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Obituaries

Sheryl L. Russell

LeRoy ~ Sheryl L. Russell, age 70, of Myrtle Street, passed away Monday afternoon (December 7, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     She was born April 2, 1950 in Battle Creek, MI, a daughter of the late Donald and Ardis Hill.

     Sheryl will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many.  She was known as a very giving and active member of the LeRoy Moose Center Chapter 1132, where she enjoyed volunteering for many projects and was the first female member to achieve the mark of signing up 25 new members for the chapter.  She was also a life member of the VFW Post 1602 in Batavia.

     She will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 34 years, Bruce Russell, her daughter, Dawn Orlando of Batavia; her grandson, Cristian DeSalvo, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, Sheryl was predeceased by all of her brothers and sisters.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 2 ~ 4 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  (Funeral home occupancy will be limited to 33% capacity during the course of visitation and face masks will be required.)  Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Sheryl's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Elaine M. Carrow

carrow_elaine-photo1.jpgElaine M. Carrow, 81 of Lima, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday (December 6, 2020) at Strong memorial Hospital.

She was born February 11, 1939 in Perrysburg, NY, a daughter of the late Henry and Doris Slade Carrow.

Elaine was a avid gardener. She had a green thumb like no other. She was a member of the Moose Club, Elks Lodge and the American Legion. She loved helping with the luncheons and creating the beautiful flower centerpieces. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchild. She was the happiest when surrounded by her family. If you had the pleasure of knowing Elaine you knew she had an amazingly loving heart and the best sense of humor. 

She was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Rogers, longtime partner Carl Nelson, and several brothers and sisters. 

Survivors include her daughter Sylvia (John Hasnay) Rogers of Batavia. Son, Weston Rogers of Wellsville. Grandchildren, Christy (Richard) Fleig of Batavia and Niki Joos of LeRoy. Great-grandchild, Tanner Cook. Brother in law Ralph Stuart, Sister in law Laura Carrow and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held privately with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY.

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.

 

 

Ronald Jewel Drock "Candyman"

Ronald Jewel Drock “Candyman” of Oakfield, passed away on December 6, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.  

He was born August 5, 1940 in Batavia, a son of the late Jennie Greenbaum Drock.

A lifelong employee at Oliver's Candies, Ron worked his way up to master candy maker.  He was a longtime member of Eagles Club, LeRoy Moose, and Godfrey's Pond where he served on the board.  Ron loved camping and flea marketing.  He also volunteered his time at the Salvation Army soup kitchen.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years,  Jean (Wetherwax) Drock; his three children; Linda Drock of Batavia, Brian (Gaye) Drock of Basom and Jennifer Maskell (Chris Grill) of Union, Missouri; six grandchildren; Triton Drock, Jessica Benson, Cassandra Drock, Kelly Maskell, Andrew Branam-Drock and Lukas Maskell; two sisters; Patricia Fisher and Mary Jane Fugle and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his siblings; Frank Drock, Raymond Miles, Edward Drock, Alice Kinney and Jim Happ.

In Ron's time of need his niece Sherry and Mark Reuter were a blessing to him.

Friends may call on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where services will follow at 12:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron's name may be made to Genesee County Fish and Game Protective Association, P.O. Box 217, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Ron’s name, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, funeral home capacity is limited to 33%. Facial coverings and social distancing are required. We thank you for your cooperation.

Gertrude C. Quaintance

Batavia- Ms. Gertrude C. Quaintance, 89, of Batavia went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Born in Buffalo, NY on May 3, 1931, she was the daughter of the late George J. and Elizabeth Pound Quaintance.

She loved people and children, working as a nanny for 20 years and also at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Best known as “Aunt Gertie” by so many, she will be remembered as a kind soul with a very generous and giving heart. She loved baking, canning, gardening and also enjoyed a special ministry to her church family by blessing the graduating seniors each year with a handmade quilt.

She was an active member of Grace Baptist Church, Batavia for 42 years.

She is predeceased by siblings Marjorie (Don) Woodruff, Joyce (Elmer) Toellner, Joan (Vern) Laity, Ernest (Donna) Quaintance, Ivan (Ruth) Quaintance and Donald (Betty) Quaintance.

Surviving family includes Stanley (Sharon) Quaintance of Alexander, Edward (Suzanne) of Williamsburg, VA, Gwen (Don) Stelley of Oklahoma City, Okla. and several nieces and nephews.

In addition, she is also survived by the Underwood family with whom she shared a special bond and loved dearly.

Calling hours are Saturday, December 12th at Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St, Batavia from 10am-11:30am.  Funeral services will be private.   She will be laid to rest in Acacia Park Cemetery, North Tonawanda.  

The church will be operating at 33% capacity per New York State guidelines, social distancing and face coverings will be required.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

David L. Graham

LeRoy ~ David L. Graham, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning (December 3, 2020).

     David was born on April 13, 1933 in Batavia, NY,  the son of John and Isabelle Graham.  He lived the first part of his life in Stafford, NY, which he always fondly remembered.  The rest of his life would be spent in LeRoy, NY.

