Obituaries

Age 68, of Batavia, died peacefully Thursday afternoon June 13, 2013 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born April 20, 1945 in Batavia to the late Leo & Gertrude (Heindl) Riggs.

   Mr. Riggs was an active life member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Elba/Oakfield, and was a Eucharistic minister as well as a maintenance person for the two church sites. He designed and helped build the new shrine located at the Elba church site.

   He graduated from Elba Central School in 1963, with honors, and was the Bausch & Lomb award winner for the highest cumulative GPA for math and science in 4 years of high school. He attended the University of Buffalo, where he majored in electrical engineering, and is a lifetime member of Gamma Phi fraternity. He was a member of the former Batavia Moose Lodge, and current member of the Warsaw Moose Lodge. An avid aviation enthusiast, he was a private, instrument rated, multi-engine, & commercial pilot, and flew from the Genesee County airport for over three decades. He was a ham radio operator under WB2CTF.

   Mr. Riggs enjoyed farming, gardening, woodworking, construction, and always enjoyed an incredibly dry Beefeater martini!! He had a passion for antique and early model Mercedes-Benz cars.

   In 1967, Mr. Riggs founded PCB Piezotronics in Lancaster, NY. The company manufactured piezoelectric quartz sensors, accelerometers, and associated electronics for the measurement of dynamic pressure, force, and vibration. He worked with several companies including NASA, Boeing, Smith & Wesson, Federal and Winchester ammunition. He performed ballistic testing, pressure and vibration sensor work for NASA, and accelerometer work with NASA and the U.S. Air Force. In the 1970's & 80's, he outfitted NASA with sensor gauges for the rocket boosters on the space shuttle.

   In 1994, Mr. Riggs founded Apollo Research Corporation in Buffalo, NY. The company conducted several research projects including a patient bed weighing system, a touch probe sensor, an implanted inner ear hearing device, and several other research projects in the medical and dental field. His most recent research was in development with NASA and the U.S. Air Force, which contained a self diagnostic accelerometer for mission critical health monitoring of aircraft and spacecraft engines. This device was most recently tested with NASA and the U.S. Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base on C-17 aircraft. Terry currently holds 7 patents registered with the U.S. Patent office.  

   Surviving is his beloved wife of 43 years, Jane C. (Klein) Riggs of Batavia; loving children, Jeanette (Dennis) Hillenburg of Villa Rica, GA, Michael Riggs of Batavia, Daniel Riggs of Palm Springs, CA and Kathleen (Mark) Allen of Batavia; dear cousins, Shirley Maloney of Batavia, Frederick (Betty) Wolf of East Aurora and Michael (Patti) Wolf of Orchard Park; sister-in-law, Diane Stackhouse of Elba; brother-in-law, Daniel Klein of Akron; nieces, Carrie Ohlson of Clarence, Katherine Schweigert of Clarence, Denise Stackhouse of Elba; nephews, David Klein of Akron and David Stackhouse of Elba.

   Family and friends may visit from 3-8 PM on Monday June 17, 2013 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15 AM Tuesday June 18, 2013 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM at St. Padre Pio Parish (Elba Site), with burial in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield. Memorials in Terry's memory can be made to the family who will distribute to various charities.  

Please share your memories of Terry, with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 65, of Batavia, NY died peacefully Thursday morning June 13, 2013 at United Memorial Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born November 10, 1947 in Oakfield, NY to the late Geno and Angie (DiFiore) Martino also preceded in death by sisters, Irene and Joanie.

Mr. Martino worked for 38 years at the Batavia VA Medical Center where he retired as the supervisor of grounds and transportation. He served honorably with the United States Navy in the Vietnam War. Jerry was a member of Ascension Parish, VFW Post #1602, Polish Falcons Nest #493 and the former St. Nick's Club. A sports enthusiast, he was an avid Yankees and Bills fan, enjoyed golf and was a coach for Batavia freshman/JV football and freshman basketball. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Diana (Berardini) Martino of Batavia; son, Timothy (Krista) Martino and their children, Cara & Sean all of Virginia; daughter, Roxanne (Joel) Root and their children, Alexandria & Adam all of Churchville; brothers, Anthony (Carol) of WI and Gino of Buffalo; sisters, Linda (Charles) Cheavacci of Akron and Mary Martino of Buffalo; brothers-in-law, Donald Berardini, Robert (Sue) Berardini all of Batavia, Richard (Josie) Berardini of Webster and sister-in-law, Betty Daly of AZ along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

Family and friends are invited Sunday June 16, 2013 from 3 – 7 PM to Celebrate Jerry's Life at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 10:00 AM Monday June 17 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site). In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street or Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020 with entombment in St. Joseph's Mausoleum.

