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Obituaries

Anne Marie Kasmer

By T.J. Woodward
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Anne Marie Kasmer, 88, of Elba, passed away on October 6, 2023 at Elderwood of Lakeside in Brockport. She was born on March 3, 1935 in Cognac, France to the late Camille and Ferande Cibrot. In addition to her parents, Anne Marie is predeceased by her son; Mark Vidaurre; brother  Jean Cibrot of France and sister Francine Stevens.  

Anne Marie Kasmer was born in the small French village of Cognac and grew up in France during World War II. She completed her schooling and earned an apprenticeship in hair styling. In her mid-twenties, she left France and came to America. Anne Marie was a hard worker who taught herself to speak English and obtained her US citizenship as soon as possible. 

Raising her family was her number one priority and keeping a neat and tidy house was her way of showing that she cared. Anne Marie loved spending time around children and her grandchildren. In the early 1980s to the 1990s, she taught others how to speak French. She was a gifted and talented French teacher at Oakfield Alabama CSD and also taught at Batavia Notre Dame High School. She would also visit her children’s classrooms, share her knowledge about France, and often bring her signature French dessert, “Une Pomme de Flan,” to share. Anne Marie also was a classroom aide for Genesee Valley BOCES Preschool class before she retired. After retiring, she focused on gardening. Anne Marie was well known for her beautiful rose gardens, and many friends and relatives were blessed by the bouquets she would share with them. 

When she wasn’t gardening or cleaning, she was often found laughing and talking with friends. Anne Marie loved to talk about France, her experience of growing up during the war, and her family. She had a laugh that would brighten any room and loved being around people. She will be greatly missed by those who loved and cared for her. 

She is survived by her daughters; Elizabeth Charters of VA., Nicole (David) Kresock of Elba, Chantal (Anthony) Zambito of Elba; 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately. Mrs. Kasmer will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. 

To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Wayne E. Frens, "Worm"

By Joshua Smith
Wayne E. Frens

Wayne E. Frens, "Worm", 84, of East Pembroke, passed away on October 6, 2023 in Batavia, NY.

Wayne was born February 5, 1939 in Batavia, a son of the late Oria and Helmi (Boettcher) Frens.

Wayne was a proud member and past president of the Sportsmens Coon Hunters Association of Pembroke.  He was an avid fisherman, a diesel mechanic at Boyles Motor Sales in Batavia and loved his dogs dearly. He spent many years with his wife, Janet, traveling campgrounds together with their mopeds and enjoying time in nature. A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, he was known to watch every game, and proudly wear his fan gear on game day.

Surviving are his wife, Janet Frens; daughters, Martha (Robert) Conover of Dayton, Ohio, Rhonda (Brian) Hickey of Byron and Valarie (fiancé Chester Deyo) Singleton of North Tonawanda; grandchildren, Erica Hickey, Jenica Hickey and Brayden Hickey and Vincent J. Mullen, Tiffany Stone and Ashley Stone, all of Batavia and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his brothers, Clair Frens and Orrie “Corky” Frens.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately for his family.  Wayne will be laid to rest in East Pembroke Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 207 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/support-us or to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.  

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

Virginia Elizabeth “Ginnie” Skelton

By Joshua Smith
Skelton

Virginia Elizabeth “Ginnie” Skelton, 88 of Batavia passed away on September 14th at Crossroads House in Batavia surrounded by the love of her family.

Virginia was born in Varick, New York on November 4, 1934, the daughter of the late Kenneth L. and Esther E. (Landis) Jennings.

