Obituaries

Alice Marie Whiting, 82, of Barker, NY, died Saturday, (August 18, 2012) at Crossroads House in Batavia. 

She was born in Buffalo on June 7, 1930, a daughter of the late Cyril E. and Alice Ruge Taylor. 

Alice was a graduate of Rosary Hill College and Syracuse University where she received her Masters Degree in mathematics. 

In previous years she was employed by Ben DeYoung Farm Implement Co., Whiting Roll-Up Door Co., both of Akron and Fisher Price Toy Co. in Medina.  She enjoyed gardening, reading and mathematics.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 48 years of Lauren Whiting.  Children: Theo (Michael) Abraham of Kingston, NH, Steven C. (Delia) Tee of Barker, NY, Robert (Phyllis) Whiting of Akron, NY,  James C. (Christine) Tee of Medina, NY, Rodney (Luanne) Whiting of Lyndonville, NY, Nancy (Timothy) Girard of Clarence, NY, and Alice (John) Worrall of Mechanicsburg, PA.  Twenty two grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren also survive. 

She was the sister of the late Cyril E. Taylor and William J. Taylor. 

Family and friends may share their thoughts , condolences and fond memories with the family on Tuesday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 32 JOHN ST., AKRON.   Services will be on Wednesday at 11 AM at the Chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1411 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY.  Interment will follow. 

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to a charity of their preference. 

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC.,  32 John St., Akron, Ronald P. Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor. 

Fred was born in New York City, NY on November 19, 1923 a son of the late Hamilton and Grace Hilyar Sibbald. Fred was a resident of the Perry ICF in Perry. He moved to the Perry facility in 1987. He is preceded in death by his brothers David and William Sibbald.

He is survived by his staff family at the Perry ICF along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 10-11am on Monday August 20th, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Services will follow visitation at 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.
 

Theresa Marie Bellow Peca, 87 of Batavia, died  peacefully at her son’s home surrounded by her loving family on August 18, 2012.  She was born October 19, 1924 in Le Roy, NY to the late James and Jennie Vanelli  Bellow.  Mrs. Peca was Vice President of Batavia Turf Farms, 1960-1997.  She was a member of  Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church and chairman of the First Popcorn Ball, served on the Pre Cana Council.  She enjoyed music and played the organ at church as a young girl and also played the keyboard socially at Florida functions. She  is preceded in death by her husband Anthony, a daughter Joan Marie Peca, granddaughters Catie Hoch, Heather Elizabeth Peca, daughter-in-law Martha Peca, son-in-law Larry Hoch,  brother Dominic Bellow.

She is survived by her six children. Samuel of San Diego; Anthony L. (Geraldine) Jr. of Batavia; John (Debbie Murray) Peca of Batavia; daughters Anne Marie (Richard) Starowitz of Batavia; Gina Peca of Ballston Lake; Theresa Peca-Baker of Burnt Hills; 14 grandchildren Jennifer (Shane) Caiazzo, Jessica (John) Heffernan, Jill (John) Kratz, Theresa (Guy) Pellegrino, Emily Peca, Justin Sager, Kelly Peca, Jaime (Brittni) Peca, Anthony (Leah) Peca III, Amy Peca, Robby Hoch, Tess Baker, John Hoch, Ethan Baker, Nephew James Strollo and Niece Roseanne Patton. 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday August 22, 2012 at Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 303 East Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Catie Hoch Foundation at www.catiehochfoundation.org. 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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Age 82, of Batavia, died peacefully Thursday afternoon Augst 16, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born in Batavia, on February 2, 1930 to the late Boguslaw & Mary (Jankowski) Krzewinski, also preceded in death by her brothers Stanley, Matthew, Richard and a sister Irene Gillette.

Ryta was a member of Resurrection Parish and was formerly employed by Lapp Insulator in LeRoy. In her earlier years she was an avid golfer, enjoyed walks in the park and spending time with her friends having coffee and lunch.

Surviving is her loving son Gary (MaryAnn) Brownell of New Mexico; sister Helen Krzewinski of LeRoy along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews & dear friends.

