Obituaries

Harold Smith passed away on May 17, 2015 in his home.  Harold was born June 3, 1929 in Middletown, NY to Harold and Myrtie Smith.  He graduated from St. John’s Academy in Plattsburgh, NY.  He served in the US Navy from 1947 to 1950.  Upon discharge he continued his education at various colleges in New York State.  He entered into the NYS Dept. of Corrections in 1952.  He worked in ten different correctional facilities.  He came to Attica in 1972 and became Superintendent in 1973.  He worked there until 1984 when he transferred to Wyoming Correctional Facility.  He retired as Superintendent of Wyoming Correctional Facility, concluding a 35 year career that included restoring stability at Attica Correctional Facility after the 1971 riot. 

Harold served as an original member of the Buffalo Diocese Peace and Justice Committee which was devoted to social justice.  He was a parishioner of St. Joachim and Anne Parish.  He served on the Parish council, served as a lector, and also a bingo worker.  Harold received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal issued by Pope John Paul II in 1987.  The award was presented by the Rev. Edward D. Head, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.  The medal was bestowed in recognition for work as an outstanding Catholic leader.  Harold was the first Superintendent in the history of New York State to be given this honor.

Harold was a big supporter of the Stevens Memorial Library.  He served for many years on the Library Board.  He was a long time member of the Attica Golf Club, also a member of the Attica Lions Club, and the Harder O’ Donnell American Legion. He was a VA volunteer in Batavia, NY for many years. Harold enjoyed all types of sports especially golf along with skiing and bowling in his younger years.  He enjoyed his retirement, traveling and spending winters in St. Augustine, Florida.  What he enjoyed most was his family and was happiest when they could all get together.

Harold is survived by his wife, Betty Smith, of 61 years, a son Scott (Diane) of Attica, a son Craig (Lisa) Bloomingdale, NY and a deceased son, Jeffrey (Barbara) in 2002.  Also, surviving is a sister, Karen Wyatt of Lawrenceburg, IN and a brother- in-law, Ed Spangenberg, Port Jervis, NY.  Six grandchildren; Jennifer, Stephanie (Eric), Christopher, Amee (Nick), Justin, and Kaitlyn.  Four great-grandchildren; Owen, Landon, Gavin, and Ali.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 4PM -8PM at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. in Attica on Thursday May 21^st.

He bequeathed his body to the University at Buffalo’s Anatomical Gift Program.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stevens Memorial Library 146 Main St. Attica, NY 14011 or Wyoming County Hospice 450 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com   Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.

Pembroke - Raymond R. Warren, 84, a long time resident of Pembroke, passed away Sunday (May 17, 2015) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.
Mr. Warren was born July 7, 1930, in Corfu, a son of the late Edward and Doris Aylsworth Warren. Ray was a life member of the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), A-On-Do-Wa-Nuh Sportsman’s Club in Geneseo and an honorary member of the Sportsman’s Coon Hunters Association. Ray loved to hunt, fish and especially trap shooting at area clubs and also clubs in Ohio and Florida. Ray was the beloved husband of the late Doris Witt Warren and brother of the late John, Thomas, Emma, Harriet and Margaret.

Ray is survived by two sons, James (Roxanne) Warren and Ronald (Catherine) Warren; grandsons, Kenneth (Kristen) and Andrew Warren; great grandchildren, Brooke Marie and Tyler Raymond; brothers and sisters, William, Augustus, Gertrude and Nancy. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to Noon at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funerals services will follow at Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pembroke Fire Department, 630 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

Fort Myers - Patricia Noel Merritt, 56, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Batavia, died Sunday, April 26, 2015  in Fort Myers.

Mrs. Merritt was born December 16, 1958 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Lawrence H. and Concetta Marone Merritt White.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Arth of Ft. Myers, Florida; her daughter, Corinne Edelstein of Stamford, Connecticut; two brothers, Larry Merritt and Bob Merritt, both of Batavia and several aunts, uncles and cousins survive.

There are no prior visiting hours. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015 at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Msgr. Schwartz Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Corinne Edelstein, c/o H. E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 to be distributed to Patty's favorite charities. To light a candle, share a story or send a condolence, please visit www.bataviafuneral homes.com.

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

Bessie A. Grasso, 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 16, 2015) in Batavia at the home of her son and daughter in-law, with her loving family by her side.

She was born February 23, 1922 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Harrison and Annette Johnson Hale.

Bessie was employed by Union Steel Chest Co. in LeRoy and the V.A. Hospital in Batavia prior to her retirement.  She was very passionate about her family and enjoyed spending time raising her children and grandchildren.  Bessie also enjoyed collecting collect anything and everything for flea market sales.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Grasso Sr., who passed away on September 20, 2013 and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her children, Joseph (Carol) Grasso Jr. of Batavia, Betty Ann Nash of Florida and Richard (Kathy) Grasso of Hilton, NY. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sisters in-law, Betty Grasso, Louise Capuano and Sister Mary Virginia.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (May 19^th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7pm.  Burial will be private for the family in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY or Homecare and Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Expressions of condolence 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 & PROPRIETOR.

