Obituaries

Colton - James E. “Jay” Thompson of Colton, NY passed away early on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY.  Jay was born on March 20, 1942 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and grew up in Holyoke, MA.  He spent most of his life in Western Massachusetts, primarily South Hadley and Belchertown, an area that he greatly enjoyed.

Jay was an extraordinary man, full of life, love and music -- a gentle, thoughtful, and compassionate spirit.   He was deeply loved by his family members and many friends, going all the way back to his high school days.  Jay is survived by his wife of 38 years, Tracey L. Thompson; two sons, Drake J. Thompson and Matthew T. Houghton-Thompson; daughters-in-law, Lillian Thompson and Jaimie Houghton-Thompson; grandchildren, Connor Thompson and Kris Thompson; his brother Jeff Thompson; niece, Khiarra Kosling and nephew, Zach Thompson.

Jay was a talented and creative television director/producer and worked for more than three decades at WGGB-TV in Springfield, Massachusetts, directing and producing a variety of special programs including a popular children’s show called “Strummin’ Drummers.”  He was a man of many interests and hobbies including model railroading, fishing, camping, photography, cycling, white-water canoeing and kayaking.

But his real love and calling was music; Jay was an accomplished musician and singer-songwriter.  He recorded an album of folk music with a group called the Tikis in 1962 and created an album of his own original work titled “Better Late Than Never” in 2005.  Jay participated regularly in open mic events at PACE in Easthampton, at Luthier’s Co-op, and most recently in a Zoom open mic hosted by Dan Russell of Easthampton.

Jay had what appeared to be a heart attack on Wednesday afternoon, but it turned out to be an aortic dissection, which is difficult to survive. He was airlifted to Syracuse where he underwent nine hours of emergency surgery, but too much damage had been done to his heart and he passed away at 1 a.m. on Thursday.

Jay's life will be honored with a very special open mic.  This celebration of life, love and music will be held at Luthier's Co-op, 108 Cottage Street in Easthampton, MA from 12 Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021.  Jay's good friends from PACE, the Luthier's open mic and Dan Russell’s Zoom open mic will play their favorite songs in memory of Jay.  All are welcome.  Jay will be remembered by all who knew him as a good man with an easy smile, a funny joke, and a helping hand.  He will always be a beautiful soul.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, New York. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

     Services for Joan have been re-scheduled.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday, Nov. 30, from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy. Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. Interment will follow in Morganville Cemetery.

Geraldine Penkszyk, 87 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (November 25, 2021) at her home under the loving care of her family.

She was born September 22, 1934 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Jerry and Irene Colantonio Tresco

Geraldine was a graduate of the Batavia High School Class of 1952. She was employed by Montgomery Ward, Tops, helping her husband with farming, Sylvania TV and 14 years at JC Penney’s.

She met Francis John Penkszyk Sr in 1952. They were married May 2, 1953 in Batavia, NY and together raised three children.

Survivors include her daughters, Debi Penkszyk Geib and Teresa (Donald) Penkszyk Doran, Sister, Jeanette Tresco Cox. Grandsons, Francis Penkszyk III, Aaron Penkszyk, Derek (Jen) Geib and Talen Geib. Also survived by six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Francis Penkszyk Sr., Son, Francis Penkszyk II. Granddaughter, Jacinta Penkszyk. Sisters, Virginia Tresco, Shirley Cox and brother, David Tresco.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share in her funeral service on Monday (November 29^th) at 1pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. She will be entombed in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Alzheimer Association. Expressions of sympathy 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.

 

 

Marjorie Welch, 87, formerly of LeRoy and Shinglehouse, PA passed away on November 22, 2021. She was born on February 4, 1934 in Sharon Center, PA to the late John E. and Eveleen (Miller) McGuirl. In addition to her parents, Marjorie is predeceased by her loving husband; Robert Welch; son Michael Welch; brother Paul McGuirl.

Marjorie was a small town girl who had a larger than life personality. She attended school in a one room school house kitty corner to the house where she grew up and across the street from the land she would eventually build a house, raise a family, and grow old. She was a “tell it like it is” woman who was a whole cheering section all in one person. She celebrated each family members' every victory in life and even in defeat, picked them back up, dusted them off, and encouraged them to go back out there. Marjorie loved the color red, Patsy Cline, Kenny Rogers, sunflowers, orange juice, Jello Pudding Pops, M&Ms, singing, taking pictures, and so many other things that she shared and passed on to her grandkids. More than anything else in the world, she loved her family.

