Obituaries

Susan Wahr, 64 of Batavia, died July 27, 2012 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born August 21, 1947 in Buffalo to the late Lee (Joanna Klein) Sheasley. Sue was employed at United Memorial Medical Center in the Women’s Care Center and at the Batavia Nursing Home for many years in the office. She enjoyed her flower beds at home and baking.  The real joy in her life was her 6 grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by her companion of 25 years Paul Ficarella of Batavia; sons Jeffrey Wahr of Alden; Johnnie Wahr of Batavia; sister Audrey (James) Kirkwood of Indiana;  6 grandchildren Drew VanBuren, Carson Ficarella, Dellany Maxwell, Alexis, Miles, and Lydia Wahr

Friends may call on Sunday July 29, 2012 from 4 to 8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company Inc. 329-333 West Main St Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM on Monday July 30, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

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.

Arthur L. Kirkum, 75 of Batavia, died July 22, 2012 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on May 22, 1937 in Cameron, NY to the late Elmer (Martha Vanzile) Kirkum. Art enjoyed horses and was well known as a member of the Niagara Frontier Horseman's Association and a lifelong member of the Attica Rodeo Association. He also had a lifelong passion for hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, stockcar racing, and NASCAR. He will be fondly remembered as a skilled gardener by those that frequented his roadside stand and for his weekly trips to local auctions where he sold his produce. He retired from My-T- Acres in 1995 after 33 years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Geraldine E. (Shoemaker) Kirkum of Batavia; son Ritchie Kirkum of Oakfield; daughters Deborah Kirkum of Batavia; Brenda (Peter) Chartraw of Oakfield; grandchildren Ritchie (Jennifer) Kirkum Jr., Jason, Jared, Paige Kirkum, Nicole Burlock, Melissa, Lindsay Bartholf, David Bartholf Jr., Bridget, Brooke Chartraw, great-grandchildren Riley, Colin Kirkum, Jonathon, Jacob Stewart, two sisters along with many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at the Alabama Fire hall on  August 11, 2012 at 1:00 PM.     

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.

Shirley Bellinger Chadwick, 82 of Buffalo, died peacefully on Tuesday (July 24, 2012) with her children at her side.

She was born Shirley Jewel Bellinger on June 12, 1930, a daughter of the late John and Elsie (Cook) Bellinger.

Shirley lived her entire life in the Buffalo area.  She was top of her class throughout her schooling career.  In grades 7 and 8, she recieved the Jessie Ketchum award, being top in her class.  She graduated from Layfette High School where she was valedictorian, then went to Buffalo State College and received her Batchelor's Degree where she was top of her class. Then she pursued her Masters Degree in Education.  She taught in the LeRoy School District for three years before moving to Williamsville, where she spent the next 25 years raising four children.  She was a part-time piano teacher, helping develop the Robert Pace music program. She was very active in the Pendleton Free Methodist Church and the Genesee Conference for over 30 years, being a Free Methodist her entire life.
She was also very active at Lighthouse Christian Camp from childhood, never missing a camp for 71 years.  She was a Girl Scout growing up and as an adult, she was active in developing programs in the Williamsville community. 

She was married to George F. Chadwick for a happy 54 years until his death in 2006.  She was an animal lover, especially her cats.  For 44 years she had two Siamese cats living in her home, replacing each as they would pass away.

Survivors include her two sons, Rev. John (Patti) Chadwick of Batavia and David (Denise) Chadwick of Newfane.  Two daughters, Peggy (Tom) Garcia of Hamburg and Sharyl Chadwick of Clarence.  Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grancchildren.

She was the sister of the late Elsie Cropp.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday (July 27th), 11am at J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A luncheon will follow at Northgate Free Methodist Church South Campus, 350 Bank Street, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society or a favorite animal shelter.

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

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

     Family and friends are invited to attend an 11:00 AM Graveside Service on Wednesday July 25 at Cary Cemetery in Oakfield for Ralph who died March 6, 2012 at his home in Batavia. Memorials in his memory are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF RALPH E. SHIPLEY WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

     Age 91, of Oakfield, died peacefully Sunday evening July 21, 2012 at Crossroads House. She was born July 5, 1921 in Rochester, NY, daughter of the late George & Ida (Sutter) Welker also preceded in death by her husband Henry Seager in 1982 along with two brothers and two sisters.

     Mrs. Seager was an avid card player, animal lover who raised many cats and dogs over the years. Arline was very family oriented and happiest when she was with her late husband and family.

     There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be held privately by the family. Memorials in Arline's memory are suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia or the Genesee County Animal Shelter. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Jonathan Martinez, 24, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (July 23, 2012) at Crossroads House in Batavia.

He was born in Bronx, NY on May 10, 1988, a son of Juan Martinez of Bronx, NY and Migdalia Vazquez of Batavia, NY.

Jonathan was employed as a waiter at the Mi Rancho Viejo Restaurant in Batavia and enjoyed basketball and had a great sense of humor.  He was a respectful gentleman and was a wonderful father to his little girl.