Virginia spent her early childhood in Varick and the surrounding area until her father took a transfer as a corrections officer from Auburn to Attica. She graduated from Attica High School in 1952, and from Brockport State Teachers College, part of the SUNY system, in 1956. Virginia began teaching in Corfu, New York during the 1956-1957 school year. A New Year’s Eve party in December 1956 introduced her to Ken; they were married in April 1957; lived in Batavia, Elba, and Oakfield and settled in the Town of Batavia to raise their children. Virginia taught full time until their fourth child was born in 1963 and restarted her teaching career as a substitute in Oakfield-Alabama, Elba, and Pembroke schools after their sixth child began school in 1973. In 1990, she and Ken moved to Chiefland, Florida where she worked a few years as an administrative assistant at their son’s farm, Levy County Dairy. They lived in Chiefland for nearly thirty years before moving back to New York in 2019 when Virginia lived at the Manor House in Batavia and Evergreen Place in Brockport before the Crossroads House. Virginia’s hobbies over the years included league bowling in Batavia and Chiefland, including an episode on “Strikes, Spares and Misses;” sewing mostly clothes for her daughters and a variety of Halloween costumes over many years, knitting and crocheting countless comforters, afghans, and baby blankets; and frequent coffee clutches with friends. Virginia took pride in hosting and cooking for holiday meals and reunions with extended family.

Survivors include her children Raymond of Williamston, Michigan, Ronald (Carolyn) of Williston, Florida, Leanne (Marlene) of Denver, North Carolina, Lynette (Paul) of Batavia, Jeffrey (Teresa) of Millstone Township, New Jersey, and Paul of Cranford, New Jersey; twelve grandchildren Mackenzie (Kyle) Skelton, Yvonne (Dustin) Skelton-Jones, Jennifer (Tanmay) Skelton, Andrew, Erica, and Stephanie Esten, Kenneth, Timothy, Christopher and Ella Skelton, and Joshua and Daniel Skelton; great-grandson Liam Esten and great-granddaughter Kamryn Esten; her sister Shirley Jennings and sister-in-law Susan Jennings, both of Attica, New York, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth D. Skelton in 2019, daughter-in-law, Angela of Cranford, New Jersey, brothers Donald and Kenneth, and sister Sharron Lapp.

Family and friends are invited to call on October 13, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Virginia's Memorial Service will immediately follow visitation at the funeral home. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Judith E. Fedele

By Joshua Smith
Fedele

Bergen - Judith E. Fedele, 77 of Bergen, passed away on Saturday, (October 7, 2023) at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Facility in Rochester.

Mrs. Fedele was born October 10, 1945 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Carl and Gertrude (Benwitz) Volkmuth.

Judith was a member of the Triangle Club in Bergen and enjoyed working word search puzzles. She loved being outside, flowers, and going to amusement parks. Most of all, Mrs. Fedele cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandson.

Judith is the wife of the late Robert P. Fedele who passed away April 1, 2022.

Surviving are her children, Theresa (Shawn Nowatchik) Snyder, Carl Fedele, and Paul Fedele; grandchildren, Sidney (Kyle) Sickles, Adysen Birge, and JP Fedele; great-grandson, Fletcher Sickles; brothers, David (Sue) Volkmuth, and John (late MaryLou) Volkmuth; sisters, Sharon (Bob) Harster, and Beverly (Kenny) Kedzierski. Multiple nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, (October 12, 2023)  from 4 to 8:00 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue in Bergen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hildebrandt Hospice, c/o Rochester Regional Health Foundations, 330 Monroe Avenue, Suite 400, Rochester, NY  14607.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Joan Rose Penvose

By T.J. Woodward
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Joan Rose Penvose, 76 of Middleport, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia. She was born in Buffalo, May 2, 1947 to the late Joseph and Lorrene (Harris) Schreier. She is preceded in death by grandson Tommy Manzella. 

Joan graduated from Kensington High School. She worked as a florist for many years. Joan loved her Rosie. She had a green thumb, crafts with her friends, enjoyed camping and being outdoors. Joan loved spending time with her family. 

She is survived by her beloved children, Janet (Dean) LaLone, Vince (Lori), Frank (Libby) and Tony (Diane) Manzella, grandchildren, Edward, Patrick, Andrew, Brittany, Chase, Austin, Sidney and Colton; 9 great-grandchildren, sister, Patricia (Mike) Kinney, along with nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Carmen John Copani

By Lisa Ace
Carmen John Copani

Carmen John Copani, 85, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away October 3, 2023 at Winter Haven Hospital Winter Haven, Florida. He was born on April 8, 1938 in Batavia, New York to Samuel and Mary (Aquino) Copani. Carmen was a retired Engineer in the Water Plant Industry. Carm (Papa) was an avid bowler, golfer, outdoorsman, Buffalo Bills fan, and loved spending time with family and friends. He was known for his handyman skills, helping others in the Batavia/Winter Haven communities. He was a coach and a mentor to girls' softball and boys' baseball teams. Carm was also a master storyteller, quick with a joke and befriended everyone he met. Throughout his 85 years, he impacted the lives of numerous people. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Carmen also served honorably in the United States Navy on the USS Wasp Air force Carrier from 1956-1961 as an E3.
He volunteered to be a part of the Air Rescue Team as a Pilot/Recovery Swimmer.

