Obituaries

Stafford - Blanche E. Wetzel, 92, of Stafford, passed away Wednesday, (December 26, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Wetzel was born March 20, 1920 in Morganville, a daughter of the late Fred and Margaret (Lesner) Hawker.

She was a long time member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Stafford and one of the founding members of the Stafford Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary.  Blanche enjoyed collecting and making dolls and bears.  She also liked to spend time doing needle point and crocheting.

She is the wife of the late John Wetzel, who died in 1984.

Surviving are a son, Ronald (Patricia) Wetzel of MD, a daughter, Eleanor (late David) Scott of LeRoy, grandchildren, James Wetzel of MD, Carolyn (Andrew) Meyer of CO, Julie (Jonathan) Kopp of MD, and AnneMarie Wetzel of MD; nieces, , Brenda Wetzel of Batavia, Dora (David) Henry of Stafford, Carrie Booth of Akron, Margaret Dillon of LeRoy.  6 great-grandchildren also survive.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph (late Edith) Hawker, Marshall (late Sarah) Hawker, Clifford Hawker and Joseph Hawker; and her sister, Mabel (late James) Baker.  

Friends may call on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where Blanche’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday.  Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 6188 Route 5, Stafford, NY 14143.  Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery, Stafford.  Plese leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Age 84, of Attica, died suddenly Friday morning December 28, 2012 at the Erie County Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 14, 1928 in Attica, the youngest child of the late Augustus and Pearl (Rykert) Merle. She was preceded in death by her loving husbands, Charles J. Dolan in 1982 and Thomas E. Rider in 2010; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harry (Dorothy) Merle, George (Dorothy) Merle, Richard (Alice) Merle and sister and brother-in-law, Margaret (Ralph) Merrill.

Dorothy was a 1945 graduate of Attica High School and was employed by New York Telephone Co. in Batavia. She was also the Alexander High School office secretary for 24 years. She was an active member of St. Joachim and Anne R.C. Church in Attica, avid gardener and member of the Attica Garden Club, participated in a weekly card club, enjoyed golf, was a former member of the Attica Golf Club, loved to travel, and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. Most of all, she loved her family and the time spent with them.

Surviving are her beloved children: John (Jule) Dolan of Geneva, James (Cindy) Dolan of Bennington, Mary Jo (Douglas) Matla of Oakfield, Kathleen (Quentin) Fitch of LeRoy and Karen (Don) McJury of KY; sister-in-law, Helen Merle of Alden; grandchildren, Jaime & Sean Dolan, Erin (Jason) Dressel, Lindsey (Zachery) Clark, Kacy (Jessica) Dolan, Grant (Rochelle) Matla, Dolan (Sophie) Matla, Gregory (Alyssa) Fitch, Adam Fitch, John (Katie) McJury, Brenna (Kyle) Richardson and Eric (Jodie) McJury; 9 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 3-7 PM on Sunday December 30, 2012 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Dorothy's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday December 31, by Father Karl Loeb, at St. Joachim and Anne R.C. Church, 50 East Ave., Attica, New York 14011. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dorothy's memory are suggested to the church, Stevens Memorial Library, or Dollars for Scholars at Alexander High School. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DOROTHY JANE (MERLE) DOLAN IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Darien -  Donald W. Schultz, 83,  of Darien, NY passed away at his home Thursday (December 27, 2012).    Donald was born June 15th, 1929, in Buffalo, son of the late Herman and Viola (Neubauer) Schultz.

He served with the United States Navy aboard the USS Verdin during the Korean War, retiring from Westinghouse in 1985 and the Pembroke Thruway service station in 1991.

He enjoyed classic cinema and the company of his children, grandchildren, and dog Blackjack.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Felicia Ann Rogowski Schultz in 1991 and son Roger in 1985.

