Obituaries

Marsha Jean Botham, 65 of Buffalo and formerly of Akron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (February 14, 2024) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born May 10, 1958 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of Robert Botham of Warsaw and the late Rena Seddon Botham. 

Marsha was employed by V.P. Supply Co. of Cheektowaga, NY, where she loved to go to work every day. Her co-workers were like a second family to her. She was an artsy person, who enjoyed painting, crafting and creating her own greeting cards. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats and was a foster care giver for many of them. Most of all she loved her children, grandchildren and family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving besides her father are her three children, Renee (Soupy) Milks of Akron, Neil (Tori) Dylag of Buffalo and Ben (Autumn) Purucker of Plattsburg. Grandchildren, Alexis, Isaiah, Mykenzie, Hayden, Joey, Henley and Delia. Siblings, Debbie (Barry) Schoonover of Oklahoma, Laura (Michael) Hohensee of Varysburg and Robert (Amy) Botham of Florida. Also survived by her fur daughter, Chloe and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (February 24^th) from 10am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to the Ten Lives Club at www.tenlivesclub.com/donate. 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.

Bergen- Barbara Howard, 85 of Bergen passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center Rochester, NY.

Barb was born February 3, 1939 in Albion, New York the daughter of the late James and Irene (Wahl) McGee.

Barbara loved to spend time with her family and friends.  Her door was always open for a long visit.  She also loved to crochet.  She loved to make newborn sets for the children of family and friends.  In her spare time she was an avid Bingo enthusiast and she loved to shop at the Made in America store.

Barb married the love of her life, Richard Howard, on August 22, 1959. Together they raised 4 wonderful children and enjoyed many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant at the Genesee County Nursing Home until her retirement.

Surviving is her husband, Richard Howard of Bergen; children, Deborah (Donald) Fogg of Bergen, NY Richard (Sarah) Howard Jr. of Hopkinton, Iowa, Cynthia (Dean) Leffel of Batavia, NY, and J.O. “James Oliver” (Karen) Howard of Hulberton, NY; 9 grandchildren, D.R. Fogg, Devin Fogg, Amanda Chadsey, Joshua Howard,  Daniel Neal, Matthew Neal, Abigail Regan, Racheal Howard, and Benjamin Howard; 11 great grandchildren, her beloved hairdresser and surrogate daughter, Maria (Rob) Rowland, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Barb is reunited with her parents, James and Irene McGee, and brothers, James and Anthony “Pat” McGee.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Bergen. A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.  Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at the Viking Valhalla Restaurant in Bergen, NY.   Burial will be held in the spring at Holy Cross Cemetery in Holley, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barb’s memory to Catholic Charities - 1150 Buffalo Rd Rochester, NY 14624

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

Ann Kalish, 73, of Batavia and formerly of Albion, passed away on February 9, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Ann was born January 9, 1951.

There are no prior calling hours.  Ann's service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 19 at St. Joseph Mausoleum, 531 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.  

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

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

John Anthony Mondo, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away in his sleep on the morning of January 15, 2024.  He was born on November 19, 1926 in Batavia, New York to Anthony L. and Alice Concetta (Gugino) Mondo. 

John was a 1944 graduate of Batavia High School, and a proud veteran of World War II, who served with the U.S. Army in Europe.  After returning from his military service, John attended Purdue University, the University of Buffalo, and earned a diploma in Architectural Drawing from Erie County Technical Institute.  On October 1, 1960, he married Nancy Evans in Batavia, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage together, making their home in Batavia until moving to Bradenton, Florida in 1973, where they lived for the remainder of his life.

John is survived by his sister, Anne (Mondo) Burns; his wife Nancy, and their four children, Anita (Lori Pierce) Mondo, Daniel (Elizabeth) Mondo, John (Will Forster) Mondo, and Stephen Mondo; five grandchildren, Tiffany Mondo, Christopher Otteni-Mondo, Courtney (Jake) Lane, Hailey Mondo, and Abbey (Cody) Mordecai; three great-grandchildren—and two more he was looking forward to meeting in the coming months; as well as all of his beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and their families.

