Obituaries

LeRoy ~ Donald B. Stenshorn, age 80, of Lathrop Avenue, passed away Tuesday evening (Dec. 31, 2013) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

     He was born September 18, 1933 in Warsaw, a son of the late Sidney and Luella Perrine Stenshorn.

     Mr. Stenshorn was a retired welder from the Lapp Insulator Company.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the LeRoy American Legion, the Batavia RC Flying Club, the Empire State Antique Truck Association and the Pine Hill Airport Museum.

     He is survived by his wife, Jean Bossart Stenshorn, his sons, Dale (Stephanie) Stenshorn of Rochester, Thomas (Jeanette) Stenshorn of York, PA and David (Lisa) Stenshorn of Kendall, his siblings, Janet Chapek of FL, Dean (Bonita) Stenshorn of Silver Springs and Diane (Robert) Kranack of FL, 5 grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter in law, Sandra Stenshorn.

     Friends are invited to call on the family on Friday, Jan. 10 from 3 ~ 7 PM. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Don's Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 11:00 AM at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main Street, LeRoy.  Interment will be private in Stafford Rural Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Lake Plains Dialysis ~ Attn: Ellen, 587 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y. 14020 or American Legion-Botts Fioritto Post 576, 53 W. Main St., LeRoy, N.Y. 14482.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mr. Stenshorn's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com 

Hazel May Miller, 92 of Batavia, formerly of Alexander and Attica, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother died December 31, 2013 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born February 4, 1921 in Alexander to the late Earle (Fannie Williams) Kelsey.

After graduating from Alexander High School, Hazel became a Rosie the Riveter at Curtis Wright in Buffalo during the war effort and later went on to earn her license as a cosmetologist, a profession which allowed her to work from home while raising her 8 young children. Later she went to work at Batavia Linen Systems and P. W. Minor and Sons in Batavia.  Hazel was a member of Bethany Center Baptist Church and volunteered for several years at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She was best known to family and friends as a woman who always offered an encouraging word and didn't have a mean bone in her body. She is preceded in death by her son Russ, granddaughters Rachel Miller and Meredith Schaefer; brothers Donald (infant) and Daniel Kelsey.   

Survivors  include her husband of 67 years, Edward A. Miller;  seven children, Maggie (Marsha) Miller of Batavia, Roger (Judy) Miller of Spring Grove, VA., Greg (Ann) Miller of  East Bethany, Jeff Miller of Port Charlotte, FL., Paul (Sheri) Miller of Alexander, Paula Miller-Schaefer (George) of Norfolk, VA. and Vicki (Jeff) Wolak of East Bethany; Daughter-in-law Belinda Miller (Rick) Cox,  19 grandchildren,  28 great grandchildren and 9 great, great grandchildren; three brothers William (Janet) Kelsey, Robert (Peggy) Kelsey, and Gordon “Gub” (Gaylene) Kelsey, nieces and nephews.  Also, family member  Julie Pearce of Sebring, FL.

Friends are invited to call on Friday January 3, 2014 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia. A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held at 11AM Saturday January 4, 2013 at Bethany Center Baptist Church, 10420 Bethany Center Road, E. Bethany, NY 14054. A private interment will take place at a later date.

Memorials in her name may be made to Bethany Center Baptist Church, 10420 Bethany Center Road, E. Bethany, NY 14054 or to Maple Lawn Cemetery Association, 10720 Bethany Center Road, E. Bethany, NY 14054. 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.

George A. Miller, 82 of Alexander, passed away on Friday December 27, 2013 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born November 12, 1931 in Batavia to the late John R. (Kathryn E. Eichelberger) Miller. Mr. Miller was retired from Traveler’s Insurance in Buffalo and he was a member of the Alexander United Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife Carol A. (Bunn) Miller who passed on December 1, 2012.

Mr. Miller is survived by his three children Jeffrey (Suzanne) Miller of Lancaster, Cheryl Silvestrini of Elbridge, Christopher Miller of Alden;  two grandchildren Jake and Megan Miller who survive along with his sister Janet Marriott of Rochester and several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday January 2, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. A   10:30 AM Funeral Service will take place on Friday January 3, 2014 at the Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main Street, Alexander, NY 14005. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alexander Fire Department, Main Road, Alexander NY 14005. For more information please call 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Corfu - Ryan C. Bergman, 26, of Corfu, passed away Wednesday (December 25, 2013).

