Obituaries

William R. Metz Sr., 77, passed away peacefully at the Batavia NYS Veterans Home after a long struggle with his health. Born 1944 in Schenectady NY to the late James & Carolyn (Cronin) Metz. Bill is survived by his brother, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces/nephews and (as he would call them) many “grand dogs”.

He grew up on Washington Ave in the city of Batavia where he attended St Joseph’s School & Parish. For a brief, but memorable time, Bill was in the Army 101st. He worked for Snell Signs, Coke, Sylvania, Kodak, Walmart and even dabbled in his own towing & car sales business.

While he may have met his brother Pat (Maglenda) Metz later in life, they had much in common and could talk for hours (which they often did).

Bill loved his grandchildren, music, telling stories of his past, cars, animals, motorcycles, collecting & four wheeling with the guys - which he missed terribly after his health took it away. However, he didn’t let that stop him from always having pleasant words with anyone he came across. He could make everyone smile, laugh & feel special.

Fortunate enough to have experienced two loves during his lifetime, Bill married twice. He was married to Serena (Gautieri) in 1965 for 19 years until she passed in 1984. With her, he had two children. Daughter, Melissa (Michael) Grasso and son, William Metz. Grandchildren Mackenzie (Pat), Meredith & Mason Grasso, Devin, Kyle, & Kaylee Metz, Jason (Andrea), Matt (Lisa) Brown, Donny (Amber) Cotter. Great-grandchildren Gianna, Lucas, Abrianna (Brie). He later married Jean (Ratulowski), also known as Mrs. Pixley and Mrs. P, who passed away in 2015. They were married for 17 years. Through Bill’s marriage to Jean, he gained a second family. Jean's children, James (Mary) Pixley, Shawn (Julie) Pixley, Kimberly (Tim) Shea and grandchildren Patrick & James Pixley and Ryan Shea.

Bill & Jean also had Bill’s Buddy “Chewie” who stayed with him as long as he could. Chewie gave a new meaning to man’s best friend. His loss was hard on Bill.

Bill’s family will be forever grateful for the friends & family that continued to check in on him regularly and are saddened for those that never had the opportunity to know him. He was a man of many stories, stories that will now live on with his family & friends. They would also like to extend a thanks to the staff at the NYS Veterans Home, many went above and beyond to make him as comfortable as could be.

In lieu of flowers, cards and memorials, the family asks that you instead take the time to brighten someone else's day. Call someone you’ve lost track of, mend a grudge you may have, or share a story. Our time together is short, live life with gratitude.

The family will be having a private gathering to share stories and celebrate his life at a later date.

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.

 

 

Timothy A. Pickard “Timpat” was born on June 13, 1993. He passed away in his home on Sunday, December 12, 2021 in Attica, New York. Timpat is the son of Mark A. Pickard (step mother Heather) of Darien Center, New York and the late Janette L. Pickard of Attica/Corfu, New York.

Timpat is also survived by his two sisters Jennifer A. Pickard, and Ashley N. Pickard both of Attica, New York. Step sister Alexis L. Bick (John) of Attica, New York and step brother Cody Wilkerson (Harleigh) of Mt. Morris New York.  Niece’s Brooklyn, Karleigh, Josephine, Aubree and nephew Brantley.  Grandparents Henry (Buzz) and Sharon Cummings of Corfu, New York and the late Leo and Muriel Pickard of Geneva, New York.  Many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and dear friends.

The Memorial Service will be held at the QWL Building 639 Exchange Street, Attica, New York on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 2 o’clock PM to 4 o’clock PM.

*as per required by the state of New York PLEASE wear your mask inside the building*

To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Nellie May Grasso, 83, of Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 6, 2021 at Oak Manor Health Care in Largo, FL. She was born January 5, 1938 in Bergen to late Everette and Elsie (Keidel) Shamp. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Patsy Grasso, brothers, Ronald, Adelbert and William Shamp.  

Mrs. Grasso owned and operated Miss Batavia Diner with her husband Patsy. She was a longtime member of St. Catherine’s Roman Catholic Church of Siena and their woman’s guild. Nellie was also a member of Lion’s Club of Clearwater.  

