Obituaries

Melba was a member of the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Attica.

She is survived by sons Eugene (Edelyn) Klossner of Albion, Timothy Klossner, Randall (Janet) Klossner of Holley; daughter Lisa (Mark) Gerhardy of Churchville; 8 grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday June 21, 2015 from 1-4 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00 AM Funeral Service will be held on Monday June 22, 2015 at St Luke’s Episcopal Church 30 Favor Street Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in Darien Cemetery, Darien.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St Luke’s Episcopal Church 30 Favor Street Attica, New York 14011. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.

Basom - Leslie "Les" Lipnicky, 64, of Basom, a retired Foreman at US Gypsum Co. in Oakfield, passed away Thursday,(June 18, 2015) at his home, in Basom.

Mr. Lipnicky was born March 11, 1951 in New York City, the  son of the late Thomas and Vera (Kephart) Lipnicky.

Les was a true outdoors man.  He was an avid hunter and trapper.  He enjoyed playing on his tractor, spending time with his family and was a member of the NRA.

He is the husband of Cheryl (Liedke) Lipnicky of Basom.  The two were married May 1, 1981.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Joshua of Basom and Andrew of Caledonia.

Friends may call on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where a brief prayer will be said immediately following calling at 7:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 16 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will be in Umbria Cemetery, Osceola Mills, PA.  

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

Corfu - Jesse J. Meyer, 79, passed away Tuesday (June 9, 2015) in the care of his family.

Jesse was born October 23, 1935, in Buffalo, a son of the late Vincent and Marion Kromer Meyer.

He was a mechanic for many different companies in the area.

Jesse was the husband of the late Barbara Balduf Meyer and brother of the late Maryann and Karl Meyer.

Surviving are his children, Dee (Garth) Tesch and their children, Andy and Jon; Debbie Meyer, Darrell Meyer and his children, Jackie and Craig, Dennis Meyer and his son Ian and Doug Meyer and his children, Eric and Kayla; sisters, Carol (late James) Schmiedicker, Eileen (Danny) Zymowski and Jane (Alex) Sczepanski. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

There are no calling hours. Private services will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements were made by the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu.

   Age 61, of Batavia, died Friday June 12, 2015 at his home. He was born September 4, 1953 in Rochester, NY a son of the late Donald R. and Martha (Smith) Hillabush also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and son, Brian both in 2011 and infant son, Kevin.

   Mr. Hillabush was a United States Navy Veteran, retired from the Batavia VA Medical Center and former volunteer with the Oakfield Fire Department.

   He is survived by his son, Devin R. Hillabush of Byron; grandchildren, Aden W. Hillabush and Alexander Heatherman; sister, Fawn (Marcus) Mobley of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews.

   The family will be present from 1 - 2:00 PM on Thursday June 18 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020, military honors will immediately follow at Grand View Cemetery. Memorials in her memory are requested to the family.

   Please share your memories of Bob with his family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF ROBERT W. HILLABUSH IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK

Theodore J. Hojnowski  “Teddy”

Corfu - Theodore J. Hojnowski, “Teddy”, 86, passed away Saturday (June 13, 2015) at the New York State Veterans Home, Batavia.

Teddy was born May 4, 1929, in Bennington, a son of the late Joseph and Waleria Cwieka Wrotniak Hojnowski. He is predeceased by his sisters, Adele, Wanda and Helen and brothers, Alfred, Joseph, Henry, Stanley and Walter.

He was retired from the Operating Engineers Local 17. He was a member of the Polish Falcons 493, Sportsman’s Coon Hunters Association, American Legion in Attica and the VFW in Alexander. Teddy served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Jean Metz Hojnowski, his son Ronald Hojnowski and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. at the C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bennington.

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa on September 7, 1967 to Francis (Fritz) and the late Patricia (Gerner) Rowsick.

Mark lived a full and happy life.  He graduated at the age of 21 from Monroe County Boces I.  In his younger years, Mark competed in several events in the Special Olympics.  He always relished going to his day care programs through Lifetime Assistance. 

The special love of Marks’s life was music.  He equally enjoyed singing and dancing especially to the music of Michael Jackson and Lawrence Welk.  Tunes from the 60s and 70s added to his eclectic taste.

Trips to Pittsburgh, PA, Baltimore, MD, and Palm Beach Gardens, FL to visit with family were also high on his to do list, especially if a trip to Kennywood or Disney World was included.

Mark never found a restaurant or a waitress that he didn’t like.  Cheeseburgers and Diet Pepsi were his standing order with chocolate anything for dessert.  Mark was also a well-known flirt.   He thought that each and every woman he met was beautiful and told them so.