He is survived by his children; sons William of West Seneca and Pastor Kenneth (Rhonda) Schultz of Randolph, daughters Beverly of Tuscon, AZ, Francine (Dennis) Alessi of Darien, and Kathy (Daniel) Ferrara of LeRoy.  He is also survived by his grandchildren -- Darrell Gulledge, Rebecca Hazen, Robert and Jill Paxon, Jason Alessi, Jonathan, Matthew, and Mark Schultz, Marygrace and Daniel Ferrara -- and 6 great-grandchildren.

Friends will be welcomed by the family from 4-7 PM Sunday at the C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 Main St., Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Darien Fire Company PO Box 135, Darien Center, NY 14040.

Walter was born in North Hornell, NY on October 7, 1930 a son of the late Hugh and Isabelle Todd Brooks.He served with the US Airforce. Walter was a graduate of Alfred Tech, He worked for the former Walkley’s Farm Equipment in Perry for 13 years and then went to work for Letchworth State Park where he was a mechanic, he retired in 1995. He was a member of the Baptist Church of Perry and American Legion. He enjoyed working on cars and farm equipment. He known by many for his good sense of humor. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane Boutwell Brooks who died in 2004.

He is survived by a daughter; Terry Ann (David) Coburn of Dunn, NC, a son; Jeffrey (Tina) Brooks of Mt. Morris, a brother; Everett (Elaine) Brooks of Moneta, Va. a sister; Frances Hoffman of Hornell, NY, 8 grandchildren; Charissa and Christopher Coburn, Cody, Chance, Tannor, and Logan Brooks, Timothy Greig and Javan Levey, along with many nieces, nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday December 29th from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Services will be held on Sunday December 30th at 3:00pm at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Grace Cemetery, Castile.

Memorials may be made to the Home Care and Hospice 409 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY, Castile Rescue Squad 37 N. Main St. Castile, NY 14427or to the Baptist Church of Perry 77 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Paul L. Kauffman, 74 of Elba passed away on December 27, 2012. He was born June 8, 1938 in Alden to the late Daniel (Levina Miller) Kauffman. Mr. Kauffman loved working on stock cars, woodworking, tinkering in the garage and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He retired from US Chrome in Batavia. Mr. Kauffman is preceded in death by a son Scott Kauffman; brothers Wally, Bill, Tuck, Ray, Walt Kauffman and a sister Bernitha Kauffman.

He is survived by his beloved wife Erma Bieber of Elba; sons James (Cheryl) Bieber of Elba; Roger Bieber of LeRoy; Tim (Nicole) Kauffman of Elba; daughters Jean Reinhardt of Corfu; Debbie (Trahey) Crawford of DE; brother Charlie Kauffman of NC, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will take place 1:00 PM on Monday December 31, 2012 at the Elba Fireman’s Recreation Hall 7143 Oak Orchard Road Elba, NY 14058.   

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

Carolyn Piazza, 88 of Batavia died Monday December 24, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born August 18, 1924 in Batavia to the late Michael (Mary Grace Genco) Gioia. Mrs. Piazza loved cooking, baking, traditions and most of all her family. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Anthony “Tony” Piazza, son Anthony “Skip” Piazza along with her seven brothers and sisters.  

She is survived by her children Michael, Gary (Carmela) both of Batavia; Ricky (Deborah) of Attica; Randy (Dawn) Piazza of Pembroke; Mary Grace Marciniak of Batavia; 9 grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday December 27, 2012 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Friday December 28, 2012 at the New Hope Ministries 8052 Bank St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Crossroads House 11 Liberty 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.

Mr. Longhine was born in Perry, New York on July 20, 1953 a son of the late Robert and Helen Brogerick Longhine. He worked in Saudi Arabia form many years as a teacher in computers. He enjoyed shooting pool and playing darts. He is preceded in death by a sister Jody Ormsby and brother Robert "JB" Longhine.

