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Obituaries

Barbara E. Mancuso

By LaVern Falcone

Caledonia ~ Barbara E. Mancuso, age 78, of Cider Street, passed away at home Sunday morning (November 3, 2024) in the loving presence of her family.

     She was born May 3, 1946, in Rochester, NY, daughter of the late Sylvester and Ella Kingsbury McGinnis.  

barb mancuso

   Barb will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  Barb loved her family and cherished being a homemaker. She was the backbone of every holiday, especially Christmas, and she created many traditions that everyone loved to be a part of.

    Barb had many hobbies and was a collector of many treasures. She’s known best for her collection of crackle glass and her large displays of each colorful piece. She was also fond of wolves and all things leopard print. She was an avid puzzler. She put together countless puzzles with many themes. When she would finish one, she would glue it and put up for display around her home. 

    Barb had many past times; playing euchre, board games with the grandkids, hanging out with the club girls, decorating for Christmas with her beautiful holiday village displays and other decorations. But most of all she LOVED SHOPPING! She could outshop all of her daughters or anyone who had the pleasure of being with her. 

    Barb loved to travel. From road trips to cruises she was always up for an adventure. She especially looked forward to visiting any and all casinos on the way. She loved to play the slot machines and would walk around until they “talked to her” to stop and play. If her travels landed her by the ocean, you could find her walking the beach looking for seashells to collect and enjoying the ocean breeze.

    Music was also a very big part of Barb’s life. There have been countless concerts that she has attended with her husband, family and friends. It was pretty typical to pull into the driveway and hear Elvis playing throughout the house. She would switch things up during the holidays and crank her Christmas CDs.

     Barb was a staple of the community. She was a member of the Caledonia Fire Department Auxiliary for many years of service. 

     Barb will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Richard “Dick” Mancuso; her daughters, Lorie (Robert) Browne, Lynette (Jorge) Duckworth, Lisa (David) Waver and Leslie (Jim) Bassano; grandchildren, Amanda (Adam), Anson, Hailey (Dutch), Brandon (Lacey), Ethan, Jack, Emily, Joey, Faith, Anthony, David, Caden, Zoey and Leana; great-grandchildren, Liam, Axel, Raya and Layla; brothers, Robert McGinnis and William (Maryann) McGinnis, along with many loving In-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, Nov. 11 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 11:00 AM at St. Martin De Porres Parish – St. Columba Church, 198 North St., Caledonia. 

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Barb may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org/donate

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

Paul R. Oberlander

By T.J. Woodward
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Paul R. Oberlander, 85, of Pembroke passed away on October 16, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born on May 8, 1939 in Pembroke to the late Fred and Elizabeth (Wlekinski) Oberlander. In addition to his parents, Paul is predeceased by his wife; Sandra Oberlander; brothers Bob, Arnold, Thomas, Charles and Jimmy Oberlander; sisters Patricia Gioia and Irene Penepent.

He is survived by his children; Sandra Jean (Randy) Dixson, Paul Oberlander Jr. and Scott Oberlander; brother Russell (Mary Lou) Oberlander; sisters Rita (Peter) Poodry and Nancy Flaig; 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

Paul was a United States Army Veteran. He worked for many years at General Motors in Buffalo. He was a devout member of St. Maximillian church(Corfu). He was a charter member of the Howdy Dooty Car Club, an avid Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan, loved spending time with his family. 

Services will be held at late date to be announced. Paul will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished https://www.allbabiescherished.com 445 Ellicott St. in Batavia. 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.

Brenda Boyce

By Joshua Smith
Boyce

Brenda Boyce, age 64, of Batavia, passed away on November 1, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation.
 

Brenda was born on Saturday, July 23, 1960 in Batavia, a Daughter of the late Ivan and Joan (Kearns) Boyce.

She was an avid crafter, especially crochet work and painting ceramics. Brenda enjoyed bingo, cards, nature and spending time with her family. She loved attending Discovery Chapel Church and helping anyone she met. Brenda was also a member of the I’m OK Club at 400 Towers.
 

