Obituaries

Keith O. Patterson, 67 of Buffalo, formerly of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born December 17, 1954 in Batavia to the late Reubon and Mavis (Griswold) Patterson. He is preceded in death by his sister Lucinda Metcalf.

He is survived by his children, Kurtis (Angela), Kelly, Brett and Aaron (Rebecca) Patterson; 6 grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  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.

Wilma I. Van Wagnen, 91, of Batavia, went home to be with Jesus on November 28, 2021 at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility.

Wilma was born November 29, 1929 in Olean, the daughter of the late Laurence and Bessie (Totten) Armison. 

Growing up on a farm instilled a strong work ethic in Wilma.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia, where she was involved in several ministries at the church.  Wilma was also a member of the ladies auxiliary for the Town of Batavia Fire Department and was a seasonal resident of Winters Mobile Park in Florida.  She enjoyed square dancing, bowling, crafting, baking pies and her gardens. 

Wilma's family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent care that she received while at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility. 

Surviving are her children, David (Esther) Van Wagnen of Fort Myers, FL, Nancy (Raymond) Argulski of Cleveland, NY, Pamela (Raymond) White of Boulder City, NV and Patricia (Richard) Dutton of Batavia, nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. 

Wilma is the wife of the late Robert J. Van Wagnen and sister of the late Maynard Armison.

Family and friends are invited to Wilma's services on July 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Morris Cemetery.  Following the services at the cemetery a reception will be held at the First Baptist Church of Wyoming where all are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or the LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility, attention: activities fund, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482. 

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

Arrangements for Wilma were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Paul Campbell, age 72 of Pavilion, NY, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on June 24th, 2022 after a 5 1/2 year battle with cancer. 

   

  Paul was Born on November 21, 1949, in Malone, NY to parents Emery and Mildred Campbell. He grew up and graduated from school in Williamson, NY. He attended Morrisville and Cornell Universities. Paul was married to the love of his life, Catherine Campbell on September 17, 1994. Paul spent the bulk of his career in the printing industry at Case Hoyt in Chili, NY as an engine mechanic. After leaving Case Hoyt, Paul retired from the Buffalo News-Press. Following retirement from the printing industry, Paul went to truck driving school and went on to help local farmers.

     Paul was a highly decorated Marine and Vietnam Veteran. He was awarded two high honors from the US Marine Corps for his time in Vietnam. He continued to do honorable work with the Veterans Association.  Paul was a proud supporter of Project Healing Waters where he worked with military vets, teaching them to fly fish and tie flies. He also served as a mentor for the Veterans Court in Batavia, NY.

     Paul was an avid community supporter. In addition to his work with the vets, Paul served in many local organizations. He was a long-time member and Pilgrim of the Le Roy Moose Lodge #1132. Paul was the Vice President of the NYS Moose Association. He was a member of the Masons Olive Branch #39, PA Trout Unlimited, Lifetime Member of Oatka Fish & Game Club, the VVA, American Legion, the VFW, and Rushford Lake Conservation Club. For the last 8 years, Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at Rushford Lake Campground.  Paul was very passionate about his hobbies which included: fly fishing, hunting, boating, golfing, sky diving, running 19 marathons, astronomy, and watching FOX news.

     Paul is survived by his wife of 27 1/2 years, Catherine Campbell; father, Emery Campbell of Macedon NY; brothers, Michael Campbell, David Campbell, Roger Campbell; children, Scott (Jeanie) Campbell, Sarah (Rick) Copes of Washington; stepchildren, Jerry (Michelle) Zakrzewski, Connie Zakrzewski; grandchildren, Caitlin Zakrzewski, Nessa (Josh) Weigand, Aiden Campbell, Isabella, Olivia, Chloe and Sammy Copes; one great-grandson, Henry Weigand (on the way); one special dog, Rosalee and many loyal friends. Paul was predeceased by his mother, Mildred Campbell; sisters, Marie Backus and Susan Graham, dog, Scoots, and many brothers of the Marine Corps. Semper Fi. 

     Friends are welcome to join the family for calling hours and the funeral service at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Street Rd, LeRoy, NY 14482 on Wednesday, June 29 from 2 pm-4 pm. The funeral service will immediately follow calling hours at 4 PM.  A celebration of life party will be held at the LeRoy Moose Lodge following the service. All are welcome.  

