Skip to main content

Obituaries

Mrs. Joan F. White

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Joan  F.  White, age 85  of Oakfield, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Mrs. White was born Thursday, October 31, 1935 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Anson Forsyth and Florence Ferguson Forsyth.

A longtime member of the Oakfield United Methodist Church, Joan was very active in the community events and dinners sponsored by the church.  She enjoyed playing games and cards with her husband and her in-laws. She will be remembered by her family as an excellent cook and baker. Joan especially enjoyed holidays and gatherings when all of her family was together.

Joan is the wife of Clyde H. White who passed away in 1997.

She is survived by her children; Todd (Marcia) White of Wyoming; Janet (Denis) Rohan of Elba and Peggy (Doug) Platt of Burt;  six grandchildren; Megan (Will) Hoffman, Brad (Nicole) White, Lauren (Seth) Kent, Hannah (Nick) Borden, Rachel (Kevin) Chamberlain and Leah (Jon Matthews) Platt; nine great-grandchildren; her brother; George Forsyth of Batavia; her sister; Elinor Rice of Batavia and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings; Virginia Shera, Celia Maykuth, James and Rodney Forsyth.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield, New York 14125.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Gary F. Hickey

By T.J. Woodward

Gary F. Hickey, 80, of Darien passed away on December 15, 2020 in the comfort of his home. He was born in Buffalo, NY on June 7, 1940 to the late Frederick and Gladys May (Brower) Hickey.

Gary worked as a block and brick mason for many years.

His family offers their sincere gratitude to his nephew Michael, for caring for him over the years.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately.

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.

Doreen Mae Gross

By Lisa Ace

Doreen Mae Gross, 91 of Pembroke, NY, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2020.

Doreen was the daughter of the late Sanford and Violet (Freyer) Bock, wife of the late Rudolph M. Gross and sister of the late Jerold (Lee) Bock.

She was the Pembroke Town Clerk for many years, a 4-H Leader and member of the Corfu Grange. She graduated from Bryant and Stratton College.

Doreen was the mother of Randy (Nancee) Gross and Elaine (Rich) Walker; Gramie of Jessica and Daniel Gross; Aunt of Steve (Camilla) Bock; special cousin of Sue and Stephen Seligman, Charlene (Brian) Calhoon, Elena and Sonia. She is also survived by many in-laws from the Gross family.

A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local food pantry.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Richard Charles Mancuso, Jr.

By T.J. Woodward

rmancuso.jpg
  His smile was as infectious as it was beautiful, and the welcome gift that he gave to others was laughter.  Ricky always had an arsenal of comic genius up his sleeve to make sure that those around him were always smiling, but his kind heart and his deep soul were the important gifts that he generously shared with everyone.  Richard Charles Mancuso, Jr. was born in Batavia, NY as a welcomed birthday gift to his Grandma, Mercedes Mancuso, on March 10, 1987; he made his way right back into her heavenly arms on December 27, 2020.  He was 33 years old.  He was lovingly referred to as Ricky (or Little Ricky) by everyone who knew him, which fell more in line with his child-like wonder than it did with his tall imposing stature.  Many other handles included Richie, Chuck, Chuckie, Ricky-Bobby, Bailey, Frankie Sara, Woody, B.D., RCM and many, many more...the name “Rick” was quite lovingly, and exclusively, reserved for his hero.

Ricky had a charming personality and made friends easily, especially with those souls who were the toughest to love.  He possessed a particular magic that was most certainly designed to help those seeking to realize their full potential as human beings.  He put that gift to its ultimate use in Southern California helping other individuals become sober.  It could easily be defined as Ricky’s life’s work.  He was a sober living coach and he was exceptional.

Ricky was a talented fisherman from an unusually young age which was said to have been a legacy passed down to him through many Mancuso/Dempsey generations.  He garnered hundreds of hours as a very young child casting into the waters of Silver Lake, and pulled out more than his fair share of unsuspecting dinners.  On a few occasions he was even witnessed catching fish with his bare hands.  He fished both lake and ocean, and later went on to become a salt-water fish specialist.

Besides the fishing pole his most coveted possession was the ball. Many of his other talents were realized the first time that a ball was thrown into his midst, and it was rare to see his smiling face without one.  He felt very much at home anywhere that a ball was being bounced, thrown, hit, caught, rolled, pitched or kicked.  His athletic prowess provided countless hours of fun for him as a child, as well as an adult. It was especially fun to watch him on the basketball court, which was where the proverbial gloves always came off.

