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Obituaries

Florence C. Bonarski

By T.J. Woodward

 

Florence C. Bonarski, 94 of Perry died December 27, 2010 at East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw. Born in Depew, New York on December 4, 1916 to the late Theofil (Catherine) Bekiel. Mrs. Bonarski was a devoted church member and belonged to St. Stanislaus Kostka for many years. She worked at the Perry Knitting Mill. As the matriarch she ran the family Christmas tree business for over 50 years and was an avid gardener. She is preceded in death by her husband Edward Bonarski, brothers Walter, Chester, Charlie and Joe.
 
She is survived by sons Gary (Janet) Bonarski of Perry; Daniel (Judy) Bonarski of Coraopolis, PA; 6 grandchildren Kathy (Bob) Gault, Christy, Tim (Kim), Marie, Michael and Melanie Bonarski, 3 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews. 
 
Friends may call on Wednesday December 29th from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Prayers will be recited 10:30 AM on Thursday December 30th at the Funeral Home followed by a 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Isidore’s Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. Interement in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery, Perry, NY. 
 
Memorials may be made to the St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery Fund or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call (585) 237-2626Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.  

Lucille Burke

By Joshua Smith

Brockport - Mrs. Lucille Burke, 98, of Brockport, died Saturday, December 25, 2010at Lakeside Biekirch Care Center, in Brockport.

Mrs. Burke was born April 17, 1912 in Rochester, a daughter of the late George and Catherine (Mattern) Helmbold. 
Survivors include a son, Donald E. (Pat) Burke of Gates; 2 daughters Kathleen K. (Langton) Bentley of Churchville and Patricia A. (John P.) Swapceinski of Bergen; 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren including the late Tyler Joseph and Edward James "Teddy" Burke.
Friends may attend her Mass of Christian burial 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. Memorials may be made to Lakeside Foundation, 156 West Avenue, Physicians Office Bldg. Suite 101, Brockport, NY 14422 to benefit activities on the 4th floor at Lakeside Beikirk Care Center. Burial will be in St. Brigid's Cemetery, Bergen. Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home of Bergen.   Sincere gratitude to the Lakeside Beikirk Living Center's 4th floor staff for their compassionate care. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com
 
 
 

Jean Anne Lewis

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mrs. Jean Anne Lewis, 69, died Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the Batavia Nursing Home.


Mrs. Lewis was born December 30, 1940 in Fulton, NY, the daughter of the late John and Genevieve Chapell Spath.

A member of Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church for many years she served on the Parish Council and also was a Sacristan. She often referred to herself as a “domestic engineer”.

She was the wife of James V. Lewis, who she married on April 15, 1961. Surviving are two sons, Christopher (Angie) Lewis of Maryland and Patrick (Susan) Lewis of Virginia; two daughters, Kelli Berrios and Heather (Frank) Markowski, both of Batavia; three brothers, William (Sally) Spath and Terrence (Patricia) Spath both of Oswego and John (Marla) Spath, Jr. of Virginia; two sisters, Michelle (Timothy) Barker and Patricia Butler, both of Oswego. She was the grandmother of Alicia Berrios, Joshua, Karlee and McKenzie Lewis and Jesse Markowski. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Nettie Lewis of Oswego and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church, 303 E. Main St. Batavia, Tuesday, December 28th from 8:00 am to 9:30 am. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 am at the Church. Masses may be offered in her memory or memorials may be to the Sacristans at St. Joseph Church to purchase a gift in her memory, Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, Susan Komen Foundation, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Entombment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum.Condolences may be made at ww.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia, 343-8868.

PAUL A. ROTENBERG

By Joshua Smith

 Batavia - Mr. Paul A. Rotenberg, 76, a lifetime Batavian, died Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at the United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Rotenberg was born August 5, 1934 in Batavia, the son of the late Harry and Pearl Pupick Rotenberg.
 
He was a 1951 graduate of Batavia High School and a 1955 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance. From 1956 to his retirement in 1976 he owned and operated the former Batavia Furniture Store, which was located on West Main St.   A devoted husband, father and grandfather he enjoyed playing Bridge and traveling.
 
He is survived by his wife of over 46 years, Joan Walter Rotenberg. Also surviving are two sons, James (Ellen) Rotenberg of Bronxville, NY and William (Susan) Rotenberg of Geneva, NY and one sister, Muriel (Saunders) Sennet of Buffalo. He was the grandfather of Jacob, Benjamin, Mary, Sam, Charlotte, Sarah and Daniel Rotenberg.
 
There will be no prior calling hours. Private services will be held. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, NY 14228 or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 11 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714. Arrangements completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia. 
 
Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

MariJane Post

By Michael Tomaszewski

Age 50, of Oakfield, died peacefully Monday afternoon December 20, 2010 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born July 13, 1960 in Batavia the daughter of Duane & Marilynn (Martin) Perry of Varysburg and preceded in death by a sister Ruby Perry. Mrs. Post was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elba and the Elba Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. A wonderful wife & mother who in her children's early years was active in Cub Scouts as a Cub Master and Leader, Girl Scout Troop Leader, involoved in the 4H Horse Club and in her free time enjoyed needlepoint. A real "farmer at heart" you could find MariJane feeding calves, doing bookwork or driving a truck or tractor on the Post Family Farm.