Surviving is her daughter, Lisa (Kyle Schwartz) Taylor; siblings, Carol Tullar, Dawn Cuthbert, Laura Boyce, Steve (Linda) Boyce, Daniel (Cheryl) Boyce, Craig (Sue) Boyce, Marty (Bonnie) Boyce, Marvin (Linda) Boyce, and Brian (Chita) Boyce; many nieces, nephews, and grand fur babies, Turbo and Milo. In death Brenda is reunited with her parents, Ivan and Joan Boyce; siblings, Peggy Norway and Jeffery Boyce.
 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner and Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. A celebration of life will be at held at the convenience of the family.

 

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

Kenneth R. Yunker

By Joshua Smith

Kenneth R. Yunker, age 76, a longtime resident of Oakfield, NY passed away at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester, NY on October 28, 2024.  He was born in Batavia, NY on August 20, 1948 to John W. and Mary A. Yunker.

He is survived by siblings: John(Barbara) Yunker of Rochester; David (Vicki) Yunker of Alexandria, VA; Mary K. Yunker of Batavia; Jeffrey (Sandra) Yunker of Avon; Gregory Yunker of Rochester; Patricia Yunker of Calabash, NC and Suzanne Yunker of Calabash, NC; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

He is predeceased by parents John W. and Mary A. Yunker and his brother Robert D. Yunker.

Kenneth is a graduate of Oakfield – Alabama Central School class of 1966. He then earned his BS Degree at NY University at Cortland. After his graduation at Cortland he enlisted in the Navy and went to Navy Officers Candidate School in Newport, RI – he served on the USS Albany.  His training in radar gave him the skills to work in the airport control towers in Ithaca and Rochester, NY.  He ultimately transitioned over to computer aided design work at Pulsafeeder Inc. in Rochester, NY.

There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will take place at the family’s convenience.  Kenneth will be buried in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield, NY.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Newcomer Cremations & Funeral Home in Rochester, NY and Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield, NY.

Kenneth Charles Imhof

By Joshua Smith

Darien Center - Kenneth Charles Imhof, 77 of Darien Center, passed away on Friday, (October 25, 2024) at home.

Mr. Imhof was born April 3, 1947 in Buffalo.

Ken served his country honorably with the Army during the Korean Conflict and was a school bus driver prior to his retirement. He enjoyed watching wrestling, being outdoors - especially fishing. He was a proud Native American. Above all, Ken cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Debora (Stechenfinger) Imhof of Darien Center; son, Richard J. (Brittany) Schwartz, Sr. of Darien Center; grandchildren, Savannah Judd and Richard J. Schwartz, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer. Those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Ken's name to the Disabled American Veterans, Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Theodore (Ted) Kosciolek

By Lisa Ace
Theodore (Ted) Kosciolek


Theodore (Ted) Kosciolek passed away on October 26, 2024 at the age of 89. Ted was preceded in death by his wife Eileen (Burgen) Kosciolek and daughter Christine Whitfill, whom he cherished deeply.

Ted was born in Batavia, NY and graduated from Batavia Metal Trades Vocational School in 1953. Ted proudly served in the Army from 1958-1960 as a teletype equipment repairman in Stuttgart, Germany. He had a long career at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, retiring as the manager of the Machine department after 38 years. After retirement, he found fulfillment working as a handyman helping others in his community.

A lifelong lover of music, Ted sang in his church choir and was a member of the barbershop quartet, The Grampaphones. Daddy sang bass. He also lived a life filled with laughter and enjoyed sharing jokes with friends and family, bringing smiles to all around him.

Growing up in a Polish-American household, Ted maintained a lifelong interest in the Polish language and traditions. He enjoyed teaching his children and friends Polish sayings, listening to polka music, and helping friends with translations, sharing his love for his heritage.

Ted is survived by his sister Barbara Kosciolek, children Stacey Lackner, and Kathy, Mary, and Peter Kosciolek, as well as stepchildren Jacquie Schur and Chuck and Gary Burgen. He leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a loving extended family.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the very special, kind, and loving care he received at Cottage Grove Memory Care.

