Obituaries

Batavia - Edith Scott Holvey, 89, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia following complications from Parkinson's Disease.

Mrs. Holvey was born February 12, 1930 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Malcolm and Anna (Davis) Scott.

Her husband, James C.  Holvey, Sr., passed away on December 19, 2002.

Surviving are her children: daughter, Doris (Mark) Albiez of Lockport and their family, Jeffrey (Amanda) Albiez of East Amherst and their son, Oliver Albiez; daughter, Alice Ann (Wayne) Benedict of Batavia and their family, Brian (Annie) Benedict of New York City, Tom (Martina) Benedict of Batavia and their daughters, Margaret K. and Parker Ann Benedict and Emily Benedict of Beverly Hills, California; son, James C. (Katherine) Holvey, Jr. of Batavia and their family, Sarah (Raffi) Haroutunian of Arlington, Virginia and Conor Holvey of Hamburg, Germany; daughter, Marion (Robert) Radley of Batavia and their family, Robert Radley of Batavia and his children, Lucas, Ella and Nolan Radley, Kelly Radley of Rochester and Rebecca (Aaron) Patterson of Batavia; daughter, Nancy (Jay) Okoniewski of Batavia and their family, Daniel (Casey) Okoniewski of Durham, North Carolina,  Jessica Okoniewski of Cheektowaga and Brittney Okoniewski of Batavia; son, Tom (Katie) Holvey of Knoxville, Tennessee and their family, Patrick Holvey of Washington, D.C., Catherine Holvey of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Kristen (Ryan) O'Connor of Atlanta, Georgia and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Malcolm, William and Lenore Scott.

Friends may call on Friday from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in her name to Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131 or to  Crohn's & Colitis Foundation National Headquarters, TTN: Financial Operations, 733 Third Avenue, Ste. 510, New York, New York 10017 or to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.  2600 Network Blvd, Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

He was born May 2, 1939 in Syracuse, NY, a son of the late Bernard Sr. and Carolyn Carey Thoma.

Mr. Thoma was employed as a Land Surveyor for Ottney and Miller in Akron for several years prior to his retirement. He was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Church where he served as an usher for 25 years and a member of Knights of Columbus John Cardinal O’Hara Council #13661. He was a member of the Akron Lions Club for over 35 years, where he served as past president and secretary. Mr. Thoma was an avid collector and a fan of the New York Yankees.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Warren) Thoma of Akron. Daughter, Christine (Jay) Margeson of Sidney, NY. Grandson, Nathan William Margeson and brother, Richard E. Thoma, DVM of Akron.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (June 7^th) from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 11am at St. Teresa of Avila R.C. Church, 5771 Buell St., Akron. Interment will follow in St. Teresa’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Thoma’s name to the Akron Fire Company, 1 Main St., Akron, NY 14001. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneraalhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Sue worked for many years at R.E. Chapin Manufacturing in Batavia. She loved spending time with her family at the cottage. She enjoyed her time on the lake, boating and fishing. Sue will be forever remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. 

She is survived by her children; Kirt (Sue) Cherry of Churchville, Deborah (Mike) Adams of Pavilion, Tamela Hoffman of Liverpool and Pamela Cherry of Jacksonville, FL.; sister Betty (Gary) Ridley of Batavia; 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday June 8, 2019 from 3:00-6:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 6:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County SPCA     http://www.vol4animals.org/. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia - Peter Brigzna, 35, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2019, at his home in Batavia.

Peter was born October 1, 1983, in Rochester, a son of Andy and JoAnn (Carpenter) Brigzna of Bergen.

He was a dishwasher for Bob Evans in Batavia.

Surviving along with his parents, Andy and JoAnn, are his sister, Andrea Brigzna of LeRoy; an uncle, Aivars (Sue) Brigzna of Attica and several cousins.             

Peter is a nephew of the late David Carpenter and Ausma Gorny.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Memorials in Peter's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.

Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Shirley Davis Barnes Blekkenk – 88 yrs. & 360 days, passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones on June 3, 2019. Born June 8, 1930 at the homestead on Groveland Hill, New York. She was the daughter of Charles and Lois Davis. Married to Philip Barnes on March 26, 1950 who predeceased her. Her second marriage to Carl Blekkenk was Nov. 15,1958.

She was employed by Kodak, Craig Colony at Sonya, Monroe Developmental Center in Rochester, Cape Canaveral Hospital, and Groveland & Livingston Corrections Services. Her hearts desire was to be a nurse and to care for those in need. Her second love was to feed people whom she did through a Food Pantry in Cape Canaveral Florida as well as her catering business Butterfly Bistro and anyone who entered her home.

Surviving are her children Raymond Barnes, Steven (Marian) Barnes, Mary Enos, Michael Blekkenk, Daniel (Ingrid) Blekkenk, many adopted children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Beverly Regatuso, brothers Richard (Cheryl) Davis, & Bernard (Jane) Davis. As well as many loved ones.