Surviving along with her parents is her beloved husband of 25 years John K. Post; loving children Jason Post & Kailynn (Kyle Stacy) Post all of Oakfield; mother & father-in-law Kenneth & Louise Post of Oakfield; brothers Jon Perry of PA, Paul (Jane) Perry of NH and sister Roxanne (Dean) Warren of Warsaw; brothers & sisters-in-law Daniel (Kim) Post, Marsha (Todd) White, Janet (Judd) Ewell & Laurie (Peter) Torpey along with sveral nieces, nephews & cousins. 

The family will be present from 2-4 & 7-9 PM Wednesday Dec. 22, 2010 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday Dec. 23, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church 23 North Main Street Elba, New York 14058. In lieu of flowers memorials in MariJane's memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank Street Batavia, NY or to the church. Interment will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery Elba, New York.

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

Pearl S. Shine

By T.J. Woodward

Pearl S. Shine  86, of Batavia, died Monday December 20, 2010 at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She was born July 7, 1924 in Northwood, New Hampshire to the late Raymond  and Lucena (Casavant) Smith. Mrs. Shine was a homemaker, an avid reader and pinochle card player. She was also a 4-H Leader for children years ago. She was preceded in death by her husband the late John Shine in 1989, her sister Louise Waterhouse. 

She is survived by her sons Dennis (Barbara) Shine of Batavia, Christopher Shine of Seneca Falls, NY and a sister Trudy Batchelder of New Hampshire. Three granddaughters Janna (Timothy) Lamey of Dryden, NY; Kelly Graber of Virginia, Christina Heidt of Seneca Falls, two great-granddaughters Alexandra Lamey of Dryden, and Madison Heidt of Johnsonburg survive along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call on Wednesday evening December 22, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday December 23, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the  Funeral Home.

Burial will take place in  St. Nicholas Cemetery in North Java.  The Family suggests memorials be made to Genesee County Nursing Home, 278 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia New York 14020.

Robert M. Downs

By Joshua Smith

Alabama - Robert M. Downs, 76, of Alabama, passed away peacefully Monday (December 20, 2010) at his home surrounded by his family after battling an extended history of cancer. He will be sadly missed by all family and friends, he was loved by all.

Robert was born July 1, 1934 in Clarendon, a son to the late Floyd and Lottie (Johnson) Downs.

Mr. Downs worked for the U.S. Gypsum Co. in Oakfield for 48 years, retiring as a foreman in the paper mill in 1998. He was a great outdoorsman, gardener and also enjoyed racing, the Buffalo Bills and his backyard birds. Robert loved life, his family and friends.

Surviving is his loving wife of 29 years, Donna Downs; his daughters, Roxanne Graziaplena, Tina (Rick) Brunea, Lisa (Roy) Amedick, Edna (Mike) Higgins and the late Paula Downs; his sons, Steve (Cindy) Downs, Albert (Sarah) Williams, David Bowen, Joseph (Tracy) Downs and the late Robert Jr.; his sisters, Shirley (Richard) Pahuta, Charlotte (Frank) Perkinson, Arlene (Kenneth) Fraiser, Lois (Scott) Golisano and Bonnie (Eric) Kingdollar; his brothers, Irving (Judy) Downs, Clarence (Vickie) Downs, Clayton (Violet) Downs, Kenneth (Ann) Downs and the late Floyd Downs and Elwood Downs. Robert has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.


Calling hours are Thursday from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will be at 2:00 also on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial services will take place at Cary Cemetery in Oakfield at a later. Memorials may be made to the family.  Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

JAMES P. CUVIELLO

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mr. James P. Cuviello, age 61, of Batavia, died Saturday, December 18, 2010 at his home.

Mr. Cuviello was born May 31, 1949 in Buffalo, a son of the late James and Anita Colangelo Cuviello.
 
A 1967 graduate of Batavia High School, he was a member of Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church and had a passion for electronics and computers.
 
Survivors include his brother, Michael (Susan) Cuviello of Arnold, Maryland; his aunt, Lee Colangelo of Batavia; three nephews, James (Stephanie) Cuviello, Michael (Kelly) Cuviello and Scott Cuviello and several cousins.
 
He was predeceased by his twin brother, Joseph D. Cuviello who died in 2008.
 
