Obituaries

He was born June 7, 1946 in Munich, Germany, a son of the late Henryk and Marianna Kwiecinska Stefanski.

For over 25 years, Henry Stefanski performed professionally with some of Poland's most prominent jazz bands, including Prowizorka Jazz Band, The Old Timers, and Swing Session. An accomplished banjo and electric/acoustic guitar player, Mr. Stefanski's music has been featured on Polish radio and television.

With his groups, Mr. Stefanski recorded many albums, with one record obtaining gold status -- Poland's first gold Jazz record. Along with teaching at jazz workshops, and performing in various venues across Europe and Asia, Mr. Stefanski performed at Warsaw's Congress Hall, and at the Warsaw National Philharmonic.

Mr. Stefanski worked with several renowned musicians including Sandy Brown, Buck Clayton, "Wild" Bill Davison, Joe Newman, Albert Nicolas, and Bob Wilber. After emigrating from Poland in 1989, he continued to play with several bands around the United States and Canada. When not immersed in music, Mr. Stefanski also enjoyed cooking, board/card games, spending time with family, and spending time outdoors.

Survivors include his wife, Eva Zajfert Stefanski of Batavia. Daughter, Monika (Daniel) Luhn of Chicago, IL. Son, Peter Stefanski of Batavia. Also survived by a step-granddaughter, Samantha Luhn.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (April 12^th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 11am at Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott Street. Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery.

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, NY14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Le Roy - John F. Rider passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Strong Memorial Hospital on April 6, 2021 at the age of 82, as a result of injuries from a fall. He was born on November 5, 1938 in Batavia, NY.

  John is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Rita Rider, his infant daughter, Amy and grandson, Jeffery Rider.

  John cared deeply for his community and was always willing to do whatever he could to make it a better place to live.  His generosity and kindness went without saying. 

  John had a passion for the outdoors and trees, planting hundreds of seedlings around his farm every year, sharing them always with friends and family or anyone who might want a tree for their yard. 

  Nothing was more dear to John than his family. He loved them all deeply and couldn't be more proud of them. He was always there to support them, never missing an event of any kind that any one of them would be participating in.  He will be deeply missed by everyone, but none more than his family who adored him.

  John is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of  61 years, Gloria (Englerth) Rider, daughters, Beth (Paul) Hiscutt, Barbara (Howard) Hotze, Martha Butzbach and son, Steven Rider (Amy).  He is survived by his grandchildren, Chad Pieri (Jacquelyn), Joshua Hotze (Dee), Zachary Hotze (Courtney), Sara Butzbach, Courtney Butzbach (Shawn), his great-grandsons, Tyler Rider and Luke Rider as well as his siblings, Mary (David) Fee, Phil (late Linda) Rider  and Jeanne (Ray) Ianita and many dear friends.  John is also survived by his special feline friend, Rusty Rider.

  The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Strong Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care they provided during John's stay.

  A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 13 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.

  In lieu of flowers, a Le Roy High School scholarship will be created in honor of John.  This will be presented to a Senior who embodies the dedicated work ethic, selflessness and kindness that he exhibited each and every day of his life. Donations for this scholarship can be mailed to Martha Butzbach, c/o Le Roy Central School Disrict, 2-6 Trigon Park, Le Roy, NY 14482.

  Donations can also be made in John's name to The Open Door Mission, 156 North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14608.  https://opendoormission.com/give-give

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with John's Family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

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

Cheryl A. Pelczynski, 63 of Varysburg, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at home. She was born on September 2, 1957 in Buffalo, NY to the late Edward (Irene Lamonski) Pelczynski. She is also preceded in death by her brother Ronald and Sister Sueann Pelczynski.

Cheryl Pelczynski and Michael Gehring shared a lifelong partnership. She was a devoted mother and nana to her three daughters and three grandchildren.

She is survived by her three daughters; Lynette (Matthew) Regan of Amherst, Rachelle (Michael VanLew) Dunbar of Varysburg, Shaina (Adam) Drake of Amherst; her grandchildren, Dorr Dunbar, Liam and Aubrey Regan; Her devoted lifelong partner Michael Gehring; Sister Darlene (Jerry) Ryan, Lindsey (Dennis) Powers, and Brother David Pelczynski, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 4 to 8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A 12:00 Noon Graveside Service will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Forest Hill Cemetery, Route 98, Attica.