Family and friends may visit from 6-8 PM Sunday August 19 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York where prayers will be recited 9:30 AM Monday August 20 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's SIte). Memorials in Ryta's memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice with burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF RYTA L. BROWNELL IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Batavia- Leona Koch, 83, of Batavia, died Thursday, (August 16, 2012)at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Koch was born January 24, 1929 in Cowlesville, a daughter of the late Harold and Esther (Kern) Ewert.

Leona was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren.  She loved collecting cardinals as well as Beanie Babies.  Mrs. Koch also enjoyed playing bingo, cards and spending time in her garden.  She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who always had a genuine concern for the wellbeing of those around her.

Surviving along with her husband of 66 years, Elon Koch of Batavia, are her children, Ronald (Ruth) Koch of Stafford, John Koch of Alexander, and Sandy (Chuck Curry) Koch of Nunda; a daughter-in-law, Rose Koch of Alexander; a brother, William Ewert of Albion; sisters-in-law, Joan (late Norm) Koch and Jean Ewert both of East Pembroke.  18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Mrs. Koch is preceded in death by a son, Donald F. Koch; a brother, Richard Ewert; a brother-in-law, Lloyd Koch; and a sister-in-law, Grace (late Art) Newhouse.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  A reception will immediately follow calling hours at The Beach Head Veterans Club, 3188 Broadway Road, Alexander.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Corfu - Alberta S. Brightenfield, 90, of Corfu, passed away Thursday (August 16, 2012) at her home.

Mrs. Brightenfield was born July 9, 1922 in Corfu, a daughter of the late Albert and Martha Nuwer Smith. She was the wife of the late Edward Brightenfield;  Mother of the late Albert J. Brightenfield and James A. Brightenfield; and sister of the late Elmo Smith, Laverne Smith, Robert Smith and  Norma Feller.

Alberta worked as a secretary, tax collector and census taker for the Pembroke Central School District for over 40 years. She was a faithful member of St.  Maximilian Kolbe Parish (St. Francis) and the church secretary for over 40 years. Alberta was also a member of the Corfu Fire Department and the Ladies Auxiliary, the Corfu Senior Citizens and served as an election inspector for many, many years. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Alberta's favorite pastimes were baking, gardening and playing pinocle with her family, card club and senior citizen friends .

Alberta is survived by her daughter, Mary (Bud) Ulander of East Pembroke and her son, Robert (Patricia Navas) of Corfu and daughter-in-law Lori Birghtenfield of Stafford; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Rosemary Smith of Batavia. Several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (St. Francis site) 18 West Main Street, Corfu. Burial will be in Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery, Darien Center, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be used for the church building fund.

Ruth was born in Avon, NY on December 19,1918 a daughter of the late Roy and Alta Steffens Peck. Ruth was a homemaker who enjoyed doing crafts especially doll making, quilting, and playing cards.She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center where she was involved in the Womens Fellowship Group, and Card Club. She was also a member of the Home Bureau. She is preceded in death by her husband Fredrick C. Herman who died in 1997; three siblings, Lucille Nowack; Mary Vanderpool; Leslie Peck and a grandson Clinton DeGraff.

She is survived by 2 daughters: Charlotte (Earl) DeGraff of Mt. Morris, and Shirley Herman of Ft. Myers, Fla., 3 sons: Harold (Diane) Herman of Perry, Ronald (Billie) Herman of Wiersdale, Fla. and Fred Herman of Greenville, S.C., 4 sister-in-laws: Fran Ball of Whitesville, Mary Page of Pavilion, Mabel Orman of Oswego, and Polly (Joe) Stoffer of Warsaw, 1 brother-in-law: Paul (Esther) Herman of Perry, 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 PM on Friday August 17th, 2012 at the First Congregational Church 7205 Rt. 20A in Perry Center. Services will follow visitation at 4:00pm at the church. Interment will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Perry Center.

Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church 7205 Rt. 20A Perry, NY 14530 or to the Perry Center Fire Department P.O. Box 204 Perry, NY 14530. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Ronald E. Finkney, 76, of Corfu, died Monday, (August 13, 2012) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

He was born in Buffalo on March 30, 1936, a son of the late Kenneth and Caroline Schwartz Finkney.

 Mr. Finkney was retired from Chevrolet Products in Buffalo and enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and auto racing.  He was a former drag racer and was a member of U.A.W. Union and COPEDA Snowmobile Club.

