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Obituaries

Jonathan Brent Marvin

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Jonathan Brent Marvin, 39, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at his home.

He was born November 25, 1975 in Warsaw, a son of Irv (Ginger) Emerson of Corfu and Nancy Marvin Emerson of Batavia.

He enjoyed fishing and helping his friends work on their cars. His greatest joys were spending time with his nieces and nephews and his animals.

Surviving along with his parents are his siblings, James (Natalie) Emerson of Oakfield, Leah (Wesley) Thigpen of Batavia and  Lisa (Nathan Durkee) Emerson of Stafford; nieces and nephews, Cameron and Lauren Emerson, Christopher, Trinity and Lonna Thigpen and Bennett Durkee; his step-brother, William Johnson, III of Corfu and his grandfather, Brent (Stephanie Sage) Marvin of Batavia.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will follow the visitation at 6 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Grace Cemetery, Castile. Memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or to the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, New York 14228. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth M. Ruhland

By Joshua Smith

Stafford - Elizabeth M. Ruhland, 92, of Stafford, passed away Saturday, (October 31, 2015) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Ruhland was born May 14, 1923 in Batavia, the daughter of the late George and Aida (Bohm) Roth.

Elizabeth was a traditional mother and enjoyed all things associated with that important role.  She loved to garden, can, cook, sew, knit, and do cross stitch.  She was also a Girl Scout troop leader.

She is the wife of the late Paul Ruhland who passed away on March 23, 2004.

Mrs. Ruhland is survived by her children, David (Anne Marie) Ruhland of German Town, TN, Marilyn (Hefni) Selim of Rochester, Tom (Betty) Ruhland of Stafford, and James (Leslie) Ruhland of Tiberon, CA.  13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren also survive.

Friends may call on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Street, Bergen, where Elizabeth’s Funeral Service will immediately follow calling at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Office of the Aging, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery, Stafford.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia.

DAVID R. "SMITTY" SMITH

By Michael Tomaszewski

DAVID R. "SMITTY" SMITH

   Age 57, of Batavia, died unexpectedly Saturday October 31 at the home of his companion in Ogden, NY. He was born August 23, 1958 in Minneapolis, MN, son of Everett and Jean (Russell) Smith of Batavia.      

   Dave had spent the last year 30 years in Kansas where he ran his auto repair shop, Smitty's Automotive, until he moved back to be closer to his son and grandchildren. He had a love for the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle and boating. He had a true love for his grandkids and was known for always "tinkering" with something while sipping on a Mt. Dew.

   Surviving along with his parents is his loving son, Michael (Kristina) Smith of Basom; sister, Deborah Robertson of Waco, TX; brother, Gordon (Cynthia Perez) Smith of Batavia; sister, Sharon (Craig) Belknap of Batavia; grandchildren, Arianna, Haley & Landon; his companion, Georgia Benson of Ogden along with several nieces and nephews.     

   The Smith family will be present from 11-12:00pm. Saturday November 7 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where a Celebration of Life will begin at 12:00pm. Memorials in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association 20 Northpointe Drive Suite 130 Amherst, New York 14228.

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

THE FAMILY OF DAVID R. SMITH IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWKSI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

   

PATRICK J. CORONA, SR.

By Michael Tomaszewski

PATRICK J. "TYKE" CORONA, SR.

   Age 80, of Batavia, died peacefully under comfort care on Saturday October 31 at United Memorial Medical Center with his beloved wife at his side. He was born in Batavia on January 13, 1935, to the late Joseph and Lucy (DiSalvo) Corona, Sr., also preceded in death by a brother, Vincent Corona and sister, Joan (late Nathan) Mancuso.

   Mr. Corona was a United States Army Veteran, serving with the military police and Armored Cavalry. He was a lifelong member of Ascension Parish (formerly St. Anthony's), the American Legion and Life Member of the former St. Nicholas Club. Pat was a retired Captain with New York State Correctional Services, having worked in various facilities throughout the state until his retirement from the Albion Correctional Facility. He was a active member of the prison union, served as a VP and was well respected by his peers in the system. During the last 2 years he battled his illness with so much grace and dignity, never letting his struggle show, his wife, children and grandchildren supporting him every step, branding him, "Tyke Tough." Pat lead by example with his family, his country, his faith and his will to be remembered fondly by all who knew him. To his wife, he was by her side for 59 years, to his children, he was so proud of their accomplishments and to his grandchildren, any want, advice or love, simply "Ask Boppie." Tyke was known to his family as "dog whisperer" and loved many canine friends including Mickey, Minnie, Maddie and Maury.