Mrs. Grasso is survived by sister, Martha Jones, brother Jerry Shamp and step-son Lewis Grasso, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to a Committal Service, 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

Byron - David W. Leaton, Sr., age 93, of Byron, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born on February 20, 1928 in Batavia, a son of the late Alfred and Bertha Squires Leaton.

A member of the Byron Kiwanis Club, he enjoyed woodworking.

He is predeceased by his wife, Bernice E. Farnsworth Leaton who passed away on December 8, 2001.

Surviving are his sons, David W. (Debra) Leaton, Jr. and Daniel (Sandy) Leaton, both of Byron; his granddaughter, best friend and light of his life, Morgan Leaton; grandsons, Andrew (Nikki) Leaton and Jason (Crystal Zastrocky) Leaton; several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his brothers, Harry Leaton and Warren Leaton.

There are no prior visiting hours. Friends are invited to his funeral service on Friday at 10 a.m. at Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main Street, Byron, New York 14422. He will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials in his name may be made to the Byron Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 326, Byron, New York 14422. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Esther (Marks) Kohlhagen passed away on December 12, 2021 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born on April 20, 1930 in Buffalo to the late Charles and Cecilia (Miller) Marks. Along with her parents, Esther is predeceased by her brother; Harold (Elizabeth) Marks.

She is survived by her husband; Kenneth Kohlhagen; sons Kurt (Doreen) Kohlhagen and Mark (Donna) Kohlhagen; 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours, Services and Internment will be held at the convenience of the family.

To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Ann E. Hendershott, 96 of Oakfield, passed away Sunday (December 12, 20221) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

She was born December 23, 1924 in Stafford, NY, a daughter of the late Peter and Lilian Squires Hansen.

From a young age, Ann and her family took pride in their country and patriotism. She had five brothers serve during World War II but two of them would not return home. Her brothers Leslie Hansen and Paul Hansen were awarded the Navy Cross, one of the United States Naval Services highest honors. To this day, her brothers are remembered and honored, having the Marine Corps League in Batavia named after them.

Ann was a collector of various items and enjoyed travelling to flea markets. She loved her family and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Survivors include her daughters, Judy (Terry) Kolb of Oakfield, Donna (Joe) Macaluso of Batavia, Diana Hendershott of Oakfield, Jane Brooks of St. Petersburg, FL and Sally Amend of Oakfield. Brothers, Alan Hansen and Dean Hansen. Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Dennis Hendershott and brothers and sisters.

There will be no prior visitation and a funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

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

 

 

  With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Norma G. Kelver of Strykersville, NY on December 10, 2021 at the age of 94.

Norma was a graduate of Alexander High School. She went on to the Rochester Business Institute where she received her medical secretary certification. She will be remembered for her knitting of hats, mittens and booties to donate to local charities. She was an excellent seamstress and was a 4H leader who taught many local girls how to knit. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society and the Clothes Closet.

Norma was a member of the St. Johns U.C.C. Women’s Guild and was the organists at St. Johns for over 50 years. Later she worked for several years as an aid on the school bus for handicapped children. She always made time for her grandchildren, especially when cards or dominos were involved or sharing her love of music. She was loved and cherished by many from NY to TX. She will be remembered for whit, great sense of humor and for the caring and kindness she showed to everyone she met.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Howard and Marion (Lance) Geer; her husband of 70 years Henry J. Kelver; her siblings Doris (Stuart) Phillips, Norris (Lois A.) Geer and Earl Geer. She is survived by her sister; Phyllis Murphy (Chet Robinson) of Collegeville, PA., and sister in law Ruth M. Geer of Alexander; her sons Richard (Ester) Kelver, David (Sandy) Kelver, Paul (Lenore) Kelver, Robert (Cindy) Kelver and Scott (Tammy) Kelver; 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Saturday December 18, 2021 from 1:00 – 1:30PM at St. John’s United Church of Christ 608 Centerline Rd. Strykersville, NY 14145. A 1:30 Funeral Service will immediately follow at the church. Interment will be at St. John’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. John’s United Church of Christ 608 Centerline Rd. Strykersville, NY 14145. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Medina - Lee Charles Weaver passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving family.  

