Obituaries

Donald H. Smith, 70, of Pembroke, passed away peacefully at his home, Thursday, November 25, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Don was born on December 6, 1950, in Batavia, a son of the late Daniel and Margaret  Schultz Smith. He was the brother of the late Susan, Mary, Pearl and Daniel Smith.

Don served in the United States Army and retired from CSX Railroad. He was a life member of the Pembroke Fire Department. Some of Don’s favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, weekends at camp, bowling, softball and watching the Bills. He especially loved family gatherings and parties and taking the grandchildren to school and attending all their sporting events.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Debbie Harlach Smith; three children; Mike (Amy) Smith, Kim (John) Senko and Tyler (Amanda) Smith; nine grandchildren: Cody (Dez) and Trent (Scout) Smith, Kendall (Brad), Lilly, Tanner, Cooper and Mary Senko, Holly and Madison Smith; three great grandchildren; Lakelyn, Josh and Everly; brothers; Arthur (Patty), William (Charlotte), Robert (Dorothy), Earl (late Harriet) and Kevin (Bonnie) Smith; sisters; Sandra (Glen) Martin and Laureen Smith.
Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Services will follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Western New York National Cemetery at 11 a.m. with full military honors. 

David Lawrence Brooks, better known as Papa David in the Oakfield-Alabama athletic community, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters on Tuesday, November 30th. One of nine children, he was the baby of the family. He was born on his mother’s birthday, September 21st, 1941 to Bernard and Winfred Brooks and welcomed home by siblings; Bernard, Betty, Lucille, Dick, Bobby, Mary, Ester, and Margaret in Buffalo, NY.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis, who he married in 1967. Shortly after, they welcomed four daughters; Tammy (Mark) Cassidy, Dawn (Todd) Wheeler, Kelly Brooks, and Amy Brooks (Louis Gray) who they raised in Alabama, NY. He will be greatly missed by his brother in law, Stanley Popek, grandchildren; Erica, Jenni, Kelsey, Jordan, Justin, Jamie, Matthew, Megan, and great-grandchildren; Abby, Avery, Lila, Connor, and Olive. The root of our family tree, he loved and supported us all, bailing us out with minimal judgement no matter how badly we had screwed up.

He was an Air Force Veteran and retiree of Harrison Radiator in Lockport NY, a proud member of UAW 686. He was a lifelong supporter of the Buffalo Bills- in good times and bad. He was also a huge supporter of Oakfield-Alabama-Elba Football, as well as Oakfield -Alabama and GCC Softball Teams. He was well known among the teams and their families, considering himself their #1 Fan.

Friends and family are invited to gather in celebration of David’s life on Sunday, December 5th at 12 Noon at Caryville Inn, 25 Main St Oakfield. We are asking that everyone wear your best Buffalo Bills or Oakfield-Alabama-Elba Apparel.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory can be made to Warrior House of WNY and mailed to 22 Mill St Oakfield, NY 14020 to support The Goose Community Center in Oakfield or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Arrangements were entrusted to Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Stafford - David J.  Bridge, age 84 of Stafford passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Bridge was born Thursday, September 16th, 1937 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Rudolph Richenberg and Dorothea Bridge Burroughs.

Mr. & Mrs. Bridge were the former owners and proprietors of Bridge's Cottage Motel in Sylvan Beach. He owned a hunting camp in Canisteo where he would enjoy hunting, snowmobiling at Tug Hill and the many weekends that were spent at Black Lake. In his later years, he and his wife traveled extensively visiting Alaska and Greece amongst other destinations.  He enjoyed puttering around in his garage and visiting family in the south.

David is the husband of Elfrieda G. Humel Bridge who passed away on October 15, 2021.

Surviving are his sons, Mark (Katie) Bridge, James (Karen) Bridge and Randy (Irene) Bridge; four grandchildren, Jessica (Garrett) Tarnowski, Justin (Nicole) Bridge, Alexis (Josh) Armstrong and Matthew (Madelyn) Bridge; four great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, where funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Randy L. Helmer, age 64 of Castile, NY passed away on Monday November 29, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.  He was born on January 27, 1957 in Warsaw, NY to the late Donald A. and Violet M. (Knox) Helmer

Randy retired from the Rochester Laborer’s Union Local #435. After he retired he went back to work for a few years at Cidec in Batavia.  He was a member of the Castile Fire Department. Randy enjoyed hunting, riding his Harley, spending time with his family and friends, and was always willing to help out anyone in need whether it was mowing a yard or clearing out a driveway.

