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Obituaries

Shannon James Fisher

By T.J. Woodward

  Shannon James Fisher, age 67, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital on July 17, 2021 due to complications from C.O.P.D. and diabetes. Shannon was born in Warsaw, NY. Shannon was predeceased by his parents; Bill and Eleanore Fisher of Leicester St. in Perry.

Shannon enjoyed music as he played in many local bands in the 1970’s. He worked for 30 years at the Perry Bowling Center, Champion Products and LeRoy Machine Company. He also worked for Phelps Dairy Farm in Castile for 10 years. Other than music, his interests included photography, gardening and baking. He had a great sense of humor and was very kind, caring and loving person.

He is survived by one brother; Robert; a sister-in-law Penny; and a nephew Dylan Fisher of Wyoming, NY.

Thanks for everything Alyssa Draper.

There will be no prior calling hours or Service at the request of Shannon.

In lieu of flowers, he requested memorials be made to Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Mrs. Jean G. Hume

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Jean G. Hume, 93, of Batavia, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Jean was born April 9, 1926, in Albion, daughter of the late Roy Derr Gillette and the late Beulah Achilles Gillette. A native of Albion, she was a graduate from Albion High School, class of 1942. She was active in the high school productions of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. In addition, she was a member of the Albion United Methodist Church, where she participated in church choirs and Sunday School activities. Jean always kept in touch with her family and friends from Albion.

Jean married James H. Hume in 1951 and moved to the Hume Farm on Creek Road. They celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on April 1, 2013. Jean is also predeceased by her son, Joel Hume on June 30, 2019 and her sister, Carol Seagar Hunt.

 An active member of the Batavia community, she was an active member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church since 1952. Jean was a member of the McNabb Class, Ingraham Class, Women's Morning Worship Circles, served as the treasurer of the church and was responsible for the memorial fund of the church.

Jean was also an integral part of United Memorial Medical Center; the former Genesee Memorial Hospital. Jean was a member and past president of the Hospital League, volunteered in the snack shop and was later employed part-time as the hospital historian and public relations director where she worked until she was 80 years old.

Jean was known for her organizational skills which she acquired from the Rochester Business Institute. She also loved to take photographs which had to have names and dates on the back side. Her most important job was raising her five children with her husband, Jim.

Survivors include her children; Jeff (Theresa) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Judd Hume of Portland, Maine, Jack (Sarah) Hume of Silver Spring, Maryland and Jill (Kevin) Bailey of Canandaigua; five grandchildren; Meghann Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Nicholas (Jessica) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Emily Hume of Meherrin, Virginia; Shaunna (John) Bailey Stith of Ventura, California and Merritt J. Bailey of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two great-grandchildren; Nathan Reeves and MacKenzie Jean Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; two nephews, John (Linda) Hume of Batavia and Roger (Mary) Hume of Batavia as well as five great-great-nieces.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Batavia, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or UMMC Hospital League Foundation, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jean’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Dorothy L. Bater

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Dorothy L. Bater, age 94, of East Main Road, Lime Rock, passed away Saturday morning (July 24, 2021) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

   

  She was born May 7, 1927 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late John and Catherine Stella Stefani.

     Dorothy will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many.  She was a devoted care provider to her husband, John, prior to his passing in 2007.  Dorothy was also the family historian, working on the genealogy of both her parents’ families, as well as the Bater family.

     She is survived by her children, Cynthia (James) Glitch, John D. Bater Jr., Mary Ann Bater and Richard (Laurie) Bater; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 29 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her funeral service will be held on Friday, July 30 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the LeRoy Fire Department Incorporated., 4 Clay Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

Mrs. Carol A. Skye

By Joshua Smith

Batavia- Carol A. Skye, age 80 of Batavia, passed away Friday, July 23rd, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Cheektowaga, December 11th, 1940, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Moodie Schueler.

A resident of Batavia for over 30 years, Carol worked for Job Development of Genesee County in Batavia from where she retired. Carol was a one of a kind woman and an acquired taste. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, and reading romance novels. Carol loved making jewelry and afghans, showing them while attending many Native American exhibitions and expos throughout the northeast United States with her husband. She had a real love for frogs, acquiring a very large collection of frog-related memorabilia over the years.