She is survived by her children; Timothy (Susan) of Stafford; Patricia (Michael) Bryant of Olean; daughter in law Cheryl Welch; sister Phyllis Stout; 8 grandchildren, Jamie (Amy) Welch, Timothy Welch II, Shannon, Carrie Welch, Reagan (Paulie) Viele, Mandy Welch, Meaghan (Nathan) Bell, Shaughn Bryant; 7 great-grandchildren Vivian, Keegan Welch, Preston, Domenic Viele, Nadia Welch, Jackson and Benjamin Bell; along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday November 30, 2021 from 3:00-5:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 5:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY www.alz.org. 6215 Sheridan Dr. #100 Buffalo, NY 14221. To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Grace M. Cycon, 101 of Attica, passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born February 18, 1920 in Perrysburg, NY to the late Gaile W. and Grace (Burgett) Beeman. She is preceded in death by her first husband Walter Andrews and second husband Leonard Cycon, daughter-in-law Susan Andrews, along with her siblings.

Mrs. Cycon was an avid walker, passionate about puzzles and enjoyed traveling. She used to spend a lot of time doing needle point, ceramics and latch hook. Mrs. Cycon volunteered with the American Red Cross. She was sharp minded and feisty. Grace adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, Seth Andrews of San Francisco, CA, Jay (Donna) Andrews of Marilla, sister Gladys Taft of Eden, grandchildren, Jay (Fiancé Catie Raess) Andrews Jr, Bonnie (Adam) Hoag of Batavia, great-grandchildren, Lucas, Alyssa and Payton Vickery, Thomas Jay "T.J." and Bella Andrews, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 10 AM to 12 Noon at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow, 12:00 Noon at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, Boston, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhom.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

David G. Tresco, 75 of Batavia, passed away Friday (November 19, 2021) at his residence.

He was born June 27, 1946 in Batavia, a son of the late Jerry and Irene Colantonio Tresco.

He was a proud Veteran, having served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1965-1968. Mr. Tresco was employed by the Genesee County Highway Dept. for several years prior to his retirement. He enjoyed spending time with his family and will be remembered for his laugh that could change the atmosphere of a crowded room. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a member of the NRA, NYS Rifle & Pistol Association, S.C.O.P.E., DAV and the American Motorcyclist Association.

He is predeceased by sisters, Virginia Tresco and Shirley (late Garry) Cox.

Survivors include his sisters, Geraldine (late Frank) Penkszyk and Jeanette Cox, both of Batavia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation and services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

 

 

K. Mark MacGregor, 61, of Rochester, passed away on Friday, November 19th, 2021.

     Family and friends of Mark may call on Sunday, November 28th, from 1 ~ 4 PM, at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy. His funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, Monday, November 29th at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy, NY.

     Mark was born in Le Roy, to Barbara (nee Regone) and Kenneth MacGregor on July 18, 1960.  They named their first and only son, Kenneth Mark who was lovingly referred to as Mark.  He attended Holy Family followed by LeRoy High School where he played nearly every sport that was offered. After high school he attended SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx. 

     He went on to marry the love of his life, Shari on June 17th, 2000 in Victor, NY.  Not soon after, he rose to Vice President of Collections for Rochester Credit Bureau where countless colleagues benefited from his humanity, compassion and professionalism.

     He had a thirst for knowledge and a penchant for striking up a conversation with anyone he came across, without any judgement or preconceived notion. He especially enjoyed tending to his gardens, listening to classic rock, spending as much time with his grandchildren as possible, and providing his Queen with the royal treatment she deserved.  

     Mark is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth R. MacGregor of Le Roy, and Aunt, Dorothy Howarth of St. Catherines, Ontario.

     Mark is survived by his loving wife, Shari; his adoring children, Kenneth R. (Kelly), Joshua M. (Jacqueline), and Brandin (Julia); his mother, Barbara MacGregor; his sisters, Lori MacGregor, Lisa (Daniel) Mills and Lynn (Robert) Cesare; and his grandchildren, Joshua, Isabella and Mackenzie.

     Memorials may be given to Lymphoma Foundation of America.

     Mark’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Interlakes Oncology of Greece.