He had a strong affinity for good music, well written literature and kind-hearted people, but nothing could rival his sense of friends and family. He was fiercely proud of his tribe and defined himself by his loyalty, his love and complete devotion to his family members, including his parents, Rick and Julie (Dempsey) Mancuso, his siblings Morgan (Douglas) Sicheri, Alexandra (Donnie) DiLaura, Patrick (Emily Lyons) Mancuso, Madelyn Mancuso and most especially his nieces and nephews, Vincent, Ben, Cecelia and Drew.  The love that he shared for his grandparents, Benjamin Mancuso Jr. of Batavia, NY, Patrick and Barbara (Sager) Dempsey of Hendersonville, NC, his aunts, his uncles and his cousins was unparalleled.  Ricky’s tribe will most certainly receive the ferocious heavenly protection that only one blue-eyed guardian angel can provide. His friends and family will desperately miss his attentiveness, his love and his unique and glorious sense of humor.

Ricky’s family will gather for a private Mass to celebrate his life and pray for the peaceful repose of his beautiful soul.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School 73 Union St. Batavia, NY 14020 or St. Joseph’s Regional School 2 Summit St. in Batavia. 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.

Barbara F. Morris

By Joshua Smith

Barbara F.  Morris, 89, of LeRoy, passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility.

Barbara was born August 10, 1931 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of the late Lester and Lillian (Fletcher) Morris.

Barbara was a member of the Stafford Historical Society, Garden Club and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Stafford.

Surviving are her children, Carolyn (Jeffrey) Cortley of Westfield, NJ, Henry (Allison) Tobey of New Castle, DE, Thomas Tobey of Sulphur, KY and Barbara (Gil) Mulcahy of Batavia; a brother, Lester Morris of LeRoy; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.  

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

Arrangements for Barbara were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

Mary A. Argana

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Mary A. Argana, age 91, formerly of Bacon Street, passed away Thursday afternoon (December 31, 2020) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

     She was born June 3, 1929 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Michael and Josephine Passamonte Argana.

     Mary will be remembered as a very loving and kind sister, aunt and friend to many.  She worked as a registered nurse at Rochester General Hospital for many years and was a long time member of  St. Joseph's Church family.

     She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Bernadette Argana of Caledonia, along with several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her siblings, Charles (Barbara) Argana, Annette (Robert) Baker and Paula (Robert) Stein.

     Services will be private at the convenience of her family.  She will be laid to rest in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy.

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

Paul L. Eshelman

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Paul L. Eshelman, 80 of Batavia, went to meet his Lord on Thursday, (December 31, 2020) at his home.

Mr. Eshelman was born June 7, 1940 in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Paul R. and Jennie (Cole) Eshelman.

He moved to New York where he married his wife of 57 years, Maria (Dicman) Eshelman, who survives with his children Mary Kay (Jim) Seliger, and Paul L. Eshelman Jr.; three grandsons, Gary Saraceni, Matthew (Carrie) Saraceni and Justin Saraceni; 5 great grandchildren, Charlotte Saraceni, Ryder, Addison, Whitney and Kelsey Saraceni. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was the last of 4 siblings.

Paul, loved his family, friends, fishing, hunting, camping, helping others, and making people laugh. He was the hardest working man we knew, and made friends so easily. You are loved and will be missed.

There will be no visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Paul will be buried in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the form of Mass Intentions.

Arrangements for Paul were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Gloria "Jeanie" Reed

By T.J. Woodward

Gloria “Jeanie” Reed, age 78 of Warsaw and formerly of Perry passed away on Thursday December 31, 2020 at Eastside Nursing and Rehabilitation in Warsaw where she had been residing.  She was born on December 9, 1942 in Warsaw, NY a daughter to the late Leslie W. and Doris (Bruce) Fenn.

Gloria worked for the former Perry Knitting Mill and Champion Products in Perry, and was a crossing guard for the Village of Perry.  She was a member of Wyoming Baptist Church, a former girl scout, a former member of the “Pioneer Girls” and “Class Original” through the Baptist Church of Perry. Gloria enjoyed reading, knitting and collecting cookbooks.

She is survived by her husband Donald Reed whom she married on August 28, 1987, 2 sisters: Bonnie Wallace of Oakland and Patricia Toal of Batavia, father-in-law: George Reed of Warsaw, along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by a brother William “Bill” Fenn, mother-in-law: Lois Reed and 2 brother-in-laws.

A Celebration of Gloria’s Life will be held on Saturday January16th at 2pm at the Wyoming Baptist Church 28 Main St. Wyoming, NY 14591. . Gloria will be laid to rest in Wyoming Cemetery in Wyoming.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wyoming Baptist Church or to the family. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com . Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, N.Y. 14530.

