Obituaries

Phillip Kroft Jr., 33, formerly of Batavia passed away unexpectedly on October 29, 2020. He was born in York, PA on September 29, 1987, the beloved son of Donna Kroft of Batavia and Phillip Kroft Sr. He is predeceased by his brother; Shawn Kern

In addition to his parents, Phillip will be dearly missed by his children; Shawna Semar and Tiffany Lewis; brothers and sisters Dawn Kern of Batavia, Ben Kroft, Nicki Kroft and Lizzy Kroft of Felton, PA.

He was born and resided in York, PA. for several years where he grew up with his beloved family members; Tommy, Cory and Dalton Tussing, who will all miss Phillip very much.

Phillip has been cremated and brought home to his mother. At this time, there will be no Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Donna Kroft’s Go Fund Me page on her Facebook. 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.

Vincent E.  Squire, 98, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Vincent was born April 8, 1922 in Wethersfield, a son of the late Ernest V. and Helen (Hackett) Squire.

Vincent owned V. Squire & Sons Construction.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, tinkering around and being outside, especially gardening, working on his flowers and mowing the lawn.   

Surviving are his children, Jean (Sam) Tambe of Oakfield, Randy (Nancy) Squire of Batavia, Tim (Cheryl) Squire of Bergen and Lori DiFilippo of Batavia; grandchildren, Jay (Missy) Aquino of Batavia, Brett Squire of Las Vegas, NV, Jeremy Squire of Arizona, Taylor Squire of Bergen and Stacy Squire of Batavia; a great-granddaughter, Ally Aquino of Batavia; a sister, Florence DiMatteo of Oakfield; sisters-in-law, Mitzi Squire of North Carolina and Mary Shuknecht of Elba, many nieces and nephews and his faithful companion, Rusty.

Vincent is the husband of the late, Irma J. (Shuknecht) Squire, they were married July 26, 1944, father of the late Larry and Kevin, grandfather of the late Zachary, brother of the late Norrine (Metz) Keem, Catherine (Kay) Hull, J. Edwin Squires and J. William Squire.

Services will be held privately for Vincent's family and he will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, http://www.vol4animals.org/donate.  

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

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

Churchville - Bruce I. Fuller, 75 of Churchville, passed away on Sunday, (January 17, 2021) at Elderwood at Amherst.

Mr. Fuller was born September 2, 1945 in Rochester,a son of the late Idelbert and Arietta (Wilson) Fuller.

Bruce worked for many years for the United States Post Office.

He is survived by nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be buried in Creedside Cemetery in Churchville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charity of the Donor's Choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave. in Bergen, (585) 494-1210. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Edward A. Kirby, 80, of Attica, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY. He was born October 29, 1940, to the late Robert J. (Nora “Gladys” Kelly) Kirby. Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Merle, daughter Jill Conley; his siblings, Mary (Paul) Janes, Irene (Michael) Eagan, Ada (Charles) Kennerson and brother-in-law Gary Merle.

Ed Graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1958. He worked at Citizens Bank in Attica for many years and was the president of Wyoming County Bankers Association. Ed went on to be a business manager at Attica Central for 14 years. He was a 52 year member of the Lion’s Club, serving as the President, Vice President and treasurer during his time. Ed was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees. He was a member of the Attica Golf Club. Ed loved attending his daughters and grandchildren’s sporting and school events. He was devoted to his family and always tried to be there for all of them.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Ann (Thomas) Tambe and Susan (Timothy) Spiotta; Siblings, Robert (Maureen) Kirby, Jr., Shirley (Thomas) Brei, son-in-law, Kevin (Denise Preston) Conley, brother-in-law Ronald (Mary) Merle, grandchildren, Haley (Ryan), Nicholas, Hunter, Lexie, Hayden and Stella, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. There will be a private Mass of Christian Burial held for the family. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Manor House in Batavia and LeRoy Village Green Nursing home for the care and support that they showed Edward during his time there.

Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory. You may be required to wait outside. Thank you for your cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia, New York, 14020 or to Attica Lion’s Club, PO Box 6, Attica, NY 14011. 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.

