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Obituaries

Gertrude Constance Gorski

By T.J. Woodward
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Gertrude Constance Gorski, 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born September 3, 1930 in Tupper Lake, to the late Charles and Isabella (Godin) Sivret. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Gorski, siblings, Dr. Alexander (Elizabeth) Sivret and Elizabeth (Joseph) Barsuk.

Mrs. Gorski retired as an RN from Rochester Psychiatric Center, she also worked at St. Jerome’s Hospital for many years. Nursing was something she was very passionate about. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild and her special dog; Trucker.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Zanghi of Batavia, Cecelia (Tony Ortiz) Gorski of Lackawanna, and Charles (Susan) Gorski of Batavia; 6 grandchildren, David (Kelley) Zanghi, Eugene (Michelle) Myers, Charlene (Samantha) Myers-Pauly, Charles “CJ” (Ashley Wumkes) Gorski, James (Jackie Nocita) Gorski, Clayton (Cheyenne Ernst) Gorski, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of her Life will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Rd. 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.

 

Martha G. Clingerman

By T.J. Woodward
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Martha Grace Van Duyne Clingerman died peacefully February 5, 2024 after a brief illness.  Martha was born October 13, 1934 in Butler, NY to Leroy and Margaret (Graham) Van Duyne. 

She is predeceased by Richard C. Clingerman and beloved partner Lester W. Nodecker and siblings Merton, Muriel Blondell, Richard, Shirley Simmons and Carol Wolf. 

Martha is survived by brother David (Lillian) and her four children Clarence Dale Clingerman, Debra (Kevin) Reynolds, Todd Clingerman (Dorothy) and Terri (Mark Hackett Jr) granddaughters Sara (Stephen) Condie, Tiffany Reynolds (Anthony Dello Stritto), and Stephanie Gonsalves and great grandchildren Kevin, Nathan, Kaya, Kyleigh and Nikolas. 

Martha and her kitchen were the heart of her family and she gathered the generations together several times a year for decades to enjoy great food and laughter.  She passed her great love of books, music and the Buffalo Bills on to the following generations and, less successfully, her talent for gardening. She was an honorary “Mom” to many of her children's friends. Martha was the mom who packed great lunches, took her children on day trips, to drive-in movies, berry picking, and who got them out of bed in the middle of the night to see the aurora borealis over Lake Ontario. 

Martha worked for years at Sarah Coventry and retired from Dynalec Corporation.  In retirement, she and Les enjoyed extensive road trips, gardening, cows and cats.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Service will be held at her interment in Butler-Savannah Cemetery at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the SPCA. Go Bills! 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.

Joyce Mingle

By Joshua Smith
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Darien Center - Joyce Mingle, 83 of Darien Center passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at a local nursing home.
 

Joyce was born Saturday, September 21st, 1940 in Lackawanna, NY a daughter of the late Norman and Rosemary (Kirst) Koester.
 

Joyce married her soulmate, Edward Mingle, on July 5th, 1975. Together they developed a partnership on their farm and raised a family. Before
joining Edward on the farm, Joyce was an educator and school principal.
 

Joyce will be remembered by her husband, Edward Mingle; son, Jacob (Kelly) Mingle; Siblings, Tom (late Alice) Koester, Jean (late Sebastian “Edward”) Thomas, her twin, Janice (late Paul) Korzelius, Theresa (Jeff) Lunn, along with many nieces and nephews.
 

Family and friends are invited to Joyce’s funeral mass on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10677 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040. Burial will immediately follow the funeral mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery in Darien Center, NY.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joyce’s name to The Sisters of St. Francis, an organization she spent 14 years with, 201 Reist St, Williamsville, NY 14221 or Our Lady of Good Counsel, 10677 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040.
 

Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Glenn E. Waldron

By T.J. Woodward
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Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Glenn Elliot Waldron, 58, a lifelong resident of Oakfield, passed away peacefully at Rochester General Hospital on February 8, 2024 with his loving family by his side. He was born November 10, 1965 in Batavia, New York, a son of Norma Bowen Waldron and Wesley Wayne Waldron.

Glenn dedicated 26 years to the students and staff at Oakfield-Alabama Central School. He cherished the friendships he made over the years with so many students, teachers, and fellow staff. Glenn spent his free time hunting, fishing, and making memories with his extended family. He considered everyone a friend and put others’ needs before his own. Glenn found enjoyment in collecting many useful items such as pocket knives, thermoses, and hats. He knew every coffee shop in a 50-mile radius and particularly enjoyed conversing with waitresses and friendly strangers during his jaunts about town or across the country.

