Obituaries

Gerald A. Phillips of Attica passed away on Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025) at Warsaw Hospital.

He was born February 7, 1932 in Cowlesville, to the late Leo and Rose (Bolz) Phillips.

Gerald was a graduate of Attica High School. He owned and operated a dairy farm in Cowlesville. After moving to Attica he worked at Attica Correctional Facility as an Assistant Stationary Engineer, and later worked at the Medical Building in Attica as a custodian.

Jerry and his wife Pat loved their backyard, going on senior trips, watching game shows, soap operas, Bills football and Yankee baseball. They enjoyed going to their grandchildren’s sporting games and other activities. He also enjoyed playing cards, doing word search, reading and board games.

Survivors include his loving wife Patricia of 70 years and children, Gary Phillips of Attica, Sandra (Christopher) Szmania of Alexander, Betsy Lee of Etters, PA, Bonnie (late John) Saravullo of Pavilion, Susan (Mark) Scharlau of East Berlin, PA and Jeffrey (Christine) of Cowlesville; sister, Marguerite (Gerald) Moultrup of Cowlesville; sister-in-law, Eileen Phillips of Florida; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; brother-in-law, William (Peggy) Simons and sister-in-law Mary Mitzel, both of Attica. Along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was predeceased by Charles (late Patricia), Paul, Lawrence, Michael; sister, Teresa Phillips; granddaughter, Amanda Saravullo and sister-in-law Deborah Beebe.

Jerry was a member of St. John Neumann Parish (St. Vincent’s Site), and also was an usher for many years.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Church (St. Vincent’s Site), 50 East Ave. Attica, New York on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11 am. Burial will immediately follow at St. Vincent Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road Attica, NY or the Attica Fire Department Rescue Squad, 11 Water Street, Attica NY 14011.

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

Christopher J. Cook “Chris”, 56 of Basom, passed away unexpectedly on Monday (April 21, 2025) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born December 6, 1969 in Buffalo, NY, a son of Kathleen O’Neill and the late Henry H. Cook.

Chris was the operator and owner of Henry H. Cook Plumbing Heating and Electrical Inc. He enjoyed working and was a “jack of all trades”, always keeping busy with something. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy (Starr) Cook. Children, Stefaniee Oneil, Rick Kolmetz and Marc Christopher James Cook. Grandchildren, MarcChristopher, Riley, Trent, Ryder, Kevin and Henry. Siblings, Tracey Cook, Lori (Bill) Penepent, Ryan (Tristan) Cook and Meghan Cook. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts and condolences on Wednesday (April 23rd) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. He will then be laid to rest in the Alabama 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.

David Montgomery, age 78, passed away on April 17, 2025 at McAuley Residence in Kenmore, NY.
 

David was born on November 24, 1946 in Buffalo, a son of the late Ernest and Alice (Fraser) Montgomery.
 

He graduated from Attica High School and soon after started his career as a corrections officer until his retirement from Attica Corrections in 2005. David was a man who could brighten up any social gathering. He was a member of the Warsaw Moose Club, Warsaw Veterans Club, Attica Legion, and Oatka Valley Snowmobile Association.
 

An avid outdoorsman, David enjoyed all types of hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Any chance to be in the outdoors was a good day. David loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
 

Surviving are children, Kimberly (John) Houseknecht of Clarence Center, Amy (Timothy) Taberski of Florida, James Montgomery (Bethany Morse) of Varysburg, Beth Montgomery of South Carolina, and Jeffery (Sheryl) Montgomery of Arizona; grandchildren, Alisha Delson, Amanda Anderson, Angela (Glenn) Marshall, Tyler Montgomery, Jabob Montgomery, Jordan Haywood, Jessica Montgomery, Jenna Montgomery, Anna Montgomery, Joey Montgomery, Emily Bednarek, and Kevin Bednarek; great grandchildren, Mackenzie Anderson, Wyatt Anderson, Macy Haywood, Coltlyn Haywood, Owen Vanhoose, Alexander Vanhoose, Bryson Chafin, Madisyn Montgomery and Izzy Nylund; brother, Richard (Gail) Montgomery of Batavia, sister in law, Sandi Montgomery Faulkner of Ohio, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 

In death David is reunited with his parents and brothers, James and Gary Montgomery. 