Lee was born December 23, 1944 in Buffalo, NY.  Throughout his life he lived in Oakfield, Batavia, Middleport, and Medina NY.   He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward (Lillian) Weaver. He is preceded in death by his brothers Edward Weaver and Earl Weaver.  

Lee was the proud owner of L&J Cleaning Service for over 50 years.  He was a hard working man, yet he always had time for those he met.  He had always dreamed of owning his own business and building his own home.  He was able to fulfill both those dreams with the help of his loving and loyal wife and their family.

He is survived by his caring wife Marlene whom he married on Valentine’s Day 1987. They shared many happy years dancing, traveling, and enjoying their life together.  Their strong faith has helped them to find the best in life.  

Lee is the father of Charles (Debbie) Weaver,  Scott (Cathy) Weaver, Tina (Rich) Hagen, Todd Weaver,  Darrin Moreland, and Wade Moreland.  He was a role model to his children.  He selflessly loved them and taught them many life lessons,  

Lee shared a special bond with each of his 21 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren loved spending time with him.  Grandpa or Pa always found a way to make their time together special.  He loved to see them smile and hear their laughter.    

He is also survived by his sisters Barbara (John, deceased) Jaszko and Nancy Dunn and brother Brian (Sherry) Weaver.  Several nieces and nephews and other family members.  

Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia; and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Living Faith World Outreach, 161 S. Platt Street in Albion, where Lee's funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will be in Alabama Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans County:  14080 Rte 31 West, PO Box 489, Albion, NY 14411. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Melody Ann Say, 70 of Oakfield, passed away peacefully on Friday (December 10, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born February 25, 1951 in Batavia, a daughter of Delores (Brajevich) Post and Walter & Amber Williams.

Melody was a very faithful individual and loved spending time with her family, doing crafts with her grandchildren, sewing and crocheting. She collected several dolls and enjoyed watching soap-operas as well as crime shows on television.

She is survived by her son, Samuel (Mandie) Coughlin of Oakfield. Also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several brothers and sisters.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Say. Son, Jerrold W. Coughlin Jr. and 3 brothers, Walter Williams Jr, John Williams, & Richard Post.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life on Monday (December 20^th), 3:00pm at the Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street Rd, Oakfield, NY.

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.

 

 

Thomas M. Adams, 87, of East Bethany passed away on December 1, 2021 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on September 1, 1934 in South Byron to the late Burt and Edna Adams.

Tom worked for 38 years in Maintenance Department at the VA Medical Center in Batavia.

He is survived by his wife; Mary (Sinibaldi) Adams; sons Michael (Noreen) Adams, Daniel (Melissa) Adams and Mark Adams, along with 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours or services.

To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Batavia - Gary Fore, 56 of Batavia passed away on Tuesday, (December 7, 2021) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Fore was born January 27, 1965 in Nurnberg, Germany a  son of the late Richard and Inge (Stark) Fore.

Gary enjoyed fishing along with attending auctions, going to garage sales, flea markets, and car shows.

He is survived by his fiance, Melissa Bowen of Batavia; daugher, Nicole Fore of Buffalo; step-daughers, Whitney (fiance Alex Muckle) Athoe, and Kayleigh (fiance Megan Marciniak) Perez all of Buffalo; step-granddaughter, Zoey Keith; and a brother, John (Joanne Cox) Fore of Batavia.

A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wilmot Cancer Institute, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642 in Gary's memory.

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

Walter R. Dyer, 68, of Bergen, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Unity Hospital.

Walter was born February 13, 1953 in Athol, Massachusetts, a son of the late Arnold and Frances (Begor) Dyer.

Walter was a cook at the Bergen Farm Market.

Surviving are his sister, Deanna Blissett of Holley, brother, Bruce Dyer of Wisconsin, his friends, Patty Baker of Bergen and Jim Hundeley of Spencerport, 14 nieces and nephews, including Harbit (Diana) Hall, Jr., Tenerle Hall, Jesse Hall and Frank Hall and 7 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by his brother, Michael Dyer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023, www.diabetes.org.  

