Obituaries

Age 48, of Batavia, died Friday June 8, 2012. He was born June 13, 1963 in PA, son of the late William & Sandra Wheeler.

     Jeff was a former on-site manager for System Freight out of New Jersey. He had a great passion for the game of golf and enjoyed fishing.

     He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sharon (Arnold) Wheeler of Batavia, his mother-in-law, sister-in-law, extended family along with many dear friends.

There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be held privatley by the family. Memorials in Jeff's memory are suggested to his family. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 66, of Batavia, died unexpectedly Thursday June 7, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born Febraury 26, 1946 in Buffalo, son of the late Florian B. & Catherine (Gerwitz) Seyfried and also preceded in death by his brother James.

Michael was a graduate of SUNY Geneseo and went on to teach science for over 30 years at Pembroke Central School. He was an actice member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he served on the school board, as an Elder and with the ER sIngers. Mike was a past board member of Genesee County Habitat for Humanity, enjoyed golf, traveling and had a passion for the outdoors and its beauty. He will be remembered for his strong faith and his love of family friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Sandra (Smith) Seyfried of Batavia; beloved son David (Carolyn Keszczyk) of King of Prussia, PA who in October will welcome their daughter Olivia; beloved daughter Kathryn (William) Lockhart of Norwalk, CT and their son Buzz; brother John Seyfried of Rochester; sister-in-law Nancy Seyfried of Phelps, NY along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 1-4 PM Tuesday June 12 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church 31 Washington Ave. Batavia, New York where a Celebration of Michael's Life will take place at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Church/School or Genesee County Habitat for Humanity. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Antonio Callari, 90 of Batavia died, June 8, 2012 at the Batavia Nursing Home. He was born January 2, 1922 in Geraci Siculo, Italy to the late Jack (Domenica Scancarella) Callari. Mr. Callari served in the Italian Army during WWII. He was a member of Ascension Parish-St. Anthony’s Church in Batavia for many years. Mr. Callari is preceded in death by siblings Dominic, Frank, Joseph, Frances Callari.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Maria (Sanfilippo) Callari of Batavia; sister Maria Callari of Sicily, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. 9:30 AM prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Monday June 11, 2012 at Ascension Parish-St. Anthony’s Church 122 Liberty St. Batavia, New York 14020. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.     

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. Batavia, New York 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by GilmartinFuneral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Arnold B. “Jay” Caskinette, 42 of East Pembroke died June 6, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born January 6, 1970 in Norfolk, VA to the late Arnold (Doris White) Caskinette. He was a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. Jay loved sports and spending time with his family.     

He is survived by his beloved wife Jamee E. (Gion) Caskinette, two sons Joseph A. and Jacob P. Caskinette all of East Pembroke; one step brother and two step sisters; along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call from 9 to 11:15 AM on Saturday June 9, 2012 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. Prayers will be recited 11:15 AM on Saturday June 9, 2012 at the Funeral Home followed by a 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish-Holy Name of Mary Church 8656 Church St. East Pembroke, NY 14056. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lake Plains Dialysis 587 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 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.

Maude Ella Wilder, 85, of Batavia, died Monday (June 4, 2012) at her residence.

She was born in Batavia on July 19, 1926, a daughter of the late Harley and Florence Colby Bort.

She was a fifty year member of the Eastern Star and a member of the Olive Branch Chapter 509 in LeRoy and member and Past Maron of the Hesperus Chapter 823 of Bergen.

She enjoyed playing Domino's and  other games, quilting and sewing and making porcelain dolls and ceramic figures.  She was an baseball fan and held  season tickets for the Batavia Muckdogs baseball games.

Surviving is her husband of 61 years, Horace H. Wilder whom she married on May 2, 1951.  Daughters, Cheryl (Thomas) Hance of Willoughby Hills, OH and Nancy (Barney) Mitchell of Batavia.  Six grandchildren: Frederick (Lisa) Hance, David Hance, Jeffrey (Shannon) Hance, Michael (Gina) Wilder, Melissa (Lorne) Kurtz and Samantha Mitchell. Seven great grandchildren: Thomas, Dustin, Travis and Riley Hance, Victoria and Kalifornia Kurtz and Brandon Wilder.  Daughter in law, Kathy Wilder of Sacramento, CA.  She was the mother of the late Charles Wilder who died on September 14, 2011. 

