Obituaries

Lebanon, Tennessee – Mrs. Phyllis M. Skelton, 88, of Lebanon, Tennessee, a longtime resident of Elba, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at Quality Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Lebanon.

Mrs. Skelton was born June 10, 1928 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Arthur and Cora Nonnengard Blair.

In her younger years, she and her husband enjoyed snowmobiling and travelling, especially to Florida. Mrs. Skelton enjoyed going for rides, sewing, crossword puzzles and spending time with her family. A graduate of LeRoy Central School, she worked for 20 years at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

Her husband, Edward P. Skelton, passed away on February 25, 1999.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Gerald) Rumsey of Brush Creek, Tennessee, Carol (late John) Pascuzzo of Piffard, Linda Herrington of Lebanon, Tennessee, William (Cindy) Skelton of Chiefland, Florida, Richard (Susan) Skelton of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Steven Skelton of Christiana, Tennessee; 32 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Skelton is predeceased by two grandsons, Billy Majors and Scott Sharp, a great-grandson, Brian Herrington and is the sister of the late Donald Blair, Norman (Ruth) Blair and Thelma (Henry) Hanson.   

Friends may call on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Her services will immediately follow visitation at 12 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, New York 14058 or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., c/o UMMC, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in Springvale Cemetery, Elba. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Peggy A. Bucknam, 53, of Oakfield passed away peacefully on Monday May 29, 2017. She was born on September 8, 1963 in Batavia to the late Volney and Thelma Marie (Powell) Bucknam. In addition to her parents, Peggy is predeceased by her sister Patricia VanValkenburg.

Peggy enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed doing puzzles, watching TV and spending time outdoors. Peggy was an active member of her community and church and always tried to help out when she could.

She is survived by her children; Jacqueline Garrett of LeRoy, James Palaszynski of Batavia and Jamie (Adam) Frappoli of Rochester; siblings E. Jane (William) Fitzsimmons of Linwood, NY., Margy (Lewis) VanValkenburg of Bergen, William (Martha) Bucknam of NM., Betty (Patrick) White of Pavilion and Susan Kehal of Alexander; 3 grandchildren Justine, Shelby and Kyah along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday June 6, 2017 from 12:00-1:00PM at the Oakfield United Methodist Church 2 South Main St. Oakfield, NY 14125. A 1:00PM Funeral Service will follow visitation at the church. Peggy will be laid to rest in Pavilion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the Oakfield United Methodist Church at the address listed above or Hope Haven Addiction Treatment 16 Bank St. #2 Batavia, NY 14020 or Horizon Health Services 314 Ellicott Street Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 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, NY 14020

Robert L. “Bob” Hulshoff, 86, of Alexander marched into glory on May 27, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 24, 1930, the son of the late Carl and Helen (Widrig) Hulshoff.  He is predeceased by 2 sons; Robert Hulshoff in 1960 and Richard Hulshoff in 1973; brother Carl Hulshoff and sister Dotha Klien.

He is survived by his devoted wife; Ruth (Brady) Hulshoff; loving daughter Linda; grandson Kage and great grandson Tyler Hatt.

Widely known as the talented bass drummer and Director of the Alexander Fireman’s Band for the past 60 years which he led all over Western New York. The band was Bob’s passion and he developed lasting friendships with multiple generations of families. He was a lifetime member of the Alexander Fire Department, volunteering and holding several positions, including President.  Bob served the community of Alexander as a Village board member for 40 years and the Mayor for one term. He was the Chairman of the Town of Alexander Republican Committee for 30 years, a member of the American Legion and VFW Beachhead where he was President for 20 years. Bob served in the United States Army from 1950 – 1953, then worked on the railroad until 1956. He went to work as a guard at Attica Prison where he retired in 1990. Bob was a weapons and self defense instructor, responsible for qualifying all officers in these practices. He teamed with the NYS Troopers and was on the front line during the riot takeover in 1971 and received personal commendation for his role in this tragic event which changed so many lives forever. Bob was an excellent marksman and taught multitudes of people how to shoot safely. He created the Rifle Club, conducted in the Alexander High School gym, teaching marksmanship to many teenagers. He taught hunter safety classes for countless people getting their hunting licenses.