Glenn’s quirky personality will be fondly remembered and missed by all. Whether it was a line from a Jerry Clower show or a story about his first truck, “The Hippo Hauler,” his infectious laugh following one of these stories will be remembered with a smile by all who knew him. He held a deep knowledge of many topics that he was willing to share with anyone who would learn from him. Glenn also had a knack for giving people nicknames which gave him a special connection to each person who was lucky enough to earn one.

Glenn is survived by his mother Norma Bowen Waldron of Oakfield and his father Wesley (Shirley) Waldron of Oakfield, and by his siblings Katherine (Glenn) Peterson of Chilton, WI, Dean (Lisa) Waldron of Oakfield, Erin (Joseph Jr.) Pionessa of Oakfield, Matthew (Anna) Waldron of Chilton, WI. 

One of his greatest joys was his nieces and nephews: Megan Peterson of Wakeforest, NC, Erin (Eric) Miller of Williamsport, PA, Eugene (Janice) Peterson of Fon du Lac, WI, Matthew (Amanda) Waldron of Wake Forest, NC, Olivia (Lee) Talley of Oakfield, Caroline (Jared) Dent of Elba, Eliza Pionessa of Oakfield, Brody and Jacob Waldron of Chilton, WI. Great nieces and nephews: Reid and Claire Waldron, Logan, Alexander and Isaac Peterson, Laine and Gavin Miller, Levi and Tucker Dent, and Finley and Magnolia Talley. Glenn is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends who he considered family. 

Family and friends are invited to call Friday, February 23, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM at Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street Road, Oakfield, New York.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00AM at Genesee Country Church with a luncheon to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Glenn Waldron Follow Your “Duck Call” Scholarship (Oakfield-Alabama Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 102, Oakfield, NY, 14125) and specify “Glenn Waldron Memorial” in the memo line. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Gertrude M. Ernest Tyson Woodrich

By Lisa Ace

Gertrude M. Ernest Tyson Woodrich, 96, of Village Green Nursing Home, LeRoy, NY passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024.

Gertrude was predeceased by her father and mother Louis and Mildred Ernest; brothers and wives Adelbert (Eleanor) Ernest; Lawrence (Francis) Ernest; husband Alfred Woodrich. 

Gertrude is survived by her son and wife Harry (Kathy) Tyson of Bergen, NY; grandsons Bryant (Deborah) Tyson of Maple Hill, NC; Stephen (Samantha) Tyson of Bergen, NY; Great grandsons Jacob (fiancé Eva) Tyson of Minneapolis, MN; Benjamin Tyson of Maple Hill, NC; Kane and Mace Tyson of Bergen, NY.

Gertrude was a stay at home wife and mother. She had a great memory and would always remember important dates such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries of family and friends. She enjoyed family picnics and special gatherings. Gertrude spent her final years at the Village Green where she enjoyed bingo and visiting with other residents. 

Her family sends a special thank you to all the staff who provided excellent care.

Gertrude’s remains were entrusted to Genesee Valley Cremation -James R.Gray Funeral Home. There will be no calling hours or services at this time.

Velma J. Pfeiffer

By Ronald Konieczny
Pfeiffer

Velma J. Pfeiffer, 97 of Batavia and formerly of Attica, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (February 7, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center. 

She was born August 10, 1926 in Gardenville, NY, a daughter of the late John and Julia Gadra Kelchelin.

Velma was the owner and operator of the Pfeiffer Produce and Greenhouse which was located in Attica for several years. Because she grew up on a family farm, she was not afraid to get her hands dirty. Even in her later years, she was still engaged with her gardening and washing her car. She enjoyed listening country music, especially the Ghost Riders and Elvis impersonators. Velma also was a collector of angels.

She was the wife of the late George Pfeiffer and sister of the late Esther Ciembor, Ruth Waldraff and Georgianna McCarthy.

Survivors include her daughters, Nancy (late John) Pocock of Batavia, Donna (late John) Kruppa of Batavia. Son, George Pfeiffer of Alden. Grandchildren, Adam Kruppa and Tara Freitag. Great-grandchildren, Kyle Kruppa, Jayce Kruppa and Aubrey Freitag.

Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Monday (February 12th) at 10am at Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, 50 East Ave., Attica. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent Cemetery.

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.