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. There are no calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in David’s memory to: Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Elba - Ellsworth E. “Chubby” Norton Jr, age 84 of Elba, NY passed away Wednesday the 16th of April 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born February 13th   1941 to the late Ellsworth and Francis Norton.

Chubby loved his family and was proud of nothing more than the life he had built with his beloved wife Carol (Madill) Norton. He raised his family on the same dairy farm where he grew up and he could usually be found during his retirement using the cattle trailer, 10-wheeler or lawnmower. He was also a lifetime member and former President of the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. Chubby loved animals and never failed to have a dog bone in his pocket, and he loved to watch the birds that came to the many feeders he had hung outside of his sunroom windows. Chubby and Carol also loved to travel and see as much of the world as they could, he was grateful to be able to visit most of the country he loved so dearly.

Chubby was a generous and faithful man who was kind to all. He loved to talk and crack jokes with anyone who was willing to listen. He was a father and mentor to many who weren’t even his own blood and taught all those around him the most important values of life.

Including his parents, Chubby was proceeded in death by his; brothers, Charles Norton, Eugene Boldt; and sisters, Marjorie German and Susan Cole.

He is survived by his wife Carol Norton; sons, Dean Norton, Curt Norton, Charles Norton and Chris Norton; daughter, Robin Warner; son in-law, Travis Warner; daughters in-law, Melanie Norton, Carol Norton, Lynn Norton and Sarah Norton; grandchildren, Kara and Chris Kenderish, Charles Jr and Emily Norton, Amanda Norton, Callee Norton, Kyle Norton, Aiden Warner, Adison Norton, Carson Warner, Fletcher Norton, and Grace Norton; and great grandchildren, Grayson Kenderish, Charlotte Norton and Oakley Kenderish; sisters, Beverley Reamer, Joyce Sixt and her husband Ron Sixt and Linda Richenberg; brother Robert Norton and his wife Judy Norton.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Elba, 31 South Main Street in Elba, where Chubby's funeral service will be held on Saturday (April 26, 2025) at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elba Central School, c/o District Clerk, 57 South Main Street, Elba, NY 14058 for the establishment of the Norton Family Legacy and Leadership Fund to help support various activities and the Charles H. Norton award at their beloved family Alma Mater.

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

LeRoy / Bergen ~ Joanne R. Falcone, age 83, passed away Wednesday afternoon (April 16, 2025) at Crossroads House in the loving presence of her family.

     She was born January 12, 1942 in Brockport, a daughter of the late Elwin Rodgers and Alice Fitzsimmons Neis.   

  Joanne will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend.  Family gatherings or dinner with a friend was always a top priority.  She enjoyed playing cards with her friends at Hidden Meadows, the occasional casino trip and boat rides on Silver Lake.

     She will be sadly missed by her son, Vern (Debbie) Falcone; granddaughters, Jenna (Matthew) Brooks and Kristin Falcone; great-granddaughter, Charleigh Brooks; sister, Carol Westcott; sister-in-law, Darleen Rodgers, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Salvatore “Slim” Falcone; brothers, Elwood Rodgers and Ronald Rodgers, brother-in-law, Dean Westcott and step-father, Karl Neis.

     A special thank you to the staff at Crossroads House and the second floor nursing staff at UMMC for their support, care and professionalism.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday, April 22 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment will immediately follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021.  www.crossroadshouse.com/donate

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

Elba - Ellsworth  E. "Chubby" Norton, 84 of Elba passed away on Wednesday, (April 16, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Arrangements are being finalized and will be announced by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia.

Batavia - Dillon Christopher Hale, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Dillon was born on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2007 in Buffalo, a son of Larry Hale and Diane Mazur Hale of Batavia.

Dillon was the happiest boy who always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He loved all Boston sports teams; the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. He was a senior at Batavia High School and was a member of the varsity golf team. Following high school he had aspirations to further his education at college and become a sports broadcaster.

