Obituaries

Wyoming ~ Craig Thomas Harkins, age 67, of Transit Road, passed away on Tuesday (Feb. 28, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

    

He was born April 29, 1955 in Batavia, a son of the late Francis G. Harkins and Patricia A. Whaley.

     Craig will be remembered as a very loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend.  He was a 1973 graduate of Pavilion Central School and was involved in dairy farming all his life.  In 1986, Craig established his own dairy farm, where he especially enjoyed his time working with his grandchildren.  He was a Wyoming County board member for the Town of Middlebury and enjoyed playing cards and golfing with his friends.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 49 years, Barbara Boening Harkins; sons, Thomas (Jenny) Harkins and Robert (Shanon) Harkins; grandchildren, Cooper, Addison, Jayden, Olivia and Ella; sisters, Karen (Todd Hughes) Donofrio of FL and Beth (Carl) Herman of Warsaw; sister-in-law, Linda Harkins of AZ; mother-in-law, Ruth Boening; sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Ronald) Coniber and Christine (Arnold) Logsdon, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, Craig was predeceased by his brother, Jerry Harkins and his father-in-law, Richard Boening.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, Mar. 4 from 1 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Craig are suggested to either the Wyoming Hook & Ladder Co., 26 Maple St., Wyoming, NY 14591 or Pavilion FFA, c/o Pavilion Central School, 7014 Big Tree Rd., Pavilion, N.Y. 14525.

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

Corfu - Terry L. Smith, 67, passed away Monday, February 27, 2023, at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born May 14, 1955, in Batavia, son of the late Reuben “Bud” and Mary Smith.

Terry enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing pool, NASCAR and the Buffalo Bills. Some of his fondest memories were of spending time with family and friends at Muskellunge Lake and having a cold one with his buddies at Dadio’s and Log Cabin.

He will be forever loved and missed by his children Jeremy, Jennifer (Mike McDonald) and Bradley (Kolleen Cassidy); the mother of his children, Peggy Smith; his granddaughter Mary McDonald; his longtime companion Cindi Cummings and her son Eric; his brothers Lawrence and James (late Sandra); nieces, nephews, dear friends and his cat Felix.

Family and friends may call Saturday, March 4th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Burial in Evergreen Hill Cemetery will be at a later date.

  Joyce (Hoover) Meisner, 88, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Monday February 27, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born on April 17, 1934 in Batavia, a daughter of the late John and Agnes Hoover of Darien Center. In addition to her parents, Joyce is predeceased by her husband; Robert D. Meisner; grandson David McCarthy; siblings William, Harvey and Robert Hoover, June Leonard and Jean Swanson.  

Joyce was a self-employed hairstylist for over 60 years. She and her husband owned and operated North Vine Beauty Salon as well as Elite Beauty Salon and Miss Joyce Hairstylist

She was an accomplished artist and was involved in the local Arts Council for many years. As a lover of all animals, dogs were her favorite and she was able to capture their likenesses in several portraits. She kept “old fashioned fun” alive with her children and grandchildren, playing dress-up, arts and crafts, games and an annual New Year’s Eve sleepover. Artistic talent beyond the canvas, she was famous for her off the wall culinary concoctions. She and her family traveled extensively across the country and to Alaska, but their favorite destination was at “camp” in the Adirondacks.  

She was active in the community and enjoyed Bingo. Often times she was the one driving the “Bingo Bus” to ensure her non-driving friends we able to participate.   

She is survived by her children; Mary (Michael) McCarthy of Batavia, Paul (Kathy Wojtas) Meisner of Lancaster, Don (Dottie) Meisner of San Antonio, Texas; her grandchildren, Joe Pastore, Stephanie Pastore, Brian (Kristine) McCarthy, Lori (Stan) Sauls, Sarah (Greg) Emerson, Christina (Gabe) Rosas, Alicia (Byron) Clark, Brandon (Abby) Meisner and Ellee Meisner; several great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving sister and best friend; Patricia Keene whom she also worked with for over 60 years.

Friends are invited to call on from 10:00AM – 12:00PM on Thursday March 2, 2023 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020, where a 12:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the David McCarthy Memorial Foundation 5016 Terry Hills Dr. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave messages of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Pavilion – Robert H. Conibear, age 79, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Wyoming County Community Hospital.

He was born on January 18, 1944, in Oakfield, a son of the late George Conibear and Lois Brumsted Conibear.

An employee at Lapp Insulator, he liked working on cars and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed boating, fishing and snowmobiling. He enjoyed watching NASCAR where he cheered for Joey Logano and going to local speedways to watch dirt track racing.