Brockport - Patricia Ruth Palmateer, 88, of Brockport, formerly of Oakfield, an Admissions Representative at the former St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia prior to her retirement, died Monday, May 11, 2015 at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center, in Brockport.

Mrs. Palmateer was born March 18, 1927 in Brockport, a daughter of the late Edward and Agatha "Gitch" (Feltz) Elwell.

She was a member of Harrison Hose Co., No. 2 Ladies Auxiliary in Brockport, was a former Cub Scouts Den Mother, and enjoyed knitting and summers at Tuttle's Beach.

Her husband, Robert A. Palmateer, died July 1, 2007.

Survivors include 4 children, David (Gail) Palmateer of Payson, AZ, James Edward (Betty) Palmateer of Pine Top, AZ, Neil Alan (Charlotte) Palmateer of Aztec, NM and Kerrie Ann (late Roger) Hollis of Ft. Collins, CO; a brother, William (Marcia) Elwell of Albion; a sister, Barbara Davy of Brockport; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was the mother of the late Patricia Palmateer and Richard Palmateer.

Friends may call on Friday from 5 to 8 pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield, Her Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, St. Cecilia's Church, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield. Memorials may be made to Lifetime Care, 3111 S. Winton Road, Rochester, New York 14623. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Brockport.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

DOUGLAS C. MATLA - age 67, of Oakfield, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning May 13, 2015 at home. He was born May 19, 1947 in Oakfield, NY a son of the late Ignace and Frances (Nicometo) Matla.

   Doug was a member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield, worked for many years at Doehler-Jarvis, Rotork Controls and for 20 years was the owner/operator of QCSI. He was an avid football fan, passionate about the Cleveland Browns, enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and Nascar. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time teaching his grandsons about the outdoors. Doug's love of family and time spent with them is what brought the most peace and joy to his life.

   Surviving is his beloved wife of 34 years, Mary Jo (Dolan) Matla of Oakfield; his devoted sons, Grant (Rochelle) Matla of FL and Dolan (Sophie) Matla of Illinois; cherished grandsons, Liam, George and Henry Matla; sister, Diane Matla of Oakfield; brothers, Wayne (Esther) Matla of Oakfield and Gregory (Ann) Matla of Henrietta; aunts, Rosemary Nicometo of Oakfield, Florence (late Henry) Matla and Agnes (late Ed) Matla; uncle, Sam (Sharon) Nicometo of SC; brothers-in-law, John (Jule) Dolan of Geneva, Jim (Cindy) Dolan of Bennington; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Quentin) Fitch of LeRoy and Karen (Don) McJury of Hilton along with many nieces and nephews.

   The family will be present from 2-7 PM on Sunday May 17, 2015 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15 AM Monday May 18 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Padre Pio Parish (Oakfield Site). Memorials in his memory are suggested to the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 184 Oakfield, NY 14125 or Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) 1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge, IL 60068 - specializing in the care of ill and premature newborns. He will be laid to rest in St. Cecelia's Cemetery.

   Please leave your words of comfort to his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DOUGLAS C. MATLA IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

DONNA E. FREER-STRONG – Age 56, of Byron, died Wednesday May 6, 2015 at her home from a heart related illness. She was born October 25, 1956 in Pavilion a daughter of Donald and Viola (Lawton) Freer.

   Donna was a graduate of Pavilion High School, she will be remembered as a kind woman with a big heart and she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her three children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  

   Please join the family for a Celebration of Life service for Donna, at 11:00 AM Saturday May 16, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Pavilion, 10956 Lake Road 14525. Memorials in her memory are requested to the family.

   Please share your memories of Donna with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DONNA E. STRONG IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

Carol A. Veltz, 67, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 13, 2015 at her residence. She was born July 28, 1947  in Medina to the late Frank (Lillian Roggow) Witkop. She is preceded in death by her sister Marilyn Landon.

Carol was an avid gardener, and enjoyed keeping excellent care of her flower beds. She loved her family, especially playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband Arthur R. Veltz of Batavia; children Donald (Patti) Stanley of Basom, Steven Witkop of Batavia, Julie (Jeff) Clay of Middleport; brothers Frank (Cheryl) Witkop of TN, Terry (Charlotte) Witkop of Batavia, David (Linda) Witkop of Attica; sisters Josephine Hale of East Pembroke, Linda Yeager of Middleport; grandchildren Nicholas, Jason, Sara Stanley; Krista (Josh) Coash, Timothy Clay; great-grandchildren Emma and Parker Coash along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Ste 6 Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Amy Kristine Harris of Hartland passed away on May 11, 2015 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was 34 years old. 