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

Batavia - Marion E.  Pickert, 93 of Batavia, resident of the New York State Veteran’s Home passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mrs. Pickert was born Monday, November 28th, 1927 in Readsboro, Vermont a daughter of the late Earl Benson and Catherine Marshall Benson.   

Marion is the wife of John A. Pickert, Jr. who passed away on September 5, 1997.

Surviving are her children, Cindy McDonald of Batavia, Nancy (Late Michael) Fiorella of Batavia, Pat (Late Lou) Christini of Glendale, Arizona, JoAnn (Joe) Ficarella of Batavia and Donald Pickert of Nashville, Tennessee; brothers, Ray Benson of Batavia, Carl Benson of the Philippines, Kenneth Benson of California; sisters, Dorothy Cattalini and Helen Gallegos, both of California; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her son, John Pickert, III who passed away in 2010 and her siblings; Earline Geissler, Betty Callahan, Virginia Blaesi and Earl Benson.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donors’ choice. 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, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Batavia - Michael J. Colantonio, Jr., 77 of Batavia  passed away on Sunday, (November 7, 2021) at his home in Batavia.

Mr.  Colantonio was bornDecember 18, 1943 in Batavia, a son of the late Michael J. Colantonio Sr. and Margaret (Zanghi) Colantonio.

He was an avid Yankees fan.

Michael is survived by children, grandchildren, and siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Private burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Thomas H. Dills, 65, of East Bethany passed away on November 20, 2021. He was born on September 7, 1956 to the late Edwin and Marilyn (Weaver) Dills. He is preceded in death by brother; Andrew Dills; his son-in-law David Campbell.

Tom was a third-generation dairy farmer. This was a business that he successfully ran his wife, Michelle. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed spending much of his time hunting and wandering through the woods. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Everyone that knew Tom was inspired by his outgoing energy and his desire to live life to the fullest.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years; Michelle (Fili) Dills of East Bethany; daughters Rachelle (Rick) Heller of Iowa City, IA, Renee (Stephen) Valle of Corfu; five grandchildren Vivienne Heller, Harper, Camille and Harlan Campbell and Juliette Valle.

Friends are invited to call on Friday November 26, 2021 from 3:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday November 27^th at the First Presbyterian Church 300 East Main St. in Batavia.

Memorials may be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021 www.crossroadshouse.comn.  To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Elba - Nancy E. Rowcliffe, 76 of Elba, passed away on Saturday, (November 20, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mrs. Rowcliffe was born September 4, 1945 in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Aubrey and Mary (Baize) Stewart. Following her parents' death at an early age, Nancy was raised by the late David Wiley.

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and enjoyed water aerobics at the YMCA. She was an avid pet and nature lover and liked to dry flowers.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Mark A. Rowcliffe of Elba; children, Ronald L. Rowcliffe of Elba, Melissa Penepent of South Carolina, and Sondra (Frank) Gury of Rochester; brother, Harold (Kathy) Stewart of Geneseo. Six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by a brother, JC Stewart.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  Nancy 's Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, (November 27th, 2021) at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue in Batavia.  Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. Following burial, all are invited to a reception at the Elba Fire Department Recreation Hall, Rte. 98 in Elba.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Co. Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020, or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family requests those in attendance at visitation and the funeral service to wear face coverings. We appreciate your cooperation and courtesy. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy ~ Lucille Voss Brodie, age 84, of Lake Street Road, passed away early Sunday morning (November 21, 2021) at home in the loving presence of her family.

   

  She was born July 9, 1937 in Short Tract, N.Y., a daughter of the late Harold and Marjorie Piatt Voss.

     Lucille will be remembered as a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, who was devoted to her family and her faith.  She was a lady of elegance and also took much pride in keeping her home the same, both inside and out.  She had a love for flower arranging and decorating. She was also a dedicated  member and volunteer at the Stone Church Presbyterian Church.

     She will be sadly missed by her children, Brian (Deborah) Brodie, Ashley Brodie (Madison, Ronan, Noah), Garrett Brodie, Marty (Laura) Brodie, Adam Brodie, Jordan Brodie, Darren (Angelina) Brodie (Josephine, Isla) and Beth (Brodie) Jamieson, Emily; sister, Bette Rees; sister-in-law, Marge Voss; brother-in-law, Louis Crocker, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Brodie in 2012 and her siblings, Helen Towne, Marion Schere, Jerry Voss, Lee Voss, Dick Voss and Ann Crocker.