Surviving is his wife of over 54 years, Betty Underhill Finkney whom he married on December 28, 1967.  Two sons and daughters in law; Rodney and Mary Jane Finkney of Corfu and Jeffrey and Barbara Finkney of Lockport.  Four grandchildren; Sarah, Jacob, Adam and Nolan Finkney.  Three sisters and brothers in law; Diane and Marvin Rosenberg of Corfu, Carol and Bryan O’Brien of Williamsville and Linda and Vincent Heineman of Oakfield.  Sisters in law; Nancy Finkney of Batavia and Mildred Finkney of PA. Brothers in law; Loren Falker of Corfu and Jerry Heineman of Corfu.  He is the brother of the late; Lois Falker, Pamela Heineman, Kenneth, Gerald and William Finkney. 

Friends of the family are invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, on Wednesday  from 6 – 8 PM and Thursday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8PM.  Funeral services will be Friday at 11 AM at High Point Church, 1163 Main Rd., Corfu with Rev. Robert Dean officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to High Point Church, 1163 Main Rd., Corfu,  NY 14036.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR 

     Age 67, of Batavia, died peacefully Sunday July 22, 2012 at home while under the care of her best friend of 48 years Shirley of Attica, niece Lisa of GA, granddaughter Jamie and her "Special Little Buddy", great-grandson Reece, both of Pavilion. She was born in Arcade, NY, a daughter of the late Alvie & Helen (Schrieber) Rogers, also preceded in death by her husbands Kenneth Walborn & Ralph Shipley, step-daughter Debra A. Shipley, grandson Trevor Przybl, June Chapman, Alberta Schloss, Norbert Rogers and Betty Close.

     Darlene was emplyed by the Town of Batavia where she not only loved her work but enjoyed the many co-workers and friends she made over the years.

     Surviving are her children Malanie (Victor) Heal, Tina (Jamie O'Rourk) Cook & Donna (Alan) Hartman; step-children Ralph (Andrea) Shipley Jr. of Batavia and Kathy Shipley of Akron; sister, Sandra (Doc) VanBuren of FL; brother, Norman (Janice) Rogers of GA; 8 granddaughters, 6 grandsons, 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be at a time and place to be announced. Burial will be in Yorkshire Cemetery and memorials in Darlene's memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DARLENE A. SHIPLEY IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

East Pembroke - Mark A. Newton, 57, of East Pembroke died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Mark was born on March 28, 1955 in Batavia, a son of Margaret (Bartlett) Newton and the late Norman Newton. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Newton.

Mr. Newton was Vice President of Ron & Newt's in East Pembroke, where he worked since his early teenage years. Mark took pride in his mechanical work and was known to have had great relationships with his customers. Throughout the early-mid 1980’s Mark and his brother Bob built and operated Genesee Speedway in Batavia (currently Raceway 5). Mark was well known for driving his orange #55- double nickel-orange blossom special. He had a successful racing career driving asphalt modifieds at Lancaster and Spencer Speedways. He also raced in special events at race tracks in Holland, Martinsville, Va., Poconos, Pa., Stafford Springs and Thompson Speedways in Ct. from 1972 into the mid-80s. He loved his family and enjoyed restoring old cars, especially corvettes and was a diehard Dale Earnhardt fan.

Mark is survived by his mother, Margaret "Peg" Newton of East Pembroke; his devoted wife of 32 years, Marjorie (Esten) Newton; daughters Michelle (David) Purcell of Hamlin, Amanda Kopper of Batavia, and Kristen (Jeffrey) Maxwell of Batavia; grandchildren Macy Purcell (8), Anthony Kopper (5), Aiden Kopper (4), Michael Barry (2), and Josiah Wright (1); brothers, Larry (Brooke) Newton of Longwood, Fla., Don (Elaine) Newton of Batavia, and Wayne (Robin) Newton of Auburndale, Fla., mother-in-law Harriet (late Roger) Esten of Oakfield; brother-in-law Ralph (late Laurie) Esten of Oakfield, Doug Esten of Oakfield, and Roger (Lisa) Esten of Elba; sister-in-law Carol Esten of Oakfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call Monday 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11 a.m at the Cornerstone Church 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke, with burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery, Angling Road, East Pembroke.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Newton family.