He is survived by his wife Anchana Longhine, a sister Kathy (Oliver) Meme of York, PA. along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Friday December 28th from 2-6pm at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. in Perry. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Edward  Kent "Butch" Reading, 94, formerly of Oakfield, NY, passed away on December 21, 2012 in Virginia Beach, VA.  The only child of Nicholas and Alice (Knibbs) Reading, Butch was born July 27,1918 in Fredonia, NY.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Virginia (Cole) Reading who died in 1995.

He is survived by sons David (Ann) of Estero, FL and Thomas (Marianne) of Virginia Beach, VA, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his close companion in later life, Jeannette Morley of Batavia, NY.

Butch graduated from Warren , PA High School where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball.  He attended Franklin andMarshall College in Lancaster, PA.  He was a veteran of World War II having served in the Fourth Army Air Force.

He worked for 37 years for Graham Corp in Batavia, NY and retired in 1980 as Senior Vice President of that manufacturing company.  He was formerly an Elder of the Oakfield Presbyterian Church, was a member of American Legion Post 332 in Batavia,

was on the Board of the Batavia YMCA, was an elected member of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School Board and served as President of the Batavia United Fund.  Butch was a charter member of both the Oakfield Lions Club and the Genesee County Area Prayer Breakfast Committee.

Butch enjoyed fishing for muskie from his cottage on Chautauqua Lake and for walleyed pike in Canada.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed following the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.  He was an accomplished woodworker who was most content when working in his cellar or garage using his lathes and saws.

There will be no viewing hours.  Services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, January 2nd at the Oakfield Community Bible Church,80 Main St., Oakfield, NY.  Burial will be on January 3rd in Oakland Cemetery, Warren, PA.   Memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.  

Arrangements were completed by Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com. 

Diane Susan Warriner, 58 of Stafford passed away peacefully on December 16, 2012 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo following a courageous battle with leukemia. She was born July 16, 1954 in Batavia, to the late Adelbert (Eleanor Bolsei) Ernest. Diane was a graduate of Le Roy High School and SUNY College at Brockport. She was employed by Chapin Manufacturing for over 20 years where she made many lifelong friends. Growing up, Diane spent many happy hours on her Grandpa and Grandma  Bolsei's farm in Pavilion. She loved animals and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Some of her favorite times were spent with family, most especially with her grandson, Addison, whom she loved dearly. Diane will be missed by her family and friends. She is proceded in death by a brother in law Mark Warriner.

She is survived by her husband Edward J. Warriner, son Shane Warriner, daughters Shawna and Kristen Warriner all of Stafford. One grandson Addison Warriner, sisters Lisa (Christopher) Palmer of SC, Julie (Ronald) Radley of Stafford, brothers and sisters in law Frank (Georgia) Warriner of Elba, Mary (James) Pacino of Batavia, Dawn (Dave) Herman of Brockport, Jane Maskell of Byron, Linda (Vito) D’Ambrosio of Hilton and Kathleen (Gary Brown) Miller, Chana Kreutz survive along with many nieces and nephews. 

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday December 20, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc.;  329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 
 

Bergen - Edward James Ireland, 52, of Bergen, an employee of General Motors Corp. in Rochester, prior to his retirement in 2007, died Thursday, December 13, 2012 while under Palliative Care at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Mr. Ireland was born February 24, 1960 in Batavia, the son of James R. and Marlene (Maher) Ireland of Bergen.

He graduated from Byron Bergen High School, was a member of St. Brigid’s Church, its Holy Name Society and UAW Local 1097. He enjoyed bowling, golf and was active in his children’s sporting events. 

Along with his parents, he is survived by 3 children, Katie Ireland of Bergen, James Ireland of Greece and Beth Ireland of Buffalo; 2 sisters, Patricia (Kenneth) Stulik of VA and Christine (Ronald) Brown of OH; longtime friend, Phyllis Cologgi of Rochester; several nieces and nephews. 

He was the former husband of the late Patricia Brasser Ireland. 

