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Obituaries

Vincent Edward Speed

By Joshua Smith

Vincent Edward Speed age 85, of Homosassa FL, passed away on February 24th 2024. Vincent was born in Batavia, NY to the late Harold K. and Eunice M. Speed. He graduated from Oakfield HS in 1956, later graduating from the U. of Toledo earning 2 Engineering degrees.  He married wife Barbara Pioterek and returned to NYS where he worked for 15 yrs at Xerox in Engineering, Manufacturing and Distribution. He earned his MBA at RIT, where he later taught. After becoming a New Product Manufacturing Start-up Specialist, he moved to San Diego in 1983 to direct the manufacturing technical support for production of test equipment for the B-1B bomber at General Dynamics. In 1984, he married Edith Slebiota and worked for 12 additional companies around the country directing engineering and operations until his retirement from GM in 2002.  After retirement he moved to Florida and in 2014 found his final loving companions Bonnie Graves and Baxter.

He was predeceased by his sister Arlene Henderson and brothers Richard and Donald. He is survived by his children Kenneth and wife Deborah of NY; Terry and wife Kathleen of VA and Diana Caccamise of NY. He also leaves 3 grandchildren and a sister-in-law.  

Friends may call on Friday, March 8th from 11 am to 12 pm at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will immediately follow at 12 pm with burial at the SPEED family plot at Daws Corners Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a memory or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Maureen Kirby

By Joshua Smith
Kirby

Maureen Kirby, 85, of Attica NY, passed away peacefully on February 28th, 2024 at Gateway Home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 25, 1938, daughter of the late Gerald & Mary (Kirsch) Sennott.

She was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Sennott.

Maureen is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Robert Kirby; children, Gregory Kirby of Mt Laurel NJ, Stephen (Jennifer Texter) Kirby of Amherst NY, Brian (Dr. Lori Bowman) Kirby of Orchard Park NY. She was a proud Grandmother to Alex, Tori, Emma, Chloe & Mari Kirby and Great Grandmother to Braxton Kirby. Maureen is also survived by many loving nieces & nephews.

Maureen was the Valedictorian of the class of 1956 at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, graduated from Rochester Business Institute and attended Genesee Community College. She worked at Sylvania GTE in the Government Aerospace Research Division before staying home to raise her children.
Maureen also worked at the US Post Office in Attica and Alexander NY before retiring in 1996.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. funeral Home, 403 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Maureen’s mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Joachim and Anne Catholic Church 50 East Ave Attica NY 14011. Burial will be at a later date in St. Vincent's Cemetery, Attica, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Maureen’s memory to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street Attica NY 14011 and Sts. Joachim and Anne Catholic Church 50 East Ave Attica NY 14011.

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

Mildred VanZile

By Joshua Smith
VanZile

Corfu – Mildred VanZile, 75 of Corfu passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mildred was born on April 1, 1948 in Johnson City, Tennessee, a daughter of the late James Tolley and Minnie (Gladys) Eckridge. 

She enjoyed her dog, Peyton, anything that was purple, crafts, and watching Dr. Pol and Madea. Mildred retired from 76 Truck Stop where she worked as a cook until retiring.

Mildred will be remembered by her daughter, Constance Schirmer; grandchildren, Joshua Olowski, Nichole Rodriguez and Cheyenne Staats; great grandchildren, Annalise Rodríguez and Lamont Rodriguez; Siblings, Paul Tolley and Theodore “Teddy” Tolley; companion, Anthony “Tony” Jack, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Mildred will be reunited with her, parents, James Tolley and Minnie Eckridge, and her sister, Barbara Tolley.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner Funeral Home, Batavia. As per the families wishes there will be no services. Burial will at the convenience of the family at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu, NY.

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

Donna L. Wissinger

By Joshua Smith

Batavia – Donna L. Wissinger, age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born on October 31, 1955, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Wilbur C. Hackett and Dolores M. Van Buren Hackett.

Surviving are her children, Christopher L. (Diana Washburn) Wissinger of Attica, Daniel L. (Robin) Wissinger of Middleport, Kimberly D. (Tino Fernandez) Wissinger of Batavia, Dale J. (Stacey M.) Wissinger of Oakfield and Rebbecca S. Wissinger of Batavia; 21 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; her brothers, Allan W. (Stacey) Hackett of Batavia, Stephen S. (Mary Jane Sage) Hackett of Oakfield; her sister, Tonya J. (Mark) Toporczyk of East Bethany along with all extended family.

