Obituaries

Batavia - Paul George Hoffman passed away from cancer on Monday, July 26th, 2021.

Paul was born Saturday, March 11th, 1950 in Batavia, a son of the late William R. "Coke" Hoffman and Shelagh Kennedy Hoffman.

Many knew Paul Hoffman as Batavia’s long-standing, neighborhood bartender at places like The Treadway, Holiday Inn, and Big Daddy’s. For nearly 50 years, he was the friendly face behind the bar that you could always count on for an inappropriate joke and a drink on the house. Whether you were a “regular” or a trucker just passing through, Paul treated everyone he met with respect. He was an ear for all your woes and a “cheers” for all of your celebrations.

In his earlier years he enjoyed playing most sports but was especially fond of golf and basketball. When it came to being a sports fan, he shamelessly rooted for the Browns & Indians. Later in life, he enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family as much as possible.

Paul was a loving father, devoted husband, cherished brother, proud grandfather, and respected friend. Anyone that knew him, would agree that he lived life on his own terms. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Paul is the husband of  Madeline "Lynn" Zambito Hoffman who passed away on December 18, 2013.

He is survived by his children; Christopher Hoffman of Batavia, Jaclyn Hoffman  and Matthew Hoffman, both of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his granddaughter; Cameron Hoffman of Virginia Beach, Virginia; the children's mother; Gayle Marich of Florida; two brothers; John (Gloria) Hoffman of Hilton Head, South Carolina and Robert (Late Robin) Hoffman of West Palm Beach, Florida; two nephews, Tyler Hoffman of Florida and Travis Hoffman of California and two nieces; Jill Skill of Charlotte, North Carolina and Kelly Skill of New York City.  

He is predeceased by his sister, Billie (late Phil) Skill.

There are no prior visiting hours. Friends are invited to attend  Paul 's graveside service at 11:00 am on Monday, August 2nd, 2021 from Grand View Cemetery, Clinton Street Road, Batavia.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in Paul's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Mary G. Fargo, 92, of East Pembroke, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on July 23, 2021. She was born on March 28, 1929 and was a daughter of the late William and Agnes M. Clements Grace.

Mary worked at New York Telephone Company in Batavia and later the Amherst office where she retired. She was a lifelong resident of Batavia until moving to her niece, Marianne Smart’s home in East Pembroke.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen (Bob) Fargo Clement, her son James (Amy) Fargo and her sister Ann E. Smart-Perry.

Mary is survived by her two granddaughters Melissa (fiancé Gary Fore) Bowen, Kathryn (Rodney Howard) Bowen, two great-granddaughters Kayleigh (fiancé Megan Marciniak) Perez, Whitney (fiancé Alex Muckle) Athoe, one great-great-granddaughter Zoey Keith. Also, two nieces Carol Sue (Doug) Yaeger, Marianne Smart, #1 and only nephew David Smart and one great-niece Juliann Yaeger.

Mary had donated her body to science at University of Buffalo. The family will have a gathering at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Volunteers for Animals 3541 W. Main St., Batavia, NY.

  Lawrence L. Drozdowski, age 70, of Castile, NY passed away after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at home on Saturday July 24, 2021 surrounded by family.
He was born in Buffalo, NY on June 22, 1951 a son to the late Leonard Stanley and Cecelia V. (Targaszewski) Drozdowski.

Larry was a registered nurse who worked for the former Craig Developmental Center in Sonyea, and retired from Finger Lakes DDSO in 2013, working at the Perry ICF, Lakeview IRA and Koscielniak Home in Perry for 32 years.  He enjoyed golfing, hunting, riding his motorcycle and four-wheeler, cross country skiing, kayaking, hanging out with his family at Letchworth State Park, or going on family vacations. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Too many he was known as the doggie whisperer loving all dogs especially his dogs Lexi, Max, Chipper and his many grand puppies.