John was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Josephine (Mondo) Tubiolo; his son’s partner, Rick D. Marchewka; and his great-niece, Michelle A. Cecere.

Calling hours will be held at J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia on Thursday, February 22nd from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street in Batavia on Friday, February 23rd at 11:00 AM, immediately followed by a graveside committal service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., 4210 77th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221 (guidedogs.org). 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.

Douglas (Doug) Higgins peacefully passed away on February 12, 2024, at the Gateway Home in Attica, New York, after a long and courageous health battle. 

Doug was born on December 27, 1947 at St. Jerome's Hospital in Batavia, New York. He was the son of Glady Bey Higgins of Attica, New York, and Thomas F. Higgins, formerly of Auburn, New York. In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brothers, Jim Higgins of Davis, California, and John Higgins of Attica, New York. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara E. Higgins of Attica; his brother-in-law, Salvador Ramirez of Davis, California, as well as nieces and several cousins.

Doug attended grade school at St. Vincent's De Paul Catholic School in Attica, New York. He graduated from Attica Central School in 1966 with a local diploma in Business and was a three-sport athlete; achieving Varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Doug then attended Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York, where he received an Associate's Degree in Business and the State University College at Buffalo where he received his Bachelor's degrees in both Business Education and Environmental Studies in 1973.

Doug was a Vietnam Era Veteran enlisting in the United States Army Reserve in 1967 and proudly serving until he was Honorably Discharged in 1973. He was employed by the York Central School District as a secondary business education teacher from 1973 until his retirement in 2003. Doug was also a New York State Sportsman Education Instructor for more than 40 years teaching Hunter Safety, Bow Hunter Education, and Trapper Training courses.

Doug was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and golf. He especially enjoyed spring turkey and elk hunting, where he traveled extensively in pursuit of his passions. He was a life-long member of the Attica Golf Club, (currently "The 10th Hole") in Attica, the National Rifle Association, the North American Big Game Club and was a Silver member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. In 2015, Doug was voted into the New York State Sportsman's Hall of Fame in recognition of his life-long volunteerism which benefited countless numbers of New York's Outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Doug was a member of the A-ON-DO-WAH-NUH Sportsman's Club in Leicester, New York, the York Sportsman's Club near his home in York, and the American Legion Harder-O'Donnell Post 0734 in Attica, New York.

Doug will sadly be missed by his family, many close friends, and his dog, Jake. A special "Thank You" to the volunteers and staff at the Gateway Home in Attica for all of the wonderful care and support Doug received during his stay.

Visitation for Doug will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York, where services will immediately follow visitation at 11:30 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Doug's name to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, New York 14011; Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020; or the American Legion Harder-O'Donnell Post 0734, 83 Market Street, Attica, New York 14011. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Batavia - Gloria J. Wolford of Batavia passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Buffalo General Hospital.
 

Gloria was born January 5, 1940 in Batavia, NY. The daughter of the late Roy and Leona Harloff.
 

Gloria was the youngest of seven children, raised on a farm, and grew up learning about responsibilities, hard work and a dignified strong work ethic. Her mother was quoted once saying; “you have to have backbone not just a wishbone,” and Gloria truly lived by those words.
Her strong will was often nurtured into many incredible accomplishments. She was truly remarkable, strong and an independent woman yet helpful and caring at the same time.
 

Gloria drove school bus for various districts for over 30 years. She also worked as the bookkeeper for her husband’s pest control business for many years. Gloria and her husband Frank enjoyed spending time at their camp in Cherry Grove, PA. They enjoyed taking rides in
the country and going to garage sales. They went on many trips throughout the years and enjoyed camping in their motorhome. They had several Schnauzer dogs over their lifetime, and at one point had a total of six. Gloria had a maltese dog named Susie who was always by her side and Gloria would often say she didn’t know what she would do without her.
 