Died 1/13/2021 at the age of 90. Predeceased by his parents Glenn and Catherine Boyer, wife Elizabeth T. Boyer and brother Charles Boyer.

Survived by his wife Grace Brew Boyer, son James (Roxanne) Boyer, daughters Susan Boyer-Reid (Richard) and Mary Kay Watkins (Mark). Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Richard was a Korean War Veteran who at 19 commanded a USAF site during the conflict. He later used those skills to become a telecommunication engineer.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 23 at 1pm at Mt. Rest Cemetery, 80 South Lake Street in Bergen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richards name may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Arrangements for Richard were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Patricia A. Flaherty, Le Roy - Born May 23, 1931 in Batavia, NY to the late Vincent Ridd and Gertrude Maher. She was a loving mother and a great person who spread joy to everyone she met. She loved the outdoors and spent many hours in the Adirondacks. She was raised on the family farm and spent her whole life on Vallance Road, Leroy, NY. Patricia worked at Steel Chest, Jello and GE and was a member of St. Peter’s Church, LeRoy.

She is predeceased by her first husband, Roy Smith and second husband, Francis Flaherty, brother, Eugene Ridd, sister, Rosemary Liese, great-grandchild, Ashton Flaherty and very special friend Kathy Taylor.

Patricia is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Aleo, sons, Kevin (Roxanne) Flaherty, Bryan (Kim) Flaherty and companion of 30 years, Robert Schoenheit, grandchildren, Nichole Santos, Melinda Conway, Valerie Flaherty Shand, Russell Flaherty, Ryan Flaherty, Joe Gallucci, Anthony Gallucci, Jay Hodge, Jesse Hodge, 8 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to all the neighbors and friends who helped out during her illness and the Village Green Staff who took care of her. A service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the LeRoy Village Green Sunshine Fund, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit leroyfuneralhome.com.

Gerald W. “Jerry” Schenck, 76, passed away Friday, January 15, 2021, at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia, due to 
COVID-19.

Jerry was born in Batavia, August 14, 1944, a son of the late Warren and Jeanette Krauss Schenck. He was a proud veteran of the Army Corps of Engineers, earning the rank of E-5 and received many medals and honors. Jerry served in Vietnam for 1 year. He was the former owner of Three Buck’s Country Store in Darien, a Life member of the Alexander VFW Post #6239, Darien Volunteer Fire Department and President of Resident Council at the NYS Veterans Home.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathleen Schenck; loving son and daughter-in-law Jerid and Cathy Schenck; cherished grandsons, Justin and Cooper; sister-in-law Karol and brother Victor all of Darien. Several cousins and many friends also survive.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to all of the staff at the NYS Veterans Home for their excellent care. 

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Loves leaves a memory no one can steal.”

As per his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Jerry’s name may be made to the NYS Veterans Home Residents Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Bergen - Larry D. Pimm, 74 of Bergen, passed away on Saturday, (January 16, 2021) at home.

Mr.  Pimm was born August 31, 1946 in Rochester, a son of the late Donald and Leona (Bovee) Pimm.

Larry served his country honorably with the Navy. For over 30 years, he worked at Wegman's; as a meat manager for 20 years and then a cabinet maker for 10 years. He enjoyed playing cards.

Larry is the husband of Anita A. Pimm of Bergen. The two were married August 30, 2002.

Surviving along with his wife is his step-children, Juanita Couch of Holley, Andrew (Mary Jo) Jenks of Kendall, and Sondra (Aaron) Aman of Albion; special nieces, Tammy (Frank) Read of Avon, and Lauren (James) Hollingworth of Macedon. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive.

He is the brother of the late Gregory Pimm and Ronald Pimm.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Batavia VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Jean C. Lyons, 93, of Attica, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at East Side Nursing Home, Warsaw. She was born May 4, 1927, to the late Howard (Arlene) Lord. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Clifford E. Lyons.

Jean was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Attica. She enjoyed having talks on the phone with numerous friends and was an avid reader.