He is survived by his son, Paul (Dawn) Conibear;  his grandchildren, Ava and Drew Conibear; Paul’s mother, Carol Stringham; his sisters, Donna (Lyle) Smart, Pat (Joe) Strabel and Carol (late Scott) Orto; his brother, Donald “Butch” (Nancy) Smithgall along with nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his step father, Glen Smithgall and his brother, Allen Smithgall.

Friends may call on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 7 pm. He will be laid to rest privately in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Annemarie Keuerleber, 90, of Batavia, passed away on February 25, 2023 at St. Ann's Nursing Home in Rochester.

Annemarie was born March 31,1932 in Schlochau, Germany, a daughter of the late Otto and Martha (Schulz) Koch.

Annemarie was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Moose Club.  She enjoyed bowling at Mancuso Lanes, traveling, music and playing euchre.  Along with her late husband, Heinz, they owned the former Lock's Motel in Batavia from 1964-1975 and enjoyed twenty years together spending summers at their cottage on Canandaigua Lake.  Annemarie was a food server at the Batavia City School District for 17 years.

Surviving are her daughters, Susan (Gary) Pratt of Rochester, Diane (late Richard) McCowen of Houston, Texas and Christine (Michael) Ciminelli of Fairport; a sister, Bruni (late Dieter) Schafer of Germany; seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Heinz Keuerleber.

There are no prior calling hours.  Annemarie's funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m on Thursday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Batavia - Bruce  K  Ames , 56  of Batavia and Rochester passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at his Home in Batavia, NY.

Mr. Ames was born Sunday, August 14th, 1966 in Rochester, NY a son of the late Beryl Senton and Gail Ann (Wales) Ames

Bruce enjoyed watching t.v., hard rock music, spending time with friends, and working with his hands.

Surviving are daughter, Christina Ames; sisters, Debbie (Ronald) Granger and Marcie Marsik.

Preceded in death by his parents, Beryl Senton and Gail Ann Ames; siblings, Tammy Lynn Bischoping, Susan Diane Granger, and Jeffery Hands.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc.. As per the family's request there will be no services. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Helen W. Laird, 100 of Batavia, NY passed away peacefully on Friday (February 24, 2023) at the New York State Veteran’s Home in Batavia, NY. 

She was born June 6, 1922 in Palmerton, PA, a daughter of the late Charles and Helen Stigura Wargo. 

Helen was employed at the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia, NY for over 20 years until her retirement in 1981. During her employment she held many positions including seamstress, in which she made bedding and curtains for the residing students. 

Helen was a skilled knitter and crocheter. She enjoyed making doilies, tablecloths, sweaters, baby blankets and afghans for family and friends. Helen also enjoyed baking and looked forward to baking 20+ varieties of Christmas cookies every holiday season. 

Helen lost her son PFC Richard F. Laird during the Vietnam War, 6 days before his 21st birthday, in November 1967 making her a “Gold Star” mother and the last remaining in Genesee County. 

Helen was the wife of the late Vernon D. Laird, who passed away October 3, 1999 and mother to the late PFC Richard F. Laird (1967), Patricia A. Eaton (2014) and Nancy E. Curtis (2021). Helen was also the last remaining Wargo sibling. Her brothers and sisters were Mary, Charles, Anna, George, Andrew and Johnny. 

Survivors include a son, Larry (Ellen) Laird of Lancaster, NY and a daughter, Susan (Terry) Zilenski of Oakfield, NY.  Grandchildren include Kathleen (Todd) Bender, Bradley (Michele) Rodon, Tersa (Dan) Lane, Kelly Kabel, Melissa (Rick) Pendleton and David Zilenski. Helen is also survived by six great-grandchildren. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (March 3^rd) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 11:00am at St. Padre Pio Parish, 55 Maple Ave., Oakfield, NY. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in Batavia.

Memorial contributions in her name may be offered to a charity of the donors preference. 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- Constance Boundy, 78 of Batavia  passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at LeRoy Village Residential Health Care Facility, Inc. in LeRoy, New York.

Constance was born Thursday, May 11th, 1944 in Buffalo, NY.

She Graduated from Attica central school and later when on to marry the love of her life Kenneth Boundy Sr.. Together they raised 3 wonderful sons in Alexander, NY, until Kenneth's passing in 2014. Constance worked as a cashier for Sugar Creek, in Attica, NY, until her retirement

Surviving are her sons, Kenneth Boundy Jr., of Batavia, Mike (Paula) Boundy, of Bethany, and Steve Boundy, of Batavia; grandchildren, Alexis Boundy, Jake Boundy, and Lyle Boundy, all of Bethany.  