Ted will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to family, love for music, and lighthearted sense of humor.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Churchville, NY. Family will greet friends at the church starting at 10:30 am. The funeral mass will start at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Churchville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rochester Presbyterian Home at Memory Care & Assisted Living Communities in Rochester, https://www.rph.org/

Mrs. Jane E. Fitch

By Joshua Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jane E. Fitch, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Jane peacefully departed this life on Friday, November 1st, 2024, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Born on Wednesday, June 21st, 1933, in Batavia,  Jane was the daughter of the late Genevieve and Earl Dusen. She was a resident of Basom, NY, where she built a life of love and laughter with her husband, Donald F. Fitch Sr. They celebrated over 71 beautiful years of marriage, having wed on September 5, 1953, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

Jane is also survived by her five sons: Donald F. Fitch, Jr. of Basom, Dennis (Julie) Fitch of Oakfield, Randy Fitch of Basom, Gary (Patricia) Fitch of Batavia, and Darryl Fitch of Hamburg. Her legacy continues through her five beloved grandchildren, Christopher (Caitlin) Fitch of Bergen, Carrie (Chad) Richards of Bergen, Stephen (Alice) Fitch of Farmington, Trevor Fitch of Batavia, and Austin Fitch of Batavia. Jane also cherished her five great-grandchildren, Emma and Chelsea Fitch, Chase Richards, and Ryan and Ben Fitch. She will be fondly remembered by her former daughter-in-law, Tricia Lombardi, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Leona Mileham, with whom she now joins in peace and eternal rest.

A woman of faith, Jane attended the Alabama Methodist Church. She found joy in life's simple pleasures, particularly in her garden where she lovingly tended to her fruits and vegetables, which she diligently canned each season. Jane was also known for her warm and inviting kitchen, where she enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. Her love for card games, particularly Skip-Bo, brought many joyful hours of friendly competition.

Private ceremonies will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Alabama Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 166, 222 Richmond Avenue, Suite 2-102, Batavia, New York 14020 or Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Drive, #320, Buffalo, New York 14221. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home. 

Suzanne "Suzie" Stein

By Joshua Smith
Stein

Suzanne “Suzie” Stein, age 62, of LeRoy, passed away on October 29, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital with her daughter by her side.

Suzanne was born on August 2, 1962 in Rochester, a Daughter of the late Ronald J. Buda (1991) and JoAnne (Pugh) Buda.

She had an amazing sense of humor, loved to laugh and was always there to help however she could. She was an avid crafter, did beautiful crochet work and made amazing dream catchers. Suzanne enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving are her children, Stacie Stein (Charissa DuPont) and Ryan (Hayley) Stein; grandchildren, Lilliana, Arlo, and Lindsay Stein; mother JoAnne Buda; siblings, Michael (Lauri) Buda and Laurie Branigan; nieces and nephews, Lee Buda, Christopher Buda, and Heather Branigan, and many more dearly loved cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner and Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia.

A celebration of life will be held at the Sage Pavilion 62 S Lake Ave Bergen, NY 14416, on Saturday November 16, 2024, from 12 pm to 4 pm. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to her children.

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

Mr. Anthony Mudrzynski

By Joshua Smith
Tony

Oakfield - Anthony Mudrzynski, 90, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born on February 13, 1934, in Oakfield, a son of the late Anthony and Mary Horzempa Mudrzynski.

Tony was a devout family man. He looked after his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He seemed to always know what they needed and was the first one in line to take care of it. From Christmas presents, to transportation, to advice, and times the strong dose of reality. He was never afraid to tell the truth. Tony always came to every family party and celebration, and treated everyone to something special on the holidays. He would never come empty-handed and will always be remembered for his many homemade pies and fruit with a little Jell-O in it.

Tony was deeply involved in his local fire department. He joined the Town of Alabama Fire Department in February 1952, only five years after the original department started. He was a role model and leader in the department, serving in every single capacity of the department except secretary and chief during his 72.5 year reign. It was very rare throughout this time that he would ever miss any fundraiser, work detail, or bingo night.

Tony helped build the recreation hall in 1967 and he helped reconstruct the recreation hall in 2012. In 2017 he was on the roof putting down shingles.  Less than eight weeks ago he was taking down chairs and setting up the hall for bingo, just as he did every single week. To top it all off this year, Tony was selected to be firefighter of the year. This award was given to his family last week at the annual installation banquet.