 

 

Joseph R. Marchese III

By T.J. Woodward
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Depew N.Y. - Joseph R. Marchese III, age 72 passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Joseph was born on June 9, 1951 to Mary and the late Joseph Marchese Jr. of Batavia N.Y.

Along with his Mother, Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Karen and children Joseph (Laura) Marchese, Nicole (Ryan) Greever, Lindsey (Tim) Knisley and Jillian (Jason) Berger. Joe was Papa to Olivia, Mason, and Lucas Marchese, Logan and Zoë Greever and Andirose Berger. He is also survived by his sister Marie (James) Bell, his brothers Jack (Mary) Marchese and James (Erin) Marchese. Joseph is also survived by his Aunt Carolyn (Tom) McGorey, Uncle Robert (Judy) Marchese, Aunt Toni Marchese, brothers in law Mark and Scott Phillips, sisters in law Cindy Rhodes, Lisa Phillips, Kim (Thomas) Corcoran and Christina Silvels, along with many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Joseph graduated from Batavia High school in 1970.  He participated on the Batavia and YMCA swim teams for many years. He loved working out, cooking for and spending time with family and friends, and a good party.

Joseph retired from Sysco Foods in 2016 where he had been employed for 20 years.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday February 13, 2024 from 3:00-6:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. A 6:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation PO Box 631 Buffalo, NY 14240. 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.

Douglas D. Taggart

By Lisa Ace
Douglas D. Taggart,

Douglas D. Taggart, 77, of Caledonia, NY passed peacefully at home with his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara, by his side. Doug was predeceased by his in-laws Robert and Ethelyn Blaker, brother- in- law Herbert Blaker, and daughter in-law Katheryn Hall. Doug is survived by his daughter Suzanne (Fiancé, Stacy Prose) Taggart; son David Taggart; bonus children Corinne (Chris) Heschke; Michael Hirschman; grandchildren Anthony Mandrino, Maximus Taggart, Krystal (Morgan Mayer) Heschke and Kevin (Megan) Heschke. As well as, his great grandchildren Preston Heschke; Addalyn Heschke and Sullivan Aman; and his nephew James Blaker. Doug will also be missed by many loving friends and neighbors.

Doug worked for General Motors (where he met Barbara) for 33 years. His favorite place was their camp in Lowville, NY for 27 years – where he enjoyed all the seasons – but really loved to go snowmobiling.

After retirement, Doug was never satisfied with sitting still, so he delivered printed material for Cohber Press – and then mowed lawns at Gravel Ponds. When he did relax it was with a good book or watching an ole time western – preferably with John Wayne in it. Then it came time to go south for the winter, where they bought their second home in Leesburg, FL. Doug kept busy by having a manicured lawn and immaculate vehicles/toys and you could often find him tinkering with small engines.

Doug was a quiet man – but sure could make people laugh. He’d sit quietly in the background and then BAM he would come out with some silly remark and everyone would all laugh so hard.

While we lost our most beloved Husband, Dad, and Papa - many have lost a friend. He has been a rock to many, a master at sarcastic humor and witty timing to others, and even a glorious pain in the neck, to what I'm sure is a small select few (because no matter what happened between you in your lives, once you were marked as important to him, he'd be by your side if you needed him). There was so much more to him than just being a Husband, Dad, Papa, - though to us those were his greatest roles - he was also a friend, coworker, uncle, stand-in paternal figure, handyman, perfectionist, outdoor loving, and the list goes on and on.

A special shout out to Livingston Country Hospice, and the Miller’s, for their tender care during Doug’s journey.

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be announced at a later date.

To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit Alhartfuneralhome.com

Marilyn J. Hoffmeister

By Lisa Ace
Marilyn J. Hoffmeister

Marilyn J. Hoffmeister, age 88, of Medina, entered into rest on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion.
Born January 29, 1936 in Attica, NY she was a daughter of the late Theodore and Mary (Wolcott) Young. Marilyn was born and raised in Attica and graduated from Attica High School in 1955. She married Richard W. Hoffmeister and the couple raised a family of six children. They lived in Darien for many years and the family moved to the Albion area in 1973. In 2009 she moved to Medina.