In death Constance is reunited with her husband, Kenneth Boundy Sr.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. funeral home. As per the families wishes there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Volunteers for animals of Batavia, 3841 W Main Street Rd, Batavia, NY 14020 .  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bonnie L. Bowen, 79 of Rochester, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Leo Center at St. Ann’s Home in Rochester. She was born January 4, 1944 in Kankakee, IL to the late Fred and Ruby Heil. Bonnie is predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Bowen.

Bonnie retired from ADP in California. She was a very outdoorsy woman that enjoyed camping, fishing, her flower beds, card games, NASCAR, baseball, friends and family. Bonnie was an independent woman with a great sense of humor. She will lovingly be remembered as a devoted wife and mother.

She is survived by her children, Deborah (David) Giambrone of Byron, Robert (Toni) Bowen of Chino Hills, CA, Jim (Debra) Bowen of Huntington Beach, CA; a brother Barry (Marylou) Heil; 5 grandchildren, Brian (Abbey) Giambrone, Brandi Giambrone, Kaitlyn, Madison and Tye Bowen, great-grandson Camden Giambrone, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals at www.vol4animals.org. To leave messages of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Michael W. Trauscht, 85, of Attica passed away on February 20, 2023. Michael was born on January 9, 1938 to Paul and Emma Trauscht. He was predeceased by his brother David Trauscht and sister Donna Wickins.

A lifelong resident of Attica, Michael graduated from Attica High School in 1956, where he excelled in wrestling. He continued his interest in the sport, becoming a high school and college wrestling official. Upon graduation, Michael served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corp. After being discharged, Michael provided for his family with a long career at UPS. In retirement, Michael volunteered many years at Hospice and the VA. Some of his favorite hobbies were cheering for the Buffalo Bills, golfing, tending to his wife Judy’s gardens, golfing, being Papa to his grandchildren, and golfing. He will be remembered for making people smile and always having time for everyone.

Michael is survived by his wife, Judith Trauscht; sons, Scott (Jovanna) Trauscht and Rick (Sharon) Trauscht; grandchildren, Corey (Tai) Trauscht, Tanya Trauscht, and Melissa Trauscht; great-grandchildren, Malachi Trauscht and Abrielle Trauscht; nieces, Vicki MacLane, Debra (David) Best, Patti (Mark) Haniford, Pam (Doug) Eigenbrod; nephew, James (Tina) Wickins. Michael also leaves behind many step-grandchildren.

At this time, only a private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY, 14020. 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.

Batavia - Vincent A.  Sanfratello, 57 of Batavia passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.

Mr. Sanfratello was born Friday, January 7th, 1966 in Batavia, NY a son of the late Angelo and Rita (Rivers) Sanfratello. 

He enjoyed playing guitar, listening to music, spending time with friends, hunting and fishing.  

Vincent is survived by his daughter, Rachel Sanfratello; a brother, Randy Sanfratello; aunts, Lori Forsyth, Bev Corcoran, Cheryl Barber, Eleanor Rivers, and many cousins. 

In death Vincent is reunited with his parents Angelo and Rita Sanfratello.  

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. As per the family’s request there will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the family’s convenience at St. Joseph's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes association online at https://diabetes.org/.

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

LeRoy ~ Virginia (Jean) M. Bennetti, age 97, formerly of Union St, passed away Tuesday evening (February 21, 2023) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

    

Jean was born on April 17, 1925, in Wheatland, NY to the late Salvatore and Pasqualina (Syracuse) Sinacore.  She grew up in Mumford, NY, along with her predeceased siblings.  She soon started her beautiful life with her late husband, Leo J. Bennetti, of almost 50 years, in LeRoy, NY.

     Jean lived her last years at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, where she was kept young.  She was able to enjoy many of her favorite things like bingo, euchre, listening to live music, and spending time with her late roommate, Rose.  She also enjoyed trying new things like painting, crafting, and even dressing up in costumes for holidays.  Jean made many good friends and received excellent care from everyone at the nursing home.

     Generous, nurturing, loving, and kind would be just a few words to describe Jean. She was the matriarch of the family.  If you were at her home, she made sure you had plenty to eat or had a good time playing cards (she was always winning, of course).  Jean was thrilled to see her family grow and was always ready to share pictures or a story about them.  One of her greatest joys was to spend time with her great grandchildren.

