Obituaries

Cookie, small and sweet as her nick name perfectly implies, yet she was of a specific kind, strong, sassy and resilient. One tough Cookie! She could cut a man down with her sharp tongue yet she would fill the bellies of the strays and be the voice of the voiceless. Such was her sense of justice. Her heart more like the animals she loved so much, ready to smother you with kisses, but even more, she was a faithful and loyal friend. Her life was not short on challenges, and still she was a testament of perseverance both in faith and responsibility. She loved the Lord, was purposeful in reading his word and believed in the promise of Heaven. Whatever she did she did fully with both her hands and her whole heart. She was a janitor at Attica school, and a CNA for years. She took pride in how well she took care of her patients, and was told the school was never as clean as it was when she worked there. She was a devoted wife and a wonderful mother.

Surviving is her loving husband Donald McCulloch of Attica, and her beloved children, Debra ( Roger) Almeter of Strykersville, Scott (Michelle) McCulloch of Attica and Todd McCulloch of Attica. She beamed with pride over her 9 grandchildren, Brad (Carolyn) Almeter, Jared (Michele ) Almeter, Adam (Amanda) Almeter, Melinda (Jeremy) Meyer, Natalie (James) Flint, Cortney (Derek) Wolfley, Megan McCulloch, Cassandra McCulloch and Hunter McCulloch, and 16 great grandchildren.

Cookie and Don shared a love for riding motorcycles and their adventures took them as far as Alaska!! They threw shoes and bowled in a couples league. Cookie loved to read and could devour a book in no time. She was a social bug and enjoyed hanging out at Busy Mart having coffee and chatting with the regulars. When she left this world on Feb 19, 2021 her hands were held tightly by Don, her husband whom she loved unconditionally for 61 years. She will be laid to rest in the place she called home, Attica, NY. Until heaven….. sweetie, honey, honey girl.

In honor of her love for animals, in lieu of traditional tangible gifts or flowers please consider giving to the Wyoming County SPCA. This would have brought Cookie much joy. A private family service will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, February 27, 2021. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Martin Charles Will “Marty”, of Florida, passed away at his home on January 10, 2021. He was born on December 6, 1953 in Batavia to Junamae Will Qutermous of Batavia and the late John V. Will. Marty was predeceased by his sister; Christine Will and stepfather; Paul Qutermous.

Marty was a skilled carpenter. He lived in the Fort Lauderdale area for over 40 years. He was very meticulous about his home, garden and restoring his car.

He is survived by his mother, a daughter Stacey Paterson of Powderly, KY., a son Jake Magnus of Indiana; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers Richard E. Will of Pinellas Park, FL. and Jeffrey A. Will of Chandler, AZ.; 5 step sisters and one step brother, an aunt and several cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Graveside Service will be held at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

Brockport - Louise S. (Baker) Harvey, 88 of Brockport passed away on Monday, February 15, 2021 at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Harvey was born February 14, 1933 in Irondequoit, New York a daughter of the late Viola Baker Skellen.

She was an avid storyteller, loved to play cards and dominoes, and enjoyed knitting and working on craft projects for loved ones.

Louise is the wife of Lincoln F. Harvey who passed away in 1978.

Surviving are two sisters, Stella (Kenneth) Mowers and Ruby G. Skellen, both of Brockport; children; Candie (Carl) Pocock of Bergen, Lynette Weber (Garry Nicholas) of Florida, Philip (Sharon) Harvey of Hamlin, Colin (Kerstin) Harvey of Florida, and Carla (Donald) Ruggles of Brockport, New York. Louise is also survived by eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

She is predeceased by her stepfather, Donald L. Skellen; son, Alan J. Harvey; and son-in-law, Herb Weber.

No calling hours or service will be held at this time and burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.

Shirley was born May 27, 1944 in East Orange, NJ; a daughter of the late William and Esther (Cody) Osterhout. 

Shirly loved and treasured family and being around those she loved. She was a social butterfly.  Her greatest pleasure was to spend time with everyone. She provided a loving smile and laughter whenever she was around. She was an incredibly strong woman and was always willing to lend a hand. She loved nature, birds and country living. She enjoyed her years as a seasonal camper at Woodstream. She was a member of Godfrey’s Pond.  

Surviving are her daughter, Bonnie (David) Priolo; grandchildren, April (Steve) Klaver, Nicholas (Nikki) Priolo, Kyle (Callie) Koch, Mark (Alexis) Koch and Sean Koch; great-grandchildren, Kayla Klaver, Carl Klaver, Brielle Priolo and Ashley Priolo; son-in- law Chris Koch, brothers-in-law, Thomas (Jeff Holloway) McCabe, Joseph McCabe, Matt (April) McCabe and Joseph Janiga; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Paul) Hulme, Marilyn (Walter) Natwora, Marjorie (Frank) Gallagher, Maida McCabe, Lucy McCabe and Kelly McCabe and several loving nieces and nephews. Special mention to her lifelong best friend Pat(Jerry) Stacey. 