In addition to the fire department, Tony was very involved in his town leadership serving for 22 years as town supervisor and actively participated on several councils and boards.

He is predeceased by his wife Helen E. Peters Mudrzynski who passed away on June 12, 2007.

He is survived by his son, Clayton (Diane) Fry of Alabama; daughter, Patricia (Ronald) Thompson of Basom; grandchildren, Melissa (Tim) Lindke of Gasport, Terry (Wendy) Thompson of Basom, Todd (Alison) Thompson of Oakfield and Tonya (J.P.) Phillips of Pensacola, Florida; great-grandchildren, Noelle (Kyle) Bowser, Elisabeth Lindke, Rachel (Brandon) Valerio, Ryan (Ashley) Thompson, Tucker (Susanna) Allen, Kristopher (Bethany) Thompson, Brad (Claudia) Thompson, Becky (Danny) Avila, Kasey (Fiancé Jerrod Smigelski) Thompson, Leah (Fiancé Casey Arnold) Thompson, Bryce Thompson, Arielle (Casey) McVay, Justin (Anais Sanchez) Smith and Mark (Brianna) Smith; great-great-grandchildren, Amelia and Evelyn Allen, Linken Thompson, Kori and Kinzi Smigelski, Ellie Arnold, MayBelle Smith and Bentley Smith; his brother, Henry (Janet) Mudrzynski of Oakfield along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is the father of the late Harold Fry; grandfather of the late Dana Fry and brother of the late Josephine Mudrzynski, Amelia Koziol Brown, Bernice Marble, Helen Bauer and Walter Mudrzynski.

Friends and family may call on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Members of the Alabama Fire Department will gather at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral home to honor Tony for his exemplary service to the fire department. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 am at St. Padre Pio Parish-St. Cecilia’s Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. He will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. Please consider memorials to the Alabama Fire Department, P.O. Box 798, Basom, New York 14013 or to St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, New York 14125. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Mildred Helena Mruczek

By Ronald Konieczny
Mruczek

Mildred Helena Mruczek, 96 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Saturday (November 2, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born January 28, 1928 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Stanislaus and Rose Kutrasinski Topolski.

A Bryant & Stratton Business Graduate; Mildred was a secretary for Genesee Valley B.O.C.E.S. in Batavia and served as Secretary for Judge Robert E Noonan prior to her retirement. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women Organization, Pembroke Board of Elections, Corfu Vol. Fire Co. Auxiliary and St. Maximilian Kolbe Ladies Aux officer. She enjoyed horseback riding, gardening and preparing Polish Food.  Everyone enjoyed Millly’s Golamski Stuffed Cabbage Dinners. As a child her father gifted a Pekingese Puppy and she was a dog lover forever. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Walter J. Mruczek; Granddaughter, Marcy Christine Basior and siblings, Arthur Topolski, Stella Topolski and Irene Topolski.

Survivors include her sons, Dr. Arthur (Donna) Mruczek of Batavia and Ronald (Mary Jane) Mruczek of Davenport, Florida. Grandchildren, Arthur Jr. (Michele) Mruczek of Corfu, Patricia (George) Schlegel of W. Shelby and Blair Nicole (Corey) Bealina of Florida. Great-Grandchildren, Quinn Elizabeth Schlegel, George IV (Brandy)Schlegel, Alexzandra Marie Schlegel and Carrielynn Schlegel. Also survived by great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (Nov. 6th) from 2-5pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, 10:00am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 8656 Church St., East Pembroke, NY. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy maybe 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.

 

 

Ellen D. Meyers

By Joshua Smith
Meyers

Attica - Ellen D. Meyers, 64 of Attica passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, (October 30, 2024) at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Mrs. Meyers was born November 6, 1959 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Grace (Acquard) Lyons.

Ellen was the life of the party anywhere she was. She always had the most creative mind and was willing to help anyone. She was a very strong person we all had the grace of knowing. She unapologetically voiced her opinion and always stood her ground when she believed in something.  All the amazing memories from the parties up on French road to the most recent memories she created with everyone she will be greatly missed. 