   Surviving is his adoring wife, Norma Jean (Kogle) Corona of Batavia; his loving  children, Roxanne Corona-Redmond of Chili and her children, Kieran, Caitlyn (Anthony) Culotta and Kelley; Patrick J. (Barbara) Corona, Jr. of Batavia and their children, Christopher and Jonathan; Jody (James) Turcer of Alexander and their children, Courtney, Travis and Chelsea; brother, Joseph (Joan) Corona of Darien; sister, Florence (Nicholas) Pascucci of LeRoy; sister-in-law, Carol Corona-Wiley of Batavia along with many nieces and nephews.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

   Pat's family invites all to celebrate his mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday November 4 at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart) at 11:00am.. He will be entombed in the Father T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter or to the Lopez Family "Go Fund Me" account at https://www.gofundme.com/qs583m4g  

THE FAMILY OF PATRICK J. CORONA, SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

 

THOMAS M. SHERMAN

By Michael Tomaszewski

THOMAS M. SHERMAN

   Age 68, of Batavia, formerly of Buffalo, died Friday October 30, 2015 at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. He was born November 4, 1946 in Buffalo, a son of the late Roy and Lorraine (Mergler) Sherman.

   Tom was a United States Army Veteran having served during the Vietnam War. He worked for many years for the US Postal Service. 

   He is survived by his children, Justin and Jessica Sherman of Buffalo; sisters, Lorraine (Richard) Heine of Holland, NY, Roylene (Michael) Dombrowski of Buffalo and Mary (Paul) Orrange of N. Tonawanda along with many nieces and nephews.

   There is no prior visitation, Mr. Sherman will be laid to rest with full military honors in Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. Memorials in his memory can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

   Please share your 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 THOMAS SHERMAN IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK

Charlotte L. Rathbun/Spaulding Greening

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Charlotte L. Greening, 83, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2015, All Saints Day, after a long illness.

The daughter of the late Frank A. Rathbun and Nelson and Kathryn Scholes Rathbun Spaulding was born in Nunda, NY January 4, 1932. She married Harold W. Greening on July 3, 1949 with whom she shared the love of travel and genealogy. He died January 7, 2007. She is also predeceased by her four year-old great-granddaughter, Coraline Victoria Iannello who died May 6, 2014.

Charlotte was a 1949 graduate of Attica High School and a 1993 retiree of the VA Medical Center, Batavia. She was employed by the Genesee County Historical Society on a part time basis after her retirement from the VA Medical Center. She was a member of the Elba First Presbyterian Church in Elba, NY; a member of the Elmwood Cemetery Association serving as secretary and later president; a 13 year member of the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter, NSDAR, Batavia, NY where she served as Recording Secretary for several years; and a member of the Collector’s Club.

She loved baking, especially during the Christmas Season when she would bake 200 dozen cookies and give them away to friends and family. She loved sewing and created dresses, suits and gowns for all occasions. She made quilts for her children and grandchildren, each one quilted by hand. She also enjoyed knitting hats, mittens, and scarves for her great-grandchildren and for the Mitten Tree at her church.

She loved life! Her passion was doing for others! There was never a task too big that she would not tackle. If you need help with anything or just wanted her to do it for you, all you had to do was ask.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane Eldridge of Batavia; son, Nelson (Natalie) Greening of Batavia; four grandchildren, Corinne (Preston) Ptak of Burnsville, NC, Kathryn Iannello of Prescott Valley, AZ,  Nelson (Jennifer) Greening of Cincinnati, OH and Brian Greening of Batavia; eight great-grandchildren, Rebekah, Braeden, Nikolas, Kaeleah and Eleisha Ptak; Grace and Rae Elise Iannello and Joel Greening; a brother: Jerry (Phyllis) Spaulding of Clearwater, FL; many nieces, nephews, cousins and her two dearest friends Donald and Barbara Lewis.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Elba First Presbyterian Church, 23 North Main Street, Elba with Reverend Barbara Tipton officiating. Burial will be in the Elmwood Cemetery, in Batavia

Memorials may be made to Elba First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 188, Elba, New York 14058 or to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020.  Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.  

