Obituaries

Batavia / LeRoy ~ Dorothy L. Sherwood, age 83, of Batavia, passed away in the loving presence of her family late Tuesday afternoon (May 7, 2013) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

     She was born September 15, 1929 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Harry and Jenny Lynch Scheuing.

     Mrs. Sherwood will be remembered as a very loving and caring mother and grandmother, who was devoted to her family.  She raised six children and took great pride in them and their families.

     She is survived by her children; Mary (Francis) Michienzi of Cape Cod, William D. Sherwood of Denver, Kathleen (Timothy) Kelly of Buffalo, Edward Sherwood of Batavia, Phillip (Maria) Sherwood of Rochester and Jennifer (Erik) Triftshauser of LeRoy; 12 grandchildren; dear friends, Betty Grice and Barbara Brown, along with many loving sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, William H. Sherwood Jr. and her 9 siblings.

     Dorothy’s family wish to acknowledge and thank her NYS Veterans Home staff family for their many years of care and compassion.

     Family and friends may call on the family on Friday, May 10 from 3 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19 north), LeRoy.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish (St. Peter’s Site).  Private interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.  The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to either Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., Batavia, N.Y. or the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Inc., P. O. Box 267, Batavia, N.Y. 14021.

Mrs. Sherwood and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  For more information, please contact Vern at (585) 768-2400.

Betsy M. Shirley, 83 of Perry, died May 7, 2013 at the Wyoming County Nursing Facility in Warsaw. She was born in Perry on August 11, 1929 to the late Ward (Laura Niver) Maxson. Betsy was a 1947 graduate of Perry Central School. She worked in the cafeteria of the Perry Central School for years before she retired. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Perry. She enjoyed crocheting, reading and going to visit friends. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Clayton E. Shirley; daughter Patricia Ann Whitton; siblings Laura Schwab, Mary Dumbleton, Nellie Towneslanckton, Martin, Ward and Reginald Maxson.

She is survived by her grandson Jesse R. Whitton of Perry; sister Eva Mae (Devoughn) Speicher of Grants Pass Oregon; son-in-law Brian Whitton of Warsaw; sister-in-law Teresa Shirley, brother-in-law Ronald Shirley along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday May 10, 2013 from 5-8pm at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC.  98 N. Main St. in Perry  where a Funeral Service will follow 8pm at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry. 

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church 35 Covington St. Perry, NY 14530 or to the Office for the Aging 8 Perry Ave. Warsaw, NY 14569. For more information please call 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Thomas S. Bush, Sr., age 85, of Silver Springs passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on April 29, 2013, surrounded by the unwavering love of his family.

Tom was a self-employed farmer for many years and later worked for the Wyoming County Highway Department where he retired in 1989. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church (St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish) in Silver Springs. Tom enjoyed many years on the grandfather’s bowling and golf leagues. He was an active volunteer for over 30 years at the St. Mary’s Friday night bingo. Tom enjoyed Sunday gatherings with his family, his daily walks, and lived each day to the fullest.

Tom considered his life to be blessed in countless ways including his loving wife, Lois Woodard Bush, of 60 years; his children, Joe Bush of Silver Springs; Sue (Greg) Walton, of Bliss; Debbie (Brian) Gross of Castile; Marty (Doug Hammond) Bush of Rochester; Linda J. Bush of Silver Springs, Lori Bush-Siracusa of Geneseo, Tim (Linda) Bush of Silver Springs; Tom (Becky) Bush of Perry; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, three sisters, Glenna Popp of Leicester, Julie (James) Gillen of Warsaw, and Adele Stewart of Citrus Heights, CA; and two brothers, Kenneth (Ann) Bush of Chili Center, and James Bush of Stuart, FL, along with many nieces and nephews.

