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Obituaries

Gerald L. Winter

By T.J. Woodward

Gerald L. Winter, 76 of Pavilion, died July 16, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Perry on June 28, 1936 to the late Kenneth (Amy Wellman) Winter. Mr. Winter owned and operated Winterman Farms with his brother Charles for many years. He was a member of the LaGrange Baptist Church, Wyoming County Holstein Club, New York State Holstein Club, 4-H, Perry Grange, and the Future Farmers of America. Mr. Winter also used to show cattle. Gerald is preceded in death by a brother Charles Winter and sister Lois J. Griffith.

He is survived by his beloved wife Etta M. Winter of Pavilion; son Michael (Kim) Winter of Perry; daughters LuAnne (Lawrence) Meyer of Perry; Kelly Leitten of Perry; sister MaryAnn (Lee) Close of Avon, 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday July 21, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Funeral Services will follow calling hours, 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in LaGrange Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the LaGrange Baptist Church or to the LaGrange Cemetery.
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.


 

Marvin E. Gilliatt Jr.

By T.J. Woodward

Marvin E. Gilliatt Jr., 45 of Batavia died July 13, 2012 at his home. He was born June 6, 1967 in Batavia to Marvin E. Gilliatt Sr. of Batavia and the late Jeanette A. (Whipple) Gilliatt. Marvin worked as a mechanic and it was his passion, he loved to work on cars.

He is survived by his beloved wife Gina M. Ruffino of Batavia; his daughters Bethany and Shyann Ruffino of Batavia; sisters Debra (Grant) Carlson of OH; Dawn (Steve) Boyki, Linda Vigiano both of Batavia; along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call from 3 to 7 PM on Tuesday July 17, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 10:00 AM Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday July 18, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.     

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to his girls. 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.

Ethel Foster Stafford

By Press Release

September 26, 1910 - June 10, 2012

Peacefully passed away in her sleep on June 10, 2012 at Morningside/Park Vista Skilled Nursing in Fullerton, CA. at age 101.

Born,  Ethel Boller Foster on September 26, 1910 in Chicago, Illinois to Rolland Clyde Foster and Zillah Gweendolyn Dodds Foster. Ethel spent her childhood in Chicago with fond memories of horseback riding in Lincoln Park along the shores of Lake Michigan with her father and working in his stockyard cattle business in Chicago.

Her family resided for many years at 7140 Princeton Avenue in Chicago and were active in the community.

She was a graduate of Chicago Parker High School and graduated from the University of Chicago in 1933 with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Education (division of social sciences).

After graduating, Ethel was employed by the City of Chicago as a social worker serving the residents of Chicago during the Great Depression.  Her passion to help those less fortunate would continue throughout her life.  Ethel was an enthusiastic supporter of the HollyGrove Orphanage in Los Angeles, receiving its special recognition Angel Award and the Woman's Club of Hollywood.

She was active in her local Episcopal Church while living in Chicago, Batavia, New York and Los Angeles.

On September 23, 1937 Ethel married the love of her life, Frank (Tubby) Robinson Stafford, a recent civil engineering graduate from Northwestern University who would later become a trainmaster for the New York Central Railroad in Batavia, New York.  During World War II, Tubby served as a major in the army in North Africa, Italy and Germany.  During their 57 year marriage Tubby and Ethel enjoyed traveling and cruising.

In 1960, Tubby and Ethel moved to the Griffith Park area of Los Angeles, Ca. when Tubby retired from the railroad. Tubby passed away in 1994.  Ethel's enjoyment of cruise ships continued on with many excursions to the Carribean, Mexico, Alaska and the Panama Canal with her sister Betty, nephews and nieces.

She always treasured her family and her many friends and neighbors.

Ethel lived a long and wonderful life and has touched us all in a special way.  She will be dearly missed.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her sisters Mary Abrahamson and Pearl Philip.

Ethel is survived by her sister Zillah (Betty) Frost of Holland, Michigan.

She will be sadly missed by numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ethel's life July 14, 2012 at 3:00PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park located at 1712 South Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA. 91205.  Please arrive at "The Last Supper Window" by 2:30PM to participate in the procession to the niche site.  Following the memorial service, family and friends are invited to the Tam O'Shanter Restaurant located at 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. 90039.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association

Phyllis E. Gray

By Ronald Konieczny

Phyllis, E. Gray, 94, a long-time resident of Batavia, died Sunday (July 8, 2012) at the home of her daughter in Las Cruces, NM, where she had resided since 1998.

