Obituaries

Margaret Elizabeth Swanson, age 98, passed away on November 24, 2014. Born September 27, 1916 at home on the family farm in the town of Pembroke, Margaret was the third and youngest daughter of George and Genevieve Judge Burns. She was married to John E. Swanson at East Pembroke in1943.

Margaret (Peg) graduated from East Pembroke High School.  As valedictorian of the graduating class, a program of the Great Depression provided Peg the chance to attend Buffalo State Teachers College free of charge launching her life-long teaching career.  She started teaching in a one-room school in Otto, New York, followed by another one-room school in Alden, New York.

In 1942 Peg was hired to teach elementary grades at the New York School for the Blind in Batavia. She enjoyed her 31 years there and was truly fond of her students often speaking of and celebrating their accomplishments.  Peg and John enjoyed chaperoning students from the Blind School on Senior Trips to Florida, New York City, Chicago, and Battle Lake, Minnesota. During her career, she was a member and local representative of the American Instructors of the Blind.

With her husband, she enjoyed traveling, dancing, and playing cards with their many friends and relatives. They made frequent, memorable visits to family in Boise, Idaho, and spent many enjoyable trips to stay with friends, David and Maryann Barton, in Las Vegas, NV.  We will miss her wry sense of humor and her toe-tapping as soon as the music started.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church and belonged to the Alter and Rosary Society often volunteering for the fund-raising bazaars and picnics.

Peg was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, parents, and sisters Catharine (Rita) Wheeler of Avon and Genevieve (Jane) Christner of Pavilion. She is survived by her son Kenneth (Ann) Swanson of Boise ID; grandson David (Kira) Swanson of Mt. Vernon, WA; and Sarah Swanson (Jon) of Boise, ID and numerous dear nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Genesee County Nursing Home who oversaw her care with dedication and kindness during the end of her life. There will no showing but a memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date.  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.

Elizabeth M. (Wigton) Fortunato, 69, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning (November 25, 2014) at Crossroads House.

She was born in Dorcester, England on November 20, 1945, a daughter of the late Lester E. and Marguerite Mead Wigton.

Elizabeth grew up in Oakfield as a child, graduated from Notre Dame High School and earned her Masters Degree from D’ Youville College.  She taught at Pembroke Schools for 8 years and retired from St. Joseph School in Batavia after 20 years of teaching 1^st and 2^nd grade.  She was very active with Resurrection Parish and St. Joseph School, where she taught Sunday school for several years.  Elizabeth enjoyed sewing, taking photos, scrap booking and spending time with her family, especially her cherished time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 17 years, Anthony Fortunato of Batavia. Son, Chris (Shari) Ange of Batavia. Stepson, Anthony (Jackie) Fortunato of Durham, NC. Grandchildren, Kaitlin and Nicholas Ange of Batavia. Brothers, James (Carol) Wigton of Rochester, Thomas (Fran) Wigton of Batavia. Sister, Paula (William) Mosman of Batavia. Brothers in-law, John (Elizabeth) Aschenbrenner of Coventry, CT and Rev. Vincent Fortunato, OFM CAP of Wilmington, DE. Mother in-law, Angela Fortunato of Amytiville, NY. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.

She was the sister of the late Kathleen Wigton.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share memories, condolences and thoughts on Friday from 4-8pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 9:30am at Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St.  Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph School, 2 Summit St., Batavia, NY or Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY.

Expressions of condolence can 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 & PROPRIETOR.

Alexander - Louis R. Huber, 83, of Alexander, an insurance underwriter for Glens Falls Insurance Company and the Home Insurance Company, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2014 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Huber was born August 1, 1931 in Batavia, a son of the late Louis B. and Florence Marie Painter Huber.

A 1949 graduate of Alexander High School, he graduated Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Business Administration in 1955. A dedicated and faithful member of St. Mary's Church in Batavia he was a member of Our Lady of Batavia Council, Knights of Columbus and the Father Vincent R. Capodanno 4^th degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus. He collected farm tractors and enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets to add to his collectibles. Louis also volunteered his time at St. Mary's Church working Bingo.

He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1955-1957.

He is survived by his brother, Joseph (Loretta) Huber of Alexander; his sister-in-law, Marcia Huber of Alexander; nieces, Florence (Patrick) Nolan of Alexander, Felissa (Malcolm) Ferrell of North Carolina and Staci (Robert) James of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; his nephew, David V. Huber II of Alexander and six great-nieces and great-nephews.

