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Obituaries

Mr. Donald E. Burke

By Joshua Smith
Burke

Donald E. Burke, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Unity Hospital surrounded by his children.

He was born on August 24, 1935 in Rochester a son of the late George Burke and Lucille Helmbold Burke.

Don earned his Master’s in Social Work degree from SUNY Buffalo and ultimately retired as the Executive Director of the Mary Cariola Children’s Center in Rochester after 20 years of service. A longtime parishioner of St. Brigid Church in Bergen, he was active in many of their ministries and served as a trustee to the church for many years.  Don was also instrumental in the formation of the church's bereavement ministry. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play.  After retirement Don travelled extensively with his late wife, Pat.  The greatest joy in his life were his children and grandchildren.  He was a frequent babysitter and then spectator at all athletic and extra-curricular activities of his grandchildren.  Don loved to cook and entertain and was very well known for the many parties he and Pat enjoyed hosting.

His wife, Pat M. Lawlor Burke, passed away on May 13, 2023.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Cindy) Burke of Bergen, Brian (Cary) Burke of Canandaigua and Kevin (Gina) Burke of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Lauren and Madison Burke, Genna, Mason and Cole Burke and Valarie (Sam) Grow; his brother, David (Stephanie) Burke of Bergen; sisters, Kathleen (Langton) Bentley of Rochester, Patricia (John) Swapceinski of Bergen and Peggy (late Jim) Ammann of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his grandsons, Edward (Teddy) Burke and Tyler Burke.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 3 pm to 6 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 am at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. He will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. Brigid's Bereavement Ministry, c/o Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, New York 14482. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

**AT THE REQUEST OF THE BURKE FAMILY, PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME IN VISITING HOURS**

Duane M. Schmigel

By Lisa Ace
duane-m.-schmigel


Duane M. Schmigel, 73, of Corfu, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. 

Duane was born August 1, 1950, a loving son of the late Merton Schmigel and Shirley Glidden Schmigel.  He was the dear brother of Sandra Daily, Cathy Kingdon and Deborah (Gary) Starowicz.  Duane will be greatly missed by his children Angela, Katie and the late Matthew.  Duane enjoyed spending time with his many nieces and nephews as well as his three grandchildren; Addison, Ellie and Benjamin.  

Duane’s biggest passion was owning and operating his family farm business in Corfu.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it.  Duane will be remembered for volunteering at the Genesee County Fair and his time with the kids at the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull.  He was also part of other various farm organizations and was Vice President of the Genesee County Agricultural Society.

Calling hours are Monday, January 15, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St, Corfu, where a service will take place Tuesday, January 16th  at 11 a.m.  He will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Duane’s honor may be made to the Genesee County Agricultural Society P.O. Box 355 Batavia, NY 14021

Vicki Sue (Brownell) Rosemark

By Joshua Smith
rosemark

Vicki Sue (Brownell) Rosemark, age 70, passed away peacefully at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia on January 10, 2024. Vicki was born and raised in Batavia, was a graduate of Batavia High School, and worked for several years at Applied Business Systems after raising her children.  

Vicki is survived by her four children: August (Jennifer) Rosemark of San Antonio Texas; Gretchen (Mario) Rosales of Batavia; Tully Rosemark of Elmira; and Casey (Krista) of Elmira. Vicki’s greatest joy were her seven grandchildren: Liam Rosemark, Mario Jr, Emilio, and Valentina Rosales; Brock and Jack Rosemark, and Cailey Rosemark.  Vicki is also survived by a brother, Larry (Charlotte) Brownell of LeRoy and two nephews, Ryan and Joshua Finn.

Vicki is predeceased by her mother and father, Ruth and Earl Brownell.  She is also predeceased by her beloved sister Sandy, as well as her two nieces, Amy Chimino and Christine Brownell, and a grandchild, Casey Levan Rosales.  

There will be no calling hours or services, as Vicki wished.  Vicki will be buried at Otter Creek Cemetery in Gaines.  If so inclined, memorials can be made in Vicki’s memory to the Rosemark Family Scholarship Fund at Elba Central School, 57 South Main Street, Elba New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Donna K. Farwell

By Joshua Smith

 

Farwell

Batavia – Donna Kay Farwell, 70, of Batavia passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.
 

Donna was born March 6, 1953 in Omaha, Nebraska the daughter of the late Raymond and Lois (Bywater) Farwell.
 

