Obituaries

Kenneth Bryan Kasperek, 71 of Akron, New York passed away peacefully Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born May 6, 1951 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late John Kasperek II and Janet (Frost) Milani.

A 1969 graduate of Akron Central School, he attended Houghton College West Seneca campus and completed many continuing education hours in design, photography, and advertising over the years.

Ken was Co-Publisher of the Akron Bugle, a weekly community newspaper in Akron, NY, an award winning photo-journalist, and newspaper designer.  He recently completed terms as a member of the New York Press Association Board of Directors and was an active partner with Weekly Independent Newspapers.

A gifted musician, Ken was a member of the Akron Community Band for 58 years, playing principal trumpet for many of those years.  He served as librarian of the Band for 56 years and was a Trustee and trumpet section leader.  In recent years, he was also a member of the Pembroke-Corfu band.

Active in The United Methodist Church, he was an associate member of Newfane UMC and a member of Akron First UMC.  He was a founding board member and contributor to the C. Dee Wright Community Ministry Center.  He was an equalization member of the Upper New York Annual Conference and for many years worked with their communication team as a photographer and designer for their publications.  He participated in the Bell Choir at Akron First UMC and was Director of that group for multiple years.  He taught Sunday School and led the Youth Fellowship at Clarence Center UMC in the 1970’s.  Ken received the Western New York United Methodist Committee on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) award for his commitment to the advancement of women’s issues.

Ken has been a member of the Rotary Club of Akron-Newstead since 1990 and is a Paul Harris Fellow.  He is a Past Vice President and Past President of the Akron-Chamber of Commerce, and past member of the Akron Celebration Committee.

He was the first male Girl Scout leader in Western New York and led Junior and Senior Girl Scout Troop 352 in the Akron neighborhood.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn J. Kasperek of Akron. Daughters, Karlyn (Michael) Backus of Batavia, Alison (Justin) Allaman of Erie, PA, and Sarah (Chris) Roth of Clarence. Grandchildren, Shaun Finucane, Kirra Roth, Teagan Finucane, Bryan Allaman, Hailey Roth, Riley Allaman and Abigail Allaman. Brothers, Thomas (Nancy) Kasperek of Nebraska and John (Ann Marie) Kasperek III of W. Seneca. Sister, Nancy Knop of Tonawanda. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences, and fond memories on Friday (March 24th) from 4-7 p.m. at the Newstead Fire Hall, 5691 Cummings Rd, Akron, NY 14001. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be Saturday, 4:00 p.m. at the Newfane United Methodist Church, 2699 Main St., Newfane, NY 14108.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the family for distributions to various charities. 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.

Nicholas (Nick) Pascucci of Stafford, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023, just 3 weeks shy of his 94^th birthday. He is the son of the late James Pascucci (originally from Vasto, Italy) and Mary Sammarco (originally of Vallelunga, Sicily) who settled in Batavia to raise their family. He is predeceased by brothers Louis, Joseph, Dominic, James, John and Victor and sisters, Edith Kipp, Irene Lewis and Jean.

     Nick always said with a chuckle, “You have to keep your body moving because if you let yourself slow down, you’re done for!” He lived by that philosophy and was a role model for all of us in demonstrating it. He was rarely at rest from dawn till dusk. Judging from his longevity, it seems he knew what he was talking about!

     Always witty and quick with a joke, he will be remembered for his great sense of humor and ability to make others laugh through his gift of storytelling; and he had plenty of stories and adventures to share! One could consider oneself fortunate to be regaled with his tales of growing up in Batavia, or his years in the army when he was in the Philippines and Japan, or his years as a civilian living in Japan. His flair for detail could transport the listener to the era and setting to which he was referring. His experiences and adventures were amazing and fun to hear.

     His greatest adventure began when meeting his future wife, Florence Corona, who, at the time, was a telephone switchboard operator in Batavia. He asked her out for coffee and the rest of the story has taken 66 years to complete. Together, they raised four children, Nicholas (Nick), Vincent (Vin), Gina and Renee.

     While raising his family, Nick worked as an electrician through the IBEW local 86 in Rochester where he made many lifelong friends. He loved to fish and garden and until recently could be found outside, checking his garlic, in particular. He was a long-time member, and eventually president of, the Stafford Zoning Board of Appeals. He fulfilled a long time dream of learning to play the piano when he was in his 40s, spoke 2 languages other than English (Japanese and Italian) and loved classical music and opera.

     Nick was a kind and gentle man with a relaxed nature who had the ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable and welcome. He was a real treasure and will be greatly missed.

     He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Florence Corona Pascucci, his children, Nick, Vin (Liz), Gina (Mark) Battaglia, Renee (Glenn) Mitges; 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, a sister, Delores Lanzo and brother, Floyd, many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, March 24 from 3 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Nick’s Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 25 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.    

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nick’s name to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org).

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

Thelma I. Schwab, 100 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (March 16, 2023) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born November 14, 1922 in Batavia, a daughter of the late George and Hattie Williams Wagner.

Thelma was employed by Eastman Kodak prior to her retirement. She enjoyed crocheting and produced several blankets and towels for family and friends. She enjoyed reading Danielle Steel novels, watching soap operas during the day and Family Feud and Jeopardy in the evening time. Listening to music, playing solitaire and sudoku on her iPad was also a favorite hobby for her. She was greatly loved by her family and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.

She is predeceased by her husband, Loren Schwab; son, Clayton Schwab; daughter, Kathleen Sparks; siblings, John Wagner, Frank Wagner, George Wagner, Gladys Walker and Nellie Lambein.

Survivors include her daughter Bonnie Morgan of Batavia. Grandchildren, Kimberly Lawrence, Koren Spaulding, Kristen LaClair and Tammy Battaia. Also survived by several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to share in a Memorial Service on Tuesday (March 21^st), 10:00am at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan Street and Sumner Street)  in Batavia.

She will be laid to rest in North Byron Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for future distributions to various charities. 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.