Obituaries

Ralph L. Torcello, 84 of Batavia and Silver Lake died Monday May 17, 2010 at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.

He was born August 26, 1925 in Batavia, New York. Son of the late William A. (Gertrude Perry) Torcello.

Mr. Torcello was a master plumber and the owner of Torcello Plumbing and Heating in Batavia for many years.

He was a World War II Army Veteran, member of Ascension Parish (St. Anthony’s Church), the Knights of Columbus and the former St. Nicholas Social Club.

He is preceded in death by his brothers William M. and Michael Torcello and a sister Marguerite Yerger.

Ralph is survived by his sisters Mary Vallese and Grace Nichols, both of Batavia, and Rosemarie (Darrel) Canfield of Las Vegas, NV, a brother Arthur Torcello of Las Vegas, NV. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours from 8 to 9 AM on Thursday May 20, 2010 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc.

Prayers will be recited at 9:00 AM on Thursday following calling hours at the Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM in Ascension Parish, St. Anthony’s Church 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. 

The family suggests memorials to a charity of the donor’s choice or for Mass Offerings in his name.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Batavia - Mrs. Diana Pott Nanni, 70, of Batavia, formerly of Oakfield, died Saturday, May 15, 2010at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.

Mrs. Nanni was born April 18, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Geraldine Horvath of Batavia and the late John Pott.

She served with the Women's Army Corps from 1960 – 1961.

Survivors include two sons, Raymond S. (Dr. Susan Knight) Nanni of Spring Hill, Tennessee and Jason C. Nanni of Oakfield; a daughter, Teri M. (Scott) Nanni-Boring of Oakfield; nine grandchildren, Airman Allan W. Whitcroft, Jr. of Mississippi, Jennifer A. Whitcroft of LeRoy, James C. Whitcroft of Churchville, Laura E. Whitcroft of Oakfield, Samantha L. Boring of Oakfield,  Megan K. Boring of Batavia, Michael E. Boring of Batavia, Ryan S. Nanni of Batavia and Kayla R. Nanni of Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Friends may call on Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where a prayer service will follow at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Age 66, of Batavia, died Friday morning May 14 at his home surrounded by his family while under the care of Hospice. Born November 10, 1943 in Buffalo son of the late John & Caroline (Schwartz) Finkney, he was preceded in death by a sister Pam Heineman, brothers Gerald and Kenneth Finkney.

An Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, he worked for over 20 years at US Gypsum. Mr. Finkney was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, trapping, camping and car repairs. Most important was time spent with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 43 years Nancy (Joyce) Finkney of Batavia; his children Tammy (Troy Glover) Finkney of Oakfield; John Finkney of Pembroke and James (Brooke) Finkney of Corfu. Siblings Ronald (Betty) Finkney of Corfu; Linda (Vince) Heineman of Oakfield; Lois (Loren) Faulker of Pembroke; Diane (Marvin) Rosenberg of Pembroke; Carol (Brian) O'Brien of Williamsville; a brother-in-law Gerard Heineman of Corfu. 10 grandchildren John, Christian, Jordan, Hannah and Cylie Finkney; Carl, Michael Shetler; Tyler Penepent; Cody & Blake Pahuta; 5 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There is no prior visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday May 22, 2010 at the St. Mary's Church Hall in East Pembroke. Memorial are suggested to the family.

Arrangements were completed by the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 ~ for more information call  (585) 343-7500. 

Basom - Mrs. Helen B. Kumpf, 93, of Basom, died Sunday, May 16, 2010at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mrs. Kumpf was born June 29, 1916 in Otter River, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Charles and Frances Bacewski Burbules, Sr.

Her husband, William Kumpf, died in 1993.

Survivors include a brother, Henry (Lorraine) Burbules of Basom; two sisters, Frances Zigrossi of Basom and Beatrice Cook of Medina; and a sister-in-law, Adeline Burbules of Williamsville.

She was the sister of the late Charles Burbules, Jr. and Mary B. Zigrossi.

Funeral services and burial will be private according to Mrs. Kumpf’s wishes. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements were completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Batavia - Mr. Joseph A. Coppini, 84, of Batavia, died Friday, (May 14, 2010)at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Coppini was born May 6, 1926 in Caledonia, a son of the late Peter and Angelina (Cappotelli) Coppini.

He worked for over 40 years at Lapp Insulator and was a veteran serving with the United States Army from 1950 to 1952. He was a member of Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph's Church and the American Legion Post #567 in LeRoy. Mr. Coppini also loved bowling.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine (Thompson) Coppini of Batavia, whom he married June 18, 1955; two daughters, Nancy Coppini of Batavia and Cathy Coppini of Perry; two brothers, Peter (Pearl) Coppini of Caledonia and Anthony (Barbara) Coppini of Silver Springs and several nieces and nephews.

He is a brother of the late Velma Merola, Olympia "Lee" DiLiberto, Louise Paladino, Beatrice Henry, Rita Ianiro, James Coppini, Albert Coppini, Carmen Coppini and Angelo Coppini.  