Donna enjoyed spending time with family. She also enjoyed fishing, camping, road trips, motorcycle rides, crocheting, and knitting. 

She will be remembered by her children, Paula Meyer of Knoxville, IA, Cristie Lamb of Batavia, and Raymond Guthrie of Marathon, IA; Brothers, Raymond Calvin Farwell of Iowa and Larry Farwell of California; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
 

In death Donna is reunited with her parents; daughter, Stephanie Marie Meyer and brother, Steven Allen Farwell.
 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be at the convenience of the family.
 

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

Danny L. Yauchzee

By LaVern Falcone

Wyoming ~ Danny L. Yauchzee, age 76, of Main Street, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday (Jan. 10, 2024) at Wyoming County Community Hospital.

     He was born April 2, 1947 in Batavia, a son of the late George and Eleanor Mattice Yauchzee.  

Danny

   Danny will be remembered for his love of family, friends and his country.  He was a very proud veteran, having served in Viet Nam with the US Air Force from 1967 – 1971.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #1849 in Wyoming and a longtime mechanic and repairman for Cooper Collision in LeRoy.  He enjoyed tinkering in his barn and was never afraid to tackle a new project.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Mitzi Flanagan Yauchzee; his children, Denny (Shannon) Yauchzee, Luke (Nichole) Yauchzee, Gavin Yauchzee, Heather Thorpe, Sarah (Bryan) Wyskiel and Timothy (Courtney) Penders; his brothers, Ed (Joanne) Yauchzee and Tom (Carole) Yauchzee; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his first wife, Linda Cooper Yauchzee in 1987 and his sister, Dorothy (Bill) Byam.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, January 20 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy. Interment with military honors in Machpelah Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Wyoming Hook and Ladder, PO Box 36, Wyoming, NY 14591 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

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

Dieter Baumann

By T.J. Woodward
db

Dieter Baumann, 91 of Corfu, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Crossroads House. He was born on January 16, 1932 in Essen, Germany. He was the older of two children to the late Mattias Hermann Baumann and Cecelie Radtke.  Dieter is predeceased by his beloved wife, Helga E. Baumann and son, Wolfgang KH Fuchs. 

Dieter was born during the Great Depression and grew up in the devastation of World War II. His beloved Opa taught him so much about life and would often share what he learned to his children and grandchildren. His father died when he was eight-years-old leaving him the “man of the house”.  On March 5, 1943 Dieter’s family suffered the devastation of their home being bombed during a night air raid.  They were buried in the basement for many hours. Dieter, at the age of 11 used a sledgehammer to help them escape the wreckage and navigate through the fiery neighborhood to a public shelter. 

After the war, Dieter decided to leave Germany and immigrated to Canada where he lived until he and Helga, Birgitt and Wolfgang immigrated to New York City.  He retired from New York Telephone in 1992, and moved to Batavia, NY in 1994.

Dieter spent his entire life helping others; along with Helga they raised their children to do the same.  For 15 years, he was an assistant Boy Scout leader for Wolfgang’s troop.  He enjoyed photography and developed and processed all of his photos.  Dieter never said no to assist anyone needing a helping hand.  He spent many years as the Volunteer Director of Building and Grounds for Crossroads House. He put so much of his blood sweat and tears into providing necessary building improvements for the house. He was affectionately known as “Dr. Dieter”.  Dieter always helped his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in any way needed; he was a taxi driver, a builder of things, a teacher and all around supporter of them.  His family and friends always knew that he had so many stories to share about his extraordinary life.

Dieter is survived by his sister Karin Demme of Niederbiel, Germany, daughters Birgitt (Gary) Hammond of Corfu, NY, Linda (Richard) Conroy of Batavia, NY, five grandchildren Jennifer (Jeff) Miller, Jason (Jennifer Beedham) Hammond, Tara (John) Kaczorowski, Michelle (Chris) Geoghegan, and Juliana Fuchs; four great-grandchildren Madison, Wolfie, Lily and Ava and nieces and nephews both in the US and Germany. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday January 13, 2024 from 12pm – 3 pm; at 3 pm a celebration of his life will be at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. Mr. Baumann will be entombed at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshousehouse.com  PO box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visitww.gilmartinfuneralhome.com  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home,  329-333 west Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. 

Gina Shultz

By Joshua Smith
Holy Mary

Gina M. Shultz, 87, of Oakfield, passed away, after a long illness, on Saturday (January 6, 2024) at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
 

Gina was born October 25, 1936 in Batavia, New York, a daughter of the late Americo and Anna (Ercole) Paolucci.
 

