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Obituaries

Loren B. Manchester, Jr.

By Joshua Smith

Mr. Loren B. Manchester, Jr.
Batavia - Mr. Loren B. Manchester, Jr., 90, a retired teacher at Attica Central School, died Monday, May 3, 2010at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Manchester was born April 28, 1920 in Batavia, the son of the late Loren and Marie Brevick Manchester.

A lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia he served as a deacon, elder and trustee. He also was a member of many various committees of the Church and sang in the choir. A graduate of Alfred University with a BA degree and a graduate of University of Buffalo with a Masters in Education he taught science at Attica Central School for 35 years. During his tenure at Attica he was awarded two National Science Foundation grants in the field of Biological Science.

He was a World War II veteran with the US Army serving as a surgical technician at the 128th General Hospital both in the US and England.

Since retiring in 1981 he was involved in many community organizations. He was a Literacy Volunteer, served on the Board of the Genesee Symphony, past President of the Grandview Cemetery Association, a charter member of the Holland Land Harmonizers, a volunteer at UMMC and a member of the National Watch and Clock Association. For over 30 years he and his wife participated in many antique shows. He enjoyed repairing antique clocks, golf, gardening and playing the piano.

He was the husband of the late Esther Tanner Manchester, father of the late Loren B. Manchester, III, who was killed in an automobile accident and brother of the late Richard Manchester.

Survivors include his daughter, Nance (Jack) Francisco of Penn Yan; a granddaughter, Amie Francisco; a grandson, John Francisco and a dear friend, Robert Patrick of Batavia.

There will be no prior visitation. Services will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 7, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia. Memorials may be made to Organ Fund of the 1st Presbyterian Church or the UMMC Foundation, 127 North St., both Batavia, NY 14020. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery. Arrangements were completed by the H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, NY.

Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

 

Richard J. Fink, M.D.

By Joshua Smith

Bergen -  Richard J. Fink, M.D., 95, of Bergen, a physician for 53 years, died Saturday, May 1, 2010at New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia.

Dr. Fink was born November 27, 1914 in Rochester, the son of the late George B. and Lena (Hoak) Fink.

A graduate of the University of Rochester, he graduated from Georgetown Medical School in 1940 and served with the U.S. Army from 1941-1945. He was a physician for 53 years having affiliations with Bausch & Lomb, St. Mary’s Hospital and the former Park Avenue Hospital. A member of St. Brigid’s Church, he was a member of the Monroe County Medical Association, Morgan Manning House Historical Society, Historical Society of Bergen and was a life master in bridge. He was a former member of the Bergen Town Planning Board.

His beloved wife, Dorothy (Kraus) Fink, died December 6, 2007.

Survivors include 5 children, Dottie (John) Lootens of Rochester, Richard Fink II of Bergen, Ted (Jan) Fink, M.D. of Shelburne, VT,  Jeanne (Mike) Arnold of Syracuse and Gary (Kate) Fink of Bergen, 16 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Eric Anthony Fink and brother of the late Clara Beuckman and Alice Sadler.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake St., Bergen, A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson St., Bergen. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice in his name or to Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, NY 14416.  Burial will be in St. Brigid's Cemetery.   Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Joseph Michael Forti

By Joshua Smith

Joseph Michael Forti

Batavia - Joseph Michael Forti, 88, of Batavia, manager of the former Forti's Grocery Store in LeRoy, died Friday, April 30, 2010at Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia.

Mr. Forti was born May 24, 1921 in Batavia, the son of the late Michelangelo and Rose (Corcimiglia) Forti.

He was a member of Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph's Church and also worked at Tops Market.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen K. (Kelly) Forti whom he married  October 29, 1955; 3 sons, Paul (Linda) Forti of LeRoy, Joseph Forti of Arlington, VA and Louis (Michele) Forti of Wyoming, NY; a sister, Elizabeth Forti of LeRoy; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was the brother of the late John, Carmella, Anthony, Samuel and Nunzio Forti, Lena Macaluso and Sister Mary Forti, RSM

Friends may call on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St., Batavia. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Site. Memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or to Sisters of Mercy, 625 Abbott Rd., Buffalo, NY 14220. Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum in Batavia. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  

 

PAULINE FORKL

By Michael Tomaszewski

Age 89, of Batavia, died Thursday morning April 29, 2010 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. She was born August 31, 1920 in Neinkirchen, Austria daughter of the late Frank & Nowak (Parr) Forkl, also preceded in death by her sisters Mary Estrager, Frances "Vi" Yueckstock, Dorothy Weiner and brother Frank Forkl. She attended school #55 in Buffalo and the Burgard Night School, an X-Ray Tech for many years in California with McDonald Douglas and also Deaconess Hospital in Buffalo.

