Obituaries

 

  Mildred M. Gilliatt, 94, of Medina passed away peacefully on August 17, 2018 at the Orchard Manor Nursing Facility. She was born on December 29, 1923 to the late Chester and Alice Christan. In addition to her parents, Mildred is predeceased by her son; William Gilliatt Jr.

Mildred was a long time employee at PW Minor in Batavia. She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her children; Sandra Anderson of Batavia and Holly Gilliatt of Batavia; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Graveside Service will take place on Thursday August 23, 2018 at Hillside Cemetery in East Pembroke on Angling Rd.

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

 

John E. Gehl, 71 of Akron, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday (August 16, 2018).

He was born in Buffalo, NY on July 9, 1947, a son of the late John and Mary Jean Shevlin Gehl.

John’s life was lived in service to his family, community, and faith.  He touched so many lives through his work, community service and active faith.  John believed his life’s mission was to build the kingdom of heaven here on earth.  John’s dynamic faith was lived out as an active member of St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish where he served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. He and Marlene were also members of the Ecumenical Christian Community, the People of Praise, for over 30 years. 

John was a long time member of Akron-Newstead Rotary and was club president twice. He loved his community and was the first to volunteer for service projects and serve on a committee.  Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self” could also have been John’s life motto.

Even in his professional life John served.  He worked in many aspects of the commercial insurance business where he had a reputation as being honest and focused on his clients.

John was affectionately known by many children as “Grampa Trouble Maker.”  His grandfatherly spirit was freely given to so many young people.  Even this past summer, in his wheelchair, he served as a camp chaplain at a summer youth camp where he served annually for many years. John would also spend time in the Blackrock region of Buffalo reading books to the school children.

A defining moment of John’s life was when he and Marlene walked the Camino de Santiago, a 500 hundred pilgrimage in Spain.  They encountered many interactions with fellow pilgrims on the path.

John was an avid player of board games. At nearly every family gathering, a board game would be set up.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren learning new games.  Many laughs and stories were shared over these late nights.

John was a military veteran, spending four years in active military duty and eight years in the reserves.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Marlene Tighe Gehl. Children, Josh (Maria) Gehl, Ben (Lori) Gehl and Jessie (John) Norton. Brother and sisters, Kathy (Jack) Patterson, Tom (Cindy) Gehl and Cindy (Tom) Weiss. Thirteen precious grandchildren and countless other children who affectionately knew John as “Grandpa Troublemaker”.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (Aug. 21st) from 3-8pm at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 8656 Church St., East Pembroke, NY. John's Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday (August 22nd) at 10:30am from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 4375 Harris Hill Rd., Williamsville, NY. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Teresa’s Cemetery, Akron, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be offered to People of Praise Camp, 4200 Gunnville Rd., Clarence, NY 14031. Expressions of sympathy may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Dorothy L. Hendershot, 82 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday August 13, 2018 at Batavia Health Care Center. She was born in Frederick, MD on September 6, 1935 to the late George W. (Carrie L. Pickett) Cookerly. She is predeceased by her husband Vernice Hendershot, son Gerald P. Brian.  

Dorothy enjoyed attending services at Batavia Assembly of God. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, watching cooking and remodeling shows on television.  

She is survived by her children Barb Brian of Perry; Patricia Brunner of Batavia; Daniel Brian of Batavia; sister Gina Moore and niece Patricia Moore of Maryland; grandchildren John Strathearn, Becky Sutton, Carrie West, Jessica Stevens, Melisa; Kyle, Dorothy, Rita and Rebecca Brian. Great-grandchildren Michael Strathearn, Deanna Juliano, Tara Kish, Nicholas Sheffield, Aaron Strathearn, JJ Strathearn, Isabella, Ivan and Anastasia West, TJ Weiger; great-great-grandchildren Nichole, Noah, Ariel and Lucretia Rose.  

Friends are invited to call on Monday August 20, 2018 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 2:00 PM Celebration of Life will immediately follow calling hours Monday at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Batavia Assembly of God, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

  Robert John “Gus” Hoover, 85, of Attica passed away peacefully on Saturday August 11, 2018 at Buffalo General Medical Center under the loving care of all of his doctors and nurses. He was born in Batavia on March 9, 1933 to the late John M. and Agnes (Burr) Hoover. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings William Hoover, Harvey Hoover, June Leonard and Jean Swanson.