Bob also had a side business in the 70’s installing TV’s in the surrounding counties. He was a member of the Attica Rod & Gun Club and loved hunting and fishing. Bob was a talented carpenter and built his home with his family and friends. He loved gardening, caring for his lawn and most anything that had to do with the outdoors. Bob was an awesome teacher among his family, band, employment and many other arena’s. He touched thousands of lives and was loved by thousands more. Our community has lost a truly great man.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 2:00PM Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 10, 2017 at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall 10708 Alexander Rd, Attica NY 14011. The family welcomes your attendance to share memories, photos and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Robert L. Hulshoff Music Scholarship at Alexander Central School PO Box 296 Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

 

ARLENE BERTHA STEELE ~ Oakfield

Age 94, died peacefully Sunday June 4, 2017 at Crossroads House and went to be with her husband Thomas G. Steele who died 1985. She was born June 24, 1922 in Oakfield, NY to the late Raymond and Mary (Boorm) Burr also preceded in death by a brother, Addison Harmon; sisters, Lillian Tripp, Lottie Strobel and her beloved dog, Patty Jean.

Arlene was retired from P.W. Minor Shoe Co. and the former Richland's Shoe Store and was a lifelong member of the Oakfield Methodist Church. She was a member of Volunteers for Animals and the Historical Society of Oakfield. She loved to spend time in her flower gardens and to be outdoors, she enjoyed Bingo and crossword puzzles and for many, many years after her retirement she held a morning "Coffee Hour" in her kitchen for anyone to attend.

Surviving is her sister, Ida Harmon of E. Henrietta; nephews, Danny, Theodore, Ira & John Harmon; nieces, Mary Dailor and Linda Henry; extended family and friends, George (Gail) & Brandi Hull, Jeff Hull and his son, Cooper, Jason (Monique) Hull and their son, Dempsey, Dixie Sporer, Matt (Debbie) Martin, Bob (Dee) Eddy, Joyce (Jerry) Seaman, Tony (Mary) Palloni and Suzie Schultz.

Arlene's family will be present from 9:30-11:30am on Friday June 9, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC at 4120 W. Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020, where Funeral Services will begin at 11:30am followed by a luncheon at the Dibble Family Center. She will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery and memorials in her memory can be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. in Batavia or Volunteers for Animals/Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020.

Please share your memories of Arlene with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF ARLENE B. STEELE IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

 

LENA E. FALLS ~ Batavia

Died peacefully Thursday evening June 1, 2017 at her home while under the care of Hospice and her loving family at the age of 91. She was born October 23, 1925 in New Orleans, LA daughter of the late Morris and Hilda (Cormia) Marquez also preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Falls in 2005 and grandson, Lionel Anderson in 1988.                                                                                                           

Lena will be remembered for her strong faith and being a loving, caring, devoted mother. 

Surviving are her loving children, Henry (Barbara) Davis of NC and their children, Henry (Karen) Davis, Jr., Denise Davis, Shelly (Larry) Patterson and Danielle Davis; Edward (Eveline) Davis of Indiana and their children, Edward, Sabrina, Shenelle, Sammy & Eric Davis; Alfred Anderson of Batavia and his children, Lionel, Jacquana, Aleisha & Dominque Anderson; 28 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews survive. 

The family will be present from 10-11:00am Thursday June 8, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will immediately follow. She will be laid to rest in Bath National Cemetery with her husband and in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Lena with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

 

LENT, KENNETH A. - Batavia

Age 90, peacefully May 26. Preceded by his beloved wife, Claire; he is survived by children, Alan (Roseann) Lent of Fairport, Claudia Ortmann of East Hampton; grandchildren, Alex, Lawrence & Jackie Lent, Emily (Shawn) Chasse, Brian Ortmann, Bethany (Sean) Payne and Kristie Ortmann; great-grandchildren, Sophie and Phoebe. 

Mr. Lent was born in East Williston, NY a son of the late, Alvin F. and Lillian W. (Adams) Lent, he served honorably in the US Army during WWII and worked most of his life as a Civil Engineer. He enjoyed flying, go-cart racing, tennis and was an amateur artist. 

Graveside services will be held Wednesday June 7, 2017 at Commack Cemetery, Commack, NY. Memorials in his memory suggested to Victor-Farmington Volunteer Ambulance 1321 East Victor Road Victor, New York 14564. 