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

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

Digno C. Perez, 90, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at the Gateway House in Attica.

Digno was born February 22,1931 in Humacao, Puerto Rico, a son of the late Liborio and Jauna (Perez) Castro.

Digno enjoyed fishing, boxing and spending time with his family.  He was a New York Yankees fan and will be remembered for being a good cook.

Surviving are his wife, Emily Perez of Batavia; children, Rosita (Adrian) Bernal, Julio Castro, Joseph (Sherry) Perez and Lou (Gina Gossett) Perez; a brother, Jerry (Cuc) Perez; step-sister, Maria (late Daniel) Cintron, six grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his children, Hector Castro and Carmen Castro and his brothers and sisters.

Services for Digno will be held privately for his family at St. Cecelia's Cemetery in Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or online at www.gatewayhomeattica.org.  

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

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

David M. Miller, age 53, passed away at his home in the San Francisco Bay area on November 10, 2021, after a brief illness, with his best friend, Echebbers at his side.

    

David was born May 2, 1968, in Batavia, NY, son of Rosemary (Paladino) Miller and the late David J. Miller.

     In addition to his mother, Rosemary, he is survived by sister, Michelle Miller (Matthew Betzler), brother, Greg (Peggy Forman) Miller, sister, Melissa (Jim) Lytle; grandmother, Victoria Paladino, Uncle, Paul Paladino, nephews, Jesse, Sam, Cody and niece, Emma, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his extended family in California, especially Lexi, Justin, and Donald.

     After graduating from high school in LeRoy, he attended Brockport State College before deciding to move to San Francisco, where he had resided since 1991. In San Francisco, he participated in the 500 mile AIDS Ride for Life and fundraising for the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park and was a caregiver to many.

     David loved his family, friends, and his dog (his rescued pitty, Echeb). He was kind, smart, funny and creative. His talent lives on in his many paintings, drawings and writings. He was also gifted in the kitchen and in decorating (in the house, the garden, or for the holidays). He gave a lot of himself to others and always tried to find the good in people. One of David’s favorite sayings was “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you” (Princess Diana).

     Family and friends may call on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 3 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held at 5 PM.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in his memory, to Rocket Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 460826, San Francisco, CA 94146 or www.rocketdogrescue.org/donate

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

     FACEMASKS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES DURING DAVID'S VISITATION & SERVICE REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS.

     

  William C. Stedman, 66, of Attica passed away on November 30, 2021 at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. He was born on September 9, 1955 in Attica to the late Paul and Dorothy (Coleman) Stedman. In addition to his parents, he is pre-deceased by his brother Gary and his sister Gloria Paine Stedman.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Stedman (Scott Pronesti), of Miami, FL, his sister-in-law, Gloria Stedman Brown of Phoenix, AZ, his brother, Douglas (Roxanne), of Attica, his sister, Laurie (William Wine), of Guilderland, NY and his long-time companion, Lynn Jakubowski of Batavia, NY.   He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews including Katrina Paine Smith (David Schwartz), Terry Paine (Debbie), Suzanne Paine Schauf (Richard), Karyn Paine Carpenter (Martin), Paul J. Stedman (Anne), Mary Stedman Vallone (Ron), Heather Stedman Hojnicki (Michael), Paul D. Stedman (Melinda) and many cousins.

Bill was a proud veteran of the US Air Force.  He worked in mortgage banking and was a branch office manager for HFC in south Florida.  He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1999.  He survived that disease and went on to graduate from Schenectady County Community College with a degree in Computer Science.  He returned to Attica in 2005 and he established a computer repair and web design business, Geeky Geezers.

Bill loved to cook.  He won a chili cooking contest in Florida.  He was a Master Gardener.  He enjoyed teaching 4-H youth as he judged vegetables at the Wyoming County Fair.  He also loved working with the Attica Senior Citizens.

There will be no calling hours. His family expects to hold a celebration of life next summer.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Attica Rescue Squad, 11 Water Street, Attica, New York 14011, or to the Wyoming Co SPCA, 808 Creek Rd, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.