Obituaries

Leslie "Duke" Tash , 83, of Batavia went to be the with our Lord on December, 30, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on May 22, 1937 in Batavia to the late Dayton & Dorothy Tash.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Shirley (Leffel) Tash in 2019.

He served in the US Marine Corp as Special Agent Counterintelligence- Admin Chief from 1954 to 1974, serving 5 tours in Vietnam. The awards earned from his service include Vietnam Service Medal w/5 Bronze Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Award of the Gallantry Cross w/frame & palm, Good Conduct Medal w/5 Bronze stars, Combat Action Ribbon, and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. He spent the next 10 years in the Reserves.

He is survived by his children, Cheryl MeEwan (D. Bruce Becking) of Medina, Lori Tash of Byron, Christy (Tom) Scheuing of LeRoy, Colleen Tash of LeRoy, Lori Gere of Batavia, Karin Leffel of Corfu and Steven Leffel of Corfu, 7 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

He was a lifelong member of the Stafford Fire Department.  In his earlier years he was an avid bowler, loved wood working and was a NASCAR fan.

There are no prior calling hours or Funeral Services.

Please send memorials to the Batavia Animal Shelter in his name www.vol4animals.org.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

 

  John J. Gravante, 86, of Batavia, passed away on January 5, 2021 at VA Medical Center in Buffalo. He was born June 20, 1934 to the late John J. (Marion Gentile) Gravanda. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Katerine Zaccarella, Mary Eckelberger, Ida Spiotta, Philamena Gravanda, Barbara Adams, Nicholas, Fred, Tony and Jim Gravanda, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Gravante was a United States Army Veteran and served in Korea. He retired from the City of Batavia Police Department in 1979. Mr. Gravante was a huge Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan, an avid bowler over the years and a past Batavia Masters Champion.  

He was a long time Section V girls softball umpire and enjoyed watching the growth of the girls softball program at Lions Park in Batavia. John was very passionate about Batavia Little League Baseball, he served as an officer and volunteered many hours over the years umpiring and attending games. He truly enjoyed watching baseball of all levels.

He was a loving and caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great-grandfather and friend. John loved his outings to the Town and Country for coffee with the boys. He was a fun loving man who liked to tell a joke and laugh, but he was always there to help or talk if you needed him.

Mr. Gravante is survived by his children, Peter (Christine) Gravante, Patricia Gravante, Robert (Katie) Gravante all of Rochester; grandchildren, John Gravante, Peter Gravante Jr, Nikki Gravante, Matthew and Christopher Thornley, Josh Gravante, Jennifer Cook, Kaitlin Carey, Nicholas Gravante, Julia Gravante, Samantha Gravante, 9 great-grandchildren; sisters Connie Diantonio, Irene Lilis both of Batavia; along with several nieces, nephews and many friends.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held for the family. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to the Batavia Little League www.batavialittleleague.com.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Oakfield - Michelle Katherine Bauer, 54 of Oakfield, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, (January 4, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Bauer was born June 8, 1966 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Richard and Bonnie (Burr) Say.

Michelle had a heart of gold and accepted people for who they were. She loved to see people smile and was easy going. Mrs. Bauer enjoyed playing board games and cards, and spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Robert Bauer of Oakfield; children, Troy (Amanda Ames) Bauer of Oakfield, and Kaleigh Bauer of Nevada; grandchildren, Willow and Jasper Bauer; brothers, Scott (Elaine) Say of Oakfield, and Thomas Say of Batavia; a sister, Shari Fox of Florida. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by a son, Travis Bauer; and a brother, Richard Say.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Michelle's Funeral Service will be held privately for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, the funeral home will be restricted to 33% capacity throughout the course of visitation. Please be prepared to wait outside. Face coverings and social distancing will be required. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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

Patricia Ellen (James) Waddell-Snodgrass, age 77, a resident of Philippi, NY, passed away Thursday Dec. 30, 2020 in the United Hospital Center. 

