Obituaries

William D. Bowen, 66 of Sun City, AZ and formerly of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday (January 1, 2016).

He was born January 10, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late Ernest and Rose Taber Bowen.

He was formerly employed by Graham Manufacturing in Batavia prior to relocating to Arizona in the 1990’s. He was a Vietnam Veteran having served with the U.S. Marine Corp. and was a member of the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion. William enjoyed playing tennis and playing the drums in his younger years.

Survivors include his daughters, Melissa (Gary Fore) Bowen of Batavia, Kathryn Bowen of Stafford and Alicia (Michael McDonald) Bowen of Albion. Grandchildren, Kayleigh Perez and Whitney Athoe. Great-granddaughter, Zoey Keith. Brothers, David Bowen of Batavia, Arthur (Frances) Bowen of Batavia and Sidney (Laura) Gear of Rochester. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Charlene Bowen; brother, Ronald Bowen and sisters, Gloria Neubert and Barbara Roylance.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (February 6th) from 2-4pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A funeral service will full military honors will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 4pm. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

 

 

Mickele D. "Mike" Freeman, age 60, of Silver Springs, died on Monday January 25, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Mike was born in Warsaw, New York on December 4, 1955 a son of the late Donald and Lottie (Thurman) Freeman.

Mike worked for S & W Equipment in Rochester as a service technician for many years.
He was a member of the Perry VFW. Mike enjoyed driving his race car when he lived in Florida, watching NASCAR racing, as well as races at the Wyoming County Speedway, collecting model cars, working on and restoring vehicles, and camping with friends.

He is survived by a son: Christopher Freeman of Hollywood, Fl., 2 brothers: Keith Freeman and Ronald LaWall both of Warsaw, a sister: Sherrie (Paul) Snyder of Wastilla, Ak, his cat Goofy; 2 special friends Valerie McClurg and Bonnie Lochman, along with many other close friends and cousins.

Family and friends may call from 5-8pm on Friday January 29th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 30th at 11:00am at the funeral home.  He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to Strong Memorial Hospital (ICU Department) 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, New York 14642 or to the Perry VFW 20 Washington Blvd. Perry, New York 14530.  For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Marjorie A. Ferris, 85 of Oakfield, passed away peacefully on Monday January 25, 2016 at Crossroads House. She was born December 8, 1930 in Homer City, PA to the late Samuel (Amy Gray) Hollabaugh. She is preceded in death by her husband William Ferris, son Leonard Ferris, brothers Wesley, Samuel, Thomas, William Ferris; sisters Rubie Monroe, Gracie Altman, Mary Hollabaugh and Carol Bolton.

Mrs. Ferris worked 20 years for Owens in Illinois. She was always willing to cook and loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her grandchildren Amy Scroger of Oakfield; Sam (Sheri) Ferris of South Alabama, NY; Travis (Eve) Ferris of Indiana, PA; great-grandchildren Kristie and Megan Scroger, Jillian Ferris; daughter-in-law Jean Ferris of Oakfield, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held privately. She will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, New York 14020.  For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

South Byron – Vincent T. "Vinny" O'Reilly, 80, of South Byron, a retired Metal Lather with Local 46, in Manhattan, passed away Friday, (January 22, 2016) at Genesee County Nursing Home, in Batavia following a brief illness.

Mr. O'Reilly was born February 26, 1935 in the Bronx, a son of the late John and Mary (Head) O'Reilly.

Vinny was a member of Resurrection Parish and was a daily parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Batavia.  He was a friend of Bill W. and greatly enjoyed sports; especially Yankees baseball and Broncos football.  He played minor league ball in his younger years.  He was the biggest supporter of his grandchildren, never missing one of their sporting events and cherished time spent with his family.

He is the husband of the late Rosaleen O’Reilly who passed away October 29, 2014.

Vincent is survived by his children, Jane (Dave) Swinton of South Byron, Thomas O'Reilly and Theresa (Mark) Guerra both of Highland Falls, NY, Elizabeth (Brian) Martuccci of New Fairfield, CT, Peter (Kathy) O'Reilly and John (fiancé Dawn) O'Reilly both of Poughkeepsie, Michael (Kathy) O'Brien of Holmes, NY, and John (Jacqueline) O'Brien of Monroe, NY; a brother-in-law, James Sideris of Wappingers, NY; a Sister-in-law, Joan O'Reilly of Plymouth, Mass.  20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren also survive.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, John, and Joseph (late Irene) O'Reilly; and his sisters, Kay (late Thomas) Coyle, Loretta (late James) Barr, and Dorothy Sideris.   

