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Obituaries

John Castronova

By T.J. Woodward

John Castronova, 87 of Batavia, passed away on April 7, 2013 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born March 28, 1926 in Punxsutawney, PA to the late Elia (Paola Cipolla) Castronova. Mr. Castronova was a WWII Navy Veteran. He was an avid golfer that belonged to Stafford Country Club, longtime local businessman and member of Resurrection Parish-St. Mary’s Church. He is preceded in death by his wife Nina Castronova who died on November 8, 2011; son Joseph Castronova; son-in-law Thomas A. Smith; sisters Margaret Dispenza, Angelina LaMendola, Frances Castronova, Vanessa DiSanto, Immaculata Zbaczyniak, Lillian Bosco, brothers Peter and Elia Castronova.

He is Survived by his son John (Mary Ellen) Castronova of Chattanooga, TN; daughters Paula (James) Roden of Bethel, CT; Maria Castronova-Smith of Jamestown; Nina (Edward) Castronova of Bloomington, IN;  brother Daniel (Patricia) Castronova of Sherman Oaks, CA; 11 grandchildren Kristin (Joseph) Pannozzo; Melissa (Michael) Courter; Kiley (Peter Ellard) Roden; David (Kristin) Marciniak; Megan (Chad) McDill; John (Carrie) Castronova; Korey (Mark Thorne) Roden; Jaime (Edward) Peterson; Paul, Luca, Malcolm Castronova; 12 great-grandchildren Theresa, Jacinta Courter; Joseph Pannozzo; Cecilia Courter; Caden Thorne; Peter Ellard; Colin Peterson; Kinley Thorne; Jonah McDill; Collins Nina Castronova; John Courter; Blair Castronova, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday April 12, 2013 at Resurrection Parish-St. Mary’s Church 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.      

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Palliative Care Program-Office of Advancement P.O. Box 278996, 300 E. River Road Rochester, NY 14627 or www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/palliative-care/ in John’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.

Karen D. Capozzi

By T.J. Woodward

Karen D. Capozzi, 65 of Batavia, formerly of the Bronx, died Thursday April 4, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born March 22, 1948 in Bronx, NY to the late Edward (Josephine Crean) Pennell. She was Nana to four grandchildren who she adored, John Anthony, Kamarie, Peter Joseph and Antonio. She loved to care for her baby Sophia who is a beautiful loyal Chihuahua. She enjoyed spending her days with her family, the water, seafood, traveling and life.    

She is survived by two daughters; four grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters.  

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will take place at St. Benedicts Church and Interment will take place at St. Raymond’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to HomeCare and Hospice 550 East Main 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, NY 14020.

Renee M. Panepinto

By T.J. Woodward

Renee M. Panepinto, 55 of Batavia passed away on April 4, 2013 at her home. She was born March 16, 1958 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Ben Houghton and Jolaine (Millward) Houghton of Buffalo. Renee was an inspiration to many as a teacher’s aide and secretary at Robert Morris Elementary School. She dedicated most of her life to supporting education and the Arts. Renee was a loving mother and wife and a wonderful friend to many.

She is Survived by her beloved husband Russell Panepinto; son Michael and daughter Rachel Panepinto all of Batavia; brother Tom (Linda) Houghton of Richmond, VA along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be private. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association at www.rsds.org/donate.html. 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.

Betty J. Ushold

By Joshua Smith

 

Oakfield – Betty J. Uschold, 87, of Oakfield, passed away Friday, (March 29, 2013) at Medina Memorial Health Care System, in Medina, following a brief illness.

Mrs. Uschold was born November 21, 1925 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Peter and Victoria (Beken) Vacanti.

Betty loved animals; especially dogs, cats, and horses.  She was very private, and it was difficult to get to know her, but it was worth the effort.  Those who were fortunate enough to get to know her will remember her as a very nice, warm and wonderful person. 

She was the wife of the late Raymond Uschold who passed away in 1983.  They were married for 36 years. 

Betty is survived by the “Blessed O’Connors”, Michael (Barbiann) O’Connor of Oakfield and their family, Shawn (Melissa) and Rowan O’Connor of Depew, Kyle O’Connor of Akron, Lisa Marie and Emily Fearby of Oakfield; her dear friends, Rebecca (Robert) Chatt of Oakfield, Gary (Helen) Smith of Corfu; her many friends at the Alabama Store and her devoted companion of 13 years, Baby. 

Preceding her in death are her siblings, Peter Vacanti and Ruth (Striker) Vacanti.

