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Obituaries

Mayme J. Morelli

By Joshua Smith

Mayme J. Morelli

Oakfield - Mrs. Mayme J. Morelli, 82, of Oakfield, died Thursday, (April 1, 2010)at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Morelli was born August 26, 1927 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late August S.  and Angelina  Ferrari.

Mrs. Morelli was a secretary at Batavia High School and the Oakfield Alabama Central School. Mrs. Morelli was a member of St. Cecilia's Church, where she also belonged to the altar and rosary society and volunteered as the church secretary. Mrs. Morelli enjoyed gardening, baking, bingo and traveling.

Survivors include two daughters, Angela (Peter) Fogg of Poughkeepsie and Cynthia Morelli of Oakfield; a son, Joseph (Amina) Morelli of Oakfield; two brothers, Felix (Shelagh) Ferrari of Clarence and Anthony Ferrari of Naples, Florida; four grandchildren, a great-grandson and several nieces and nephews.

She is the wife of the late Joseph Morelli, who died in 1989 and the sister of the late Marie Parisi.  

Calling hours are Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Saint Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield. Memorials may be made to the Oakfield Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, N.Y. 14125 or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be made at www.budettandsanford.com.

 

Lance M. Lewis

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mr. Lance M. Lewis, 36, of Batavia, employee with U.P.S. in Batavia, died Thursday, March 25, 2010 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Mystic, Connecticut.

Lance was born January 10, 1974 in Batavia, a son of Richard H. Lewis of Batavia and the late Elizabeth J. Howe Lewis.

He was a member of Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Batavia. A 1992 graduate of Batavia High School, he was a member of the 1991 Batavia High School football team that finished with an 11-0 record and was ranked No. 1 in the state.

Lance enjoyed sports, especially basketball and golf. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed biking, running and landscaping. He enjoyed spending time at family gatherings and being with friends.

Surviving along with his father are his brother, Richard (Cindy) Lewis of Batavia; two sisters, Shari Yark and Wendy (Russell) Marchese, both of Batavia; nieces and nephews, Melissa Herrington, Rachael Klein, Hannah Marchese, Beth Marchese, R.J. Marchese, Andrew Lewis and Katie Yark.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 3601 West Main Street, Road, Batavia, New York 14020.Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.


Rochelle M. McKague

By Joshua Smith

Rochelle M. McKague
Batavia - Rochelle M. McKague, 24, of Batavia, died Friday, (March 26, 2010) at her home.

She was born November 12, 1985 in Rochester, the daughter of Dale (Keith) Cole Burroughs of Batavia.

A well liked person and a good aunt, she loved everybody, life, her cats, shopping and trips to Splash Lagoon.

Surviving along with her mother are three brothers, Kevin Cole of Batavia, Richard McKague of Geneva and Nicholas McKague of Batavia; a step-brother, Kenneth Burroughs of Rochester; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and her two beloved cats, Baby and Feisty. She was also loved by many friends.  

Calling hours are Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 5220 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. Burial will be in Maplelawn Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the family or the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 5220 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

 

Betty J. Cooley

By Joshua Smith

Cheektowaga - Mrs. Betty J. Cooley, 83, of Cheektowaga, formerly of Batavia, died Friday, March 19, 2010 at her home, in Cheektowaga.

Mrs. Cooley was born April 24, 1926 in South Byron, a daughter of the late Lester and Marjorie (Deal) Trick.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia and AARP.

Her husband, Leonard Cooley, died in 1994.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda (Gerald) Dixon of Cheektowaga and Denise (Douglas) Sumierski of Rochester; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She was the sister of the late Charles Trick and Marion Goodrich.

Friends may call today from 2 to 6 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga, NY  14227-1480.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery.

 

Susan M. Hank

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - Mrs. Susan M. Hank, 55, of Bergen, a purchaser at Allen Foods in Bergen, passed Wednesday, (March 17, 2010) at Journey Home in Greece.

Mrs. Hank was born January 26, 1955 in Rochester, a daughter of the late James Edward and Estella (Bater) McManus.

She attended St. Brigid's Church in Bergen and enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren, her friends, crafting, gardening, travel, sewing, bingo and she loved to entertain.

She is survived by her husband, James Hank, whom she married May 26, 2001; 2 sons, Christopher (Jill) Johnson of Greece and Ira (Gina) Johnson of Bergen; a daughter, Shannon (Shaun) Clare of Spencerport; 7 grandchildren, Meghan Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Miranda Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Elizabeth Clare, Ian Clare and Logan Clare; 3 brothers, James McManus and Timothy McManus, both of Greece, Daniel McManus of Florida; 6 sisters, Patricia Schultz and Colleen (James) Lathan, both of Florida, Joan Smith of Hamlin, Catherine (Paul) Morgan of Tenn, Judith Rizzo and Cheryl Giesy, both of Greece; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Street, Bergen. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lipson Cancer and Blood Center at Rochester General Hospital or to Journey Home, 994 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626.  Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.     


