Obituaries

Oakfield - Mrs. Marian Van, 101, a retired teacher and social worker in Chicago, prior to moving to Oakfield, died Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Van was born July 22, 1908 in Chicago, the daughter of the late Ernest L. and Florence M. Brazie Farnsworth.

Her husband, the Rev. Clarence Van, died in1995.

Mrs. Van was a member of the Oakfield United Methodist Church and was active in the local and district mission work of the church. She graduated from North Central College in Illinois and attended the Evangelical Theological Seminary. She was a member of the AARP and the Retired Teachers of Chicago and the local senior centers. 

Survivors include a dear friend, Peggy Smith of Batavia, many friends from the Oakfield United Methodist Church, step children and step grandchildren.

Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanfordfuneralhome.com.There are no prior calling hours. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Oakfield United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield, NY 14125. Burial will be in Chicago.

Oakfield - Linda M. Gibson, 64, of Oakfield, passed away on Friday, (April 23, 2010)at Crossroads House.

She was born in Batavia on May 4, 1945, a daughter of the late Carl and Avis (Hamilton) Scroger.

Linda was a retired Genesee County employee with over 25 years of service. She enjoyed vacationing with her beloved family, spending time with her grandchildren and shopping with her sisters.

Survivors include a son, Scott (Kim) Gibson of Oakfield; two daughters, Phyllis (Dan) Grefrath of Syracuse and Anita (Bill) Cleveland of Oakfield; six grandchildren, Zach, Garrett and Erica Gibson, Brian Grefrath and Chelsea and Christian Cleveland; a brother, Jerry (Lois) Scroger of Hilton; two sisters, Barb (Dick) Cole of Oakfield and Cheryl (Phil) Marshall of Orchard Park; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours are Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, Attn: Melanoma Center, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, N.Y. 14228 or Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Dolores C. Figlow, 86 of Batavia, NY died April 21, 2010 at Crossroads House in Batavia.

She was born July 31, 1923 in Batavia, NY daughter of the late Angelo (Adeline Sangus) Cecere.

Mrs. Figlow was a WWII Navy Veteran and retired from the Batavia VA Medical Center. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, the Altar & Rosary Society, St. Jerome’s Hospital Guild, St. Michael Society, St. Joseph’s Sacristan, Minster of Praise Associate, member of Felician Order, Sacred Heart Altar & Rosary Society and the VA Employees Union. 

Preceded in death by her husband Ralph Figlow Sr. (1993); brothers Albert, William, Victor, Richard, Anthony, Joseph, Arthur, Louis and Lester, sisters Mary Chaya and Edna Predmore. Survivors include sons Ralph (Teresa) Figlow, Jr. of PA; Paul Figlow of Batavia; daughter Mary Jo (Richard) Rhinehart of FL; brother Donald Cecere of AZ; sister Adeline (Francis) Gioia of Batavia, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews also survive.

Calling hours and Memorial Service will be held at some point in mid May and will be announced. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph's Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorials suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry pleases visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Long, Shirley M.  Age 80 of Akron, NY entered into rest April 21, 2010.

Survived by her husband John J. Long of Akron sons Karl (Sandra) Long of TN; Curtis (JoAnn) Long of Kenmore; daughters Karen (Douglas) Sandy of Clarence; Darlene (Jim) Dylag of Corfu; Christine (Jeffrey) Thuman of Barker; sister Florence (Thomas) Housholder of OH; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Predeceased by daughter Sharon Long, parents Raymond (Mary Thomas) Miller. Services will be private and burial will take place in PA. Memorials suggested to the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260.

Oakfield - Mr. Frank Spiotta, 66, of Oakfield, died Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at his home.

Mr. Spiotta was born July 25, 1943 in Batavia, the son of the late Anthony and Columba Orsni Spiotta.