The Funeral Home will be restricted to 50% of its normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg NY 14167. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, Inc. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Carl Arnett, 69, of Medina, New York, passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by his wife and two children.

Mr. Arnett was born on July 26, 1951 in Medina, a son of the late Charles and Jean (Kepner) Arnett. He graduated from Medina High School in 1970, the same year he met his wife, Marge Stawicki. They were married in 1971 and made their home in Medina.

Mr. Arnett worked for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York for 34 years, retiring at the age of 62.

Mr. Arnett and his Jeremy bought a race horse named Give Me Credit and did very well with him at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway, winning many races.

Survivors include his wife, Marge Arnett; daughter, Jenni Arnett; son, Jeremy Arnett; three brothers; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be privately held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Road, Albion, New York 14411 or to the Orleans County Animal Shelter, 4125 Oak Orchard Road, Albion, New York 14411. 

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, New York.

LeRoy ~ Ruth G. Brady Harvie passed away quietly on April 5, 2021 at the LeRoy Village Green Skilled Nursing Facility. She was born October 26, 1924, in Denver, CO.

     Although she originated in Denver, CO, she became a LeRoyan in the 1940's and never looked back – in fact, she was named LeRoyan of the year in 2010 in recognition of her commitment to the community. As scorekeeper for her husband's baseball teams she would overlook errors as she just didn't have the heart to list them all. She was a Girl Scout leader, member of the St. Mark's and St. Joseph's churches, Ladies of Charity, Episcopal Church Women, American Legion Auxiliary, and a charter member of the WWII memorial.  Aside from her family, her pride was running the Smoke Shoppe with her husband, Ross and as one of the original docents for the Jell-O Museum (Our own Jell-O girl!). She was known for her quick wit, generous spirit and occasional poison pen. She had a knack of making each person she met feel special and welcomed. Although she will be sadly missed by family and friends, we will smile when we think of how she made us feel. 

     Thank you to the staff of LeRoy Village Green for taking good care of Ruth since November.

     Visitation will be held at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy on Saturday, April 10 from 12:00 PM (noon) to 2 PM,  followed by an internment at Machpelah Cemetery at 2:30. Due to COVID restrictions, the service will be held prior to calling hours, but will be limited to family members. 

     Feel free to join Ruth's family at a reception at the Botts-Fiorito American Legion beginning at 3:00 PM for refreshments.

     Donations can be made in Ruth’s name to the LeRoy Historical Society or the American Legion.

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

Brenda C. Walsh, 75 of Varysburg, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. Brenda was born in Buffalo, August 18, 1945, daughter of the late Clifford and Viola Glor. She is preceded in death by children Cindy Fugle and Robert Walsh Jr.  

Brenda enjoyed several hobbies and activities, including ceramics, woodworking, and crafts. Her late daughter Cindy and her attended many basket raffles and estate sales where Brenda would collect and repurpose Religious Relics. Always a hard worker, Brenda was employed in a variety of fields. She retired from Motorola and then continued working over the years, always helping others. After her most recent employment in the fabric and crafts department at Warsaw Walmart, Brenda then kept busy rehoming religious memorabilia on eBay.

It is with very heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Brenda; beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. We know she is in Heaven with Cindy and Bobby now.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert J. Walsh, children Robin Walsh and Patrick E. (Jocelyn J. Berg) Walsh, son-in-law Mark Fugle, her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many dear friends and loved ones. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or to Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167. 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, New York 14011.

Judith “Judy” A. Murnan, 73, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021.  She was born on October 9 1947 in Batavia, to the late Donald and Ruth (Yager) Luce.  She is preceded in death by her husband Walter John Murnan.

Places of employment to note in Judy’s early career days were Sylvania and Fix Printing.  After she finished her Bachelor’s Degree at SUNY Brockport she went on to be a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at St. Mary’s School in Batavia.  She also worked alongside her husband at Murnan Realty.  Her most recent employment was at HSBC.

She was a long-time member of First Spiritualist Temple of East Aurora, where she served on the board, chaired services, and was a speaker and teacher.  She loved animals and being with nature, especially in the water where you could see her kayaking with family and friends.  She enjoyed the simpler things in life like baking for people, enjoying the sunshine, or a nice cold beer on a hot day.

