Obituaries

Anthony L. Peca, 88 of Batavia, died December 31, 2011 peacefully at his son’s home surrounded by his family. He was born August 31, 1923 in Batavia, NY to the late Samuel (Maria Michetti) Peca. Mr. Peca joined his father Sam in 1946 then later owned and operated Batavia Turf Farms from 1960-1997. He was a member of Rotary International, Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church and 4th degree Knight of Columbus. Mr. Peca was a proud WWII Army Veteran serving from 1943 to 1946 earning the WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and Europe African Middle Eastern Service Medal. He is preceded in death by a daughter Joan Marie Peca, granddaughters Catie Hoch, Heather Elizabeth Peca, daughter-in-law Martha Peca, brother John Peca and sister Jenny Irrera.

He is survived by his beloved wife Theresa M. (Bellow) Peca of Batavia; sons Samuel of San Diego; Anthony L. (Geraldine) Jr. of Batavia; John (Debbie Murray) Peca of Batavia; daughters Anne Marie (Richard) Starowitz of Batavia; Gina (Laurence Hoch) Peca of Ballston Lake; Theresa Peca-Baker of Burnt Hills; sisters Florence Lullo of Batavia; Rose Monachino of Elba; Margaret Worth of Batavia; Julia (Anthony) Scalia of Batavia; 14 grandchildren Jennifer (Shane) Caiazzo, Jessica (John) Heffernan, Jill (John) Kratz, Theresa (Guy) Pellegrino, Emily Peca, Justin Sager, Kelly Peca, Jaime (Brittni) Peca, Anthony (Leah) Peca III, Amy Peca, Robby Hoch, Tess Baker, John Hoch, Ethan Baker, 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday January 4, 2012 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. There will be a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday January 5, 2012 at Resurrection Parish ( St. Joseph’s Church) 303 E. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his memory to his granddaughter's foundation The Catie Hoch Foundation 27 Southwood Drive, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

     Age 64, of Batavia, died Tuesday December 27, 2011 at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo. He was born January 20, 1947 in Buffalo, NY son of the late Myron & Alice (Schmidt) Bauer. He was a member of the Corfu Presbyterian Church, and an employee of The Hartford Insurance Co. Fred was a past master of the Hiram Mason Lodge and loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

     Surviving is his beloved wife of 46 years Cheryl (Stortz) Bauer; loving daughters Kristina (Tim) Flanagan & Rachel (Robert) Tatarka all of Batavia; sisters Cheryl Lyne (Robert) Paul & Melinda Joy (Leonard) Frears both of Buffalo; 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     There is no prior visitation and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial in Fred's memory are suggested to the church. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF FREDERICK J. "FRED" BAUER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

     Age 82, a Director and resident of Godfrey's Pond, died Saturday December 24, 2011 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born November 13, 1929 Oakfield the son of the late Alfred & Amy (Howard) Rumble and also preceded in death by his wife Arlene (Stegman) Rumble in 2009 and his brothers Howard, Donald, Wayne & Robert. A member of City Church, he was an employee of the former GTE Sylvania and the Eastman Kodak Co. A life member of the Oakfield Rod & Gun Club, Loyal order of Moose and the Genesee County Fish & game Protective Association. In his younger days he was an avid hunter, fisherman & trap shooter, spent many, many years attending harness horse races and loved the casino and OTB. He was a frequent visitor at Town & Country for breakfast and was always available for Sunday dinners with his family.

     Surviving is his loving son Kenneth A. (Cindy) Rumble Jr. of Stafford; brother Dale (Joan) Rumble of Batavia and sister Glenda Klase of Oakfield; beloved grandchildren Roger and Nicole Rumble & great-grandson Connor Moran along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     There is no prior visitation and funeral services will held privately by his family. Memorials in Ken's memory are suggested to the Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Association or United Memorial Medical Center. Burial will be in Cary Cemetery and for more infromation please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF KENNETH A. RUMBLE SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Paul G. Edenholm Sr., 83, of Batavia, died Thursday (Dec. 22, 2011) at United Memorial Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Buffalo, NY on November 7, 1928, a son of the late Lawrence and Hildagarde Walter Edenholm.

Mr. Edenholm was a carpenter and was employed by the former Rieker Construction Co. of N. Tonawanda prior to his retirement.