Gus grew up in Darien Center the 5^th child of 7 surviving children, with family meaning everything to him.  He lived most of his life there until 2006 when he moved to Attica, NY, and acquired his sister June’s and brother-in-law Don’s 57 acre homestead which allowed him to live his life’s passion for hunting and fishing.  He graduated from Alexander Central School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York at Brockport.  He served honorably in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean Conflict, and worked for many years for defense contractors including Sylvania, Bell Aerospace and Sierra Research, retiring in 1991. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Leah (Krajeski) Hoover of 60 years.  They met at a friend’s party and he was smitten, and knew pretty quickly she was the only one for him.  They traveled extensively together in their fifth-wheel trailer after retirement, including spending winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and a few times as far north to Alaska.  He was a lifetime member of the Good Sam Club and the VFW.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leah (Krajeski) Hoover of Attica; children Michael (Teresa) Hoover of Navarre, FL., Martin (Bonnie) Hoover of Rochester and Edith (Patrick) Roach of Fairbanks, AK; sisters Joyce Meisner of Batavia and Patricia (Dan) Keene of Attica; grandchildren Justin (Valene), Todd (Bethany), Katherine, Leanna, Kacy and Ryan; 5 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday August 17, 2018 from 4:00-7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday August 18^th at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. in Attica. Robert will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Veterans Outreach Center 447 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Johnie Bianchi, Sr., 78, of Bergen, passed away on Monday, August 13, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Johnie was born November 20, 1939 in Cumberland, KY, a son of the late Louis and Rubye Elizabeth (Brogan) Bianchi.

Johnie will be remembered as a very spiritual man who was family oriented.  He enjoyed the thrill of a deal, hunting and fishing and introducing people to the outdoor world he loved.  Johnie worked production at General Motors in Rochester and was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons.

Survivors include his children, Johnie Bianchi, Jr. of Bergen, Clyde (Kelly) Bianchi of Bergen, Bianca Bianchi of Bloomfield and Deann (Tony) Distaffen of Rochester; one brother, Louis (Linda) Bianchi of Greece; a sister-in-law, Madeline Bianchi of Greece; ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and four nieces and nephews.

Johnie is the husband of the late Joann Bianchi and brother of the late Lonnie Bianchi.  

All services will be private. 

Memorials may be made to United Memorial Medical Center, attn.: Respite Care, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements for Johnie were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

 Helen M. Miller, 93, of Attica passed away on Sunday August 12, 2018 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital. She was born in Attica on April 4, 1925 to the late George and Mable (Lindsey) Sonricker. In addition to her parents, Helen is predeceased by her husbands; Wilbur C. Rudolph and Nelson S. Miller; brothers Earl, Harold and Laverne “Jim” Sonricker; stepson Richard Miller; stepson-in-law Ronald Rothenburger.

Helen was a long time member of the Salem United Church of Christ in Bennington. She was involved with senior groups in Attica and Bennington and the Women’s guild. Helen loved quilting and sewing.

She is survived by her children; William (Mary) Rudolph of Varysburg, Judith (Ronald) Almeter of Bennington; stepdaughter Linda Rothenburger of NC, stepdaughter-in-law Rosemarie Miller of NC; brother George “Bud” Sonricker of Attica; 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 18, 2018 at the Salem United Church of Christ 1327 Clinton St. Rd. Attica, NY 14011. Helen will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church listed above or the Attica Fire Dept. 11 Water St. in Attica. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Jeanne H. Greene, age 91, of Perry passed away on Friday August 10, 2018 at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw where she was residing. She was born on September 13, 1926 in West Pike, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Cone) Haxton.

She was a graduate of Galeton High School, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree at Penn State and her Master of Education Degree at the University of Buffalo. Jeanne was a home economist for the Wyoming County Cooperative Extension in Warsaw from 1956 and retiring in 1981. She was instrumental in starting the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program of Wyoming County. She won a Distinguished Service Award through the National Association of Extension for starting that program in Wyoming County. She was a life member of the Bliss Baptist Church, a member of the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry and the Bliss Order of Eastern Star, an honorary member of the Epsilon Sigma Phi (National Extension honorary). After Jeanne’s retirement she was very involved in the Brick Presbyterian Church, serving as secretary, started a senior nutrition program, and was always helping out with many church functions. She enjoyed taking care of her many nieces and nephews, collecting fenton glass and hummels, knitting, sewing and cooking.