Carol was predeceased by a son, Joseph Schlum.

Survivors include her loving husband of 40 years, Ronald W. Skye whom she married July 3rd, 1981; a daughter, Heather Summers of Cheektowaga; a son, Michael Stone of Alden; grandchildren, Christina (Jeremiah) Blanchard-Beard of Perry, Cassidy Smart of Cheektowaga, Steven (Brandi) Royse of Warsaw, Misty Scutt of Attica, Jade Stone, Mason Stone, several additional grandchildren as well as great grandchildren along with her sister, Nancy Mendola of Buffalo.

There are no prior visiting hours. A public celebration of life will be held 2pm to 8pm Sunday, August 8th, 2021 at the Akron Falls Park. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Carol’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  

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

Jeffrey K. Stoddard

By Ronald Konieczny

Jeffrey K. Stoddard, 66 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (July 22, 2021) at his residence.

He was born March 14, 1955 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Charles and Doris Garwood Stoddard.

Jeff served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1973-1977.

Survivors include his siblings, Marcia Draper of Batavia, Charles Stoddard Jr. of Lockport, David (Lori) Stoddard of Salt Lake City, Utah, Timothy Stoddard of Batavia and Cheryl (Ken) Baker of Buffalo.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service with military honors on Thursday (July 29th), 12pm at the Mumford Rural 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.

 

 

​Raymond J. Barone

By Billie Owens

Raymond J. Barone, age 74, of Penn Yan, NY passed away on July 21, 2021 of bladder cancer. 

He was born in Batavia, NY on May 21, 1947 to the late Samuel and Antoinette (Presutti) Barone.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Drum Corps and a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Viet Nam War.

He graduated from Batavia High School in 1965, Buffalo State College and Plattsburgh State College with a degree in School Psychology. He retired from the Penn Yan Central School District as a school psychologist after 31 years.

He is survived by his wife Alice (Yager), of Penn Yan; sister Carol (late Richard Sr.) Betteridge, of Orlando Fla.; brother Ronald (Sharon) Barone Sr., of Stafford NY, Samuel (Anne) Barone of Batavia, NY and sister-in-law Judy (late George) Yager, of Byron, NY. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Richard (Rhonda) Betteridge Jr., Mark (Julie) Betteridge, Cristina (Scott) Edwards, Ronald Barone Jr., Kathleen (Robert) Johns, Mary Sanfratello, Robert (Jessica) Barone, Sheri Barone, Michael (Laura) Barone, Jeffrey (Mary) Barone, Daniel Barone, David (Mariana) Yager, Michael (Laura) Yager; many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Raymond loved living on Keuka Lake where he enjoyed boating and entertaining family and friends, traveling, and making his own wine.

Calling hours for Raymond Barone will be at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday (July 27th) at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 312 Liberty St., Penn Yan, NY. Funeral mass will immediately follow in the church at 1 p.m. A luncheon will follow services at the Penn Yan American Legion, 2001 Himrod Road, Penn Yan, NY.

Burial will be at a later date in Western New York National Cemetery.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations may be made in memory of Raymond J. Barone to Penn Yan School District, 1 School Drive, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or the Batavia VA Medical Center, Activity Fund, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.

Funeral arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan, NY (WeldonFuneralHome.com)

Karen Solovey

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Karen Solovey, 60 of Batavia passed away on Sunday, (June 27, 2021) at her home in Batavia.

Ms. Solovey was born July 7, 1960 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Nicholas Solovey and Florence (Panchenko) Solovey.

She was a member of Living Waters Apostolic Ministries in Batavia.

Karen is survived by her brother, Peter (Barbara) Solovey of Pendleton; a niece, Sheryl Allen; three nephews, David, James and Robert Solovey; and several great-nieces and nephews. A good friend to many.

There will be no visitation. Family and Friends are invited to attend Karen's memorial service on Tuesday (July 27, 2021) at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street in Batavia. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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.