Friends will be received from 11:00AM to 1:00PM Thursday (June 6, 2019) at Eaton Watson Funeral Home, 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. A Funeral Service will immediately follow, at 1:00PM, at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Lakeview Cemetery, Groveland, in Livingston County.

To leave a message of condolence please visist www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Juice enjoyed working, especially as an accomplished chef at various restaurants throughout Western New York. He loved to spend time with his family, enjoyed fishing, going to the casino, watching his beloved Buffalo Bills and Boston Red Sox along with enjoying an ice cold PBR or Bud.

Surviving is his loving wife, Sharon (Smith) Belknap of Batavia; children, Tracy (Joe) Spohn of Rochester, Brennan (Tina) Belknap of Rochester, Deanna (Josh) Smith of Basom and Mandee Belknap of Batavia; cherished grandchildren, Brent Spohn, Felicity Bettilyon, Ryland Fotiathis and Tristen Belknap; siblings, Shelly (Joe) Messore, Dale (Bonnie) Belknap, Rodney (Cheri) Belknap, Randy Belknap & Brian (Cindi) Belknap all of Rochester; mother-in-law, Jean Smith of Batavia along with several nieces, nephews great nieces and great nephews.    

The Belknap family will be present from 4 - 8p.m. on Wednesday May 5, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Juice’s Life begin at 8p.m. Memorials in his memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Please share your words of comfort with Juice’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF CRAIG L. “JUICE” BELKNAP IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

LeRoy ~ Michael R. Paladino Jr., age 43, died heroically on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in the loving presence of his family.

     Michael is survived by his mother, Mary Jo Fay of LeRoy; sister, Macy Paladino of LeRoy; his sons, Anthony and Sonny; daughter, Tea; dear friend, Rebecca Fili and his father, Michael Paladino.  His passing is also greatly mourned by his grandfather, John Fay; his nephew Kyler; his niece, Kaylin and his loving aunts, uncles and cousins, who are all so proud of his unselfish and heroic act.  He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Mamie Fay.

     Friends and family may call on Wednesday, June 5 from 3 - 5:30 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where his Remembrance Service will be held immediately after at 5:30.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family in support of his children.

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

     Mr. Paladino and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

He was born September 15, 1971, in Batavia, NY, a son of Ronald and Sharon Kokot Cummings of Corfu.

Bob was a longtime employee and participant in the Genesee Orleans ARC. He enjoyed watching professional wrestling, his favorite tv shows Ice Road Truckers and Highway To Hell. Every Sunday was dedicated to listening to the Country Top 40.  Bob also enjoyed taking short trips away but also loved to just stay in the comfort of his home. The best phrase to describe him would be “Bob loved everybody and everybody loved Bob”. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

He was the grandson of the late Albert Cummings and Michael and Helen Kokot. Nephew of the late Duane Green.

Survivors include his loving parents, Ronald and Sharon Cummings. Grandmother, Irene Cummings. Aunts and uncles, Sylvia (Douglas) Kohorst, Sandy Green, Michael (Laurie) Kokot, Rita Benda, Donald (Pat) Cummings and Marie (Dave) Dylag. Also survived by several cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (June 6th) from 3-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY. A memorial service will be Saturday (June 8th), 10am at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Rd., Medina, NY 14103. PLEASE NOTE NO SERVICES ON FRIDAY. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Corfu.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to a charity of the donor’s preference. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

OAKFIELD - Jack Lewis Baxter, 75, of Oakfield, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Jack was born July 6, 1943, in DuBois, PA, a son of the late Milton and Helen Baxter.

He served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam era and when he returned from the service, he became a Lab Technician for Eastman Kodak Co., retiring in 1992.  He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed bowling, and watching sports, but was a great Yankees fan.  He also worked in Customer Service at the Pembroke Service Area. 

Survivors include his wife, Linda D. (Kowalczyk) Baxter, whom he married October 14, 1967; 3 children, Melissa (Joseph) Sullivan of Albion, Scott (Nancy) Baxter of Batavia and Deborah (Pete) Scheiber of Oakfield; 4 grandchildren, Joseph Sullivan, Stefani (Andrew) Campbell, Dani Baxter and Collin Scheiber and a great-grandchild, A.J. Campbell.          

He was predeceased by his siblings, Harriett, Jim and Neil.