He is survived by his wife: Vicky J. (Severson) Drozdowski whom he married in October 1989, 2 daughters: Jennifer (Robert Fisher) Drozdowski of Warsaw, Cassie (Drozdowski) Hill of Castile, 2 sons: Robert (Stacey Cino) Drozdowski of Attica, Bryan (Merissa Bonadonna) Drozdowski of Silver Springs, 1 sister: Patricia (Robert) Kacalski of Cheektowaga, mother-in-law: Ada Severson of Portageville, sister-in-laws: Becky (Gordie) Strain of Dalton, Deb (Ed) Koerner of Pike, brother-in-laws: Dan (Julie) Severson of Dansville, Greg (Joanne) Severson of Orangeville,7 grandchildren: Caden, Gabriella, Gavin, Robert Jr., Alora Grace, Rowyn and Jade Taylor along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 7th at 2:00 P.M. at the Castile Baptist Church 5824 Rt. 19A in Castile. Larry will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Silver Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lusgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797 or visit lustgarten.org to donate. 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.

  Anna “Ann” L. Page, age 95, of Perry, NY passed away on Friday July 23, 2021 at her home.  She was born in Perry, NY on March 26, 1926 a daughter to the late Thomas E. and Anna (Kirchgraber) Cowie.

Ann was a graduate of Perry High School.  She worked for the former Kaustine Furnace and Tank Corp. in Perry, was book keeper and apple orchard foreman for Donald and Charlie Robb at the former Robb’s Orchard in Perry and during World War II she sold war bonds. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center since 1939 where she held many offices within the church, and the Perry Garden Club where she helped work on many of the public gardens as well as the Silver Lake Trail. She volunteered for the Wyoming County Cancer Association, the Wyoming County Community Hospital and the Clothes Closet in Perry. Ann received the Paul Harris Award through the Perry Rotary Club in 1998. She enjoyed riding her bike, gardening, reading, crocheting, doing puzzles, working on genealogy, and was always willing to work at any church function.

She is survived by her children: Linda (Jim) Kogle of Mineral, VA., Terry (Donna) Page of Perry, Tim (Liz) Page of Oswego and Tom (Karen) Page of Perry sister-in-laws: Barbara Cowie of Castile, Marge Cowie of Warsaw, Della Page of LeRoy, brother-in-law: Richard (Jean) Page of Leicester, 6 grandchildren: Michelle (Jeff) Jones, Carissa (Jared) Smith, Wendy Page, Katherine Page, Morgan (Giuseppe) Gentile and Bryant (Danielle) Ferry, 10 great grandchildren: Alex and Joshua Jones, Addison and Andrew Smith, Ashley and Emily and Eleanor Page, Quinn and Emilia Gentile and Jackson Ferry, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband: D Keith Page who passed away on May 26, 2010, brothers: Leslie, Robert, Thomas, Phil and Merle Cowie.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Wednesday July 28th at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday July 29th at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church 7205 State Route 20A Perry Center, NY. Ann will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Perry Center directly following the church services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, NY 14530 or to the Perry Center Fire Department P.O. Box 204 Perry, NY 14530.

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.

  Shannon James Fisher, age 67, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital on July 17, 2021 due to complications from C.O.P.D. and diabetes. Shannon was born in Warsaw, NY. Shannon was predeceased by his parents; Bill and Eleanore Fisher of Leicester St. in Perry.

Shannon enjoyed music as he played in many local bands in the 1970’s. He worked for 30 years at the Perry Bowling Center, Champion Products and LeRoy Machine Company. He also worked for Phelps Dairy Farm in Castile for 10 years. Other than music, his interests included photography, gardening and baking. He had a great sense of humor and was very kind, caring and loving person.

He is survived by one brother; Robert; a sister-in-law Penny; and a nephew Dylan Fisher of Wyoming, NY.

Thanks for everything Alyssa Draper.

There will be no prior calling hours or Service at the request of Shannon.

In lieu of flowers, he requested memorials be made to Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org. 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 - Jean G. Hume, 93, of Batavia, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Jean was born April 9, 1926, in Albion, daughter of the late Roy Derr Gillette and the late Beulah Achilles Gillette. A native of Albion, she was a graduate from Albion High School, class of 1942. She was active in the high school productions of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. In addition, she was a member of the Albion United Methodist Church, where she participated in church choirs and Sunday School activities. Jean always kept in touch with her family and friends from Albion.