Surviving with his parents are his brothers, Zachary Hale, Tyler Hale, Jacob (Alicia Alexyn) Hale and their son, Oliver and Alex Hale; grandparents, Richard Mazur and Lawrence (Sandra) Hale along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dillon is reunited in heaven with his grandmother, Barbara Mazur, his uncle, Joseph Hale and his beloved dog, Youkilis.

There are no prior visiting hours. Dillon's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26th, 2025  at 9:30 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. A reception will follow Mass from 11 am to 2 pm at T.F. Brown's, East Main Street, Batavia. Flowers are gratefully declined. Please consider memorials in Dillon's name to Michael Napoleone Foundation, P.O. Box 267, Batavia, New York 14021 or to the BCSD Foundation, 260 State Street, Batavia, New York 14020 - in the memo line please write "In Memory of Dillon Hale".  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in Dillon's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Dillon are under the care and direction of the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Barb Wolf on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. at High Point Community Church, 1163 Main Road, Corfu. Please join Barb’s family for a time of fellowship and refreshments as we honor and remember our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Barb peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Cross Roads House.

Priscilla L. Patterson, 82 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (April 12, 2025) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born April 25, 1942 in Dansville, NY, a daughter of the late William N. and Beatrice Gilbert Swarts.

Priscilla graduated from Akron Central High School, and was the owner of the former Priscilla’s Styles in Akron. She enjoyed watching soap operas, and loved the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. 

She was the wife of the late Robert K. Patterson and mother of the late Shayne Patterson.

Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca I. Patterson of Batavia. Grandchildren Nicholas, Jacob and Zachory Patterson. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation and private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTSED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Ann C. Sewert, 67, of Byron, New York passed away peacefully at Unity Hospital on Tuesday, April 8th 2025 after a brief illness. She was born on April 20th, 1957 to the late Anthony and Dorothy (Marchese) Komosinski. In addition to her parents, Ann is predeceased by her brother John Komosinski and granddaughter Skylar Sewert. 

Ann is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Peter Sewert; loving daughter Carrie (Mark Hanna) Sewert; treasured grandson Jaxon Hanna; enjoyed step-grandsons Mark Hanna II and Joshua Hanna; sister-in-laws Susan Sewert and Cynthia Sewert; close cousin Shirley Nigro; aunts Carolyn McGorray and Irene Hagen; along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

Ann graduated from Brockport with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She then took classes in dog grooming and opened her own shop in 1995. Ann joyfully owned Thornell Brook Dog Grooming for 30 years, lovingly caring and forming a bond with each dog she met. Ann was thrilled to pass her knowledge of dog grooming to her daughter Carrie. A special thank you to our customers for your love and support. 

Ann enjoyed many hobbies such as painting ceramics, creating wood art, and gardening. She found excitement in planning elaborate family dinners and a plethora of events for the children in her life. Ann loved her grandson Jaxon dearly and found great joy in spending time with him. Aside from her family, Ann’s greatest passion in life was dogs. Ann spent many years participating in dog agility competitions with numerous family companions. Ann was also involved in dog rescue for a few years. Ann always said that she would be greeted by a large pack of all of the dogs she’s met and loved when her time came. 

As per Ann’s wishes, there will be no prior calling hours. Private burial and celebration of life are being held by the family at a later date. Ann will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia, New York. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street, 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.

LeRoy ~ Janice Elizabeth Howard died on April 11, 2025 secure in the knowledge that she lives on through her children, Robert (Janine) Howard DiCarlo, Tara (Michael) Lynn DiCarlo Scregg and Andrew (Tom Wood) Brian Cohen and her grandchildren, Aidan James Scregg, Patrick Thomas DiCarlo, Sophie Marie DiCarlo and Nicholas Patrick DiCarlo. She is survived by her sister, Gail Howard Kendrick (Cyrus) and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Dale Lynn Cohen and her sister, Cynthia Lee Howard.    

  Jan was a dedicated advocate for the profession of nursing having graduated from Worcester Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing (RN), Daemen College (BS) and the University of Buffalo (MS).  Throughout her professional career she worked as a staff nurse, office nurse, educator, political activist and administrator.  She was the recipient of many nursing awards, including the New York State Nurses Association Legislative Award, the Ruth T. McGrorey Award from the Professional Nurses Association of Western New York-its highest honor-and the Excalibur Award for nursing excellence from the Veterans’ Administration. She was also inducted into NYSNA’s Leadership Institute-its highest honor.  Once NYSNA became a nurse’s union, she dedicated her energies to the federal legislative agenda of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the state legislative agenda of the American Nurses Association-New York (ANA-NY).