Preceded in death by her husband, Frank McCabe; children, Kelly Ann Koch and Patrick Francis McCabe; a sister, Barbara (late Roger) Cabic; sisters-in-law, Susan (late Norm) Reimers, Sally (late Jack) Fulater, Bernice Janiga and Kathleen (late Thomas) White, Deborah Krakowski and brothers-in-law, Charles Mc Cabe, Michael(late Nina) McCabe and James McCabe. 

Services and burial will be held at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp, https://www.sunshinecamp.org or to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/.  

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

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

Pavilion ~ Betty Lou (Kipfer) Lichti, age 78, of S. Lake Road, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, February 13, 2021.

     She was born June 10, 1942 in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Nelson and Anna Lee Logsdon Kipfer.

     Betty Lou is survived by her son, Timothy Lichti of Pavilion; her loving granddaughters, Kayla Lichti, Laura D’Ambrosio and Jamie Rowe and her sister, Shirley Ann Boyce.  She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and great friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Donald I. Lichti, her son, Thomas N. Lichti and her brother-in-law, Irel Dean Boyce.

     Betty Lou worked for the US Postal Service for 30 years.  She enjoyed camping, nascar races, playing euchre and going to the casino.  She had a great love for her family & friends and always enjoyed spending time with them.

     Services and interment will be at the convenience of the family. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pavilion Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 156, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

     Mrs. Lichti and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Ruth had no children of her own however she did not lack for her love of children.  She spent her life as a caregiver / nanny to many very special kids. Ruth also volunteered in the church nursery and for the nursery of a local MOPS group.  Ruth had a very special gift for interacting with children.

One hundred years from now,

            It won’t matter what car I drove,

What kind of house I lived in,

            How much I had in my bank account,

Nor what my clothes looked like.

            But, the world may be a little better,

Because I was important in the life of a child.

Ruth’s passion was her church and church family. She belonged to the Batavia First United Methodist Church and its UMW group. In 1955 she was the very proud recipient of an honorary pin from the Batavia UMW. The pin was given in acknowledgement of her volunteer work for the church. Ruth not only worked in the nursery, but assisted in serving church dinners and was an usher for Sunday services. She also helped with the church food pantry. Ruth eagerly volunteered an any capacity she as able. Ruth enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word searches and reading. She loved game time; Scrabble and Uno being two of her favorites. She also loved the Buffalo Bills and going on outings with her family. She enjoyed vacations in Wildwood, NJ and said she loved these times because “the family was all together”.

Surviving is her brother; Raymond S. Knorr (Carol) of Pensacola, FL., sister Joyce L. Knorr of Batavia; a nephew Raymond J. Knorr (Parrish) of Birmingham, AL; a niece Cathy Knorr Webb (Trevor) of Pensacola, FL. Ruth was also the great aunt to three; Josie & Raymond Knorr and Max Webb.

Due to COVID, arrangements will be determined at a later date. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The First United Methodist Church 8221 Lewiston Rd. Batavia, NY 14020 or a charity of the donor’s choice. 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.

Batavia - Gary Richard Payne, 72  of Batavia,  passed away suddenly on Friday, (February 5, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Payne was born August 26, 1948 in Corning, a son of the late Glen and Margaret Payne.

Gary served with the US Navy. He enjoyed fishing, polka music, and watching NASCAR and horse racing. He lived an amazing life and at one time sang along side Wayne Newton while in Texas where he began his love of country music and yodeling.  

Surviving are his fiance, Susan Carpenter; a son, Jeffrey Payne; step-son, John (Jennifer Franklin) Carpenter; and a sister, Joanne VanFleet.

There will be no visitation. A private service will be held for his family. Mr. Payne will be interred in the WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children, Processing Center, PO Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886.  

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

Batavia - Sandra L. Cortright, 62 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (February 10, 202)1 at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Cortright was born September 30, 1958 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert and Iona (Boyce) Waller.

Sandra liked cats, playing cards, working Sudoku puzzles, taking walks in the sunshine, and watching television. A social butterfly, she greatly enjoyed mingling with family and friends when ever she was able.