Calling hours are Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Site, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. Memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Edna J. Jenkins, 78 of Batavia, died Tuesday (May 11, 2010) at Batavia Nursing Home.

She was born in Warren Pa, on April 12, 1932 a daughter of the late Archibald and Julia Gaboa Smith.

Mrs. Jenkins was a LPN having worked for the Batavia Nursing Home and the former St. Jerome Hospital. She enjoyed knitting, creating crafts, watching football news and CSI. She was a wonderful cook and was a history enthusiast.

Surviving is a daughter, Dania Jenkins of Batavia. Three grandchildren: Dustin, Victoria and Elijah Bogue all of Batavia. Two sisters: Betty Cornwell of Corry, PA and Janet Snyder of VA. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call Saturday (May 15, 2010) from Noon to 2 PM at the J. Leonard Mcandrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia where services will commence at 2 PM. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Those desiring may make memorials to the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the: J. Leonard Mcandrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. Ronald P. Konieczny, Director & Veteran.

Cheektowaga - Mrs. Doris M. Wozniak, 85, of Cheektowaga, formerly of West Batavia, a store manager at Two Guys, Cheektowaga, died Wednesday, May 12, 2010at St. Francis of Williamsville. 

Mrs. Wozniak was born January 10, 1925 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Learine and Helen Mildred (Myers) Fuller.

She was a member of Ascension Parish, St. Anthony's Church, was a manager at Woolworth's and J.C. Penney's in Buffalo and worked at Ebling Laundry in Batavia.

Her husband, Joseph M. Wozniak, died August 15, 1986.

Survivors include a son, Joseph (Diann) Wozniak of Cheektowaga, 2 sisters, Mary Snyder of LeRoy, Geraldine Foster of Batavia, 2 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She is the sister of the late Elizabeth Cleveland and Shirley Munt.

Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where prayers at 9 a.m. Monday will be followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9:30 a.m. at Ascension Parish, St. Anthony's Site. Memorials may be made to Salvation Army, 529 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

South Alabama - Mrs. Pamela J. "Mamoo" VanBuren, 51, of South Alabama, passed away Monday, (May 10, 2010)at Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. VanBuren was born March 31, 1959 in Batavia, a daughter of Cecelia (Bomhoff) Maxwell of South Alabama and the late Joseph G.  Maxwell.

She was a crew leader at Prime Materials in Batavia. She enjoyed football and baseball and was a Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan.

Surviving along with her mother are her husband, Robert VanBuren of Batavia; a son, Jason VanBuren of Oakfield; a daughter, Chasity VanBuren of Oakfield; a sister, Bernie Maxwell of Rochester; two grandsons, Josiah and Cayden; a special friend, Heidi VanBuren; several aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Her brother, Dennis "Kraco" Maxwell passed away May 15, 2008 also of cancer.  

Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday also at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield. Memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Paxton Michael Brooks

LeRoy - Paxton Michael Brooks, son of Amy Kennedy and Matthew Brooks of LeRoy, died prior to birth on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Surviving along with his parents are his brother, Rhome Brooks of LeRoy; his sister, Haiden Brooks of LeRoy; his grandparents, Geraldine Cowell of LeRoy, Ann Kennedy of Batavia, Raymond Woeller of LeRoy and Michael Kennedy of Albion; several aunts, uncles.  

Friends may attend services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.   

Mr. Mervyn L. Greenaway, 79, of Basom, retired diesel mechanic at Penn Diesel in Amherst, died Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Greenaway was born September 27, 1930 in Portadown, Craigadon, Northern Ireland, a son of the late Alfred and Elizabeth Lennox Greenaway.

A member of the Oakfield Community Bible Church, he was a member of the Alabama Firemen's Exempts, over a 50 year member of Masonic Lodge No. 336 in Medina, Operating Engineers Local No. 17, a current member of the Town of Alabama planning board and was an amateur radio operator WA2OIY. He enjoyed golfing, puttering in his garage working on cars and tractors. Following his retirement from Penn Diesel, he worked security of Batavia Downs.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Beverly J. Greenaway on September 9, 2003.

He is survived by his wife of five years, Mary Michalski Greenaway; his daughter,Sharon Lynne (Carl) Wolff of North Tonawanda; a step-son,   Douglas (Michelle) Michalski of Buffalo; two step-daughters,  Joanne (Greg) O'Brien of Hamburg and Karen (Mark) Swietlik of Lake Orion, Michigan; three grandchildren, Lori (Darren) Siegmann of Pendleton, Tracey (Keith) Gross of Chesterfield, South Carolina and Brian (Tammy) Wolff of North Tonawanda; five step-grandchildren, Lauren O'Brien,Christina O'Brien and  Gregory O'Brien, all of Hamburg and Sarah Swietlik and Ted Swietlik, both of Lake Orion, Michigan; four great-grandchildren, Shelby and Colby Siegmann and Dale and Matthew Wolff; three sisters, Isobel (Fred) Drummond of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Elizabeth (Dean) Griffith of Blasdell and Dorothy (Stephen) Sipe of Frisco, Texas; a sister-in-law, Nora Greenaway of Portadown, Craigadon, Northern Ireland;  many good friends including Al (Ginny) Kropf of Basom and several nieces and nephews.