Friends may call on Saturday from 11 a.m to 12 noon at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where Betty’s Memorial Service will immediately follow calling at noon.   Flowers are gratefully declined; however those wishing may make memorials to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Margaret H. Prince

By T.J. Woodward

Margaret H. Prince, 83 of Batavia, formerly of Long Island died Thursday April 4, 2013 at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She was born March 30, 1930 to the late Andrew (Helen Berger) Gitto. Mrs. Prince was retired from the Syosset School District in Long Island. She regularly attended services at the Grace Baptist Church in Batavia. She enjoyed her family, telling stories and writing poetry. Mrs. Prince is preceded in death by two husbands, Richard Dale and Murray Prince.

She is survived by her children Pamela Zola of Batavia; Christopher Dale of Huntington, NY; grandchildren Tonya Smith of Batavia; Kevin Zola of Buffalo; great-grandchildren Kira Ryan, Kaylee Smith both of Batavia; along with many cousins.  

Friends are invited to call on Saturday April 6, 2013 from 3 to 5 PM at the Grace Baptist Church 238 Vine St. Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will follow calling hours on Saturday 5:00 PM at the church. Interment will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, NY.

Flowers are gratefully declined and memorials may be made to Audio Bibles for the Blind at www.audiobiblesfortheblind.org or the donor’s choice to a charity for the visually impaired. 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.

Lois E. Link

By T.J. Woodward

Lois E. Link, born May 28, 1937 and raised in Perry, NY with her parents Ethel B. and Clayton H. Link and five brothers and sister: Marion, Roland, Charlotte, Donald and Gordon. She danced her way home with Angels on March 30, 2013. For over three decades Lois was a teacher, coach, and mentor to several hundred students who she always referred to as “her kids”. The greatest lesson she taught was to “live a good life, treat others kindly and help when you can.”
She was an amazing Spirit who could sink a hook shot from half court, rebuild a car engine and lead marathon campfire sing-a-longs with her trusty guitar “George”. She touched countless lives; most often by the example of how she lived. It was filled with deep love, wonder and gratitude for all the gifts and magic of life. She adored nature and animals, and worked tirelessly to protect and care for the earth and it’s many and varied inhabitants.

Her last days were spent at her home in Castile, deep in the care of her woods, her three children and her beloved animals. She is survived by her three children John, Lynne (David) and Dan, grandchildren David (Drew) and Amy (Liz), Brother Gordon and sister-in-law Cory.

There will be a Memorial for her this Saturday April 6th in Letchworth State Park at the Trailside Lodge from 11 am until 6 pm. Anyone who felt a connection to her, or was touched by her, and feels that they would like to come and share in this celebration of her life, is welcome.

Memorials in her name may be made to Angel Action, ASPCA, or Heifer International. 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.

James A. Carmichael, Jr.

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - James A. Carmichael, Jr., 88, of Batavia, joined our Lord Monday, (April 1, 2013) at Buffalo General Hospital, in Buffalo, following a brief illness. 

Mr. Carmichael was born January 14, 1925 in Bessemer, AL, a son of the late James A. and Hallie  (Justice) Carmichael, Sr.

Jim served honorably in the Army Air Corps during World War II in Japan and Burma.  He was a member of the Oakfield Community Bible Church, where he regularly attended services.  Jim served the people of Genesee County as their Assemblyman from 1964-1966 and also owned and operated The Carmichael Agency, in Batavia, for 60 years. 

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Moroski) Carmichael of Barre, a brother, William Carmichael and several nieces and nephews, all of Alabama.  His dear friend, Leaburn Wilcox, of Batavia, also survives. 

Jim is preceded in death by a son, David C. Carmichael, a daughter, Cathy C. Carmichael, as well as his siblings, Douglas, David and Louise. 

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  Jim’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m, Saturday, (April 6, 2013) at Oakfield Community Bible Church, 80 North Main Street, Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakfield Community Bible Church.  Burial with military honors will be in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Rita J. Newton

By Press Release

Rita J. Newton, 81 of LeRoy died peacefully on Thursday (March 28, 2013) at her home. She was born April 2, 1931 in Batavia, NY a daughter of the late Arthur and Carol Belgar Kibler. Mrs. Newton retired from BOK Plastics in LeRoy, NY and was the owner of the Towne and Countree Loft, LeRoy, New York. She was an avid New York Yankee and Buffalo Bills fan. She enjoyed gardening, crafts and sewing and watching her soap operas.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert R. Newton of LeRoy and a sister, Marjorie Davis of Batavia.

