceased by a grandson, Aaron.

     Family and friends are invited to attend Bob’s Rite of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 5 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to VNA of Western NY, 7070 Telephone Road, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525.  

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

Batavia- Donald R Priolo, aged 72, passed away on July 12, 2024, in his hometown of Batavia, NY at Crossroads House. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.

He was born on January 25, 1952, in Batavia, NY. A son of the late Paul and Irene Priolo, Donald was a beloved local figure known for his gentle and humble demeanor, and deep love for his family.

Donald graduated from Batavia Senior High in 1971 and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1972 until 1974, upon his honorable discharge. His passion for military history, especially the Civil War, deepened. After his service, he often shared his extensive knowledge and stories with fellow history enthusiasts.

Donald's legacy continues through his daughter Jamie Schultz (Rick Townley) and his cherished grandchildren, Ricky and Taya (Nic). Survived by his two brothers, Louis (Linda) and David (Bonnie) Priolo, and one sister, Rita (Priolo) Larson, brother-in-law John Karle, and many nieces and nephews.

In death Donald is reunited with his parents, Paul and Irene Priolo; sister, Ann Marie (Priolo) Karle, brother-in-law, Richard Larson, and cousin, Joe Harkness.

Donald will be missed by his beloved family and extended family; David and William; nephews Alexander (Danielle), William Jr. (Mina), and predeceased by Ann and George.

Calling hours will be on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street Batavia, NY. Military honors and interment will be on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 1:00pm in Western New York Veteran’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads House- 11 Liberty St, Batavia, NY 14020, or the American Cancer Society, honoring Donald's compassionate spirit.

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

In loving memory of my husband; Fredit Pomales-Love Carmen - 09/13/2023
Love Carmen, Sandra, Alex, Chris and Devin.

After a long, full life, Hazel Elizabeth Hagen left her earthly cares behind and entered into her eternal rest on September 10, 2024.

She was born December 27^th, 1928 to William Wallace Dawson & his wife, Clotilda (Foster) Dawson; the 7^th of their nine children. She was a native Batavian and spent her entire life as a resident here.

She was a consummate mother, grandmother & great grandmother, always ready with a batch of oatmeal-raisin cookies or a handmade blanket to comfort anyone who walked through her door.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law; Steven & Ellen Hagen, her daughter-in-law; Phyllis Hagen, as well as her grandchildren; Bevan, Martin, Ethan (Lisa), and Joshua (Steffanie) Hagen, Rachael (Joseph) Ciociola, Emma (Willie) Irvin, Adah Hagen (Joseph Clingan), Danielle (Andrew) Stoughton, Elissa (James) Young, Noelle (Jared) Brown, Acacia Hagen, and many great grand children. 

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard Hagen and her son Dr. Mark Hagen. 

A Celebration of her life will be held at a future date.

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 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.