Surviving are her siblings Norm Forkl of N. Tonawanda, Ruth (Warner) Hopkins of Attica and Betty (George) Heissenberger of Rochester along with many dear nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday May 2, 2010 from 2-4 PM at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will immediately follow. Burial will be in Buffalo Cemetery and memorial suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. For more information please call Michael at (585) 343-7500.

Antoinette M. Desimone

By T.J. Woodward

Antoinette M. Desimone, 91 of Batavia, NY died April 28, 2010 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

She was born September 8, 1918 in Perry, daughter of the late Frank (Rose Massa) Sardina.  

Mrs. Desimone was a member of Ascension Parish St. Anthony’s Church for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Desimone (1968); two brothers Frank and Samuel Sardina; sister-in-law Grace Sardina. She is survived by Sons Charles A. (JoAnn) Desimone of FL; John (Carol) Desimone of Brockport; sister Josephine Natolie of Batavia; sisters-in-law Rose LaGeorgia and Lois Sardina both of Perry; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 PM on Monday May 3, 2010 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:00 AM on Tuesday May 4, 2010 at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 AM at Ascension Parish St. Anthony’s Church 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020.

BURIAL: St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester 99 Victor Road Fairport, NY 14450 or to the donor’s choice. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, Ny 14020 

Marjorie H. Bollech

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mrs. Marjorie H. Bollech, 87, of Batavia, died Thursday, (April 29, 2010) at her home.

Mrs. Bollech was born September 9, 1922 in Waterloo, a daughter of the late Glen and Jessie (Kehr) Kidd.

Mrs. Bollech was a teacher's aide at Genesee Valley B.O.C.E.S. in Batavia.  She was a member of Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church, where was a member of St. Joseph's Sodality. Mrs. Bollech was also a member of St. Jerome's Guild and enjoyed her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons, Walter Thomas (Margaret) Bollech of Dover, Delaware and David (Linda) Bollech of Geneva; a sister, Alice (Earl T.) Wadhams of Phelps; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She is the wife of the late Walter Bollech and sister of the late Harold Kidd.

Calling hours are Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waterloo. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

 

MARY KATHRYN BRILL (nee Peck), RN

By Michael Tomaszewski

Age 89. April 24, 2010 died peacefully at her home in Batavia, NY, where she was a long time resident.

Born in Shade Gap, PA on March 12, 1921, daughter of the late Francis & Elsie (Everett) Peck, she was the wife of the late Dr. James Robert Brill of Jamestown, NY. She was a 1943 graduate of the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital School of Nursing (formerly known as Jefferson Medical College Hospital) in Philadelphia, PA, and served in WWII in the elite U.S. Army Nurse Corps, during which time she was a first lieutenant nurse anesthetist at Woodrow Wilson Hospital in Staunton, VA. She was one of the last surviving WWII women veterans in the Western New York area. During her nursing career, she worked in many area hospitals, and assisted her late husband in his practice in Randolph, NY.

She is survived by five children: Kandace (late Christian) Lombart, Amherst; Kirk (Barbara) Brill, NE; Kegan Brill, Kenmore; Kathryn Ann Brill, Ithaca; and Kayla (James) Biltucci, Rochester and eight grandchildren: Laurence Marie (John), Karine Anne, Patrick, Breton, Britanny (Josh), Trevor, Alana and Lilli.

Also surviving Mrs. Brill are two sisters, Artemus (Max) Reck, Ill.; Genevieve Salingo, FL; and one brother David (Ruth) Peck, PA; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. J.R. Brill who died Jan. 1 , 1980; by three sisters Margaret Burdge, Erma Smith Murphy; Hazel Pendergast Krick and by a brother Harry Peck.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Friday April 30 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020 where prayers 9:30 AM Saturday May 1 will be followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site) 16 Ellicott Street in Batavia. Donations may be made to the Mary Kathryn Peck Brill Nursing Scholarship c/o the M.S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC. Burial will be with her late husband in Randolph Cemetery. Questions may be directed to Michael Tomaszewski at (585) 343-7500.

    

Mrs. Joan L. Dwyer

By Joshua Smith

Alexander - Mrs. Joan L. Dwyer, age 61, of Alexander, who loved spending time with her grandchildren, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2010 at her home.