Ryan was born on March 15, 1987, in Amherst, NY. He was the son of Richard and Bernadette Maloney Bergman.

Ryan was an avid reader and loved computer gaming. He always had a book in his hand or had one waiting, already opened, ready to read.

Ryan is survived by his loving and devoted parents, Richard and Bernadette Bergman of Corfu; his brother, Jeffrey Stellrecht of East Aurora and his special friend, Annette Pawli and her daughters, Arrianna and Clarice.

Many aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends also survive.

Friends may call Thursday 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph site) 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in Alden Union Cemetery, Alden, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Mental Health Association 25 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Elizabethtown, Kentucky - Mrs. Evelyn A. McElwain, age 85, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, formerly of Batavia, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2013 at Bradenburg Nursing and Rehab in Elizabethtown.

She was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was a cook at the former Genesee Memorial Hospital in Batavia.  

She is survived by a son, William R. Watkins of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; three daughters, Cherie L. (Joe) Feliciano of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Marion (Irv) Berkholder of Attica and Lauretta (Harold) Harper of Port Richey, Florida; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 12 to 2 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Please consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite #6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

MICHAEL G. SULLIVAN – Age 77, former Batavia resident, died peacefully Tuesday morning December 24, 2013 at the Wayne Center in Wayne, PA. He was born March 25, 1936 in Batavia to the late Michael L. and Sara (Kane) Sullivan, also preceded in death by his first wife, Rosalie (Carlino) and his son, Kevin C. Sullivan.

Mr. Sullivan was raised in Batavia and was a 1953 graduate of Batavia High School. He served in the United States Army and upon his discharge started his career in the automotive industry. He worked for both American Motors and Chrysler Corporation where he was Director of Sales Promotion and ended his career at Chrysler by managing a Chrysler/Plymouth dealership in Huntington, WV. He then joined Carrier Corporation in the international sales division and had the opportunity to conduct business in over 27 countries. He also lived for 3 years in Bahrain where he was a manager in Carrier’s Middle East sales office. In his later years, Michael settled in southeastern Pennsylvania living a quiet life there with his wife Sharon, yet always keeping his ties to Batavia.       

Surviving is his loving wife, Sharon (Flanagan) Sullivan of Coatesville, PA; his sons, Michael  of Orange County, CA and John P. of Dallas, TX; step-children, Drew Gordon, Mac Gordon, Mike Gordon, and Shannon DiCandill; grandchild, Devan Brooke Sullivan.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 18, 2014 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Mr. Sullivan will be buried with his parents in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorials in his memory can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.           

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

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

John P. McGowan, 88 of Batavia, died peacefully Friday morning, December 27, 2013 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born September 19, 1925 in Montreal, Quebec to the late Arthur (Eugene Kelley) McGowan. John worked for 38 years as an Insurance Claims Adjuster at Travelers Insurance Company and Aetna Insurance Company. He was an active member of the Resurrection Parish and was an avid sports follower who loved the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills. He devoted many hours as a volunteer for the Batavia Youth Football Organization, as well as being a coach of the “Bulldogs” and was very proud of each person he coached. He was one of the instrumental leaders during the formation of the Batavia Amateur Hockey Organization, leading the ranks of administrator, coach, and referee for many years. He was very much respected among the community as a family man, business leader and will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved more than anything spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his first wife Mary Elizabeth McGowan and his second wife Valerie McGowan; sister Beatrice McGowan and a daughter Karen Connell.

Mr. McGowan is survived by his children James (Cindy) McGowan; Beth Ann McGowan; John McGowan all of Batavia; Mary Ellen (Val) Steele of Greece; Robert (Ann) McGowan of Dallas, TX; Thomas (Mary) McGowan of Byron; Michelle (Mark) Shero; Robin (Ken) Kwiecien both of Perry; 18 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday December 29, 2013 from 2-6 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday December 30, 2013 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Agnes Cemetery, Avon.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association 22 Evans St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation 127 North St. Batavia, NY 14020. 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.
 