He is survived by his wife: Leilani (Smith) whom he married on September 13, 1986, son: Travis (Erin Tetreault) of Castile, grandchildren: Chesney, Brystol and Kade, sister: Ellie Marble of Fl., brothers: James (Christine) of Fl., David (Cindy) of Warsaw, Kevin of Buffalo, sister-in-laws: Dana (David) Wright of Pike, Cindy (Angelo) Feroleto of Castile, Cheryl (Robert) Bush of Geneseo, brother-in-law: Gordon Smith of Perry, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his son: Ryan M. Helmer who passed on Dec. 17, 2013, sister: Cindy Helmer, brother and sister-in-law: Steven (Susan) Helmer and sister-in-law: Loretta Helmer, niece: Riley Jo Helmer and nephew: Jared Bush.

Family and friends may call from 12-3pm on Saturday December 4, 2021 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, NY 14530, where Services will follow at 3:00pm. Randy will be laid to rest in Alger Cemetery in Hume.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Castile Fire Department P.O. Box 98 or to the Castile Rescue Squad P.O. Box 338 Castile, NY 14427. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Batavia - Linda M.  Doody, 73 of Batavia passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

She was born Monday, May 3rd, 1948 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Joseph P. Caruso Sr. and Rose Merica Caruso.

A 1966 graduate of Notre Dame High School, Linda was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Batavia. She worked for many years as a lunch aide at John Kennedy School and Robert Morris School and with her daughters at Center Stage Dance Company for fifteen years. She will be remembered by her family as being selfless, always putting others' needs ahead of hers. She was happiest when she was with her family or in attendance at a school play, dance recital, sporting event or school concert. She lived for her family and her grandchildren.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 50 years, Edward R. Doody of Batavia; loving children, Edward Doody Jr. of Pavilion, Patti (Jose) Arroyo and Lisa (Sam) Antinore, both of Batavia; seven grandchildren; Christopher Doody, Jay Antinore, Zoey Arroyo, Mazey Arroyo, Chase Antinore, Brody Arroyo and Jaxon Arroyo; her brothers, Anthony (Bonnie) Caruso and Joseph P. (Debbie) Caruso Jr., both of Batavia, New York and nieces and nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 3rd, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School Foundation, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Virginia Mary “Kelly” Kreydt, of North Lyon St. in Batavia passed on Monday, November 29th with her family at her side, she was 89.  She was born in 1932 in Ellicottville, New York. She was the daughter of John and Cecelia Kelly, and was a graduate of Ellicottville High School and Mercyhurst College. 

She taught home economics at Batavia High School and Batavia Middle School, and she was the quintessential coach’s wife to her husband of fifty seven years John Kreydt.  She was an amazing cook, seamstress and baker who loved to teach her grandchildren all she knew, but most of all she lived for her family.

She is survived by her husband John of Batavia, her son Mark (Marcie) Kreydt of Ithaca, NY; daughter Molly (Michael) Drogo of Camillus, NY; grandchildren Kelsey (Ryan) St. Denis, Courtney, Trey, Katie and Anna, her sister Rosemary of Ellicottville, brother Joseph of Olean;     

There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 9:30 am at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A private family internment service will follow.                             

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 631 Buffalo, NY 14240 https://www.roswellpark.org/giving. To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Wilma I. Van Wagnen, 91, of Batavia, went home to be with Jesus on November 28, 2021 at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility.

Wilma was born November 29, 1929 in Olean, the daughter of the late Laurence and Bessie (Totten) Armison.

Growing up on a farm instilled a strong work ethic in Wilma.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia, where she was involved in several ministries at the church.  Wilma was also a member of the ladies auxiliary for the Town of Batavia Fire Department and was a seasonal resident of Winters Mobile Park in Florida.  She enjoyed square dancing, bowling, crafting, baking pies and her gardens.