     He will be dearly missed by his daugther, Sarah (Mark) Tomaszewski, grandchildren, Conor (Travis Bleier) Tomaszewski and Krysta Graham Tomaszewski.  He is also survived by his brother, Jack (Marty) Graham and several nieces, nephews and his cherished "grand-dogs", Harley and Oakley.

     He was a veteran of the Korean War.  The story is that when he left to start his army career, his sister, Nancy would not say goodbye to him.  She was afraid that he wouldn't return.  It shows the bond between the two and his mom because he was called "home" on the same day (Dec. 3) as his sister and mother.

     I remember hearing stories about a red convertible that David and Jack would ride past the Ladd house in LeRoy to catch my mom's attention.  I am so glad it worked and they were happily married for 55 years.

     He is predeceased by his wife, Lynette "Scottie" Graham, his parents, John and Isabelle Graham, sister, Nancy Graham Grayson Heath, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Helen and Richard Ladd.

     He was a fireman in both Stafford and LeRoy, and was very proud of that.  His first job after coming home from Korea would be selling insurance.  After that, he found his love of selling real estate.  This was where he met so many people in the area.  Wherever we went, he would make a connection with people he spoke with.  Later in life, he purchased The Graham's Edson House B & B.  He loved meeting and helping people on their travels.  So many international travelers would get off a plane in NYC and hop on the Thruway and think they would see the country in a week.  He helped these people realize how big the United States is and they would have to pick and choose what they could see.

     The past nine months were trying due to COVID, but his family feels very blessed for the ten days we were able to spend with him at the end of his life.  We would like to give a Big Thank You to the C Wing staff at the Village Green Nursing home and the Activities Department for all that they do every day to make sure our loved ones are safe and feel loved.  I would also like to say Thank You to the wonderful group of people that helped him to stay in his apartment.  You gave us a wonderful year.

     So many people have such fond memories of my dad being in his yard at the B & B, that it only seems appropriate to remember him this way.  If you would like to send a memorial in his name to the LeRoy Village Green, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482, this will go towards extending the gardens that we started in his wife's memory.

     A Service for David will be announced in the Spring of 2021.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with David's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Graham and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Helen B. Boorom

boorom_helen_-_photo.jpgHelen B. Boorom, 94 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 30, 2020 at the Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Lancaster, NY.

She was born December 19, 1925 in Batavia, a daughter of the late John and Katherine Mucha Mazur.

She was the wife of the late Reginald Boorom and sister of the late Mary Ann Bowen, Walter Mazur and John Mazur.

She is survived by a brother, Richard (Barbara) Mazur of Batavia. Sister, Rose (George) Sheeler of Malone and several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Helen was a member of the Polish Falcons, enjoyed working at Bingo and loved to bake pecan pies and banana bread. Her laugh was infectious and everyone who knew her loved her.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday, December 11, 2020 from 5-7 P.M. at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Padre Pio Parish, Oakfield at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 12, 2020. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery.

The funeral home will be limited to 33% capacity due to the Covid-19 regulations and everyone visiting must wear a face covering.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Way of Genesee County - COVID-19 Response and Recovery Efforts. 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.

 

 

Carol Jean Meli

meli_carol_-_obituary.jpgCarol Jean (Davis) Meli, 86 of Batavia, passed away on Monday (December 7, 2020) at Premier Genesee Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born in Medina NY to the late Emmett and Emma (Bacon) Davis and graduated from Medina High School

She was married to Vincent “Vinny” Meli on May 22, 1976 until his passing on November 29, 2017

Carol is survived by her step-Daughter Penny Meli (fiancé Paul). Sister: Shirley (late Stuart) Peters of Hagerstown, MD. Brother: Lowell and Eleanor Davis of Medina. 2 step-grandsons Joseph and Justin Meli, 2 step-great- granddaughters Zoey Meli and Fayt Meli.  Nieces and nephews, Diane Fulkerson of Rochester, NY, Susan Peters Connolly of Vienna, VA, John and Robin Peters of Massachusetts, Jim and Kim Peters of Fairfield, CT, Amy Davis of St. Petersburg, FL, Angela Davis of Holley, NY

Carol is predeceased in death by her sister-in-law Mary (Stella) Meli Fulkerson, and 2 brothers-in-law Salvatore (Sam) Meli and James Fulkerson and 2 nieces Denise Davis-Withey, and Jennifer Davis-Lonnen

Carol worked for several years at Sylvania and Brenners Jewelery Store in Batavia and also co-owned the Edgewood Restaurant with Vinny for over 20 years. She was also the Postmaster at the Silver Lake Post Office for many years until her retirement.

There will be no prior visitation.  Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. 

Memorials may be made to the NYS Veterans Home Activity Dept., 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy can 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.

 

 

Mary Abdella

Mary Abdella, 77, of Batavia, born to Anthony and Madeline Abdella, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 4, 2020. Mary will be remembered as loving, compassionate, gentle and giving.