Survivors include three sons, Frank (Sue) Spiotta of Alexander, Anthony Michael (Debbie Willimott) Spiotta of Albion and Timothy (Susan) Spiotta of Oakfield; the children’s mother, Marie Spiotta of Oakfield; eight grandchildren, Erin Burdett, Nicole (Ed) Reid, Courtney, Lydia, Ariel and Jewelean Spiotta, Haley Kirby and T. Hunter Spiotta; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Kaitlyn and Jackson; a dear family friend, "Big Nick" (Marcia) Calarco of Oakfield; a cousin, Fran (Angela) Spiotta of Batavia; two aunts, Joyce & JoAnn and several cousins survive.

He is predeceased by his sister, Loretta Spiotta.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurses Association of WNY, Inc., 61 Swan Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, New York 14228.Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Elba – Mr. Roger I. Speed, 74, of Elba, passed away Friday, (April 16, 2010) at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida after a brief illness.

Mr. Speed was born on October 17, 1935 in Batavia, the son of the late Anson and Helen (Rowcliffe) Speed.

He graduated from Elba Central School in 1953. He served eight years in the Naval Air Reserves. He was a member of the Elba Fire Department for 55 years. Also, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elba, a charter member of the Ridge Hunt Club and the Rotary Club.

For over 30 years he owned Roger Speed Well Drilling and Pump business from which he retired in 1995. The family continued to look to Roger for guidance on various family projects. He instilled in his family his honesty, integrity, workmanship and a love for one another. He was skilled in many ways and passed his knowledge on to them all.

Roger lived in Elba his entire life shared by family and many friends. He built his house and raised his family on West Avenue next door to the Speed family homestead where his family lived for three generations. With the passing of his father, he remodeled the farmhouse where he spent his remaining years.      

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed camping and traveling. Hunting season was like a national holiday and his hunting buddies were very dear to him. As a gifted musician, he was able to play many instruments including piano, organ, guitar and drums and usually carried a harmonica ready to play. He especially loved Scottish music and enjoyed traveling to follow pipe and drum competitions.

He spent many hours with his grandsons giving tractor rides, 4-wheeler rides and boat rides and especially enjoyed attending their sporting events. 

He will always be remembered as “Golden Boy” to his whole family. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy (Gillette) Speed of Elba; three daughters, Ellen (Peter) Van Buskirk of North Port, Florida, Sharon (Robert) MacLeod of Liverpool and Lisa (Frank) Penna of Elba; seven grandsons, Nathan and Nicholas Van Buskirk, Kevin, Jason and Philip MacLeod, Frankie and Angelo Penna; four sisters, Virginia (Kenneth) Mullen of Oakfield, Lucille ( late William) Schultz of Elba, Jeanette (Gerry) Grazioplene of Batavia, and Beverly (Jack) Hillabush of Elba and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by a granddaughter Desirae Van Buskirk.

Calling hours are Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba. Burial will be in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Fire Department, Elba Presbyterian Church or made payable to Nancy Speed for the purpose of purchasing a new base drum to be used by the Queens University Pipe Band in his memory. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  

Eleanor B. Ernest, 83 of Stafford, NY died Tuesday April 20, 2010 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born November 10, 1926 in LeRoy, NY daughter of the late John (Teresa Roman) Bolsei.   

Mrs. Ernest worked as a bookkeeper at G.C. Murphy Company in LeRoy for many years. She was a member of the Stafford Fire Department Auxiliary.

She is preceded in death by her husband Adelbert L. Ernest (2007); two brothers Dominic and Joseph Bolsei; sister Teresa Bolsei. Survivers include daughters Diane (Edward) Warriner of Stafford; Lisa (Christopher) Palmer of SC; Julie (Ronald) Radley of Stafford; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours.  Friends are invited to attend a graveside service 10:30 AM on Friday April 23, 2010 at Stafford Rural Cemetery. Memorials suggested to the family to be distributed to various charities.  

For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Batavia - Mr. Daniel M. “Danny” Pratt, 48, of Batavia, passed away Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute following a courageous battle with leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving family whom he cherished beyond all else.

Danny was born May 13, 1961 in Batavia, a son of Jane Juliano Pratt-Yasses of Batavia and the late Edward Pratt.

He loved to read and listening to music. An avid New York Yankee fan, Danny collected antique toys.