Surviving is his wife of over 46 years, Laura A Morse Edenholm whom he married on May 22, 1965.  His children; Paula (Scott) Neumann of Stafford, Tracy (Richard) Padilla of Buffalo, Lorna Edenholm of Batavia, Jacqueline (Richard) Beatty of Madison WI, Debra (Jim) Frayley of Haggerstown, MD, Jeffrey (Lynda) Edenholm of Stafford, Michael (Sandra) Edenholm of Batavia and Paul G. Edenholm Jr. of Haggerstown, MD.  He was the father of the late Mary Jane Moses.  Grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Monday from 5 - 8 PM at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia where a service will be Tuesday at noon.  Burial will follow in Grand View Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorials to the family for distribution to various charities.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Ronald P. Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Gerald W. Foote, 88 of Perry, died December 22, 2011 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital. He was born in Warsaw, NY on March 21, 1923 to the late Charles (Anna L. Schmemann) Foote. Mr. Foote was a WWII Army Veteran that served most notably in the Philippines. He volunteered for many years with the Perry Fire and Ambulance services. Mr. Foote loved to work with wood, hunt and travel. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Pauline (Haynes) Foote, son Larry Foote, granddaughter Jennifer Foote, son-in-law Bow Beaumont and sister Viola Hopkins.

He is survived by sons Alan (Cindy) of Perry; Charles of Perry; Robert of Leicester; daughter Bonnie Beaumont of NC; sister Ellen (Fred Bliss) Whitmore of Warsaw; daughter-in-law Jill Foote; 10 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday December 27, 2011 from 10 AM to 12 Noon at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 12:00 Noon Funeral Services will follow calling hours on Tuesday December 27, 2011 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Batavia- Mr. Charles P. (Skip) Charvella, 64, of Batavia, Co-owner of Batavia Restaurant Supply, died Thursday, December 22, 2011at United Memorial Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Mr. Charvella was born September 8, 1947 in Batavia, the son of Charles F. Charvella of Batavia and the late Ruth  Schosek Charvella who recently died.

A 1965 graduate of Notre Dame High School and graduate of SUNY Brockport, Skip taught American History and General Science before working at the Batavia Restaurant Supply family business. He enjoyed woodworking and was an avid Civil War Historian and belonged to the Civil War Round Table of LeRoy.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Karen Pompa.  Also surviving are four sons; Stefan Charvella of Fairport, Nathan (Paula) Charvella of Amherst, Nicholas (Rene) Pompa and Christopher Pompa both of Byron and one brother Michael P. (Beverly) Charvella of Batavia.  He was the grandfather of Ashton, Brady and Mila Rose Charvella and the father-in-law of Colleen Campanelli.  Also surviving are aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call on Monday, December 26, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 AM, Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  Memorials may be made to UMMC for the Hospice Care area or your favorite animal shelter.  Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com 

Mark M. Stroka, 48 of Corfu, died December 21, 2011in the Medina Memorial Hospital. He was born January 13, 1963 in Buffalo to the late Matthew Stroka and June (Schmitt) Stroka of Lancaster, NY. Mark was a employed by the New York State Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer at the Albion Correctional Facility. He was a Marine Corp Veteran serving from 1982-86, and was a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (Holy Name of Mary). He loved to fish, and was a loving family man to his children, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother he is survived by his beloved wife Kathryn A. (Nowicki) Stroka, son Matthew H. Stroka II, Molly K. Stroka, Lauren E. Stroka all of Corfu. Two brothers Patrick (Karen) Stroka of Lockport, Bruce (Linda) Stroka of Basom, one sister Susan Stroka of Lancaster and many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday December 27, 2011 from 4 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020.    Prayers  will be recited on Wednesday December 28, 2011 at the funeral home at 9:15 AM followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (Holy Name of Mary), 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, New York. Interment will take place in St. Augustine Cemetery, Lancaster, NY.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott Street, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Angelo A. Scapa, 84 of Batavia, died December 21, 2011 at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. He was born February 10, 1927 to the late Anthony (Dominish Mosco) Scappa. Mr. Scappa was retired from Akron Central School where he was a long time teacher and athletic coach. Mr. Scappa was a member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia, and a World War II Navy Veteran. Angelo was an avid sports fan. He is preceded in death by a grandson Eric Scappa, a sister Rose Zambito and a brother Joe Tacca.