Rita is survived by her four children Sharon (Joe Miceli) Wickson of LeRoy, Jamie Calmes of LeRoy, Mark (Lori) Calmes of Pavilion and Beth (Mike Urckfitz) Hawn of Churchville, 3 step-children Robert (Cindy) Newton of Caledonia, Donna (Dave) Paddon of Pavilion and Mike (Ginny) Newton of Jacksonville, North Carolina, two sisters, Arlene (Ed) Leaton of Batavia and Nancy Lomazzo of Garden City, Michigan, 9 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 8 step-great grandchildren and several beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at the Roanoke Community Church, 6525 East Bethany LeRoy Road, Stafford, New York 14143 on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Roanoke Community Church and the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program, James P Wilmot Cancer Center,601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704, Rochester, New York 14642. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.LeRoyFuneralHome.com Arrangements were completed by Cameron Brady & Steuber Funeral Home, Leroy.

James E. Jones

By Ronald Konieczny

 

James E. Jones, 74, of Batavia, died Thursday (March 28, 2013) at Rochester General Hospital.

He was born in Stanford, NY on March 16, 1939, a son of the late Edward and Gladys Cronk Jones.

Mr. Jones was a transportation and shipping executive for several companies including the former Eaton Yale & Towne in Batavia.  He had also worked for the ARC of Genesee County in his later years.  Jim was an Eagle Scout and a Scout Master for Troop 7 and Cub Master for Pack 112 all in Batavia. He was a minor league and little league coach for many years with several Batavia teams.  He was a member of Resurection Parish in Batavia.

Surviving is his wife of over 52 years, Paula A. Klimczak Jones whom he married on July 21, 1960.  His sons: Edward (Joyce) Jones, Paul (Denise) Jones and Carl Jones all of Batavia and David Jones of Plano, TX.  A daughter, Lorie (Richard) Ullman of Monclair, NJ. Eight grandchildren: Jacob, Amanda, Kristopher, Courtney, Alison and Alexander Jones, Violet and Nate Ullman. Three brothers:  William (Patricia) Jones of Raleigh, NC, Donald (Glenda) Jones of DeBary, FL and Thomas Jones of Newton, MA. Three sisters: Barbara Hughes of Richmond, VA, Betty Lu SanGeorgi of Albuquerque, NM and Margaret Scott of Boston, MA.  He is the brother of the late Nancy Jones.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Monday from 4 to 8 PM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, where prayers will be Tuesday at 8:45 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM at Resurection Parish (St. Joseph Church).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ARC of Genesee County or 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.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY II,  DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

 

 

Helen E. Putnam

By T.J. Woodward

Helen E. Putnam, 90 of Batavia, died Wednesday March 27, 2013 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born June 30,1922 in Wahoo, Nebraska to the late Edward (Mary Balis) Harrison. Mrs. Putnam was a homemaker, a member of Catholic Daughters Of America, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post # 332, and she worked in the Notre Dame High School bookstore.

She is Survived by her Sons Jerry Putnam, Bob (Shari) Putnam, Tim (Rose) Putnam, Ray Putnam, and Kevin Putnam: Daughters Sandy Putnam, Pam (Don) Hirons, Mary Lu (Bob) Hodgins, Dottie (Phil) Tagan, and Peggy (Scott) Miller: Daughter-in-law Laurie (Hess) Putnam. 19 Grandchildren and 7 Great grandchildren also survive.

Friends are invited to call on Monday April 1st from 7-9 PM and Tuesday April 2nd from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday April 3rd  at Resurrection Parish St. Mary’s Church 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. Internment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to the Notre Dame High School Scholarship Fund 73 Union St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 343-8260 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Arlene E. Herod

By Howard B. Owens

Akron - Arlene E. Herod, 81, of Akron, passed away Sunday (February 17, 2013) in Arlington, Texas.

Mrs. Herod was born November 9, 1931, in North Pembroke, a daughter of the late Henry and Emma Heidenreich Sliker.

She worked at St. Jerome's Hospital, the Batavia Veterans Hospital and Aakron Rule. Mrs. Herod was a member of the Akron Free Methodist Church and was an avid bingo player. She and her late husband, Rudolph V. Herod, were foster parents to over 50 children. She was the sister of the late George Sliker and Patricia Zetterberg.

Surviving are her children; John (Chris) Herod of Joshua, TX, Patty Lou (Kevin) Holland of Arlington, TX, Sue (Robert) Knapp of East Pembroke and many foster children including Elizabeth "Betsy" Penepent of Batavia, William Penepent of Basom, Chuck Stevens of North Carolina and Jackie DuBoise of Caledonia; 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; her sisters and brothers, Jean (late Carl) Hale of Elba, John "Joe" (Carol) Sliker of Corfu, James (Della) Sliker of Medina and Mary (Monroe) Sommers of Pembroke; her sister-in-law, Loretta (Charles) Radley of Sebring, FL and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church 7908 Allegheny Road, Corfu, NY 14036. Burial will be in Indian Falls Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Diana Lynn Bragg Zajaczkowski

By Ronald Konieczny

Diana Lynn Bragg Zajaczkowski, 62, of LeRoy and formerly of Batavia, died peacefully on Thursday (March 21, 2013) at her residence after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Batavia on March 3, 1951, a daughter of the late Charles and Calla Sue McCoy Bragg.

