Obituaries

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, 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”, 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.

 

 

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.

Batavia - Bonnie Marie Graff, 63 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, (July 19, 2021) in Darien.

Mrs. Graff was born June 28, 1958 in Batavia, a daughter of Barbara (Finch) Danser of Batavia and the late Donald Danser.

Bonnie enjoyed helping people and worked for a time as a Home Health Aide. She liked to spend time with her family and loved animals.

Along with her mother, Bonnie is survived by her husband, Harold Graff, Jr. of Batavia; children, Jennifer (fiance Duane Mather) Graff of Batavia, Peter (Elizabeth) Graff of Batavia, Matthew Graff of Rochester, and Kaila (finace Matthew Draper) Tidd of Batavia; brothers, David (Kimberly) Danser of Pavilion, and Steven (Sara) Danser of North Carolina. 13 grandchildren also survive.

She is preceded in death by a brother, Larry Danser.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Bonnie's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation. Burial will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in Akron.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers of Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or a charity of the donor's choice.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mae Louise Dusen, 91, of Batavia, NY, passed away at Premier Genesee on Thursday, January 21, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on October 19, 1929 in Batavia to Charles and Carrie (Ross) Radley.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, and her son, Richard. She was also predeceased by a sister, Angele (Peter) Weber, two brothers, Leonard (Anne) and Robert Radley, two sisters-in-law, Hazel (Tony) Mancuso and Viola (Edward) Martin, two brothers-in-law, Lloyd (Lois) and Earl (Genevieve) Dusen and a sister-in-law, Shirley Dusen.

Mae is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Cathy Dusen and by two grandchildren, Lara (Jason) McKee, and Brad (Michael Bleyle) Dusen. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Danica and Colton McKee, as well as three sisters, Rose (late Irving) Warner, Fran (late Robert) Lawrence and Florence (late Howard) Taft, along with a sister-in-law, Jeanette Radley, and a brother-in-law, Robert Dusen, plus many nieces and nephews.

Mae was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who will be missed by all who knew her. She spent the last several years of her life at Premiere Genesee Nursing Home where staff always remarked on her sweet personality and cheerful demeanor.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday July 24, 2021 from 10:00-11:00AM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 where an 11:00AM Funeral Service will follow at the Funeral Home. Mae will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

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

William R. Geitner, 73, of Varysburg, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born in Warsaw, on August 5, 1947 to the late Ronald (Gertrude Rupp) Geitner. He is preceded in death by a daughter Carlyn Geitner.      

Bill was a United States Navy Veteran. He retired as a Corrections Officer after 26 years and worked as a Teacher’s Aide for 15 years in the Attica School System. Bill was a member of West Star Masonic Lodge 413 in Varysburg, Attica Rod & Gun and Varysburg Fire Department. He was an avid trap shooter, outdoorsman that loved to hunt, fish, golf and garden. He was Rock Hound at heart. Bill took pride in community projects and was the creator of Junkyard Reunion in Varysburg. His favorite thing to do was vacation in Canada.     

Mr. Geitner is survived by his beloved wife Lorrie (Hathaway) Geitner of Varysburg, children, William T. (Jacqueline) Geitner of Blacksburg, SC; Jill (Mathew Pentycofe) Geitner of Hamlin; John (Eris) Geitner of Alden; 6 grandchildren Tyler (Hailey), Justin, Courtney (Chris), August, Carlyn and Cory; 3 great-grandchildren Brantley, Gracie and Delilah, with two on the way; brothers and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to invite everyone to join them on Sunday, July 25, 2021 for the Junkyard Reunion from 11AM to 2PM at Vincent Almeter Memorial Park in Varysburg.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 1 to 4 PM where a service will immediately follow at 4:00 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Varysburg Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167. 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, NY 14011.   

Alita I. Green, 93 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia, surrounded by her family. She was born November 10, 1927 in Darien to the late Otto (Esther Ames) Welker. She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald N. Green, siblings Nelson Lee Welker, Phyllis (Harold) Hebding, Anita (Herbert) Schmeider.

Mrs. Green was a Library Clerk at Alexander Elementary School, active member of Alexander United Methodist Church serving in the choir and volunteering for many years. She was very artistic, loved to garden, an excellent seamstress, and strong, surviving Christian woman. Above all else she was a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Nelson (Terry) Green of Bergen, Shane (Karen) Green of Byron, Dee Green of Attica; 5 grandchildren, Aaron (Jennifer) Green, Katie (fiancé Joseph D’Ovidio) Cieslinski, Kristina (Ted) Johnson, Hannah and Maylee Green, 7 great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Brenna, Kolton, Miranda, Jackson, Tayte and Grady, along with several nieces and nephws.