Please share your memories of Jerry, with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Alice was born in Perry, New York on April 24, 1924 a daughter of the late George and Hazel Gould Totten. Alice was a graduate of Perry High School. She was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, reading, doing puzzle books, watching soap operas and the Katie show. Her biggest accomplishments was raising her 11 children. She is preceded in death by her husband Chester Bzduch who died in 2008, a son Richard died in 2010; two infant children William and Susan; siblings George Jr. and Warren Totten; Evelyn Zingerella, Doreen Babcock.

She is survived by 5 daughters; Barbara Bzduch of Perry, Beverly (Jerry) Allard of Perry, Patricia Connolly of Batavia, Betty (Bill) Hendrickson of Warsaw, Lynn (Edwin Rosario) Bzduch of Dansville, 5 sons; John (Jean) of Perry, Robert of Carthage, NC., Steve of Batavia, Mike of Geneseo, and David of Perry, 26 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews including a special niece Hazel VanOrder.

Family and friends may call from 10-2pm on Monday June 17th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to Interlakes Oncology and Hematology 1561 Long Pond Rd. Suite 120 Rochester, New York 14626. For more information please call 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry please visist www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend Raymond E. Riley lost his 3½ year battle with bile duct cancer on June 10, 2013. Ray was born in Depauville, New York on June 16, 1938 a son of the late Thomas and Flora Hatch Riley. Ray worked for the Cook Iron Store in Rochester. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a passion he shared with his son Jeff and grandson Adam. He served with the Army reserves. Ray is preceded in death by brothers Frankie and John Riley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Marilyn J. (Handy) Riley, a son Jeffery (Cheryl) Riley of Orlando, Fl., 2 daughters Tammy (Rob) Shaw of Webster and Shelley (Dan) Elzer of Longwood, Fl., step-brother Adam (Carol) Koziel of Perry, 5 grandchildren Joshua (Heather) Leader, Nathan (Kristen) Leader, Kristen Shaw, Megan (Matthew) Bishop, Adam (Nicole) Riley, 3 great grandchildren Isaiah, Dylan and Blake Leader, 2 special friends Kyle (Kim) Marusarz and Al (Laurie) VanTassel, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 5-8pm on Friday June 14th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday June 15th at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Shepherd Home 1959 Five Mile Line Rd. Penfield, New York 14526. For more information please call 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.
 

Lucille A. Capuano Vanson, 61 of Batavia passed away on June 12, 2013 at the Highlands at Brighton in Rochester. She was born February 13, 1952 in Batavia to the late Salvatore “Savie” Capuano and Concetta “Connie” (Rubino) Capuano of Batavia. Lucille worked at Forsyth Accounting for many years here in Batavia. She had a real passion for bowling, a hobby she enjoyed for over 40 years.

She is survived by two sons Erik (Vanessa) Schwable of Amherst; Michael (Jeniffer) Cummings of Batavia; brother Frank (Ann) Capuano of Batavia; grandchildren Justice Leisten-Schwable, Salvatore Schwable, Evan Cummings, Alysa Schwable; one nephew Mark Dvoroznak and one niece Sarah Gabbey.  

Friends are invited to call on Monday June 17, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday June 18, 2013 at the Funeral Home. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.     

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank St. Batavia, New York 14020. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Lorraine Gorecki, 83, of Batavia, went lovingly to the Lord on June 11, 2013 at United Memorial Medical Center Comfort Care.

She was born in Batavia on August 24, 1929, a daughter of the late Andrew J. and Mary L. Kornowski Gorecki.

Prior to her retirement she was an accountant at the former G.T.E. Sylvania Entertainment Products in Batavia.  She was a lifelong member of Ascension Parish, an active member of the Polish Falconettes, member of the Red Hatters and the Altar and Rosary Society of Ascension Parish.  She enjoyed good times with family and friends and was an avid reader and golfer.

Surviving are three sisters: Beverly (Robert) Terol of Batavia, Andrea Stromski of Batavia and Mary Ellen (Michael) Minuto of Greece, NY. Nieces and nephews: Jacqueline Terol, Jody Carey, Lynn Stromski, Jim Stromski, Richard Stromski and Dean Minuto. She was the life long love of the late Sigmund (Sax) Rock.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA on Friday from 4-7pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11am at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to, Crossroads House, 11 Liberty 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., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

Jane A. Pratt Yasses, 79, of Batavia, died Sunday (June 9, 2013) at her residence with her loving family at her side.