She was formerly employed by Meltons Clothing Co. and P.W. Minor Shoe Factory in Batavia.

Survivors include a son, Ron Bragg of LeRoy. Three granddaughters, Tiffani, Samantha and Aliana Bragg. A brother, Dan (Neva Ferguson) Bragg of Tennessee. Four sisters, Sandy Fancher of Warsaw, Linda (Tom) Kessler of W. Virginia, Angie (Ezra) Halstead of W. Virginia and Missy (Anthony) Muhaluk of N. Carolina.  Her best friend, Judy Gay of Batavia.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was the sister of the late Ronald Patton Bragg.

Friends and family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday from 10am-12pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where funeral services will be at the conclusion of visitation at 12pm.  Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield, NY.

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.

Joseph F. Suranni

By T.J. Woodward

Joseph F. Suranni, 73 of Batavia, died Thursday March 21, 2013 at Buffalo Mercy Hospital. He was born March 20, 1940 in Batavia to the late Nicholas (Isabelle Smith) Suranni. Mr. Suranni was a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Transportation Corp. He was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish and the former St. Nicholas Social Club in Batavia. Joseph worked for over 30 years at Rochester Instrument Systems and also worked at Morrison Knudsen in Hornell. He owned horses that raced in Batavia and Buffalo as well as being a member of the Western New York Harness Horseman’s Association. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth M. (Pelletterie) Suranni of Batavia; son Joseph N. (Carolyn) Suranni of Belleview, FL; daughters Sister M. Joanne “Jody” Suranni CSSF of Cheektowaga; Catherine (Russell) Frantz of Lake Worth, FL; Tanya (Carl) Monti of Depew; grandchildren Anthony J. and Victoria R. Suranni of FL. 

Friends are invited to call on Monday March 25, 2013 from 4 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. Prayers will be recited on Tuesday March 26, 2013 at 11:15 AM at the Funeral Home followed by a 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to the John Carroll University Alumni Fund at www.jcu.edu.  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.

Jerry J. Chapek

By T.J. Woodward

Jerry was born in Queens, New York on September 24, 1936 a son of the late Harry and Caroline Van Brunt Chapek. Jerry was a graduate of Hempstead High School in Long Island. He worked for 20 years at Shays Trucking in Dansville and then worked for Staples in their warehouse in Rochester until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking especially creating birdhouses, watching golf and other sporting events on TV, being around his family and was known to be quite the jokester.

He is survived by his wife whom he married on September 26, 1986 Linda Smith Chapek, 3 daughters: Kimberly Hielman, Karyn (Timothy) Laughrun of North Carolina, Monica (Mike Hale) Calkins of Baltimore, MD, 3 sons: Craig Hielman, Frank (Nathalie) Henry of Bergen and John (Chelsea) Henry of Warsaw , a sister: Audrey (William) Maitland of Venice, Fl., 9 grandchildren: Jessie and Aaron Laughrun, David Sutherland, Randall and Samantha Cole, Tyler, Emily, Matthew and Jacob Henry , 7 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday March 24, 2013 from 1 to 3 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry where a Memorial tribute will follow at 3:00pm. Interment will take place in Lagrange Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org. 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. 

Yvonne H. Conklin (Scott) (nee - Ladd)

By Press Release

Yvonne H. Conklin (Scott) (nee - Ladd) 77 of Thonotosassa Florida passed on Tuesday March 12, 2013 at the GulfsideRegional Hospice, after a brief illness.

She was born in Mumford, New York on January 9, 1936, the daughter of the late Horace and Ellison (Grant) Ladd. She grew up in New York and moved to Florida in 1973. She was employed at Seabreeze Restaurant and Maggio Carpets until her retirement.

She was predeceased by her late husbands Wendell Scott of LeRoy and Robert Conklin of Tampa and her daughter Susan Scott. She was also predeceased by her siblings Doris Dalcin,Eugene Ladd, Harold Ladd and Arlene Marble.

She is survived by her children Linda (Fred) Bemis ofChiefland, Florida, William (Lisa) Scott of Batavia, New York, Charles (Frances) Scott of Zephyrhills, Florida and her siblings Clarence Ladd of Colorado, Virginia Pangrazio of Stafford. New York and Carol Ashley of Avon, New York and daughter in law Susan Bagby of Clearwater, Florida. She is also survived byseveral grandchildren and great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for family and friends was held at Windward Knoll Community Center in Thonotosassa, Fl. on  Sunday March 24th at 2:00 PM.

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