Obituaries

July 18, 1936 – February 13, 2012

Ward, born in Buffalo, New York, proudly served in the United States Marine Corp. He was a New York State Trooper for 20 years, and in 1979, moved with his family from Batavia, New York to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked in security at the Sands and New York, New York Hotel/Casino properties. He retired in 2001, and in 2009 moved to Beaumont, California. He is survived by his wife of 38 years; Mary (Hackett); his sister JoyceFeiertag; daughters Catherine Sylvester, Carolyn Morton, and son Christopher; daughter in-law Alison;7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.  A mass will be held for him on Thursday, February 16, 2012, 2:00 pm at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, 2525 North Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, California, 92405. Additionally, a memorial will be held for him Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 1:15 pm at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California, 92518. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.

Shirley A. Penfield, 79, of Dunnellon Florida, Oak Bend Village, formerly from Basom NY, passed away Saturday January 28, 2012.

Shirley Penfield was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William C. Penfield.

She was born April 18, 1932 in Buffalo, NY daughter of the late Charles and Marian Naedele.

Shirley was retired from the Sylvania Plant in NY, and from Winter Haven Hospital, FL.
She was also a member of the Batavia Bridle and Saddle Club and 4-H Club.  Shirley served as the Treasurer, Secretary and Events Coordinator for the Oakbend Village since 1991 where she also wrote and published the monthly newsletter and calendar.  Mrs. Penfield was active in the community and did volunteer work at the Dunnellon Middle School PAWS program. Sadly, her beloved sister, Audrey K. Allein of Corfu, passed away just two weeks after her on February 11, 2012.

Survivors include her two daughters, Judy (Michael) Eadie of Rush, NY and Susan (Richard) Roper of DE; two sons, Charles (Bernadette) Penfield of Batavia, NY and Randy (Tamara) Penfield of Davenport, FL; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Family and Friends are invited to attend the celebration of the lives of Shirley and her sister Audrey at C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu on Thursday Feb. 16th from 4-8 pm.  A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM Feb 17th  at St. Maximilion Kolbe Church (St. Francis site) 18 West Main St., Corfu. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cheektowaga NY. Burial arrangements made by the National Cremation Society and CB Beach and Son Mortuary.
  
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice of Marion County, The Legacy House, 9505 SW 110th St., Ocala, FL 34481.

CORFU - Audrey K. Allein, of Corfu, NY died suddenly while vacationing at her sisters home in Florida on Feb 11, 2012.

Audrey was born Nov 22, 1934 in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of the late Charles and Marion  Naedele . She attended and graduated from Kensington High School in 1952.

Audrey married Richard T. Allein Sept. 24, 1955.  They lived in Buffalo until 1993 when they moved to Corfu to be close to their son and family.
Audrey retired from Trico in 1995 where she had been an employee for 30 yrs. to spend time with her husband and granddaughter  Kelsey.  After the death of her husband in 1996, Audrey went to work in the cafeteria at Pembroke Central School,  until she retired in 2011.

Audrey ‘s love for life was shared with her family and friends.  She enjoyed hunting, reading, knitting and crocheting and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

Predeceased by her husband Richard of 40 years and her sister Shirley Penfield of Dunnellon, FL on Jan. 28, 2012.

Survived by her Best Friend and granddaughter Kelsey (Nick Stephan) Allein, daughter Deborah (Daniel) Simpkins of Dunnellon FL, son Richard J (Julie) Allein of Corfu, grandsons Justin(Charlene) Simpkins of Dunnellon FL, and Jared (Leah Wallesverd) Simpkins of Crystal River, FL, Beloved niece Judy(Mike ) Eadie of Rush, NY, “great” nephews Brian Eadie and Kevin Eadie, both of Rush, NY, great grandchildren Caden, Ella, Baily and Mason Simpkins of Dunnellon, FL and several other nieces and nephews all of whom she loved dearly.