Patricia was born Feb. 13, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a daughter of the late Lewis and Bernice (Hodgins) James. Patricia was united in marriage on Aug. 22, 1985 to Dr. Ralph R. Snodgrass Jr., who preceded her in death on Sept. 13, 2012. 

Patricia had a love and passion for horses. She was a member of the United States Trotting Association and was pivotal in publicity for the Canadian Trotting Association. She trained a small stable of horses in western New York including Stonegate Payoff, Gails Rusty, VV Dexter and Patrick Will. She was always highly regarded in the Standardbred community as well as the West Virginia Miniature Horse Club. Pat loved everyone she came into contact with.

Patricia is survived by daughter Karen F. Waddell-Wellman, grandson David Waddell, stepdaughter Wendi Chapman and husband Randall, grandchildren Eric Allan Wellman and companion Ashley Mullen, Patric Christopher Wellman, Lauren and Daniel Yung, great-grandchildren, Islas Yung, Adalynn and Levi Wellman. 

Donations can be sent to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in her name. In honor of Patricia’s request, cremation will be honored and a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Raymond J. Strzelecki Sr., 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (January 4, 2021) at the New York State Veterans Home.

He was born December 23, 1927 in Batavia, a son of the late Vincent and Pauline Brzeczkowski Strzelecki.

Raymond served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed by Doehler-Jarvis and Chapins prior to his retirement and was a member of Ascension Parish.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie Ribble Strzelecki who passed away in 1993.

Survivors include his daughters, Linda (Michael) Battaglia and Valerie (James) O’Brien, all of Texas. Sons, Raymond (Celeste) Strzelecki of Batavia and Richard (Lynn) Strzelecki of Bergen. Brother, Richard Strzelecki of Batavia. Sister, Helen Lennon of Batavia. Also survived by 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the New York State Veterans Home for the exceptional kindness and care that was shown to Raymond.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

 

 

Mary Ellen Weis “Meg”, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully Sunday (January 3, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born January 2, 1940 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late Harold and Ida Mae Goold.

Mary was a waitress and bartender for the former Edgewood Restaurant. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, cross stitching and the occasional ice cream.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward A. Weis who died January 5, 2018. Sister, Kathy (Frank) Thomas and niece, Tina Thomas.

Survivors include her children, Thomas (Elizabeth) Weis of LeRoy, Donald (Deborah) Weis of Batavia, Donna Weis of Medina and Timothy (Sherri) Weis of Batavia. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at a later date with burial in White Haven Memorial Park.

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

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

 

 

Barbara was born to parents Clarence and Lolie Brown on July 23, 1942 in Gastonia, NC. She grew up in Mt. Holly, NC as the youngest of three and graduated from Mt. Holly High School. In 1964, she married her lifetime partner, Herman N. Gooch, Jr (Junior) and raised 3 children in Charlotte, NC. Barbara worked as a Teacher Assistant at Sedgefield Elementary School, Charlotte, NC, until her retirement in 2004. She also spent many years reveling in her position as a beloved mom and grandmother.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Steve) Krna of Alexander, NY and sons Kenneth (Sherri) Gooch of Salisbury, NC and Michael (Misty) Gooch of Gastonia, NC; along with her five precious grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Stefan, and Zachary Krna and Benjamin and Connor Gooch. She is preceded in death by her husband, Junior Gooch; her parents Clarence and Lolie; her sister Elsie Anderson and her brother Sam Brown. Barbara is also survived by a dear friend Betty Lazevnick of Gastonia, NC.

Due to Barbara’s wishes and present restrictions on gatherings, there will be no services at this time. Family will gather at later date for private scattering of ashes.

Donations can be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011.

Suzanne R. Boorom, age 83, of Batavia, NY, passed away Dec. 30, 2020 at United Memorial Hospital, Batavia, NY, from complications of COVID-19.