     A Memorial Service for Lucille will be held on Sunday, December 5 at 12:45 PM at Stone Church Presbyterian Church.  Interment in Stone Church Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stone Church Presbyterian Church, 7549

S. Lake Road, Bergen, N.Y. 14416.

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

Elizabeth M. Shultz, 93, formerly of Batavia, passed away on November 21, 2021 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital surrounded by family. Elizabeth was born in Batavia NY on September 28, 1928 to Earl and Marie Lawrence. On July 4, 1949 she married the love of her life, Donald Shultz Sr.

Along with her husband of 52 years, Elizabeth was predeceased by a daughter, Cathy Waggoner, two infant grandsons, her brother Robert Lawrence and sister Barbara White.

Elizabeth is survived by eight children, Michael Shultz (Irene), Deborah Pontillo (Michael), Christine Schaeffer (Terrell Price), Mary Lou Sima (Ronald), Donald Shultz Jr (Linda), Stephen Shultz (Mary), Elizabeth Hite (William), Margaret Schwallie (Thomas), sister Sandra Sluvecky and sister in law Fran Lawrence, and over thirty grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Throughout her life Elizabeth was very active in her many church parishes supporting Don, a Catholic deacon. She loved serving by his side. Elizabeth was widely known as a skilled crocheter as she made hundreds and hundreds of gifts such as doilies, afghans,  Christmas bells and angels. She loved all things Christmas which she passed down to her children. She was an avid gardener and had beautiful gardens in her many homes.

There will be no calling hours. A 9:30 a.m. Mass and Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 26, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 18 Ellicott St, Batavia NY 14020.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Society of St. Vincent DePaul, 1298 Main St, Buffalo NY 14209. To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Julie A. Stymus, 45, of Batavia, passed away on November 19, 2021.

Julie was born December 3, 1975 in Albion, a daughter of the late Ed Baxter and Carol (Jaczynski) Stymus.

She loved music and cooking and her grandchildren meant the world to her.  Julie will be remembered for her sense of humor and outgoing personality.

Surviving are her children, Christina Cotter, Manuel Mendoza Stymus, Jose Mendoza Stymus and Celena Deuel; grandchildren, Carson Cotter, Tahlia Mendoza, Princeton Mendoza, Lorenzo Brewer and Logan Deuel; brothers, Jeff Stymus and Mark Stymus; sister, Lisa Pitts; step-father, Paul Brown; her boyfriend, Jose Gutierrez and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her sister, Kim Burns.

At the request of Julie's family there will be no services.

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

Arrangements for Julie were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Harold C. Gould, age 93, of South Street Road Pavilion, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2021, at Highland Hospital in Rochester.
Harold was born in Walton, New York, the son of the late Richard Leon Gould and Harriet Lucinda Inman Gould. He graduated from Walton High School and served honorably in the United States Army with the 31st Field Artillery Battalion during World War Two. Harold earned his B.S. in Agriculture form Cornell University. After college, he managed the GLF “Agway” in Wyoming. He and Rose resided in Pavilion since 1956, where they owned and operated HaR-GO Farm LLC, a dairy farm that the family continues to operate today. Harold served his community through Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension, and Soil Conservation, as well as on Pavilion School Board for many years. He was also an active longtime member of the Mary Immaculate Parish in Pavilion. 

Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose Marie Maimone Gould on September 21st 2019, whom he married on June 27th 1953. Survivors include his two sons; Charles Gould of Batavia, John (Susan) Gould of Pavilion, a daughter; Patricia (Richard) Merrill of Carlisle, PA, seven grandchildren, Kathleen (Bill) Zimmerman of Fairport, Michael (Theresa Brugarolas) Gould of Philadelphia, Stephen (Jill) Gould of Pavilion, Matthew (Melanie) Gould of Batavia, Daniel Merrill of Carlisle, PA, Sarah (Kevin) Finke of Manchester, MD, Elise Merrill of Bellefonte PA, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends of Harold “Mike” Gould may call on Monday, November 22nd, 2021 from 2- 4 and 7-9 pm at the Weeks Funeral Home 123 N. Main Street Warsaw, NY 14569. Please visit www.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences. A mass of Christian Burial will be held 10am, Tuesday, November 23rd 2021 at the Saint Mary's Site of Mary Immaculate Parish in Pavilion. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to the Pavilion Fire Company at PO Box 156 Pavilion, NY 14525.