Jeanne is survived 2 brothers: Charles (Beverly) Haxton of Kentucky, John (Oleava) Haxton of Bliss, sister-in-law: Regina Haxton of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband: Francis R. Greene who passed away on January 26, 2018, sisterts: Ruth (Sulley) Cook Cora (John Peppermine and James Watson) Peppermine-Watson, Joseph Haxton Jr., Jerry Haxton, Walter (Kay) Haxton, William Haxton and Victor Haxton.

Family and friends may call from 1:00-2:00PM on Friday August 17, 2018 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530 where Funeral Services will immediately follow at 2:00PM. She will be laid to rest in Lyonsburg Cemetery in Bliss.

Memorials may be made to the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Byron - Eleanor G. (Green) Johnson, 88, of Byron, a former Marketing Specialist at Church Bulletins of Buffalo, died Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Batavia.

Mrs. Johnson was born March 20, 1930 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Irving D. and Gwendolen D. (Durfee) Green.

She graduated from South Byron High School in 1948, from Cobleskill College in Nursery Education in 1950, from Genesee Community College in Accounting and from Brockport College in Business Administration.  She worked at the Children's Home before her marriage and then in Marketing for Church Bulletins of Buffalo.  She was a volunteer for the Red Cross first by teaching standard First Aid and then, for over 22 years, helped with blood drives. 

Her husband, Richard B. Johnson, died November 7, 1970.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda Johnson of Byron; 2 sons, James (Deborah) Johnson of Elba and John (Jacquelin) Johnson of Coffeyville, KS; 5 grandchildren, Richard, Donald, Stephanie Christopher and Key; 6 great-grandchildren, Richard II, Taylor, Gavin, Benjamin, Mattie and Bradly; 2 sisters-in-law, Marie Johnson and Gail Green Stacy; nieces and nephews, Bill Johnson, Cheryl Welles, Sandy Tucker, Gwendolen Shepard, and Deborah Green and several nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of the late Donald Johnson, sister of the late Irving Green, Marian Shepard and Lawrence Green and aunt of the late Mary McCann and Elizabeth Shepard and David Green.  

Friends may attend services at 11 a.m., Friday, August 17, 2018 at Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main St., in Byron.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Byron Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 206, Byron, NY 14422, Byron Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 326, Byron, NY 14422, Mercy Flight WNY, 100 Amherst Villa Road, Buffalo, NY 14225 or to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240-9856.  Burial will be in Byron Cemetery in Byron.  Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

RICHARD A. PARMENTER ~ Age 73, of Oakfield, died peacefully Monday August 6, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital with his wife and children at his side. He was born April 21, 1945, in Clarence, NY, a son of the late Lawrence and Jonina (Thurgerson) Parmenter, also preceded in death by siblings, Walter, Wallace Parmenter and Linda Tomoser.

Mr. Parmenter served his country honorably in the United States Navy and went to work for the NYS Police, he retired from Troop A Batavia as a Communications Sergeant in 2002. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and the last few years wintering in Arizona and most recently in Florida with his wife. Rick will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Surviving is his beloved wife with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage with this past April, Shirley (Tiberio) Parmenter of Oakfield; his loving children, Tina (Kenneth Koessler) Parmenter of Rochester and Richard A. Parmenter, Jr. of Middletown, MD; cherished grandchildren, Brandon, Dominick, Madlyn & Olivia; siblings, Laurene (late Joseph) of Clarence and Lawrence (late Barbara) Parmenter of San Diego, CA; brothers-in-law,  Jack Tomoser and Anthony Tiberio both of FL along with several nieces and nephews.

The Parmenter family requests all to join them in Celebrating Rick's Mass of Christian Burial 11am Friday August 17, 2018 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site) 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia.

Please share your words of comfort with Rick's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF RICHARD A. PARMENTER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

DONALD P. RICH ~ of Byron, age 68, died peacefully Wednesday evening August 8, 2018 at home under the care of Hospice and his loving family. He was born June 13, 1950, in Batavia, the son of the late Raymond and Marjorie (Fite) Rich.