He is survived by his  beloved wife Elaine (Marchese) Scappa of Batavia; 7 children Marianne (David) Barton of Las Vegas, NV, Anthony Scappa of Las Vegas, NV, Michael (Dianne) Scappa of Needville, TX, Nancy Scappa of Yreka, CA, Joan (J.C.) Trulen of New Orleans, LA; Angelo Scappa Jr. of Las Vegas, NV and James Scappa of Batavia. Two grandchildren Aaron Chamberlain and Stacy Scappa, one great granddaughter Peyton Chamberlain, sister Anna Hagerdon of Hamburg, and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call on Friday December 23, 2011 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:00 AM the Funeral Home on Saturday December 24, 2011, followed by a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish ( St. Mary’s Church) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Corfu - Clyde E. Starkweather, 86, of Corfu, passed away Tuesday (December 20, 2011) at the New York State Veterans Home, Batavia.

Mr. Starkweather was born February 25, 1925, in Alabama, NY, a son of the late Myron and Mary Crosby Starkweather. He graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School and served in the United States Navy from 1943-1946. A very caring man, Mr. Starkweather gave deeply of himself, serving his community, youth and family. He and his late wife, Wilma Potter Starkweather, owned Jay E. Potter Lumber in Corfu from 1968-1982. He worked at Potter Lumber for 57 years, from 1947-2003.

Mr. Starkweather was a member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church from 1946- present, and served as a Trustee, Session member and on many different committees. He was also a Village of Corfu Trustee (1948-1950 and 1957-1958), Village of Corfu Mayor (1959-1960), former member of the Corfu Rescue Hook & Ladder Co., former member of the Corfu I.O.O.F. Lodge # 634 and the Corfu VFW. Mr. Starkweather served on the Genesee County Baseball Club Board of Directors from the 1970's-1990's, was a member of the Muckdogs Booster Club and is on the Ed Dwyer Society Wall of Fame at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.  He also was also a member of many other local and lumber related organizations. Besides his wife, Wilma, Mr. Starkweather is predeceased by his sisters, Edith Hilchey and Dorothy Branch and a brother, Fay Starkweather.

Mr. Starkweather is survived by his son and daughter, Allan Starkweather and Sandra Thomas, both of Corfu; his companion, Audrey Mosier of Corfu; two sisters, Alice Dix of Akron and Eva Sharp of Byron; along with many nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church at 11 AM on Friday. A luncheon will be held at the Pembroke Community Center 116 Main St., Corfu, immediately following the service. Burial will be private at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159, Corfu, NY 14036 or to Crossroads House,11 Liberty St.,  PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020. Arrangements are being completed by the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc.. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu, NY

Bertha V. Baker, 100 of Alabama, formerly of Lakewood, NY, died December 20, 2011 in Alabama. She was born in Buffalo, NY on September 18, 1911 to the late John (Victoria Domagalska) Strozewski. Mrs. Baker was a longtime member of St. Stanilaus Kostka Church in Perry, Sacred Heart Church in Lakewood, the Women’s Group at Church, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club Women’s Auxiliary and she was an avid bowler. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Clement Baker who died in 1979, along with 13 brothers and sisters. 

She is survived by a sons Gerald “Gary” (Barbara) of Niagara Falls; Kenneth of Lakewood; Ronald (Patricia) of Headland, AL; James (Margaret “Peggy”) of Perry; Gregory (Andrea) Baker of St. Petersburg, FL; 11 grandchildren; along with many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial on Friday December 23, 2011 at St. Isidore’s Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to HomeCare and Hospice.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Sandra L. Wittkopp, 48 of Batavia, passed peacefully December 17, 2011 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born June 17, 1963 in Lackawanna to the late James Barberio Sr. and Marie A. (Miller) Barberio of Batavia. Sandra was employed at the LeRoy Village Green health care facility as a CNA for 6 years. She was a true professional throughout her work career, a loving wife, and will be sadly missed by her husband, family and co-workers. Sandra Rest in Peace!   