Joseph J. Versage Jr

By T.J. Woodward

josephjversagejr.jpg
Joseph J Versage Jr, age 58, of Conesus, passed away due to complications from COVID-19 on December 30th, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in the arms of his wife. He was born on September 10th, 1962, in Batavia, son of the late Joseph Versage and Bonnie Versage of Batavia. Joe was a graduate of Batavia City Schools and The University at Buffalo. On July 28th, 2001, he married his best friend, Stephanie Versage, who survives him. To know Joe was to love him. He was known for his infectious laugh, goofy smile, knack for coming up with a nickname that stuck, and his ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room when you were in his presence. Joe lived life to the absolute fullest and found joy in everything he did. From boating, to riding motorcycles, to coaching his sons’ hockey and baseball teams, he never stopped moving. As a father, Joe raised his 4 children with unconditional love. He was always involved in every aspect of their lives and made sure to take the time to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. He was the foundation and true embodiment of family.

He is predeceased by his father, Joseph J. Versage Sr. of Batavia, Uncle Larry and Aunt Beverly Williams of Batavia, Uncle Frank Versage of Warsaw, Uncle Tony and Aunt Becky Versage of Bath, and cousin Michael Versage of Warsaw.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie of Conesus, his children, Kristen (Nick) Pribanich of Raleigh, NC, Justin (Stephanie) Hilt, of Conesus, Colin Hilt of Norfolk, CT, and Adrian “AJ” Versage of Conesus, his grandson or, “little buddy”, Waylen Hilt of Conesus, his mother, Bonnie Versage of Batavia, brother, John (Theresa) Versage of Batavia, sister, Stacy (Mark) Marzello of Cheektowaga, cousins, Michelle Williams of Batavia, Laurie Williams Comer of Batavia, Teal (Tim) Abel of Carthage, his in-laws, Charlie (Lorraine) Allmaras, brother-in-law, Stephen (Vicky) Allmaras, sister-in-law, Jodi (fiancé Doug Turner) Elkins, and brother-in-law, Chuck Allmaras, all of Colorado, nieces and nephews, Kara, Dylan (Katie), and Mason Versage, Arianna Marzello, Sean (Neha Wickramasekaran), Derek, and Cameron Comer, Jacob and Jessie Elkins, Merlin Allmaras, his boating family, camping family, hockey family, Dribbles family, and countless others who were lucky enough to call him, friend. The family would like to take a moment to thank and recognize the amazing team at Strong Memorial Hospital for their exceptional and compassionate care for Joe.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family memorial service will be held at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider donating to the American Red Cross as a tribute to those who were able to selflessly give to Joe while in the care of his team at Strong. 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.

 

Elizabeth (Betty) Ward

By LaVern Falcone

Stafford ~ Elizabeth (Betty) Ward, age 93, passed away on December 28, 2020 at the New York State Veterans Nursing Home in Batavia due to corona virus. Betty was born on December 15, 1927 in Batavia, the youngest child of the late Albert and Laura Rumsey.

     She was a long time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Stafford, and the Stafford Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary.

     She is survived by her daughter, Jennie Lynn (Patrick) Mooney; son, Fred (Joan) Mathers; step-daughters, Diane (Paul) Voightmann and Rita (Pete) Zarbo; grandchildren, Peter, Cory, and Jeffrey Fowler, Emily Radaker, Michael Mathers and Rachel Sanfratello, 14 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandsons and several nieces and nephews.

     She was predeceased by husband, Fred Mathers (1981) and Warren Ward (2019). She was also predeceased by her siblings, Art, Al, Fran, George, and Howard, and an infant granddaughter, Erin Lynn Fowler.

     There will be no calling hours due to current covid conditions. A memorial service will be held in 2021, when we can gather safely.

     Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6188 Rt.5 Stafford, NY, 14143

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

Sheila K. Hale

By Joshua Smith

Corfu - Sheila K. Hale, 72  of Corfu passed away on Wednesday (December 30, 2020) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs.  Hale was born February 3, 1948 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Philip and Rita (Corcoran) Pribison.

Sheila was a member of Resurrection Parish and enjoyed reading. She was a die hard Bills fan. Mrs. Hale was a hard worker and enjoyed helping others. She worked simultaneously as a housekeeper at Genesee Community College, as a lunch aide at Jackson School, and a crossing guard with the Batavia School District.

She is survived by her husband, Richard L. Hale of Corfu. The two were married Valentine's Day 1970. Also surviving is her daughter, Jacqueline R. (Douglas) Ferris of LeRoy; grandsons Jacob Ferris and Trevor Pahl; a sister,  Beatrice (late Jerry) Ensign of Florida; her mother-in-law, Norma (late LaVerne) Hale of Batavia. Several sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Sheila is preceded in death by her son, Jason Christopher Hale who passed away October 26, 2020.

There will be no visitation. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Resurrection Parish. Burial will be in St.  Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Association, Parkinson Plaza, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305-1425.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

David Lee Funston

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - David Lee Funston, 82 of Batavia  passed away on Tuesday, (December 29, 2020) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Funston was born  January 11, 1938 in Syracuse, a son of the late Herbert and Margaret (Windett) Funston.