     A military internment service will be held on Thursday, June 30 at the National Cemetery in Pembroke, NY. Family is welcome to attend. 

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Project Healing Waters at https://projecthealingwaters.org/donate/.

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

Batavia - Shane E. Dann, age 45, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at his home.

He was born on September 22, 1976, in Dansville a son of Sheila M. Wheaton Meyer of Batavia and the late James Meyer who passed away on August 17, 2019.

Shane always kept himself busy. He loved woodworking, fishing at the Sandwash in Batavia and spending time with his family and Pita, his pitbull.

Surviving along with his mother is his daughter, Breanna Peorier of South Carolina; his sisters, Janette (Paul) Cipra of East Bethany, Tanya (Daniel) Campbell of Batavia and Jessica (Joe) Hewitt of Batavia; nieces and nephews, Sage Hopkins, Devin Harmon, Skylar Harmon, Makayla Corkery-Meyer and Jasmine Hewitt; three aunts, an uncle and several cousins.

He is predeceased by his grandmother, Ruth Reckentwald.

There are no prior calling hours. A celebration of Shane's life will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shane's name may be made to GCASA, 430 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Shane's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Darien Center - Carl  E. Doell, 85, of Darien Center passed away on Tuesday (May 17, 2022) at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, New York.

Mr. Doell was born May 16, 1937 in Ilion, NY, a son of the late Gordon and Hazel (Rouse) Doell.
 
Carl was a classic car enthusiast (especially treasuring his '57 Thunderbird), and a faithful attendee of car shows. Carl had a brilliant sense of humor. He was a hardworking family man, a loving husband, devoted father, beloved grandfather and cherished uncle.

He is the husband of Diane (Helwig) Doell of Darien Center. The two were married on August 22, 1964 in Attica and spent nearly 58 years together.

Surviving along with his wife are his son, Carl E. (Barbara Landers) Doell, II of Attica; a grandson, Nick Doell; brothers, Larry Doell of Ontario, and Richard Doell of Batavia. Carl is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Saturday (June, 25, 2022) from 10-11 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Carl's memorial service will immediately follow visitation at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Darien Fire Department (10537 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040) or to Mercy Flight (100 Amherst Villa Road, Buffalo, NY 14225) at https://www.mercyflight.org/support/. Flowers are gratefully declined.

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

Byron - Amy I. Ezard, 59 of Byron, passed away on Tuesday, (June 21, 2022) at her home in Byron.

Mrs. Ezard was born May 28, 1963 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Earl and Eva (Butcher) Armbrewster.

She was a member of the Byron First Presbyterian Church and was a teacher's aide at Byron-Bergen Central School for over 20 years. Amy enjoyed gardening and music. She had a deep love for children and cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving is her husband, Edward J. Ezard, Jr. of Byron; daughters, Heather (Matthew) Esten of Elba, and Elizabeth Ezard of Oakfield; grandchildren, Ava and Avery Esten; brother, Jason (Melissa) Armbrewster of Elba; sister, Lisa Armbrewster of Batavia; mother-in-law, Jane Ezard of Byron; brother-in-law, Ronald (Lara) Ezard of Byron; sister-in-law, Linda (Paul) Eaton of Elba. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Amy is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Edward J. Ezard, Sr.

Family and Friends are invited to attend Amy's memorial service on Tuesday at 11:00 am at Byron First Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main Street in Byron. Burial in Byron Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Byron First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 206, Byron, New York 14422.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Walter P. Tillery Jr., 72, a simple man, who was the definition of a “Carolina Gentleman” was called home the afternoon of Monday, June 20^th, 2022 after an almost two year battle resulting from an untimely stroke. He was born on November 8, 1949 in Aulander, North Carolina to the late Walter P. Tillery Sr. and Jeanette (Derby) Tillery. In addition to his parents, Walter is predeceased by his wife; Patricia (Gullo) Tillery; sister Elaine Williams; nephew Kevin Williams.

Walter was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, nephew, “favorite cousin,” and friend to anyone he knew. Walter was an honest and hard worker who provided and sacrificed for his family like no other, but he also took his time and enjoyed life to the fullest. He relished spending time at the beaches down south, always had a guitar in his hand, and loved performing and singing with everyone, and always included a story with every song about his band “The Shifters” that he lead in his teenage years in North Carolina, enjoyed watching Tarheel Basketball and a was loyal Bills fan. The Light of his life was his wife, Patricia Anne, who had an untimely death at 58. He never let her memory go, and like a true love story, they are now reunited.