Family and friends of Audrey and her sister Shirley are invited to C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., Corfu, where a celebration of the bond they shared all through their lives will be held Thursday Feb 16th  from 4-8pm

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday Feb 17th at St. Maximilion Kolbe Church (St. Francis site) 18 West Main St., Corfu, followed by interment at Evergreen Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Corfu Library, Evergreen Hill Cemetery or the family. Arrangements by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, 4-6 Main St., Corfu.

Nicholas A. Della Penna, 66, of Batavia, died Tuesday (February 14, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born in Batavia on December 20, 1945, a son of the late Salvatore and Angelina Scafetta Della Penna.

Mr. Della Penna was the former proprietor of Nick's Pizzeria in Attica and Batavia.  He was a dedicated fan of the NY Yankees and the San Francisco 49rs. He enjoyed boxing, cooking, hunting, fishing bicycling and watching old classic movies. 

Surviving is his wife of over 47 years, Sandra L. Fryer Della Penna whom he married on January 16, 1965.  His children, Lisa (Dennis) Say, Nicholas (DAUN) Della Penna, Salvatore (Candice) Della Penna all of Batavia and Michael (Michelle) Barclay of Oakfield.  Five grand daughters: Nicole and Amanda Della Penna, Angelina Say, Kaylene and Jessica Barclay. His mother in law, Florence Fryer of Batavia.  He is the brother in law of: Anthony (late Geraldine) Kasmarek, Jimmy Fryer, Robert (Elizabeth) Fryer, Margaret (late Irvin) Fryer, David (Sue) Fryer and the late Gloria and Marvin Dilcher.  He is the brother of the late, Rosalie Collar and Salvatore Della Penna.

Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Friends of the family are cordially 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, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia where prayers will be Saturday at 12:15 pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Church) at 1 pm.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

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.  Ronald P. Konieczny II, director & proprietor (585-343-6158).

Age 88, of Batavia, formerly of Basom, died peacefully Wednesday morning February 15, 2012 at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. She was born September 13, 1923 in Holt, Michigan, daughter of the late Colonel & Edith (Thoma) Pettit. Mrs. Wyder was a former member of St. Padre Pio Parish and worked for Fisher Price prior to her retirement. She loved to travel with her husband and enjoyed trips to the casino.

Surviving is her beloved husband of 58 years Stanley Wyder of Batavia; son Harold (Sherrie) Howard Jr. of Florida; daughters Diane LeBlanc of Plainfield, CT, Cheryl Haas of Batavia and Deborah (Ronald) Muntz of Basom; brother Lloyd (Ellen) Pettit of Washington State; sisters Leona (Carl) Ordway & Kathy (Joseph) Urban both of Getzville, NY; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 12-2 PM Friday February 17 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM. Memorials in her memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice with burial in the church cemetery and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 90, of Batavia, died peacefully in her sleep Monday evening February 13, 2012. She was born January 1, 1922 in Bennington, NY daughter of the late Anthony & Mary (Novak) Wawrzyniak, also preceded in death by her husband Joseph J. Falkowski in 2005, son Joseph H. Falkowski Sr., daughter Bernadette Falkowski, grandson Robert Prinzi and many brothers & sisters. Mary was a beautician at Viola's Beauty Shop for many years, a member of Ascension Parish and its Altar & Rosary Society. She was devoted to her family and to Polish traditions, loved to cook, bake and crochet.

Surviving is a daughter Teresa (Sam) Prinzi of Colorado; grandchildren Lisa Falkowski, Michelle Prinzi, Joseph H. (Renee) Falkowski Jr. & Sam Prinzi; great-grandchildren Joe, Faith, Jeremy, Jessie & Jordan; sister-in-law Katherine Wawrzyniak of Alden along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM Thursday February 16 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30 AM Friday February 17 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site). Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in Mary's memory are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter 2805 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, New York 14221 of or the Genesee County Nursing Home Activities Fund and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Elizabeth Piatek, 79 of Corfu, died February 13, 2012 at ElderWood Health Care at Oakwood in Williamsville, NY. She was born on September 11, 1932 in Buffalo to the late Joseph (Genevieve Jankowski) Szczepaniak. Mrs. Piatek was retired from Fisher Price in Medina and a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (St. Francis) in Corfu. She was an avid gardener and crafter who enjoyed crocheting, painting, sewing, quilting, cross stitch and many other crafts. She also loved to cook. She is preceded in death by her husband Walter A. Piatek in 1994, son Richard Piatek in 2003 and brother Alfred Szczepaniak.