Willam H. Kingdon

By Joshua Smith

Stafford - Mr. William H. Kingdon, 62, of Stafford, foreman at Batavia Metal Products in Batavia, died Monday, March 15, 2010 at his home in Stafford under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

Mr. Kingdon was born October 25, 1947 in Batavia, the son of Shirley V. Zillman Kingdon of Stafford and the late Harold F. Kingdon.

He enjoyed carving and woodworking and built a clubhouse for his grandsons. He was an Air Force veteran during the Vietnam Era.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Davis Kingdon whom he married October 5, 1968; three sons, Timothy (Sarah) Kingdon of Pavilion, Eric Kingdon and Matthew (Lynda) Kingdon, both of Buffalo; three grandsons, Tyler, Evan and Collin Kingdon; and nieces and nephews.

He is the brother of the late Melody L. DiSanto.

There are no prior calling hours. Services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 550 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Samuel C. Beckley

By Joshua Smith
Samuel C. Beckley

Oakfield - Mr. Samuel C. Beckley, 73, of Oakfield, died Wednesday, (March 10, 2010)at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Beckley was born October 31, 1936 in Brooklyn, having been raised in the Panama Canal Zone, a son of the late Samuel C. and Anna (Lawson) Beckley. 

Mr. Beckley was a train enthusiast and also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening, taking summer vacations to the Outer Banks with his family and traveling to Panama, where he would meet up with his former classmates.

He was a food technologist for the United States Department of Agriculture in Seattle until his retirement in 1999. A veteran, Mr. Beckley served with the United States Army from 1960 to 1963.

Mr. Beckley was a 1955 graduate of Balboa High School in Panama and later graduated from Canal Zone Junior College also in Panama. He then graduated from The State University of New York at Cobleskill in 1959, earning his degree in animal husbandry. Mr. Beckley also earned his bachelors degree from Regents College. 

He was a member of the Oakfield United Methodist Church, Oakfield Rod and Gun Club, Oakfield Historical Society and the Panama Canal Society. Mr. Beckley was also a Village of Oakfield Trustee, a Mason and past elder for the former Oakfield Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly (DeSmith) Beckley of Oakfield, whom he married July 8, 1961; a son, Samuel Chris Beckley of Roanoke, Virginia; two daughters, Sarah (Sean) Johnson of Caledonia and Sonja (Chad) Armbrewster of Batavia, five grandchildren, Noah Beckley, Hollie and Kylie Johnson, Gaige and Gavin Armbrewster; a brother, Lawson (Anna) Beckley of Richmond, Virginia and several nieces and nephews.  

Calling hours are Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol. Memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or Oakfield Historical Society, 37 Main Street, Oakfield, New York 14125. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Maria L. Ianni

By Joshua Smith

Lockport – The Lord called Mrs. Maria L. Ianni, age 87, of Lockport. She entered eternal rest on March 4, 2010 at the Niagara Hospice House in Lockport.

She was born in Oakfield on July 5, 1922, daughter of the late Joseph and Elisa DiMassi Perozzi.

She graduated from Oakfield High School in June of 1940 and worked in the personnel office of the Haxton Canning Company office in Oakfield. She married Mario J. Ianni of Oakfield on June 21, 1947 and enjoyed a beautiful and happy marriage, thanks to her loving, caring and sparkling personality; always with her beautiful smile. She was loved by all who ever had the occasion to meet her.

She retired from Harrison Radiator of Lockport in 1985. She enjoyed and loved gardening and especially traveling whenever possible. She was a past member of St. Cecelia's Church in Oakfield and current member of Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County and the National Italian American Foundation.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mario J. Ianni; son, Theodore "Ted" Ianni of Lockport; grandson, Alexander "Alex" Ianni of Santa Monica, California; two brothers, Frank (Ann) Perozzi of North Chili and Tony (late Norma) Perozzi of Oakfield; two sisters, Nicolina “Nicky” (late George) Smart of LeRoy and Lillian (late Don) Weidner of Oakfield; a brother-in-law, Eugene Nanni of Hopewell Junction. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She is sister to the late Gina Nanni.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Prayers will be recited at 9 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia's Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380.

Josephine C. Panek

By Joshua Smith

 

Miss Josephine C. Panek
“Aunt Jo”

Oakfield - Miss Josephine C. “Aunt Jo” Panek, 89, of Oakfield, assembler at G.T.E. Sylvania in Batavia, died Sunday, March 7, 2010at her home in Oakfield.

Miss Panek was born May 25, 1920 in Port Henry, a daughter of the late Albert and Anna Polak Panek.