She was born in Batavia on February 4, 1934, a daughter of the late Sam and Mary Priolo Giuliano.

Jane was widowed at the age of 41 when her husband, Edward Pratt died on May 10, 1975. As a single mother, she devoted herself to raising eight children. For over 25 years, she worked at the Pok-A-Dot restaurant in Batavia where she made many friends.  She married Peter Yasses on August 4, 1984. Together they enjoyed retirement at their summer home in Consesus Lake.  In her past time, Jane enjoyed watching old movies and spending time with her family.

Surviving besides her dear husband Peter Yasses are her loving children: Debbie (Bob) Torrey of Batavia, Mary Kirsch (Mike Harvey) of Rochester, Gary (Sue) Pratt of Rochester, Marty (Ann) Pratt of Batavia, Eddie (Cheryl) Pratt of Rochester, Tom (Sandy) Pratt of Batavia and John (Jana) Pratt of San Antonio, TX. Step children: Peter (Michelle) Yasses of Byron, Kim (late Clif) White of Batavia and Lisa (Buddy) Ogden of Greece, NY. She is the sweetest grandma of 27 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  Sister, Patty Cameola (Sue Joint) of Rochester and brothers, Frank (Joan) Giuliano of Rochester and Louie (Linda) Priolo of Syracuse. She is the mother of the late Danny Pratt (2010) and Sammy Pratt (1960).

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA where prayers will be Thursday at 8:45am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church).  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Family Care & Hospice, 550 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  Ronald P. Konieczny, director & proprietor.

LeRoy ~ Betty J. Carli, age 70, of Black Street Road, passed away at home Monday morning (June 10, 2013).

     She was born March 13, 1943 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles and Marian Williams Cone.

     Betty will be remembered as a very caring and passionate person when it came to her family and friends.  She loved to shop, attend garage sales and refinish antiques.  She also enjoyed working in her flower gardens and the occasional casino trip to try her luck with the slots.

     She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 40 years, Ronald; her children, Robert (Trisha) Riggi of LeRoy, Joanne Riggi of LeRoy, John (Kathy) Riggi of KY, Angela Carli of LeRoy and Todd (Jamie) Carli of LeRoy, a brother, Charles (Jo) Cone of MI, a daughter-in-law, Terry Riggi of Alden, a special granddaughter, Samantha Riggi, a special friend, Jeanice Keaton, 13 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her son, David Riggi, 7 siblings and her beloved yellow lab Buddy.

     Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Thursday at 1:00 P.M., followed by calling hours from 2 ~ 6 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, 8700 Lake Rd (Rt 19).  Memorials may be made to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, P. O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627-8996

     Mrs. Carli and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  585-768-2400

Kenneth E. Hazlett, 51 of Batavia, passed away at his home on Monday June 10, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born August 28, 1961 in Batavia to the late Ferris (Carole Penders 2002) Hazlett (2012). Mr. Hazlett worked for many years at Chapin Manufacturing in Batavia. Kenny enjoyed camping, spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered by many as an excellent Little League Umpire, a passion of his for many years. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Darlene (Higgins) Hazlett of Batavia; children Michael Hazlett and Kristen Hazlett,  step children Matt Johnson and Sarah Higgins, brothers Ferris (Bonnie) of E. Bethany; Thomas (Cathi) Hazlett of Batavia; sisters Sheryl Hazlett, Grace (Richard) Stewart, Michelle (Dan Nichols) Hazlett all of Batavia; Lisa (Robert) Doran of Pavilion along with a granddaughter Aria Gayton and many nieces and nephews.   

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday June 12, 2013 from 4 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 11:00 AM Funeral Services will be held on Thursday June 13, 2013 at St. James Episcopal Church 405 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in the Pavilion Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to  ARC Challengers 64 Walnut St. Batavia, NY 14020; HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020; Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 267 Batavia, New York 14021. 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.

Age 88, of Bethany, died peacefully Saturday morning June 8, 2013 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, her loving family at her side. She was born April 25, 1925 in Poysippi, WI to the late Emil & Emma (Krause) Hefke, also preceded in death by her husband, Harold J. Zehler in 2009; daughter, Linda Susan; son, William John; siblings, Dorothy (late Clarence) Buckwell, Mabel Maples and Martin Hefke; sister-in-law, Mary (late Kenneth) Zehler-Fiebelkorn.

