Obituaries

Laura Carney, daughter of the late Earle and Adda McColl Farrand, passed away January 15, 2024 at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Carney, daughter, Marcia Baxter and grandson, Jack Carney.  She was the sister of the late Alice Uhly Connor, the late sisters in law, Arlene Driscoll and Barbara Carney and brothers in law, Robert Carney and Walter Bailor.

    Surviving are her beloved five children; son in law, Bill Baxter, their children, Michelle Baxter and Cortney (Mat) Sanfilippo; daughter, Donna (Fern) Thompson and her children, Jamee (Denis) Naujokas and Mark (Cindy) Thompson; son, Norman (Cindy) Carney and his two sons, Christopher (Hema) Carney and Brett (Jessica) Carney; son, Richard Carney and his children, Jennifer Carney and Tyler (Estefania) Carney; son, Bruce (Lisa) Carney and his children, Elias Carney and Emily Carney; son, Donald (Mary) Carney and his children, Elizabeth (RJ) Mills, Ashley (David) Clark, Stefanie Carney, Joe Carney, Christine (Adam) Zuch and Becky Cowell.  Laura has twenty seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  She is survived by niece and nephew, Barbara and David Uhly of Virginia, as well as several other nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are sisters in law, Mary Louise Bailor and Shirley Carney, brothers in law, William Carney and Harold (Josie) Carney.

    Laura was a 1944 graduate of LeRoy High and graduate of Rochester Business Institute with a Medical Secretarial Degree and later Accredited Records Technician (ART) Degree.  She retired after many years from the Medical Records Department at the former Genesee Memorial Hospital in Batavia.

    Following her retirement, she was a volunteer at United Way and Red Cross and worked at Lovey Day Care.  Laura was a Life Member (confirmed in 1940), past Deacon and teacher of the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed her involvement with the Linwood Grange, Linwood Friendly Club, Poplar Corners Home and Garden Club, Pavilion Young at Heart Group, LeRoy Historical Society and the Essex Vermont Historical Group.

    She loved children and any activities concerning children.  Laura was a former 4-H leader, Girl Scout Leader, AFS parent to Ecuadorian student (Gonzalo), Fresh Air mom to Rosie and MaryAnn of the Bronx, Mom to Frank Shea and host to French Agricultural Students, Michel and Vincente.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed daily crossword puzzles and loved Genealogy.

    A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 20th at 11:00 AM.

    Memorials may be made to the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church, 7 Clay Street, LeRoy 14482 or United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020

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

Martha M. Spinnegan, 75, of Batavia passed away peacefully Friday January 12, 2023 at UMMC Hospice. 

She was born January 1, 1949 in Batavia, NY and was the first baby in the county for that year. She was the daughter of Francis “Hogan” and Eva (Townsend) Moran. 

After graduating from Notre Dame High School in Batavia she went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Rosary Hill College and then a Masters of Library Science from SUNY Geneseo. Martha was the director of the Richmond Memorial Library for 34 years. She was an active member in many community organizations such as Rotary Club of Batavia, The Jerome Foundation, and Go Art. She also earned several accolades such as the Paul Harris Fellow, Zonta Women of the Year, and the YWCA Fabulous Female. 

Her family and friends are what mattered the most to Martha. 

She married the love of her life, George, in 1972. They had a daughter Sarah Ruth in 1973. They welcomed a son in law Ryan in 2006, their grandson Camden in 2007 and grandson Griffin in 2010. Together, they made wonderful memories filled with laughter and love with their extended family and friends including scat games at 4 Fairmont, The Spinnegan Occasional Golf Tournament, and too many happy hours to count. It is her smile, laugh, and warmth that she will be remembered for most.

 Martha is survived by her husband George. Her daughter, Sarah (Ryan) Toni of North Carolina. Her grandsons, Camden and Griffin Toni of North Carolina. Her brothers, Tom and Jerry Moran of Batavia. Her sister, Patricia (Dan) Bence of Maine. Her brother and sister in laws, J. David (Bernie) Spinnegan of West Seneca and Robert (Sandy) Spinnegan of Rochester. Her nieces, Megan (Lee) Bahas of Clarence, Gretchen Bence of Penn Yan, and Katrina (Eric) Rutherford of Maine. Her nephews, Michael Moran of Washington DC, Danny (Ashley) Davis of Las Vegas, and Jason and Aaron (Falynn) Spinnegan both of West Seneca.

Calling hours will be Thursday January 18 from 3:00 -7:00 at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at  10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia on Friday January 19th. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library, Jerome Foundation, or the United Memorial Medical Foundation. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Louis J. Marchese, 94 of Batavia, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Batavia, to the late Felix and Antoinette (Parrinello) Marchese. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph, Samuel and Anthony Marchese, Rose Antinore, Marie Tiberio and Catherine Cianfrini; brothers-in-law, Frank, James Jr and Samuel Capuano. 

