Obituaries

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.

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, 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, 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, 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.

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, 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, 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 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) 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.

Thomas H. Donahue Jr., 81, of the town of Alexander, died Wednesday (March 20, 2013 at Genesee County Nursing Home.

He was born in Ogdensburg, NY on May 18, 1931, a son of the late Thomas H. Sr. and Beatrice Donelly Donahue.  Prior to his retirement he was a custodian for St. Vincent de Paul Church, school and cemetery in Attica and was a bus driver for Genesee County ARC for twelve years.    He was a long time member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Warsaw, NY.  

Surviving is his wife Julia  Hannah Pelton Donahue,  a daughter and son in law, Julie Ann and Larry Smith of Batavia.  His grand daughter, Melissa Ann Smith of Batavia.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He is the brother of the late, John and Frank Donahue. 

Friends and 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 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 12 O’clock noon at Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish (St. Vincent de Paul Church) 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.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

Madeline Corradini, 98 of Batavia passed away on March 16, 2013 at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She was born May 19, 1914 in Cori, Italy to the late Peter (Quinta Campagna) Giovangrossi. Mrs. Corradini was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish and the church sodality. She was a volunteer at the Senior Center in Batavia for many years and she retired from Horowitz Shirt Factory. Mrs. Corradini is preceded in death by her husband Frank Corradini in 1971, along with one brother and one sister.                                                              

She is survived by her sons Thomas (Mary Jean); Frank (Nancy) Corradini both of Batavia; granddaughters Michelle (Jared) Goodfriend of Frederick, MD; Andrea (Jonathan) Goodwin of Ellicott City, MD; Brenda (Michael) Kurtianyk of Middletown, MD; Mary (Anthony) Sweet of Batavia; Camille (Richard) Noell of Woodstock, GA; 10 great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and one nephew.

Friends are invited to call on Friday March 22, 2013 from 4 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:00 AM on Saturday March 23, 2013 at the Funeral Home followed by a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish St. Joseph’s Church 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.      

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Resurrection Parish 303 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.

Richard E. Ames, 76 of Perry died March 15, 2013 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born in Fillmore on June 1, 1936 to the late Earl (Maude Hulin) Ames. Mr. Ames worked for many years at True Farms in Perry. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Perry. He loved horses, horse pulls and pony pulls. Richard was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, he loved NASCAR especially Dale Earnhardt Jr. and playing Euchre. He is preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters; father-in-law Nelson Keem. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy (Keem) Ames of Perry; children Donna (Ron) Alexander of Middleport; Dawn (Rusty) Lawrence of E. Bethany; Laurie (Don) Hope of Silver Lake; Brian (Bonnie) Ames of Fillmore; Sharon (Denny) Rawleigh of Dale; 7 grandchildren Cynthia Sims, Samantha (Leigh) Ciesielski, Christopher Sims, Sally (Jeremiah) Sims, Amanda (Art) Bixby, Sasha Bolen, Michael Ames; sisters Janice (Max) Armison of Fillmore, Barb (Don) Kenyon of Beverly, NJ; mother-in-law Margery Keem of Perry; sisters-in-law Judy Milhollen of Leicester, Bev Ames of Houghton along with many nieces and nephews including Rusty (Gay) of Leicester; Doug (Holly), Scott (Kellie) Milhollen both of Perry.

Family and friends may call from 3 to 7 PM on Sunday March 17, 2013 at the Funeral Home. 2:00 PM Funeral Services will held on Tuesday March 19, 2013 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Warsaw Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Patricia Miller, 75 of Perry died March 15, 2013 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. She was born in Rochester on August 30, 1937 to the late William Kane. Patricia began teaching school before she stayed home with her children and went on to retire from Letchworth State Park. She loved her hobbies, crafts and being with her grandchildren. Pat seemed to be a mother to many and truly loved everyone. She is preceded in by her husband Robert C. Miller; sisters Kathy Pumputis, June Kingston and a brother Kelly Kane.

She is survived by her son Roy (Sarah Comstock) Miller; daughter Linda Cicero both of Perry; brother Bill (Rosie) Kane, sisters Helen Mathis, Monica (Paul) Gilbert, Mary Frank all of Rochester; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday March 18, 2013 from 5 to 7 PM with a 7:00 PM Funeral Service to follow at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Friends are invited to attend a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church 4492 Lake Ave. Rochester, NY 14612 on Tuesday March 19, 2013. Interment will take place in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Rochester. 

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. 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.

Helen J. Groth, 98, of East Pembroke, died Tuesday (March 12, 2013) at Orleans Hospice, Inc. in Albion.

She was born in the Town of Pembroke on August 19, 1914, a daughter of the late Peter and Agnes Butte Barnas. 

Her husband, Lyman "Pete" Groth died in 1985.

Mrs. Groth was a longtime member of St. Maximillian Kolbe Church in E. Pembroke and enjoyed reading, bird watching and solving crossword puzzles.  Prior to her retirement she was a secretary with the family business, L.J. Groth & Son Inc., a beer distributorship.

Surviving are two sons and a daughter in law: Norman Groth and Dennis (Joyce) Groth both of East Pembroke.  Grandchildren: Daniel N. (Lisa) Groth of Oakfield, Dee A. "Toni" Neilans of Batavia, Gregory D. Groth of Corfu and Joan M. (Mathew) Worth of Corfu.  Eleven great grandchildren, two great, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.

She was the sister of the late: Peter, John and Chester Barnas, Mary Huskey, Rose Sileski, Vera Urban and Sophia Thomas.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Friday from 4 - 8pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia where prayers will be Saturday at 8:45am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church in East Pembroke.  Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in East Pembroke.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the church, E. Pembroke Vol. Fire Co. or Orleans Hospice, Inc.

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.