Surviving along with his mother is his step-father Peter Yasses of Batavia; his fiancée Karen Werwinski of Amherst. He found much comfort with her and they planned to marry this spring.

Also surviving are his three children, Ryan (Fiancée Talisha) Pratt, Robert Pratt and Laura Pratt all of Geneva; his many siblings, Gary (Sue) Pratt of Greece, Marty (Ann) Pratt of Batavia, Edward Pratt of Rochester, Debbie (Robert) Torrey of Batavia, Tom (Sandy) Pratt of Batavia, John (Jana) Pratt who is currently stationed in Germany and Mary Pratt-Kirsch of Batavia and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by his brother, Samuel Pratt.

The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Roswell Park for their loving care of Danny.

Friends may call on Saturday from 12 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will follow at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Oakfield – Mrs. Genevieve I. Mikolajczyk, 95, a longtime Oakfield resident, died Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the Heartland Nursing Home in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Mrs. Mikolajczyk was born in Buffalo on February 6, 1915 to the late George and Mary Salat Cupicha.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank Mikolajczyk in 1981, her baby daughter, Mary Joan Mikolajczyk, in 1938 and her loving son-in-law, Richard Bezon.

She is survived by her children, Joan Bezon of Ft. Myers Beach, FL and her son, John (Barbara) Mikolajczyk of Campbell, NY; 4 grandchildren, Rebecca (Jason) Sando, John (Jeanine) Bezon, Julie Mikolajczyk and Joseph ( Megan) Mikolajczyk; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Eleanor (Richard) Latko and Mary Carl; two brothers, George (Joyce) Cupicha and Peter (Corrine) Cupick; many nieces and nephews. 

She was the sister of the late John, Joseph and Andrew Cupicha, Stella Herod and Laura Dembski.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian burial to be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecelia’s Site, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements were completed by Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield. 

Bergen - Mr. James Cooledge, 84, of Bergen, died Thursday, (April 15, 2010)at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mr. Cooledge was born June 28, 1925 in Castile, the son of the late Clarence and Julia (Alcox) Cooledge.

A veteran, he served with the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946. Mr. Cooledge was an electronic technician in the laser lab department at the University of Rochester.

Survivors include a son, Paul (Lillian) Cooledge of Moravia; a daughter, Lynn (Donald) Marshall of Palmyra; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

He is predeceased by his wife, Maryellen Cooledge and his sister, Phyllis Couch.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, N.Y. 14228. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

     Age 91, of Medina, died Monday afternoon April 12, 2010 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born Sept. 12, 1918 in Buffalo, NY daughter of the late William & Catherine (Fishold) Evans, also preceded in death by her nephew William "Bill" Fickel in 2005. She was a Registered Nurse for many years at Children's Hospital in Buffalo where she cared for crippled children. A kindhearted woman who was very giving, she enjoyed horseracing, traveling and the outdoors where she watched deer and geese.

     Surviving are her children Carl Kohl of Lancaster and Carol(Max) Karlstrom of Reno, NV. Her brother-in-law with whom she resided John Fickel; a niece Lisa Fickel of Medina along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

     Visitation will be held Thursday April 15 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020 where prayers will be recited at 11:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 Noon Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's Site). Memorial are suggested to the Oakfield Ambulance Fund and burial will be in Grand View Cemetery.

ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 - FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500 

Mary J. Slupski, 95, of Akron, died Sunday (April 11, 2010) at her residence.

She was born in Buffalo on March 5, 1915 a daughter of the late Anthony and Bertha Piotrowski Wyder. 

She was the wife of the late Joseph Slupski who died in 1953.

Prior to her retirement Mrs. Slupski worked for the former Henns and Kelly's Department Store, Dairy Queen and Buffalo Wire Co. 

Surviving are two daughters: Maryanna Callea of Akron and Connie Kuehlewind of Murtaugh, ID. Two sons: Joseph (Patricia) Slupski of Atlanta, GA and John (Wendy) Slupski of San Antonio, TX. 9 grandchldren and eleven great grandchildren also survive. Three brothers: Stanley (Frances) Wyder of Bason, Richard (Anita) Wyder of Basom and Edward (Joyce) Wyder of Akron. One sister, Victoria Graves of Akron. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was the sister of the late: Steven, Matthew, Frank Wyder and Clara Mrowka. 

Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the

J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home

32 John St., Akron,NY

where services will be Thursday at 9:30 AM followed by interment in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Cheektowaga. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227. 

Expressions of condolence may be made at:www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net of by calling the funeral home at 716-542-4747. 

Funeral services were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME. Ronald P. Konieczny, Director & Veteran.

 Brian J. Gazda, age 47, of Batavia, died suddenly Saturday morning April 10, 2010 as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was born in Buffalo July 2, 1962 to Bernard J. & Cornelia (Krygier) Gazda of Darien Center. Brian worked for over 20 years with the Local #13 Plumbers & Steamfitters Union. He had a great love of the outdoors especially hunting, fishing, boating and riding his motorcycle.

     Surviving along with his parents are siblings Bernard F. (Laura) Gazda of Corfu; Karen (John) Kattato of Lima and Pamela McDivitt of Reston, VA. Nieces and nephews Kelly & Michael Mustillo; Amanda, Allison, Connor Kattato and Evan McDivitt along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. 

     Visitation will be Monday April 12 from 7-9 PM & Tuesday April 13 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15 AM Wed. April 14 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Chrisitian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Corfu. Memorials are suggested to the church and entombment will be in the Morningstar Mausoleum at St. Adalbert's Cemetery in Lancaster.

ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 ~ FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585) 343-7500.

James. A. Kabel, "Red", age 64, of Batavia, formerly of Oakfield, died Wednesday (April 7, 2010) at United Memorial Medical Center after a long courageous battle against cancer.

He was born in Batavia on May 6, 1945 a son of the late Frederick and Marie Marks Kabel.

Mr. Kabel was a self employed carpenter.  He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia and served with the US Reserve Group of Batavia from 1963-1971.  He enjoyed being with his grandchildren, fishing and sitting on his front porch.  He had an immense love for his craftsmanship, building homes and remodeling. 

Surviving is his wife of over 45 years, Donna Schoenemann Kabel whom he married on January 16, 1965.  Two daughters, Marie (Steve) Cone of Stafford and Amy (Kabel) Gautieri of Batavia. Two sons: Frederick "Fritz" (Donna) Kabel and James "J.C." (Kim) Kabel all of Batavia.  Eight grandchildren: Nate and Ryan Kabel, Madison Kabel, Olivia and Kyleigh Kabel, Andrew and Jennifer Wilkes and Justin Finch. Eight sisters, five brothers and  several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Friday (April 9th) from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia where services will be Saturday at 11AM with Rev. Alan Werk of St. Paul Lutheran Church officiating.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the family.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net or by calling the funeral home at 343 - 6158.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.

Ronald P. Konieczny, director & veteran.

Batavia - Miss Betty Scibetta, 85, of Batavia, died Tuesday, (April 6, 2010)at Crossroads House.

Miss Scibetta was born January 22, 1925 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Mary Grace  (Gioia) Scibetta.

Miss Scibetta was a secretary, bookkeeper and optician at Batavia Optical and was a member of St. Anthony's Church. Miss Scibetta was a volunteer at the New York State Veterans Home, LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home and the Red Cross. She was very involved with her family and was a great bowler, having bowled in many leagues at Mancuso Lanes.

Survivors include a brother, Harry (Adeline) Scibetta of Albion; several nieces and nephews, including Mary Grace (Sam) Paradise of Batavia; several great-nieces and great-nephews, including Dan (fiancée Krysty Hayes) Paradise of Batavia and Melinda (Adam) Bloomquist of Alexandria, Virginia.

She is a sister of the late James Scibetta, Mike Scibetta, Sam Scibetta, Peter Scibetta, Mary Mancini, Carrie Messineo and Josephine Odessa.  

Calling hours are Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Ascension Parish - St. Anthony's Church, 122 Liberty Street, Batavia. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.