Obituaries

     Age 78, of Batavia, died Friday morning January 14, 2011 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born May 12, 1932 in Batavia son of the late Martin & Edith (Heale-Conrad) Wright, step-son of the late LaVerne Heale, also preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Turner) Wright, sisters Gladys Wright, Katherine Weiser, brothers Roger & William Heale. Robert was gravely injured at the age of 10 when he was struck by a truck in front of his home. His many years of subsequent back problems did not deter his love for life. He always minimized the daily physical pain he endured. Robert was a retiree of Lapp Insulator in LeRoy and developed many supportive friendships while residing at the Genesee County Nursing Home. He enjoyed painting, singing country songs, fishing and time spent with his children & grandchildren.

     Surviving are his loving daughters Bonnie Wright of Batavia and Diane Smith of LeRoy; sisters Arline (late Ronald) Gillette of Wyoming, Patricia (late Bob) Passage of Alexander, Beverly (Mike) Maniace of Batavia, Lori (Dan) Andrews of Linwood, Karen (Scott) Sheffield of Texas; brothers David (Norma) Heale of Bergen & LaVerne (Gail) Heale of Caledonia; 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, dear friend Joan Turner along with many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

     There is no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a 2:00 PM Celebration of Life Service Saturday January 29, 2011 at City Church in Batavia. Memorials are suggested to the family and burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke. Robert's family would like to extend a thank you to the staff & caregivers at the Genesee County Nursing Home and the City Church.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE 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. 

Batavia - Mrs. Rose J. Salvania, 79, of Batavia, died Monday, (January 17, 2011) at her home while under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

Mrs. Salvania was born April 28, 1931 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Charles and Sarafina (Ianello) Calandra.

Prior to opening Salvania's Restaurant in 1981 with her late husband, Ralph, who died June 3, 1998, Mrs. Salvania was a professional hairdresser for 30 years. While working at the restaurant, she became an expert pie maker. She enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises and she was a member of Ascension Parish - St. Anthony's Church. Mrs. Salvania also enjoyed going to the casino, dancing and being around people.

Survivors include three daughters, Laura Salvania, Roxanne Salvania and Kathleen Coyne, all of Batavia; two sisters, Angeline (Lawrence) Barone of Batavia and Mary Mogavero of Derby; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is a sister of the late Santina Pagano, Carmella Furreggello, Josephine Mogavero, Thomas Calandra, Joseph Calandra and Gloria Fern.

Calling hours are Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. Prayers will be held at the funeral home Friday at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Ascension Parish - St. Anthony's Church, 122 Liberty Street, Batavia. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family, to be distributed to various charities. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Miss Ann Caroline Leitch Dupree, 64, of Batavia, longtime resident of Rochester who ran a candy store at Pfaulder Reactor Systems in Rochester, died Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Miss Dupree was born March 28, 1946 in Rochester, a daughter of Maynard J. (Hope) Dupree of Florida and Harriet J. Cook Dupree of Batavia.

Miss Dupree volunteered her time at Compeer and R.A.P., both for ten years. She enjoyed talking with people and loved Braille car rally's where she finished first overall many times. She will be remembered as a very caring, selfless person who always thought of others first and loved her nieces dearly.

Surviving along with her parents are her brother, Richard Dupree of Batavia; her sister, Darlene A. (Alan) Rhodes of Oakfield and five nieces.

She is the sister of the late Thomas Dupree.

Friends may call on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. 

Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Robert E. Stevens, Sr., 91, of Batavia, a Director of Human Services at V.A. Medical Center in Batavia until his retirement in 1978 after 32 years of service, died Monday, January 17, 2011at New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia.

Batavia - Mr. LeRoy G. Seekins, 95, of Batavia, carpenter at the New York State School for the Blind for 23 years until his retirement in 1975, died Monday, January 17, 2011 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Seekins was born June 28, 1915 in Batavia, a son of the late LeRoy R. and Elizabeth Gilliatt Seekins.

A member of St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia, Mr. Seekins was an advisor for the former Troop #1 Boy Scouts through the church.

A member of the Batavia Lions Club since 1948, Mr. Seekins held the offices of Club President, Zone Chairman and served as Deputy District Governor from 1959-1960. He also served as the Blind Activities Chairman at both the local and state level where he traveled promoting blind activities, especially at the New York State School for the Blind. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Loyal Order of the Moose and the Masons.

Mr. Seekins was a meat cutter for 21 years for several local markets in Batavia and ran Reinhardt's Market. He was a gifted cabinet maker who also enjoyed making wind chimes.

He is predeceased by his wives, Marian J. Vile Seekins in 1988 and Sarah R. Page Seekins in 2004.