He is the brother of the late Gerald Greenaway.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where members of the Alabama Fire Department will meet at 7 p.m. for services and members of the Medina Masonic Lodge No. 336 will meet at 6:45 p.m. for services. His funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alabama Fire Department, P.O. Box 798, Basom, New York 14013 or to Medina Masonic Lodge No. 336, P.O. Box 49, Medina, New York 14103.Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Batavia - Mr. Richard D. Didget, 89, of Batavia, retired field representative for Upstate Milk Cooperative in LeRoy, died Thursday, May 6, 2010at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Didget was born May 19, 1920 in Batavia, a son of the late Walter Sr. and Effie Mae Minor Didget.

He served during World War II with the US Air Force. He was a member and was very active for many years in the First United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the United Methodist Men, Ingraham Class and Leadership Council. He was also a member of the WNY Sanitarian's Association through work. He was an avid gardener, golfer, woodworker and bowler.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Wendler Didget whom he married May 20, 1950; two daughters, Cheryl A. (Mark) McLaughlin of Gainesville, Florida and Laurel B. Didget of Liverpool; a grandson, Nathan McLaughlin of Gainesville, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

He is the brother of the late Harold, Walter, Jr. and Lloyd, Imogene Gallup, Ella Didget, Dorothy Cole and Joyce Beach.

There are no prior calling hours. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Earl E. Sheard, 89 of Bergen, NY died Wednesday May 5, 2010 at his home. 

Born September 28, 1920 in Rochester, NY son of the late Samuel (Mable Squires) Sheard. Mr. Sheard was the owner of Sheard Farms Gun Shop in Bergen for many years.

He was a member of Stone Church, the NRA, and SCOPE (Shooter Committee on Political Education). He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Margaret Willis Sheard of Bergen, sons Randolph L. (Nora) Sheard, Gary R. (Laurie) Sheard all of Bergen, and a sister Ethel Kingsbury of Bergen.  6 Grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren survive along with nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 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

Byron - Mrs. Jean C. Forsyth, 79, of Byron and Winter Haven, Florida, office manager for the former Comstock Foods in Bergen, died Wednesday, May 5, 2010at St. John's Home Rochester

Mrs. Forsyth was born July 18, 1930 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Franklin H. and Florence Bower Churchill.

She was a member of South Byron United Methodist Church and a 61 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Her husband, Richard J. Forsyth, died in 1999.

Survivors include three daughters, Cheryl Johnson of Churchville, Michelle (Steve) Alexander of Alabama and Debra (Kevin) Cummings of Churchville; six grandchildren,  Chad (Kelly) Johnson,  Adam (Diane) Cummings,  Amy Cummings,  Craig Alexander, Mark (Jenna) Alexander and Eric (Christina) Alexander; two great-grandchildren, Shaun and Dakota; a brother, Franklin (Joanne) Churchill of Brockport; a sister, Mary (Russell) Gillett of Perry and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

She was the mother of the late David Johnson.

Friends may call on Thursday  from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday. Burial will be in Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Office for the Aging, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the Byron Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 210, Byron, New York 14422. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Eleanor R. (Wild) Schultz - Bergen - May 4, 2010, Age 90. 

She graduated from the Syracuse University and was a member of St. Brigid's Church, serving on its Bereavement Committee.

She was predeceased by her husband, George J. Schultz, a Xerox retiree. 

Mrs. Schultz is survived by her 7 children, George (Diane) Schultz of Westerville, OH, Terry (Margo) Schultz of Penfield, Christine (Vic) LaBaro of Webster, Cathy (Richard) Evert of Penfield, Mary (John) Lanphear and Barbara (George) Hogan, both of Bergen and Ann (Doug) Kimmel of Holley; 19 grandchildren, Stephen (Tracy) Schultz of Houston, TX, Suzanne (Ron) Frissora and David (Deborah) Schultz both of Westerville, OH, Tommy Taylor of Ithaca, Justine (Steve) Koenigsberg of Belmont, MA, Colleen (David) Labman, Carolyn (Michael) Linehan, Julie (Donald) Swartz, Michael Sprinkle, John Lanphear, Joey (Taryn) Lanphear, Rebecca Lanphear, Sarah Lanphear, Peter Lanphear, Kelly Hogan, Brian Hogan, Nicholas Kimmel, Zachery Kimmel and Jason Kimmel all of the Rochester area; 12 great-grandchildren, Jarrett, Morgan, Olivia, Nicholas, Emma, Lindsay, Ashley Eleanor, Joshua, Christopher, Haley, Jeremy and Samantha.  

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake St., Bergen. Her Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson St. Bergen. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Outreach Committ at St. Brigid's Church, P.O. Box 219, Bergen, NY 14416 or to Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, NY 14416. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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 128^th 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