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake St. Bergen, His Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. Memorials may be made to Palliative Care Program at University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 687, Rochester, NY 14642 or to St. Brigid’s Church, P.O. Box 219, Bergen, NY 14416. Burial will be in Stone Church Cemetery, Bergen.

Harold J. Newton, Jr., 51, of Batavia, died Thursday (December 13, 2012) at his residence.

He was born in Rochester, NY on December 27, 1960, son of the late Harold J. Newton and Jean LaPiana King of Batavia.

Besides his mother, survivors include two brothers, Daniel King of Batavia and James King of Florida.  Sister, Donna (Pat) Shandorf of PA. Sister in-law, Donna Woodworth of Batavia.  Also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was the brother of the late Michael King and David King.

Private services will be 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.

Hilda B. Shaw, 90 of Batavia, died Thursday December 13, 2012 at the Genesee County Nursing Home, Batavia. She was born August 1, 1922 in Brant Lake, NY to the late Elwin (Grace Pasco) Bennett. Mrs. Shaw was a Registered Nurse and worked for many years at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard E. Shaw in 1981 and a sister Ruth Parker.  

She is survived by her children Gerald Shaw Sr. of Watervliet, NY daughter Marilyn (James) Brian of Batavia; sisters Edna (Donald) Sipp of Lake George and Barbara Mein of Glens Falls; 5 grandchildren Gerald (Melissa) Shaw Jr., Tricia (Geneo) Savocca, Jaclyn Brian, Heather (Richard) Bryant, Heidi Bogue; 9 great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday December 18, 2012 at the Calvary Reformed Church 10 Church St. Hagaman, NY 12086. Interment will take place in Hagaman Cemetery, Hagaman.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Calvary Reformed Church P.O. Box 548 Hagaman, NY 12086. 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.

BATAVIA — Kathleen Ann (Geise) Allen, 72, passed away Tuesday (Dec. 11, 2012), rejoining her love of 50 years, Lyle who left us just four months ago.

Kathy leaves behind, her daughters Michele (Wayne) Gilbert, Kristen (Daniel) Frey, and herson, Jeffrey (Darla) Allen. She was also the proud grandmother of Sara Gilbert, Eric Gilbert, Michael Allen, Kaitlyn Allen, and Zachary Frey. Three brothers and two sisters also mourn her passing Kenneth (Beverly) Geise, Harold “Red” (Marge) Geise, and William (Linda) Geise , Bernice (Bill) Schlosser, and Roberta (Harold) Edwards. Surviving as well are her brother-in-law and sister-in-law George “Bud” (Nita) Allen.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents Clarence and Katherine Geise of Alleghany.

Kathy worked at the former Scotch Game Call in Elba and retired from UMMC as a Medical Transcriptionist. She was one of those rare individuals who actually enjoyed housework and was a meticulous gardener. She found a love and knack for Bingo while residing at The Manor House in Batavia and at the Pines in Machias where she spent her final days.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm Friday at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave. Oakfield, where services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the website established on Kathy’s behalf to help find a cure for the disease that took her too soon. http://act.alz.org/goto/kathy. Burial will be at the St Cecelia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.  Please light a candle, share a story, or leave a condolence at www.burdettandsanford.com. 

Mrs. Koepf was born in Uvalde Texas 90 years ago to the late James and Gladys Noah Stroman. She was a sewing teacher for Sears Roebuck in Buffalo prior to her retirement and a member of the Lancaster Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy L. Koepf, brother Hulen Stroman and sister Mildred Raybon.

Gladys is survived by two sons Michael Koepf of Lancaster, Donald (Corrine) Koepf of Corfu, 2 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday December 15, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Lancaster Presbyterian Church, 5461 Broadway Street, Lancaster, NY 14086.
Buial will take place in Acacia Park Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to NYS Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Lancaster Presbyterian Church. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260 with any questions. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.