Survivors include a son, Rev. Donald L. (Yvonne) Seekins of Marion, Virginia; a daughter, Donna (Eli) Kauffman of Batavia; eight grandchildren, Garnet John (Denise) Wood of Buffalo, Margaret Ann (Robert) Smith of Mooresville, North Carolina, J. Andrew Wood of Phoenix, Arizona, William Edward (Diane) Wood of Springville, Michael Alan (Stephany) Seekins of Lakeland, Florida, Donald L. (Michelle) Seekins of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jaime Lee (Carl) Catlin of Cazenovia and Benjamin D. Seekins of Marion, Virginia; several great-grandchildren; a niece, Jean (Dave) Harms of Batavia; a nephew, Wayne (Helen) Robbins of Mesa, Arizona and three dear friends, Florence Speed of Batavia, Marjorie Henry of Williamsville and Dorothy Metzler of Batavia.

He is the brother of the late Harry A. Seekins.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where members of the Batavia Lions Club will meet a t6 p.m. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tower of Faith Fund @ St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the Lions Club Scholarship Fund c/o Lions Club of Batavia, P.O. Box 456, Batavia, New York 14021. 

Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bryan Joseph Oczkowski, 44, of Basom, died Thursday (January 13, 2011) in a single vehicle accident in the town of Newstead while traveling to work.

He was born in Utica, NY on July 30, 1966, a son of Joseph T. Oczkowski of Utica, NY and the late Janet Gagnon Oczkowski.

Bryan was a thermal printer for International Imaging in Amherst, NY.  He loved riding his motorcycle and was a mechanically inclined person. There was not anything that he could not repair.

Surviving besides his father is his wife of 18 years, Frances Ingersoll Oczkowski of Basom.  His children, Alexis Oczkowski and Ian Oczkowski both at home.  Two brothers, Paul (Karen) Oczkowski of Coldbrook, NY and Joseph H. (Aimee) Oczkowski of Woodstock, GA.  A sister, Joann (Mark) Spina of Deerfield, NY.  His mother in law, Carolyn Ingersoll of Basom.  A sister in law, Dorothy Ingersoll of Mich.  His brother in law, Gary Ingersoll of Lockport.  Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Friends may call Wednesday from 10AM to 11AM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. where services will follow.

Memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various charities.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA,  RONALD P. KONIECZNY DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Geraldine Kasmarek, 68, of Batavia died Monday (January 17, 2011) at her residence after a lengthy illness while under hospice care.

She was born in Batavia on May 20, 1942, a daughter of the late Irving Fryer and Florence Lee Fryer of Batavia.

Mrs. Kasmarek was dedicated to her family and loved helping others.  She was an avid shopper, not only for herself but for friends as well.

Surviving besides her mother is her husband of over 46 years, Anthony "Tony" Kasmarek, whom she married on July 4, 1964.  Three daughters, Pamela (Anu) Atwel of Rochester, Wendy Shako of Batavia and Missy (Jay) Aquino of Batavia.  Her son, Anthony Jr. " A.J." Melissa Kasmarek of Stafford.  Six grandchildren, Savanna Atwel, Nicole Kasmarek, Ally Aquino, Jacob., Kelsey and Andrew Kasmarek.  A great grandson, Sonny Kasmarek.  A sister, Sandra (Nick) DellaPenna of Batavia.  Three brothers, James (Carol Ann Cinquino) Fryer of Batavia, Robert (Elizabeth) Fryer of Batavia and David (Sue) Fryer of Batavia.  A sister in law, Peggy  Fryer of Batavia.

She was the sister of the late Gloria Dilcher and Irving Fryer Jr.

Friends and family may call Thursday from 4 - 8 PM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA where prayers will be Friday at 8:45AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM at Resurection Parish (St. Joseph Church).  Entombment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum.

Those desiring may make memorials to Homecare and Hospice, 550 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Expressions of condolence may bae made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arragnements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Evelyn Hanel, 72, of Pratt Rd., Batavia died Sunday (January 16, 2011) at her residence after a lengthy illness while under hospice care.

She was born in Buffalo on January 14, 1939, a daughter of the late Allan and Florence Kieser Luce.

Mrs. Hanel was an excellent flower and vegetable gardener and was an outstanding cook.  She enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving is her husband of over 51 years, George Hanel whom she married on September 26, 1959.  Three sons, Daivd (Sue) Hanel of MO, Karl (Dawn) Hanel of Corfu and Mark (Tracy) Hanel of Bergen.  Her daughter, Maureen Smith of Batavia. Eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.  Two brothers, Richard (Mary Ann) Luce of Corfu and Kenneth (Patricia) Luce of Cape Vincent, NY.  Three sisters, Florence "Jackie" (Gordon) Humel of Goodlestville, TN, Sandra (Ralph) Richley of Bloomfield, NY and Geraldine "Gerry" Henry of Warsaw, NY.  A special aunt, Ruth Luce of Batavia. 

Friends and family may call on Wednesday from 4 - 8 PM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA where services will be Thursday at 10:30 AM with Rev. Robert Dean officiating.

Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery.

Expressions of Condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Gertrude G. Witzigman, 105, of Batavia, formerly of LeRoy, died Monday (January 17, 2011) at Genesee County Nursing Home after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late Edward and Mary Jane Roach Laufer.  Her husband, Emmett T. Witzigman died in 1986.