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 - 8 pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. Services will be on Thursday at 10 am at the funeral
home officiated by Rev. Linda Haight, Pastor of the South Byron United Methodist Church where Maude was a member for many years. Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Alexander.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Easter Star Home, P.O. Box 959, Oriskany, NY 13424.

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.

Vera G. Bowles, 89 of Warsaw formerly of Perry died, June 2, 2012 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. She was born in Mt. Morris, on January 27, 1923 to the late Stanford (Melva Bates) VanDorn. She was a graduate of Nunda Central School. She worked as a secretary for Letchworth State Park, Letchworth Central School, and retired from Iroquois Central School School in 1978. She was a 54 year member of the United Church of Christ in Castile, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, the YMCA, and Silver and Gold Club in Castile. and was a member of the former Monday Club. She was an avid NY Yankees fan, she enjoyed doing needlework, oil painting, and loved to travel. She is preceded in death by two husbands Ralph S. Gibson who died in 1977 and Richard I. Bowles who died in 1999.

She is survived by 2 daughters: Geralyn L. (Edwin) Law of Perry, Catherine J. (Raymond) Gorecki of Lancaster, 2 Sons: Robert S. (Marguerite Moore) Gibson of Varysburg, Brian D. (Judy) Gibson of Livonia, 2 stepchildren: H. Michael (Peggy) Bowles of Maine, NY,  Lisa (Michael) Doyle of Chenango Forks, NY, 1 sister: Norma (Donald) Gibson of Honeoye Falls, 6 grandchildren: Nathan, Benjamin (Kim) , Sally, Amanda, Jessica, and Alex Gibson along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday June 7th at the United Church of Christ in Castile at 11:00 A.M. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Nunda.

Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ in Castile.  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.

Edna M. Bater, 92, of LeRoy and formerly of Byron, died Friday morning (June 1, 2012) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

She was born in Elba, NY on August 15, 1919, to the late Elmer and Myra Salisbury Mills.

Edna was a housewife who along with her husband operated the family farm in Byron.  She was known for her good cooking and enjoyed caring for flowers.  Edna was also a member of the Morganville United Church of Christ.

She was the wife of the late Leon R. Bater, who died in 1998.

Survivors include two brothers, Elmer Mills, Jr. of Byron, Richard (Joan) Mills of LeRoy and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Ruth Eick and Marguerite Dibble.

Family and friends may attend a funeral service on Tuesday, 11am at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Interment will follow in Stafford Rural 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, NY 14020. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor. 

Carol was born in Perry on September 23, 1925 a daughter of the late Earl and Estelle Miller Houghton. She worked for the former Roberts Rexall Drug Store in Perry for 37 years and then retired from the Sinclair Pharmacy in Warsaw. She was also very involved in the family farm. She was a former member of the Perry Chamber of Commerce,and enjoyed canning and crocheting. She is preceded in death by her first husband Harlan S. Slocum, sister Marie Wagner, brothers Donald and Robert Houghton.

She is survived by her second husband Willard Bell, 4 daughters: Lois (Steven) Spollio of Edgewater, Fla., Jane (Keith Chase) Slocum of Avoca, NY, Lucy (Mark) Poydock of Lexington, NC, and Diane (Douglas) Moses of Yorkshire, NY, 4 step-children: Richard Bell of Perry, David (Dianne) Bell of Beaver Dam, WI, Gerald (Marcia) Bell of Perry, and Diane (Mike) Dee of Colorado Springs, CO., 16 Grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday June 2nd at 10:00 A.M. at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility (Peach Unit C/O Russell Johnson) 400 N. Main St. Warsaw, New York 14569. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Roxanne M. Bennett, 55 of E. Bethany, died May 26, 2012 peacefully surrounded by her family to be reunited with the love of her life Steve Bennett, Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born April 18, 1957 in Warsaw, NY to the late Ronald (Doreen Mann) Dioguardi. Mrs. Bennett worked at PW Minor in Batavia for 27 years. Roxanne was an excellent cook that loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. The family would like to thank all of the people who supported them and showed such great concern during this very difficult time. She is predeceased by brother Daniel Dioguardi.     