Carmen is survived by: his wife of 62 years Sandra. 2 daughters; Marygrace (Doug) Glotfelty of Mansfield, Texas and Virginia (Jerry) Lovelace of Lake Alfred, Florida; son Michael (Janet) Copani of Byron, New York. 9 grandchildren, Kristi Copani, Jacklyn (Tyler) Seger, Brandi (James) Wentworth, Clayton Lovelace, Jacob (Alicia Bowen) Lovelace, Lauren Glotfelty, Joshua Glotfelty, Connor Copani, and Samantha Copani. 7 great grandchildren; Corby, Kyri, Ryker, Lilliana, Colt, Elijah, and Carmen. He also leaves to cherish his memory, brother Jack (Carol) Copani, sister Grace (Jim) Deni and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, sisters, Josephine, Mary, Nicola, and Sandy.

The family will receive friends at Steele's Family Funeral Services on October 11, 2023 from 3:00PM - 4:00PM Memorial services will be at 4PM with Pastor Richard Hanley (Pastor Murphy) officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital.

Celebration of life will be scheduled in Batavia, New York at a later date.

Thank you for your support.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carmen Copani, please visit Tribute Store

Robert G. Brady

By Lisa Ace
Robert G. Brady

Robert G. Brady
Corfu - Bob (Robert) Brady, age 87, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023, at home surrounded by family and friends as wished.  He was born in Akron, NY, July 12, 1936, to Robert & Maybelle Brady.  
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Barbara J. Brady, who passed away on October 20, 2019; Sister Mary (Bill) Knowlton and Brother-in Law Charles (Betty) Mittlestadt.

Bob and Barb are survived by their three children, Maureen (Craig) Tiede of Pembroke, NY, Laurie (Wade) Schwab of Alexander, NY, and David (Fawn) Brady or Perrysburg, OH. Blessed with 9 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.  Also survived by his sister, Annette (Frank) Pfalzer; Sister-in law Carol (Richard) Drum, along with several nieces and nephews.
Bob was a loving, supportive husband, father and grandfather.  Finally united with the love of his life and his travel partner Barb. They enjoyed traveling the United States in the RV and experienced many Overseas Trips. He was a military veteran in the United States Army and provided for his family as a machinist for many years.

There will be no calling hours. Burial with full military honors will be held in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu,  at the convenience of the family. 

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. Corfu, New York.

Edward J. Rider

By LaVern Falcone

Batavia ~ Edward J. Rider, age 68, of James Street, passed away early Saturday morning (October 7, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center in the loving presence of his family.

     He was born February 10, 1955 in Batavia, a son of the late John and Phyllis Scott Rider.

     Ed will be remembered for his love of family and he just adored his grandchildren. He loved to scuba dive and travel. Ed was also a very active supporter of the Batavia Recovery Community.

     He will be sadly missed by his children, Jason Rider, Justin Rider, Jared (Meghan) Rider and Jaime (Sean Wood) Rider-Lee; his cherished grandchildren, Kailyn Lee and Darik Wood; his brothers, David (Debbie) Rider and Thomas (Pam) Rider; niece, Katie (Shannon) Whaley; nephews, Danny (Erin) Rider, Nathan Rider, Micah Pastore and Timothy Pastore, along with many dear friends.

     At Ed’s request, there will be no visitation or services. 

     Contributions in memory of Ed can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105-9959 www.stjude.org 

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

David Gilhooly

By Joshua Smith
Gilhooly

Batavia - David Gilhooly, 63 of Batavia passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

David was born Wednesday, November 18th, 1959 in Batavia, New York a son of George and Carol (Moore) Gilhooly.