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

Walter F. Chaya

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Walter F. Chaya, 91, who formerly owned and operated the Batavia Paint & Wallpaper Store, died Saturday, October 31, 2015 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mr. Chaya was born February 10, 1924 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph and Sophia Adamczyk Chaya.

He was a member of Resurrection Parish and was a WWII veteran serving with the U.S. Army.

His wife, Alice Booth Chaya died December 12, 2014.

Survivors include one daughter, Kathleen M. Porter of Batavia; one sister, Gladys Balbick of Wyoming; two granddaughters, Katherine (Peter) Metzler of Batavia and Dr. Sarah Porter of Rochester, a great-granddaughter, Cora M. Metzler and several nieces and nephews. 

He was the brother of the late Raymond, Joseph, Edward, Kathryn Siwicki, Nellie Bridge and Josephine Chaya.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. at the H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday,  9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, attn: Activities Fund, 10 Munson St., LeRoy, NY 14482 or Meals On Wheels, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Florence B. Matla

By Ronald Konieczny

Florence B. Matla, 87 of Batavia and formerly of Oakfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday (October 31, 2015) at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

She was born January 6, 1928 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Casimer and Cecelia Wesolowski Adamski.

Florence was employed as a clerk for C.B. Foods in Oakfield and was a parishioner of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield. She enjoyed playing bingo and listening to music. Florence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was the wife of the late Henry Matla, who died January 1, 2005 and sister of the late Eugene Adamski and Joseph Adamski.

Survivors include her children, Barbara (Robert) Jacques of Batavia, Paul (Cherl) Matla of Port Clinton, OH and Marianne (Steve) Tuttle of Rochester. Eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Jennifer) Hunt, Kevin (Nicole) Hunt, Kelly (Timothy) Miller, Holly Matla, Peter (Krista) Matla, Aaron Tuttle, Zachary Tuttle and Alyssia (Jorge) Armada. Great-grandchildren, Micayla, Trevor, Cooper, Tessa and Cole Hunt. Sisters in-law, Ruth Adamski and Genevieve Adamski, both of Batavia. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (November 3rd) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, 10:00am at St. Padre Pio Parish (Oakfield Site), 56 Maple Ave, Oakfield. Interment will follow in St. Cecelia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.

Memorial contributions in memory of Florence may be made to the Flaum Eye Institute, 210 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642.
Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Phyllis A. Brew

By Joshua Smith

Stafford - Phyllis A. Brew, 46, of Stafford, passed away suddenly Thursday, (October 29, 2015) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Brew was born September 4, 1969 in Batavia, a daughter of Phyllis (Morse) Irwin of Stafford and the late Robert Irwin.

Phyllis was a talented crafter and enjoyed sewing and writing.  She also owned a wholesale animal business in LeRoy, in which she would raise animals to sell to local pet stores.  For a period she owned a pet store in Bergen. 

She is wife of the late David R. Brew who passed away in 2009.

Surviving along with her mother, is a brother, Donald (late Roberta) Irwin of Stafford; and two nieces, Patience and Rose Irwin.

She is preceded in death by her nephew, Grant Irwin.

Friends may call on Tuesday (Nov. 3, 2015) from 4 to 6 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia, where Phyllis’ Funeral Service will immediately follow calling at 6:00.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or Stafford Fire Department, P.O. Box 56, Route 5, Stafford, NY 14143. 

*Please note the change is service date.  Services will be held on Tuesday. 

The Family wishes to thank the Stafford Fire Department and Rural Metro for all they did.  Their willingness to assist will never be forgotten. 

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

Alfred P. Rigoni

By LaVern Falcone

Pavilion ~ Alfred P. Rigoni, age 87, of Roanoke Road, passed away early Friday morning (October 30, 2015) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

    

He was born July 1, 1928 in LeRoy, a son of the late Paul and Angeline Stefani Rigoni.