There are no prior visiting hours. Donna’s memorial service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 11 am at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Wissinger family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Gerald "Jerry" R. Moscicki

By Ronald Konieczny
Moscicki

Gerald (Jerry) R. Moscicki, 70 of Attica, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (February 27, 2024) at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY after a very recent diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer that had spread. 

He was born December 19, 1953 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Raymond and Dorothy Klimowicz Moscicki. Predeceased by a nephew, Shane O'Brien. 

Jerry was a lover of antique cars and often spoke of his 1939 Studebaker or 1953 green Chevy. He was a lifelong truck driver. He enjoyed tractor pulls and demolition derbies and the occasional car race. He was an active member of AA that slowed when his health decline when he started dialysis in around 2015. His life motto was "Everything happens for a reason...it‘s all about how you handle that reason". He was a believer that he was going home to heaven to be with his parents and many friends after his earthly death and with a heavy heart he will be missed for his interesting perspectives on life which he was very vocal about. 

Survivors include his daughters, Carol (Bob) Magoffin of Batavia and Jessica Moscicki of Rochester. Son, Jimmy Moscicki of Attica. Sister, Mickey O’Brien of Warsaw. Grandchildren, Alexis (Elexis- as Poppa Jerry called her), Patti, Jonathan and Jamison Magoffin, Marek Julia and Spencer Moscicki. Also survived by nieces, nephews and several cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (March 8th) from 5-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a service will commence at 7pm.

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.

 

 

Donald George Hart

By LaVern Falcone

Bergen ~ Donald George Hart, age 96, passed away Monday afternoon (February 26, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center.

     He was born July 11, 1927 in Kendall, N.Y., a son of the late George W. and Bessie Koehler Hart.  

don hart

  Don was a proud Navy veteran, serving in WWII.  He will be remembered for his love of family and his Bergen community. Don wore many hats over the years.  He owned an excavation business as well as a sawmill.  He became the Town of Bergen Highway Superintendent, serving for 17 years and was a past chief of the Bergen Fire Dept.  Don was the oldest living Mason in Bergen, with over 65 years of membership.  He also was an avid hunter and a life member of the Bergen Rod & Gun Club. 

     He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Kathleen (Michael) Hammerl of Bergen; his four grandchildren, Emily Hammerl-Vegso (Roland Vegso) of Athens, GA and their children, Oskar, Ilona and Felix; Patricia (Jared) Plucknette of Bergen and their children, Nina, Michael and Rory; Steven (Laura) Hammerl of Spencerport and their children, Augustus and Gabriel; and Kathrine Hammerl of Bergen; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Edward) DeMars of North Chili and JoAnne Buda of Batavia; dear friend, Jerry MacConnell of Chittenango, N.Y., many nieces and nephews, along with his friends at the 400 Towers.

     Don was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Hart, Leonard Hart, John  Hart and Minnie Zenke and companion, Mary Lou Swabb.

     Don’s family will be present to receive friends on Friday, March 8 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Sage Pavilion, 62 South Lake Avenue, Bergen.  Interment in Mt. Rest Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bergen Fire Department, 10 Hunter Street, Bergen, N.Y. 14416

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

Naomi F. Grice

By Lisa Ace

Naomi F. Grice, 95 of West Batavia, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Naomi was born on November 20, 1928, in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Clayton and Freida Baum Scoins. She was the wife of the late Donald J. Grice; sister of the late Robert, Allan and William Scoins and Jean Chase.

Naomi was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. Her favorite pastimes were baking, cooking, painting, working in her garden, flowers, sitting on the bench in front of her home and all stray cats. She was a helluva good mother!

Naomi is survived by her loving son, Michael Grice and her daughter Mary Catherine and several grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

There are no calling hours. Private services were held at the convenience of the family. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.

The family would like to thank the LeRoy Village Green for their loving care of Naomi. Memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, New York.

Shanon Lynn Harkins

By LaVern Falcone

Shanon Lynn Harkins, of Wyoming, completed her journey on Sunday, February 25th at the age of 44.