She was a loving and caring mother and a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. She will be remembered by her two children, Mark Shultz of Batavia and Cheryl Racki of Chicago; 4 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; a sister, Ida Monachino of Georgia, and many nieces
and nephews.


She is predeceased by her husband, Ray Shultz; children, John and Matthew Shultz; siblings, Joseph Paolucci, Alice Lynch, Umberto Paolucci and Mary Russo.
 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield.
 

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

Evelian Grace Bolster

By LaVern Falcone

Evelian Grace Bolster (née Calkins), 91, passed away on January 3, 2024, in LeRoy, New York.  

     She was born on February 4, 1932, in La Grange, Perry, New York to the late Ernest E. and Ella Cassidy Calkins.

     Evelian had a passion for painting and was extremely creative and artistic. She spent countless hours creating beautiful works of art. Her artistic talents brought joy to those around her.

     She is survived by her children, Edwin “Skip” (Anita) Quinlivan, Gary (Sandy) Quinlivan, and Debra (Greg) Condidorio; along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She leaves behind her sister Carolyn Morris and many nieces and nephews.

     Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Bolster; siblings, Lilian Calkins, Vivian Hayes, Durwin Calkins, Ernest “Bud” Calkins, Elsie Widger; and great-grandchild, Quin Joseph Saylor.

     A Memorial Service will be announced at a later time.

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

Mrs. Diane Lynn Dykstra

By Joshua Smith
dykstra

Diane Lynn Dykstra, 68 of Oakfield passed away January 7th 2024 at home following a lengthy illness.

Diane was born in Batavia NY to the late Frank and Betty (Snyder) Yanik.

Diane grew up in Oakfield NY and graduated from Notre Dame high school in Batavia. She went back to college later in life to obtain her nursing degree. Diane’s last job before retirement was as a hospice nurse. Diane took pride in helping her patients and their families.

Besides nursing, Diane loved gardening, baking and most of all her family. Her grandkids were the apple of her eye.

Diane is survived by her husband James Dykstra of Oakfield, whom she married August 12 2006, and their faithful German shepherd Ada, daughter Nina (Ryan) Farnsworth of Bergen, son Philip Covey of Bergen, sisters; Rita (Cliff) Plouse of Oakfield, Laura (Al) Annis of Georgia, Linda Luft of Rochester, Mary Beth (David) Duseau of Massachusetts , brothers; John (Mary Kay) Yanik of Geneseo, and Judd (Kathy) Yanik of Batavia. Grandchildren Rider (Joelle) Farnsworth of Brockport and Madison (Rick Hubbard Jr) Farnsworth of Bergen. Her special Maine family. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Diane who was affectionately known as “Mom” to all of her children’s friends will be dearly missed by all.

There will not be calling hours. There will be a celebration of life held later in the month. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Diane’s honor to a hospice of your choice. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Kathleen M. "Pudgie" Steen

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy - Kathleen M. Steen (Pudgie), age 85, of Jefferson Avenue, passed away Monday morning (January 8, 2024) at home with her loved ones by her side.     

pudgie

  Kathleen was born November 5, 1938 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Orazio (Alex) and Lucy Capozza O’Geen.  

     She was a very loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Friend who just adored her Grandchildren.  She retired from the LeRoy Village Hall after 23 years of service.  She was a member of many organizations including the Ladies Auxiliary, Red Hatters as well as enjoying many card and game clubs and trips to the Casino’s. She was an avid fan of “her” Buffalo Bills.  GO BILLS!

     She will be missed with endless sadness by her children, Thomas (Lisa ) Steen, Terrie Lamendola, Patty (Vince) Giammarva and Donna (Tom Jr.) Gates; grandchildren, Keri Steen, Greg Steen, Thomas (Shannon) Lamendola, Alex (Sirie) Giammarva, Kaleigh (Jordan) Fahnestock, Courtney (Zach) Ewert, Jessie (Mike) Platek and Thomas Gates III; great-grandchildren, Lyla Steen; Dylan, Joey and Livy Lamendola; McKinley, Monroe and Lincoln Fahnestock and Mason Platek, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Thomas E. Steen, Sr.; siblings Lena O. Frank and Donald O’Geen.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.

     Memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 www.crossroadshouse.com 

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

Betty M. Kraatz

By Ronald Konieczny
Kraatz - Photo

Our dear matriarch, Betty M. Kraatz (Waldron) born June 16, 1929 in Elba, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Betty was the daughter of the late Howard and Mina Waldron and the sister of the late Howard Waldron and the late Marian Kraatz, and sister in law of Erma Kraatz. Betty was married to the beloved predeceased, Roger L. Kraatz for over 60 years. Betty and Roger built a small farm for their children Louis (Christine) Kraatz, the beloved late Steven (Vicky) Kraatz, Valerie (David) Edwards, and beloved late Kyle Sue Kraatz.

 Betty and Roger loved their time spent with their grandchildren: Andrew Kraatz, Stephanie (David) Conner, Rebecca Korzatkowski, Dalton (Morgan) Edwards, Danelle (Jacob) Backe, Jacob Kraatz, and the beloved late David D. Edwards. Betty and Roger were fortunate to have several great grandchildren: Khloe Rodriguez, Jakob Kraatz, Juliana Rodriguez, Bailey Conner, Kiersten Kraatz, Liam Backe, Luke Backe, Ryder Edwards and Ember Edwards. Betty was also fortunate to have spent time with her great-great granddaughter, Gianna Mae Mancini.

Betty loved to cook, crochet, garden, and spend time with her family. Betty spent many years working at Pixley’s grocery and enjoyed chatting with her customers. Betty enjoyed her time spent with her family as well as her time spent with her beloved pets. Betty held church and her bible very close to her heart throughout her life. Betty will be missed by many. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life Service for Betty on Saturday (January 13th), 12:00pm at the Tonawanda Indian Baptist Church, 565 Bloomingdale Rd., Basom, N Y. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Shelby, NY.

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.

 

 

Michael Tonner

By Joshua Smith
Tonner

Batavia – Michael John Tonner, 64, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024.

He was born December 17, 1959, in Buffalo, New York. Mike was a retired CNA who was very compassionate and took pride in the excellent level of care he provided for his clients. Mike was an advocate to ensure that the elderly and disabled were well taken care of.

Mike loved working out, cooking, gardening, music, and animals. He also took great joy in decorating for Halloween and was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed wildlife and fishing. One of Mike’s greatest passions was the Buffalo Bills. He was very much loved and will be greatly missed.

Mike is survived by his five brothers and sisters, Tom Tonner (Rose) Cheektowaga NY, Colleen Glanville Virginia Beach VA, Randy Tonner Oakfield NY, Peggy Tonner Batavia NY, and Amy Lavelle Virginia Beach VA; Nieces and Nephews, Shannon, Becky, Kelly, Amy, Randy, Matthew, Tony, and Nick; Great nieces and nephews: Kaya, Madelynn, Aaliyah, Anthony, Ethan, Maddox, Jordon, Anders, and Jalen; Great great niece and nephew Sia’ani and Jaelyn. He was predeceased by his mother, MaryLou Tonner (Dimmick), sister, Linda Tonner, and nephew, Justin Lavelle.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

Donations in honor of Mike Tonner can be made to your local animal shelter.

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

Mr. Mark C. Green

By Joshua Smith

Mark C. Green, a devoted member of his community, passed away on December 30, 2023, in Batavia. He was born on February 18, 1956 in Batavia, a son of the late Chalres W. Green and Shirley Grehlinger Green.

Mark's educational journey began at Oakfield-Alabama High School, where he graduated in 1974. He went on to pursue higher education and obtained an associate's degree from Alfred Tech. Armed with his academic achievements, Mark embarked on a successful career with Dairy One based out of Ithaca, where he dedicated his passion and expertise for a remarkable two decades.

Throughout his life, Mark was known for his compassionate nature and willingness to lend a helping hand. He was a skilled handyman who always made time to assist neighbors, friends, and family with their projects. His expertise and generosity were greatly admired by those around him. Mark enjoyed mowing lawns and woodcutting. As a lover of the outdoors, Mark sought solace in nature. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, and gardening.

An active member of the Alabama & Basom United Methodist Church, Mark took great pride in being a trustee. He played an integral role in maintaining the church grounds and sharing the surplus of produce from his garden with the members of his church.

In addition to his commitment to the church, Mark served as a former member of the Alabama Fire Department. During his tenure there, he held the position of Rescue Captain and CPR Instructor.  He served as an assistant Boy Scout leader, guiding young scouts on their journey.

During his younger years, Mark dedicated himself to 4H, where he showed animals at local fairs. A member of the Holstein Association, his dedication to livestock extended further when he assisted his brother Todd and sister-in-law with their cattle while they lived in New York.