A lover of nature and its beauty, Marilyn was a talented landscape artist and painted using various mediums. She was a natural problem solver and was known to be able to fix just about anything. She assisted her son Bernie in many home renovations over the years. Always one to stay busy, Marilyn enjoyed working alongside her husband running their yard sale business in Shelby. A devoted mother, wife and grandmother, she was a true matriarch and pillar of her family. A kind and compassionate person, Marilyn was not only a mother, but a best friend and confidant. She will be dearly missed.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Dick Hoffmeister in 2005; and her only sister, Silvia (Chuck) Yueckstock.
Left to cherish her memory are her longtime companion, Herbert Brant; her six children, Vicky (Edward) Houseknecht, Mari Hoffmeister, Richard W. (Dawn) Hoffmeister, Jr., Bernie (Edee) Hoffmeister, Rusty (Holley) Hoffmeister and Michael (Linda) Hoffmeister; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be privately held by the family and interment will be in Millville Cemetery, East Shelby. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans County at www.hospiceoforleans.org or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com
 

Mark L. von Kramer

By Lisa Ace
Mark L. von Kramer


Mark L. von Kramer, 72, of Corfu, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024.

Mark was born June 8, 1951, in Batavia, a son of the late Frederick M. and Vivian R. Marble von Kramer. He was the brother of the late Gretchen Pittman.

Mark retired from Fisher Price and was a member of the National Guard. If he wasn’t on his computer, Mark enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his grandchildren. He looked forward to playing Destroyer Golf every year with his work family and fishing in Florida with his brother. He was an avid Coca-Cola collector. He and his beloved wife Linda, loved spending time at their cottage on Lake Ontario. Mark never missed an opportunity to dance with his sweetheart in the kitchen.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Linda Wells von Kramer; his children: Matthew (Kelly) von Kramer, Jeffery (Jaime) von Kramer and Krista (Joshua) Green; grandchildren: Rachael, Jacob, Brenden (Courtney), Zachary (Aralyse), Logan, Dakota, Cooper, Noah and Jackson; his brother Eric (Donna) von Kramer and his sister Claudia (Richard) Wells; several nieces and nephews also survive along with his adoring cat, Sandy Paws.

Family and friends may call Friday, February 9, 2024, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 10th at 10 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY. Burial in Hillside Cemetery will follow Mass, with a Martha’s Table at the church hall following the burial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Pembroke Fire Department or the Bagged Meal Program c/o the Corfu Food Pantry, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036.

Russell Blumer

By Joshua Smith
Blumer

Batavia- Russell H. Blumer, age 51, of Batavia passed away on December 25, 2023.

Russell was born on July 28, 1972, the son of James and Sherry (Griswood) Blumer.

He was a lifetime member of the WNY Gas and Steam show and enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, and spending time with his family and friends.

Russell will be remembered by his wife, Connie (King) Blumer; children Skylair (Alex Stockschlaeder) Blumer, Richard Blumer, James Blumer and Madelynn Blumer; parents, James and Sherry Blumer; former wife, Phyllis Bloomer; stepson, Steven (Makaila) King Jr.; step grandchildren, Michael and Miles; grandmother, Marjorie Blumer and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Arrangements are under the care of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. There will be no calling hour.  A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made to his twin at https://www.gofundme.com/f/russell-h-blumer

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

Isabel F. Laesser

By T.J. Woodward
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Isabel F. Laesser, 93 of Batavia, graduated to heaven on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia. She was born January 14, 1931 in Clarendon, NY, to the late Roy and Mildred (Euler) Jannanain. She is preceded in death by two sisters, Elsie (Robert) Pugh, May (Gerald) Grice and a nephew, Dan Grice.

She was a 45 year member of Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia, where she actively played the piano, taught Sunday school and sang in the Choir. She volunteered at Genesee Christian Academy at the Church for nearly 10 years in the reading program.

Isabel was an employee of Porter & Bonney Farms on the Elba muck. She was employed at Rochester Products Corp for 6 years and the Best Western in Batavia for 4 years. What she enjoyed most was being a mother to her 5 children. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, her cat and in her remaining 5 years she enjoyed spending time with the good friends that she made at Premier Genesee.

Surviving are her children, Karl (Leonora) Laesser of Alexander, Steve Laesser of West Seneca, Jannene (Ron) Bauer of Oakfield, Cindy Messinger of Scottsville, Gordon (Paulette) Laesser of Batavia, 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 3515 Galloway Road, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:30am Celebration of her Life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Church. She will be laid to rest in Calvary Baptist Cemetery, Batavia.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church. 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.

Mrs. Hazel F. Shortt Fletcher

By Joshua Smith
hazel

Batavia - Hazel F. Shortt Fletcher, age 89, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at United Memorial Medcial Center.

