Obituaries

Churchville - Paul  T.  Knechtges, 83 of Churchville passed away on Monday, (February 13, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Knechtges was born December 3, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan a son of the late John P. and Mary Lorraine (MacKay) Knechtges.

Paul discovered his passion for baseball at a young age in the Motor City. He pursued it passionately and relentlessly throughout his playing days and eventually became a professional left-handed relief pitcher in the best, deepest organization of the 60s, the Baltimore Orioles, where he made a name for himself and contributed to several championship clubs.

After his baseball career, PK, as he often went by, dedicated his life to serving others in various roles. He worked at Highland Hospital, Hill Heating, The Episcopal Church Home, and Gates-Chili Central School District. However, he found himself drawn back to his first love.  This time coaching kids.  He was the first non-teacher at Gates-Chili to crossover from District Administration to be Pitching Coach for the Varsity Baseball team.

Additionally, Paul was also an active member of the community, devoting much of his time to the Churchville Lions, Churchville Youth Association, and St. Christopher's Golf League. He was known for his kind heart, unwavering dedication, sense of humor and smile. He was a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church.

Those who knew him remember Paul as a kind and caring person who made a lasting impact on them and others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, provide great advice and a shoulder to lean on.

Surviving are his wife, M. Diane (Dodge) Knechtges of Churchville; son, John P. Knechtges, II of Chili; and a brother, John C. Knechtges of Clawson, Michigan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue in Bergen. Paul 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, (February 18, 2023) from St. Pius X Church, 3010 Chili Avenue, in Rochester.  Burial will be in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Churchville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various charities. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Carol A. Stevens, 74 of Perry, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. She was born March 24, 1948 in Fillmore, to the late Dennis and Nicolas (Smith) Beals. She is preceded in death by her son Ronald Stevens Jr., brothers, Tom, Donald, Denny Beals, Jack and Dick Crawford, sister Debra Bollinger.

Mrs. Stevens retired from Archway Cookies. She was an avid cross-stitcher and bowler.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ronald A. Stevens of Perry, daughter, Nicolas “Nicole” (Richard) Telesco of Germany, daughter-in-law, Kassidy Stevens of Perry, sister, Irene Shevlin of FL, grandchildren, Chloe, Deacon, Andrew and Cameron, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, NY 14530. A 1:00pm Celebration of her Life will immediately follow calling hours on Saturday. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Perry.

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

Elon H. Spink, 101 of Attica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at LeRoy Village Green. He was born June 19, 1921 in Attica to the late Harry and Ida (Roberts) Spink. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Fern (Sherman) Spink, son Patrick O’Hara, brothers, Harlan, David, Thomas Spink and sister Helen Welker.

Elon was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. He actually attended the Bills first Superbowl, Superbowl XXV, in Tampa in 1991. He spent countless hours watching sports. Yankees and Mets games were always on the TV. He also enjoyed watching golf. He was an avid bowler into his seventies.

He is survived by his son Thomas (Margaret Sheelar) Spink of Batavia, daughters, Lucinda Searfoss of Brockport, Susan Brodner of Rochester, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 11:00AM to 1:00PM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Marley Funeral Home LLC., 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A funeral service will be held immediately following at Marley Funeral Home LLC. Elon will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway House, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Robert J. Rembas, JULY 13, 1946 – FEBRUARY 8, 2023, of East Aurora, NY. February 8, 2023. Loving father of Toni Rembas, Kelly (Gary) Seibold, John Rembas and Wendy Kleever; cherished grandfather of Jamie, Andrew, Benjamin, Meredith, Danielle, Cameron, Victoria and Dakota; dear brother of Shirley Nichols, Mary Ann Kirchoff and Annette Morrison. Services will be announced at a later date.

In the care of Wood Funeral Home.

Elizabeth J. Blake, "Betsey", 65, of Attica, passed away on December 18, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital.

Elizabeth was born September 25, 1957 in Batavia, to the late Robert and Mildred (Skotedis) Blake.

Along with her parents, Betsey was predeceased by her sister, Cynthia Ann Blake.  