     Alfred   will be remembered as very loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who owned and operated the family farm in Pavilion for many years.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, the Farm Bureau, the Young at Heart Organization and the Stafford Historical Society.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Virginia Brewer Rigoni; his children, Allan (Diane) Rigoni of Portsmouth, OH, Gary (Renee) Rigoni of Rochester, Steven (Susan) Rigoni of Pavilion, Jane (Robert) Cummings of Rochester, Pamela (Donald) Miller of Spencerport and Paula (Frank) Miller of LeRoy; his sisters, Grace Lahl of Rochester, Elaine Icone of Ontario, Gilda MacIntyre of Caledonia and Linda (Jerry) Warren of Surprise, AZ; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was also predeceased by his brother, Ernest.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 1 ~ 4 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Church, 5865 Ellicott St. Rd., E. Bethany, with interment to follow in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pavilion Fire Department, P.O. Box 156, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525.

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

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

Deborah A. Merkle

By T.J. Woodward

Deborah A. Merkle, 61, of East Bethany passed away peacefully Monday morning, October 26, 2015 at her home. She was born August 14, 1954 in Batavia, New York  to the late Robert (Velma Perfitt) Bigsby. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Dan L. Merkle who passed away in 2002; and her brother Burton Bigsby.

Deborah was and always will be loved by family and friends. No words can describe how wonderful she was. She will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her.

She is survived by her children Brandon (Lindsay Scott) Merkle of East Bethany, Stacy (Jeremy Hausfelder) Merkle of Stafford; brother Barton (Joanne Wilson) Bigsby of Alexander; sister Sheila (Stephen) McQuillen of Stafford; grandchildren Ashley, Devin and Hannah; daughter-in-law Mae Merkle of Depew along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00 AM Graveside Service will be held on Friday October 30, 2015 at Maple Lawn Cemetery in East Bethany.

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

Anne M. Grazioplene

By T.J. Woodward

Anne M. Grazioplene, 70, of Bergen, formerly of Batavia passed away Saturday October 24, 2015 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. She was born September 26, 1945 in Batavia to the late Carl (Josephine Rossi) Bordner. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Robert J. Grazioplene in 2007, son Scott Grazioplene and brother Anthony Bordner.

Anne was a member of St. Brigid Church in Bergen, past member of Polish Falcons and an animal lover. Family was everything to her and she was an unbelievable Nana.

She is survived by her children Kelly (Kevin) McKenrick of Bergen; Robert (Michelle) Grazioplene of Batavia; brother Peter (Vicki) Bordner of Batavia; grandchildren Kaelie Grazioplene, Matthew McKenrick, Daniel Grazioplene, Andrew McKenrick, Alex and Lyndsey Grazioplene, great-granddaughter Sofia Falitico, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday October 30, 2015 from 7 to 9 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday October 31, 2015 at St. Padre Pio Parish 56 Maple Ave, Oakfield, NY 14125. She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Oakfield.

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

Clayton W. Sharp

By Joshua Smith
 

Oakfield - Clayton W. Sharp, 93, lifelong farmer and Oakfield resident, died Saturday (October 24, 2015) at Tender Loving Family Care-Canalview in Albion.

He was born February 24, 1922 in Oakfield, a son of the late Charles and Ruth (Lovejoy Lewis) Sharp.

Clayton was a member of the Genesee County Farm Bureau and also the First Baptist Church of Elba, having served as a deacon and trustee.  He delivered meals on wheels for over 12 years.

Survivors include his wife, Helen (Billings) Sharp of Oriskany Falls; three sons, Vernon Sharp of New Hampshire, Gene (Connie) Sharp of Basom and Brian (Pamela) Sharp of Poplar Bluff, MO; one daughter, Crystal (Thomas) Wager of Victor; one brother, Willard Sharp of West Virginia; 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Doris Ruth (Woodworth) Sharp, a brother, Edward Sharp, his twin brother, Clifford Sharp, three sisters, Mary Ives, Eleanor Shuknecht and Elizabeth Shuknecht, a grandson, Scott Sharp and a granddaughter, Stephanie Malone.  

Calling hours are Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Elba, 31 South Main Street, Elba.  Services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday also at the First Baptist Church of Elba. Private burial will be in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 50, Batavia, NY 14021. 

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

Arrangements were completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.