She is predeceased by her husband, Frank in 2021, and son, Terry Wolford in 1965. Surviving are her children: Todd (Becky) Wolford, Karen (Doug) Kohorst, Trent (Lynn) Wolford and Lori (Rick) Bush; thirteen grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt) Moden, Stephen (Anne) Wolford,
Amanda Wolford, Bethany (Andy) Peters, Ashley Kohorst, Brandon Kohorst, Emery Kohorst, Eric Wolford, Alyssa (Dylan) Shea, Patrick Wolford, Jack Wolford, Lindsay (Brent) Seewald and Travis (Kaiti) Bush and six great-grandchildren.
 

We cannot thank Fresenius Kidney Care enough and Nurse, Mark Moser for being such an integral part in her life and the kind and compassionate care she received over the years. Special thanks to the East Pembroke Fire Dept. for their prompt and courteous response each
time they were called upon. There are no words to express our gratitude. 

In accordance with Gloria’s wishes, no memorial services will be held. Her family will honor her memory privately. Memorials may be made to the East Pembroke Fire Department, P.O. Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056.

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

Nancy Lewis Pascucci, a former resident of East Aurora and Batavia, New York died peacefully on Sunday Feb. 11th. She was 93. 

Mrs. Pascucci was born on April 6, 1930 in Spencer, NY, the eldest child of the late Harold and Jean (nee Fisher) Durham. The Durhams moved to East Aurora when Nancy was 12 years old. After graduating from East Aurora High School in 1947, she attended Keuka College where she enjoyed studying sociology and being the coxswain for the Keuka College rowing team. 

Mrs. Pascucci also attended Bryant and Stratton College and following graduation worked as the administrative assistant to the Superintendent of the East Aurora School District until the birth of her first child. 

She married Loran L. Lewis, IV in June 1951 and they were together until his death in 1990. 

A lover of the theater arts, Nancy loved music, singing and acting. She was a founding member of The Aurora Children’s Theater group which performed plays in elementary schools throughout Western New York in the 1960’s. Mrs. Pascucci was active in the Aurora Players performing in such plays as Picnic, The Music Man, South Pacific and Guys and Dolls.  She also enjoyed working behind the scenes, winning the Aurora Players creative award for outstanding special effects. Nancy sang in the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of East Aurora for nearly 25 years. 

Mrs. Pascucci also sang in the Quaker Chapter of Sweet Adelines, an organization devoted to singing barbershop harmony. As a past President and Show Director, Mrs. Pascucci was selected as the Sweet Adeline of the Year in the 1970’s from more than 1,000 members in Western and Central New York, Northern Pennsylvania and Southern Ontario. 

Nancy also loved to play bridge and formed a bridge group with her friends that met on a weekly basis.

Mrs. Pascucci worked at The Aurora Town Public Library in East Aurora, NY for 25 years, retiring after she married her second husband, Louis Pascucci in 1995 and moved to Batavia, NY. 

A lover of travel, Nancy travelled extensively throughout her long life, especially enjoying her trips to Italy with her husband Louis, England and Scotland with her daughter, and Hawaii and Puerto Rico with her friends.  As a member of an Orchard Park Senior Citizen group, Diamonds in the Rough, she participated in nearly every trip, concert, talk or play they organized. 

Nancy loved people and possessed an uncanny ability to make friends with nearly everyone she met. Her youthful spirit and fun-loving nature was only matched by her kindness, generosity and concern for others.  Most importantly, Nancy loved her family. They were her greatest joy and comfort. She will be deeply missed. 

She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth (Thomas Saunders) Lewis, Jennifer (Jeron Drew) Lewis Drew, and son Robert Lewis; sister Joan “Joey” Newell, brother Thomas (Patricia) Durham. She is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher (Rachel) Saunders, Gabriel (Saba) Saunders, Nicholas (Faith) Drew, Kelsey Drew, eight great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She is predeceased by her first husband Loran L. Lewis IV, second husband Louis Pascucci and granddaughter Alicia Saunders Convard. 

Visitation hours at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia on Friday, February 16th from 11am-2pm to be followed immediately by a graveside committal service at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia. All are welcome. 