Betsey was a 1975 graduate of Alexander Central School.  She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and sang for many events in the area.  Being an animal lover, she never turned away a stray and was a caring pet parent to many lucky cats.  Elizabeth worked for the New York State Department of Corrections and retired as Institution Steward at Wende Correctional Facility after 30 years of service.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her sisters, Susan (Alfred) Rosemark, Dorothy Blake, and Patricia Blake.

Calling hours are Saturday, February 18 from 10am to 11am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where her funeral service will be held directly following the calling hours at 11am. She will be laid to rest with a private service in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betsey’s name to the Wyoming County SPCA, PO Box 269, 808 Creek Road, Attica, NY 14011.

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

LeRoy/Pavilion ~ Donald L. Curry, age 67, of Telephone Road, passed away on September 21, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

    

He was born May 24, 1955, to Glen and Margaret Curry.

     Don was retired from Genesee Community College, where he worked in housekeeping.

     He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by a brother and his family and a sister and her family.

     Services are private.

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

Charles Gilmore Samuelson “Gil”, 90 of Akron, NY, went home to Jesus on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

He was born July 31, 1932 in Warren, PA, a son of the late Carl and Violet Gilmore Samuelson.

He attended schools in Warren, PA until he graduated, where he would further his studies at Bryant & Stratton (Buffalo, NY), University of Buffalo and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Gil served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 as an accountant and was in officer training. He was employed as a property accountant for Republic Steel and Director of the City Mission of Niagara Falls.

After graduating from the seminary in 1975, Gil found his passion. He loved his Lord and enjoyed serving him in any capacity from a young boy to adulthood. He held every job a church member could before becoming a pastor.

Gil also enjoyed playing and being a spectator of all sports, including golf, tennis, racquetball, basketball, football, bowling and volleyball. He truly loved his wife, daughters and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he was blessed with and was happiest when he was surrounded by his church and his family.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Elaine Geisthardt Samuelson of Akron. Daughters, Linda Marie (Dale) Phillips of Etowah, NC, Darlene Ruth “Sam” (Herm) Clouse of Akron, NY and Heidi Beth (Cliffton) Baker of Rochester, NY. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Gil was predeceased by his daughter Cheryl Lee Goley of Weatherford, TX.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (February 18th) from 10am-11am at Calvary Baptist Church, 12752 Lewis Rd., Akron, NY. A funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 11am. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Western New York National 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, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Stafford- Elsie Irene Dool, age 100, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at LeRoy Village Green, surrounded by family.

She was born July 6, 1922, in Batavia, NY, the daughter of the late Rollin and Regina Eick.

Elsie was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was an original member of Stafford Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed her quilting group at church, gardening, and being with family. She was a talented artist and a fabulous cook.

In her passing, Elsie is reunited with her loving husband, Henry; daughter, Loretta (Ronald) Edgerton; granddaughter, Mary Casselman; siblings Edward (Ruth) Eick and Andrew Eick.

She is survived by her daughter Linda (Gary) Snell; grandchildren Scott (Christine) Snell, Jason (Lacie) Snell, Rebecca (Paul) McCowen, Jon Edgerton, and Ed Ide; great grandchildren Konnor, Kristopher, Peyton, Bryson, Sarah (Jim), and Amanda; great great grandson Parker; several nieces and nephews; sister in law Elaine.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Memorials in her name may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements for Elsie have been entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, (585) 343-8868.

East Bethany- Ronald "Ron" D. Heywood passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 7, 1934, in Batavia, NY, the son of Donald and Thelma Heywood.

Ron graduated from Pavilion Central School, class of 1953, and married his high school sweetheart. He served our country in the US ARMY, spending 2 years in Amberg, Germany He worked at Jello in Leroy and later retired from O-at-Ka milk products as a Distribution Manager, after 35 years.

Ron was a lifetime member and past trustee of East Bethany Presbyterian Church, served as Cub scout roundtable commissioner for pack 20 in East Bethany. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and trapper. His passion was passing his knowledge and talents to his children and grandchildren. He loved camping and traveling with his RV through all 50 states, half the providences of Canada, and spent the last 20 years in Texas for the winter.