He predeceased by his brother David V. Huber.

Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Members of the Our Lady of Batavia Council will hold a prayer service on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Grand View Cemetery.

Please consider memorials to Our Lady of Batavia Council #11728, Knights of Columbus, in care of 51 Vernon Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020 or to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020.   

Oakfield - Frances Cupler, 91, of Batavia, formerly of Oakfield, passed away Friday, (November 21, 2014) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Cupler was born May 13, 1923 in Weirton, WV, a daughter of the late Frank and Josephine (Barilla) Galline.

Mrs. Cupler was a member of the American Legion Post 626 Ladies Auxiliary, and greatly enjoyed doing puzzles, watching soap operas, and playing bingo at Washington Towers. 

She loved to crochet and was proud to have donated blankets to the VA and other area nursing homes. 

She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply.

Frances is the wife of the late Clair Cupler, who passed away April 23, 2008.

She is survived by her children, Lorraine (Jerry) Allen-Agett of Hilton, Lois (John) Scopano of Oakfield, and C. Richard (Marianne) Cupler of Alabama; grandchildren, Terry (Michelle) Allen of Clarendon, Jeffrey (Kathy) Allen of Hilton, Rebecca (Shannon) Hilchey of Rochester, Angie (Peter) Firmalino of Tannersville, NY, and Sara Tea Cupler of Alabama; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters, Theresa (late Gino) Velletta of Batavia, Margaret (late Durwood) Balduf of Batavia, Josephine (Donald) Palone of Oakfield, and Julia (late Melvin) Drake of Appelton.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Frances is preceded in death by her siblings, Joseph (late Minnie) Galline, Mary (late Mario) Benedetti, and Jennie (late Raymond) Nesbitt.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where Frances’ Funeral Services will immediately follow calling at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield, NY 14125.  Burial will be in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.  

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

Michael E. Herec, 65 of Corfu, NY passed away Saturday (November 22, 2014) at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born in Buffalo, NY on July 1, 1949, a son of the late Edward and Eva Punk Herec.

He was a Real Estate Appraiser for the New York State Office of Real Property Services. Michael enjoyed fishing, working around his yard and volunteering at St. Lukes Mission of Mercy in Buffalo, where he helped feed multitude of families.  He also served on the Town of Pembroke Planning Board. Most of all, Michael enjoyed spending time with his loving family especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Pasquarella Herec of Corfu. Daughter, Nadine (Keith) Heater of Pembroke.  Son, Thomas Trupo of Orchard Park. Grandsons, Brandon and Cody Heater. Brother, Dr. David (Dr. Laurie) Herec of Massachusetts. Sister, Judith Herec of Kenmore. Several nieces and nephews including Madeline (Justin) Poirier and Samuel Herec.  Brother in-law, Stuart Lindsay of Buffalo.

He was the brother of the late Barbara Lindsay.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share fond memories, condolences and thoughts on Tuesday from 2-4pm and 6-9pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11:00am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (18 Main St., Corfu, NY).  Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Crittenden, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden, Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211.

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

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

Mae B. Kopper, 85, of Alexander died on Friday November 14, 2014.  She was born May 4, 1929 in Medina to the late Fred (Louise Lennox) Nichols.  Mae retired from Sylvania in Batavia where she worked in quality control.  She was the wife of the late John J. Kopper who died in 1975, the mother of the late William Kopper and the grandmother of the late Richard John Kopper.  Mae is also preceded in death by her siblings Clifford, Francis, Fred, Robert and Catherine Nichols, Bonlyn Dombrowski, Ethel Hayes and Eleanor Mynitti.

She is survived by her children, Shirley Cappiello of East Rochester, Penny Meyers of Attica, Dennis (Danielle Trunfio) of Attica, Teresa (Mike) Hoover of Florida and Sean (Sandra) Kopper of Auburn; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren along with her brothers and sisters, Esther Halstead of Nevada, Monica (Frank) Neindorf of Florida and Richard (Barbara) Nichols of North Collins, NY.

There will be no prior calling hours.  A 10:00AM Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday December 6, 2014 at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, New York 14020. Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Carmelo C. Calarco, 91, a retired muck farm owner and operator,  died Friday (November 21, 2014) at Sunrise Assisted Living in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Calarco was born September 16, 1923 in Elba, a son of the late Anthony and Mary (Nicosia) Calarco.