 

Donald Chauncey Wellman

By T.J. Woodward

Donald Chauncey Wellman of Attica, NY passed away peacefully on October 24, 2015 at the Erie County Medical Center after a sudden illness. He was born on February 12, 1931 in Warsaw, NY but soon thereafter became a life-long resident of Attica.

Don is survived by his loving wife of almost 63 years, Carol (Cooper) Wellman and three daughters: Donna Wellman Butler (Charles R.) of St. Augustine FL, Cyndie Ann Wellman of Attica, and Julie Wellman Huber (Jeffrey A.) of Attica, who believe to this day that “My Daddy can fix it”. He is also survived by three adoring grandsons who were the light of his life for the past twenty-plus years: Donald Jeffrey Huber of Attica, Stephen Wesley Huber of Milford CT, and Lee Wellman Huber of Attica. His sister, Ruth Wellman Lange of Attica, nephew David N. Lange (Marilyn Fox) of Alexander NY and niece Marcia Lange Perry (Robert A.) of Attica and their families also survive Don and have given him much enjoyment and support.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chauncey Parker Wellman and Evelyn Barrett Wellman, brother-in-law Norman K. Lange, and his father- and mother-in-law Arlie L. Cooper and Perle Horton Cooper, all of Attica.

After serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict, Don returned to Attica and soon began a career with the Westinghouse Electric Corporation where he worked in several capacities, ultimately becoming the Plant Manager at the Attica Westinghouse foundry. Many of his happiest times were spent reminiscing with and about his fellow Westinghouse colleagues and their accomplishments and exploits. He was honored in June 2015 as Grand Marshal of the Attica Founder’s Day parade which featured an exhibit presented by the Attica Historical Society about the Attica Westinghouse plant.

Don made many contributions to the local community including serving on the Attica Central School Board of Education, the Intercommunity Medical Center Board, the Attica Village Board of Trustees, the Trinity United Methodist Church Board of Trustees, and membership in the Attica Historical Society and the Harder-O’Donnell Post of the American Legion. His many interests included enjoying his family and friends, woodworking, hunting, travel, playing euchre and sports. He was an avid New York Yankees supporter and a (sometimes frustrated) Buffalo Bills fan.

Those who knew Don will remember him for his quick wit, love of jokes (especially practical ones!), and his unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed but the world is a better place because of him. Now Heaven gets a chance to enjoy his gifts.

Friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00PM and 6:00 to 8:00PM on October 28, 2015 at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on October 29, 2015 at the Marley Funeral Home with interment services immediately following at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to the Attica Fire Department, 11 Water St., Attica, NY 14011 or to Friends for Colombia, an organization that provides assistance to travelers in distress and were an invaluable source of comfort and support to Don and his family when he became ill in Colombia. Donations may be made through their website at www.friendsforcolombia.org. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Genevieve Sobolewski

By T.J. Woodward

Genevieve Sobolewski, 98, formally of Batavia, NY passed away Sunday October 18, 2015 at East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw, NY. She was born August 19, 1917 in Buffalo to her late father Stanley Twardowski and mother Marcyanne Galeziewski.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years Cyril J. Sobolewski; brothers Stanley and Frank Twardowski; sisters Eleanor Matlasz, Angela Sobolewski, Otylia Jakubowski and Rosalyn Moscicki.

Genevieve worked for R.E. Chapin for over 45 years. She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Church in Batavia as well as a long time active member in the Sodality.  Genevieve was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for her 19 years of volunteer work at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She enjoyed crocheting & knitting for various charities. Her love of travel took her to such places as The Holy Land, Poland, Paris and Geneva Switzerland. Genevieve was a very loving Aunt to all her nieces and nephews: the late Lee Moscicki, Dorothy Grant-Fletcher, Carol Johnson, Francis Dirisio, Richard Moscicki, Elizabeth Santora, John Jakubowski, the late Marcia Belli, Donna Twardowski, Greg Yourkowski, Daniel Twardowski, and Eugene Moscicki.  

She is survived by her sister Delores Yourkowski of Batavia along with the above mentioned nieces and nephews and great and great-great nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday October 28, 2015 at Ascension Parish 15 Sumner St. Batavia, New York 14020. She will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York www.alz.org/wny or the donor’s choice. 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.

 

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