Tom will forever be remembered by his family and friends for his gentle spirit, infectious smile, unconditional love, and uncanny sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur (Anna Reilly) Bush; two sisters, Mary Bush and Muriel Downey; and three brothers, Arthur, Robert and Adelbert.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 3rd, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Eaton Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St, in Perry. Prayers at 10 am on Saturday, May 4th, at the funeral home will precede a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church in Silver Springs. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Silver Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Silver Springs, 23 Church St, Silver Springs, NY 14550 or Highland Hospital Department of Cardiology, 1000 South Ave, Box 15, Rochester, NY 14620. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information please call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Dorothy A. Elmore, 65, of Batavia, died Friday (May 3, 2013) at her residence.

She was born in East Bethany, NY on September 5, 1947, daughter of the late Herbert and Doris Dixon Batchelor.

Dorothy was a crossing guard for the City of Batavia and a member of Resurection Parish (St. Joseph Church).

She was the wife of the late Noel Elmore who died in 2010.

Survivors include two daughters, Kim (Paul) McCullough of East Pembroke and Cindy (Sean) Galt of W. Palm Beach, Florida.  Grandson, Gavin Galt. Brother, John Batchelor, Sr. of Stafford.  Niece, Michelle (Tom) Smith and great-niece, Olivia.   Also survived by other nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was predeceased by a sister Shirley Klinkbiel.

Services will be private at the convenience of 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. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Genevieve Wilkosz, 86 of Batavia, died peacefully on Tuesday (April 30, 2013) at Medina Memorial Hospital.

She was born February 6, 1927 in Alexander, NY, a daughter of the late John and Caroline Piasecki Idzik. 

Genevieve was a Senior Account Clerk for the Genesee County Dept. of Social Services prior to her retirement. She was a member of Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church), the Altar and Rosary Society and was a volunteer for the church picnics.  She was also involved with the Polish Falconettes, Jackson School reading programs and a volunteer at the Batavia Senior Center.  Genevieve was a former elections inspector for Genesee County.

She was the wife of the late Edward F. Wilkosz who died in 1976 and mother of the late Paul E. Wilkosz who died in 1997.

Survivors include two daughters, Patricia (Robert) Swanson of Batavia and Carol (John Mills) Wilkosz of Oakfield. Sister, Frances Kielbasa of Byron. Also survived by six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was sister of the late Stanley Piasecki and Frank Idzik.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and memories on Friday from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday 10am at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church).

The Rosary Society will recite the rosary on Friday, 3:30pm at the funeral home.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Homecare & Hospice, Crossroads House or Camp Good Days and Special Times.

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.  Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Julia “Hannah” Donahue, 91, of Alexander, died peacefully on Tuesday (April 30, 2013) at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

She was born in Alexander, NY on April 1, 1922, a daughter of the late Myron and Julia Leonard Pelton.

Hannah was a legal secretary for law offices in Batavia prior to her retirement.  She was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish in Attica.  Hannah had a fond love for dogs and the outdoors and will be sincerely missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was the loving wife of the late Thomas Donahue, Jr. who died on March 20, 2013.

Survivors include a daughter and son in-law, Julie Ann (Larry) Smith of Batavia. Granddaughter, Melissa Ann Smith of Batavia. Brother, Leo (Pauline) Pelton of Alexander.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Allen Pelton, Agnes Zak and Bertha Reiter.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday from 5-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, 10am at Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish (St. Vincent de Paul Church) in Attica.

Interment will be in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Attica.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the family for distribution to various charities.  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 . Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Mr. John P. Chase, 93 a lifelong Batavia resident died Tuesday April 23, 2013 at the Batavia Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Mr. Chase was born August 30, 1919 in Batavia to the late James Percy (Consitt Parker) Chase. A 1937 graduate of Batavia High School. He was employed at Doehler-Jarvis a tool and die maker for 25 years and Iroquois Design until retirement. Mr. Chase was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman who took great pride in his home. He and his wife, Elsie, loved to travel following his retirement. During his lifetime he raised hunting dogs, spaniels and German short hairs. He was a decorated World War II Veteran having been wounded at Biesheim, France. He was the recipient of the, Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star. Mr. Chase was preceded in death by his first wife of 26 years, Jeannette Foote Chase in 1973, his second wife Elsie Peck Chase in 2007, son-in-law Charles Sage and sister Joan Keitel.