THE LENT FAMILY WAS CARED FOR BY THE BY MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWKSI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC

Please share words of comfort at www.tomaszewskifh.com

Patricia Best Monson, 76, of Pavilion passed away peacefully on June 2, 2017 at the Batavia Health Care Center surrounded by her family. She was born on February 8, 1941 in Buffalo to the late Earl and Amelia (Sitzman) Best. In addition to her parents, Patricia is predeceased by her children; Deborah and John Barnhart, Jean George.

Patricia was a former employee of Rochester Products and Doehler Jarvis.

She is survived by her children; Daniel (Colleen) Barnhart of Batavia and Donna Holland of Bliss; several grandchildren and two great grandchildren; brothers Donald (Judi) Best of Batavia, David (Denise) Best of Cleveland, TN., Robert (Martha) Best of El Cajon, CA., and Patrick (Darlene) Best of Attica along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday June 7, 2017 from 4:00-7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Thursday June 8^th at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House http://crossroadshouse.com/ PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Ruth E. O’Donnell, 86, of LeRoy formally of Batavia passed away peacefully on Thursday June 1, 2017 at the LeRoy Village Green. She was born in Gowanda, NY on September 15, 1930 to the late Raymond and Nirl (Blakely) Congdon.  In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Richard O’Donnell and brother Raymond Congdon.

Ruth was a loving homemaker who will be remembered for her love of traveling, being an avid reader and above all else being an excellent mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her children; Patrick E. O’Donnell of Batavia, Sean (Sandra) O’Donnell of Batavia and Musette (Ronald) Francis of Darien; brother Earl (Sally) Congdon of Forrestville; 7 grandchildren  Jennifer (Chad) Howe, Kenneth Francis, Raymond Francis, Maureen O’Donnell, Carolyn O’Donnell, Colleen O’Donnell and Kathleen O’Donnell; great granddaughter Kaity Howe along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday June 5, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.  An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday June 6^th at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished 445 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020 or Genesee County Office for the Aging 2 Bank St. in Batavia. For more information please call (585) 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, NY 14020

CAROL D. WESTFALL ~ Batavia

Age 76, died Thursday June 1, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born December 6, 1940 in Rochester, NY. 

Carol was a greeter at Wal-Mart for many years, had a love for animals the outdoors and enjoyed playing cards with her grandchildren and crocheting. 

Surviving are her children, Sharon Herdtner of LeRoy, Daniel (Laura) Westfall of Batavia, Brenda (Arthur) Lupe of Amsterdam, Brian Westfall of Batavia and step-son, Dennis (Mary) Westfall of Hilton; grandchildren, Darlene (Andrew) Poirier, Bryant Herdtner, Dustin, Derrick, Brandon Westfall, Ronny, Aaron & Daniel Sumeriski; great grandchildren, Eveleen Poirier, Isabella Herdtner and Danica Westfall, several step great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins survive. 

Carol's family will be present from 1-3:00pm on Saturday June 3, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC at 4120 W. Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020, where Funeral Services will begin at 3pm. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorials can be made to your nearest Animal Shelter in her memory. 

Please share your memories of Carol with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF CAROL D. WESTFALL IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

FRANCES I. RANDACCIO ~ Batavia

Died Wednesday morning May 31, 2017 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at the age of 91. She was born February 25, 1926 in Buffalo, daughter of the late James and Rachel (Bower) Milburn also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert A. Randaccio in 2009; sisters, Constance Temple and Marie Button. 

Frances was a Teacher's Aide at the YMCA, an active member of St. James Episcopal Church and its Altar Guild and a volunteer for the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Booth. She enjoyed cards, reading, a talented painter and an expert Jeopardy player from her living room. 

Surviving are her loving daughters, Lisa (Albert) Randaccio of Williamsville, Leslie (John) Harrower of Batavia and Jean Marie (Timothy) Burns of Cleveland, Ohio; grandsons, Justin (Andrea) Randaccio, Andrew (Fiancé, Emily Driscoll) Randaccio, Michael (Stacy Barwick) Harrower and Eric Harrower; great-grandson, Luciano Randaccio; brother-in-law, Kenneth Button of Welland, Ontario along with many nieces and nephews. 