A Celebration of Life will take place in the summer. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Aurora Town Public Library at 550 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052 or to ArcGLOW, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Gertrude Constance Gorski, 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born September 3, 1930 in Tupper Lake, to the late Charles and Isabella (Godin) Sivret. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Gorski, siblings, Dr. Alexander (Elizabeth) Sivret and Elizabeth (Joseph) Barsuk.

Mrs. Gorski retired as an RN from Rochester Psychiatric Center, she also worked at St. Jerome’s Hospital for many years. Nursing was something she was very passionate about. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild and her special dog; Trucker.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Zanghi of Batavia, Cecelia (Tony Ortiz) Gorski of Lackawanna, and Charles (Susan) Gorski of Batavia; 6 grandchildren, David (Kelley) Zanghi, Eugene (Michelle) Myers, Charlene (Samantha) Myers-Pauly, Charles “CJ” (Ashley Wumkes) Gorski, James (Jackie Nocita) Gorski, Clayton (Cheyenne Ernst) Gorski, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of her Life will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Rd. Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Martha Grace Van Duyne Clingerman died peacefully February 5, 2024 after a brief illness.  Martha was born October 13, 1934 in Butler, NY to Leroy and Margaret (Graham) Van Duyne. 

She is predeceased by Richard C. Clingerman and beloved partner Lester W. Nodecker and siblings Merton, Muriel Blondell, Richard, Shirley Simmons and Carol Wolf. 

Martha is survived by brother David (Lillian) and her four children Clarence Dale Clingerman, Debra (Kevin) Reynolds, Todd Clingerman (Dorothy) and Terri (Mark Hackett Jr) granddaughters Sara (Stephen) Condie, Tiffany Reynolds (Anthony Dello Stritto), and Stephanie Gonsalves and great grandchildren Kevin, Nathan, Kaya, Kyleigh and Nikolas. 

Martha and her kitchen were the heart of her family and she gathered the generations together several times a year for decades to enjoy great food and laughter.  She passed her great love of books, music and the Buffalo Bills on to the following generations and, less successfully, her talent for gardening. She was an honorary “Mom” to many of her children's friends. Martha was the mom who packed great lunches, took her children on day trips, to drive-in movies, berry picking, and who got them out of bed in the middle of the night to see the aurora borealis over Lake Ontario. 

Martha worked for years at Sarah Coventry and retired from Dynalec Corporation.  In retirement, she and Les enjoyed extensive road trips, gardening, cows and cats.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Service will be held at her interment in Butler-Savannah Cemetery at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the SPCA. Go Bills! To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Darien Center - Joyce Mingle, 83 of Darien Center passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at a local nursing home.
 

Joyce was born Saturday, September 21st, 1940 in Lackawanna, NY a daughter of the late Norman and Rosemary (Kirst) Koester.
 

Joyce married her soulmate, Edward Mingle, on July 5th, 1975. Together they developed a partnership on their farm and raised a family. Before
joining Edward on the farm, Joyce was an educator and school principal.
 

Joyce will be remembered by her husband, Edward Mingle; son, Jacob (Kelly) Mingle; Siblings, Tom (late Alice) Koester, Jean (late Sebastian “Edward”) Thomas, her twin, Janice (late Paul) Korzelius, Theresa (Jeff) Lunn, along with many nieces and nephews.
 

Family and friends are invited to Joyce’s funeral mass on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10677 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040. Burial will immediately follow the funeral mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery in Darien Center, NY.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joyce’s name to The Sisters of St. Francis, an organization she spent 14 years with, 201 Reist St, Williamsville, NY 14221 or Our Lady of Good Counsel, 10677 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040.
 

Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Glenn Elliot Waldron, 58, a lifelong resident of Oakfield, passed away peacefully at Rochester General Hospital on February 8, 2024 with his loving family by his side. He was born November 10, 1965 in Batavia, New York, a son of Norma Bowen Waldron and Wesley Wayne Waldron.