Sandra is the wife of Robert D. Cortright who passed away in 2011.

she is survived by her two children, Tara (Sam) Reynolds of Batavia, and Thomas Giess of Basom; two brothers, Larry (Lynne) Diamond of North Carolina, and Kevin Waller of Oakfield; four sisters, Darlene (Charles) Burton of Stafford, Bobbie Waller of Basom, Anne (Michael Fry) of Albion, and Lynn Bischoff of Basom. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be no visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the spring in Alabama Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cortright Family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Dr. Cecere received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, her M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University, and her Doctorate of Medicine from St. George’s University Medical School. Dr. Cecere practiced Internal Medicine in Passaic County for the past 31 years, the majority of those at Cecere & Rubino Internal Medicine Associates, LLC, an affiliate of St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, NJ where she also served as President of the hospital medical staff for many years.

Dr. Cecere is survived by her dearest friend Susan Stives, brother Jacob J. Cecere (Leah), her nieces Kathryn and Anna, her "sister"/cousin Anita Strollo (Joseph Forsyth) and their daughter, her Niece/Godchild Serena Strollo-DiCenso. She is also survived by her aunt Carmela Cecere of New Jersey and other Godchildren including  Vivian (Strollo) Stanaway and numerous other wonderful cousins, family, friends, and patients, all who loved her and benefitted from her, compassion and friendship. In addition to her parents, Antoinette is predeceased by loving uncles Dr. Alfonso Strollo, Ralph Strollo, dear Aunt Serena (Cecere) Strollo and cherished cousin Philip Strollo.  She will be truly missed by all.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in LeRoy.. A Celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made in her memory to St. Joseph's University Medical Center 703 Main St. Paterson, NJ 07503. 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.

Batavia - Robert  J. Chatt, age 82, of Batavia  passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Chatt was born July 2, 1938 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Peter Chatt and Mildred Sprague Chatt.

Surviving are  his wife of 62 years, Shirley R. Campbell Chatt; his children, Robert M. (Becky) Chatt Oakfield, Lori A. (Michael) Brooks of Florida, Brett R. (Patty) Chatt of South Carolina and Christy R. (Sean) Cramer of Florida; his daughter-in-law, Terry Chatt of Buffalo. He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sons, Wade A. Chatt in 2011 and Scott A. Chatt in 2013 and his siblings, Marion (Richard) Long, Gloria (Robert) Lang, Peter (Elsie) Chatt, Raymond Chatt and Beatrice (Wayne) Kjos.

There are no prior calling hours. Graveside services, with military honors will be held on Friday, June 4th at 11 a.m. at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, New York 14036.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornerstone Church, 8020 Bank Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Robert's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

LeRoy ~ Arnold M. Kelly, age 84, of Warsaw Road, passed away Friday (February 12, 2021) at Rochester General Hospital, in the loving presence of his daughter.

     Arnold was a 1954 graduate of Batavia High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955.  Upon his return to the states from France in 1958, he began working in the purchasing department for the Ruberoid Company in Wheatland.  He eventually went on to work for Western Regional Off-Track Betting, where he retired from in 1998 as their Director of Purchasing.

     He remained very active after retirement, as he was an avid bowler and golfer, was on the board of directors for the Holland Land Office, the zoning board and collected all kinds of Genesee County memorabilia.

     His family meant the world to him and he loved spending time with them.  He enjoyed his grandsons sporting events through the years. He rarely missed a game and kept every baseball from important games recording the stats on the balls.

      In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by wife and best friend of 55 years, Marion D. Kelly, who passed on March 3, 2020.

     He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Arna (Michael) Tygart of LeRoy; grandsons, Cal M. (Haley) Tygart and Andrew M. Tygart; great-granddaughter, Hattie Maye Tygart; brother, Vernon (Patricia) Kelly of Oakfield; nephews, Brian Kelly and Aaron (Kathryn) Kelly; great-niece, Evelyn Kelly, all of Oakfield and his loving granddog, Moosh, along with many dear friends.

    There will be no prior visitation or services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to LeRoy Little League, P.O. Box 156, LeRoy, NY 14482

    Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mr. Kelly's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Kelly and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

LeRoy, NY- Charles Brace Hayward III “Charlie” (age 87) passed away on February 11, 2021. A long-time resident of LeRoy, Charlie worked for LeRoy Central Schools, retiring after 17 years. He also enjoyed working part-time at Crocker’s Ace Hardware. He loved spending time with family, fishing and boating at Honeoye Lake, and had a passion for wood working- once winning first prize at the Erie County Fair. He was also intrigued by family genealogy, tracing his ancestry back to the original passengers on the Mayflower.