Surviving besides his parents, is his daughter Jonelis M. Martinez of Batavia. Sisters, Sylvia (Arturo Ramirez) Castillo of Batavia, Cynthia (Rohan) Hanson of Florida, Elena Vega and Ruth Martinez, both of Batavia.  Eight nieces and nephews, several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday (July 24th), 7pm at New Hope Church, 8052 Bank St. Rd., Batavia.  Funeral services and interment will take place in Manati, Puerto Rico.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

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 Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Angeline M. Oliver, 88 of Batavia died peacefully on July 23, 2012 at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia surrounded by her family. She was born September 13, 1923 in Batavia to the late Samuel (Antoinette Irrera) Oddo Sr.. Mrs. Oliver owned and operated Angie’s Beauty Salon in Batavia. She was an avid Bingo player that enjoyed cooking, baking, entertaining and most of all loved spending time with her family. She is preceded in death by two grandsons Stephen D., Douglas J. Smith Jr., great-grandson Landon Smith; step-son Warren M. Oliver; step-daughter Ronnie L. Laskaras; brothers Nicholas; William and Anthony Oddo.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years Ronald R. Oliver of Batavia; sons Douglas J. (Valerie) Smith of Batavia; Arthur J. (Trisha) Smith of Corfu; daughters Kathi I. (Robert) Peffer of Cypress, TX; Pamela A. (Ed Keene) Smith of Batavia; Deanna M. Degeest of Batavia; step-sons David M. Oliver of Dalton; Keith P. (Vicki) Oliver of Lyndonville; step-daughter Cynthia P. Jakubisn; brothers Joseph (Frances) Oddo; Samuel (Theresa) Oddo; Richard (Donna) Oddo all of Batavia; sisters Sarah (Charles) Passamonte of Batavia; Katherine (Bart) Turchiarelli of Williamsville; Anne (Nicholas) DiStefano of West Seneca; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM on Thursday July 26, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 11:00 AM Funeral Services will take place on Friday July 27, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.     

Memorials are suggested to the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, New York 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.

Mrs. Antoinette D. Fietz, “Toni”, age 85, of East Bethany, born Antoinette Adragna, passed away peacefully Sunday (July 22, 2012) at suppertime at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Fietz was born September 28, 1926 inNew York City, NY, the daughter of the late Filippo and Angelina (Briguccia) Adragna.

Toni attended Ladycliff College and Fordham University, and graduated from Boston University in 1948.  She was married to Richard F. Fietz, Jr. that same August.  They moved to Batavia in 1956 and to the home they had built in Bethany in 1958.  Toni worked as an accountant at Sylvania until becoming a homemaker with the birth of her daughter in 1965.  She was an active baker, sewer and quilter, and enjoyed her participation in the Museum Quilt Guild and the Log Cabin Quilt Guild, where she made many friends.  She also enjoyed a number of trips to Europe, especially Italy, and to Hawaii.  She was a loving and devoted mother and wife.

She had cheated death many times, lastly when she had a major brain tumor removed in May, 2011.  Following that surgery, she returned to being very talkative, mobile, and was able to enjoy a large party with family and friends for her 85th birthday.

Toni is survived by her husband, Richard F. Fietz, Jr.; her daughter, Tricia Fietz; her grandsons, Alexander Fietz Saldarriaga, Giovanny Fietz and Diego Fietz; a granddaughter-in-law, Yveth Saldarriaga; and two great-grandchildren, Esmeralda Layla Saldarriaga and Piero Alessandro Saldarriaga.

Calling hours are Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  As per the family’s wishes there will be no service.

Memorials may be made to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, 5253 Old Telephone Road, East Bethany, NY 14054.  To light a candle, share a story or leave a condolence please visit  www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.   

Age 91, of Batavia, died Saturday evening July 21, 2012 at the Batavia Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 18, 1921 in Batavia, daughter of the late Frederick & Clara (Sheer) Foster, also preceded in death by an infant daughter Darylynn Amidon, daughter Madonna Babcock and brother Frederick Foster.

She was a member of Resurrection Parish and attended the senior center where she played cribbage. She loved to shop, was an avid reader, quilter, enjoyed needlepoint and was very active with her friends. Dorothy had a great love for her family and was always eager to let others know how wonderful they were and how proud she was of them. She and her husband spent many good years traveling and enjoyed their many animals, especially her cat, "Honey".

Surviving is her husband of 73 years Gordon Amidon of Batavia; loving daughters Kathleen (David) Cutitta of Batavia, Tamara (late Charles) Augello and Dawn (Paul) Hough both of Elba; sisters Doris Pask of LeRoy & Norma Hale of Batavia; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews & friends.

Family and friends may visit from 4-7 PM on Tuesday July 24 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30 AM followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site). Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in Dorothy's memory can be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Sarah E. "Sally" Burt, 93 of Perry died July 20, 2012 at Eastside Nursing Home in Warsaw. She was born in Cuylerville on November 13, 1918 to the late Alex (Ellen Rainer) Johnson. Mrs. Burt owned and operated Burt’s Lumber for 59 years. She was a member of the Brick Presbyterian Church for 60 years. She is preceded in death by her husband William "Bill" Burt in 1997. 