She was born on February 9, 1934, in Brockport, a daughter of the late Basil Whitney, Sr. and Addie Wheeler Whitney.

Hazel is predeceased by her her husbands, Donald Shortt and John Fletcher, Sr. and her daughter, Donna L. Shortt.

Surviving are her sons, Edward (Eileen) Shortt and Michael (Julia) Shortt, both of Bergen; granddaughters, Stephanie Bowen of Las Vegas and Amy Shortt; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Basil (Charlene) Whitney, Jr. of Bergen; sisters, Ruth (Calvin) Platten and Betty (Tom) Kent, both of Batavia, Katherine Anderson and Dorothy Goodell, both of Florida along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Hazel had a fondness for word puzzles and enjoyed time with her late husband, John Fletcher Sr., while traveling on the road in his tractor trailer.

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, February 9, 2023 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family at Mount Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or the Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Robert (Bob) Walsh

By Joshua Smith
Robert Walsh

Robert (Bob) Walsh, son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, left us peacefully on January 25th, 2024 after a brief illness and short hospitalization at Millard Fillmore Suburban. Bob joins the following loved ones in Heaven: wife, Brenda, daughter, Cindy, and son, Bobby. Robert is survived by his children; Robin and Patrick Walsh (Jocelyn Berg, also Bob’s caregiver) as well as, Son in Law Mark (Cindy) Fugle; Grandchildren: Jeremy (Lisa) Perry, Catherine Perry (Jeffrey Bloomer), Nicole Perkins (Jared), Wesley and Jason Ellsworth. Bob also leaves behind three beloved great grandchildren Ryan and Oliver Perry, and Zaiden Bloomer.

Bob worked as a Mechanic, Corrections officer, Fire and Safety Inspector, Carpenter and Master Craftsmen, Small Business Owner, Firefighter and Emergency Rescue Volunteer. He had many hobbies including snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and trapping. Bob’s expertise in trapping has been passed down to individuals who have thrived to the point of local and national recognition in the field. Many hunters were welcomed into his home over the years for an annual deer camp that took place in the Walsh’s garage. His skills, methods, and hospitality impacted many.

Bob will be laid to rest next to Brenda, in St. Joseph’s Cemetery after a Christian Mass at the Church of Saints Joachim and Anne. Bob’s funeral will be held on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at 10 am at Sts Joachim and Anne’s church in Varysburg, NY. There will be no wake or calling hours as per his final wishes. The family asks that any flowers be sent to the church for the ceremony and that any donations be gifted to the Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department or to Saints Joachim and Anne’s Parish. Bob stayed with us diligently and remained with all of his faculties until the age of 85. His presence and wisdom will be greatly missed, yet we find some solace that he has gone home to the Lord and to the rest of his family members, awaiting his arrival. Thank you to Marley’s Funeral Home for making the arrangements for Robert Walsh and his Family.

Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Joseph L. DeFazio

By Joshua Smith
Joe

Joseph Leonard DeFazio, 83 formerly of Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully at home in Fort Mill, SC.   He was born June 17, 1940 and died January 29, 2024. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard A DeFazio and Antoinette M (Castronova) DeFazio, his sister Roseanne( DeFazio) Kowalik,  his brother Leonard S DeFazio and his nephew Joseph Kowalik.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara (Rodon) DeFazio, his 3 daughters Tina Maalouly and her fiance Brian Bellavia of Pembroke, Massachusetts , Mellisa Nicholson and her husband Douglas Nicholson, D.O. of Fort Mill, SC, and Joanna Gould and her husband William Gould of Fort Mill, SC,  and his 6 grandchildren Alexander Nicholson, Duncan Nicholson, Eliana Maalouly, Sophia Maalouly, Olivia Gould and Joseph Gould.

Joe volunteered for the US Army in 1959 and served in Germany for 3 years as a radio operator and Redstone Crewman. He was the owner of The Vac Shop on Ellicott Street in Batavia and a HAM radio operator, call sign W2DIG, and member of The GRAM Radio Club.

After retiring Joe volunteered as the organist for the Catholic Masses at the VA Hospital and Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for decades, playing the piano and accordion.  He was an avid collector of clocks and a talented painter.

A funeral Mass will be held at St Philip Neri RC in Fort Mill, SC on February 15, 2024 at 2:30pm. You can live stream this  service at www.saintphilipneri.org  He will be laid to rest at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Crescent Hospice, 1030 Riverwalk Parkway #101, Rock Hill, SC 29730.

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