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James R. Owen, Mayor of Redfield Parkway, passed away Thursday, January 19th, while surrounded by friends and family at Crossroads house in Batavia. James was born July 9th, 1943 and is the son of Frank E. Owen & Natalie Walker Owen and brother of Kathy & Robert Owen. James graduated from Batavia High in 1961 where he played 3 sports, cross country, basketball & golf. He was also on the picture staff of the Batavia High School paper.

James graduated from SUNY Morrisville (as he would always refer MIT) followed by RIT and the University of Buffalo. His degrees included Business and Education Majors. James started teaching in 1966 in Sackets Harbor NY where he coached Varsity basketball. After 2 years James was able to take a position in Hamburg High School where he taught for 34 years. James coached cross country, track and JV basketball.

James was a proud member of Stafford Country Club for 60 years. He was once President of the Horseshoe Lake Association and Retired Teachers Association of Genesee County and served on the Board of Directors for The Holland Land Office and Genesee County Mental Health. James was also a proud supporter of Batavia's GO ART. James was also a proud member of the Stafford Historical Society, Godfrey's Pond and was the former town of Stafford historian.

James would like to thank Bert Earl and Michael Marsh for all they've done for him and their efforts to help him stay in his home for as long as possible. He would like to thank his friends for all their support and encouragement in his life. James also would like to thank Batavia School District's staff and students for making his life much brighter! Success of life is having knowledge and the Batavia School system is doing a great job on educating the students K-12.

James also would like to thank Patti Pacino for helping to get the BHS Auditorium named in honor of his father Frank E. Owen. He would also like to thank Elaine Watson, Carol Redband for help with the feeding tube, Crossroads House staff, Johnny's Angels staff, residents of Redfield Parkway "you folks are doing a great job", Batavia City Council and President Eugene Jankowski for naming him Official Mayor of Redfield Parkway, and all the Batavia students and classes that made get well cards. James would also like to thank Sam for his many hours of help with his Facebook news and articles. He would also like to thank Video News Service and Alecia, The Batavian, Howard Owens and JoJo Beck, The Daily News and Brian Quinn for all reporting positive news for Batavia. Thank you as well to Phil Pies and Fran Spiotta for their encouragement and Sandy and Joe Kauffman for their daily phone calls "they kept me going" and thank you to everyone who sent cards and encouragement for their support. Thank you, Pastor Vern Saile, for your visits and friendship.

Special thanks to the Board of Education, Superintendent Jason Smith and Britt Witkop for their calls, visits and support.

James had many students that were very encouraging for him, including the Governor of NY State Kathy Hochul. James wants all people to know they're very important in his eyes and he tried his best to encourage people and students around him.

"When you dream, dream BIG and go for it."

In lieu of flowers please make donations to any of the following, GO ART, Northgate Free Methodist Church, Genesee County Mental Health, or the Batavia Peace Garden.

There are no prior visiting hours. James' service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11 am at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. He will be laid to rest privately in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy. 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. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

john_meyer.jpgJohn G. Meyer of North Java, passed on January 18, 2023 at ECMC in Buffalo, NY. He was born in Batavia, on February 8, 1957 to the late Gerald and Regina Meyer.

He was a lifelong dairy farmer on the family farm, Gerald Meyer & Sons, and maple producer. John was a 49 year long member of the North Java Fire Company. He also spent 27 years as a New York State Fire Instructor and 3 years as a NJ Fire District commissioner0. For several years, he was a councilman on the Java Town Board. As well as being a Eucharistic minister at St. Nicholas church in North Java and St. John Neumann in Sheldon.

John is survived by his brothers, Paul (Darlene Thompson) Meyer of Bliss, David (Nancy) Meyer of North Java, along with two nieces and four nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 3:30PM to 7:30PM at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Attica, Ny 14011. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 28, at St. John Neumann Parish, 991 Centerline Road, Strykersville, NY 14145. John will be laid to rest in St. Nicholas Cemetery in North Java.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Java Fire Company, 4274 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

lesa_vanson.jpgLesa M. VanSon of Attica, passed away on January 16, 2023 in Roswell with her beloved husband by her side, after being together for 37 years. She was born in West Seneca to Allan Vivian and the late Marjorie Vivian.

Her unique creativity and tenacious energy remain in the hearts of her dear friends and family. Very few brought as much dedication and integrity to their career as Lesa, who loved and fought for "Her Guys". There were even times when her work and personal life would blend, bringing some of them to Scout events or introducing them to the many (MANY) hobbies that she enjoyed. While it would be a shorter list of things she didn't try, an attempt to list the ones she did would to include: genealogy, wood and metalworking, jewelry making, sketching, and gardening.

She was a Scout Mom, Town Historian and Curator for the Bennington Historical Society, and often the first to ask "What do you want me to make?" for any event (and she'd usually have a suggestion before you have a chance to answer). Lesa was not afraid to get involved and learn new things. Her dream was to teach others and one day pass on her knowledge to her 'grand-babies'.