Donald Clyde VanBuren

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Donald Clyde VanBuren, 65 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (July 21, 2021) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. VanBuren was born May 29, 1956 in Lockport, a son of Donald Nelson VanBuren of Batavia and the late Norma Jean (Lowe) VanBuren.

Don was a member of the former Eagles Club in Batavia. A social person with a good sense of humor, he never met a stranger.

Donald is the husband of the late Barbara VanBuren; and brother of the late Martha Dougal, and Ruby Will.

Surviving are his son, Robert (Kelly) Nicholson of Rochester; mother of his children, Dawn Hessenthaler of Rushville; children, DJ (Kelly) VanBuren of Fort Drum, Deborah Cooley of Canandaigua, Sally VanBuren of Phelps, and Tiffany VanBuren of Clifton Springs; step-children, Vicky Price, Shawn Powers, Kathy Kramer, and Danielle (Frank) Derenzo all of Batavia brothers, Eric VanBuren of Medina, Robert (Becky) VanBuren of Batavia, Ralph Hewson of Arcadia, Florida; sisters, Mary Rice of Maryland, and Mildred Villa of Batavia; a brother-in-law, Thomas Dougal of Fairmont, West Virginia. 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Honoring his wishes, there will be no services. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local charity of the donor's choice.

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.

Donna M. Wickins

By T.J. Woodward

Donna M. Wickins of Attica, entered into eternal peace on July 21, 2021, knowing she had the love of her family and our Lord with her. Donna was born April 3, 1939 to Paul and Emma Trauscht. She was predeceased by her brother David Trauscht and her son-in-law Rodney MacLane.

Donna "NaNa" cherished life. She always put family, friends and community first. Giving made her the happiest. She was a long time cafeteria lady, putting the "kiddos" first. Donna was an original member in the woman's auxiliary in Attica. She was very active in the early years of AYA (Attica Youth Athletics) and was always the loudest fan in the stands. Cookies were everywhere when she was Girl Scout Leader. Donna volunteered at the Attica Food Pantry, which was an extension of her need to always ask "can I make you something to eat". Donna ended her life the way she lived it, her last gift was to donate her earthly body to U.B.'s Anatomical Gift Program.

Donna is survived by a brother Michael (Judy) Trauscht, daughters Vicki MacLane, Debra (David) Best, a son James (Tina) Wickins; grandchildren Sean (Kate) MacLane, Kyle Best, Isabella Wickins, Elijah Wickins and her very special great-grandchildren Caleb and Camille MacLane, nephews Scott (Giovanna) Trauscht and Rick (Sharon) Trauscht.

The family will hold a private service at a later date. Please consider donating to a local food pantry.

Memorials may be made to the Attica Rescue Squad, 11 Water St, Attica, New York, 14011. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

David Lee Viehdeffer

By Ronald Konieczny

David Lee Viehdeffer, 55 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 2021 at his residence.

He was born December 19, 1965 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Glenn Wade Viehdeffer Sr. and Laura Petry Viehdeffer.

David was an avid fisherman, enjoyed animals and nature and was a proud Buffalo Bills fan.

Survivors include his child, Christine Viehdeffer of Byron. Siblings, Glenn Wade (Dawn) Viehdeffer Jr., Cynthia (Scott) Fritag of Florida, Kevin Viehdeffer of Batavia, Sharon (Tom Seitz) Viehdeffer of Batavia and Rebecca Bender of Alexander and his many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Kathy Viehdeffer.

Friends and family are cordially invited to share memories on Monday (July 26th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NYS Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

 

 

Patricia Ann Campbell

By Ronald Konieczny

Patricia Ann Campbell, 75 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (July 16, 2021) at Unity Hospital.

She was born May 15, 1946 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Robert and Mildred Garlocke Cragg.

Survivors include her husband, Richard L. Campbell of Batavia. Son, Robert Campbell of Batavia. Also survived by a brother and sister.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (July 24th) from 3-6pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.

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.