Please join the family to Celebrate Frances' Mass 10:00am Saturday June 3, 2017 at St. James Episcopal Church 405 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery, Attica, NY and in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the church. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Frances with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

 

Richard "Dick" L. Sanderson, 86, of Attica died Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the New York State Veterans' Home in Batavia.  Dick was born March 21, 1931 to the late Roscoe and Mary (Norton) Sanderson of Duke Center, PA.  Dick was predeceased by his wife Patricia (Nelson) Sanderson who passed away on November 5, 2004.

Dick served in the US Navy from 1949-1953.  Upon discharge, he worked at GTE Sylvania in Batavia as a manager of product safety until their closing.  He continued his career as an independent consultant for Intertek Testing Services.

Dick was a past president of the Attica Lions Club, a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Attica and a district representative for the American Field Service (exchange student program). Dick and Pat enjoyed many years traveling around the world, often visiting past AFS students. Dick enjoyed woodworking and was an avid golf fan.

Dick is survived by his daughters, Victoria (Dennis) McBurney, Janice (John) Staba, and Debra Daniel, his six grandchildren, Carrie (Jason) Everett, Greg (Mindy) Staba, Jodi (Ben) Phillips, Tracey (Dave) Linneborn, Meghan (Jay) Gupta and Sean (Christine) McBurney and seven great-grandchildren.  Dick is also survived by his close friend Doris Lindebauer of Batavia.  The family would like to thank the staff of the New York State Veterans' Home for their kindness and care.

In honoring Dick's wishes, his body was donated to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program.

There will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 11am at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 11 Washington Street Attica, NY 14011.  Memorials may be made to New York State Veterans' Home, Activity Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue Batavia, NY 14020; Gateway House 91 Main Street Attica, NY 14011; or St. Paul's United Church of Christ 11 Washington Street Attica, NY 14011.

GAETANO JOSEPH "TOM" GULLO ~ Batavia

Age 95, was called home Tuesday morning May 30, 2017. Tom was born in Rochester, NY October 5, 1921 to the late Phillip and Lucy (Maggra) Gullo, he spent the majority of his life in Batavia, he owned and operated Tom's Shoe Repair where he was a Shoe Cobbler, one of the world's oldest professions, into his late 80's, he has been a resident of the New York State Veteran's Home @ Batavia until his passing. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Patricia "Pat" Tillery and siblings, Vincent "James" Gullo and Providence (Britt) DiMartino.

Tom was a United States Navy Veteran having served during WWII. He was devoted to his family and his church, a member of the former St. Anthony's R.C. Church where he was a Sacristan, Altar Server, leader of many Catholic Charities Appeals, maintained the Votive Candles and was a founding member of the Our Lady of Loretto Society at the Church. In 2009 he was bestowed the great honor "Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker", in recognition of his outstanding meritorious service rendered to his parish community and was also recognized as an "Outstanding Italian-American" by the Paola Busti Cultural Foundation. Tom was a constant and tireless servant to his church (former St. Anthony's) where he served many priests dating back to Rev. Monsignor Paschal Acquavia until its closure, continuing on at the newly formed Ascension Parish until his health no longer allowed.

He is survived by his son-in-law, Walter Tillery of Batavia; 3 grandchildren along with several great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews survive along with his dear friend of many years Mary DiMartino of Batavia.

Tom's family will be present from 9-10am on Thursday June 1, 2017 at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan & Sumner Sts) where his Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated by Rev. David Glassmire. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials in his memory are suggested to the church. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Tom with his family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF GAETANO J. GULLO IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

Batavia - Albert W. Rumsey, Jr., 79, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born March 4, 1938 in Batavia, a son of the late Albert W. Rumsey, Sr. and Pearl V. Schramm Rumsey.

A 1958 graduate of LeRoy Central School, he was a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Batavia, life member of Stafford Fire Department, life member and past president of the Stafford Fire Department Exempts. An avid bowler and golfer, he enjoyed playing cards and bingo.

He is survived by his son, Darrow Rumsey of Batavia; his brother, Gerald (Karen) Rumsey of Brush Creek, Tennessee; two sisters, Jo Ann (Bob) Myers of Stafford and Debbie Fox of Batavia; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours. His memorial service will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  He will be laid to rest in Morganville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Activities Fund at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, New York 14482. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.