Stafford ~ David M. Russo, age 43, of Westcott Road, died  Thursday afternoon (Dec. 26, 2013) at Medina Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

     Mr. Russo was born October 15, 1970 in Batavia, a son of Salvatore and Anna Didget Russo.

     David never denied a request for help and was dearly beloved by his family and friends.

     In addition to his parents, Salvatore "Sam" and Anna Russo of Stafford, he is survived by his loving children, Josilynn and David Russo, his brother, Joseph (Natalie) Russo of Stafford, his niece and nephews, Josiah, Lucianna and Rocco, and his aunts and uncles, Lena (Douglas) Wood, Sandy Didget, Adele (Robert) Landin and Louis Russo.

     The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4 ~ 7:30 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 P.M.  Family and friends will gather at the Stafford fire hall following the service.  The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to David's family to establish an education fund for his children.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with David's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com

MINNIE M. GALLINE – Age 85, of Oakfield, died peacefully Thursday evening December 26, 2013 at her home while under the care of her loving family. She was born February 23, 1928 in Oakfield, NY, to the late Joseph and Onlee (Joslyn) Versaggi also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph S. Galline in 2011.

   Minnie worked for Kisiel Die Casting for many years and was a lifelong member of St. Padre Pio Parish. She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who had a strong faith in the Lord.

   Surviving are her loving children, Frank Galline of Atlanta, GA and Sandy (Sean) Downing of Oakfield; sister, Mary Lou Battaglia of Oakfield; brothers, Joseph Versaggi of Batavia and Frank (Genevieve) Versaggi of Oakfield; grandchildren, Christopher (Johnnie Lynn) Puccio of FL and Lori (Donald) Wray of Oakfield; great-grandchildren, Brittny, Ryan, Livia, Emma & Neile along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

   Family and friends may visit from 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday December 29, 2013 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15 a.m. Monday December 30 followed by an 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Padre Pio Parish (Oakfield Site). Burial will be in the church cemetery alongside her husband and memorials in her memory are suggested to the church.

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

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

Don was born in Buffalo, New York on January 9, 1944 a son of the late Francis and Doris Hitzel Nicklas. He served with the US Army during the Vietnam War. Don owned and operated the former Bells supermarket in LeRoy for many years, he also was a bus driver for Livingston-Wyoming ARC in Mt. Morris. He enjoyed boating, working around his home, and tending to his and his daughter’s vegetable garden. He loved to spend time with family, friends and especially with his granddaughters. He is preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law Francis (Shirley) Nicklas; brother-in-law Ronald Brown; nephew Christopher Moorhouse.

He is survived by his wife whom he married on September 26, 1970 Dawn Goodenow Nicklas, 1 daughter: Karen (Michael) Lee of Pavilion, 2 granddaughters: Tiffani and Samantha Bragg, 2 sisters: Carol (Joe) Moorhouse of Seminole, Fla., Janice Brown of West Seneca, a brother-in-law: Claudie Goodenow of Delevan, nieces and nephews: Joanne, Joey, Patty, Michael, Tom and Dan, along with many great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday December 27, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday December 28th, 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Wilmont Cancer Center C/O University of Rochester Medical Center (Hematology Department) 601 Elmwood Ave. Box 704 Rochester, New York 14642. For more information please call (585) 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. 
 

Richard W. Miller, 86 of Attica, passed away on Wednesday December 25, 2013 at his home. He was born October 1, 1928 in Varysburg to the late Arthur M. (Helen Schiltz) Miller. Mr. Miller retired in 1990 from Wyoming Correctional Facility as a Lieutenant where he was President of Retiree’s Chapter 82 and a member of CSEA Union.  Dick was a member of the Attica Fire Department for more than 50 years and Firemen’s Exempt having held many offices in the department.  He was a member of SS. Joachim and Anne Parish, a 4th degree Wyoming County Knights of Columbus #2240 Attica, a school bus driver for 49 years, former Mayor and Village Board Member in Attica. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth A. (Willard) Miller who passed on July 19, 2011, son Donald Miller in 1995, brothers Edward G. and Charles A. Miller, sister Genevieve Almeter.