Jean is survived by her son Bryan (Patricia) Lyons, of Attica; three grandsons Gregory Lyons, Nicholas Lyons and Bradley Lyons; one great-granddaughter Addison Lyons.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 11am-1pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory. You may be required to wait outside. Thank you for your cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Fire Department & Rescue Squad, 11 Water Street, Attica NY, 14011. 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.

Dean C. Wright, 83, of Alexander, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born on December 4, 1937 to the late Clarence (Grace McWain) Wright.

Mr. Wright retired from Attica Correctional Facility after 31 years and was a hostage in the 1971 prison riot. Dean was a member of the Attica Rodeo Club for 60 years, he enjoyed showing horses and team roping. Mr. Wright was very well known for breaking and training horses. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, cowboy and equine chiropractor.

Mr. Wright is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn M. (Newton) Wright of Alexander, sons Scott (Sharae) of Sanger, TX, Rob (Jo) of Alexander, Alan (Amy) of Wyoming, Bruce (Christina) Wright of Alexander, siblings Leon (Barbara) of Alexander, Gene (Jean) Wright of TX, Rita Tuttle of TX, 7 grandchildren Bailie, Clint, Kelsey (Josh) Farnsworth, Jayna, Kali, David and Carson, goddaughter Rhoda, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately for the family. A Celebration of Dean’s Life will be held at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Attica Rodeo & Show Association, PO Box 58, Attica, NY 14011 or to Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. 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.

Robert J. Case, 87 of Buffalo, NY, passed away Thursday (January 14, 2021) at the New York State Veterans Home.

Robert was a Veteran having proudly served in the Korean War. Robert loved the people at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia, staff and residents alike. He loved socializing and telling stories to his friends and family.

He is predeceased by his loving wife, Jackie Lee Case who passed away in 2003.

Robert is survived by his son, John Case and grandchildren, Lydia Spencer and Ryan Spencer.

It was Robert’s wish to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke, NY. With the long-awaited opening of the cemetery, Robert’s wish will be fulfilled.

Funeral services for Robert J. Case will be held privately for his immediate family. 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.

 

 

Rochester, NY ~ Rosemary W. Caito, age 90, formerly of Batavia, died Friday (Jan. 15, 2021) at The Friendly Home in Rochester, NY.

    

 Rosemary was born in Buffalo, N.Y., a daughter of the late William H. Watkins and Marguerite Maxwell.  She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Samuel J. Caito in 2014.

     She is survived by six children; Paul J. Caito of Rochester, Mary Eileen Caito of Amherst, Karen M. Caito of Painted Post, Patrice Caito of Penfield, Michael D. (Donna) Caito of Penfield and Catherine M. Caito (Douglas Wigton) of Batavia; grandmother of Patrick Caito Stevens, Maxwell Stevens, Alyson Caito, Andrew Caito and Haley Caito.  Also survived by her brother, Paul (Joan) Watkins of Amherst and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters; J. William (Evalyn) Watkins, Jean (Teresa) Watkins, James (Mary) Watkins, Margaret Mary (Henry) Zugger, Joan (Frank) Gerace and Sr. Patricia Watkins, GNSH.

     Rosemary was a 1948 graduate of The Academy of the Sacred Heart, which at the time was under the auspices of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart.  She was a long time member of St. Mary's Altar & Rosary Society and the St. Jerome Hospital Guild.  We celebrate her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  She gave unselfishly to her family always placing their needs before her own.  Her deep Catholic faith was her life's guide.

     Due to Covid restrictions, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Resurrection Parish, St. Joseph's Church Site, Batavia.  Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Father Kelly Mausoleum.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, 14500 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116 or Notre Dame High School.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with the Caito family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Robert B. Hess, 96 of Alexander, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo. He was born in Benton, PA on January 22, 1924 to the late Khor (Hester A. Everitt) Hess. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly (Shadbolt) Hess, son James Hess, siblings, Martha, Peg, Dean and Ralph.

Mr. Hess was a proud United States Army Veteran; he served in WWII with the 73^rd Bomb Disposal Squad and received 3 Bronze Stars along with other medals and commendations. He was a Shriner with the Masons, accomplished bowler and avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish. After retiring from AJ Trucking in Buffalo, Mr. Hess enjoyed going back and forth to Florida in the winters with his wife. He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.     