Mark is survived by his father and step-mother, Fritz and Liz Rowsick of Bergen, a sister Linda Rowsick of Canandaigua, brother “Bud” Rowsick of Pittsburgh, PA and his step-siblings, Ron (Dawn) Greenman of Ellicott City, MD, Dave (Pat) VanValkenburg of Saugerties, John (Jennifer) Greenman of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Donna (Garth) Howard of Caledonia and Dan (Jenn) Van Valkenburg of Bergen.  His step-brother, Matthew Greenman of Brockport, who frequently wrote of his affection for Mark on his Facebook page, was called home ahead of Mark in February, 2015.

Mark is survived by many nieces and nephews that he took great delight in spending time with along with aunts, uncles and cousins primarily from the Pittsburgh area.

We are most grateful to Lifetime Assistance, Inc. for providing Mark with such dedicated staff through casework and programming over the years and with residential services for the past four years.  We wish to mention in particular the staff at Trinity Day Hab and the Lowry Center.  Mark’s Home on Sweden Hill in Brockport was Home to him with a capitol “H”.

Mark Rowsick has brought smiles and good memories and joy filled moments to everyone who ever came in contact with him.  The world is a sadder place without him. Mark leaves us the challenge to follow his loving example throughout our own lives.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen.  Mark’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, (June 20, 2015) at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen.  Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery, Bergen. 

In recognition of their excellent work with and for Mark, we ask that you consider memorials to either Lifetime Assistance Inc., 465 Paul Road, Rochester, NY 14624 or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester and Finger Lakes Region, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 who has spent much time in helping to educate Mark’s care givers on that horrific disease.  Flowers are gratefully declined.

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

Timothy was a loving father, grandfather with an immense passion for his religion. He also enjoyed horse racing.

Timothy is survived by his wife Julie Cole of Batavia; 5 daughters Marya Cole, Kristin (Jayson) Dersham, Sierra Cole, Constance Schramm, Yazmine Cole all of Batavia; 3 brothers Michael (Betsy) Cole of Hartford, CT., Curtiss Cole of Corning, Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Cole of Batavia; 2 sisters Ellousie (Victor) Evans of Slyvester, GA., Hellen Allen of Rochester; 4 grandchildren; Uncle Ulysses (Annie) Jones of Batavia; aunts include  Loretta Clark, Dorthy Billington, Betty Martin, Hazel Tucker and a host of nieces and nephews.

An 11:00 AM Funeral Services will be held Friday June 19, 2015 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, INC. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Cole Family. 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.

   Age 90, of Oakfield, died peacefully Monday morning June 15, 2015 at the Martin-Linsin Residence of Orleans Hospice. She was born March 21, 1925 in Dunkirk, NY a daughter of the late Joseph and Louise (LaDuca) Bondi, also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Salvatore Cerri in 2008 and infant daughter, Constance Joan.

   Mrs. Cerri was a lifelong member of St. Padre Pio Parish, a very talented artist, she enjoyed travelling and watching old movies. She will be remembered as a loving, caring mother and grandmother who cherished her family.

   Surviving are her devoted children, Louise M. (Dr. Robert) George of Rochester, Christine Cerri of Oakfield, Patricia Ellis of Palermo, ME, Laura (Rick) Pastecki of Oakfield and Annette (Holly Browne) Jaszko of Greece; son-in-law John Jaszko of Brockport; 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren also survive.

   The family will be present from 4-8 PM on Wednesday June 17 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where prayers will be recited 10:15 AM Thursday followed by a 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Padre Pio Parish (Oakfield Site). She will be laid to rest with her husband in the church cemetery, memorials in her memory are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 or WNY Chapter JDRF 331 Alberta Drive Suite 106 Amherst, New York 14226.

The Cerri family wishes to express much gratitude to the staff at the Martin-Linsin residence for the wonderful care and genuine concern shown to their mother.

   Please leave your words of comfort to Fran's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF FRANCES L. CERRI IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Oakfield - Edward W. Starkweather, 79, of Oakfield, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2015 at his home.

Mr. Starkweather was born December 8, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Fay and Florence Branton Starkweather.

A member of the East Pembroke Fire Department exempts, he was also a member of the VFW. Following his retirement from G.T.E. Sylvania, where he was a purchaser, he worked for the Town of Oakfield mowing lawns and at the town dump until it closed. He loved mowing his lawn and was meticulous about its appearance.

A member of the United States Navy, Mr. Starkweather was part of the atomic bomb testing in Bikini Atoll.