There will be no prior calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Alexander Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main St., Alexander, NY 14005. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Harold L. Maxon, (Sonny, Max) of Stafford, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021.  He was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on Dec. 31, 1935 to the late Lavern and Jean (Clark) Maxon.  He grew up in Wyoming, N.Y. with fond memories of life on his dad's farm on Lagrange Road, as well as the Maxon Farm in Bennington.  He was a great story teller and loved to reminisce with memories of the "good old days".

   

  He went to trade school for refrigeration and air conditioning, but when unable to get a job in that field, he began working in construction.  He was an expert self taught heavy equipment operator and loved excavators and cranes in particular.  He worked for Keeler Construction and later, Allied Builders, where he retired from in 1999.  After retirement, he ran excavator for R.W. Taylor.  He was proud of the numerous jobs that he had been a part of including RIT's library construction, Spencerport School and parts of Strong hospital.  He would often point out places along a ride where he had dug for gas or water lines, etc. 

     From a young age, he had a knack for repairing things that stayed with him to the end.  He was happiest when he had grease on his hands from repairing a lawnmower or other small engine.  He spent several years volunteering at UMMC as "The Menu Man".  In 2005, he built the house that he lived in, in his later years, including doing all of the electrical and plumbing himself.

     He is survived by his longtime significant other, Elaine Lemley and her family; his sons, Dennis (Connie) Maxon of Albion, Steven (Yvonne) Maxon of Crawford, GA, Scott (Mona) Maxon of Winterville, GA, Russell (Cheryl) Maxon of Batavia, Todd Maxon of Aliso Viejo, CA, and Carl (Tammy) Maxon of Albion; his daughters, Denise (David) Jaczinski of Basom and Jan (Derek) Standish of Albion; grandchildren, Brad, Tyler, Amber, Amanda, Mary, Alex, Alan, Henry, Ryder, West, Tiffany, Bruce and Logan; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Chase, Zoe, Sophia, Hudson, Adelyn, Hailey, Cole, Hunter, Cailyn, Maddie and Isabell; nephews, Christopher and Michael, both of FL and his brother, Robert of Zephyrhills, FL, as well as many cousins.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Shirley and the mother of his children, Wanda (Hale) Maxon.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 21 from 2 ~ 4 and 7 ~ 9 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where services will be held on Thursday, July 22 at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Stafford Rural Cemetery.

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

Batavia - Alice Kezia Roberts age 97, passed away on Thursday (July 15. 2021) at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Batavia.

Mrs. Roberts was born February 27, 1924, a daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Bates and Sarah Elizabeth Novell in Bolivar, New York.

Alice grew up in the Bolivar/Richburg area, where she married Paul Rutherford Roberts on November 13, 1942. She lived in Richburg until 2004 when she relocated to Batavia to be closer to her family. A long-time worker at Weston's Store in Olean, she also worked with the  Foster Grandparent program at Bolivar- Richburg School  for over 25 years.  She loved to collect cats, listen and dance to Polka, have family gatherings, and visit with her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter, Pauline (Charles) Griswold of Oakfield, and a son, Floyd Roberts of Warsaw; grandchildren, Sarah (Al) Williams of Waterport, Jeff Roberts of Hamiln, Daniel Griswold of Oakfield, and Joany (Michael) Fox of Oakfield; 29 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Alice is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Rutherford Roberts. a son, James Roberts, great-granddaughter, Jordan Montana, and a half-brother, Floyd Bates.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Wednesday (July 21, 2021) from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street in Batavia where Alice's Funeral Service will immediately follow. Burial in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bolivar will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

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

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 2 pm, we invite you to join us in the Celebration of the Life of Diane E. Howe Strock.  The service will take place outside at the North Bergen Presbyterian Church, 7068 North Bergen Rd. Bergen, NY.  Diane, 62, of Byron/NYC, peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on May 19, 2021 at home after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer under the loving care of her family and HomeCare & Hospice. 

Amelia “Millie” DiFilippo, age 88, of Batavia passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Flower Mound, Texas.

Millie was born November 6, 1932 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Silvio Vitulli and Virginia Pillo Vitulli.

Millie was a secretary at St. Anthony’s school for 16 years.  She was a member of Ascension Parish and their Altar and Rosary Society.  She enjoyed volunteering at church with her close group of friends, the “coffee girls”.  Her greatest joy was traveling to Texas to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives.

Amelia is the wife of Frank “Cheech” DiFilippo who passed away on March 3, 1977.

She is survived by her daughter; Nancy Jo (Jed) Pilato of Flower Mound, Texas; two grandchildren; Michael and Maria Pilato; one sister; Joanne Sheelar of Fort Pierce, Florida along with many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her sisters Lucy Vitulli Palatiere (2018) and Dorothy Vitulli (2020).

Her Family would like to especially thank her wonderful neighbors for all their help through the years. Life would have been harder without their love and support. They feel truly blessed to have them in their lives.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 29, 2021 at 9 a.m. at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School Foundation, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14020, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate .  