Suzanne was born in Illinois on Dec. 20, 1937. Daughter of the late Gerald and Geraldine Ruckle. She is predeceased by her husband Robert K. Boorom (1985) and Donald Kahm, her loving partner of many years.

Suzanne is survived by her daughters Cindy Gilbert and Bonnie (Brian) Phillips, both of Batavia, NY. Also her loving grandchildren: Breanne (Andrew) Thornton Harer, Erik Thornton, Keyrsten Wilde, Austin Oklevitch, and Daniel Gilbert; great-grandchildren Logan, Lathan and Lanah Thornton Harer, Dustin Morgan, Jordan Morgan Gilbert and Imogen Thornton.

Suzanne attended the University of Missouri and Genesee Community College where she earned her degree in Applied Science with a Certification in Gerontology. Suzanne was a Flight Attendant for American Airlines and also was the Assistant Caretaker of the Genesee County Fish and Game Association. Many members remember her for her Susie's Snack Shop days.

She was known for her love of sunshine and spent many of her retirement years at Saddlebag Lake Resort in Florida.

Suzanne was deeply loved by all that knew her. Her outer beauty was very visible and her inner beauty shined as well. She was known for her love of life,her amazing scene of humor and her numerous R-rated jokes. She always had a smile and filled the room with laughter. She is known by many as Sweet Sue.

Suzanne spent her last nine months residing at the LeRoy Village Green. She was touched by so many compassionate and loving caregivers in her short time there.

There will be no calling hours, she will be lain to rest at the East Pembroke Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made to the family Bonnie Phillips, 656 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 to assist her daughter Cindy's battle with Alzheimer's dementia.

Batavia - Sandra  Lee  Anderson, age 75,  of Batavia  passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Anderson was born Friday, May 25th, 1945 in Batavia, New York a daughter of the late William A. Gilliatt Sr. and Mildred M. Christan Gilliatt.

A member of Assembly of God Church in Batavia, she enjoyed painting with watercolors and she was fond of all animals especially cats. She enjoyed being with friends and was a regular at Scooters.

Surviving are her Russell W. Anderson of Batavia; her sister; Holly Gilliatt of Batavia and nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her son, Robert Scott Anderson who passed away on July 19, 1993 and her brother, William A. Gilliatt, Jr. who passed away on September 15, 2006.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visiting hours. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Marsha K. Barton, 81, of Batavia left her earthly body for her eternal home in Heaven with Jesus on Saturday, January 2, 2021.  She had resided at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia for the past four years. 

Marsha was born on January 13, 1939 near Macomb, Illinois (the area they called “Gin Ridge”).  She was a daughter of the late Norris and Grace (Robinson) Foster, and wife to Richard Barton who preceded her in death in 1990. 

Marsha was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who made it her life’s mission to love her family wholeheartedly.  There was nothing she treasured more than her family.  Being a home health care aide, Marsha was known for helping others, as well as for her compassion.  She thoroughly enjoyed travelling and being on the “go”.  Until the time her body began to be uncooperative, she loved travelling (driving herself) around the country visiting friends and family. 

Marsha is survived by her loving children; Christy Sabatino of Oakfield, Robbie (Fran) Brown of Heightstown, NJ, Felicia Brown of Batavia, and Amanda (Geoff) Brown Wormley of Batavia.  Also surviving are her cherished grandchildren; Jeremy (Rachael) Yasses, Tara (Ben) Kozub, Sara Taggert, Caleb (Alycia) Sabatino, Daisy (Troy) Brown, Goldie Brown, and Allyson Wormley, great-grandchildren; Peyton and Colton Yasses, Brandon Kozub, Noah, Madelyn, Isaiah, and Joshua Sabatino; loving sisters Karol (Rich) Prentice of Fisher, IL and Janice (late Lon) Springer of Macomb, IL; step-children Diane Newell and David Barton; as well as several nieces. 