Glenn dedicated 26 years to the students and staff at Oakfield-Alabama Central School. He cherished the friendships he made over the years with so many students, teachers, and fellow staff. Glenn spent his free time hunting, fishing, and making memories with his extended family. He considered everyone a friend and put others’ needs before his own. Glenn found enjoyment in collecting many useful items such as pocket knives, thermoses, and hats. He knew every coffee shop in a 50-mile radius and particularly enjoyed conversing with waitresses and friendly strangers during his jaunts about town or across the country.

Glenn’s quirky personality will be fondly remembered and missed by all. Whether it was a line from a Jerry Clower show or a story about his first truck, “The Hippo Hauler,” his infectious laugh following one of these stories will be remembered with a smile by all who knew him. He held a deep knowledge of many topics that he was willing to share with anyone who would learn from him. Glenn also had a knack for giving people nicknames which gave him a special connection to each person who was lucky enough to earn one.

Glenn is survived by his mother Norma Bowen Waldron of Oakfield and his father Wesley (Shirley) Waldron of Oakfield, and by his siblings Katherine (Glenn) Peterson of Chilton, WI, Dean (Lisa) Waldron of Oakfield, Erin (Joseph Jr.) Pionessa of Oakfield, Matthew (Anna) Waldron of Chilton, WI. 

One of his greatest joys was his nieces and nephews: Megan Peterson of Wakeforest, NC, Erin (Eric) Miller of Williamsport, PA, Eugene (Janice) Peterson of Fon du Lac, WI, Matthew (Amanda) Waldron of Wake Forest, NC, Olivia (Lee) Talley of Oakfield, Caroline (Jared) Dent of Elba, Eliza Pionessa of Oakfield, Brody and Jacob Waldron of Chilton, WI. Great nieces and nephews: Reid and Claire Waldron, Logan, Alexander and Isaac Peterson, Laine and Gavin Miller, Levi and Tucker Dent, and Finley and Magnolia Talley. Glenn is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends who he considered family. 

Family and friends are invited to call Friday, February 23, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM at Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street Road, Oakfield, New York.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00AM at Genesee Country Church with a luncheon to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Glenn Waldron Follow Your “Duck Call” Scholarship (Oakfield-Alabama Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 102, Oakfield, NY, 14125) and specify “Glenn Waldron Memorial” in the memo line. 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. 

Gertrude M. Ernest Tyson Woodrich, 96, of Village Green Nursing Home, LeRoy, NY passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024.

Gertrude was predeceased by her father and mother Louis and Mildred Ernest; brothers and wives Adelbert (Eleanor) Ernest; Lawrence (Francis) Ernest; husband Alfred Woodrich. 

Gertrude is survived by her son and wife Harry (Kathy) Tyson of Bergen, NY; grandsons Bryant (Deborah) Tyson of Maple Hill, NC; Stephen (Samantha) Tyson of Bergen, NY; Great grandsons Jacob (fiancé Eva) Tyson of Minneapolis, MN; Benjamin Tyson of Maple Hill, NC; Kane and Mace Tyson of Bergen, NY.

Gertrude was a stay at home wife and mother. She had a great memory and would always remember important dates such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries of family and friends. She enjoyed family picnics and special gatherings. Gertrude spent her final years at the Village Green where she enjoyed bingo and visiting with other residents. 

Her family sends a special thank you to all the staff who provided excellent care.

Gertrude’s remains were entrusted to Genesee Valley Cremation -James R.Gray Funeral Home. There will be no calling hours or services at this time.

Velma J. Pfeiffer, 97 of Batavia and formerly of Attica, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (February 7, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center. 

She was born August 10, 1926 in Gardenville, NY, a daughter of the late John and Julia Gadra Kelchelin.

Velma was the owner and operator of the Pfeiffer Produce and Greenhouse which was located in Attica for several years. Because she grew up on a family farm, she was not afraid to get her hands dirty. Even in her later years, she was still engaged with her gardening and washing her car. She enjoyed listening country music, especially the Ghost Riders and Elvis impersonators. Velma also was a collector of angels.