Wilma's family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent care that she received while at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility.

Surviving are her children, David (Esther) Van Wagnen of Fort Myers, FL, Nancy (Raymond) Argulski of Cleveland, NY, Pamela (Raymond) White of Boulder City, NV and Patricia (Richard) Dutton of Batavia, nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Wilma is the wife of the late Robert J. Van Wagnen and sister of the late Maynard Armison.

Family and friends are invited to Wilma's services on July 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Morris Cemetery.  Following the services at the cemetery a reception will be held at the First Baptist Church of Wyoming where all are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility, attention: activities fund, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.  

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

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

Dorothy J. Rohauer, 85, passed away on November 24, 2021 at the Gateway Home in Attica. She was born on February 12, 1936 in Indiana, PA to the late Fred and Ruth (Donahue) Carley. She is also predeceased by her husband; Donald Rohauer. Dorothy is survived by 4 children.

There will be no prior calling hours or Funeral Services. She will be laid to rest in Pine Hill Cemetery in Cheektowaga.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home 91 Main St. Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhom.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Mary L. Tullar, 64 of Byron, passed away peacefully on Friday (November 26, 2021) at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY.

She was born April 9, 1957 in Brockport, NY, a daughter of the late Edward Larnder and Betty Draper Larnder Butler.

Survivors include her daughter, Sheri Jansen of Batavia. Sons, John (Kelly) Tullar of Scottsville, NY and Robert II (Erica) Tullar of Batavia. Grandchildren, Autumn Jansen, Alexis Jansen, Brooke Jansen, Lawrence Tullar, Ava Tullar, Persephone Tullar and Robert John “RJ” Tullar. Great-grandson, Bryson Carroll.

There will be no prior visitation and services will be privately held at the convenience of the family with burial in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke, 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.

 

 

Tammy M. Korczak, 53, of Corfu, passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Buffalo General Hospital.

Tammy was born on August 9, 1968, in Buffalo, NY,  a daughter of the late Donald and Diana Stine. She was the sister of the late Robert Stine and Tracy Stine.

Tammy was a graduate of Pembroke High School. She was the owner of Dadio’s Central Bar and Restaurant in Corfu. Tammy was a generous and caring person. She hosted many charity softball games and did fundraisers to help out those in need. Tammy’s family, friends and community were her life. 

Tammy is survived her beloved husband Mark Korczak, her precious children, Kelsee Korczak and Kyle Korczak, her dog Miles; her siblings, Scott Stine, Donna Stine and Diana Szymanski. Many nieces and nephews, in-laws and an abundance of friends also survive.

Family and friends may call Tuesday, November 30, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 4 p.m. at Dadio’s Central, 7 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

Phillip O. Jenkins, 57, of Akron, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 22, 2021.

Phil was born on September 8, 1964, in Batavia, son of the late Ocie and Elizabeth Black Jenkins. 

Phil worked for Fusani and Kuhn Monuments in Buffalo for many years and really enjoyed his job. He liked to collect old model cars and put cars together. Phil and Noreen loved to drive in the country, bargain shop at garage sales and thrift shops and try out different restaurants. He was an extremely thoughtful and caring person. 

Phil is survived by his daughter Madeline; his sisters Ida (Richard) Vasciannie and Elizabeth Jenkins; several nieces and nephews; his longtime partner of 30 years, Noreen Graney and her children, Patrick, Tracy, the late Brian and the late Scott and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Family and friends may call Monday, November 29, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at the mortuary at 11 a.m.

James F. Kelley, of Corfu, passed away peacefully at the Buffalo VA Medical Center on Monday, November 22, 2021.

Jim was the son of the late Hiram and Rose Kelley. He was the brother of the late Donald, Rose and Leona.

He was a graduate of Akron High School and a veteran serving in the United States Army. Jim was retired from Whiting Roll-Up Door in Akron.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores (Grudzien) Kelley, his children, Lisa (Michael) Brizindine of North Carolina and Jeremy Kelley of Corfu; his grandchildren, Phillip and Nicholas LeMaster; brothers Robert (Margaret) Kelley and Robert Kelley and several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends may call Wednesday, December 1, 2021, from 11a.m. to noon at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be at noon with burial to follow in the Western New York National Cemetery at 
1 p.m. 