He retired from Baskin livestock, where he started in Jan 10, 2005. He was always a hardworking man who enjoyed farming and spent his free time with his children and grandchildren.

David will be remembered by his daughters, Amanda Anderson of North Carolina and Angie Nylund of Texas; mother; Carol Gilhooly; three grandchildren, Mackenzie, Wyatt and Izzabella; brother, Randy Gilhooly of Alexander; two sisters, Sharon Gilhooly of Chili and Tina Gilhooly of Batavia; and many nieces. Dave was proceeded in death by his father George Gilhooly.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia. There will be a celebration of life ceremony at West Bethany Baptist Church on Friday October 13 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in David's memory to, Homecare & Hospice, 550 E Main St, Batavia, NY 14020 or the West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 W Bethany Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054.

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

James (Jim) Kenneth Carey

By Lisa Ace
James Carey


James (Jim) Kenneth Carey was born in Bath, NY on April 29, 1938 to Ken and Thelma Carey. James has lived in Vermont, New York, and Arizona. He married Ellen Klotzbach on December 12, 1959, and they were blessed by the Lord to spend 63 wonderful years together.

James graduated from Clarence High School and continued his education at Alfred State Tech. He and Ellen operated a Dairy Farm on Gorton Road, in Basom, NY for forty years before moving to Sun City, Arizona, in 2000.

James graduated to glory on September 20, 2023 with the name of Jesus on his lips and his wife, Ellen holding his hands. He was 85 years old. James was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Ellen, his sister JoAnne (Marvin) Meiser, his brother, Lawrence (Bea) Carey, and his sister, Linda Carey.

Also survived by his three children, Deborah (Scott) Thurber, Lisa (Kevin) Mayer, and James Brendan (Heidi) Carey. James leaves eight grandchildren: Andrew, Matthew, Nathanael, Rachel, Timothy, James, Amy and Colin; and ten great grandchildren, Jude, Caleb, Ann, Ezekiel, Scott, Luke, John, Benjamin, Rebekah, and Josie.

James is also survived by four sisters-in-laws and one brother-in-law, Jeanne Klotzbach, Eleanor Kreutter, Jean Rudolph, and Kathryn and Roger Thurber, and many loving nieces and nephews.

James loved and cherished his whole family, spent his life entertaining them with his many stories. He will be missed by family and many friends, until that great reunion in the sky! Jim was in love with his wife, Ellen and his most cherished relationship was with Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior, whom he told many people about.

A Memorial Service will be held at Victory Full Gospel Church, Akron Road, Akron, NY on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM
 

Glenn Irving Dembowski

By T.J. Woodward
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On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Glenn Irving Dembowski, beloved father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 89, joining his loving wife, May "Toady" Dembowski, who passed away in July 2022.

Glenn was born July 22, 1934, and raised in Attica, NY, the youngest of 6 children.  He met May (Toady), his future wife, in the fourth grade at Alexander School. Graduating in 1952, they were married in 1958 and celebrated their 64th anniversary in March 2022. They enjoyed sitting on the porch together drinking their coffee and bird watching. 

Glenn received his Agricultural Engineering degree from Morrisville College where he played baseball. He served in the US Army overseas in Germany from 1955 to 1957. Working in and around the stone quarries for most of his career, he went to work for Genesee Explosives in Rochester, NY, blasting and  servicing explosives and ended up at the Dolomite Products quarries as their in-house blaster for many years, until retirement. 

A member of the Dale Baptist Church in Dale, NY, Glenn was hardworking, devoted, athletic, and sociable. His hobbies included gardening, cooking, canning a variety of foods, playing cards and working in the woods. He also enjoyed going out to breakfast and men’s Bible study.

Glenn will be remembered by his son Gregory (Laurie) Dembowski, daughter Aurora (Tim) Whiting; and his granddaughters: Allison (Kris) Hamann, Anna (Kevin) Lotz, and April Whiting (Jacob Patterson); also including Mary Ann (Ron) Saeva and Shirley (Mike) Wagner, who became part of the family early on. He is also survived by his sisters Irene Arrington and Jean Coomber, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins. 