Surviving is his wife, Mary Jane "Mike" Heywood, of 66 years; sons, Douglas (Peggy) Heywood of East Bethany and Richard Heywood of Tennessee; daughters, Bonnie (Kenneth) Morgan of Tennessee and Linda (Randy) Page of Batavia; grandchildren, Sharan (Ron) Demana, Brent (Valerie) Heywood, Joe (Jessica) Hewitt, Patrick O'Connor, Danielle (Tim) Dosch, Shawn McGiveron, Chris (Megan) Page, Amanda (Jason) Krohn, and Ashley (Tony) Fortney; sister, Roberta Carter; brothers, Daniel (Denise) Heywood of Florida and David (Mary Lee) Heywood of Illinois; many nieces, nephews, and 13 great grandkids.

In death Ron is reunited with his parents, Donald and Thelma Heywood; sister, Beverly Emerson, Brother in laws, Gerald Carter and Tom Emerson; Daughter, Kim McGiveron.

Friends may call on Monday, February 13, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 11 am at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054. Burial, along with military honors, will follow in East Bethany Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054, or the New York State Bluebird Society c/o Murial Prianti, Treasurer 5157 Orangeport Road, Brewerton, NY 13029.

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

Bergen - Emma Jean Allyn , 89  of Bergen  passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Jean was born Wednesday, July 12th, 1933, in Lizemores, West Virginia a daughter of the late Vernon and Agnes Nichols.

Jean was raised in Lizemores, WV as a teenager she ventured to Rochester where she met Raymond. They were married in WV, in the holler of Nichols Mountain, at her parents homestead on February 7, 1952. They had a beautiful horse farm in Gates then in Churchville until settling down for life in Bergen. Together they raised three wonderful children. Emma worked as a lithographer and later as an office clerk for Coopervision in Scottsville, NY until her retirement.

She was a member of The Breakfast Club and a volunteer at the local Methodist church. Emma enjoyed bowling, gardening, and golfing. She was an amazing seamstress and had a great sense of humor. 

Surviving is her husband, Raymond Allyn, of Bergen, NY; daughter, Susan Fabretti and her husband, JR, of Byron, NY; brothers, Dick Nichols and Charlie Nichols of Lizemores, WV; great grandchild, Nikolas Fabretti of Rochester, NY.

In death Emma is reunited with her parents, Vernon and Agnus Nichols; children, Cheryl Reis and Debra Dutton; grandchildren, Virginia Reis, Emily Reis, and Timothy Reis; siblings, Jack Nichols, Hermon Nichols, William Nichols, Grace Nichols and Mable Nichols.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave, Bergen, NY 14416.  Emma 's Funeral Service will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Mount Rest Cemetery in Bergen, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

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

Richard J. Becker Jr, age 65, of Batavia NY, passed away in his home unexpectedly on January 22, 2023. Rich, as he was known by those close to him, was born on May 16^th, 1957, in the City of Batavia, New York to Richard and Pauline (Wickens) Becker. 

Rich graduated from Batavia High School in 1975, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1978 until 1982, as an Airman 1^st Class (A1C) in the role of Security Specialist.  Richard graduated from GCC in 1988 with an associate degree in General Studies Art and Science.  Rich worked at Genesee Farms for several years until they closed. Richard dedicated much of his time to caring for his elderly father and his aunt, Helen Krantz.  Rich was a very special son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, he was always there for his family anytime they needed him without hesitation or complaint.  Rich was a music connoisseur of all genres ranging from blues and jazz to rock and roll, additionally, he enjoyed classic films, television, and animation.  Rich loved animals, his favorite of which were the many cats he had over the years, he also enjoyed spending much of his free-time visiting flea markets and antique dealers around Western NY as well as assisting his close friend Mary, with her various shops and sales. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Pauline Becker, his aunt, Helen Krantz, and his brother-in-law Kenneth Sovocool. He is survived by his sister Kathryn Sovocool, his nephews, Bryan Bartholomew of Batavia, and Daniel Bartholomew of Scottsville, his great niece and nephew, Aryanna and Jaxon Bartholomew as well as his long-time friend Mary Holmes.  