Dave was a devout Episcopalian and active musician.  He played percussion in the Genesee Symphony Orchestra for 50 years and held several leadership positions including President.  Dave played percussion with several other groups including "A Pretty Good Band" in Speculator, NY and in support of local high schools musicals, the Rotary Club and others.   

A veteran, David served honorably with the Air Force. Mr. Funston worked in electrical design for nearly 20 years at GTE Sylvania followed by nearly 20 years at Eastman Kodak and was proud of the 21 patents he earned during his career. He and his wife enjoyed summering at their cottage in Lake Pleasant, in Hamilton County where he liked to sail and fly fish. He was also a talented woodworker who enjoyed sharing his products with friends and family.

Surviving are his wife, Anne (Benjamin) Funston of Batavia; children, Barbara (John) Baker of Stafford, Virginia, and Brian (Kristin) Funston of Golden, Colorado; grandchildren, Alison Baker (Jeffrey) Bryant, Samuel (Kayla) Baker, Elsie Baker, Jeb Baker, Maggie Funston, and Matthew Funston; a brother, Bruce (late Shirley) Funston of Jackson, Michigan; a sister, Eileen (late Robert) Houston of Lansing, Michigan.

There will be no visitation. Services will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 391, Batavia, NY 14021; St. James Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020; or Speculator Ambulance Corps, PO 203, Speculator, NY 12164.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Beverly (Woodhouse) McAllister

By Joshua Smith

Batavia- Beverly (Woodhouse) McAllister, age 82, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 28, 2020 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mrs. McAllister was born Saturday, June 4, 1938 in Batavia, New York a daughter of the late Gordon Woodhouse and Marion Dempsey Woodhouse.

A 1956 graduate of Batavia High School, she worked for Kozak Auto Dry Wash in Batavia and was the office manager for Genesee County Abstract in Batavia for many years. A member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Batavia, Bev was a wonderful mother and wife of 60 years to William McAllister.  She was a kind and gentle soul who was always in good spirits and loved to laugh. She had a great way of finding the good in anyone.

Beverly is the wife of William R. McAllister who passed away on April 28, 2016.

Surviving are her children;  Scott (Lorie Jaszko) McAllister  of Batavia and Colleen (Mark Plessinger) Bosse of Pittsford; five grandchildren; Angela (Jarred) Schlaggel, Aaron R. Bosse, Emily A. Bosse, Alex W. Bosse and Zachary L. Bosse; five great-grandchildren; her sister; Barbara (David) Green of Dover, Delaware; her brother; William Woodhouse of Dover, Delaware and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her infant son, Shawn Allen; granddaughter, Alyssa L. Bosse and her brother, Robert Woodhouse.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials in Bev's name may be made to the Salvation Army, 529 East Main Street, Batavia,  New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Delorice C. Anderson

By T.J. Woodward

butterfly.jpg
Delorice C. Anderson, 87 of Attica, passed away on December 29, 2020. She was born October 31, 1933 in East Pembroke to the late Charles and Ruth Carroll. She is preceded in death by her husband, Howard R. Anderson and brother Marvin Carroll.

Dee lived most of her life in Attica before retiring to Port Charlotte, FL, then returning to Attica after the death of her husband. Dee enjoyed many hobbies such as knitting, crocheting and was an award winning quilter at Charlotte County Fair.

Delorice is survived by sons, Brian (Marcy) Anderson of Port Charlotte, FL, Barry (Denise) Anderson of Attica, Bruce (Mindy) Anderson of Attica and her Dutch son Arend (Late Kathy) Koers of Attica. She is also survived by her pride and joy, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Due to covid restrictions a private service will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Attica Rescue Squad, 11 Water St., Attica, NY 14011 or Murdock Christian Church, 17500 Elmwood Ave, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC., 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Martin J. "Mike" Brusso

By LaVern Falcone

Le Roy ~ Martin J. "Mike" Brusso, age 85, of Woodward Drive, passed away Monday morning (Dec. 28, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital

    

 He was born March 25, 1935 in Union Hill, N.Y., a son of the late John and Minerva Rathbun Brusso.

     Mike will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at their cottage on Silver Lake.  He was a US Army veteran and had a passion for baseball and tractors.

     He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Melissa (Jeff) Tack and Melinda Miller; step children, Christopher (Sue) Ecker and Kelly (Paul) Frawley; grandchildren, Bethany, Dori and Evee Rivaldo, Caleb and Hannah Miller; step grandchildren, Christopher Ecker, Jonathan Ecker, Christine (Bradley) Oliver and Pauli Frawley; 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his loving wife, Leni Lee Brusso, his daughter, Michelle Brusso, 11 siblings and stepson, David Ecker.

     Services for Mike will be private at the convenience of his family.   

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mike’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Authentically Local