Survivors include three children: Douglas (Linda) of Byron, Diane Sage of Batavia and David (Beth) of Batavia; five grandchildren Brian (Tara) Chase of SC; Mark (Amy) Chase of LeRoy; Scott (Heidi) Chase of Byron; Jeannette (Christopher) Whiteside of Attica and Christopher Chase of Tonawanda; nephews Phillip, Richard and Robert Keitel also survive. 

There will be no calling hours. Services will be conducted at a later date at the discretion of the family. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.      

Memorials may be made to the VA WNY Healthcare System 222 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020 Attn: Voluntary Service (135) in Mr. Chase’s memory. 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.

Joseph J. Yunke, 65 of Batavia, died  April 29, 2013. He was born April 20, 1948 in Batavia to the late Joseph (Anne Kamis) Yunke. Mr. Yunke worked for many years at Kodak in Rochester. He was a member of the Batavia Area Jaycees, the First Presbyterian Church, and the YMCA for over 30 years. Joseph was an avid runner, he enjoyed woodworking, loved to bake and cook.

He is survived by his daughter Ashley Yunke of Batavia; and a brother Bobby Yunke.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday May 2, 2013 from 6 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 Thursday following calling at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Batavia Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the YMCA, 209 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Churchville ~ Nina M. Ball, age 88, passed away at home in the loving presence of her family on Saturday evening, April 27, 2013.

     She was born July 5, 1924 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Harrison and Jeanette Johnson Hale.

     Mrs. Ball was a charter member of the Open Door Baptist Church in Chili. She initially worked at an Air Force plant during WW II and eventually moved on to a real estate career, becoming a broker and formed her own brokerage business.  She was also the first female real estate broker to be named to the GRAR board.

    She is survived by her sons Donald Ball of LeRoy and Charles (Cindy) Ball of Churchville, a daughter, Carolyn (William) VanHouter of Rochester, a sister, Bessie Grasso of Batavia, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husbands, Norman Ball and Daniel DeGeorge and 11 siblings.

     Family and friends may call on the family on Tuesday from 6 ~ 9 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt 19 north) LeRoy, where services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM.  Interment will follow in Grove Place Cemetery in Chili.      

Batavia - Elaine E. Fairbanks, 76, of Batavia, died Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Rochester General Hospital, in Rochester.

Mrs. Fairbanks was born January 15, 1937 in Greigsville, NY, a daughter of the late George and Lucy (Boatfield) Stevens.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Batavia for the past 10 years and she enjoyed family events and trips to the Adirondacks.

She is survived by her husband, Lowell J. Fairbanks, whom she married January 15, 1956; 3 sons, sons,  Lowell Thomas (Linda) Fairbanks of Allen, TX, Lester Fairbanks of Batavia and Steven (Daphne) Fairbanks of Batavia; 2 daughters, Cheryl (Mark) Yasses of E. Bethany and Lori Beherns-Fairbanks of Batavia; 3 brothers, George (Norma) Stevens of FL, Lester (Gloria) Stevens of Byron, and Bill (Sue) Stevens of Caledonia; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She was the sister of the late Helen Powers.  

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Rd., Batavia, where service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Richard C. Gaudioso, 77 of Pavilion, died April 25, 2013 died at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born June 27, 1935 in Rochester to the late Luke (Adalaide) Gaudioso. Mr. Gaudioso worked for many years at Dayton Rogers in Rochester and also loved his recent job as a greeter at Wal-Mart in Geneseo. He loved all animals and wildlife but especially his pets. He is preceded in death by his wife Florence (Leonard) Gaudioso; brothers Raymond, James, Harry and Frank Gaudioso; sister Esther Gaudioso. 