The family wishes to express a big heart-felt THANK YOU to the staff at the New York State Veterans Home for the wonderful care given and love expressed to their mother these last four years. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 11 am – 1 pm at the HE Turner Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, NY where the funeral will take place immediately following at 1 pm, followed by a graveside service at Grand View Cemetery in Batavia. 

Memorials may be made to one of the following nonprofit organizations:  Care-A-Van Ministries, PO Box 1611, Batavia, NY 14021; Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 N. Spruce St., Batavia, NY 14020; or the Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia, NY 14020.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

*Please note the funeral home will be operating at a capacity of 25 people in the building. Facial coverings and social distancing will be required. We appreciate your cooperation.*

John Christopher Stone, 71, of Batavia, passed away on December 31, 2020 at home, under the loving care of his wife of 50 years.

John, called Chris from a child, was born March 1, 1949 in Waterloo, NY, the son of the late John W. and June (Larsen) Stone. He was a 1967 graduate of Batavia High School, and a 1969 graduate of Alfred State College.

Chris loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He will be remembered as a loving and very generous man.  He enjoyed golfing and was quite the handyman, being able to fix just about anything.  Chris loved collecting and shooting handguns and belonged to the  BrontidePistol Club in the Tricounty Pistol League.  He retired in 2015 as the C A D and design supervisor after having a rich and rewarding career at Graham Corporation in Batavia for 45 years. He was faithful member of The United Pentecostal Church of Batavia.

Surviving are his wife, Connie, of Batavia, children, Kevin C. Stone of Batavia, Aimee (Matt) Pahuta of Henrietta and Natalie (Nathan) Blicharski of Tonawanda; grandchildren, Emily (Josiah) Ashline, Abigail (Dalton) Murphy, Matthew, Jonathan, and Evan Pahuta, Austin Lewis and Bryson Blicharski; one great-grandchild, a sister- in-law, Becky Ritz of Batavia and a nephew, Richard Sasenbury of Rochester.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  Chris's funeral service will be private, however, the service can be viewed live at 1:00 p.m. on Friday by logging onto the funeral home's website (www.bataviafuneralhomes.com).  Please join Chris's family for his graveside service also on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery, Clinton Street Road in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Pentecostal Church, 180 Oak Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or the Visiting Nurse Association, 61 Swan Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the funeral home will be limited to 25 people throughout the course of calling hours. Please be prepared to wait outside. Face coverings and social distancing are required. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Oakfield - Joan  F.  White, age 85  of Oakfield, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Mrs. White was born Thursday, October 31, 1935 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Anson Forsyth and Florence Ferguson Forsyth.

A longtime member of the Oakfield United Methodist Church, Joan was very active in the community events and dinners sponsored by the church.  She enjoyed playing games and cards with her husband and her in-laws. She will be remembered by her family as an excellent cook and baker. Joan especially enjoyed holidays and gatherings when all of her family was together.

Joan is the wife of Clyde H. White who passed away in 1997.

She is survived by her children; Todd (Marcia) White of Wyoming; Janet (Denis) Rohan of Elba and Peggy (Doug) Platt of Burt;  six grandchildren; Megan (Will) Hoffman, Brad (Nicole) White, Lauren (Seth) Kent, Hannah (Nick) Borden, Rachel (Kevin) Chamberlain and Leah (Jon Matthews) Platt; nine great-grandchildren; her brother; George Forsyth of Batavia; her sister; Elinor Rice of Batavia and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings; Virginia Shera, Celia Maykuth, James and Rodney Forsyth.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield, New York 14125.  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, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Gary F. Hickey, 80, of Darien passed away on December 15, 2020 in the comfort of his home. He was born in Buffalo, NY on June 7, 1940 to the late Frederick and Gladys May (Brower) Hickey.

Gary worked as a block and brick mason for many years.

His family offers their sincere gratitude to his nephew Michael, for caring for him over the years.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately.

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Doreen Mae Gross, 91 of Pembroke, NY, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2020.