Ellen is survived by her husband, Richard M. Meyers of Attica; children, Nikole Millette of Attica, Abraham Schaller of Attica, Kile Meyers of Warsaw, and Derick (Valerie) Meyers of Gainesville; brothers, Keith (Deborah) Lyons of Attica, David (Roxanne) Lyons of Earlville, New York, and Bernard (late Jeannie) Lyons of Attica; a sister, Laura (C. Boyd) Johnson of Attica. Ten grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Ellen's funeral service will be held on Wednesday on what would have been her 65th birthday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Ellen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

William J. Bernard "Jack"

By Ronald Konieczny
Bernard

William J. Bernard “Jack”, 84 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (October 30, 2024) at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Batavia, NY.

He was born September 28, 1940 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late William L. and Florence Dietschler Bernard.

Jack as he was profoundly known as, was a true Patriot. He was a proud Marine having served his country from 1958-1961. During that time he had the great honor and duty to protect and guard President Dwight D. Eisenhower and President John F. Kennedy throughout the country. After his service he was a professional mason and worked for companies in the area, and finally to work with the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Batavia prior to his retirement. During his retirement, he was proud and enjoyed his time as superintendent of the Hillside Cemetery in East Pembroke.

He was the husband of the late Norma Bernard who died August 23, 2024. Father of the late Shawn Bernard who died in 1996 and brother of the late Robert, James and Barry Bernard.

Survivors include his daughter Beth Ann Miller of Ohio. Son, Timothy Bernard of Ohio. Step-daughter, Debra Maniace of Batavia. Sister, Beverly (Paul) Kern of Batavia. Brothers, Dennis (Maria) Bernard of Florida, Allyn (Linda) Bernard of Oakfield and Richard (Maria) Bernard of North Carolina. Also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (November 4th) from 10am-11am at the Cornerstone Church, 2583 Main St., East Pembroke, NY. A Funeral Service will follow visitation at 11am.

Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the East Pembroke Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 50, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or Cornerstone Church, 2583 Main St., East Pembroke, NY 14056. 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.

 

 

Benjamin Charles Bonarigo

By Joshua Smith
51a

Benjamin Charles Bonarigo, 87, passed away peacefully on October 30th at home, after an extended illness.   He was born on March 8, 1937 in Batavia, New York and graduated in 1954 from Batavia High School.  Ben was the son of the late Joseph Bonarigo and Josephine San Fratello Seamans.  First and foremost, he was a family man.  He was a devoted husband to Carol, his wife of 54 years, and a proud and caring father to Marc Bonarigo, Britt (Shea) Bonarigo and Gina Bonarigo, and a loving and adoring grandfather to Gabriela Bonarigo.  He was also beloved "Uncle Ben" to his nieces, nephews and their children.   Ben was preceded in death by his  brother, Charles Bonarigo in 1997.

After graduation from Michigan State University and the SUNY Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, New York, Ben completed his residency in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine at Georgetown University and the University of Rochester in Rochester.  While completing his residency, his work was interrupted by a call to serve his country at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital from 1967 to 1969, where he became the youngest Commander in the U.S. Navy.   Following his service in the Navy, he began a 30 year career practicing radiology as chief of radiology at Southside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, chief of radiology at East Liverpool Hospital, Ohio, chief of radiology at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, VA, and chief of radiology at Aliquippa Hospital, PA.  Towards the end of his career he moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida where he continued to practice radiology at Countryside Hospital until his retirement in 2000.  

Following his retirement he taught diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine to students attending the Barry University Physicians Assistant program in Florida. He thrived in his teaching and mentoring roles at Barry University and will fondly be remembered for the tremendous impact he had on his students and their careers.   

Ben was a member of The Radiological Society of North America, The American College of Radiology, The Florida Radiological Society, The American Society of Nuclear Medicine, and Cypress Run Golf Club of Tarpon Springs.  Ben's research and work during the 60's and 70's  led to the publication of two award winning thesis's that were presented at the RSNA of North America,  and in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) during his long career. 

He is remembered as a spirited, driven individual with great wisdom and a dry wit who loved to tell stories, and he had a kind and generous heart.  Throughout his life he was an excellent athlete who participated in many sports, including football, baseball, track, tennis and golf.   Ben enjoyed playing competitive tennis for many years, winning multiple club championships and trophies in both singles and doubles matches.  Later in life after retirement, he developed an interest in golf where he spent many hours perfecting his game and quickly achieved success.  He had an amazing 14 career hole-in-ones and in 2004 he was the winner of the men's senior championship at Cypress Run Golf Club. 