     Jean will truly be missed, and her memories cherished by all who knew her but especially by her sons, Tom (Karen) Bennetti and Robert (Phyllis) Bennetti; grandchildren, Kelli (Ron) Pol, Kristi (Jordan) Oliver, Matthew (Katlyn) Bennetti, Mark Bennetti and Michael (Sarah) Bennetti and her great grandchildren; Joseph and Leo Oliver, Mackenzie and Lucas Bennetti, Olivia Bennetti and Lucy Pol.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, Feb. 27 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy. Jean’s Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment is private in St. Francis Cemetery.

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

Batavia – Paul I. Randall, age 92, of Batavia, a longtime resident of Elba, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born February 26, 1930 in Attica, a son of the late Wesley Randall and Mary Bell Roth Randall.

He leaves behind his wife, Joyce Ames Randall; sons, David P. (Laura) Randall and Todd M. Randall; grandchildren, Wesley F. Randall, Emily M. (Joe) DeSantis and Collin M. Randall; great-grandchildren, Vito and Wilam DeSantis and Abigail Randall; his sister, Pat Spring along with nieces and nephews.

Paul graduated from Elba Central School, Class of 1947, where he was president of the Student Council and played football and basketball. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce on June 17, 1950 at the First Presbyterian Church of Elba. He was a lifetime member of the Elba Volunteer Fire Department, member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elba where he served as a trustee and was a member of the Fourfold Class. He was a volunteer Master Gardner at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Batavia for over 20 years.

Paul was employed at Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester where he retired in 1991 as a sheet metal supervisor.

Calling hours and services will be held at a date and time to be announced. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Paul’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Steven J. Mancuso Haitz, 38 of Rochester, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

He was born April 8, 1984, a son of Mary Haitz Konarski.

Steven graduated from SUNY Canton and then graduated from SUNY Geneseo. He loved to cook and enjoyed hunting, fishing and nature. His favorite times were spending it with family who loved him dearly.

He was predeceased by his father Steven Mancuso and brother Marc Mancuso Haitz.

He is survived by his mother, Mary (John) Konarski of Batavia and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to share in his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday (Feb. 25th), 11:00am at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia, 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.

 

 

Kate (Kathleen) A. Goodman of Alexander, NY was born on September 4, 1956 and passed away on February 20, 2023.  A loving wife and mother, she is survived by her husband of 43 years John Hanobik, her children Nicholas (Laura) Hanobik of Attica, NY and Elizabeth Hanobik of Alexander, NY.  She is also survived by her sister Debra (Craig) Lund of Lima, NY and brother James Goodman of Alexander NY, her niece and nephews Rebecca (Fred) Gregio of Jacksonville, NC, Brendan Jacob Lund of Henrietta, NY, Michael (Fiorda) Lund of Grapevine, TX, and Zachary Goodman of Alexander, NY.  She is survived by several aunts, an uncle and many cousins and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Susan (Green) Goodman, her brother Leslie Goodman, and her sister-in-law Mary Goodman.

Kate was a jack of all trades and enjoyed a wide variety of activities.  She loved being outdoors and being active but also loved curling up with a good book when the weather was too bad out.  She loved her cows and raised beef cattle with her brother for many years.  She spent most of her life working on the family farm and helping with the sawmill.  With wood from the sawmill, she completed a variety of woodworking projects, even making custom trim work for the doors and windows of her house.  She enjoyed over a decade of running her Port Huron Steam Engine with her family and was a lifetime member of the WNY Gas& Steam Engine Association.  She attended every Rally since the beginning in 1967.

Katy was a nearly lifelong member of the Alexander Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary and helped out even a child before she was old enough to be a member.  She ran the Auxiliary’s chicken BBQ each summer for many years.   She was the President of the Alexander Cemetery Association in the Village of Alexander.

Kate was the Town and Village of Alexander Historian for over 30 years compiling, researching and sharing the history with everyone.  She was an avid genealogist researching not only her own family, but also the genealogy of her extended family and friends.  She spent countless hours adding details to the branches of each family tree she worked on.  In 2011 Kate took the trip of a lifetime to Scotland with her daughter spending two weeks driving around the country where her mother’s ancestors were born.

Kate always kept a garden and fed her family from it each year through canning and freezing.  She was a good cook and baker, and always received compliments for her raspberry pie made with her home grown and picked raspberries.

When the weather kept her indoors, she enjoyed many of the fiber arts, crocheting, knitting, spinning fiber into yarn and weaving among other things.  She made afghans for family and friends on a special double ended crochet hook using a technique learned from her grandmother.

After a private family service, she will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alexander Fire Dept., PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005.  Condolences may be sent to the family at 10290 Goodman Rd, Alexander, NY 14005. 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.