She was born in Batavia on November 2,1917, the youngest child of Harry J. Hawkins and Ida P. Hunter Hawkins.  She is predeceased by sisters; Mildred (late John) Valentine, Carolyn (late Pete) Gifford, Evelyn (late Alfred) Gover and her brother Ernie (late Ethel) Hawkins.  She was the mother of the late Sue Ellen Jackett who died in 2004.

Survivors include three daughters; Carol A. (Rex) Zillman of Longview, Tx, Nancy E. (Richard) Hickox of Las Cruces, NM and Cheryl J. (William) Miller of Batavia.  Eleven grandchildren and several great grandchildren also survive.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Friday (July 20th) from noon to 1 pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA where services will follow.  Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Flowers are greatfully declined.  Memorials are suggested to The First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Rd., Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements are entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY II, PROPRIETOR AND LICENSED DIRECTOR

Donald T. Lawrence

By T.J. Woodward

Donald T. Lawrence, 61of Attica, Passed away peacefully at home after a lengthy illness under the care of his wife and HomeCare & Hospice on July 10, 2012. He was born on June 19, 1951 in Albion to Helen Lawrence of Medina. Mr. Lawrence worked for Conway Beam Leasing in Brighton. He was a United States Army Veteran. Don enjoyed gardening, trains, racing, and working on cars especially his Monte Carlo. He was a huge Buffalo Sabres fan and avid fisherman. Don loved spending time with his wife at Point Breeze and the 1000 Islands. He is preceded in death by his first wife Joyce Lawrence; sons Steve McClary Sr.; Edward Stephens; daughter Janet Cratsley; brother Harold Walter Jr.; and a sister Carol Jean Vaquez. 

He is survived by his beloved wife June A. Lawrence of Attica; sons Donald (Janet) McClary Jr. of Medina; David DeLude of Batavia; John DeLude of Varysburg; daughter Sharon Murphy of Batavia; brother Carlos Vaquez of Medina; sister Delores Vaquez of Medina; 17 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to attend calling hours from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 PM on Friday July 13, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 11:00 AM Funeral Services will be held on Saturday July 14, 2012  at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Howard Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers 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.

LEONARD BOGDAN

By Howard B. Owens

Louisville, Colorado  -    Leonard Bogdan, 88, of Louisville, CO, formerly of Corfu, NY, passed away, Wednesday (July 4, 2012).  Up until 2009, Mr. Bogdan had been a life-long resident of western New York, with 45 of those years in Corfu.

He was born October 11, 1923 to Joseph and Anna (nee Lempicki) Bogdan in Syracuse, NY.  He graduated from Angola High School, and received his Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude in physics from the University of Buffalo in 1944.  Mr. Bogdan served in the U. S. Army from 1944 – 1946, and during that time was involved in experimental work at Los Alamos, NM in support of the Manhattan Engineering Project.

Mr. Bogdan was employed as an aeronautical engineer and research physicist with Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory (later Calspan Corporation and Arvin Industries) in Buffalo from 1946 – 1982.  He worked on development of aircraft instrumentation and conducted wind tunnel model testing for NASA’s Space Shuttle program.  Later in his career, he was involved in vehicle research, including studies of emission control technology and tire property testing.

He married Margaret Derejko in 1955 in Cheektowaga.  Besides being an avid stamp collector throughout his life, Mr. Bogdan had enjoyed designing and building high fidelity audio systems during the 1950s.  He was a member of Sigma Xi, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Physical Society.  He was preceded in death by his wife in 2002.

Survivors include his son, Thomas (Barbara Cardell) of Boulder, CO, a daughter, Paula (Timothy Sawka) of Mt. Prospect, IL and his sister, Colette (the late Edwin) Jankowski.  Family and friends may call Saturday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. from the funeral home. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare of Boulder & Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trail Ridge Dr., Lafayette, CO 80026 or  Evergreen Hill Cemetery Association, 108 E. Main St., Corfu, NY 14036, will be appreciated.

Richard V. Hartley

By Joshua Smith

 

BATAVIA - Richard V. Hartley, 90, of Batavia passed away on Thursday (July 5, 2012) at the New York State Veteran’s Home, in Batavia.  