For leisure Ben relaxed by puttering in his flower garden, listening to jazz, honing his computer skills and watching and cheering on his favorite sports teams.

Ben's memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were honored to have had the privilege of knowing him. 

In keeping with Ben's wishes, a private memorial will be held at a later date for family members.  The family kindly requests that donations be made to Accent Hospice Health Care (accentCare.) or The Humane Society of Pinellas County.  

Margaret Jane Kauffman

By Joshua Smith
Kauffman

Batavia - Margaret Jane Kauffman, 89, passed from this life on October 29, 2024, at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Jane was born September 2, 1935, to Loretta (Garraghan) and Edward Kauffman. She was graduated from Batavia High School and Buffalo State and earned an M.A. at Canisius College before embarking upon a 42-year career in education, first as an English teacher at Kenmore and primarily as a guidance counselor at Williamsville North High School.

Jane served for many years on the board of directors of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the Buffalo and Erie County United Way. Her many honors included the Buffalo AFL-CIO Labor Council “Labor Leader of the Year” and the “Living Legacy” award from the Women’s Rights Committee of the American Federation of Teachers. She was also a delegate to the 1992 and 1996 Democratic National Conventions.

As a young girl, Jane liked to write, sing, and hang out at Batavia Clippers baseball games. In her adulthood, Jane enjoyed horse racing, talking politics (civilly!), and splitting her time between Buffalo and Batavia. She was a generous aunt who taught her nephews how to write letters and play golf.

Jane was predeceased by her parents; her longtime companion, William Kelty; and a niece, Susan Kauffman. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Sandra Kauffman; nephews, Bill (Lucine) Kauffman and Mike (Cathy) Kauffman; great-nephews, Christopher and Kyle Kauffman; and great-niece, Gretel (Mark Dee) Kauffman.

Jane will be interred next to her parents at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia in a private ceremony.

Jane’s family thanks the angels at Crossroads House, who provided care and comfort in her final days. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or by clicking here.

Arrangements for Jane were entrusted to the care of Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Kurt Alan Kautz

By Joshua Smith
Kautz

St. Petersburg, Florida - Kurt Alan Kautz, 66 of St. Petersburg, Florida and formerly of Attica, passed away on Saturday, (October 26, 2024) at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg as a result of injuries sustained in an accident.

Mr. Kautz was born July 31, 1958 in Batavia, a son of the late Eugene and Rita (Bishop) Kautz.

Spending time with family and friends meant everything to Kurt. He and his four legged best friend Rocky Rose adored each other. Kurt loved the Buffalo Bill's, he was obsessed in his support for them. He cherished coming home to Attica for Fish Fries, Watty Fest, he loved watches, golf, and his motorcycle. He was a member of the Screen Actor's Guild and could build just about anything. He will be acutely missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Andrea (LoPresti) Kautz of St. Petersburg; canine companion, Rocky Rose; step-daughter, Alyse (Clayton Webber) LaVerne of Florida; siblings, Kathleen (Mark) Geitner of Attica, Karl (Tory) Kautz of Poughkeepsie, Karen Kautz of Albion, and Kristopher (Susan) Kautz of Wyoming; nieces and nephews, Shannon (Padriac) Horgan, Ian Whitcroft, Analise (Christos) Kyriacou, Hayden (Victoria) Kautz, Kelsey Kautz, Adeline Kautz, and Ella Kautz; several great-nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Jonathan (Ann) LoPresti, Joseph (Mary) LoPresti; sister-in-law, Cara Mia LoPresti.

Kurt is reunited in death with his parents and brothers, Kevin and John Kautz.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday (November 2, 2024) from 2 to 4:00 p.m. at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica, where Kurt's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. Rev. Bill Hockey will officiate. A private burial will be held in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make memorials in Kurt's memory to The Patricia Allen Fund c/o John R. Oishei Childrens Hosptial, 818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 or by clicking here. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

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