She was the wife of the late George Pfeiffer and sister of the late Esther Ciembor, Ruth Waldraff and Georgianna McCarthy.

Survivors include her daughters, Nancy (late John) Pocock of Batavia, Donna (late John) Kruppa of Batavia. Son, George Pfeiffer of Alden. Grandchildren, Adam Kruppa and Tara Freitag. Great-grandchildren, Kyle Kruppa, Jayce Kruppa and Aubrey Freitag.

Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Monday (February 12^th) at 10am at Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, 50 East Ave., Attica. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent 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, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Depew N.Y. - Joseph R. Marchese III, age 72 passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Joseph was born on June 9, 1951 to Mary and the late Joseph Marchese Jr. of Batavia N.Y.

Along with his Mother, Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Karen and children Joseph (Laura) Marchese, Nicole (Ryan) Greever, Lindsey (Tim) Knisley and Jillian (Jason) Berger. Joe was Papa to Olivia, Mason, and Lucas Marchese, Logan and Zoë Greever and Andirose Berger. He is also survived by his sister Marie (James) Bell, his brothers Jack (Mary) Marchese and James (Erin) Marchese. Joseph is also survived by his Aunt Carolyn (Tom) McGorey, Uncle Robert (Judy) Marchese, Aunt Toni Marchese, brothers in law Mark and Scott Phillips, sisters in law Cindy Rhodes, Lisa Phillips, Kim (Thomas) Corcoran and Christina Silvels, along with many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Joseph graduated from Batavia High school in 1970.  He participated on the Batavia and YMCA swim teams for many years. He loved working out, cooking for and spending time with family and friends, and a good party.

Joseph retired from Sysco Foods in 2016 where he had been employed for 20 years.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday February 13, 2024 from 3:00-6:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. A 6:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation PO Box 631 Buffalo, NY 14240. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Douglas D. Taggart, 77, of Caledonia, NY passed peacefully at home with his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara, by his side. Doug was predeceased by his in-laws Robert and Ethelyn Blaker, brother- in- law Herbert Blaker, and daughter in-law Katheryn Hall. Doug is survived by his daughter Suzanne (Fiancé, Stacy Prose) Taggart; son David Taggart; bonus children Corinne (Chris) Heschke; Michael Hirschman; grandchildren Anthony Mandrino, Maximus Taggart, Krystal (Morgan Mayer) Heschke and Kevin (Megan) Heschke. As well as, his great grandchildren Preston Heschke; Addalyn Heschke and Sullivan Aman; and his nephew James Blaker. Doug will also be missed by many loving friends and neighbors.

Doug worked for General Motors (where he met Barbara) for 33 years. His favorite place was their camp in Lowville, NY for 27 years – where he enjoyed all the seasons – but really loved to go snowmobiling.

After retirement, Doug was never satisfied with sitting still, so he delivered printed material for Cohber Press – and then mowed lawns at Gravel Ponds. When he did relax it was with a good book or watching an ole time western – preferably with John Wayne in it. Then it came time to go south for the winter, where they bought their second home in Leesburg, FL. Doug kept busy by having a manicured lawn and immaculate vehicles/toys and you could often find him tinkering with small engines.

Doug was a quiet man – but sure could make people laugh. He’d sit quietly in the background and then BAM he would come out with some silly remark and everyone would all laugh so hard.

While we lost our most beloved Husband, Dad, and Papa - many have lost a friend. He has been a rock to many, a master at sarcastic humor and witty timing to others, and even a glorious pain in the neck, to what I'm sure is a small select few (because no matter what happened between you in your lives, once you were marked as important to him, he'd be by your side if you needed him). There was so much more to him than just being a Husband, Dad, Papa, - though to us those were his greatest roles - he was also a friend, coworker, uncle, stand-in paternal figure, handyman, perfectionist, outdoor loving, and the list goes on and on.

A special shout out to Livingston Country Hospice, and the Miller’s, for their tender care during Doug’s journey.

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be announced at a later date.

To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit Alhartfuneralhome.com