Friends may call on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Vinny’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, (February 1, 2016) at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Site, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame Sports Boosters, 73 Union Street, Batavia, or Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 16 Bank Street, Batavia, or Genesee County Nursing Home - Activities Fund, 278 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Caledonia ~ Sharyn L. Ganzhorn, age 71, passed away on Saturday morning (January 23, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of her family.

    

 Mrs. Ganzhorn was born January 1, 1945 in Warsaw, N.Y., a daughter of the late Elbert and Miriam Miller Eddy.

     She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, who just cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and essentially, just doing things for other people.

     She will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 55 years, Barry A. Ganzhorn Sr.; her children, Barry (Pam) Ganzhorn II of MI, Mark Ganzhorn of Rochester and Laura Ganzhorn Wolcott of Dansville; her sisters, Diane (Michael) Lindhurst of N. Tonawanda, Marlene (Ronald) Huff of Retsof and Dawn (Mitchell) Yencer of Nunda, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Brian S. Ganzhorn on May 17, 2015.

     Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on May 14, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Columba Church, 198 North Street, Caledonia, with graveside service to follow in St. Columba Cemetery.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to Mackay Wildlife Preserve, c/o Village of Caledonia, 3095 Main Street, Caledonia, N.Y. 14423.

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

     Mrs. Ganzhorn and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Batavia - Beverly J. Brade, a longtime resident of Batavia, passed away on January 24, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Brade was born December 18, 1931 in Freedom, the daughter of the late Michael and Olive Strollo.

She was an amazing wife, mom and grandma to her family. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was always there for us. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Jerold; her children, Tom (Patty) Brade, Mike (Linda) Brade, Rick (Colleen) Brade,  Kim (Jeff) Bauer, Jerry (Lori) Brade, Jaime (Kate) Brade and the late Roddy Brade; grandchildren, Amy Hall, Jenna Bauer, Nick Bauer, Chad Brade, Casey Brade, Tara (Eric) Easton, Michael Brade, Tommy Brade, Brianna Brade, Kyle Brade and Brandon Brade; great-grandchildren,  Haley (Fiancé Mike Snyder) Brade and Riggins Easton; her brother, Michael (Flora) Strollo; sisters, Joyce Angst and JoAnn (John) Platman.

There are no prior visiting hours. Friends are invited to her memorial service on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Memorials may be made to Homecare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Evelyn E. Macomber, 93 of Attica, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 24, 2016 at Episcopal Church Home in Rochester. She was born January 4, 1923 in Buffalo to the late Henry (Virginia White) Ertel. She is preceded in death by her brothers Richard, James and Ned Ertel.

Evelyn was employed at Attica High School as a secretary for 25 years. Mrs. Macomber was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and the Rebekkas. She enjoyed traveling and being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years Floyd D. Macomber of Attica; sons Elliot (Joanne) Macomber of Spencerport; Scott (Joanne) Macomber of Fulton; grandchildren Timothy (Jennifer), Gregory (Karen), Chelsey, Mara Macomber; Juliet Brandt, Bethany St. Pierre, David (Kylie) Taylor and Trina Taylor. Great-grandchildren Sage, Lily, Ethan, Nolan, Isaac, Elijah, Hayden, Hailey and Hannah; sisters-in-law Beatrice and Elizabeth, brother-in-law Edwin along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice Rochester 3111 South Winton Rd. Rochester, NY 14623 or to Attica Historical Society 130 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.  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 Street Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Jerry Edward Ditzel, 80, passed away on January 15, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born in Batavia, NY on October 18, 1935 to the late Phillip and Edith (Hotchkiss) Ditzel and preceded in death by sister, Pauline (Milton) Ashley and grandson, Jeffrey Steinsholt. 
After graduating from Batavia High School in 1953 Jerry joined his father, Phillip Ditzel in the family insurance business at The Ditzel Agency. He later operated his own insurance business in Avon, NY and then relocated to Lake Havasu, AZ in 1990. Jerry served in the National Guard and was active with the Batavia Area Jaycees and the Genesee County Pilots Association. He was a 50 year member of the Elks Club and a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Eagles. He was also a member of the Civitan and the Silent Birds. He attended the Alice Marsh dance classes and the Cloggers 
Jerry is survived by his wife, Wanda (Cross) Ditzel of Lake Havasu City, AZ; children, Thomas (Christine) Ditzel and Robert Ditzel of Batavia, Patricia Steinsholt of Phoenix, AZ, William Ditzel of Lake Havasu City, AZ, David (Julie) Ditzel of Rochester, NY, brother, James (Laurie) Ditzel of Rochester, NY. Grandchildren, Barbara (Steinsholt) Thomas of Phoenix, Marissa (Jeffrey) Weaver of Rochester, Michael Ditzel of Cleveland, Benjamin Steinsholt of TX, Mark, Christine, Tina, Steven and Garrett Ditzel of Batavia, and numerous great grandchildren.  
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. 
 