She is survived by her children Joyce (Joe) Kennedy of Rochester, Robert Burt of Perry, and Judy (Dave) Phillips of Silver Springs, 2 grandchildren Morgan and Sarah, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM on Monday July 23, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Funeral Services will beTuesday July 24, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Brick Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery.

In Lieu memorials may be made to the Brick Presbyterian Church, 6 Church Street Perry, NY 14530 or to the East Side Nursing Home, 62 Prospect Street 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 St. Perry, New York 14530.

Martha Ciurzynski, 95, of Akron, died Wednesday (July 18, 2010) at Genesee County Nursing Home.

She was born in Glenns Falls, NY on December 20, 1916, a daughter of the late George and Carrie Joseph Abraham. 

Her husband, Chester Ciurzynski died on October 22, 1990.

Mrs. Ciurzynski was a member of St. Teresa of Avilla RC Church and the Church Ladies Guild.  She enjoyed the neighborhood sewing club, knitting and crocheting. 

Surviving are two sons, Richard (Lynne) Ciurzynski of Ft. Myers, Fl and  Chester (Kay) Ciurzynski of Basom.  Seven grandchildren: Michael, David, Mark, Alan, Laura, Benjamin and Jenny.  Several great grandchildren also survive.   Daughter in law, Shirley Ciurzynski of Akron.  Sister, Carrie Brockway of Lockport.  She is the mother of the late Robert Ciurzynski who died in 2011 and sister of the late Joseph and George Abraham, Janet Newcomb, Mary Day and Julia Richardson.

Friends of the family are invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Friday from 4 – 8 pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 32 JOHN ST., AKRON where prayers will be Saturday at 10:15 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Teresa of Avilla RC Church, Akron.

Burial will follow in St. Teresa’s Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Genesee County Nursing Home Activities Unit, 278 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, LICENSED DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR. 

Age 25, of Batavia, died Sunday July 15, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born October 14, 1986 in Fern Park, FL, a daughter of Martha (Winer) Pontillo of New Mexico and the late James V. Pontillo Jr.

Jeanne graduated in 2005 from Batavia High School with a regent's diploma and was voted most inproved in her senior year. A member of the Faith Community Chapel and its choir, she volunteered at the Gensee County Nursing Home and did mission work in Honduras, Mexico, Belize & Texas with her brother Jimmy. Jeanne was always of sound mind and full of grace, kind, generous and forgiving. She had a love of children and they loved her, Jeanne was fascinated by the Japanese and Egyptian cultures and someday hoped to visit both.

Surviving along with her mother is her brothers, Jimmy of Byron, Luke of New Mexico, sister Corrina (Jeff) Holmes of New Mexico and half-brother Nicholas of LeRoy; paternal grandmother Jeanne E. Pontillo of LeRoy; maternal grandmother Mercedes B. Winer of San Diego, CA; special great uncle Jim Eichelberger of Maryland, uncles Eric & David Winer both of San Diego; nieces Ariel Pontillo of Byron & Amorah Holmes of New Mexico along with many cousins and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 3-7 PM on Friday July 20 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of her Life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday July 21. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in Jeanne's memory are suggested to the family to be used for her favorite charity. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Sammie Lee Scott, 49 of Batavia, died July 14, 2012 peacefully at home after a lengthy illness. He was born October 23, 1962 in Rochester to Sammy (Alice McKnight) Scott of Rochester. Sammie was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, he loved cooking, gardening and listening to music. He was a Chef, working locally at the Red Osier, Terry Hills, Sport of Kings and most recently at Settlers. Mr. Scott was a past member of New Bethel CME Church in Rochester. He is preceded in death by a son Scotty Johnson.  

Surviving along with his parents he is survived by his beloved wife Diane M. (Johnson) Scott of Batavia; son Jeffrey Johnson of Oakfield; daughter Kelly Johnson of Oakfield; step-son John Rolle of Elba; sisters Deborah Alexander, Alicia Scott, Jequesse Scott all of Rochester, along with several nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to attend calling hours from 11AM to 12 Noon on Friday July 20, 2012 at New Bethel CME Church 270 Scio St. Rochester, New York 14605. 12:00 Noon Funeral Services will be held on Friday July 20, 2012 at the Church.Interment will take place at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.

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.
 

Elinor B. Fisher, 75 of Batavia, died July 17, 2012 peacefully United Memorial Medical Center. She was born July 29, 1936 in Stafford. Mrs. Fisher worked as a Nurse for many years at the VA Hospital in Batavia. She was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in East Bethany. She is predeceased by three husbands Edward Fisher, Clifton Young, Samuel Guiliano; daughter Mary Ann Sanchez and her parents.

She is survived by her daughter Loretta (Kevin) Helmer of Buffalo; many brothers and sisters; 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will take place on Thursday July 19, 2012, 1:00 PM at Stafford Rural Cemetery in Stafford.

Memorials may be made to HomeCare and Hospice 550 East Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. 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.

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.