He was a member of Resurrection Parish, Past Grand Knight and life member of the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Kirby Council and the Fr. Capodanno 4th degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus and past president of the Genesee County Youth Board.

His wife, Nancy (DiGiovanni) Calarco died in 1995.

Survivors include two sons, Anthony (Donna) Calarco of Texas and Thomas (Ingrid) Calarco of Virginia; two daughters, Carol Britton of Pittsford and Bernadette (Bart) Corsaro of Pennsylvania.  Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

He is the brother of the late Alfonso, Frank, and Mary Severe.

Friends may call on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia.  The Msgr. Kirby Council of the Knights of Columbus will hold a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home on Friday.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fr.  Ivan Trujilio, c/o Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia, NY, 14020, for distribution to the food pantries in Bolivia.

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

Corfu - Mary R. Marszelewski, 84, of Corfu, passed away peacefully after a long illness, Sunday (November 16, 2014) at Crossroads House, Batavia.

Mary was born December 7, 1929 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Wladyslaw and Victoria Wieszczecinski Kawczynski. She went to Sloan High School and was a clerk at the Depew Agency in Depew. During the 20 years she lived in Lancaster, Mary was very active at Our Lady of Pompeii Church and the Girl Scouts. The next 40 years in Corfu, she and her late husband, Norbert Marszelewski, spent enjoying their family and friends. They also loved to travel and square dancing. Mary was predeceased by her sisters, Emily, Jean and Helen and her brother Joseph.

Surviving are her daughter, Deborah (Philip) Conti; two granddaughters, Carla and Gina Conti; a great-granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Noon at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 18 West Main Street, Corfu. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

JOHN T. "JACK" BOYCE, SR. – Age 56, of Oakfield, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning November 18, 2014 while at work. He was born June 19, 1958 in Batavia, a son of Roland and the late Nancy (Terry) Boyce.  

   Jack was working for Genesee County Facilities Management, previously with Genesee County Nursing Home Facilities Management and prior for 23 years at PW Minor & Son. His early years were working with his family at Boyce's Auto Service where he learned to be a mechanic. He was a Nascar fan, enjoyed motorcycling, taking care of and mowing his lawn and many of his neighbors lawns. Jack made the most of life, always with a smile and a helping hand to anyone that needed it, family, friend or stranger.

   Surviving along with his father, Roland (Gloria) Boyce of Pavilion; his beloved wife of 16 years, Delores (Carney) Young-Boyce of Oakfield; loving son, John T. "Jack" Boyce Jr. (Courtney Samanka) of Oakfield; step-children, James Young of Oakfield and Teresa (Ron) Tobolski of Oakfield; siblings, Cindy (late Dominic) Cerce of FL, Bill (Chrissy) Boyce of Pembroke, Randy (June) Boyce of Oakfield, Sue (Mark) Seweryniak of Batavia and Bob (Angela) Boyce of Batavia 7 grandchildren, Cayden Boyce, Jordyn, Kara, & Hunter Tobolski, Tyler, Jeremy & Danica Young along with many nieces and nephews.

   The Boyce family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. on Friday November 21, 2014 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC  4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020. In lieu of flowers memorials in Jack's memory are suggested to the family.  

Please share your memories of Jack, with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JOHN T. "JACK" BOYCE IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

LeRoy ~ Anthony M. Lasaponara, age 97, formerly of South St. Rd., passed away Tuesday morning (Nov. 18, 2014) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

     Mr. Lasaponara was born July 22, 1917 in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Gerardo and

Philamino Venturi Lasaponara.

     He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, who cherished his time with his family.  He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp. from 1934 - 1935 and was retired from Eastman Kodak and General Motors where he worked for many years as an electrical welder.

     Mr. Lasaponara is survived by his children; Deborah (Thomas) Stella of LeRoy and Terry (Catherine) Lasaponara of Churchville; his grandchildren, Jodie (Thomas) Kinsey, Michael (Megan) Lasaponara and Julie (Steven) Moda and his great-grandson, Nathaniel Kinsey.

     He was predeceased by his loving wife of 51 years, Jody Samara Lasaponara and his brothers, Victor, Albert and Rocky.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, Nov. 21, from 4 ~ 7 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Services and Entombment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will be private.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to the Sunshine Fund of the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson St., LeRoy.