    A celebration of Jan’s life was held on September 17, 2023.

    Memorials may be made in her name to Nurses House, Inc., 2118 Western Avenue, Suite 2, Guilderland, New York 12084-9559.

    You may visit Jan “on the wall” at the National Women’s Hall of Fame, 1 Canal Street, Seneca Falls, NY  13148.

    Condolences may be shared with Jan’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com. 

Batavia- Beverly Jane Shear, age 99, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, at LeRoy Village Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Beverly was born on October 19, 1925 in Batavia, New York, a daughter of the late James and Elsie (Schultz) Shear.

She graduated from Batavia High School and soon after started her career at P. W. Minor as a buyer for 53 years until her retirement in 1997. Beverly enjoyed reading and traveling to see friends, especially her trips to Vermont and Florida with her cousins. She was a member of The 1st Presbyterian Church, YWCA, The Rainbow Club, and a volunteer at the Holland Land Office. 

In death Beverly is reunited with her parents, James and Elsie Shear; siblings, Shirley Mae Carr and Marcelene Marie Byrd; niece, Joan (Mike) Fricano and nephew Danny Byrd.

Surviving are her nieces and nephews, Sandy (Sean) O’Donnell, Ron (Candie) Carr, Dennis (Pat) Carr, Jim (late Mary) Carr, Shelby (Rose) Byrd, Ricky (Cha) and four generations of great nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to thank the staff of LeRoy Village Green for the wonderful care they provided.

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. There are no calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Beverly’s memory to: Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E Main St, Batavia, NY 14020; Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St, Batavia, NY 14020; or The Buffalo City Mission, 100 East Tupper Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Carol J. Wilkosz, aged 67, passed away on Friday, April 11th, 2025, in her home in Oakfield. Born on  Saturday, December 21st, 1957, Carol brought warmth and joy to all who knew her.

Carol was a trailblazer and a woman of many accomplishments. She proudly graduated from Erie Community College, where she became the first woman in Genesee County to earn an engineering degree—an achievement that filled her with pride. Her professional journey led her to the Genesee County Highway Department, where she dedicated 32 years as a civil engineering technician before her well-deserved retirement.

As a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills, Carol's passion extended beyond her career. She was cherished by her neighbors on Knowlesville Road. Her love and generosity knew no bounds, especially towards her nieces and nephews, whom she adored and treated as her own children. Her heart also belonged to her beloved dog, CJ, who provided her with unconditional love and companionship.

Carol was preceded in death by her cherished life partner, John W. Mills, who departed on February 28, 2017. She was also predeceased by her loving parents, Edward and Genevieve Idzik Wilkosz, and her brother, Paul Edward Wilkosz.

She is survived by her sister, Patricia (Robert) Swanson of Batavia along with numerous nieces and nephews. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carol's life at a visitation scheduled on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Her funeral service will follow at 1:30 pm at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Reed Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol's memory to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Daniel F. Henderson, 83 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Crossroads House. He was born March 9, 1942 in Batavia, to the late Robert Henderson and Elizabeth (Charles) Clancy. In addition to his parents Daniel is also predeceased by his wife, Florence (Cerce) Henderson.

Daniel worked for many years and retired from Lapp Insulator in LeRoy. Upon his retirement he worked for Warren Cleaning Services.

He is survived by his loving family; children, Bridget (Paul) Ohlson, Nancy (Nate Mancuso) Falker and Daniel (Lori) Henderson; sisters, Carol (Jim) Vorndran, Peggy (Bob) McVea; sister-in-law Cindy Cerce; grandchildren, Christopher (Carrie), Elisa (Dan), Rachel (Joe), Jodee (Kasey), Whitney (Pat), Daniel (Laura), Trey (Selina) and Lexi (Richard); 12 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Prayers will follow calling hours at 7pm. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Care-A-Van Ministries, PO Box 1611, Batavia, NY 14021. 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.