To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

  Elizabeth Joyce Kowalik died in this life on July 6, 2021 at the Gateway Home in Attica, but now lives with Jesus in his kingdom forever. She was born Elizabeth Lang on November 28, 1930, daughter of the late Joseph and Clara Lang. She was predeceased by her husband Walter K. Kowalik Sr. and siblings: Dorothy Jones (Donald), Marge Bromsted (Leo), Beatrice Richardson (Ray) and Jerome Lang (Nancy).

Her 90 years of life is carried on by her 6 children and 12 grandchildren: Walter (child, Alison Spath), Michael (wife, Kim, child, Jessica Kowalik), Mary (husband, James Hale, children: Edward Wilkosz, Timothy Wilkosz, Elizabeth St. John), James (wife, Phyllis, children Nikie Morris and Jake Kowalik), Teresa (husband, Charles W. Wood, children Madeline Patterson and Charlie K. Wood), Kenneth (wife, Cindy, children, Chelsea Kowalik Grosse, Eric and Chad Kowalik). GREAT Grandma Liz had 13 GREAT grandchildren: Ava, Maxine, Kaz, Emmaly, Jenna, Stevie, Olivia, Kate, Grayson, Claire, Thomas, Wyatt and Rowan.

She is also survived by 6 siblings: Mary Johnson (Norman), Harriett Worthington (James), Joanne Lang, Sandy Fraterrigo (Phil), Joe Lang (Pam), Al Lang (Deanna), sister-in-law, Florence Kowalik Pastecki (Eddie), and brother-in-law, Jake Boldt (Eleanor). Whether they knew her as Aunt Bet or Aunt Liz, many nieces and nephews will greatly miss her. Lizzie’s church family from Mogadore Chapel are looking forward to laughing and worshipping with her again!

In earlier days, Liz was a cafeteria worker, bus driver and board member for Byron-Bergen Central School. Volunteer firefighter was another hat she wore. She worked and retired from Eastman Kodak Company as an executive secretary. She just loved being outdoors to garden, burn leaves or make the neighbors laugh with her lively, bigger than life personality. She used to jog in her work boots on the railroad tracks in South Byron when the sport of running wasn’t in vogue. She always said she just loved having and taking care of “her babies”, right into adulthood. Like many, it is said that she was the best mother and grandmother around, but of all these roles she would have told you that her greatest one was, student, “a disciple,” right at the feet of the Master. She touched many lives with her testimony for Jesus, wisdom, humor and giving heart.

A remembrance and celebration of life service will be held at Mogadore Chapel, 8063 N. Pembroke Road, Batavia, NY 14020 on Saturday, July 17 at 11:00 am. She would want you to come, listen, laugh and eat!

She asked instead of flowers, donations be made to the amazing volunteers at Gateway Hospice Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Rita A. Pfenninger (née Hartman), died on June 29, 2021.  She was born in Batavia on December 2, 1949 to George and Eleanor Hartman (née Schneller).  She had spent considerable time in various communities – Elba, Chicago, Bergen, Byron, and later in life, Akron, Medina, and Lockport.  Rita enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, listening to Alabama, and spending summers at “camp” – Leisurewood in Akron.  She also liked to spoil her dog, Ben-G.  Rita was predeceased by her parents; her daughter, Wendy Cayea; her husbands, Wayne Cayea and Raymond Pfenninger; and her brother, Douglas Hartman.  She is survived by her children Wayne (Adrienne) Cayea and Jessica Pfenninger; brothers, Robert (Camilla) and Wayne (Donna) Hartman; nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Rita’s arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.  To share a special memory of Rita, please visit www.cooperfuneralhome.com

 

Rita Mary Staskiewicz-Hendry-Groth passed away on July 10, 2021, at the age of 90. 

Born in Buffalo, NY, on July 6, 1931.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary (Radomska) Staskiewicz, her brother Raymond Staskiewicz of Farmers Branch, TX and her sister Joan Loeffler-DeFalco of Venice, FL. 

She is survived by her children, Joseph Hendry of Akron, Mary Hendry of Friendship, Teresa Hendry of Williamsville, Michael (Laurie) Hendry of Batavia and Daniel (Lisa) Groth of Oakfield. Survived also by nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and several cousins. 

She was a founding member of Faun Lake Recreation Park in Bliss, NY and an avid camper for many years.  She was a past member of the LeRoy Loyal Order of Moose and the LeRoy American Legion Auxiliary.  Her interests included gardening, country dancing, cross-country skiing, camping, observing and feeding birds, and nature walks.  She was a nature enthusiast who truly enjoyed the outdoors.  

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00am memorial service will be held on Friday, July 16th, at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St, Akron, NY.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family 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.