Surviving is a daughter, Daiane Wendorf of Mt. Carmel, PA and a grand daughter Maureen Ann Kelley of Allen Park, Mich.

Services will be in Florida at a time to be announced.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN

 Elba - Mr. Albert E. Hough, 53, of Elba, ironworker for Ironworkers Local 33 in Rochester for 20 years, died Monday, January 17, 2011at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.

Elba - Mrs. Velma Rose Benton, 100, formerly of Elba, died Monday, January 17, 2011 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home a day after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Mrs. Benton was born January 16, 1911 in Albion, the daughter of the late William and Jennie (Groves) Shephard.

She retired from the Elba Central School where she was employed as a registered nurse. She belonged to the Elba Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Genesee County Retired Teacher’s Association. After her graduation from Elba Central School, Mrs. Benton attended Rochester Business Institute for two years and then entered Rochester General Hospital’s School of Nursing.

Her husband, the late Leicester H. Benton died in 1992. Mrs. Benton was the mother of the late Patricia Grower, great grandmother of the late Matthew Saile and Ryan Gough and sister of the late Lelia Foss, Alpha Shephard, Mildred Rowlciffe and Marion Taber.

Survivors include two sons; L. William (Kay) Benton and John (Linda) Benton, both of Batavia; one daughter: Mary Ellen (Donald) Ames of Elba and a son-in-law, Donald Grower of Elba. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H. E. Turner & Co Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. Batavia. Services will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Elba. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 N. Main St., Elba, NY 14058 or the Activities Fund of the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson St. LeRoy, NY 14482. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Rose Pontillo Minuto, 93, of Batavia, died Tuesday (January 11, 2011) at Genesee County Nursing Home.

She was born in Batavia on February 8, 1917, a daughter of the late Michael and Phillipa  (Fannie) Condello Pontillo. Her husband, Thomas Vincent Minuto Sr., died on November 28, 1996.

Mrs. Minuto was a member of St. Anthony's Church and retired from Batavia Downs where she worked the concession stands for many years.  Her love was knitting hats to give to others and baking, especially at Christmas time.  She was known as the "cookie lady" to many of her friends.  For many years she was a short order cook at the former Checkerboard Restaurant in Batavia and was an avid crossword puzzle solver and Court TV viewer.

Surviving is her daughter and son in law, Patricia and Pasquale Cesarano of Batavia.  A son and daughter in law, Michael and Mary Ellen (Gorecki)  Minuto of Rochester.  Grandchildren: Joseph (Wendy) Cesarano, Thomas (Amy) Cesarano, Patrick Cesarano, Robby (Debbie) Cesarano, Michael (Denise) Cesarano, Dean Minuto and Jody (Michael) Carry.  Eleven great grandchildren, two great, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Sister of Jennie Dispenza of Batavia and Florence Pontillo of Batavia.

She is the mother of the late Thomas Vincent Minuto Jr., who died in July of 2002 and sister of the late Vincent and Frank Pontillo.

Friends may call from 4 - 7PM on Friday at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA where prayers will be Saturday at 8:45AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30AM at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Church).

Entombment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Alexander - Mr. Donald F. Koch, age 58, of Alexander, truck driver for Angelica Textile Services in Batavia and TW Metals in Rochester, died Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Koch was born March 25, 1952 in Batavia, a son of Elon and Leona Ewert Koch of Batavia.

An avid fisherman, Mr. Koch also enjoyed camping, hunting and woodworking and was a fan of the New York Yankees.

Surviving along with his parents are his wife of 34 years, Rose Purvee Koch; his children, Amy (Bob) Koch of Alexander, Jake (Sarra) Koch of Alexander, Angela Koch of Batavia and Amanda (Marques Wright) Koch of Alexander; two brothers, Ron (Ruth) Koch of Stafford and John Koch of Alexander; a sister, Sandy (Chuck Curry) Koch of Nunda; 10 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. A reception will follow calling hours at 5 p.m. at the Alexander Fire Department Recreation Hall, 10708 Route 98, Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Mrs. Viola Mae Lyons, 97, of Batavia, a line worker at Snyder’s in Albion, died Monday, January 10, 2011at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Lyons was born April 5, 1913 in Albion, a daughter of the late Clement and Ida Allis.

Batavia - Mrs. Mary I. Tatarka, 88, of Batavia, died Sunday, (January 9, 2011) at her home.

Mrs. Tatarka was born September 29, 1922 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Joseph and Rosina Davi.

Mrs. Tatarka was an inspector at Doehler Jarvis and a member of Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph’s Church. She enjoyed playing bingo, taking trips to the casino and spending time with her friends.

Survivors include a son, John J. Tatarka Jr. of Batavia; two step-daughters, Connie (Ron) Matla of Fairport and Barbara Schlossel of Lockport; a brother, Phillip (Arlene) Davi of Ocala, Florida; a sister, Louise Hinton of California; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Her husband, John J. Tatarka Sr. died January 5, 1993. She is also predeceased by her brothers and sisters.

There are no prior calling hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. Memorials may be made to the family. 

Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements were completed by the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home of Batavia, (585) 343-5673.