Lesa is survived by her husband Todd VanSon, children Dean (Michelle) VanSon of Colden, Jessi VanSon of Attica, brother Steven (Lori) Vivian of Avon, sister Kari (Terrance) Stevens of Sandy Creek, MI, brothers-in-law Dondi (Penny) VanSon of Pavilion, Bradley (Megan) VanSon of Dickinson, ND, grandchildren Emily VanSon, Elias VanSon along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00PM on January 28, 2023 at the Attica Lodge #462, 39 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 665 Elm St, Buffalo, NY 14203, Indicator Art, https://www.indicatorart.org/donate/, Buffalo Audubon Society, 1610 Welch Rd, North Java, NY 14113, Bennington Historical Society, https://benningtonmuseum.org/gift-form/, or the SPCA, 808 Creek Rd, Attica, NY 14011. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

 green_virginia_-_photo2.jpgVirginia E. Green, 78, formerly of Akron, passed away with family by her side Tuesday (January 17, 2023) after a lengthy illness.

She was born September 10, 1944 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Arthur and Helen Godlewski Tucholka.

Survivors include her children, Shane (Kim) Green of Akron, Dawn (Lisa) DeMarco-Green of Elma and Daniel (Maria) Green of Akron. Grandchildren, Joshua, Courtney (Kyle) and Nathan. Great-grandson, Kyle Jr., Sister, Kathy (Michelle) Tucholka of Virginia and Brother, Robert (Georgia) Tucholka.

She was the wife of the late Danny G. Green who passed away July 17, 2005.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (January 23rd) from 3pm-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday (January 24th), 9:30am at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 5771 Buell St., Akron.

She will be laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 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.

 

 

John Driscoll passed away peacefully surrounded by family early Wednesday morning, January 18th at his home in LeRoy, New York.  He was born on January 20th, 1963 to Catherine (McGuire) and James Driscoll.

     Born and raised in LeRoy, NY, John graduated from LeRoy High School in 1981.  He furthered his education by earning degrees at GCC, SUNY Brockport, and Roberts Wesleyan.  At Roberts Wesleyan, John received his Masters Degree in Education, a degree which gave him the opportunity to work in his dream career as an elementary school teacher.

     John wore many hats in and around his community.  He was a grade school teacher, a RCCFO football referee, and a raft guide at Letchworth State Park.  He enjoyed cycling around the community and hiking and cross-country skiing at local parks.

   john_driscoll_0.jpg  With each hat he wore, he always brought the same characteristics; perseverance, positivity, courage and humor.  These characteristics aided him in excelling in each hobby he participated in and helped him make a lasting impression on everyone he met.  In his 32 years as a high school football referee, he earned referee of the year along with a lifetime membership.  In his 15 years of teaching at Wolcott Street School, John’s spirit and hard work earned him a “Golden Apple” award in 2019.

     John could always be spotted in rain, wind, and heat riding his bike around the community and back country roads.  His love for riding his bike was sparked when his two friends, Tim Mowry and Doug Legg, road their bicycles form Seattle down the PCH to Nevada finishing up in Colorado.  During the trip, John fell in love with endurance sports.  He ran the NYC marathon, participated in biathlons, and for 17 years participated in Auburn New York’s Great Race with his team the “Common Gray Suckers” (Tom Borrelli, Tom Tillson and Doug Briggs). 

     When John was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer on April 29th, his faith never wavered, it got stronger.  Before he got sick, he could be seen each weekend at mass and each morning could be found on his spin bike praying.  When he was too sick to attend church, he would participate in Mass on TV and would do his daily prayers on his Bills blanket at home and in hospital beds.

     John touched each and every person he came in contact with through his warm and kind spirit.  He will be missed by his many 4th and 6th grade students, his co-workers at Wolcott Street School, his referee friends, his rafting friends, and close friends and family in and around the LeRoy community.  As a testament to his character, the 2023 LeRoy Little League season has been dedicated in his honor.

     He fought his battle the only way he knew how - with courage, positivity and a smile.  He is survived by his best friend and wife of 32 years, Kerry; his daughter, Alanna; his son, Ryan; his mother, Catherine; his brother, Jimmy (Judy); several in laws; his nieces and nephews; uncle; aunt and cousins.  He was predeceased by his father, James and his sister, Patty.

     John’s family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, January 24th from 2 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 25th at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020.   www.geneseecancerassistance.org/donate/

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

lapp.jpgEuleta (Tooley) Lapp of Batavia, died on January 18, 2023 at Premier Genesee Nursing Home in Batavia, NY. She was born March 7, 1925 in Varysbug to the late Arthur and Ida Lapp Tooley. She is predeceased by her loving husband Earl H. Lapp, grandson Brian Lapp and siblings Norman Tooley, Robert Tooley, Arthur Tooley, Arlene Sattler Mason, Hilda Hammond, Carolyn Tooley, Reta Tooley, and Roberta Malroy.