She is survived by her son Todd (Fiancé Amy Christie) Harding of Darien; daughter Tammy (Ben) Kochmanski of E. Bethany; grandchildren Alyssa, Allionna Christie; Nikki, Brooke, Dominic Kochmanski; her dog and beloved companion Missy; siblings Cathy (George) Winspear of Pocahontas, AR; Deborah (Paul) Harris of E. Bethany; Ronald (Janet) Dioguardi of Elgin, SC; Robin (Charles) Silvernail of Alexander; David (Kris) Dioguardi of E. Bethany; Lisa Dioguardi of Oakfield along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call from 2 to 4:30 PM on Wednesday May 30, 2012 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will follow calling hours 4:30 PM at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in West Middlebury Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/palliative-care/ then click Make a Gift.  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.

MayBelle E. (Dykstra) Dickinson

Batavia - MayBelle E. Dickinson, 96, of Batavia, a longtime resident of Evergreen Drive, died Saturday (May 19, 2012) at the LeRoy Village Green following a brief illness.

She was born in Buffalo, NY on January 26, 1916 to Frederick and Frances (Snyder) Dykstra. MayBelle was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia for 86 years, where she was a member of the choir, a member and official of the church's Star Class and served as the church historian for many years.  As a young girl, she attended Genesee Wesleyan Seminary boarding school in Lima, NY, where she was fortunate enough to meet then New York State governor Franklin D. Roosevelt and was invited to sit on his lap during a visit to the school. She was chosen for this honor because she was the smallest member of her class.  MayBelle was a 1934 graduate of Batavia High School and also attended the Park Avenue School of Nursing in Rochester, NY. She was a graduate of Rochester Business Institute. As a young woman, she was a medical secretary in the offices of Dr. Irwin Cole and Dr. Gaylord Ribby and was a former employee of Lawing Studio in Batavia.

MayBelle was predeceased in 1993 by her husband of 54 years, John D. Dickinson whom she met on a blind date and married four months later, grandson Jeffrey Burdett, sister Virginia Dykstra and brother Earl Dykstra.

She is survived by her three children; Paul (Joan) Dickinson of Holley, Virginia (Russel) Yoho of Mayville and Marsha (Ronald) Ladd of Batavia. She was the grandmother to 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by cherished cousins George and Corinne Klein of Getzville and a dear friend, Mary Ellen Schnellman of Florida.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak St., Batavia, NY 14020. Burial will be in the Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. Memorials may be made to the church or to the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St. Batavia, NY 14020. Arrangements were made with C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main St., Corfu.

LaVerne M. Bridge, 84 of Oakfield, died Thursday (May17, 2012) at his residence as a result of a wood cutting accident.

He was born in Batavia, NY on August 10, 1927 to the late Frank and Florence Phillips Bridge.

Mr. Bridge was a Senior Boiler Inspector for New York State Dept. Of Labor and was also retired from the NYS School for the Blind in Batavia.  He had a love for his park-like property and enjoyed the wilderness around him.

Survivors include his former wife and close friend, Margery Bridge. Son, Aaron Bridge of Batavia. Two daughters, Bonita (Aaron) Cornelius of Wisconsin and Lisa (Paul) Koehler of Ontario, Canada.  Also survived by his grandson, Paul Adam Koehler and several nieces and nephews.

He was also predeceased by six brothers and sisters.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Tuesday (May 22nd) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A funeral service will take place at the conclusion of visitation at 1pm.

Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba, NY

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.  Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Eleanor L. Polito, 81, of Batavia, died peacefully after a lengthy illness on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Rochester General Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Batavia on June 28, 1930 to the late Joseph and Hedwig Moscicki.

Eleanor worked for her brother at the State Street Bakery and continued baking cakes out of her home.  She worked at the church rectory and was a manager at Arlene’s Hallmark Shoppe in the Genesee Country Mall.  She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Church and Sodality. In her retirement she continued to work as a cafeteria aide at Batavia High School.