Mrs. Dwyer was born December 2, 1948, in Dansville, a daughter of the late James and Maude Dann Dwyer.

She is survived by her longtime companion, Edward Woodrich of Alexander; two sons, Daniel Leiston of Batavia and John (Crystal) Leiston, Jr. of Alexander; a daughter, Alison Leiston of Basom; two brothers, James (Donna) Dwyer of Oakfield and Brian (Kathy) Dwyer of Oklahoma; five sisters, Cynthia (Richard) Brinkman of Elba, Colleen (Dwight) Porter of Missouri, Leslie Veeley of Oklahoma, Sharon Anzalone of Oakfield and Carline Kruchten of Mount Morris; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 10 to 12 p.m. Friday at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue where a prayer service will be held at 12 p.m. Memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be made at burdettandsanford.com.

Samuel F. Campo

By T.J. Woodward

Samuel F. Campo, 86, of Batavia, NY died Saturday April 24, 2010 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Born September 23, 1923 in Avon, NY son of the late Anthony (Filomena Cinquemani) Campo, Sr.,  Mr. Campo worked for many years at Graham Manufacturing in Batavia. 

Preceded in death by brothers Gerald and Dr. Joseph Campo; sister Philomena Campo. Survivors include Wife Jaqueline (Wilkes) Campo of Batavia; daughters Joann (Philip) O’Geen of LeRoy; Teresa (Mark) Giesler of Batavia; Deborah L. Smith of Batavia; Cathryn (Patrick) McCay of Pittsburgh, PA; brothers Dr. Anthony (Georgia) Campo of Skaneateles; Dr. Robert (Gail) Campo of Ilion; grandchildren Mark, Donald, Amy, Jessica, Chad, Matthew, Sara, Ryan, Charles, 11 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Wed. April 28, 2010 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow calling hours 1:00 PM. Burial in Grand View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Richmond Memorial Library 19 Ross St. Batavia, NY 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 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

 

Mrs. Marian Van

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Mrs. Marian Van, 101, a retired teacher and social worker in Chicago, prior to moving to Oakfield, died Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Van was born July 22, 1908 in Chicago, the daughter of the late Ernest L. and Florence M. Brazie Farnsworth.

Her husband, the Rev. Clarence Van, died in1995.

Mrs. Van was a member of the Oakfield United Methodist Church and was active in the local and district mission work of the church. She graduated from North Central College in Illinois and attended the Evangelical Theological Seminary. She was a member of the AARP and the Retired Teachers of Chicago and the local senior centers. 

Survivors include a dear friend, Peggy Smith of Batavia, many friends from the Oakfield United Methodist Church, step children and step grandchildren.

Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanfordfuneralhome.com.There are no prior calling hours. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Oakfield United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield, NY 14125. Burial will be in Chicago.

 
Arrangements were completed by the Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.

Linda M. Gibson

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Linda M. Gibson, 64, of Oakfield, passed away on Friday, (April 23, 2010)at Crossroads House.

She was born in Batavia on May 4, 1945, a daughter of the late Carl and Avis (Hamilton) Scroger.

Linda was a retired Genesee County employee with over 25 years of service. She enjoyed vacationing with her beloved family, spending time with her grandchildren and shopping with her sisters.

Survivors include a son, Scott (Kim) Gibson of Oakfield; two daughters, Phyllis (Dan) Grefrath of Syracuse and Anita (Bill) Cleveland of Oakfield; six grandchildren, Zach, Garrett and Erica Gibson, Brian Grefrath and Chelsea and Christian Cleveland; a brother, Jerry (Lois) Scroger of Hilton; two sisters, Barb (Dick) Cole of Oakfield and Cheryl (Phil) Marshall of Orchard Park; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours are Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, Attn: Melanoma Center, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, N.Y. 14228 or Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Dolores C. Figlow

By T.J. Woodward

Dolores C. Figlow, 86 of Batavia, NY died April 21, 2010 at Crossroads House in Batavia.

She was born July 31, 1923 in Batavia, NY daughter of the late Angelo (Adeline Sangus) Cecere.

Mrs. Figlow was a WWII Navy Veteran and retired from the Batavia VA Medical Center. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, the Altar & Rosary Society, St. Jerome’s Hospital Guild, St. Michael Society, St. Joseph’s Sacristan, Minster of Praise Associate, member of Felician Order, Sacred Heart Altar & Rosary Society and the VA Employees Union. 