She is survived by her sons Robert (Mary Pat) Piatek of California, David Piatek of Louisville, KY, daughters Bernice Weber of Virginia, Barbara (Joseph) Richardson of Darien and Catherine (Mark) Doktor of Corfu. One brother Thomas (Patricia) Szczepaniak of Angola, NY, 16 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren survive along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 PM on Friday February 17, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:15 AM on Saturday at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 18 West Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036. Interment will take place in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Crittenden, NY.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. 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.

Peyton L. Ball, 11 months old, of Elba, died Sunday (February 12, 2012) at U.M.M.C. after a brief illness.

He was born in Rochester on February 23, 2011 a son of Patricia Dyrbala and Justin Ball.

Besides his mom and dad are his maternal grandparents, Ronald and Gay Dyrbala of Alexander, paternal grandparents, William and Nina Ball of Batavia and Carla and Jerry Guiste of Oakfield.  Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6 - 8 PM at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave. Batavia where services will be Friday at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield.

Those desiring may make memorials 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.

John A. Weidner Jr., 61 of Perry, died February 7, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Wellsville, NY on January 15, 1951 to the late John A. (Jean Reynolds) Weidner Sr. Mr. Weidner graduated from Greenwood Central School and attended Corning Community College. He was employed as a dispatcher for the Hornell Cab Company and started a video and TV repair store in Perry. John enjoyed reading, movies and good friends. 

He is survived by a sister Diann Brown, nephew William Brown, niece Erica Brown and great-niece Asherah Brown all of Perry. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Perry Ambulance or to Mercy Flight. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Harriet J. Dupree, 81, of Batavia died Saturday (February 11, 2012) at her residence.

She was born March 29, 1930 in Brainardsville, NY, a daughter of the late Thaddeus and Hazel LaBare Cook.

She was retired from the N.Y.S. School for the Blind in Batavia where she was a dormitory supervisor.  Harriet volunteered at the Genesee County Nursing Home and had a passion for gardening.  She collected cows, birds, bird houses and was a faithful fan of the Buffalo Bills.  Harriet cherished her grandchildren and loved to teach them how to cook.  She was also a foster parent for 10 years within Genesee County.

Survivors include a daughter, Darlene (Alan) Rhodes of Oakfield. Son, Richard (Mara) Dupree of Batavia. Grandchildren, Rheanna Rhodes, Amber (Josh) Mully, Ashley Rhodes, Wendy Dupree and Evelyn Dupree.  Great-Grandson, Adan Dupree.  Sisters in-law, Genevieve Cook of Chateaugay, NY and Florence Cook of Messina, NY.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was the mother of the late Thomas Dupree and Ann Dupree. Sister of the late Richard Cook, Keith Cook, Donald Cook and Frances Titus.

Friends may call Saturday from 10am-1pm at the J.LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Funeral services will be private for the family.  Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NYS School for the Blind (Activity Fund) or Volunteers for Animals (Genesee Co. Animal Shelter).

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.

     Age 88, of Oakfield, died Friday morning February 10, 2012. He was born December 4, 1923 in Buffalo, NY and was preceded in death by his son William "Bill" Fickel in 2005. He is a US Army Veteran, was employed at General Motors for many years and was an avid hunter. He was an avid horseman, having owned & trained horses, he loved Batavia Downs and spent many, many hours there when in racing season.

     Surviving are 2 sons, a daughter, 8 grandchildren along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

     Visitation and funeral services will be held privately. Memorials in John's memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. Interment will be in Grand View Cemetery and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.  