Calling hours will be Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 11:00AM - 1:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 1:00PM Memorial Service will follow at the Funeral Home, followed by interment at the Dale Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dale Baptist Church or the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Doris Mae Richenberg

By T.J. Woodward
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Doris Mae Richenberg, age 87, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida. She was born in Batavia, NY on October 25, 1935, to Edith and James Donohue. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard E Richenberg, age 81, who died on February 20, 2017 surrounded by family in Naples FL., her parents, and both of her brothers. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richenberg are survived by her children, three sons and two daughters. Her sons, Tim (Natalie) of Williamstown, NY, Ron (Sue) of Stafford, NY, Gary (Carla) of Louisville, KY and daughters Susan (Eliot) of Ames, IA, and Rebecca (Tony) of Naples, FL. She was blessed with many grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Philip & Gianna of Florida, Molly & Reese of Ohio & Iowa, Abigail (Justin) of Michigan, Jake (Katie) of Kentucky, Adam (Elisa) of Indiana & Chris (Heidi) of Montana, John (Chantel), Katelyn (Doug) & Michelle (Jared), Robert, David (Caleigh), Chris & Rachel (Jack) all of New York. Great Grandchildren include Zach, Henry, Ada, Emmeline, Betty, Sophia & Olivia Doris. In addition, she is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Karen Baxter, and Juanita Richenberg. 

Doris was a loving and supportive mother. Whether it was watching cross country running, motor cross racing, basketball, volleyball, or softball, she was the steady fan in the crowd. She also loved to volunteer and serve. She led Scout troops, both Boys and Girls, delivered meals on wheels with Aunt Rae, stocked shelves at the local food pantry, collected baked goods for the parish lawn fete, organized St Joseph’s annual Popcorn Ball, deliver communion to the sick & homebound and donated countless gallons of blood. She loved to give of herself for the benefit of others. She will be remembered for making her delicious chocolate crinkle cookies, frosted brownies, homemade sweet rolls, and dirt cake. She will live on through our memories and stories. 

Dick’s families are throughout the country and he managed to stay in touch with all of them as he was very tech savvy. Whether texting, emailing or face-timing Dad was always in touch, usually from his desk by the window. Dick was a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester NY with a BS In Mechanical Engineering. He had a 41 year career at Graham Manufacturing Co in Batavia NY as a Vice President. Travelling to England, Germany, Spain & Brazil, Dick was loved by all he encountered. “Wichard” will be missed by everyone he touched in life.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday October 29, 2023 from 10:30AM-12:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. A 12:00PM Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. 
 

Memorials can be made to Avow Hospice in Naples, FL, or Meals on Wheels America. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Arthur C. Koert

By T.J. Woodward
koert obit

Arthur C. Koert, 84, of Batavia, passed away on October 3, 2023. He was born in Batavia on June 29, 1939 to the late Russell and Ruth (Keidel) Koert. In addition to his parents, Arthur is predeceased by his siblings; Russell Koert, Sylvia Cecere, Nancy Ameigh and Kathy Trader.

 He is survived by his wife of 43 years; Shirley (Toye) Koert; daughters Joanne Koert, Pamela (Sal) Costa and Renay (Gregg) Stone; grandchildren Jasmine (Chris) Billman, Andrew (Brandi), Ethan and Tia Stone; great-grandchildren Samantha and Annabella Billman, Kaydence Denea and Scarlett Stone; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Art was a lifelong tinkerer.  He loved to figure out how things worked, and if something was broken he would fix it.  He was a great handyman and mechanic and had the skills to fix anything. He turned his love into a successful career as a mechanic.  He owned Art's Auto, and for the last 15 years prior to retirement worked as a mechanic for UPS. In his spare time, Art would pilot small airplanes, boats, and snowmobiles. If it had an engine Art wanted to fly, drive or sail it. Art loved to vacation with his wife Shirley, including traveling around the country in their motor home. Art loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved playing with his grandchildren. At family events, he could often be found at the kids table.  He was a prankster and had a great sense of humor. At family events Art acted as the event photographer, he would always be taking pictures or videos of the gathering.  He was a loving, caring, man and we are all blessed to have had Art in our lives and we will miss him every day.