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

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

Mount Dora, FL ~ Edith Andolora, age 89, formerly of Perry, NY, passed away on Friday (Nov. 14, 2014) in Mount Dora, FL, with her loving family at her side.

   

  Mrs. Andolora was born May 17, 1925, a daughter of the late Harry and Mildred Lord Barber.

     She married the love of her life, Michael Andolora in 1944 and they moved to Leesburg, FL from Perry in 1980.

     She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Michael Joseph Andolora, her son, David (Suzanne) Andolora of Henrietta, NY; her grandchildren, Terrence (Michon) Ball and Beth (Christopher) Ball Kovach; her great-grandchildren, Evan, Elyse and Lucas Ball, Chloe and Delia Kovach; a sister-in-law, Margaret Stotts of Austin, TX, along with many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother, Virgil Barber.

     A memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Interment in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy, will be at the convenience of the family.

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

     Mrs. Andolora and her family's local arrangements are being completed by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

CLAUDE E. CUMMINGS - 97, of Batavia, died peacefully Saturday afternoon November 15, 2014 at the New York State Vets Home @ Batavia. He was born September 30, 1917 in Strattanville, PA to the late Harry S. and Ethel (Noerr) Cummings; also preceded in death by his wife whom he married October 12, 1940, Catherine V. (Greenwalt) in 2004, siblings, Wilbur Cummings, Alda Dwyer, Mary Dills and Mildred Johnson.

   Prior to moving to this area, Claude was a laborer farmer, coal miner and brick maker. He worked for Westinghouse before and after WWII, where he served in the US Army. A self-taught car mechanic and body/fender repair man in Sligo, PA, he moved to Batavia in 1954 where he worked for Saupe Tool & Die of Corfu, John Roach Motors of Batavia and retired from Drake Street Motors of Elba and during the 70's he owned Cummings & Jones Auto Service in East Pembroke. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia since 1954 and had a passion for woodworking, making grandfather clocks, covered wagons and carved horses. He was an avid painter and did many beautiful oil paintings over the years, he loved country music and bingo.

   Surviving are his loving children, Edgar D. (Michelle) Cummings of Byron and Salinda J. Cramer of Batavia; 5 grandchildren, Zane Cummings of VA, Jennifer (Mark) Powell of VA, Tina (Dan) Eck of Batavia, Teri (Dale) Tobola of Lancaster and Russell (Tammy) Cramer of TX; 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua & Melissa Ohlson, Ethan & Benjamin Cramer along with several nieces and nephews in PA.

   The Cummings family will receive friends on Thursday November 20, 2014 from 10 -11:00 a.m. at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where funeral services will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory can be made to Volunteers for Animals/Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. He will be entombed in the Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

   Please leave your words of comfort to his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF CLAUDE E. CUMMINGS IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

Joseph “JJ” Zambito, 23, of Elba passed away on November 16, 2014.  He was born on October 1, 1991 in Batavia to Anthony (Chantal) Zambito Jr. of Elba and Joan Bissell of New York City.  J.J  was going to Genesee Community College to become a Sleep Apnea Technician.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed snowboarding, fishing, and playing the guitar.

He is survived by siblings Angela (Derek) Brown of Canton, Johnny Zambito of Elba, Anthony Zambito of Elba, Lucia Zambito of Elba along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on­­­­ Wednesday November 19, 2014 from 4-8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday November 20, 2014 at St. Padre Pio Parish 65 South Main Street Elba, NY 14058.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Padre Pio Parish 65 South Main Street Elba, New York 14058. 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.

Stephen A. Donley, 68, of Batavia passed away on November 15, 2014 at Rochester General Hospital.  He was born September 29, 1946 in Naples, New York to the late Laverne (Myrtle Chrysler) Donley. Stephen is preceded in death by his wife Patricia Donley; brothers Dick and Arthur Donley; sisters Louise Donley and Elaine Dubois.

Stephen worked as a machinist for American Industries, Inc. formally known as LeRoy Industries.  He loved his family and was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan.

He is survived by his son, Brian Donley of Batavia; Daughter Lori Ann Donley of Batavia; brothers Leslie of Batavia and Jeff (Judy) Donley of Tennessee; sister Ruth Benz of Batavia along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Funeral Services will be private.  He will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.

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