Jean married James H. Hume in 1951 and moved to the Hume Farm on Creek Road. They celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on April 1, 2013. Jean is also predeceased by her son, Joel Hume on June 30, 2019 and her sister, Carol Seagar Hunt.

 An active member of the Batavia community, she was an active member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church since 1952. Jean was a member of the McNabb Class, Ingraham Class, Women's Morning Worship Circles, served as the treasurer of the church and was responsible for the memorial fund of the church.

Jean was also an integral part of United Memorial Medical Center; the former Genesee Memorial Hospital. Jean was a member and past president of the Hospital League, volunteered in the snack shop and was later employed part-time as the hospital historian and public relations director where she worked until she was 80 years old.

Jean was known for her organizational skills which she acquired from the Rochester Business Institute. She also loved to take photographs which had to have names and dates on the back side. Her most important job was raising her five children with her husband, Jim.

Survivors include her children; Jeff (Theresa) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Judd Hume of Portland, Maine, Jack (Sarah) Hume of Silver Spring, Maryland and Jill (Kevin) Bailey of Canandaigua; five grandchildren; Meghann Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Nicholas (Jessica) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Emily Hume of Meherrin, Virginia; Shaunna (John) Bailey Stith of Ventura, California and Merritt J. Bailey of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two great-grandchildren; Nathan Reeves and MacKenzie Jean Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; two nephews, John (Linda) Hume of Batavia and Roger (Mary) Hume of Batavia as well as five great-great-nieces.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Batavia, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or UMMC Hospital League Foundation, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jean’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy ~ Dorothy L. Bater, age 94, of East Main Road, Lime Rock, passed away Saturday morning (July 24, 2021) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

   

  She was born May 7, 1927 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late John and Catherine Stella Stefani.

     Dorothy will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many.  She was a devoted care provider to her husband, John, prior to his passing in 2007.  Dorothy was also the family historian, working on the genealogy of both her parents’ families, as well as the Bater family.

     She is survived by her children, Cynthia (James) Glitch, John D. Bater Jr., Mary Ann Bater and Richard (Laurie) Bater; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 29 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her funeral service will be held on Friday, July 30 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the LeRoy Fire Department Incorporated., 4 Clay Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Dorothy’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Batavia- Carol A. Skye, age 80 of Batavia, passed away Friday, July 23rd, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Cheektowaga, December 11th, 1940, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Moodie Schueler.

A resident of Batavia for over 30 years, Carol worked for Job Development of Genesee County in Batavia from where she retired. Carol was a one of a kind woman and an acquired taste. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, and reading romance novels. Carol loved making jewelry and afghans, showing them while attending many Native American exhibitions and expos throughout the northeast United States with her husband. She had a real love for frogs, acquiring a very large collection of frog-related memorabilia over the years.

Carol was predeceased by a son, Joseph Schlum.

Survivors include her loving husband of 40 years, Ronald W. Skye whom she married July 3rd, 1981; a daughter, Heather Summers of Cheektowaga; a son, Michael Stone of Alden; grandchildren, Christina (Jeremiah) Blanchard-Beard of Perry, Cassidy Smart of Cheektowaga, Steven (Brandi) Royse of Warsaw, Misty Scutt of Attica, Jade Stone, Mason Stone, several additional grandchildren as well as great grandchildren along with her sister, Nancy Mendola of Buffalo.

There are no prior visiting hours. A public celebration of life will be held 2pm to 8pm Sunday, August 8th, 2021 at the Akron Falls Park. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Carol’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  

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

Jeffrey K. Stoddard, 66 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (July 22, 2021) at his residence.

He was born March 14, 1955 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Charles and Doris Garwood Stoddard.

Jeff served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1973-1977.

Survivors include his siblings, Marcia Draper of Batavia, Charles Stoddard Jr. of Lockport, David (Lori) Stoddard of Salt Lake City, Utah, Timothy Stoddard of Batavia and Cheryl (Ken) Baker of Buffalo.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service with military honors on Thursday (July 29^th), 12pm at the Mumford Rural 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.

 

 

Batavia - Karen Solovey, 60 of Batavia passed away on Sunday, (June 27, 2021) at her home in Batavia.

Ms. Solovey was born July 7, 1960 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Nicholas Solovey and Florence (Panchenko) Solovey.