She is survived by her two sons, Benjamin (Kristine) Heintz, James Heintz, siblings, Donald Luce Jr., Marjorie (Rick) Dorman, Charles Luce, 3 granddaughters, Haley, Hanna, and Emily along with her 4-legged faithful companions Mick, Red, and Kitnen.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 10, 2021, from 3 to 4 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  A 4:00 PM Celebration of Life will immediately follow.  She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

The Funeral Home will be restricted to 50% of its normal capacity.  Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W Main St. Rd., Batavia, NY 14020.  To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia NY 14020.

Bergen - Shirley  T.  Mowers, 97  of Bergen, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Mowers was born September 1, 1923 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Daniel Rich and Edna Spencer Rich.

A graduate of Elba Central School, Shirley loved to sew and will be remembered as a wonderful seamstress that made hundreds of baby bibs and numerous Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls. She took great pride in sewing sewed teddy bears for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for their first birthday. An excellent baker, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would comment that her cookies were the best around.  An avid baseball fan, she attended numerous Batavia Muckdog baseball games and was a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. She also was a fan of the Miami Dolphins and enjoyed reading books and solving crossword puzzles.

She is the wife of Loren J. Mowers who passed away on December 19, 1998.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail (James) Wride of Bergen; her son, Gary (Joyce) Mowers of Bergen; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; her sister, Doris Boshart of Alden and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Bonnie (late David) Stanton, her grandson, Sam Mowers and her siblings Bertha Stokes, Alice Stokes, Lillian Say, Charles Rich, Ida Raymond, Harold Rich, Celia Chilson, Theodore Rich, Paul Rich, Marian Rich and Raymond Rich.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Mount Rest Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.  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 of Bergen.

Mr. O’Neill retired as a master carpenter at Darien Lake Theme Park and truly loved his work. He enjoyed yardwork, putting around the house and his many friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judith A. Wysko of Batavia, son Arthur Poblocki of Depew, daughter Holly (Steve) Prevaux of FL, siblings Ann Smith of Buffalo, Marcy (Tony) Saraceni of Batavia, Edward (Sharon) O’Neill of NC, Francis O’Neill of Batavia, sister-in-law Christine Perry, brother-in-law Gary (Gail) Wysko both of Attica, 7 grandchildren, Nicole, Justin, Evan, Jenna, Steven all of FL; Matthew and Rebecca of Depew, 6 great-grandchildren all in FL, along with many, many nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ Gary L. Smith, age 77, of Myrtle Street, passed away Wednesday afternoon (March 31, 2021) at Unity Hospital.

     He was born June 17, 1943 in Warsaw, the son of the late Lawrence and Lois Phillips Smith.

     Gary is survived by his step-children, John E. Jaszko, Kim L. Weatherbee, Gerald F. (Darla) Jaszko and Sherry M. (Brian) Weaver; step-grandchildren, Jason (April) Weatherbee, Sommer (Guy Westermeier) Weatherbee, Melissa (Christopher) Plath, Amanda (Buzzy) Lowe, Curtis (Katie) Weaver and John Jaszko; 8 step-great-grandchildren; special friends, Wendy Paladino, Liz Mills and Jen Garland Wilder.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Beverly J. Smith in 2019 and his step-son, Robert P. Jaszko.

     Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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

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

Buffalo - Michael F. Raczka, 73 of Buffalo passed away on Wednesday, (March 31, 2021) at Orchard Rehab and Nursing Center in Medina.

Mr. Raczka was born December 8, 1947 in Buffalo, a son of the late Frank M. Raczka and Helen S. (Papaj) Raczka.

Michael served honorably with the Air Force. He was a lover of sports, especially baseball; and enjoyed umpiring for little league.

Michael is survived by his sister, Elaine Skotnicki (late Robert) of Wethersfield; brother, Clifford Raczka (Michelle) of Florida; a niece, Lisa Portelli (Michael) of New Hampshire; nephews, Harry, Thomas, and Jeffrey of Florida and several great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.

Michael 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, (April 7th, 2021) from St. Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue in Oakfield.  Burial with military honors will be in Union Park Cemetery in Wethersfield Springs.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northpointe Council, which provides high-quality, person-centered prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery to those affected by alcoholism, substance use disorders, and other addictions. Their address is: 800 Main Street, Suite 2A, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.