CHARLES R. "CHARLIE" BOBO

Age 83, of Batavia, died peacefully Sunday January 10, 2016 at Crossroads House surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 25, 1932 in Niagara Falls, NY, a son of the late, Charles A. and Muriel (Willis) Bobo.

 

Charlie was a United States Navy Veteran and a member of the Dunedin American Legion Post # 275 in Dunedin, FL. A longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was retired Niagara Mohawk after many years of service. He was an avid golfer, bowler and enjoyed winters in the South with his wife. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who was always there for his family.

 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 58 years, Anna (Trump) Bobo of Batavia and his loving children, Charles W. (Sue) Bobo of Batavia and their children, Melissa (Michael) Rochette & Brianna (Chris) Herring; Rodney (Susan) Bobo of Bergen and their children, Daniel (Michelle), Christopher (Sarah) and Julie Bobo; Paul (Barbara) Bobo of FL and their children, Robert, Matthew & Joshua, 8 great-grandsons, Zachary, Henry, Max, Bailey, Alex, Elliot, Edward and Samuel; sister, Elizabeth Stephens of FL along with many nieces and nephews.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

The family will be present from 10 - 1pm on Saturday January 23 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 31 Washington Ave. Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will follow at 1:00pm. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery with Military Honors and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, NY 14020.

 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Charlie with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

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

 

Thomas P. Zak Sr., 70, of Attica passed away Monday January 18, 2016 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born September 16, 1945 in Batavia, New York to the late Michael (Agnes Pelton) Zak. He is preceded in death by his wife Patricia (Ingersoll) Zak; brother James Zak and father-in-law Niles Ingersoll.

Thomas a United States Army Veteran served a tour in Vietnam and received a Vietnam Campaign Medal. After leaving the Army he worked at Doehler-jarvis Machine Shop in Batavia and went on to retire from the Batavia VA Medical Center. Thomas was a member of the Attica American Legion Post 734 and the Alexander VFW Post 6239. He loved his family, especially his grand and great-grandchildren. He will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.

He is survived by his children Cheryl (Scott) Ash of Attica, Thomas (Suzanne) Zak Jr. of West Seneca, Steven (Elizabeth) Zak of Williamsville; sisters Mary (Rick) Smith of Batavia, Elaine Zak of Attica, Becky (Phil) Walker of Warsaw; mother-in-law Margaret Ingersoll; sister-in-law Cindy Zak of Warsaw; grandchildren Laura (Zachary) Signor, Kristin (Mitchell Selapack) Ash, Scotty Ash, Tyler Zak, Jonathan, Michael and Matthew Zak; great-grandchildren Troy and Amelia Signor, Aliyah Selapack along with brothers-in-law, sister-in-law and many nieces, nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday January 21, 2016 from 3-8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday January 22, 2016 at St. Joachim and Ann Parish 50 East Avenue Attica, New York 14011. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery with full honors.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Attica American Legion 83 Market Street Attica, New York 14011. 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 Street Attica, New York 14011.

Elba - Arthur W. Wilford, 79, of Elba, a mail carrier at SUNY Brockport, died Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Martin Linsin Residence, in Albion.

Mr. Wilford was born May 6, 1936 in Batavia, the son of the late Chester D. and Wilda E. (Russell) Wilford.

He served for 6 years with the National Guard and was a member of the Elba Elegants and the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, where he sang in the choir for many years.  He enjoyed music and playing BINGO.  

He is survived by his wife, Nancy E. (Truax) Wilford, whom he married June 10, 1961; a nephew, Stephen (Mary Jo) Richenberg of Elba; 3 nieces, Linda (Peter) Tierney of NM, Susan Boomstra and Patty Baird, both of OH. 