Born June 25, 1980 in Batavia, New York, Amy was the only daughter and eldest of three children born to parents Judith Elaine (nee. Bolles) and Scott Foster Hall. Amy and her brothers, David and Philip, were raised in the Batavia community.

On July 20, 2002, Amy married her best friend Jason “Jay” Harris. The couple was blessed by the births of their children, first their son, Matthew, then their daughter, Elizabeth. Amy was a devoted wife to Jason and a dedicated mother to their children. She was ambitious and intelligent and went through life with a smile on her face. 

Amy was a veteran of the US Army Reserve and attended law school at the Michigan State University College of Law on a full academic scholarship, graduating Summa cum Laude in 2006. She practiced as a Criminal Defense Attorney at the Amy K. Harris Law Firm in Flint and was chairperson for the Criminal Law and Defender Committee of the Genesee County Bar Association.

In addition to Jason, her beloved husband of nearly 13 years, Amy is survived by their children Matthew and Elizabeth, her father Scott Hall, brothers David (Ashley) Hall and Philip Hal, mother-in-law Charlotte (Ray) Hawkes, as well as a large extended family and many dear friends. 

Amy was preceded in death by her mother Judith Hall and father-in-law Lawrence Harris.

Funeral Service from First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Grand River, Brighton on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 2:00 PM with gathering beginning at 1:30 PM. The Rev. Dan Michalek to officiate. Burial at Hodge Cemetery, Hartland. 

Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 600 E. Main St., Brighton on Thursday from 5-9 PM and Friday 1-9 PM.    

Memorial contributions encouraged to: Amy K. Harris Memorial Education Fund c/o Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 600 E. Main St., Brighton, MI 48116. 

For further information, please phone Lynch & Sons at 810.229.2905.

 

KATHLEEN AGNES PAHL nee McBride; affectionately known as Kay, Mac, and to many others Aunt Kitty; passed peacefully from this life Wednesday, May 6, 2015 surrounded in love, with family members at her side atUnited Memorial Medical Center, Batavia of acute kidney failure. She was 83.

One of five children, Kathleen was born in Buffalo, NY on December 31, 1931 to Charles and Margaret (Held) McBride. She was raised in Buffalo, NY and on October 17, 1953. Kathleen married Joseph A. Pahl, also of Buffalo. Moving to Bennington, she raised seven children, countless grand-children and many others who referred to her as their second mom.Working tirelessly in support of her family and often doing without herself; she was a force to be reckoned with-if you didn’t want the truth you had best not ask her the question.She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading and Buffalo Bills football games. Kathleen loved spending time with people; especially her grandchildren and family.

Preceded in death by her husband Joseph, of 48 years; her favorite jokester and beloved son Joseph Jr.; grandsons Michael Hayday, Jeremy and Joshua Pahl; and grand-daughter Lillie Hinze. Also, preceded in death by her parents, brothers John and Harold McBride;sisters Dorothy McBride and Rita (McBride) English, and a sister-in-law Doris (Pahl) Cintorino.

Kathleen is survived by three daughters; Kathleen (Alan) Hill (Buffalo, NY), Margaret (Brian) Cave (Suffolk, VA), Heidi Pahl(Batavia, NY) and three sons; Thomas Pahl(Syracuse, NY), Christopher (Kristin)Pahl (Bennington, NY), AndrewPahl (Middleport, NY);daughter-in-law Susan Sewastynowicz; fifteen grandchildren, Andrea, Arthur, Adam, Greg, Joseph, Jonathan, James, Jennifer, Brandon, Aaron, Jessica, Justin, Kevin, Mason and Kyle; 16 great grandchildren; one sister Jane (McBride) Rudolph of Florida, brother-in-laws Rupert (Janet) Pahl and Francis (Maria) Pahl both of NY, many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends scattered across the country. We will all miss her greatly.

Special thank-you to the home health care aids, rescue personnel, doctors, nurses and Marley Funeral Home for their care and kindness to our mother.

There will be a Mass to celebrate her life on Friday, May 15, 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Bennington Center) 1230 Clinton Street, Attica, where she was a member for many years.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in her name may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1230 Clinton Street Attica, New York 14011, Town of Bennington Fire and Rescue 1353 Route 354 Attica, New York 14011, Attica Food Pantry 50 East Avenue Attica, New York 14011.  Que sera, sera. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com   Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.