At the age of 11/2 Norma moved to and grew up in Clarendon, NY on the family farm and attended Holley Central School. In 1942, she met her future husband, Harold Zehler at a dance. After returning from WWII in 1946, they became engaged and were married September 27, 1947 at St. Joseph's Church in Batavia. Together they purchased their beef cattle farm in Bethany which they owned and operated all their married life, she also worked for the Eastman Kodak Co. They became active members of the Immaculate Conception Church of East Bethany along with the community of Bethany that became a large part of Norma's life. She was active in many organizations, including the Bethany Grange, Bethany Home Bureau, Bethany Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary and was a charter member, Bethany Republican Committee and former Chairperson, Genesee County Republican Committee and Genesee County Women's Republican Club, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #332 and was Harold's Court Clerk while he served as Bethany Town Justice for 16 years.

Norma especially enjoyed her flowers, vegetable garden, canning and in the 70's tried a new hobby, cake decorating. Norma's special occasion and wedding cakes became popular in the area, along with being an instructor for Wilton Cake Decorating for many years.  

Surviving are her beloved children, Robert (Julie) Zehler of Alexander, Kathleen (Donald) Kellner of Attica and Barbara (Ralph) Eddy of Alexander; brothers, Harold (Jeana) Hefke of Clarendon, Edson (Barbara) Hefke of Brockport, Norman (Suzanne) Hefke of Marquette, MI; sisters, Eva (late John) Kinsey of Clarendon, Rena (late Dayton) Bills of Greece, Marion (Fred Johnson) Fountain of Albion; sister-in-law Jane (late Leon) Smigelski of Batavia; grandchildren, Jason (Ashley) Zehler, Jacqueline Kellner-Hiczewski, Michelle (Anish) Kellner-Patel, Lindsey Zehler, Sarah (Christopher) Eddy-Bobo, Susan and Benjamin Eddy; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Logan, Colton & Dakota Zehler, Coleman Hiczewski, Keean & Brayden Patel and Edward Bobo along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit from 2-4 & 6-8 PM on Tuesday June 11, 2013 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 where the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary will gather at 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Norma 11:00 AM Wednesday June 12 at Mary Immaculate Parish (Immaculate Conception Site), followed by her burial alongside her husband in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bethany Center. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials in Norma's memory be made to Mary Immaculate Parish, PO Box 98 East Bethany or the Bethany Volunteer Fire Dept., Old Telephone Road East Bethany, New York 14054.  

Please share your memories of Norma, with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF NORMA OLGA HEFKE ZEHLER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Charles R. Ward, 30 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 7, 2013. He was born on April 29, 1983 in Rochester to Sherman L. Ward and Betty A. Ward of Batavia. Mr. Ward worked at Rotork in Gates. He loved his guitars and especially cared for his dog Typhus.

He is survived by his sister Marjorie Ward of Batavia; Longtime Friend Bethany Viscuso of Stafford; uncles Robert Butler of Kendal; David Butler of Wallington, NJ; cousin John (Kendra) Butler and children of Kendal.

Friends are invited to call on Friday June 14, 2013 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 7:00 PM Funeral Service will take place Friday following calling at the Funeral Home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. For more information please call 343-8260 or to sign the online guest registry go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Age 87, of Elba, died peacefully June 6, 2013 at Genesee County Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 2, 1925 in Batavia, NY, daughter of the late Arthur H. & Florence (Wheeler) Dewey, also preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond and Alton Dewey; sisters, Beatrice Ragland and Nathalie Westbrook.

Mrs. Hoover worked for many years as the office manager of CC Bradley Optometry. A 50 plus year member of the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia, she also was a member of Order of the Eastern Star and DAR. Mrs. Hoover loved to travel and vacationed in Florida for many years.  

Surviving is her beloved husband of 68 years, William "Bill" Hoover of Elba; loving children, Susan Hoover of Rochester, Alice (Paul) Reak of Elba and Chuck Hoover of Elba; brother, Richard Dewey of Florida; 4 grandchildren, Jennifer (Scott) Rowe, Jessica (Howard) Carlson, Aimee (Jeff) Rose and Casey Hoover; 6 great-grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Ella, Noah, Jason & Celia along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM on Sunday June 9, 2013 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of Georgia's Life will begin at 11:00 AM Monday June 10 at the 1st Presbyterian Church 300 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020, burial will be in Grand View Cemetery. Memorials in her memory are suggested to Batavia First Presbyterian Church or Elba Rescue Squad, C/O Elba Fire Department, PO Box 58 Elba, New York 14058.  