Preceded in death by her husband Ralph Figlow Sr. (1993); brothers Albert, William, Victor, Richard, Anthony, Joseph, Arthur, Louis and Lester, sisters Mary Chaya and Edna Predmore. Survivors include sons Ralph (Teresa) Figlow, Jr. of PA; Paul Figlow of Batavia; daughter Mary Jo (Richard) Rhinehart of FL; brother Donald Cecere of AZ; sister Adeline (Francis) Gioia of Batavia, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews also survive.

Calling hours and Memorial Service will be held at some point in mid May and will be announced. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph's Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorials suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry pleases visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

 

Shirley M. Long

By T.J. Woodward

Long, Shirley M.  Age 80 of Akron, NY entered into rest April 21, 2010.

Survived by her husband John J. Long of Akron sons Karl (Sandra) Long of TN; Curtis (JoAnn) Long of Kenmore; daughters Karen (Douglas) Sandy of Clarence; Darlene (Jim) Dylag of Corfu; Christine (Jeffrey) Thuman of Barker; sister Florence (Thomas) Housholder of OH; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Predeceased by daughter Sharon Long, parents Raymond (Mary Thomas) Miller. Services will be private and burial will take place in PA. Memorials suggested to the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260.

Frank Spiotta

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Mr. Frank Spiotta, 66, of Oakfield, died Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at his home.

Mr. Spiotta was born July 25, 1943 in Batavia, the son of the late Anthony and Columba Orsni Spiotta.

Survivors include three sons, Frank (Sue) Spiotta of Alexander, Anthony Michael (Debbie Willimott) Spiotta of Albion and Timothy (Susan) Spiotta of Oakfield; the children’s mother, Marie Spiotta of Oakfield; eight grandchildren, Erin Burdett, Nicole (Ed) Reid, Courtney, Lydia, Ariel and Jewelean Spiotta, Haley Kirby and T. Hunter Spiotta; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Kaitlyn and Jackson; a dear family friend, "Big Nick" (Marcia) Calarco of Oakfield; a cousin, Fran (Angela) Spiotta of Batavia; two aunts, Joyce & JoAnn and several cousins survive.

He is predeceased by his sister, Loretta Spiotta.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurses Association of WNY, Inc., 61 Swan Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, New York 14228.Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Roger I. Speed

By Joshua Smith

Elba – Mr. Roger I. Speed, 74, of Elba, passed away Friday, (April 16, 2010) at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida after a brief illness.

Mr. Speed was born on October 17, 1935 in Batavia, the son of the late Anson and Helen (Rowcliffe) Speed.

He graduated from Elba Central School in 1953. He served eight years in the Naval Air Reserves. He was a member of the Elba Fire Department for 55 years. Also, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elba, a charter member of the Ridge Hunt Club and the Rotary Club.

For over 30 years he owned Roger Speed Well Drilling and Pump business from which he retired in 1995. The family continued to look to Roger for guidance on various family projects. He instilled in his family his honesty, integrity, workmanship and a love for one another. He was skilled in many ways and passed his knowledge on to them all.

Roger lived in Elba his entire life shared by family and many friends. He built his house and raised his family on West Avenue next door to the Speed family homestead where his family lived for three generations. With the passing of his father, he remodeled the farmhouse where he spent his remaining years.      

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed camping and traveling. Hunting season was like a national holiday and his hunting buddies were very dear to him. As a gifted musician, he was able to play many instruments including piano, organ, guitar and drums and usually carried a harmonica ready to play. He especially loved Scottish music and enjoyed traveling to follow pipe and drum competitions.

He spent many hours with his grandsons giving tractor rides, 4-wheeler rides and boat rides and especially enjoyed attending their sporting events. 

He will always be remembered as “Golden Boy” to his whole family. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy (Gillette) Speed of Elba; three daughters, Ellen (Peter) Van Buskirk of North Port, Florida, Sharon (Robert) MacLeod of Liverpool and Lisa (Frank) Penna of Elba; seven grandsons, Nathan and Nicholas Van Buskirk, Kevin, Jason and Philip MacLeod, Frankie and Angelo Penna; four sisters, Virginia (Kenneth) Mullen of Oakfield, Lucille ( late William) Schultz of Elba, Jeanette (Gerry) Grazioplene of Batavia, and Beverly (Jack) Hillabush of Elba and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by a granddaughter Desirae Van Buskirk.

Calling hours are Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba. Burial will be in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Fire Department, Elba Presbyterian Church or made payable to Nancy Speed for the purpose of purchasing a new base drum to be used by the Queens University Pipe Band in his memory. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  

 

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