Mr. Marchese was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired from Coca-Cola in Rochester. Louis loved to dance, cook, exercise and gamble, especially playing cards. He enjoyed his time with family and friends. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years; Joan (Capuano) Marchese, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to 9:30am Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visitww.gilmartinfuneralhome.com Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 west Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Michael A. Napolitano, 30 of Florida, passed away  Monday, January 8, 2024.

He was born April 15, 1993, a son of Michael Napolitano and Angelina Petrucelli.

Surviving besides his parents are his grandparents, Joseph and Kathy Napolitano and Gail Gerritz. Siblings, Sophia and Raymond; stepsiblings, Antonina and Donte. Michaels twin boys, Lucha and Noha. Also survived by several cousins, aunts and uncles that will miss him.

He was predeceased by his grandfahter, Richard Petrucelli.

He lived many years in Yonkers and Eastchester, NY then finally moving to Florida where he worked for many years at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Mike helped so many and people loved his kindness and smile. He enjoyed working out at the gym and fishing.

Funeral services will be privately held in Eastchester, NY.

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020.

Donald E. Burke, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Unity Hospital surrounded by his children.

He was born on August 24, 1935 in Rochester a son of the late George Burke and Lucille Helmbold Burke.

Don earned his Master’s in Social Work degree from SUNY Buffalo and ultimately retired as the Executive Director of the Mary Cariola Children’s Center in Rochester after 20 years of service. A longtime parishioner of St. Brigid Church in Bergen, he was active in many of their ministries and served as a trustee to the church for many years.  Don was also instrumental in the formation of the church's bereavement ministry. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play.  After retirement Don travelled extensively with his late wife, Pat.  The greatest joy in his life were his children and grandchildren.  He was a frequent babysitter and then spectator at all athletic and extra-curricular activities of his grandchildren.  Don loved to cook and entertain and was very well known for the many parties he and Pat enjoyed hosting.

His wife, Pat M. Lawlor Burke, passed away on May 13, 2023.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Cindy) Burke of Bergen, Brian (Cary) Burke of Canandaigua and Kevin (Gina) Burke of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Lauren and Madison Burke, Genna, Mason and Cole Burke and Valarie (Sam) Grow; his brother, David (Stephanie) Burke of Bergen; sisters, Kathleen (Langton) Bentley of Rochester, Patricia (John) Swapceinski of Bergen and Peggy (late Jim) Ammann of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his grandsons, Edward (Teddy) Burke and Tyler Burke.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 3 pm to 6 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 am at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. He will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. Brigid's Bereavement Ministry, c/o Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, New York 14482. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

**AT THE REQUEST OF THE BURKE FAMILY, PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME IN VISITING HOURS**

Duane M. Schmigel, 73, of Corfu, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. 

Duane was born August 1, 1950, a loving son of the late Merton Schmigel and Shirley Glidden Schmigel.  He was the dear brother of Sandra Daily, Cathy Kingdon and Deborah (Gary) Starowicz.  Duane will be greatly missed by his children Angela, Katie and the late Matthew.  Duane enjoyed spending time with his many nieces and nephews as well as his three grandchildren; Addison, Ellie and Benjamin.  

Duane’s biggest passion was owning and operating his family farm business in Corfu.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it.  Duane will be remembered for volunteering at the Genesee County Fair and his time with the kids at the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull.  He was also part of other various farm organizations and was Vice President of the Genesee County Agricultural Society.

Calling hours are Monday, January 15, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St, Corfu, where a service will take place Tuesday, January 16th  at 11 a.m.  He will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Duane’s honor may be made to the Genesee County Agricultural Society P.O. Box 355 Batavia, NY 14021

Batavia – Donna Kay Farwell, 70, of Batavia passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.
 

Donna was born March 6, 1953 in Omaha, Nebraska the daughter of the late Raymond and Lois (Bywater) Farwell.
 

Donna enjoyed spending time with family. She also enjoyed fishing, camping, road trips, motorcycle rides, crocheting, and knitting. 

She will be remembered by her children, Paula Meyer of Knoxville, IA, Cristie Lamb of Batavia, and Raymond Guthrie of Marathon, IA; Brothers, Raymond Calvin Farwell of Iowa and Larry Farwell of California; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
 

In death Donna is reunited with her parents; daughter, Stephanie Marie Meyer and brother, Steven Allen Farwell.
 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be at the convenience of the family.
 

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

Wyoming ~ Danny L. Yauchzee, age 76, of Main Street, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday (Jan. 10, 2024) at Wyoming County Community Hospital.