She is survived by her beloved husband of 16 years Emmett B. Wittkopp of Batavia; brothers James Barberio Jr. of Batavia; Christopher (Joy) Barberio of Elba; sisters Cheryl (Dan) Boyce of Elba; Connie Barberio of Batavia; Robin (Dan) Wissinger of Oakfield along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Monday December 26, 2011 from 3 to 7 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral services will be private. Interment will take place at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Mary Jean Morrow, 77 of Batavia, died December 18, 2011in the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw, NY. She was born January 3, 1934 in Medina, New York to the late John (Ivy Jenkinson) Donahue. Mrs. Morrow was retired from Scotch Game Call in Elba. She enjoyed crocheting and was an avid collector of photos. She is preceded in death by her husband Frederick W. Morrow in 2008 and sons John W. Smith Lee and Earl E. Smith. 

She is survived by her sons David W. Smith of Elba, Paul A. (Cheryleen) Morrow of Batavia, Thomas J. Morrow of LeRoy and Jeffrey Morrow of Elba. A daughter in law Vicky Smith of Maryland survives along with 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call on Thursday December 22, 2011 from 2 to 4 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral services will follow calling hours on Thursday at 4PM at the Funeral Home. Interment at Maplelawn Cemetery in Elba.

Memorials may be made to the Family. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Oakfield – Jeffrey W. Falker, 55, of Oakfield, passed away on Sunday (December 18, 2011) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia following a brave fight against lung cancer. 

Mr. Falker was born September 10, 1956, in Batavia, a son of Donald A. and Mary L. (Roth) Falker.

Jeffrey was a faithful member of the Genesee Country Church in Oakfield.  He had a passion for weight lifting, movies, farming, and above all, family.  He served his country honorably with the US Marine Corps. 

Surviving along with his parents, are his siblings, Steven A. Falker of Oakfield, Timothy P. Falker of Newark, Barbara J. (Mark) Falker-Crandall and Donna L. (Kyle) Harris both of Oakfield.  Many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive. 

He is preceded in death by a sister, Penny A. Falker, who passed away in 1980. 

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Jeffrey’s Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Genesee Country Church, Drake St., Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240 or the Oakfield Volunteer Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, NY 14125.  Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.  Condolences at www.burdettandsanford.com.  

      Age 70, of Corfu, died peacefully Sunday December 18, 2011 at his home with his beloved wife and children at his side. Family and friends may visit from 1-4 & 6-9 PM Tuesday December 20 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York where prayers 9:15 AM Wednesday December 21 will be followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish (Corfu Site). A complete obituary will appear on Monday afternoon.

THE FAMILY OF LAWRENCE J. SFORMO IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

     Age 51, of Batavia, departed this life peacefully on Monday December 12, 2011 at Strong Memorial Hospital. Born August 29, 1960 to the late Thomas J. & Celestine (Terrell) Burrell, Sue was the youngest of five children, preceded by two brothers Paul L. and Thomas M. Susan grew up in LeRoy, where she was educated at LeRoy Central School and was a proud member of the Class of 1978. Susan was employed for a short period of time at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. Susie was a quiet, dedicated woman who loved the Lord, her family, and in particular her great nieces & nephews. She loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. She was active within the Batavia community, where she served on the board of Directors for the Genesee Region Independent Living Center, Inc. for numerous years. Through her years of community service, in November 2002, she received from the New York State Senate, the "Community Spirit Award", Certificate of Special Recognition and citation from the New York State Assembly for her continual volunteerism and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Susan never let her disability limit her lifestyle, as she could be seen "scooting" around town in her electric wheelchair by many, always with a smile, kind word or good deed for others.

     Loved and cherished by many, Susan leaves to mourn her sisters, Ann (Burrell) Loatman of New Jersey & Dawn Livingston of Rochester; 5 nephews John Loatman, Benjamin D. Loatman, Bryyan (Tyran) Loatman, Derek Loatman and Robert Adams; 3 nieces Syreeta Loatman, Dominique & Noel Adams; devoted, dedicated and very special brother-in-law Edward Loatman; 4 great nieces Jone', Aniyah, Aaliyah, & London; 6 great nephews Julien, Jayden, Bryyan Jr., Anthony Jr., Jonathan & Maxwell along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

     Visitation and Funeral Services will be held privately by Susie's family. Burial will be in Macpelah Cemetery in LeRoy and memorials are suggested to the family. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF SUSAN E. BURRELL IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.