 Friends may call from 5 to 6 pm on Wednesday at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave. in Oakfield, where service will follow at 6 pm.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family for distribution to various charities.   Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Jean was a daughter of the late DeForest and Cecil A. Bush.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Bedient Sr. and her sister, Grace Andrews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jean is survived by her son, Dean Bedient Jr., daughters, Elizabeth (Norman) Wagner, Cynthia (Charlie) Boldt, Linda (Mark) Breen, Deborah (Richard) Wright, Lou Ann (Dennis) Marshall, Marcella (Johnny) Newton; sisters, Virginia Rappleye and Mary Marlatt; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Larry, a graduate of Batavia High School, married Beverly Williams in 1959. Larry and Beverly went on to have two daughters, and three grandsons whom he called his own. Larry, a retired worker for the City of Batavia, accomplished much in his life. His selfless character and work ethic were indomitable and would go on to shape his friends, colleagues, and the stone and motor entrance to Redfield parkway. Most notable in recent years was his role as Santa Claus. He cherished the opportunity to spread his love and laughter to the people of Genesee County during the holidays.

Larry loved to travel, camp, and create unforgettable memories with his family. Always up for adventure, a four-week nine-person cross country roadtrip in a motorhome that sleeps six was not out of the ordinary. He took fashion cues from no one, and delivered us a unique sense of style. Always quick with a joke and helping hand, Larry loved to spend time with his three grandsons. His pastimes included, but were not limited to, Yankees baseball, people watching on the porch, and sharing his sense of humor with you. While raising five children across two generations he would often call out to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and now he has answered that call. Larry redefined the label “Dad” as a Father, Grandfather, but more so as a Best Friend. The family would like to thank the loving staff of the Village Greens for their friendship and support. Larry is survived by his two daughters: Michelle Williams and Laurie Comer, his three boys: Sean Comer, Derek Comer, and Cameron Comer, and his favorite son-in-law, Mark Moscicki.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 2, 2019 from 2 to 6 PM at 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 held on Monday, June 3, 2019 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. The family will receive friends at Saint Mary's reception hall after Mass 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York, 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, New York, 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Adam enjoyed gaming, watching and playing hockey, watching movies, listening to music and was very active with his children.

He is survived by his mother: Patricia D. Berkes of Gainesville, fiancé: Debbie Gilbert of Perry, 2 daughters: Jadeth Henry of Perry, Mackenzie Waugh of Perry, 2 sons: Wyatte Barrett of Perry, Xavier Carney of Perry, 2 sisters: Brandi (Stephen) Royse of Gainesville, Gabby (Mitchell) Johnston of Winder, GA., 1 brother: Timothy (Moriah) Waugh of Delevan, along with many nieces, a nephew and friends.

Friends are invited to call from 11:30am-12:30pm on Sunday June 2nd at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. A Celebration of Adam’s Life will follow on Sunday June 2nd at the Wyoming Inn 1 S. Academy St. in Wyoming at 1:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 or visit www. afsp.org. To leave a message of condolence please visist www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Bob worked for many years driving truck, it was his life and he enjoyed it. He liked spending free time with CB Radio. Bob’s greatest joy was his family, he was a loving father, devoted husband and cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara (Downey) Cipra, children Paul (Janette) Cipra, Dawn (Gordon) Sprague, sister Larena Gregory all of Batavia; brother Rodney (Erin) Seirson of PA; 6 grandchildren Rachel (Matt) Rentz, Anthony (Kaitlyn) Cipra, Dana (Shelby) Cipra, Sage Hopkins, Katie Amthor, Jolene (Joseph) Bauer; 13 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street, or to HomeCare &Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia - Robert A. Burke, 86, of Batavia, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home.

Mr. Burke, born August 25, 1932, in New York City, son of the late Robert N. and Marie (Kononchik) Burke.

Corporal Burke proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War earning a Korean Service Medal with 4 stars, United Nations Service Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation with 1 star. He was one of “The Chosin Few”, a survivor of the Battle of Chosin Resevoir, the most violent small unit battle in the history of American warfare. He continued his service as a member of the National Guard for 5 years.

Bob worked tirelessly to provide for his family and give them the best possible life he knew how. He retired from General Motors in Syracuse after 37 years as a Millwright. Throughout his life Bob learned how to build and repair anything and everything, often with nothing more than self-taught skill, determination and hard work. Bob was an accomplished craftsman who took great pride is his wood work. His workshop was his place of peace and comfort.

In his retired years Bob enjoyed traveling with his wife. They enjoyed seeing the country and participating in craft shows where they displayed their wood working and quilts together.

In his final years Bob was blessed to be in the care of the wonderful and dedicated staff of the New York State Veteran’s Home in Batavia New York. Bob’s family is forever grateful for the care and love  provided during Bob’s time there. The caregivers, nurses and staff are amazing people doing amazing things every day for our country’s Veterans

Bob is survived by his children; Noel Burke of Milford, CT, Michael Burke of Baldwinsville, NY,  Thomas Burke of Rochester, NY, Linda Velasco of Chalfont, PA, David (Joanne) Burke of Churchville, NY, James Burke of Pasadena, TX and Kathy (Michael) Wrixon of Carrollton, GA; 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. 

There will be no prior visitation. Mr. & Mrs. Burke will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert’s name may be made to the activities fund at the New York State Veteran's Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.