He was born in Batavia on August 18, 1921, a son of the late Vance and Anna (Baker) Hartley.  

Richard served his country honorably with the Army Air Corps during WWII and was a independent insurance agent in Batavia until 1979 when he and his wife moved to Florida.  

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Dixie Jane (Haring) Hartley of Hilton; children, Bonney (Ron) Knoble of N.C., Charles V. Hartley, III of C.A., Terri Hartley of O.H., Kim Hartley of F.L., Scott (Anita Gross) Hartley of Seattle, W.A., and Jan (Bart) Dentino of Elba.  9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild also survive.  

There will be no visitation and services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartley Family, 4269 Drake St. Rd., Elba, NY 14058 to be distributed to various charities.  To leave a message of condolence, light a candle, or share a story please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia (585) 343-8868.  

Neil A. Anderson

By T.J. Woodward

Neil A. Anderson, 59 of Stafford, died July 6, 2012 suddenly at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born August 18, 1952 in Jamestown to the late Norman (Esther Hahn) Anderson. Neil got a Bachelor’s degree from Lakeland University in Wisconsin. He was retired from the Post Office in Batavia and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra S. Lucas of Stafford; sister NormaJean Anderson Keiffer of GA; niece Mikaela Anderson Keiffer of Washington, DC; aunt Sylvia Hahn; special friend Janice Lucas along with many cousins.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Monday July 9, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in East Aurora.     

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. 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.

 

 

AVERY LYNN NEWTON

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Beautiful baby daughter of TJ & Jessica (Johnson) Newton of Pembroke went home with the angels at birth on July 1, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     Surviving along with her parents are grandparents Jim (Pam) Johnson of Oakfield, Don (Elaine) Newton of Pembroke along with her great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials in Avery's memory are suggested to the family for a charity of their choice and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

BRODI JOHN ROBINSON

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Beautiful baby boy of Daniel & Krystle (Sulimowicz) Robinson of Albion, went home to the angels shortly after birth on June 27, 2012 at Women's & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

     Surviving along with his parents are grandparents Angela Geitner of FL, Shawn Townsend of Byron, James (Lori Schultz) Robinson of Elba and Thomas Amesbury of Rochester; great-grandparents Vickie (Clarence) Downs of Elba, Helen Robinson of Byron, Roe (Rob) Geitner of Attica and Mary (Art) Abdella of Batavia; aunts & uncles Carl Amesbury of Byron, Mikaela Frasier of Albion and Christopher (Tori) Robinson of Bergen with many cousins.

     Services were privately by the family. Memorials in Brodi's memory are suggested to the March of Dimes. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF BRODI JOHN ROBINSON IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORKI 14020.

Mary H. "Wiater" Starowicz

By Ronald Konieczny

Mary H. "Wiater" Starowicz, 87, of Batavia, died Wednesday (July 4, 2012) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

She was born in Batavia on June 18, 1925, a daughter of the late Valentine and Agnes Swatek Wiater.

She was the wife of the late Edmund Starowicz Sr. who died in 1998.

Mary was a life member of Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church) where she was a sacristan for over 30 years.  She was a past secretary for the Polish National Alliance and a member of the Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society, Apostleship of Prayer and the Polish Falconettes.  Mary and her husband were instrumental in church functions and worked for many years at the parish picnics.

Prior to her retirement she was a bookkeeper at the former Genesee Hardware Co. in Batavia.

Surviving are two sons and daughters in law; Edmund Jr. and Julie Starowicz of Pittsford and Daniel and Sherrie Starowicz of Sarasota, FL.  Grandchildren, Steven Starowicz, Adam (Fiancee, Sheryl Heefner) Starowicz, Jason Starowicz, Amanda "Mande" Starowicz and Scott (Kate) Starowicz.  Her great grandchild, Skylar Starowicz. Her sister, Violet (late Albert) Panek of Batavia. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was the sister of the late; Harriet (Stanley) Rogowski, Sister Mary Ignatia, CSSF, Stanley (Mary) Wiater, John (Pearl) Wiater and Walter Wiater.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and memories with the family on Sunday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10 am at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church) followed by interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

The Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at the Funeral Home on Sunday at 1:30 pm.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions in the form of Mass Offerings.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD P. KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR. 

