Obituaries

Charles Gilmore Samuelson “Gil”, 90 of Akron, NY, went home to Jesus on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

He was born July 31, 1932 in Warren, PA, a son of the late Carl and Violet Gilmore Samuelson.

He attended schools in Warren, PA until he graduated, where he would further his studies at Bryant & Stratton (Buffalo, NY), University of Buffalo and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Gil served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 as an accountant and was in officer training. He was employed as a property accountant for Republic Steel and Director of the City Mission of Niagara Falls.

After graduating from the seminary in 1975, Gil found his passion. He loved his Lord and enjoyed serving him in any capacity from a young boy to adulthood. He held every job a church member could before becoming a pastor.

Gil also enjoyed playing and being a spectator of all sports, including golf, tennis, racquetball, basketball, football, bowling and volleyball. He truly loved his wife, daughters and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he was blessed with and was happiest when he was surrounded by his church and his family.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Elaine Geisthardt Samuelson of Akron. Daughters, Linda Marie (Dale) Phillips of Etowah, NC, Darlene Ruth “Sam” (Herm) Clouse of Akron, NY and Heidi Beth (Cliffton) Baker of Rochester, NY. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Gil was predeceased by his daughter Cheryl Lee Goley of Weatherford, TX.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (February 18th) from 10am-11am at Calvary Baptist Church, 12752 Lewis Rd., Akron, NY. A funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 11am. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Western New York National Cemetery.

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.

East Bethany- Ronald "Ron" D. Heywood passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 7, 1934, in Batavia, NY, the son of Donald and Thelma Heywood.

Ron graduated from Pavilion Central School, class of 1953, and married his high school sweetheart. He served our country in the US ARMY, spending 2 years in Amberg, Germany He worked at Jello in Leroy and later retired from O-at-Ka milk products as a Distribution Manager, after 35 years.

Ron was a lifetime member and past trustee of East Bethany Presbyterian Church, served as Cub scout roundtable commissioner for pack 20 in East Bethany. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and trapper. His passion was passing his knowledge and talents to his children and grandchildren. He loved camping and traveling with his RV through all 50 states, half the providences of Canada, and spent the last 20 years in Texas for the winter.

Surviving is his wife, Mary Jane "Mike" Heywood, of 66 years; sons, Douglas (Peggy) Heywood of East Bethany and Richard Heywood of Tennessee; daughters, Bonnie (Kenneth) Morgan of Tennessee and Linda (Randy) Page of Batavia; grandchildren, Sharan (Ron) Demana, Brent (Valerie) Heywood, Joe (Jessica) Hewitt, Patrick O'Connor, Danielle (Tim) Dosch, Shawn McGiveron, Chris (Megan) Page, Amanda (Jason) Krohn, and Ashley (Tony) Fortney; sister, Roberta Carter; brothers, Daniel (Denise) Heywood of Florida and David (Mary Lee) Heywood of Illinois; many nieces, nephews, and 13 great grandkids.

In death Ron is reunited with his parents, Donald and Thelma Heywood; sister, Beverly Emerson, Brother in laws, Gerald Carter and Tom Emerson; Daughter, Kim McGiveron.

Friends may call on Monday, February 13, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 11 am at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054. Burial, along with military honors, will follow in East Bethany Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054, or the New York State Bluebird Society c/o Murial Prianti, Treasurer 5157 Orangeport Road, Brewerton, NY 13029.

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

Richard J. Becker Jr, age 65, of Batavia NY, passed away in his home unexpectedly on January 22, 2023. Rich, as he was known by those close to him, was born on May 16^th, 1957, in the City of Batavia, New York to Richard and Pauline (Wickens) Becker. 

Rich graduated from Batavia High School in 1975, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1978 until 1982, as an Airman 1^st Class (A1C) in the role of Security Specialist.  Richard graduated from GCC in 1988 with an associate degree in General Studies Art and Science.  Rich worked at Genesee Farms for several years until they closed. Richard dedicated much of his time to caring for his elderly father and his aunt, Helen Krantz.  Rich was a very special son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, he was always there for his family anytime they needed him without hesitation or complaint.  Rich was a music connoisseur of all genres ranging from blues and jazz to rock and roll, additionally, he enjoyed classic films, television, and animation.  Rich loved animals, his favorite of which were the many cats he had over the years, he also enjoyed spending much of his free-time visiting flea markets and antique dealers around Western NY as well as assisting his close friend Mary, with her various shops and sales. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Pauline Becker, his aunt, Helen Krantz, and his brother-in-law Kenneth Sovocool. He is survived by his sister Kathryn Sovocool, his nephews, Bryan Bartholomew of Batavia, and Daniel Bartholomew of Scottsville, his great niece and nephew, Aryanna and Jaxon Bartholomew as well as his long-time friend Mary Holmes.  

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. 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.

Lucia M. Costantino, 89, of Batavia, passed away on February 6, 2023 at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence.

Lucia was born January 6, 1934 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late Dominic and Ida (Comino) Moretti.

Lucia was a member of Ascension Parish and a former deputy clerk for the Town of Batavia.  She enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren.  Lucia will be remembered for being a phenomenal cook.  

Surviving are her husband, Cosmo Costantino; children, Holly (Greg) Sharpe and Peter (Jeri) Costantino; grandchildren, Nicholas Costantino and Natalie Sharpe and several nieces and nephews.  

Lucia is a sister of the late Helen Moretti, Nicholas Moretti, William Moretti, Bernard Moretti, Louis Moretti, Splendora DiSanto, Mary Moretti and Anthony Moretti.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.  She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Mausoleum in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements for Lucia were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.