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

Barbara A. “Babs” Schroeder, 69 of Oakfield, died February 12, 2012 at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born January 6, 1943 in Buffalo, to the late John F. (Adeline Jarzebak) Schroeder. Barbara was retired from Yellow Goose in Elba. She was a member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield, the Oakfield – Alabama Lions Club and the Oakfield – Alabama Dollars for Scholars. Former member of NYS American Woman’s Insurance Association and Oakfield Fire Department Bingo Volunteer. She is preceded in death by her brother Brian Schroeder.     

She is survived by a son Paul (Melinda) Osborn of Oakfield, two daughters Kim (Kurt) Fisher of Oakfield; Theresa (Ron Vanderkooi) Osborn of Batavia; sister Bonnie (Michael) Woodward of Oakfield, brother Richard (Cindy DiBrito) Schroeder of Waukesha, WI. 7 Grandchildren; Andrew Fisher, Jonathan Fisher, Danielle Morton, Taylor Vanderkooi, Emma Osborn, Lindsey Vanderkooi and Jocelyn Vanderkooi, sister-in-law Suzanne Schroeder of Batavia, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday February 16, 2012 from 4 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 W. Main Street, Batavia, NY.  A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday February 17, 2012 in St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, NY 14125. Interment will take place in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Oakfield, NY.

The family suggests memorials be made to Oakfield-Alabama Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 102, Oakfield, NY 14125, Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc. P.O. Box 787, Stafford, NY 14143, HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Oakfield Fire Department 20 Albert St. Oakfield, NY 14125. 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.
 

Marcella C. Halstead, 82 of Perry, died February 12, 2012 peacefully at her home. She was born in Silver Springs on September 10, 1929 to the late Melvin “Joe” (Marguerite Farnsworth) Caryl. Mrs. Halstead worked for many years at Champion Products. She was a member of St. Isidore’s Parish-St. Joseph’s Church. She was a certified Duncan Ceramics Teacher, avid reader and enjoyed playing the organ. She is preceded in death by brothers Willis and Richard Caryl, sister Carolyn Caryl.

She is survived by her beloved husband Lawrence W. Halstead of Perry; sons Dennis (Lisa) of Warsaw; Richard (Mary Jane) of Perry; Ronald (Nancy) of Penfield; Robert (Ray Beekman) of Buffalo; daughters Lucinda (Dave) Rhodes of Phoenix, AZ; Carol (Spencer) Willey of Perry; Donna (Jeff) Corey of Byron; brother Robert (June) Caryl of Silver Springs; sisters Marguerite Bush; Dawn Caryl both of Batavia; brother-in-law William (Carol) Spencer of Lady Lake, FL, 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Wednesday February 15, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Prayers will be recited at 10:30 AM on Thursday February 16, 2012 at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM at St. Isidore’s Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Perry, NY.

In lieu of flowers and Mass Intentions memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice 450 North Main St. Suite 3 Warsaw, NY 14569, the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org, or to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. 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.

Mrs. Gertrude M. Kerr, 90, of Batavia, passed away Friday (February 10, 2012)at the Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia.

Mrs. Kerr was born March 10, 1921 in Detroit, MI, a daughter of the late John and Clara (Chapp) Geiger.

Gert graduated from Hamtrameck High School in Michigan in 1939.  She moved to Batavia in 1952.  Gert worked for 23 years as parish secretary for Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz at St. Joseph's Church in Batavia.  She retired in 1983.  Gert was an accomplished seamstress and avid reader, but also enjoyed more active pastimes like ice skating, line dancing, traveling and boating. 

Survivors include a son, Dennis D. Kerr of Batavia; a daughter, Sharon (Roger) Christiano of Batavia; two granddaughters, Gina (Chad) Stevens of Batavia and Jill (fiancé J.R. Campbell) Christiano of Lexington, Kentucky; a great-granddaughter, Drew Stevens; a sister, Geraldine C. Allen of Fenton, Michigan.  Also surviving are nieces, nephews and very close friends, the Anthony L. Peca family.

Her husband, the late Donald H. Kerr, passed away December 5, 1966.  They were married May 10, 1947.  Gert is also predeceased by a sister, Margaret E. DeMarois and a brother, Joseph P. Geiger.     

Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main St., Batavia.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021 or Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, 2805 Wehrle Dr., Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221.Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.