     Shanon is survived by her loving family; parents, Brett and Donna Shepard of Pavilion; grandparents, Robert and Barbara Shepard of LeRoy; husband, Robert Harkins; children, Addison, Jayden and Olivia of Wyoming; sister, Cristen (Peter) Kingston of Geneseo; brother, Jeremy (Stephanie Curry) Shepard of East Bethany; mother-in-law, Barbara Harkins of Wyoming; grandparents, Bruce and Rody Pierce of LeRoy; grandmother, Ruth Boening of Wyoming; brother-in-law, Thomas (Jenny) Harkins of Wyoming; nephews, Cooper Harkins, Logan and Carter Kingston, Dylan Shepard; nieces, Ela Harkins and Brooklyn Shepard, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Shanon is predeceased by her father-in-law, Craig Harkins.  

Shanon

   Shanon was born in Batavia on May 26th, 1979.  She was a 1997 graduate of Pavilion Central School and GCC School of Nursing.  Shanon lived passionately as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and healer. Shanon worked at United Memorial Medical Center as a Registered Nurse for many years and then Genesee Orthopedics before she decided to embark on a new journey with her sister, opening The Farmer’s Wife in Pavilion.  As Shanon took ill, she continued to help others with a holistic approach who were fighting illness battles.  Shanon thrived during her illness by living with purpose and positivity; she would encourage you all to do the same.

     There are no calling hours, per Shanon’s request.  Please join Shanon’s family for a Celebration of Her Life on March 10th at 12:00 PM at BW’s Restaurant in Pavilion, NY.  To support her spiritualty and strength & courage, she would like you to wear purple or black.

     Shanon has requested no flowers and ask that you consider planting a tree or flowers in memory of her. 

     Memorials may also be made to 4H of Wyoming County, 36 Center Street, Suite B, Warsaw, N.Y, 14569

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

     Shanon and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.

John A. Komosinski

By T.J. Woodward
jk

John A. Komosinski, 65 of Batavia, passed away peacefully after a very long illness on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at his home. He was born December 1, 1958 to the late Anthony and Dorothy (Marchese) Komosinski. He is preceded in death by a grand-niece, Skylar Sewert.

John owned and operated Plaza Spirits for 30 years. 

He is survived by his sister, Ann (Peter) Sewert, niece Carrie (Mark Hanna) Sewert, grand-nephew, Jaxon Hanna, two caring aunts, Carolyn (Tom) McGorrey, and Irene Hagen, good friends, hunting partners and golfing buddies.

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Sandra Lois Verschage

By Joshua Smith

Sandra Lois Verschage, 78, of Batavia, passed away on February 26, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Sandra was born March 29, 1945 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles and Louise (Mitchie) Thomas.

She loved her cats and enjoyed doing puzzles.

Surviving are her children, Brian (Brenda) Smith, Kevin (Sharon Harmon) Smith, Matthew (Laura Davidow) Verschage and Amy (Bryan Coles) Verschage; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband, Timothy Verschage.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of her family.  She will be laid to rest in Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements for Sandra were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Craig K. Bower

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Craig K. Bower, age 69, of Warsaw Road, passed away Thursday morning (Feb. 22, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     He was born February 9, 1955 in Batavia, a son of the late Roland and Vivian Chapman Bower.   

craig

  Craig will be remembered for his love of family, friends and all kinds of cars. He enjoyed nothing more than being in “Bower’s Garage” working on car repairs or just simply hanging out with family and friends.

     He will be sadly missed by his wife and best friend of 32 years, Patricia Carson Bower; his daughter and future son-in-law, Brooke (Travis Fenstermaker) Bower; step-sons, Ryan (Jessica) Tracy and David Tracy; step-grandchildren, Gage, Carson, Bryce and Sawyer; siblings, Candace Bower and Robin (Mary) Bower, along with many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great- nephews.

     In addition to his parents, Craig was predeceased by his brothers, Barry Bower, Bruce Bower, Dr. Brian Bower and Roland “Bud” Bower Jr.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 2 from 10 AM ~ 12 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where Craig’s Service of Remembrance will be held at 12:00 PM. Interment in Machpelah Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Craig are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

Laurie Marie Comer

By T.J. Woodward
c

Laurie Marie Comer (nee Williams), 64, of Batavia, passed away suddenly on February 17, 2024 at her home. She was born on January 19, 1960, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Beverly (Sobzack) Williams. 