 

Glenna Anne Popp, 93 of Leicester, NY passed away on Saturday May 9, 2015 surrounded by her family.
She was born in Silver Springs, New York on August 28, 1921 a daughter of the late Arthur (Anna Reilly) Bush. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Donald who passed away in 2010; brothers Arthur, Thomas, Robert and Adelbert Bush; sisters  Mary Bush and Muriel Downey.

Glenna worked in sales at the former Jayson’s clothing store in Perry, retiring in 1980 after 15 years of employment. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquina’s Church in Leicester. Glenna was a former member of the Land Office Museum Quilt Club in Batavia and former 4-H Club leader. She enjoyed sewing quilting and especially enjoyed spending time with her siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at the Livingston County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care provided.

She is survived by 4 daughters  Anne (John) Good of Perry, Mary Jane Stone of Brighton, Virginia (Howard) Camp of Henrietta and Barbara (Richard Yoneoka) Popp of Conesus Lake; brothers  James Bush of Stuart, Fl., Kenneth (Ann) Bush of Chili; sisters  Julia (James) Gillen of Warsaw, Adell Stewart of Citrus Heights, CA.; 6 grandchildren Leslie (Bill) Maloney, Michael (Melinda) Good, Bradley (Lauren) Good, Amy Camp, David (Rachel) Camp and Matthew Stone, 6 great grandchildren  Emeline, Abigail and Caroline Good, Connor, Carter and Collin Camp, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 4-7 pm on Tuesday May 12th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday May 13th at the St. Thomas Aquina’s Church in Leicester at 10:00am. She will be laid to rest in Leicester Cemetery in Leicester, New York.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the York-Leicester Senior Citizen Group C/O York Town Hall P.O. Box 187 York, New York 14595 or to the Cuylerville Rescue Squad 2943 Canandaigua St. Leicester, New York 14481. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or 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.

Alexander T. Cathie, formerly of Alexander passed away May 8, 2015. Son of the late Dr. and Mrs. John Cathie. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Cathie. Alexander will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica Wednesday May 13, 2015.

For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit Marley Funeral Home. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.

Corfu - James T. Schnellinger, 78, of Corfu, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday (May 7, 2015).

Jim operated a landscape nursery at his home and was retired from National Fuel Gas in Batavia and Clarence, where he also was a past president of Local 2154, IBEW. Jim was a past president of the Pembroke Woodturners Guild and a member of woodturning groups in Buffalo.

Jim was an active member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, formerly St. Francis Church, in Corfu.

Beloved husband of Elizabeth; dear father of James, Jeffrey (Virginia), and William (Soon-Gill); loving grandfather of Alex and Renee; dear brother of Michael Schnellinger (Elizabeth) and Barbara Davis, and loving uncle of several nieces and nephews. Jim was a good, kind and generous man. He was much loved by all who knew him and he will be deeply missed.

There is no prior visitation. A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, Twelve o’clock Noon, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (St. Francis Church), 18 West Main Street, Corfu. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may send memorials to the Genesee County Hospice or to Roswell Park Memorial Institute, Buffalo, NY.  Arrangements were made by the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu.

Rolland Gustav Kickbush, “Kick”, 87, passed from this life on February 13, 2015, in Evanston, IL . He has joined his wife of 47 years, Carol Kickbush, who died in 1998. A long term resident of Batavia, New York, he is survived by three daughters, Karen and her husband, Allan Dennis of Evanston, IL; Julianne and her husband, Morris Haas of Richmond, Virginia; and Barbara Kickbush and her spouse, Kathy Nicol of Pulaski and Buffalo, New York. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Amanda,… Carrie and Kirby, and three great grandsons, Atticus, Finneas and Calder, along with his brothers and sister: Jeanette Kickbush of Gowanda, New York (wife of his late brother Robert), Raymond (and Nancy) Kickbush of Valparaiso, Indiana; Richard (and Sherry) Kickbush, of Branson, Missouri, Edna (and the late Paul) Kuder of Gahanna, Ohio; and 19 nieces and nephews scattered across the U.S.

Rolland is the son of Rena Boberg and Leonard Kickbush of Cattaraugus, New York. He served in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II, and recalls his time in Japan handling army discharge paperwork as an adventure for a boy from a small town in Upstate New York. Following the war, he took classes at Bryant Stratton Business School in Buffalo, New York, and worked for International Harvester. In the early 1960s he became Manager of Batavia Farm Equipment for many years. He also enjoyed golfing and playing cards with friends, Scrabble and Buffalo Bills football games with his daughters. Rolland loved people and life itself and his family will celebrate his life in a Memorial Service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Batavia where he was a member for years, on Tuesday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Rolland’s name may be made to Midwest Young Artists, 878 Lyster Road, Highwood, IL 60040, www.mya.org, a non-profit music school founded by his son-in-law, Allan Dennis, who was Orchestra Director at Batavia High School in 1970-71. For more information call Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. (585) 343-8260