Mark is survived by his sister, Sheri Green; brother Todd (Ginny) Green; nephew, Nathaniel Green; niece; Tiffany Green; aunts, Jane (late Allan) Grehlinger, Laura (late Bill) Hagen, and Marian Green—each of whom holds cherished memories of him close to their hearts.

To honor Mark's life and the positive impact he made on so many lives, visitation will be held on January 29, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Alabama & Basom United Methodist Church located at 1392 Church Street in Alabama, NY 14013 where memorial services will follow visitation at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in Alabama Cemetery.

In remembrance of Mark's extraordinary life and the indelible impact he made on those around him, memorial donations can be made to the Alabama & Basom United Methodist Church, 1392 Church Street, Alabama, NY 14013 or the Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Road, Alabama, New York 14013. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Janet McHardy

By LaVern Falcone

Janet McHardy, born in LeRoy, NY on 29 March 1925, died on 6 January 2024.   

     Her husband, Robert McHardy and sisters, Dorothy Rooney and Beverly Russell predeceased her.  She is survived by her beloved daughters, Linda Gower of Alexandria, VA and Roxane (Dana) Poray of LeRoy, NY; grandson, Maxwell (Maggie); great grandchildren, Maxwell Jr. and Mackenzie Poray of Clifton, NY. 

     A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. 

     Donations may be made to the Botts Fiorito American Legion, Post 576, 53 W. Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482 or LeRoy Ambulance Service, PO Box 56, LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

Byron D. Murray Jr.

By Joshua Smith
Murray

Byron "Bud/Buddy" Douglas Murray, Jr passed from this life on December 26, 2023 at the Batavia, NY Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center.

Born April 14, 1947 to the late Byron and Mary Ann (Narby) Murray, Bud grew up in Emporium, PA and graduated from Cameron County High School in 1965. An outstanding athlete in his day, Murray excelled at baseball, basketball, football, and track in high school. 

Bud continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh, including playing freshman basketball. He mastered the craft of carpentry at the North Bennett School in Boston, MA. During his professional career, he worked for a variety of finish carpentry and construction contractors in the Rochester, NY and Emporium, PA areas.

A U.S. Army veteran, Bud served in Vietnam in 1971. The Army trained him as a Thai language interpreter and he also served at the National Security Agency in Ft. Meade, MD. 

Through God’s grace, Bud chose a path of sobriety on October 14, 1994. Now “Buddy”, he humbly celebrated his 29th anniversary of being a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) this past fall. Buddy always pointed to God as the impetus for his sobriety and held a strong, universal, inclusive, and loving faith.

During his 29 years in AA, Buddy participated in and chaired thousands of meetings supporting AA’s work and mission while maintaining his sobriety, one day at a time. Buddy was an open, grateful, and devoted member of AA, acknowledging the crucial role AA played in his physical and mental health, and especially in his sobriety. Buddy was humbled by the AA members who looked for his sponsorship and guidance. In his actions and words, Buddy worked to destigmatize alcoholism, addiction, and AA participation, and to raise awareness of and normalize the importance of mental healthcare.

Buddy was a proud and enthusiastic grandfather to his four (plus) grandchildren. His children would agree that the grandchildren were exuberantly loved and equally spoiled, and that they always knew their grandpa/”apa” adored them with his entire being.

Buddy is survived by his children Byron Douglas Murray, III of Rochester and Marya Murray-Diaz (Carlos) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his grandchildren, Joshua and Gabriel Murray and Lucia and Carlos Moises Diaz.  Additionally, his sisters Ann (Mahlon) Ramarge, Patricia (Herb) Dolaway and Michele (David) Emmett, and brother Stephen (Candace) Murray, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Buddy is also survived by his former spouse, Nancy Pellam Yaeger, and his stepchildren, Kenneth (Kim) Bauer and Anne (William) Schwalbach.

Besides his parents, Buddy is predeceased by his sister Rita Murray Simon.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2023 at 2:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church located at 815 Park Ave. Rochester, NY 14607. 

Memorial donations can be made to the organization of the donor’s choice; the family recommends SAFEProject (safeproject.us), a nonprofit focusing in part on support for our veterans’ mental health and addiction recovery. Please note: Alcoholics Anonymous does not take donations from the public.

If you would like to share memories of or clever phrases from Buddy/Bud, please send an email to BuddyismsandBudisms@gmail.com. Thank you for your support of the family’s memory project.

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

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