She was a member of Living Waters Apostolic Ministries in Batavia.

Karen is survived by her brother, Peter (Barbara) Solovey of Pendleton; a niece, Sheryl Allen; three nephews, David, James and Robert Solovey; and several great-nieces and nephews. A good friend to many.

There will be no visitation. Family and Friends are invited to attend Karen's memorial service on Tuesday (July 27, 2021) at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street in Batavia. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Batavia - Donald Clyde VanBuren, 65 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (July 21, 2021) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. VanBuren was born May 29, 1956 in Lockport, a son of Donald Nelson VanBuren of Batavia and the late Norma Jean (Lowe) VanBuren.

Don was a member of the former Eagles Club in Batavia. A social person with a good sense of humor, he never met a stranger.

Donald is the husband of the late Barbara VanBuren; and brother of the late Martha Dougal, and Ruby Will.

Surviving are his son, Robert (Kelly) Nicholson of Rochester; mother of his children, Dawn Hessenthaler of Rushville; children, DJ (Kelly) VanBuren of Fort Drum, Deborah Cooley of Canandaigua, Sally VanBuren of Phelps, and Tiffany VanBuren of Clifton Springs; step-children, Vicky Price, Shawn Powers, Kathy Kramer, and Danielle (Frank) Derenzo all of Batavia brothers, Eric VanBuren of Medina, Robert (Becky) VanBuren of Batavia, Ralph Hewson of Arcadia, Florida; sisters, Mary Rice of Maryland, and Mildred Villa of Batavia; a brother-in-law, Thomas Dougal of Fairmont, West Virginia. 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Honoring his wishes, there will be no services. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local charity of the donor's choice.

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

Donna M. Wickins of Attica, entered into eternal peace on July 21, 2021, knowing she had the love of her family and our Lord with her. Donna was born April 3, 1939 to Paul and Emma Trauscht. She was predeceased by her brother David Trauscht and her son-in-law Rodney MacLane.

Donna "NaNa" cherished life. She always put family, friends and community first. Giving made her the happiest. She was a long time cafeteria lady, putting the "kiddos" first. Donna was an original member in the woman's auxiliary in Attica. She was very active in the early years of AYA (Attica Youth Athletics) and was always the loudest fan in the stands. Cookies were everywhere when she was Girl Scout Leader. Donna volunteered at the Attica Food Pantry, which was an extension of her need to always ask "can I make you something to eat". Donna ended her life the way she lived it, her last gift was to donate her earthly body to U.B.'s Anatomical Gift Program.

Donna is survived by a brother Michael (Judy) Trauscht, daughters Vicki MacLane, Debra (David) Best, a son James (Tina) Wickins; grandchildren Sean (Kate) MacLane, Kyle Best, Isabella Wickins, Elijah Wickins and her very special great-grandchildren Caleb and Camille MacLane, nephews Scott (Giovanna) Trauscht and Rick (Sharon) Trauscht.

The family will hold a private service at a later date. Please consider donating to a local food pantry.

Memorials may be made to the Attica Rescue Squad, 11 Water St, Attica, New York, 14011. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

David Lee Viehdeffer, 55 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 2021 at his residence.

He was born December 19, 1965 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Glenn Wade Viehdeffer Sr. and Laura Petry Viehdeffer.

David was an avid fisherman, enjoyed animals and nature and was a proud Buffalo Bills fan.

Survivors include his child, Christine Viehdeffer of Byron. Siblings, Glenn Wade (Dawn) Viehdeffer Jr., Cynthia (Scott) Fritag of Florida, Kevin Viehdeffer of Batavia, Sharon (Tom Seitz) Viehdeffer of Batavia and Rebecca Bender of Alexander and his many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Kathy Viehdeffer.

Friends and family are cordially invited to share memories on Monday (July 26^th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NYS Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., 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.

 

 

Patricia Ann Campbell, 75 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (July 16, 2021) at Unity Hospital.

She was born May 15, 1946 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Robert and Mildred Garlocke Cragg.

Survivors include her husband, Richard L. Campbell of Batavia. Son, Robert Campbell of Batavia. Also survived by a brother and sister.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (July 24^th) from 3-6pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.

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.