He was the brother of the late Dorothy E. "Dot" Richenberg and Winifred Wilford.  

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, NY 14058.  Private burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.  Arrangements were completed by Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.

Joseph A. Wolak, 83 of Attica, died at his residence on Friday (January 15, 2016).

He was born in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Joseph J. Wolak and Stephanie Wlodarczyk Wolak.

He retired from Attica Central School as a teacher of English and was Attica Town and Village Justice for over 17 years, retiring in November of 2015. An active outdoorsman, he taught DEC Hunter, Archery, and Trapper education courses for 20 years. He was active with dogs and held offices in several dog clubs. German Shorthaired Pointers were his favorite. He established Wag-Ae-Kennels and developed many champions and field winners. He was also an AKC Show and Field Judge.

Joseph served in the U.S. Air Force, was a member of the NRA, served on many community committees and groups including the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County, and was a leader and longtime supporter of 4-H.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, B. Arlene Mast, daughter of the late Susan and Daniel Mast; Daughters, Nancy Gross of Pavilion and Karen (John) Brown of Batavia. Sons, Jeffrey (Vicki) Wolak of Bethany and Jonathan (Deborah) Wolak of Varysburg. Sister, Joan (Paul) Schaefer of Clarence and brother, Eugene (Patty) Wolak of Syracuse. Sister in-laws and brother in-laws, Mildred (late Carlton) Graff of Lyndonville, Mary (late Don) Penninger of NC, Doris Brand of Ohio, Carol (late James) Webster of Akron, NY, Ruth (Robert) Crane of Arkansas, Paul (Candy) Mast of SC and the late Alice (James) Hendry. 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren also survive.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 2-4pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, American Heart Association or Hospice and Homecare of Wyoming County. 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.

 

 

MELISSA GRACE (EICHELBERGER) BETANCES

Saturday morning January 16, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Melissa was carried home by the angels to be with the Lord and have eternal peace. She was born on April 23, 1981 and raised in Batavia the daughter of Sherry M. (Mooney) and Doug Mellenthine of Batavia and Robert C. Eichelberger of NC. 

Melissa was formerly employed by the West Seneca Developmental Center, a job she truly enjoyed. She had a love for the water and what she cherished most was her boys. 

Surviving along with her parents are her sons, Quinten Betances and Rivers Lee Fanara both of Batavia; sister, Eisha (Will) Yank of NC; aunts, Patricia (James) Henry and Denise Mooney both of Batavia; godmother, Carol (Don) Shepard of Farmington along with many cousins and friends. 

The family will be present from 3-8pm Wednesday January 20th at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where funeral services will began at 8:00pm. Memorials in Melissa's memory can be made in care of her boys. 

Please share your memories of Melissa with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF MELISSA GRACE BETANCES IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

Clara M. "Clare" Gayton, age 85, of Perry, died on Thursday January 14, 2016 at the Teresa House in Geneseo. Clara was born in Leicester, New York on June 13, 1930 a daughter of the late Lewis and Dorothy (Wood) Cooper.  Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Donald Gayton and a son John Gayton.

Clara thoroughly enjoyed working, and could not understand why anyone would want to retire. Throughout the years she worked at former Lipman’s Clothing Store, LoVerde’s Grocery Store, Motorola and for the last 45 years worked as a School Bus Driver for the Perry School District. Clara enjoyed her time being a bus driver, interacting with the kids and coworkers at the bus garage.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her pets, as well as lunch and dinner outings with her friends. Clara enjoyed playing board games, cards and enjoyed times outdoors during the spring and summer months. In her younger years she enjoyed catering events with her good friend the late Gladys (Tootie) Hewitt, candy making and driving stock car in the powder puff.

She is survived by a daughter: Donna (Terry) Page of Perry, a son: Paul (Karen Cutitta) Gayton of Perry, 5 grandchildren: Tonya (Joel) Clester, Travis (Amy) Gayton, Conley and Cooper Gayton and Carissa (Jared) Smith, 5 great grandchildren: John Gayton, Rowan and Demitri Clester and Addison and Drew Smith, along with many friends.

Family and friends may call from 1-3 and 6-8pm on Sunday January 17th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 18th at the funeral home at 11:00 A.M. She will be laid to rest in the Leicester Cemetery in Leicester.

Memorials may be made to the Teresa House 21 Highland Rd. Geneseo, New York 14454 or to the James P. Wilmont Cancer Center 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, New York 14642. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.