He is survived by his sons; Tom Tillery of TN, James Ronald Tillery of Batavia and Marc J. Tillery of Batavia; 6 grandchildren Ashley, Kevin, Braxton, Torrance, Patricia “Patty”, and Nathan; 1 great-grandchild, along with nephew Terry (Melissa) Williams.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 12:00PM to 2:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 2:00PM Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home following visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Pavilion / E. Bethany ~ William A. “Billy” Phillips, age 73, formerly of Hawks Road, passed away Monday morning (June 20, 2022) at the Homestead Nursing Home in Penn Yan.

   

  He was born April 15, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late Arnold and Rose Metzler Phillips.

     Bill will be remembered as a very giving and caring person, who would do anything for anyone.  He had a jolly laugh and enjoyed visiting with people, often telling stories and jokes.  He was a graduate of the Pavilion Central School, an avid hunter and was a co-owner of William A. Phillips & Son in East Bethany.

     He is survived by his son, Bill Jr. and daughter, Lindsey, along with many other family members and friends.

     Family and friends are invited to his Graveside Service to be held on Monday, June 27 at 11:00 AM at the East Bethany Rural Cemetery.

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

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

Bernard A. Twardowski Jr. “Bernie”, 68 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

He was born December 25, 1953 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Bernard and Doris Stringham Twardowski.

Bernard served his country with the U.S. Marines from 1972-1973. He was an employee for Blue Cross Blue Shield, prior to his retirement. He was an avid bowler, golfer and enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his son, Daniel Wixson of Batavia. Siblings, Jeffrey Twardowski of Batavia, Frances (Art) Bowen of Batavia and Michael Twardowski of Brockport. Emily Silfies, whom he cared for all her life as a daughter. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Steve Twardowski, Pat Conway and Doreen Bogue.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (June 22^nd) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY. Private burial will be in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. 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.

 

 

Mary Alice Flagler, 81, of Bergen, NY, passed away on June 17, 2022 at St. Ann’s Care Center in Webster, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Martin and Catherine Jones, her husband, Stephen and her son, Joshua Dickens. Surviving are her sister, Anne Endries (John), niece, Carrie Endries (Paul Morgan), nephew, John Endries II, great niece, Zoe, great nephew, David, and cousins.

Mary Alice completed her Masters in Library Science at the University of Buffalo and worked as a Librarian at the Eastman Kodak Engineering Library and prior to that, the Georgetown University Library. Until retirement, she worked at Agway Farms in Batavia.

The funeral Mass, at St. Brigid’s Church in Bergen, will be at 11 AM on June 24th. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann’s Community Star Fund, 1500 Portland Ave. Rochester, NY 14621 or to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main St. Rd., Batavia, NY, 14020.  

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

Arrangements for Mary Alice were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Batavia - Virginia R. Johnson, age 99, passed away Wednesday afternoon (June 15, 2022) at the Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence. She was born on March 31, 1923, in Burlington, VT, a daughter of the late Leo and Verna Kramer Bray Sr.

  

   Virginia was a devout parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church/Resurrection Parish. She lived her life with kindness and compassion, and her family meant everything to her. Virginia will always be remembered as a very loving and devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and dear friend to many.

     Virginia was employed by Nu-Way and Acme Markets, and later retired from Fay’s Drugs. In her spare time, she loved baking for others and was well known in the area as the "pie lady" for her delicious pies. Her carrot cake and potato salad were also the best! Virginia had an incredible talent for creating intricate crochet pieces, beautiful afghans, and doilies that she took great pleasure in gifting to her loved ones.  She also enjoyed playing bingo, spelling bees, word search puzzles, and especially her scratch-off lottery tickets.

     Virginia will be sadly missed by her daughters, Patricia (John) Thayer of Fabius, NY,  Jean Boldt of Batavia, and Norma (Jack) Smith of Atlanta, GA; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her extended "family" at Brothers of Mercy.

     Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Earl (1971); son, Donald (2011); siblings, Beatrice Rice, Leo Bray Jr., Dorothy Oaks, James Bray Sr. and Clifton Bray; stepbrothers, Duane Nichols and Peter Nichols.

     Virginia's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Brothers of Mercy for the wonderful care and love that was provided to their mother and grandmother.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, June 24, from 11:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020, or Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home, 10570 Bergtold Road, Clarence, NY 14031.