 

 

Eleanor "Ellie" Goodman Rider

By T.J. Woodward

Eleanor “Ellie” Goodman Rider, 100, went to her Eternal Home on Thursday, July 22, 2021 after a brief hospital stay. Ellie was born January 26, 1921 in Alexander, where she was a lifelong resident until moving to Batavia for her last few years. She was the daughter of the late Loren C. and Thelma Goodman. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Charles W. “Bill” Rider and her sister Evelyn Mosbruger.

Eleanor was a well-known hairdresser until well into her 80’s. She also enjoyed various crafts-including painting, flower arranging, jewelry making and numerous other hobbies. Ellie was a lifelong member of the Alexander United Methodist Church, where she was active in the choir, Golden Reapers, and various other activities.

She leaves behind 3 daughters, Sally Barie, Susan (Lynn) Hartrick, and Jean (James) Grinnell. She has 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 1 to 2 PM where a service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM at the Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main St., Alexander, NY 14005.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Manor House Senior Living Residence for providing a warm and compassionate environment for her last years.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Scholarship Fund of the Alexander United Methodist Church or to the Hospice provider of your choice. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Earl Ellsworth Sands

By Billie Owens

Earl Ellsworth Sands, of Hamlet, N.C., passed away on July 14, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 64. Earl was born on July 6, 1957, the son of Joan Taylor, of Albion, NY, and the late Frank Taylor.

Earl was a lifelong resident of Western New York and retired from U.S. Chrome (Batavia) in 2015 before moving to North Carolina.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing LLC), and spending time with family and friends.

Earl is survived by his wife of 47 years, Beverly, his children, Jacob (Shirley) Sands of Rockingham, N.C., Jason (Sarah) Sands of Syracuse, NY, Jessica Sands of West Virginia, several siblings and grandchildren. Private services held for Earl in Hamlet, N.C.

Walter E. Zajaczkowski "Rabbit"

By Ronald Konieczny

Walter E. Zajaczkowski “Rabbit”, 97 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (July 20, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born in East Bethany, NY on June 28, 1924, a son of the late Theofil and Agnes Skotnicka Zajaczkowski.

Walter was formerly employed by Eaton Corp. and General Railroad Signal prior to his retirement. He was a member of Ascension Parish and the Polish Falcons. Walter enjoyed fixing items and really enjoyed going to the casino, the occasional scratch off ticket and frequenting the Pok-A-Dot Restaurant.

He was predeceased by his wives, Betty Zajaczkowski (1963) and Ann Zajaczkowski (2005). Son, Michael Zajaczkowski (2010) and his siblings, John, Sylvester, Alexander, Stanley, Casimer, Matthew Zajaczkowski, Helen Dunn and Sophie Palaszynski.

Survivors include his sons, John (Carol) Zajaczkowski of Batavia and Timothy (Mary) Zajaczkowski of Stafford. Daughter, Susan (Wayne Watts) Chichelli of Bradenton, FL. Also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Sunday (July25th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 10am at Ascension Parish, South Swan Street, Batavia. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. 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.

 

 

Earl W. "Butch" Willis

By Joshua Smith

Albion - Earl W. "Butch" Willis, 58 of Albion passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, (July 18, 2021) while camping at Godfrey's Pond in Stafford, New York.

Mr. Willis was born February 15, 1963 in Medina, a son of Lucille (Bigsby) Willis of Batavia and the late Ray Willis.

Butch attended Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church and was a member of Godfrey's Pond. He served the country honorably and was proud to have been a US Marine. He enjoyed most things outdoors including camping, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed country music.

Surviving along with his mother are his children, Jacob (Katie) Willis of Milltown, New Jersey, and Melanie (fiance Dan Perez) Willis of North Brunswick, New Jersey; a sister, Renee (Donald) Long of Batavia. 

A memorial celebration of Butch's life will be held on Wednesday (July 21, 2021) at 8:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse of Godfrey's Pond, Griswold Road in Stafford. Family and Friends are welcome and encouraged to bring a bag of chips and dip to pass. Butch will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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