     Charlie is predeceased by his parents, Charles Brace Hayward II and Elizabeth Adams, his son-in-law, Scott Horr, and his grandson, Stephen Hayward. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary (Trumbore) Hayward, his siblings; Manley Crane and Sally (Don) Derrick; his brother-in-law, Fred (Violet) Trumbore and his children; Deborah (Dave) Mancuso, Barbara Horr, Charles (Amy) Hayward, Chris (Kelley) Hayward, and James (Jill) Hayward. Charlie also is survived by ten grandchildren; Kathy, Christina, Becky, Ryan, Charlie, Kara, Rachel, Jenna, Connor and Chloe; ten great-grandchildren; Taylor, Lianna, Anthony, Drew, Ali, Brady, Lottie, Haley, Aria and Penny; one great-great-grandchild; Margot and several nieces and nephews.

     Special thanks to the staff at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home for their care and dedication. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the LeRoy Village Green Activity Fund or the LeRoy Ambulance Service.

     A private service will be scheduled at a later date.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Charlie's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Hayward and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Edwin (Ed, Uncle Snooks) Yasses, died February 11, 2021. Born December 1, 1936 to Frank and Wanda (Stachowski) Yasses.  Preceded in death by his wife Margaret (Mickey) Yasses who passed away December 15, 2013.  

"Better days are coming"

Ed loved his family, friends, fishing, camping and his Cadillacs which he owned a total of 5 over the years.  He worked 33 years at Graham Manufacturing in Batavia and in his later employment worked Graham Corporation which required him to perform service calls in many different parts of the world.

Ed was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

He is survived by his son, Mark (Cheryl) Yasses; daughter, Kim (Tim) Argenta; former daughter-in-law, Lorie (Kenny Radley) Yasses.  He is also survived by his 3 immediate grandchildren, LeeAnne (Brad) Grzybek, Jonathon (Cori) Yasses and Marshall (Alia Jones) Argenta; 2 step-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Private services will be held at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia with military honors to follow at Stafford Rural Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, https://www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.  

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

(Rochester, NY) Bill passed away February 11, 2021 unexpectedly. He was born in Batavia on April 13, 1949 to Robert K and Genevieve McBride (predeceased). He is survived by his loving wife, Linda McBride of 52 years. He is also survived by his three children: Christine (Robert) Hill of Rochester, AF Master Sergeant William (Joelle) McBride of Montgomery, AL and Aubrey (Kasie) Way of Rochester. Bill has seven beautiful grandchildren: Alexis and Aiden Hill, Alex, Cooper and Jackson McBride and Liam and Everly Way.

Bill graduated from Batavia High School and attended GCC. He served in the United States Navy from 1968-1972. He settled down in Batavia and started his career in manufacturing at the family business, McBride Steel. He retired in 2014 from GM (Lockport). His work ethic was one to be admired and set a perfect example for his children.  

Bill’s family was his greatest joy and best accomplishment. He paved the way for his children’s success and was incredibly proud of their many accomplishments. He was a devoted family man and active in his children and grandchildren’s lives. There wasn’t anything he would not do for his family. He coached hockey and was a travel hockey Dad. When he couldn’t be at a game, he was watching remotely. He was the greatest fan. Bill and Linda recently moved to Rochester to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren.

In his spare time, he enjoyed being on the water boating and sailing. He played bass guitar in a few classic rock bands and was the ultimate do it your selfer. His craftmanship was impeccable.

Calling hours are from 5p-7p on February 18^th at H.E. Turner Funeral Home 403 East Main St, Batavia. A private family service will be held on February 19^th.

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

Pavilion / The Villages, FL - Passed away peacefully on February 7^th, 2021 with his loving wife by his side.

     Not quite ready to retire, Stewart  began an antique and furniture restoration project which he named “Linwood Chairs”.

     If you met him on the street, he’d want to know all about you because that’s the type of man he was;  he took genuine interest in people and his community.  He was a great athlete and had a special place in his heart for animals.

     Stewart will be most fondly remembered for his ability to make his friends and family smile & laugh.  

     Stewart is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley; son, Steven, daughter, Wendy (Jodi); grandchildren, Julia and Spencer; sister, Jean (Jim) Vokes, brother and sister in-laws, Bob (Karen) Milligan, Caroline Milligan, Darryl Swede, Sharon Swede (Gary), Dave (Jo) Milligan and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his daughter, Robyn, brothers, Douglas and Richard, brother in-law, Don Milligan and sister-in-law, Diane Swede.

     Inurnment will take place at the Pavilion Cemetery at the convenience of the family and a Celebration of Stewart's Life is being planned for June.

     Memorials may be made in his memory to the Pavilion Food Bank & the Pavilion Fire Department.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Stewart's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Whitney and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy and Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services in Florida.