 There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Monday October 9. 2023 at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. 

 Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

John H. Mikolajczyk

By Lisa Ace
John H. Mikolajczyk

John H. Mikolajczyk passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Batavia on July 8, 1942, he was the son of Frank and Genevieve (Cupicha) Mikolajczyk. He was a member of the 1960 graduating class of Oakfield-Alabama Central School. He proudly served in the US Navy and returned to Western New York where he met and married Barbara Bencal.

John and Barb built a house in Elba and lived there with their two children, Joe and Julie. He began working in the Purchasing Department at Graham Manufacturing in 1978 and remained employed there until his retirement in 2004. He became an active Boy Scout Troop Leader (Troop 17) and especially enjoyed the adventurous trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was elected to the Elba Central School Board where he served several terms while his children were in high school. John and Barb sold the house in Elba in 2002 and after a short time in Dansville, pursued their retirement dream of building a lake house in New York’s Southern Tier. Their home on Tanglewood Lake in Campbell was a beloved gathering place for family and friends who came for many visits. John loved fishing on the lake and hunting on their land. The times they saw bears and deer right in their front yard (and on their porch!) were great reminders of how much they loved their life at the cabin.

He always had plans for how to improve things around every house and property and enjoyed tackling each new set of projects. John and Barb took many road trips to visit John’s sister Joan in Florida and their children and grandchildren in Florida and Arizona. Along the way, they would make detours to visit cousins and other family across the country.

In 2019, they moved to Lockport to be closer to family and so John could fulfill his dream of biking along and fishing in the Erie Canal. Each year he was filled with optimism that THIS would be the year for the Buffalo Bills. Their record didn’t matter, though – he was a loyal fan to the end.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara (Bencal) Mikolajczyk; children Joe and Julie Mikolajczyk; grandchildren Chloe, Sophia, and Lucy Mikolajczyk; and sister Joan Bezon and her children.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10AM at St. Cecilia’s Church in Oakfield, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roswell Cancer Research Center at http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/john_mik or Niagara Hospice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.pruddenandkandt.com.

Captain Tyler A. Nixon

By Joshua Smith
Nixon

Captain Tyler A. Nixon, age 27, passed away suddenly on September 23, 2023 in San Antonio, TX.

Tyler was born on January 1, 1996 in Brockport, NY to Michael and Megan Nixon, of San Antonio TX, formerly of Oakfield NY.

Tyler was a graduate of OACS and Canisius College; he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in 2018 as a Medical Officer in the US Army and achieved the rank of Captain.

Tyler loved serving his country as an officer and made many, many friends along the way, from ROTC to Ft. Bliss to Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. He also loved playing Rugby with the Canisius Crabbies and Honeybadger Club in Germany and was proud to be part of those teams. He enjoyed his motorcycles, video games, and especially treasured his fur-babies, Kit and Mipha.

Although Tyler was only 27 at the time of his passing, he lived his life to the fullest. He worked hard, played hard, and loved hard. He would fill a room with his energy and laughter and cared deeply for his family and friends.

Tyler leaves behind his loving family: Parents Michael and Megan Nixon, Brother Jacob, Sister Alison, and Niece Cora. Grandparents Dale and Elaine Tucker, Michael and Kathy Nixon. Polly Barron whom he loved dearly. With many in his extended family including; Aunt Marlene and Uncle Lon Harshman, Aunt Melanie Nixon, Uncle Jerry Tucker. He is also survived by cousins, Kori, Alex, Dylan, Kaden, and Kiley.

Friends and family may call on Friday, October 6th from 6 PM to 9 PM at Burdett-Sanford Funeral Home 11 Maple Ave, Oakfield NY. Tyler’s Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, October 7th at 10 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 303 E. Main St. Batavia NY. He will be buried with military honors in St. Cecilia Cemetery, Oakfield, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Tyler’s name to Dogs on Deployment online at https://www.dogsondeployment.org/page/donate.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN TIME OF CALLING HOURS DUE TO THE FLIGHT BEING DELAYED INTO ROCHESTER.

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