She was a member of Padre Pio Parish - Our Lady of Fatima Site. When healthy she and her sister Julia would attend daily Mass – both were very devout Catholics.  She loved her home and took total care of the home while working full time. She enjoyed gardening and bird watching.

Survivors include her brother, John (Barbara) Panek of Albion; four sisters, Dorothy (late Bernard) Allen of Elba, Dr. Susan (late Jack) Coffey of Albany, Florence (Richard) Rodon and Nellie Panek, both of Oakfield, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great-nephews.

She is the sister of the late Albert and Frank Panek, Mary Sumeriski, Julia Gabriel and Anna Gloria Panek.

There are no prior public calling hours. Friends are invited to A Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Padre Pio Parish - Our Lady of Fatima Site, 65 South Main Street, Elba. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 183, Elba, New York 14058.Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Edwin C. O'Leary

By Joshua Smith
Mr. Edwin C. O'Leary

Batavia - Mr. Edwin C. O'Leary, 88, of Batavia, farm mechanic at Jerry Sturm Farm in York, died Tuesday, March 2, 2010at Genesee County Nursing Home, in Batavia.

Mr. O'Leary was born November 15, 1921 in Sherman, a son of the late Read James and Helen Marie Eggleston.

He was a member of New Hope Ministries. He loved woodworking, fishing and car racing. He and his wife were co-truck drivers years ago and raised more than 80 children over a 30 year period. He served with the United States Army Infantry and Paratroopers during WWII.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Doris Foster O'Leary; four step-sons, Gary E. (Carla) Meyers of Bear Creek, North Carolina, Dennis W. (Luann Williams) Meyers of Batavia, David (Vicki) Andrews of Rochester and James (Vanessa) Andrews of LeRoy; a step-daughter, Jessie (Glenn) Frier of Batavia; a brother, Russell (Grace) Warner of Union City, Pennsylvania;  26 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

He is the step-father of the late Lorraine Chartrand and Paul Andrews and brother of the later Logan Warner and Doris Reed.

There are no prior calling hours. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 1 p.m. at New Hope Ministries, 8052 Bank Street Road, Batavia with Rev. Harlan Hobson officiating. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the church. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Carol L. Pilgrom

By Joshua Smith
Carol L. Pilgrom

Oakfield - Carol L. Pilgrom, 41, of Oakfield, died Thursday, March 4, 2010at Erie County Medical Center, in Buffalo.

Ms. Pilgrom was born December 29, 1968 in Los Angeles, CA, a daughter of Mary Ann Will Brown and the late Robert Brown Sr.

She was a member of St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecelia's Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Pilgrom of Buffalo; 2 sons, Frederick Pilgrom II of Philadelphia and Michael Pilgrom of Buffalo; a brother, Robert Brown, Jr. of Oakfield; 2 sisters, Yvonne Brown of Alden and Mary Sue (Joseph) McKeveren of Fl; several nieces and nephews.  

Friends may call on Monday from 9-10:30 a.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave. Oakfield. Services will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia's Site. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Herbert John Richenberg

By Joshua Smith
Herbert John Richenberg

Lexington, NC and Linwood, NY - Herbert John Richenberg, 74, of Lexington, NC and Linwood, NY died Saturday, February 27, 2010North Carolina.

Mr. Richenberg was born February 25, 1936 in Elba, a son of the late William and Wilma Richenberg.

He was a member of Member of the Macedonia United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three sons, Rodney (Mary) Richenberg, Eric (Toni) Richenberg and Greg (Cheryl) Richenberg; a daughter, Gina Curtis; a brother, Howard Richenberg; 2 sisters, Elizabeth Wilcox, Carol Mon and a special companion, Elaine Matula; his grandchildren, Joshua and Harley, Nick, Corey and Christian, Ethan and Clayton, Todd, Kierstan and Karson, Lisa, Jeremy and Stacey; several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, special grandparents, Herbert and Minnie Van Ameron, a brother Harlan Richenberg and a sister, Patricia Dodson.  

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen. Services will be at 11a.m., Thursday, at the York United Presbyterian Church, 2662 Main Street, York. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Burial will be in North Byron Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Albert Bohler

By Joshua Smith

Albert Bohler

Batavia - Mr. Albert Bohler, 86, of Batavia, died Thursday, (March 4, 2010)at the New York State Veteran's Home.

Mr. Bohler was born August 18, 1923 in Freemont, Ohio, the son of the late Moses and Eula (Gibbons) Bohler.

Mr. Bohler was a salesman for many years at the former Mancuso Motors in Batavia. A veteran, he served with the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 and was also a member of Kiwanis Club of Batavia and The First Baptist Church of Batavia.

Survivors include a special friend, Jimmie H. Simmons of Batavia, three sons, two grandchildren, a nephew and a host of cousins.

He is the brother of the late Sally Bohler.

Calling hours are Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 East Main Street. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

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