Arrangements for Michael 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.

LeRoy ~ Daniel S. Gangi, age 63, of Myrtle Street, passed away Wednesday morning (March 31, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     Dan will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.  He was very devoted and passionate about his Catholic Faith.  Dan was proud to say that he had visited and attended mass at all the catholic churches within the Buffalo and Rochester Dioceses.  With his love for traveling, Dan would drive to Montreal and Quebec, where he would visit all the cathedrals and basilicas.  Dan was also a dedicated 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as a past Grand Knight.  Dan also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

     He is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine Naples Gangi; his children, Jennifer Gangi of Batavia and Daniel Gangi Jr. of Oakfield; step-children, Cheryl Kirshgessner and David Winling of LeRoy; grandchildren, Kalista, Owen, Arianna, Aaron, Tyler, Zachary, Anthony, Alyssa and Nikolas; step-grandson, Chandler; his siblings, Nancy Robords of Dansville, Thomas (Sandra) Gangi of Alliance, OH, Joan (Quentin) Call of Stafford, Paul (Norma) Gangi of Dansville, Mary Margaret (John) Scanlan of Bergen, Steven Gangi of Elba and Judy (David) Warner of LeRoy; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, April 5, from 4 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 6 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  (Funeral home and Church occupancy will be limited to 50% capacity during the course of visitation / mass and face masks are required.)    

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

Mr. King was born June 12, 1963 in Batavia, a son of the late Edward King Jr.  and Sharon (McEwen) Hillabush.

Mike attended City Church in Batavia and enjoyed antique cars, muscle cars, and racing. He was a lover of music and was always up to something mischievous. A man of quick wit, Mike was able to insert a joke into most any situation.

Surviving are his step-daughter, Angela Parker of Florida and her children, Todd Brelsford and Meryssa Parker; a brother, Mark Collier of Batavia; an Aunt, Joyce (Gordon) Cowell of Batavia; Uncles, Tim (Linda) King of Corfu, and Tim (Cindy) McEwen of Texas. Mike is also survived by dear friends, Tammy and DJ Tuller of Florida.  And many cousins.
 
He is preceded in death by Aunts, Nancy Mendez and Dorothy Rodriguez.

There will be no visitation. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held on Saturday (April 24, 2021) at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 114 Liberty Street in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or online at heart.org.  

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the church will be limited to 50% capacity. Face coverings and social distancing will be required. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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.

He was born May 11, 1940 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late William Hill and Delphine Blackchief Jones.

Mr. Hill was employed with Iron Workers Local 5 prior to his retirement. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving his country from 1958-1965. He was a passionate Buffalo Bills fan and was a member of the Beaver Clan.

Survivors include his partner in life, Kathy Melissa Smith of Basom. Brothers, Loren Jones and Darwin (Janet) Hill, both of Basom. Sister, Audrey Hill of Rochester. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Murray Hill, Carrie Cory, Hiram Jones and Kathleen Hill.

Family and friends may gather to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (April 2^nd) from 3-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY. A funeral service will be held Saturday, 2pm at the funeral home.

Covid-19 protocol will be observed for the visitation and funeral services at the funeral home.

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

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Nina Rhoades, 82 of Darien, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021. She was born December 22, 1938 in Lackawanna NY, to the late David (Isabelle Major) Kirkby.

Nina was a strong woman with many interests. She loved church, gardening, cooking, canning, practical jokes, nursing and helping others. She belonged to Eastern Star in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She served many positions but she was very proud of being Worthy Matron in 1999 and 2005. When Nina moved to Attica, she immediately joined the First Presbyterian Church and was passionate about everything that she did. She always had kind words, a shoulder to cry on and was the best person to go to for advice. Nina was always up for a joke and had a laugh and smile that lit up. Nina was married to John Wendell Rhoades in 1961, he later passed in 2005.

Nina is survived by her children; John Wendell (Karen) Rhoades II, Christopher Lee (Sharon) Rhoades, Karen (Gabor) Bertalan. She is also survived by seven loving grandchildren, seven great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 17, 2021 The First Presbyterian Church of Attica, 115 Main St. Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, East Aurora, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to The First Presbyterian Church of Attica 115 Main St. Attica, NY 14011. Please adhere to the current Covid 19 regulations. 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, New York 14011.