Mr. Miller is survived by his children David R. (JoAnn) Miller of Allegany; Daniel W. (Brenda) Miller of Batavia; Susan H. Duncan of Dalton, MA; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday December 29, 2013 from 3 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday December 30, 2013 at SS. Joachim and Anne Parish 50 East Avenue in Attica, NY 14011. He will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Attica. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wyoming County Knights of Columbus #2240 27 Main St. Attica, NY 14011 or to the Attica Fire Department 11 Water St. Attica, NY 14011. For more information please call 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Barbara J. Schade, 92, of Venice, Florida, formerly of Batavia, New York died December 14, 2013. She was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Nurses Corp stationed in Pawling, New York. Burial with graveside military services were held Friday, December 20, 2013 at Mt. Albion Cemetery in Albion, New York. Ewing Funeral Home Venice, Florida handled the arrangements.

Batavia - Mrs. Nancy A. (Klein) Van De Walker, 70, of Batavia passed away peacefully Tuesday (December 24, 2013) at United Memorial Medical Center.

Nancy was born July 23, 1943, in Batavia, the daughter of the late Michael and Myrtle (Lance) Klein.

After 25 years, she retired from Pembroke Central School as a bus driver. Nancy loved spending time with her treasured dog, Radar, and her grandchildren. She enjoyed camping, playing cards, and hanging out with the gals at water aerobics. You could often find her at her favorite coffee shops in Batavia spending time with many family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Charles, Ronald, and Michael Klein, along with her sister Beatrice (Conibear) Warlick.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, James E. Van De Walker of Batavia; and her children, Sue Ellan (Mark) Bates of Corfu; Kenneth (Cathy) Marble of Batavia, Sue (Don) Van De Walker of Louisburg, NC; James R. (Wendy) Van De Walker of Attica; grandchildren, Kristina (Colby) Sanner; Mitchell Bates;  Donavon Stell ; James (Stephanie) Norton; Beth (Rick) Johnson; Amanda and Daniel Norton; Her sister Rosemary Klein of Millhall, PA; her 2 sister in laws Joanne Klein of Cooper City, FL; Alice Klein of Glen Allen, VA, along with her great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends of Nancy are invited to call from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 27th at the C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc.,4 E. Main St.,  Corfu. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020

Warsaw – Steven J. Dibble, 38, of Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, (December 22, 2013) in Lancaster.

Mr. Dibble was born May 28, 1975 in Batavia, a son of Dale (Becky) Dibble of Avon and Patricia (Bob) Dibble of Batavia.

Steve greatly enjoyed hunting, motorcycles, family BBQs, and NASCAR.  The light of his life however, were his children.

Surviving along with his parents are his daughters, Chelsea, Emma, Stephanie Dibble all of Batavia, and Allison May Dibble of Warsaw; his longtime companion, Carrie Harris of Warsaw;  a sister, Deborah (John) Miller of Stafford; two step brothers, Dakota Dibble of PA, and Dylan Dibble of Avon.

Steven is preceded in death by a sister, Julie Dibble; maternal grandparents, Edwin L. and Gertrude Sewor; paternal grandparents, Howard H. and Bertha M. Dibble, Sr.  

Friends may call on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where Steven’s Funeral Service will immediately following calling at 1. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dibble family to benefit Steven's children.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy/Batavia ~ Lloyd G. "Bud" Silvernail Jr., age 54, of Main Street, died unexpectedly on Saturday (Dec. 21, 2013) at home.

      He was born June 29, 1959 in Batavia, a son of Lorraine Kearney Silvernail and the late Lloyd G. Silvernail Sr.

      Mr. Silvernail was a very compassionate man, who was a Batavia police officer, prior to becoming medically disabled.  He enjoyed listening to music, playing guitar and writing poetry.

     He is survived by his mother, Lorraine Silvernail of the Genesee Co. Nursing Home in Batavia, his daughters, Kristin (David) Williams of Batavia and Carrie Silvernail of Buffalo, his sisters, Lori Silvernail of Batavia, Lee (Timothy) Tyler of Stafford and Linda (William) Frank of Elba, his granddaughters, Abigail, Madison and Novella Williams, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 11 AM ~ 12 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where services will be held at 12:00 PM.  Interment will be private in Grand View Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the family c/o Lori Silvernail, 25 Montclair Ave., Batavia, NY 14020 or to the American Heart Association.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Bud's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com