     He was born April 2, 1947 in Batavia, a son of the late George and Eleanor Mattice Yauchzee.  

   Danny will be remembered for his love of family, friends and his country.  He was a very proud veteran, having served in Viet Nam with the US Air Force from 1967 – 1971.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #1849 in Wyoming and a longtime mechanic and repairman for Cooper Collision in LeRoy.  He enjoyed tinkering in his barn and was never afraid to tackle a new project.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Mitzi Flanagan Yauchzee; his children, Denny (Shannon) Yauchzee, Luke (Nichole) Yauchzee, Gavin Yauchzee, Heather Thorpe, Sarah (Bryan) Wyskiel and Timothy (Courtney) Penders; his brothers, Ed (Joanne) Yauchzee and Tom (Carole) Yauchzee; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his first wife, Linda Cooper Yauchzee in 1987 and his sister, Dorothy (Bill) Byam.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, January 20 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy. Interment with military honors in Machpelah Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Wyoming Hook and Ladder, PO Box 36, Wyoming, NY 14591 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

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

Dieter Baumann, 91 of Corfu, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Crossroads House. He was born on January 16, 1932 in Essen, Germany. He was the older of two children to the late Mattias Hermann Baumann and Cecelie Radtke.  Dieter is predeceased by his beloved wife, Helga E. Baumann and son, Wolfgang KH Fuchs. 

Dieter was born during the Great Depression and grew up in the devastation of World War II. His beloved Opa taught him so much about life and would often share what he learned to his children and grandchildren. His father died when he was eight-years-old leaving him the “man of the house”.  On March 5, 1943 Dieter’s family suffered the devastation of their home being bombed during a night air raid.  They were buried in the basement for many hours. Dieter, at the age of 11 used a sledgehammer to help them escape the wreckage and navigate through the fiery neighborhood to a public shelter. 

After the war, Dieter decided to leave Germany and immigrated to Canada where he lived until he and Helga, Birgitt and Wolfgang immigrated to New York City.  He retired from New York Telephone in 1992, and moved to Batavia, NY in 1994.

Dieter spent his entire life helping others; along with Helga they raised their children to do the same.  For 15 years, he was an assistant Boy Scout leader for Wolfgang’s troop.  He enjoyed photography and developed and processed all of his photos.  Dieter never said no to assist anyone needing a helping hand.  He spent many years as the Volunteer Director of Building and Grounds for Crossroads House. He put so much of his blood sweat and tears into providing necessary building improvements for the house. He was affectionately known as “Dr. Dieter”.  Dieter always helped his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in any way needed; he was a taxi driver, a builder of things, a teacher and all around supporter of them.  His family and friends always knew that he had so many stories to share about his extraordinary life.

Dieter is survived by his sister Karin Demme of Niederbiel, Germany, daughters Birgitt (Gary) Hammond of Corfu, NY, Linda (Richard) Conroy of Batavia, NY, five grandchildren Jennifer (Jeff) Miller, Jason (Jennifer Beedham) Hammond, Tara (John) Kaczorowski, Michelle (Chris) Geoghegan, and Juliana Fuchs; four great-grandchildren Madison, Wolfie, Lily and Ava and nieces and nephews both in the US and Germany. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday January 13, 2024 from 12pm – 3 pm; at 3 pm a celebration of his life will be at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. Mr. Baumann will be entombed at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshousehouse.com  PO box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visitww.gilmartinfuneralhome.com  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home,  329-333 west Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. 

Gina M. Shultz, 87, of Oakfield, passed away, after a long illness, on Saturday (January 6, 2024) at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
 

Gina was born October 25, 1936 in Batavia, New York, a daughter of the late Americo and Anna (Ercole) Paolucci.
 

She was a loving and caring mother and a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. She will be remembered by her two children, Mark Shultz of Batavia and Cheryl Racki of Chicago; 4 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; a sister, Ida Monachino of Georgia, and many nieces
and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Ray Shultz; children, John and Matthew Shultz; siblings, Joseph Paolucci, Alice Lynch, Umberto Paolucci and Mary Russo.
 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield.
 

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

Evelian Grace Bolster (née Calkins), 91, passed away on January 3, 2024, in LeRoy, New York.  

     She was born on February 4, 1932, in La Grange, Perry, New York to the late Ernest E. and Ella Cassidy Calkins.

     Evelian had a passion for painting and was extremely creative and artistic. She spent countless hours creating beautiful works of art. Her artistic talents brought joy to those around her.

     She is survived by her children, Edwin “Skip” (Anita) Quinlivan, Gary (Sandy) Quinlivan, and Debra (Greg) Condidorio; along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She leaves behind her sister Carolyn Morris and many nieces and nephews.

     Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Bolster; siblings, Lilian Calkins, Vivian Hayes, Durwin Calkins, Ernest “Bud” Calkins, Elsie Widger; and great-grandchild, Quin Joseph Saylor.

     A Memorial Service will be announced at a later time.

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

Diane Lynn Dykstra, 68 of Oakfield passed away January 7th 2024 at home following a lengthy illness.

Diane was born in Batavia NY to the late Frank and Betty (Snyder) Yanik.

Diane grew up in Oakfield NY and graduated from Notre Dame high school in Batavia. She went back to college later in life to obtain her nursing degree. Diane’s last job before retirement was as a hospice nurse. Diane took pride in helping her patients and their families.

Besides nursing, Diane loved gardening, baking and most of all her family. Her grandkids were the apple of her eye.

Diane is survived by her husband James Dykstra of Oakfield, whom she married August 12 2006, and their faithful German shepherd Ada, daughter Nina (Ryan) Farnsworth of Bergen, son Philip Covey of Bergen, sisters; Rita (Cliff) Plouse of Oakfield, Laura (Al) Annis of Georgia, Linda Luft of Rochester, Mary Beth (David) Duseau of Massachusetts , brothers; John (Mary Kay) Yanik of Geneseo, and Judd (Kathy) Yanik of Batavia. Grandchildren Rider (Joelle) Farnsworth of Brockport and Madison (Rick Hubbard Jr) Farnsworth of Bergen. Her special Maine family. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Diane who was affectionately known as “Mom” to all of her children’s friends will be dearly missed by all.

There will not be calling hours. There will be a celebration of life held later in the month. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Diane’s honor to a hospice of your choice. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

LeRoy - Kathleen M. Steen (Pudgie), age 85, of Jefferson Avenue, passed away Monday morning (January 8, 2024) at home with her loved ones by her side.     

  Kathleen was born November 5, 1938 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Orazio (Alex) and Lucy Capozza O’Geen.  

     She was a very loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Friend who just adored her Grandchildren.  She retired from the LeRoy Village Hall after 23 years of service.  She was a member of many organizations including the Ladies Auxiliary, Red Hatters as well as enjoying many card and game clubs and trips to the Casino’s. She was an avid fan of “her” Buffalo Bills.  GO BILLS!

     She will be missed with endless sadness by her children, Thomas (Lisa ) Steen, Terrie Lamendola, Patty (Vince) Giammarva and Donna (Tom Jr.) Gates; grandchildren, Keri Steen, Greg Steen, Thomas (Shannon) Lamendola, Alex (Sirie) Giammarva, Kaleigh (Jordan) Fahnestock, Courtney (Zach) Ewert, Jessie (Mike) Platek and Thomas Gates III; great-grandchildren, Lyla Steen; Dylan, Joey and Livy Lamendola; McKinley, Monroe and Lincoln Fahnestock and Mason Platek, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Thomas E. Steen, Sr.; siblings Lena O. Frank and Donald O’Geen.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.

     Memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 www.crossroadshouse.com 

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

Our dear matriarch, Betty M. Kraatz (Waldron) born June 16, 1929 in Elba, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Betty was the daughter of the late Howard and Mina Waldron and the sister of the late Howard Waldron and the late Marian Kraatz, and sister in law of Erma Kraatz. Betty was married to the beloved predeceased, Roger L. Kraatz for over 60 years. Betty and Roger built a small farm for their children Louis (Christine) Kraatz, the beloved late Steven (Vicky) Kraatz, Valerie (David) Edwards, and beloved late Kyle Sue Kraatz.

 Betty and Roger loved their time spent with their grandchildren: Andrew Kraatz, Stephanie (David) Conner, Rebecca Korzatkowski, Dalton (Morgan) Edwards, Danelle (Jacob) Backe, Jacob Kraatz, and the beloved late David D. Edwards. Betty and Roger were fortunate to have several great grandchildren: Khloe Rodriguez, Jakob Kraatz, Juliana Rodriguez, Bailey Conner, Kiersten Kraatz, Liam Backe, Luke Backe, Ryder Edwards and Ember Edwards. Betty was also fortunate to have spent time with her great-great granddaughter, Gianna Mae Mancini.

Betty loved to cook, crochet, garden, and spend time with her family. Betty spent many years working at Pixley’s grocery and enjoyed chatting with her customers. Betty enjoyed her time spent with her family as well as her time spent with her beloved pets. Betty held church and her bible very close to her heart throughout her life. Betty will be missed by many. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life Service for Betty on Saturday (January 13^th), 12:00pm at the Tonawanda Indian Baptist Church, 565 Bloomingdale Rd., Basom, N Y. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Shelby, 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.