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. 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 – Henry M. Hough, age 82, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family while under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

He was born on January 22, 1941, in Batavia, a son of the late Elmer and Gladys Wright Hough.

A longtime employee of the Batavia City School District, Henry proudly served his country with the United States Air Force. A devoted and active member of Batavia Assembly of God Church, he enjoyed the Forever Young dinners that were held at church. He loved traveling, especially going on cruises. He will be remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He always kept himself busy working two or three jobs to provide for them.  

Henry is predeceased by his wife, Nancy J. Luthart Hough who passed away on May 29, 2016 and his siblings, Richard Hough, Esther Hough and Douglas A. Hough.

He is survived by his sons, Mark H. (Pamela) Hough of Batavia, James A. (Debra Baker) Hough of Batavia and Matthew J. (Vicki) Hough of Rochester; five grandchildren, Aaron Hough, Brandi and Morgan Hough and Olivia and Faith Hough; two great-grandchildren, Anaya Richardson and Jenna Hough; his siblings, Rosemary Nobles of Batavia, Estelle Howe of Batavia, Donna Hough of Batavia and Paul (Dawn) Hough of Elba; special nephew, Mike Freyburger along with other nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 am at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. Burial, along with military honors, will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia. Memorials in his name may be made to Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To send a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lucia M. Costantino, 89, of Batavia, passed away on February 6, 2023 at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence.

Lucia was born January 6, 1934 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late Dominic and Ida (Comino) Moretti.

Lucia was a member of Ascension Parish and a former deputy clerk for the Town of Batavia.  She enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren.  Lucia will be remembered for being a phenomenal cook.  

Surviving are her husband, Cosmo Costantino; children, Holly (Greg) Sharpe and Peter (Jeri) Costantino; grandchildren, Nicholas Costantino and Natalie Sharpe and several nieces and nephews.  

Lucia is a sister of the late Helen Moretti, Nicholas Moretti, William Moretti, Bernard Moretti, Louis Moretti, Splendora DiSanto, Mary Moretti and Anthony Moretti.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.  She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Mausoleum in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements for Lucia were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

Batavia - John L. Russo, 87 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.

He was born Wednesday, July 3rd, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph Russo and Rose Battaglia Russo.

John attended the Batavia school system and went onto work for The Batavia Times and then along with his sons starting their own business, American Legal & Commercial Printers, Inc.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Brinkman Russo; sons, Douglas (Jodi) and Brian; grandchildren, Bailey & Kieri along with nieces and nephews.  

He is predeceased by his siblings, Nunzio Russo, Francis Alfieri and Theresa Russo.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 10th from 2 to 4 pm at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia (Please use School Street Entrance). Private burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in John's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Buffalo - Colleen C.  Smith, 63 of Buffalo, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family under the care of Hospice Buffalo.

Colleen was born Thursday, July 9th, 1959 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late James Little, Sr. and Audrey Ashburn Little.

A graduate from the Pembroke Central School District, Colleen was a machinist for 20 years at Ever Fab, Inc. in East Aurora. She truly loved her work and was proud of her accomplishments while working at Ever Fab. A die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills, she loved shopping especially for purses.

Colleen is predeceased by her husband, Robert M. Smith and her sister, Michelle Robb.

Surviving are her children, Eric (Alissa) Towne of Grantville, Pennsylvania and Lacey (Michael) Ruth  of Alamogordo, New Mexico; six grandchildren, Justice Towne, Jadeyn and Connor Goras, Bailey, Ethan and Elijah Towne; her sister, Dawn Mango of Batavia; her brother, James (Rolinda) Little, Jr. of Charleston, South Carolina. along with nieces and nephews.

Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the health care workers and friends who were involved with Colleen’s care during her illness.

There are no prior calling hours. Private graveside services will be held in Hillside Cemetery, Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation, P.O Box 590, Buffalo, NY 14240-0590. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.