He is survived by his son David E. Thomas of Saint Marys, WV; daughters Linda (Myron) Bobzien of Bergen; Bonnie (Harry) Conrad of Batavia; companion Josephine King of Pavilion; sister Millie (Ron) Carpenter of Manchester, along with 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. To sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Dorothy C. Merkle-Elbel, 84 of Batavia, passed away on April 24, 2013 at Rochester General Hospital. She was born July 19, 1928, Elba to the late Harry (Beulah Hicks) Cosway. Dorothy was the Town Clerk in Bethany for many years. She was a life member of the Bethany Fire Department Auxiliary, member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia, and past member of the White Rose Rebekah Lodge. She was well known for her knitting, sewing, and making wedding gowns for her children, grandchildren and many friends. She is preceded in death by her first husband Lee Merkle (1982); son Dan Merkle (2002); brothers Frank and Robert Cosway; sisters Grace Pahuta and Beatrice Hatch.   

Survivors include her husband George K. Elbel of Batavia who she married in June of 2007; daughters Linda (Glenn) Merrill of Bethany; Christine (Edward) Haag of Houghton; daughter-in-law Deborah Merkle of Bethany; sister Mary Jane (Joseph) Marino of Batavia; 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Sunday April 28, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 11:00 AM Funeral Services will be held on Monday April 29, 2013 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church 190 Oak St. Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bethany.      

Flowers gratefully declined; memorials may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church 190 Oak St. Batavia, NY 14020; the Bethany Fire Department Auxiliary 5253 Old Telephone Road E. Bethany, NY 14054, or to HomeCare and Hospice 550 East Main St. Batavia, NY 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.
 

Lillian M. Cina, 89 of Batavia  died Tuesday April 23, 2013 at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She was born January 16, 1924 in Batavia to the late Joseph (Mary Marone) Cina. Lillian was a lifelong resident of the City of Batavia and attended Batavia High School and Rochester Business Institute, Batavia Branch. She was employed for nearly 40 years as an Administrative Assistant at Genesee County Health Department prior to her retirement. At the time of her retirement she had the highest seniority of all County employees. Lillian was a lifelong member of Ascension Parish (St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church), a member of its Altar and Rosary Society and President of that Society for many years. She was active in all facets of her Church community through the Altar and Rosary Society, as a Bingo volunteer and during the Church lawn fetes. Lillian’s bookkeeping abilities were of great assistance to the Parish on a regular basis with regard to all Bingo accounts and especially during the lawn fete. In 2003 Lillian was honored by Diocese of Buffalo with the prestigious St. Joseph the Worker award which is given to a lay person who exemplifies the spirit of service to her Church and her community. Lillian loved her extended family and her interests included spending much time with her Marone and Cina family members.    

Lillian was predeceased by her maternal aunt Virginia Sanfratello; maternal uncles Frank “Wiley” Marone, Louis Marone and Angelo (Sheiko) Marone. She was also predeceased by her paternal uncles Samuel Cina, Charles Cina, and paternal aunts Rose Quagliana, Mary Ficarella and Mildred DelPlato.    

She is survived by her aunts and uncles Ann Marone, Joseph Marone, Patrick Marone, Gertrude Woodring and numerous cousins in the Marone and Cina family.  

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday May 3, 2013 at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School 73 Union Ave. Batavia, NY 14020 or to Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. Batavia, NY 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, New York 14020.

Dorothy T. Phillips, 88, of Batavia passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at home, surrounded by all of her loving family. “Dottie” was born Feb. 6, 1925, in The Bronx, NY, daughter of the late Patrick & Bridgett Matterson Somers of The Bronx, NY. She graduated from St, Vincent’s School of Nursing in Manhattan, NY, in 1946, and was employed as a registered nurse in her 20’s where she met the love of her life, Dr. Paul J. Phillips, DVM.  Dottie and Paul celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in September of 2012.  She also worked in the 80’s for the WNY DDSO group home on Bank Street in Batavia.  Dottie enjoyed spending time with her many grandchildren & great-children. and many, many friends.  She also enjoyed antiquing, reading and cooking.

Surviving along with husband Paul, four sons: Paul (Lisa Bosley) of Loveland CO, Edward of  Batavia, Michael of Washington Crossing, PA, Daniel (Jacquie) of Batavia, three daughters: Anne of Batavia, Constance Chisolm of Rochester, NY, and Katie (Robert) Brown of Batavia.  17 Grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

There will be no prior visitation.  A memorial service will be held at a future date to be announced.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donors choice. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.