One of the greatest memories we all have of her is that she called and sang to you on your birthday. 

Mary was a nun at Sister of Mercy convent for six years, after graduating from Norte Dame High School. She received a degree as a Registered Nurse while in the convent. Because of her compassion, she made a wonderful nurse at St. Jerome’s Hospital for many years.

Her love for Jesus and devotion to the Catholic Church led her to be a longtime member and lector at St. Mary’s Perish. Throughout her life she volunteered and was a part of many organizations. Some of these include: Norte Dame Prayer group, Aglow, Christian Women’s Club, The Salvation Army, St. Jerome’s Guild, and Genesee County Information Booth. 

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Art Wesdorp, sister Anne Teresa Feltham, and brother-in- law David Saleh.

Mary is survived by: her children -- Paul Falcone (Robin), Maria Rowland (Rob), Mark Falcone, Ralph Falcone (Stacy), Vinnie Falcone Jr., Angela Geitner, and John Falcone (Melanie); stepchildren -- Casey (Hope), Carol (Fred), Annette, and Sharon (Carl); siblings -- her twin Regina Abdella, Ray (Jan) Abdella, brother-in-law Tom Feltham, Larry Abdella, Gerry (Elaine) Abdella, Liz Saleh, Tony (Sheri) Abdella, Cathy (Sami) Hatoum; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mary donated her body to the University at Buffalo.

Due to COVID-19 a celebration of life ceremony will take place at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Batavia Salvation Army, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, or St. Jerome’s Guild.

Mildred Jane Henning

Batavia - Mildred Jane Henning, age 90, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mrs. Henning was born on Saturday, April 12, 1930 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Lewis Henning and Mildred Griswold Henning.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law; Lewis A. (Tammie) Henning of Batavia; three grandsons; Randal Henning, Matthew Henning and William Henning along with nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings; William Henning, Ronald Henning and Elsie Wazniack.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Stafford Rural Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 56, Stafford, New York 14143.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Wayne D. Foster

wfoster.jpg  Wayne D. Foster ~ Age 76, of Elba, died at home in the comfort of his two loving daughters on December 6, 2020, after his long and courageous battle with cancer. Wayne was born in St. Albans, VT on April 29, 1944, a son of the late Frederick and Kathleen (Paxman) Foster.

Wayne’s work on the family farm delayed his schooling until the age of seven, but he began his education in Montgomery, VT.  His family moved to New York in February 1956 where he first attended school in Caledonia and later graduated from LeRoy High School in 1964. He earned an Electrical Degree from DeVry Technical Institute in Illinois in 1966 and began working for the Space and Defense Center in Maryland until he was drafted by the U.S. Army in September 1966. Wayne battled beside his military brothers in the Armor Division in Vietnam where he proudly served his country from 1966-1968. Wayne received several military medals and decorations including the Good Conduct Medal and the Purple Heart. He was officially and honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1972. 

Wayne spent most of his life serving Genesee County, first working for the Sheriff’s Department and in 2002, retiring from the Genesee County Highway Department. He was a longstanding supporter of the DAV. He was also a longtime member of the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge No. 39 in LeRoy, NY where he and his lodge brothers proudly supported the community with fundraisers and programs. Wayne cherished their unity, brotherhood, and friendship. In October 2018, he was honored for his many years of service with the lodge. 

Wayne valued family and friends and found time spent with them to be his most precious treasure.  He cared about others, enjoyed giving to and helping people, and reveled in turning a stranger into a friend.  Wayne liked to be outside and found comfort in nature. He enjoyed camping and joyfully and eagerly anticipated every fishing and hunting season. He appreciated the peace provided by simplicity, found comfort in watching wildlife and sunrises, in drinking freshly melted snow streaming from a mountainside, in listening to the birds’ songs,  and in the calming sounds of soft, instrument music. He respected tradition and accomplished things the “old-fashioned” way, finding fulfillment in making something broken useful again and value in vintage items such as guns, clocks, classic cars, and in a variety of other antiques.  He liked to tinker in his garage, enjoyed logging for winter’s wood fires, eating pancake and maple syrup breakfasts, telling funny one-liners and jokes, playing card games, dancing, and sharing a drink and a laugh with visitors. 

Wayne is survived by his daughters, Rhonda (Cary) Pangrazio of Alabama, NY and Rachel Kilner of Portsmouth, VA; siblings, sister Janice (late Larry) Green of LeRoy, NY and brother, Bryan (Paula) Foster of Joliet IL; grandchildren, Cassandra Pangrazio, Chase Pangrazio, Elias Kilner, and Olivia Kilner as well as eight nephews, three nieces, beloved cousins and other extended family, great-nieces and nephews, lodge and military brothers, dear friends, and neighbors. He is predeceased by his sister, Bonnie (Larry) Riffel.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday December 13, 2020 from 2:00-6:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.  A Private Service will be held for the family. Wayne will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory. Thank you for your cooperation.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Olive Branch Lodge 39 12 Bank St. Le Roy, NY 14482. 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.

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