Bergen - Agnes M.  Redinger, age 87, of Bergen passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Redinger was born March 5th, 1934 in Geneseo, NY a daughter of the late William Townley and Alice Pierson Townley. 

She was a member of the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church and retired from the Byron-Bergen School District where she drove school bus for many years. She served as an election official in Bergen for many years and was a member of the American Red Cross and the Bergen Historical Society. She volunteered her time at the information center in Batavia and enjoyed making cakes, knitting, crocheting and sewing. 

Agnes is the wife of Ernest W. Redinger who passed away on July 22, 2002 and mother of the late Charles W. Redinger who passed away on December 26, 2018.  

Surviving are her children, Russell (Kimberlee) Redinger of Batavia, Daniel (Karen) Redinger of Byron and Sandra (James) McKenzie of Byron; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Redinger  of Bergen; nine grandchildren, Amanda (Jeremy) Holbrook of Bergen, Robert (Jessica Moon) Redinger of Bergen, Ashley (Fiancé Matt Perry) Redinger of Stafford, Zachary Redinger of Byron, Allison (Fiancé Paul Redden) of Gainesville, Rebecca (Luke) Warren of Atlanta, Georgia, Caitlyn McKenzie of Batavia, Faye (Colin) McAllister of Batavia and Laura (Robert) Schrenker of Hilton; six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Vivian Botts of Rochester and several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, December 3rd, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen where her funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 4th, 2021. She will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416 or Mercy Flight Inc., Flying Tigers – Buffalo Airport, 100 Amherst Villa Road, Buffalo, New York 14225.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Colton - James E. “Jay” Thompson of Colton, NY passed away early on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY.  Jay was born on March 20, 1942 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and grew up in Holyoke, MA.  He spent most of his life in Western Massachusetts, primarily South Hadley and Belchertown, an area that he greatly enjoyed.

Jay was an extraordinary man, full of life, love and music -- a gentle, thoughtful, and compassionate spirit.   He was deeply loved by his family members and many friends, going all the way back to his high school days.  Jay is survived by his wife of 38 years, Tracey L. Thompson; two sons, Drake J. Thompson and Matthew T. Houghton-Thompson; daughters-in-law, Lillian Thompson and Jaimie Houghton-Thompson; grandchildren, Connor Thompson and Kris Thompson; his brother Jeff Thompson; niece, Khiarra Kosling and nephew, Zach Thompson.

Jay was a talented and creative television director/producer and worked for more than three decades at WGGB-TV in Springfield, Massachusetts, directing and producing a variety of special programs including a popular children’s show called “Strummin’ Drummers.”  He was a man of many interests and hobbies including model railroading, fishing, camping, photography, cycling, white-water canoeing and kayaking.

But his real love and calling was music; Jay was an accomplished musician and singer-songwriter.  He recorded an album of folk music with a group called the Tikis in 1962 and created an album of his own original work titled “Better Late Than Never” in 2005.  Jay participated regularly in open mic events at PACE in Easthampton, at Luthier’s Co-op, and most recently in a Zoom open mic hosted by Dan Russell of Easthampton.

Jay had what appeared to be a heart attack on Wednesday afternoon, but it turned out to be an aortic dissection, which is difficult to survive. He was airlifted to Syracuse where he underwent nine hours of emergency surgery, but too much damage had been done to his heart and he passed away at 1 a.m. on Thursday.

Jay's life will be honored with a very special open mic.  This celebration of life, love and music will be held at Luthier's Co-op, 108 Cottage Street in Easthampton, MA from 12 Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021.  Jay's good friends from PACE, the Luthier's open mic and Dan Russell’s Zoom open mic will play their favorite songs in memory of Jay.  All are welcome.  Jay will be remembered by all who knew him as a good man with an easy smile, a funny joke, and a helping hand.  He will always be a beautiful soul.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, New York. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

     Services for Joan have been re-scheduled.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday, Nov. 30, from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy. Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. Interment will follow in Morganville Cemetery.