Batavia - Lyle Richard Allen, 76, died Thursday, August 9, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center following a brief illness.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Kathleen (Geise) Allen, his daughters Michele (Wayne) Gilbert, Kristen (Daniel) Frey, and his son, Jeffrey (Darla) Allen.  He was also the proud grandfather of Sara Gilbert, Eric Gilbert, Michael Allen, Kaitlyn Allen, and Zachary Frey.  His brother George “Bud” (Nita) Allen also mourns his passing. 

Lyle was predeceased by his parents Harold W. and Grace E. (Bridge) Allen as well as his step-fathers Howard Schuler and Kenneth Monfort and a brother William “June” Allen.

After serving honorably in the US Navy, Lyle worked most of his life as a salesman and upon retirement spent 13 years as one of the first greeters at the Batavia WalMart.  He was known by many for the smile and friendly welcome when they entered the store.  Lyle was a member of the Oakfield Community Bible Church and was proud to have helped establish a weekly church service with Pastor Bill Smith of OCBC at the Manor House in Batavia where he and Kathy resided until his passing.

Friends may call from 1 pm until 5 pm Sunday, August 12^th at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave. Oakfield.  Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, August 13^th at 11am.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakfield Community Bible Church, 80 North Main St., Oakfield, NY 14125.  Burial at the St Cecelia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

     Age 47, of Batavia, died suddenly Thursday afternoon August 2, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born April 12, 1965 in Burbank, CA, a son of Thomas (Phyllis) Seager of Batavia and Sandra (Lionel) Grudin of MA.

     James was a fantastic chef and worked at many area restaurants. He had a love for animals, especially dogs and was always there to lend a helping hand.

     Surviving along with his parents is a brother Robert Seager of Darien, his nephew Sean Henry Seager, his companion with whom he resided Laurie Comer of Batavia and many friends.

     There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be at a time and place to be announced. Memorials in James memory are suggested to Volunteers for Animals of Genesee County and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JAMES W. SEAGER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL,  LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020. 

Batavia - Mr. Richard A. Tiede, 61, of Batavia, the Senior Public Safety Officer at Genesee Community College, died Thursday, August 2, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Emma J. Scarborough, 87 of Batavia, died August 2, 2012 at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She was born January 21, 1925 in Newstead, New York to the late David (Margaret Klehm) Peterson. Mrs. Scarborough was a retired hairdresser who worked at Mar-C Beauty Shop in Akron. She was a member of the Women’s Missionary Group and a member of the former First Wesleyan Church. She is preceded in death by husband Herman J. Scarborough, sons Richard and Paul Mirrione, brothers Louis and Richard Peterson, sisters Marion Butler and Ruth Peters.

She is survived by her children Mary Ann Halecki of Akron, Margaret (Daniel) Odell of Akron, David (Teresa) Mirrione of Batavia, and Vincent (Deborah) Mirrione of Batavia.  One sister Christine (Charles) Kern of Florida, 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call from 2  to 6 PM on Sunday August 5, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will follow calling hours at 6PM Sunday August 5, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu, NY.     

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 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.

Robert E. Gillmor, 94 of LeRoy, died July 31, 2012 at E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur, NY. He was born July 16, 1918 in Clarkson, NY to the late Henry H. (Helen Rudman) Gillmor. Mr. Gillmor was retired from Eastman Kodak in Rochester where he was a Supervisor and Chemical Engineer. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, a volunteer at the VA Medical Center, did taxes for the AARP as a volunteer and was a voluntary EMT for the LeRoy Ambulance Corp.  At age 52 he started skiing, learned to windsurf at 70 and saved snowboarding until he was 72.  We will remember his laugh, his faith in God, his constant insights into world affairs, science, and philosophy, his generous nature, and his gentle approach. He was loved by all he touched. He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn B. Gillmor in 2011.

He is survived by his children Sharon (Kenneth) Wall of LeRoy, Rodney Stuart of New York City, Lynn Steinberg of Illinois, Greg (Linda) Gillmor of Pavilion, Ann (Daniel) Thomas of Corfu and Jeffrey (Ellen) Gillmor of Rochester. One sister Eleanor Amos of Ohio, 11 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren survive along with one nephew and one niece.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will take place at the First Presbyterian Church 7 Clay St. LeRoy, NY 14482 on Saturday August 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church. 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.