His wife, Catherine J. "Pep" Krtanik Starkweather, passed away on May 25, 2008.

He is survived by his brother, Donald Starkweather of Batavia; his aunt, Alice Dix of Akron; several nieces, nephews and dear friends including Roy (Aggie) Lindsley of Oakfield.

He is the brother of the late Paul D. and Duane Starkweather.

There are no prior visiting hours. Graveside services, with full military honors will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 10 a.m. at  Cary Cemetery, 21 Albert Street, Oakfield.  Flowers are gratefully declined. Please consider memorials to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Mr. Lewis was a graduate of John Carroll University, retired as Associate Administrator of St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia and fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He was a United States Army Veteran and member of Veness Strollo Post 1602 VFW in Batavia. He was a lifetime member of Resurrection Parish, Parade Chairman of the St. Joseph’s Lawn Fete, and currently a member at St. Pius X in Chili. Don volunteered at the Senior Center in Batavia, Chili, and Stephen’s Table soup kitchen in Batavia.

He is survived by his children Daniel (Robert) Lewis of Buffalo; Marie (Thomas) Banach of Rochester; Neil (Katie) Lewis of Clarkson; grandchildren Ashley, Joshua, Anthony, Ryan and Tyler; brothers Kenneth (Nancy) of Batavia; William Lewis of Rochester; brother-in-law James Adams of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday June 16, 2015 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 1:00 PM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday June 17, 2015 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.  He will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity 780 Ridge Road Lackawanna, NY 14218. 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.

Mr. Pierce proudly served in the Army Air Corp during World War II as a B-25 pilot. He worked for Franklin Mills Whole Wheat Flour which was demolished with the Batavia Urban Renewal Project. He later owned and operated FM Mills in Bergen with his partners George (Red) Vincent and Bruce Ireland. When they closed that business, Mr. Pierce, at age 50, was appointed by Genesee County to the position of Executive Secretary to the Civil Service Commission and subsequently was appointed as the first Genesee County Personnel Officer from which he retired in April 1983. He often said how much he loved his job.

He is survived by his son, James (Brenda) Pierce; daughter Cheryl (Lance) Glover; grandchildren Holly (James) Piljay, Troy Glover, Nicole Gaiser, Amy (Christopher) Stahl, Tracy Pierce, and Kelly Pierce. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. He has one surviving brother, James (Katy) Bisig of Columbia, MO., and many surviving nieces and nephews.

To honor his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Private Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the Maple Lawn Cemetery Association, C/O Lyle Embt, Treasurer, 10720 Bethany Center Road East Bethany, New York 14054 or to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department 5253 Old Telephone Road East Bethany, New York 14054. 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.

Gerald Worked for Phaudler in Rochester as a Machinist.  He was a United State Army Veteran and served in the Vietnam War. Gerald enjoyed fishing, cards and camping. He loved gardening and just being outdoors.

He is survived by his wife Annette C. (Macomber) Eleczko of LeRoy; children Brandon ( Megan) Miller of Kenmore, Michelle Eleczko of Kansas, Jerry Eleczko of Bliss, Andrew (Lori) Draper of Batavia, Jaime Valentine of Batavia; sister Joyce (Bob) Wyzykiewicz of Las Vegas, NV; sister in law Merry Jo Eleczko of Michigan; grandchildren Aidan Eleczko, Eli Doll and Lyla Doll along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday June 14, 2015 from 1:00 – 3:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, LLC 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will immediately follow at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. 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.

He was born August 5, 1934 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Earl McCarthy and Lois McCarthy Kelly.

James was employed by American Stone in Batavia prior to his retirement. He was a participant of Care-A-Van Ministries and a member of Discovery Chapel in Batavia. He was also a long time member of the Polish Falcons, Veness-Stollo VFW Post, and the Batavia Rod & Gun Club.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann Blasczyk McCarthy of Batavia. Daughters, Susan McCarthy of Batavia and Debbie Green of Conesus.  Grandchildren, Branden (Barbara) Green of Apex, NC, Rachel (Josh) Halpenny of Sparta, NY and Josh McCarthy of Batavia. Great-grandchildren, Ty, Cameron, Payton and Cooper. Brother, Richard McCarthy of Texas. Sister in-law, Barbara Maryjanowski of Batavia. Special friends, Barbara and Mike Crowley, Amanda Crowley, Rob and Stacey Crowley and Denny.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday (June 14th), 2:00pm at Discovery Chapel, 315 W. Main St., Batavia. Private interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in James memory may be made to Care-A-Van Ministries, P.O. Box 1611, Batavia, NY 14021. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME.LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.