Doreen was the daughter of the late Sanford and Violet (Freyer) Bock, wife of the late Rudolph M. Gross and sister of the late Jerold (Lee) Bock.

She was the Pembroke Town Clerk for many years, a 4-H Leader and member of the Corfu Grange. She graduated from Bryant and Stratton College.

Doreen was the mother of Randy (Nancee) Gross and Elaine (Rich) Walker; Gramie of Jessica and Daniel Gross; Aunt of Steve (Camilla) Bock; special cousin of Sue and Stephen Seligman, Charlene (Brian) Calhoon, Elena and Sonia. She is also survived by many in-laws from the Gross family.

A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local food pantry.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

  His smile was as infectious as it was beautiful, and the welcome gift that he gave to others was laughter.  Ricky always had an arsenal of comic genius up his sleeve to make sure that those around him were always smiling, but his kind heart and his deep soul were the important gifts that he generously shared with everyone.  Richard Charles Mancuso, Jr. was born in Batavia, NY as a welcomed birthday gift to his Grandma, Mercedes Mancuso, on March 10, 1987; he made his way right back into her heavenly arms on December 27, 2020.  He was 33 years old.  He was lovingly referred to as Ricky (or Little Ricky) by everyone who knew him, which fell more in line with his child-like wonder than it did with his tall imposing stature.  Many other handles included Richie, Chuck, Chuckie, Ricky-Bobby, Bailey, Frankie Sara, Woody, B.D., RCM and many, many more...the name “Rick” was quite lovingly, and exclusively, reserved for his hero.

Ricky had a charming personality and made friends easily, especially with those souls who were the toughest to love.  He possessed a particular magic that was most certainly designed to help those seeking to realize their full potential as human beings.  He put that gift to its ultimate use in Southern California helping other individuals become sober.  It could easily be defined as Ricky’s life’s work.  He was a sober living coach and he was exceptional.

Ricky was a talented fisherman from an unusually young age which was said to have been a legacy passed down to him through many Mancuso/Dempsey generations.  He garnered hundreds of hours as a very young child casting into the waters of Silver Lake, and pulled out more than his fair share of unsuspecting dinners.  On a few occasions he was even witnessed catching fish with his bare hands.  He fished both lake and ocean, and later went on to become a salt-water fish specialist.

Besides the fishing pole his most coveted possession was the ball. Many of his other talents were realized the first time that a ball was thrown into his midst, and it was rare to see his smiling face without one.  He felt very much at home anywhere that a ball was being bounced, thrown, hit, caught, rolled, pitched or kicked.  His athletic prowess provided countless hours of fun for him as a child, as well as an adult. It was especially fun to watch him on the basketball court, which was where the proverbial gloves always came off.

He had a strong affinity for good music, well written literature and kind-hearted people, but nothing could rival his sense of friends and family. He was fiercely proud of his tribe and defined himself by his loyalty, his love and complete devotion to his family members, including his parents, Rick and Julie (Dempsey) Mancuso, his siblings Morgan (Douglas) Sicheri, Alexandra (Donnie) DiLaura, Patrick (Emily Lyons) Mancuso, Madelyn Mancuso and most especially his nieces and nephews, Vincent, Ben, Cecelia and Drew.  The love that he shared for his grandparents, Benjamin Mancuso Jr. of Batavia, NY, Patrick and Barbara (Sager) Dempsey of Hendersonville, NC, his aunts, his uncles and his cousins was unparalleled.  Ricky’s tribe will most certainly receive the ferocious heavenly protection that only one blue-eyed guardian angel can provide. His friends and family will desperately miss his attentiveness, his love and his unique and glorious sense of humor.

Ricky’s family will gather for a private Mass to celebrate his life and pray for the peaceful repose of his beautiful soul.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School 73 Union St. Batavia, NY 14020 or St. Joseph’s Regional School 2 Summit St. in Batavia. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.