Please share your memories of Georgia, with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Batavia - James E. Beideck, 87, of Batavia, passed away Thursday, (June 6, 2013) at New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia, where he had resided for the past three years. 

Mr. Beideck was born December 5, 1925 in Darien, a son of the late Warren T. and Clara (Colby) Beideck.

His mother died with James was two weeks old and from that time on his uncle, Adelbert and aunt, Gladys (Colby) Beideck raised and treated him as one of their own children.

He was a rifleman with the 27^th Armored Infantry Battalion, part of Combat Company B, under General George Patton’s Army.  At the age of 18, he was one of the first infantrymen across the Ludendorff (railroad) bridge at Remagen, Germany.  The bridge was decisive in that it was still intact and was the only bridge over the Rhine River into Germany, crucial in the Allied assault, and eventual victory over Nazi Germany. 

Private Beideck was injured during that battle and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  He was discharged nine months later, due to his injuries: a broken right arm, a badly dislocated shoulder, and a hip injury.  Years later when asked to comment on the historic experience, he said, “I was there, me and a million other guys.”

James was employed by the New York Central Railroad as a lead signalman for more than 40 years, retiring in 1983.

He married the former Edna Hale on May 28, 1960.  She passed away in August of 2001.

He is survived by his sister, Virginia Kross of Ashville, NC, and brother Alton A. (Lucille) Beideck of Saranac Lake.  Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

He is the brother of the late Elizabeth Seelau, Donald, Lawrence, and Robert Beideck.

There will be no prior visitation.  A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday (June 15, 2013) at the Grand View Cemetery, Clinton Street Road, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New York State Veteran’s Home, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.  Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia (585) 343-8868.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Frances was born in Castile, New York a daughter of the late Gordon and Edna Parker. She graduated from Perry High School class of 1934 and attended Geneseo Normal School. She worked for the former Perry Knitting Mill, Agway Feed Store, JJ Newberry’s all in Perry, SUNY Geneseo, and Perry Central School in the cafeteria. Frances was a member of the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and spending time with her family. She is preceded in death by her husband Alfred Allen who died in 1985, siblings Mary, Justin, and Byron Parker; son-in-law Robert Pascoe.

She is survived by 2 daughters: Jane Pascoe of Perry and Anne (Paul) Handlon of Apex, NC, 4 grandchildren: Richard (Dawn) Pascoe, Julie (Craig) Pierce, Brian (Patti) Handlon and Keith (Jill) Handlon, 5 great grandchildren: Allysa and Chelsea Pascoe, Kayda, Alan and Raylin Pierce and a niece: Pat Fraher.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial service will be held on Friday July 5th at 7:00 P.M. at the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry. Burial was in LaGrange Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Brick Presbyterian Church (General Fund) 6 Church St. Perry. For more information please call 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry, please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.
 

James Angelo Pici Sr., 89, of Batavia and formerly of Buffalo and Tonawanda, NY, died peacefully on Tuesday (June 4, 2013) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Jim was born in Buffalo on December 19, 1923, the son of the late Stefano Sciacca and Frances (Joseph) Cippola Pici.

Jim was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II. He worked as a furniture storeowner and manager in Buffalo prior to his retirement.

Jim Pici will always be a hero to his family who has learned from his lifetime example of unflappable love, strength and devotion.
During this time and now after, he will be remembered for his unselfish generosity toward family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to know him.

Jim was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, the late Emma Josephine LoVerme Pici, who died in 2010.

He was the devoted father of the late Joseph (Teri) Pici, Frances Anne (Harriett) Pici, the late James A. Jr. (Amy) Pici, and Paul (Tracey) Pici;cherished grandfather of Elana Pici, Emily (Marten)VanZwietering (nee Pici), Sarah Pici, and James Pici; cherished great-grandfather of Olivia Van Zwietering (Pici);loving son of the late Stefano Sciacca and Frances  (Joseph) Cippola Pici; dear brother of Joseph (Eleanor) Pici, Philip (Lori) Pici, the late Rose (late Joseph) Cannavo,the late Mariano (Vita) Pici, and Anthony (Debbie) Pici. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend Jim's Mass of Christian Burial at 9am on July 19th at St. Amelia Church in Tonawanda, NY.  A memorial service and luncheon will follow at 11am on July 19th at Chef's Restaurant, 291 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY 14204. Please RSVP to the luncheon by July 15th to MJSmarket@aol.com.

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

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAIVA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.