Laurie enjoyed all types of arts and crafts. She had a heart of gold and always made sure those around her were happy. 

She is survived by her 3 sons; Sean (Neha) Comer of CA., Derek (Fiancé Nikki Mickey) of Batavia and Cameron (Christa) Comer of Stafford; her sister Michelle Williams of Batavia; her Aunt Bonnie Versage of Batavia; and 2 grandchildren Rakesh and Rani. 

There will be no prior calling hours. The family is planning a Celebration of her life in April. 

In lieu of memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020  to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Linda Jannain Hume

By Lisa Ace
Linda Jannain Hume

Linda Jannain Hume of Benson, Arizona went home to the Lord on December 31st, 2023, after a brief illness.
Linda was born on September 18th, 1951, in Batavia New York. She was the daughter of the late Lester Jannain and Florence Jannain. Linda was the oldest of 7 children.

She attended Pavilion Central School. After graduation she moved to Florida and managed an Albertson Department, as well as worked at the Boca West Resort. Linda returned home to Batavia New York to care for her widowed mother. She then managed a New York State Thruway Gift Shop and rapidly raised their sales, making them one of the top earning rest stop stores in the state.
Surviving is her loving husband William Hume of Benson, Arizona, Stepson William (Joy) Hume of East Bethany, and step-granddaughter Erica (Dallas) Logsdon of Batavia.

She was affectionately called “Wifey” and was married for over 25 years to William Hume.
Linda was a free thinker that enjoyed boating, riding motorcycles, and traveling. She loved to cook and tend to her flower gardens. She especially loved to watch the hummingbirds. She was an animal lover and is now reunited with her beloved pets Harley, Precious, and Rebel.
Linda will be remembered by her loved ones as being a glamorous and beautiful woman. She took pleasure in the finer things in life and took pride in her appearance. She had a love for life. Those that knew her well understood what kind of special person she was. Her loud and wonderful laugh will forever be heard in our hearts.  

“I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.”  -Coco Chanel

There will be no prior calling hours, there will be a celebration of life held for friends and family in Arizona, as well as in New York at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a Veterans Service of your choice

Dorothy K. Boyd

By T.J. Woodward
b

Dorothy K. Boyd, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2024 at LeRoy Village Green. She was born in Batavia, to the late Edward and Frieda (Eichenberger) Klossner. She is preceded in death by her husband Merlyn Boyd and brother Kenneth Klossner.

Mrs. Boyd worked for New York Telephone in Batavia. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, word search and cheering for the New York Yankees. Dorothy loved animals, especially cats.

She is survived by her beloved children, Thomas (Beth) Boyd of Batavia, Judy Boyd of Miami, sister, Christine (the late George) Leone, grandchildren, Phillip (Samantha Pfohl-Boyd) Boyd, Kristen (Matthew) Burgos both of Batavia, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 10am to 12pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 12:00 Noon Celebration of her Life will immediately follow on Wednesday at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Anthony G. “Tony” Whitmore

By Lisa Ace
Whitemore Anthony


Anthony G. “Tony” Whitmore, age 38, of Buffalo, formerly of Alexander, NY passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Born June 14, 1985 in Watertown, NY, Tony was the son of Grant Whitmore and the late Catherine (Miller) Whitmore. His parents taught him to have a love for life and for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He grew up in Alexander and graduated from Alexander High School in the class of 2003. Tony loved video games, manga, anime, science fiction and history. He worked several jobs over the years, lastly as a technical support agent, a job through which he met the love of his life, Jennifer Toy. Tony moved to West Seneca and the couple were married in 2019. Their shared love of science fiction, anime and video games led them on many adventures together, which they cherished.

Tony was a caring soul that would help anyone who needed it. He leaves behind an expansive network of friends and acquaintances that stuck with him over the years. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Tony was predeceased by his mother, Catherine Whitmore in 2018.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Jennifer Toy of West Seneca; father, Grant Whitmore of Alexander; siblings, Jennifer (Myke) Myers of Attica, Jeffery Whitmore and Jeremiah Whitmore both of Alexander; and nieces, Isabella, Evelyn and Anna Lea Myers.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1:00pm at The Bridge, 243 S. Swan St., Batavia, NY 14020. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, Medina. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

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