Mr. Hess is survived by his children David (Joan) Hess of Alexander, Debora Hess of East Hampton, CT, 5 grandchildren, Amanda, David Jr., Patricia, Victoria and Kathleen, two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Ellie, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 5 to 8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. Funeral Services will be held privately. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica, with Military Honors.  

Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory. You may be required to wait outside. Thank you for your cooperation.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.   

Bergen - Elizabeth (Betty) C. Cummings, 100 of Bergen passed away peacefully on Tuesday (January 12, 2021) at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport.

Mrs. Cummings was born January 16, 1920 in Bergen, a daughter of the late Francis and Mary (Healy) Fodge.

Betty was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Parish - St. Brigid's Church. She was a loving, fierce, selfless, deeply caring woman who raised seven children all of whom are like her in some way or another. She instilled the importance of education, a strong work ethic, a great sense of humor, and a respect to care for one another no matter what the circumstance.

Elizabeth is the wife of the late Donald A. Cummings; mother of the late Peter Cummings; and sister of the late Rita (late Earl) MacConnell.

She is survived by her children, Donald (Melanie) Cummings, John (Chris) Cummings, Robert (Jane) Cummings, Liz (Ron) Vergamini, Kevin (Debra) Cummings, Paul (Susan) Cummings ; sisters, Ann (late James) Maher, and Helen (late Chuck) Pfleger; sisters-in-law, Lucille (late Allen) Lowden, and Joyce (late Warner) Nichols. 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Betty's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport for the love, care and support they provided to their mother.  

Due to the current COVID Pandemic, there will be no visitation. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brigid's Church in Bergen. Burial will be in St. Brigid's Cemetery. A public memorial will be held for Elizabeth at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Brigid's Church.

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

Byron - Dorothy C. Berkoski, 88 of Byron, formerly of Southampton, NY and Paradise Valley, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, (January 12, 2021) at LeRoy Village Green in LeRoy.

Mrs. Berkoski was born July 23, 1932 in Southampton, New York a daughter of the late Joseph and Cecelia (Zaneski) Eames.

Dorothy is the wife of the late William Berkoski, Sr. who passed away in 2019, mother of the late William A. Berkoski, Jr.; and mother-in-law of the late Teresa F. Berkoski.

Dorothy or “Dottie,” as she was known to all, worked for many years as a hairdresser in Southampton where she owned her salon, “The Hairitage.” She touched many lives there and in her personal life. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and loved all children. She had a special corner chair just for childrens’ haircuts in her salon.  Dottie readily made friends of all the children at mass in their church in Arizona, usually bringing them little gifts on Sundays.  She was known to all as a Teddy Bear collector and donated many bears over the years to the ambulance company in Scottsdale for children to hold when they got hurt.  She spoiled and loved each one of her grandchildren, often sending care packages.

Dottie had many friends, making them everywhere she touched with her sparkling presence. She was a self-proclaimed “hugger” and many fondly recall the warmth of her signature embrace.  Our mom loved with her whole heart and everyone she knew was considered family.  Whether you called her Mom, Bachie, Chochie, or just plain Dottie, she was loved by all!  

She is survived by her children, Catherine (James) Glazier of Byron, and Alan Berkoski of Manhattan; grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Caruso, Amanda (Eric) Frantzen, Lisa (Robert ) Graziano, Michael (Virginia) Glazier, Kristin Glazier, Lindsey ( Jacob) Waliszewski, Bryan Glazier; great-grandchildren, Tessa and Eleanor Caruso, Natalie and Charlotte Frantzen, Josephine Glazier. Also surviving are her God-family, Ray (Olga) Berkoski and their son, Ray, III of Arizona.

There will be no visitation.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Poland in Southampton at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary R.C. Cemetery, Southampton.  

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dorothy's name to the Coalition for Women's Cancers, c/o Southampton Hospital Foundation, 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY 11968-5090 (Please make check payable to Southampton Hospital Foundation and include CWC on the memo line).  

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave., Bergen (585) 494-1210. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.