Don served honorably in the US Air Force from 69-73 as an airplane mechanic. He worked for over 30 years at Verizon and enjoyed the "Breakfast Club" with his Verizon buddies after retirement. Don was an avid bowler, golfer and all around sports fan who was a youth soccer and baseball coach when his children were growing up.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Susan (Brill) Rich of Byron; loving children, David (Stacey) Rich of Basom, Colleen (Norm) Pimm, Jr. of Bergen and Kathleen Carlson of Byron; cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Reanna, Madelyn, Brendan, Caris & Jake; siblings, Thomas (Nancy) Rich of Rochester, Peter Rich of NC, Deborah (Jamie) Trescott of FL; In-laws, Raymond (Sheila) Brill, Lenny (Robin) Brill, Paul (Sandy) Brill, Jason (Nancy) Kota, Joanne Starkweather along with several nieces and nephews.

The Rich family will be present Sunday August 12 from 2-5pm to Celebrate Don's Life at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL 7 CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC. He will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery, and memorials in his memory can be made to HomeCare & Hospice 29 Liberty Street Ste. 6 Batavia, New York 14020.

Please share your words of comfort with Don's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DONALD P. RICH IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

Betty M. Harkness, 91 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (August 8, 2018) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Betty was born October 13, 1926 in Lockport, NY, a daughter of the late Edward and Leona Phendler Domser.

Betty will be remembered for her love of crocheting. She enjoyed making afghans, baby blankets, pot holders and doilies. She also loved watching a good western movie. Betty and her late husband, Frank H. Harkness were collectors of carnival glass and enjoyed traveling to many glass conventions together.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Harkness, brother, George Domser and brothers in-law, James Happ and Edward Harkness.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Deborah) Harkness of Batavia and Cathy (Robert) Herzog of Ontario, NY. Sister, Audrey Wojtas of Oneida, NY. Sister in-law, Carol Happ of Batavia. Grandchildren, Heidi Harkness, Stephen (Barbara) Harkness, Scott Harkness, Christine (Peter) Treasure, Cheryl (Nate) Hackett, Margaret (Brian) Bockus and Robert (Sasha) Herzog. Great-grandchildren, Taylor, Allison, Kyler, Bryce, Nickalena, Peter, Dylan, Grace, Carter, Brody and Elise.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Grandview Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made 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.

Douglas Rippel, 54, of Attica, passed away on Monday, (August 6, 2018) in Batavia. Douglas was born September 23, 1963 in Batavia, a son of Harry and Donna Rippel of Olean.
 
Doug was an avid hunter, whom greatly enjoyed anything having to do with the outdoors. He greatly enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and other loved ones.
 
Surviving along with his parents are his wife, Linda Rippel; his children, Jeremy Rippel of Attica, William Rippel of Batavia, Trisha Rippel of Castile, and Josh Frega of Batavia; brothers, Tim Spink of Cuba, Dan Rippel of Arkansas; sisters, Karen Jacek of Warsaw, Janet Rippel of Cuba, Katie Rippel of Olean; his grandchildren, Konner, Kameron, Kooper, Alicyn, Lacey, Hunter, Rozalia, and Brooke.
Douglas is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents; brothers, William Rippel and Kevin Spink; and sister, Annie Rippel.
 
Due to Douglas’ wishes, there will be no traditional services. Family and friends will be notified at a later date of a celebration in honor of Doug’s life. Memorials can be made in the form of any donations to the Crossroads House in Batavia NY.

Oakfield - Travis T. Bauer, 29, of Oakfield, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, (August 3, 2018) in Tonawanda.

Travis was born April 19, 1989 in Batavia, a son of Robert and Michelle (Say) Bauer of Oakfield.

To Travis, family was everything.  He was a guitar player, enjoyed video games, computers, and skateboarding.  He easily made friends.  Travis will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving along with his parents is a brother, Troy (fiancé Amanda Ames) Bauer of Oakfield; sister, Kaleigh Nash Bauer of CA; grandmother, Constance Bauer of Alexander; uncles, Keith Bauer of Oakfield, Kenny Bauer of Alexander, Tom Say of Oakfield, and Scott (Elaine) Say of Oakfield; an aunt, Shari Fox of FL; a nephew and niece, Jasper and Willow Bauer.

Travis is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Richard and Bonnie Say; paternal grandfather, Richard Bauer; and uncles, Rick Say and Tim Bauer.  

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where Travis’ Funeral Service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a condolence, share a memory or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.