Eleanor was the wife of the late Salvatore J. Polito, who died in 1970, and is survived by her four daughters, Sharon (Rocco) Gargano, Dianne (Ron) Puccio, Beverly (David) Hyde, and Deborah (James) Biegas, and a sister Genevieve Adamski, all of Batavia.  She has 10 grandchildren, Neil Gargano, Melissa (Simon) Brewster, Julie Puccio, Melinda Hyde, Angela (Raul) Callowich, Michael Hyde, Matthew Puccio, Holly Gargano, Lisa (Michael) Glow and Joseph Biegas.  Also surviving are five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Leo Moscicki, Stanley Moscicki and Arlene Corbett.

Calling hours will be Sunday, May 20^th, from 2:00 to 6:00pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave, Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 9:30am at Resurrection Parish – St. Joseph’s Church.  Burial will be at St. Joseph’s 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, NY 14020. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Laura was born in Perry, New York on October 15, 1924 a daughter of the late Irving and Sarah Willey Krauss. Laura was a 1941 graduate of Perry High School, graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College with her Bachelor’s Degree, and Master’s Degree from Brockport College, and took some additional courses from University of Rochester. She was an elementary teacher for the Rochester City School District for 21 years retiring in 1984.She was a member of the Grace and Truth Christian Fellowship Church in Mt. Morris, she was active in the Christian Women’s Club in Rochester, where she held several offices, and held many friendship bible coffees at her home, a former Sunday school teacher, which inspired her to teach. She was a member of the Perry Garden Club, volunteered at the Community Clothes Closet where she took care of their window displays, Mutual friends of Perry, a former 4-H leader for the Patchwork Pals, and she enjoyed gardening and crafts. She is preceded in death by 9 siblings Lucile VanTyne; Elizabeth Popp; Marion, Carrie, Eloise, Benson, Walter, Leonard, and George Krauss.

She is survived by a sister-in-law: Doris Krauss of Perry, 8 nieces and nephews: John (Evelyn) Krauss of Elba, Joyce (Robert) Krauss-Speicher of Fillmore, Darlene (Ralph) Taylor of Castile, Pamela (William) Wallum of Silver Springs, Gary (Patty) Krauss of Greece, Dawn (Clyde) Lamb of Lima, Susan (Ralph) Mucher of Warsaw, Linda (Robert) Nieman of Livonia along with many great nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends may call from 3-7pm on Thursday May 17th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry, NY 14530. Services will be held on Friday May 18th at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry. 

 Memorials may be made to the Coleman Memorial Free Methodist Church in Perry. 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. 

Raymond George Haegele, 69 of Batavia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with multiple illnesses on May 15, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born February 23, 1943 in Philadelphia to Herman Haegele of FL and the late Florence (Spink) Haegele. Mr. Haegele was a Military Policeman with the Marines at Subic Bay in the Philippines during the Vietnam Era and a member of the American Legion. He retired from Kodak, member of the Auxiliary Police for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, and Scout Master of the Troop 9 Boy Scouts in Batavia. He loved trips with his grandchildren, Friday adventures with his wife, clocks, antiques, and tinkering on his 1929 Model A Ford Truck. Ray is preceded in death by his foster father Alfred Serini.

He is survived by his beloved wife Margaret M. (Golaszewski) Haegele, daughters June Haegele, Susan (Dana) Koepp, grandchildren Amanda and Devon Koepp all of Batavia; foster mother Pearl Serini of Newtown, PA; brothers Ernest (Bernice) Haegele of FL; Edward Haegele of PA; sisters Dorothy Haegele of Philadelphia, PA; Rosemarie (James) Barnes of FL; Linda (William) Piehl of Philadelphia, PA; foster brother Jimmy Buss of Newtown, PA along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 5 to 8 PM on Thursday May 17, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 9:30 AM prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Friday May 18, 2012 at Ascension Parish-Sacred Heart Church 15 Sumner St. Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will take place in St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, Lancaster, NY.    

Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy 325 Walden Ave. Buffalo, NY 14211. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by GilmartinFuneral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.