She is survived by her children, Keith (Mary Ellen) Lapp of Key West, Gerald (Linda) Lapp of York, Dennis (Nancy) Lapp of Batavia, Darryl (Karen) Lapp of Shelbyville, Kentucky, Nadine Lapp (friend, Donald Pickell) of Batavia, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Darien Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Michael James Wright "Pebbles", age 57 of Stafford NY, passed away January 14, 2023.

     Michael was born on November 22, 1965 to Donald E. Wright Sr. and Mary Ellen Crowley Wright of LeRoy, NY.

     He is predeceased by his father, Donald E. Wright Sr.  Michael is survived by his spouse, Helaine P. Wright; his son, Conner Jay Wright and daughter, Kylea Jean Wright; his mother, Mary Ellen Wright; brothers Donald “Rock” (Nancy) Wright Sr. of LeRoy and Daniel Wright of Rochester; his sisters, Ann Legzdin of Rochester, Kathy Wright of Rochester, Nancy Wright of Rochester and Mary Kay Wright of New York City, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

     Michael’s greatest accomplishments are his two children. They were his pride and joy.  His favorite thing in life was watching them in their various activities and performances.

     Michael was employed with Oatka Milk Products for close to 30 years.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, January 23rd from 4 – 7 PM at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy NY  14482.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Strong Adult Epilepsy Center, 2400 South Clinton Ave., Bldg F, Rochester  NY  14618.

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

bennett.jpg  Dorothea M. “Dottie” Bennett, age 52, of Batavia formerly of Perry, NY passed away on Monday January 9, 2023 at her home. She was born in Warsaw, NY on October 4, 1970 a daughter to Edward G. Bennett Sr. and the late Betty Lou (Ellis) Bennett.

Dottie was a 1988 graduate of Perry High School. She enjoyed walks in area parks with her dog, collecting heart shaped rocks, visits with her nieces and nephews and was an excellent caregiver for her parents.

She is survived by her 3 brothers: Edward (Cindy) Bennett Jr. of Gainesville, Robert Bennett of Castile and Thomas Bennett of Batavia along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Along with her mother she is preceded in death by a sister: Teresa O’Brien and nephew: Timothy O’Brien.

Family and friends may call from 12-3 pm on Sunday January 22nd at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry where Services will follow at 3pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Friends of Wyoming County Animal Shelter 4380 Rt-19, Silver Springs, NY 14550. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Catherine Eileen (Parmelee) Pullyblank began her eternal journey on January 14, 2023 with her loving family by her side.

     Survived by her husband of 56 years, David L. Pullyblank; her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda (Ace) Ball of North Chili; her son and daughter-in-law, David (Beth) Pullyblank of LeRoy; her beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Hannah, Jennifer, Allison, Sydney, Dylan, Austin, and Cody; her great grandchildren, Emma and Gabriella; and her best friend, Barbara Miller.  

   catherine_pullyblank_0.png  Catherine (Kay) was born May 24, 1943, a daughter of John Parmelee and Beatrice Bobzin. She grew up and lived her life in the Fort Hill area of LeRoy, NY.

     Kay earned her degree in Physical Education from West Virginia University and was a proud Mountaineer. She taught physical education at Pavillion Central, Perry Central, Caledonia-Mumford Central, and for 18 years at LeRoy Central school. During her years teaching, you would find Mrs. P in the gym or on the athletic fields long after the school day was complete as she enjoyed coaching. She coached varsity soccer, volleyball, softball, cheerleading, and track and field. She led Perry Central cheerleaders to a Section V championship.

     Kay passionately enjoyed gardening and her home is surrounded by the marvelous gardens she created. She was always very content pulling weeds in those gardens, quilting with Barb, and was an avid spectator at all of her grandchildren’s activities. She was an adoring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. You will find her on a country road, in the place she belongs.

     At the family’s request, there will be no public visitation or services. Kay will be laid to rest privately.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family and will be used towards a scholarship offering at West Virginia University.  Kindly forward the contributions to David  Pullyblank, 7809 Oatka Trail, LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

Batavia – Mary DiMartino, age 95, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the LeRoy Village Nursing Home.

She was born Monday, March 21st, 1927 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Frank DiMartino and Antoinette DiPietro DiMartino.

A member of Ascension Parish, Mary was a promoter of St. Lucy Devotion and the Miraculous Medal. A hard and dedicated worker, Mary was the manager of The Good Friend Shop in downtown Batavia and the Holley Shop in Rochester.  She also worked at Doehler-Jarvis, Genesee Hardware, and was a longtime employee at K-Mart.

She is survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Anthony DiMartino, Fred DiMartino and Angeline Wyrwa.

There are no prior visiting hours. Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 23, 2023  at 11 am at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery,  Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 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 Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

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