Paul Lagano

By T.J. Woodward

Paul Lagano, 84 of Batavia died July 4th at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. Mr. Lagano loved music and playing the Accordion.

He is survived by two nephews Richard (Nancy); Robert (Beth) Weber both of Cheektowaga; two nieces Theresa (Alan) Turner of Fairport; Frances Smith of Buffalo.

A Graveside service will take place 11:00 AM on Sat. July 7th at Mt. Calvary Cemetery 800 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd. Cheektowaga, NY 14225.

Memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia Activities Fund 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

 

RONALD W. KOMAR

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Age 63, of Elba, died Tuesday July 3, 2012 at his home. He was born December 9, 1948 in Johnstown, PA, a son of the late Andrew & Henrietta (Kirchner) Komar.

     Ron was a former service manager at Vermeer in Alexander for many years, a 4H Leader, member of the 2 Cylinder Club and the current President of the Historical Society of Elba. In his free time he enjoyed going to auctions, gardening and most of all participating in parades and showing off his 1951 John Deere B, that he restored. Ron loved and was very proud of his grandkids and the time spent working and teaching them his many skills.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Norma (Knupp) Komar of Elba; daughters Laura (Thomas) Landolf of Hornby, NY, Amy (Ed) Vlack of Elba and April (David) Craig of Springville; 4 brothers; 4 sisters; 10 grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM on Friday July 6 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will take place 10:00 AM Saturday July 7. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Research Center @ Strong Memorial Hospital. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500.

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

    

ANTHONY J. IRRERA JR.

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Age 76, of Batavia, known by many as "Junior" and former co-owner of Elchar Tool Specialists died Monday July 2, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born November 26, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Anthony J. and Michelina (Fraterrigo) Irrera.

     Anthony attended Batavia Vocational School and graduated from Batavia Hign School in 1954. He worked at Sylvania and Dohler Jarvis for many years where he learned his lifelong trade. In 1971, he and partners established Elchar Tool Specialists and later expanded to include Genesee Precision Co. In 1991, he retired due to ill health. This motivated him to explore new ventures that included cooking, woodworking, church activities and golf. He enjoyed spending Saturdays shopping for tools and gourmet Italian foods and morning breakfasts with friends and the staff at Miss Batavia Diner. He was a regular at Tim Horton's on Sundays with his church friends. He was a lifelong member of Ascension Parish, NYS National Guard, former St. Nicholas Club, Our Lady of Loretto and the St. Nicholas Society. The faith, strength, courage and humor he showed will always be held dear in the hearts of his family.

     He is survived by his wife of 53 years Lillian (Spadaro) Irrera of Batavia; daughters Julie (David) Corbelli of Elma and Cathy (Joseph) Stout of Attica; brother Roger (Carol) Irrera and sister Michelle (Michael) McNally both of Batavia; his grandchildren Ryan and Alex Corbelli and Collin and Lydia Stout along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     There is no prior visitation, family and friends are invited to attend a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial Thursday July 5 at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Site). Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main Street or Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500.

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

Doris S. Bennion

By T.J. Woodward

Doris S. Bennion, age 90, of Perry, was born in Castile, New York on June 29, 1921 a daughter of the late George A. and May Torrens Stanton. Doris retired from the former Champion Products in 1983 where she worked in the sewing department. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Perry, Methodist Women of the Church, and Senior Citizens Club of Perry. She enjoyed baking goodies for many people to enjoy, traveling, and most especially enjoyed the company of her family. She is preceded in death by her husband Henry Bennion who died in 1994, son Daniel Bennion who died in 2004, son-in-law Richard Bowles and a sister Hazel Parhalo.

She is survived by a daughter: Mary Bowles of Silver Springs, 2 sons: Dr. Donald (Gene) Bennion of Ann Arbor, MI, William Bennion of Perry, a daughter-in-law: Cathy Bennion of Perry, a sister: Susanne Blythe of Perry, 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, her best friend: Mary Gates of Perry, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday June 29th (her 91st birthday) at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Services will be held on Saturday June 30th at 11:00 am at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Grace Cemetery in Castile.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church 35 Covington St. Perry, New York 14530 or to the Eastside Nursing Facility (Activities Fund) 62 Prospect St. Warsaw, NY 14569. 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. 

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