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

Margaret Louise Volino, 85 went to be with the lord on June 16, 2022 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

 

    Margaret was born on May 5, 1937. She was a daughter of the late Lucian and Clara Volino, of Batavia.

     Margaret will be sadly missed by her loving family. She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, playing cards, taking Bubba for car rides and her feisty personality. She enjoyed visiting her family in person and on facetime. Margaret shared her love of nature, by feeding and watching the squirrels and birds outside her window. She shared laughter and coffee with her friends and family at LVG. She enjoyed spending time with her late friend, Betty Clark.

     She is survived by her two sisters, Pearl (Ray) Eley and Joanne Goodman. She was predeceased by her brother, Anthony Volino.

     Margaret’s beloved children include Arthur Smith Jr., Bonny (Tom) Shelby, Pearl (Ray) Moutray and Anthony (Kellie) Smith, along with their fathers: James (Peggy) Sweeney and Arthur (Patty) Smith Sr.

     Her grandchildren include: Sara Smith, Crystal (Matthew) Butler, Erin (Joseph) Graff, Thomas (Jessica) Shelby, Ashley Moutray, Bonny (William) Palmatier, Anthony Smith Jr., and Daniel Smith; eleven great grandchildren include: Nathan, Mason, Eleanor, Francis, Gabrielle, Gianna, Lila, Finnegan, Edward, Riley, and William. She also has several nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 27 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 28 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, NY.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

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

Andrea Adams, age 77, passed away on June 16, 2022 to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born December 3, 1944 in Tonawanda, to the late Andrew M. and Lillian Y. (Kish) Blujus. She graduated from Attica High School and worked for many years at Eastman Kodak and GTE Sylvania in Batavia.

Andrea was gifted with a beautiful voice. She enjoyed singing in her high school chorus. She also sang many solos in her church choir. Andrea would always sing to people even while at the Wyoming County Nursing Home where she resided. Her singing brought joy to many people. She also enjoyed performing ballet recitals in past years.

Andrea is survived by her daughter Kimberly (Linc) Spangler, son Philip Adams, brother Dana (Linda) Blujus, sister Cheryl (John) Goodridge; grandchildren, Tyler Spangler, Lillian and Anabelle Adams, along with several nieces and nephews.

Andrea will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Lighthouse Station, 67 W Buffalo Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. 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.

 

Ethyl I. Sojda, age 84, of Creek Rd, Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 8th, 2022. Ethyl was born in Batavia as the only daughter of the late Vincent N. and Ruth M. Kirch. She was a life-long resident of Alexander, NY.

After graduating from Alexander Central School, she held various jobs until she married her late husband, John F. Sojda, Jr. in 1961 and raised three children. As a dedicated mother she could be seen braving any weather to watch her children’s sporting events. She returned to work in 1977 and held a number of positions with local companies over the following thirty years. In her last role she was a Loose Ends hostess managing the GCC cafeteria where many folks came to enjoy her kind and pleasant personality and her dedicated work ethic.

Though a long-time crocheter, later in life she became a serious quilter and active in the Batavia Museum Quilt Guild. She produced a number of quilts for family and friends that are still enjoyed daily.

For a number of years, she was also a volunteer with All Babies Cherished. It was not uncommon to see her with her knitting material creating baby hats for the regional hospital system. For many years she was an assistant to John Sojda, Jr. in his role as Alexander Town Justice. Part of her charm and grace was how resiliently and quietly she met life’s challenges—both her own and those of others who knew her.

Ethyl is survived by her sons John and Steve (Barb), her daughter Ann, five grandchildren; Lily Whisman, Jacob (Paige), Stephanie (Patrick) Guarino, Michelle (Andrew) James , and Angela (Martin) Pohl, great-grandchildren; Ezekiel Guarino, Emily and Eli James, Alex, and Maria Pohl. She was preceded by her brother Merlin Kirch and has 4 surviving brothers (Ralph, Arnold, Harold, and Myron), and many nieces and nephews.

Mass at St. Mary's in Batavia at 9:30am Saturday June 25th followed by a graveside service at West Bethany Cemetery. Lunch to follow at her home at

9926 Creek Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alexander Rescue Squad PO Box 336 Alexander, NY 14005 or Homecare & Hospice 29 Liberty St. Suite 6 Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011