There are no prior calling hours. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 28th at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
 
Arrangements were completed by the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

James B. Hanley

By T.J. Woodward

James B. Hanley  86 of Batavia died December 19, 2010  in United Memorial Medical Center. He was born March 4, 1924 in Fulton, NY a son of  the late Bernard  and Nora (Goss) Hanley. Mr. Hanley was retired from the City of Batavia School District where he taught Industrial Arts for 30 years and also taught Driver’s Education at the High School and Genesee Community College. He was a World War II Army Veteran, a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s). He was also a member of the former Elks Club, St. Nicholas Social Club, and a member of Veness Strollo Post 1602, Glenn S. Loomis Post #332 American Legion and the New York State Retired Teachers Association. Jim loved his garden and was a Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees Fan.  He is preceded in death by his wife Norma O’Neil Hanley in 1996 and his brothers Paul, Lawrence, Gene and John Hanley. 

He is survived by his sons James J. Hanley of Rochester and Kevin (Nancy) Hanley of Johnstown, NY. His dearest friend Rosemarie “Rosie” Lester of Batavia, 2 grandchildren Gary Call and Robert Kraemer survive along with nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call from 3 to 7 PM on Tuesday December 21, 2010 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Prayers will be recited on Wednesday December 22 at 9:00AM at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM in Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. 

Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia, NY.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260).  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Nicoletta Valle Labbruzzo

By T.J. Woodward

 

Nicoletta Valle Labbruzzo, 87 of Batavia, NY. Died Thursday December 16, 2010 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born April 19, 1923 in Batavia, New York. Daughter of the late Dominic (Carrie Gervasi) Valle. Mrs. Labbruzzo was a member of Ascension Parish (St. Anthony’s) an avid New York Yankee and college basketball fan. Her family was her life. She is preceded in death by her brothers Frank, Salvatore, Dominic, Vincent and William Valle. 
 
She is survived by her children Annette Rotondo of Batavia, Karen Labbruzzo of Illinois; Donald (Lupita) Labbruzzo of Texas, Anamaria Labbruzzo of Illinois, and Nikki (James) Sinclair of California. A sister in law June Valle of Liverpool, NY survives along with 9 grandchildren Lauren, Danielle, Phillip, Nicholas, Nicole, Daniella, Jessica, Adrian and Andrew, one great grandchild Veronica and many nieces and nephews.
 
 Friends may call on Sunday December 19, 2010 from 3 to 7 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company Inc. 329-333 W Main St. Batavia, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 9:30 AM in Ascension Parish (St. Anthony’s), 122 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY. Interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia. 
 
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

HARRY C. KRAMER IV

By Michael Tomaszewski

Age 60, of Alabama, NY and Summerfield, NC died suddenly Tuesday at his residence in Alabama. Born June 13, 1950 in Jacksonville, NC son of Harry C. Kramer III of Bergen & the late Pauline (Perry) Kramer. An Airforce Veteran, Mr. Kramer was a Systems Analyst for HSBC Bank and enjoyed attending the 1st United Methodist Church in Batavia. He was an avid woodworker, loving husband, father & grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Rozalia (Stumpf) Kramer; loving children James A. (Ann Marie) Kramer, Harry C. (Elizabeth) Kramer V, Rozalia A. Kramer & Toni M. (Joseph) Surette all of North Carolina; brother Mark Kramer of Bergen, NY; sisters Cherry Pease of Batavia, Pauline (Duke) Wright of Brockport & Sandra Kramer of Bergen. His mother-in-law Barbara Stumpf of NC; 4 grandchildren Kazimiera D. Kramer, Joshua N. Treece, Alexander J. & Jami M. Surette along with many nieces, nephews & cousins.

At the request of Mr. Kramers family there is no visitation and funeral services will be held privately. Memorials are suggested in his memory to the 1st United Methodist Church 8221 Lewiston Road Batavia, New York 14020.

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

Ronald G. Gibson Sr.

By T.J. Woodward

 

 Ronald G. Gibson Sr. 79, of Oakfield, NY died  December 15, 2010 at his home. He was born May 28, 1931 in Shelocta, PA a son of the late Glenn and Ruth (Keith) Gibson.  Mr. Gibson worked for Rochester Products a Division of General Motors for over 17 years before retiring. He was an exceptional mechanic and inventor, having built his own airplane and helicopter. He had a pilot’s license for single engine aircraft and refurbished farm tractors as a pastime.  He was preceded in death by 2 great-grandchildren the late Ally Walker and Evan Ferchen. 
 
He is survived by his wife Rebecca (Moore) Gibson of Oakfield, 6 children Ronald G. (Deborah) Gibson Jr. of Batavia, Michael L. (Patricia) Gibson of Oakfield, Gloria (Stephen) Ferchen of Lockport, Judith (Frank) Mack of Elba, Susan (Richard) Abraham of Akron, and Betty (Lynn) Kirchner of Oakfield.  3 Brothers and 3 sisters Norman (Evelyn) Gibson of Byron, Lawrence (Chris) Gibson of Albion, Kenneth (Sue) Gibson of Basom, Gloria (John) Falker of North Carolina, Marilyn(Art) Mason of New Jersey, and Doris Cole of New Mexico. 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild survive along with many nieces and nephews. 
 
 Friends may call on Friday December 17, 2010 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia New York 14020. Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 18, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the  Funeral Home.  
 
Burial will take place at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.  Memorials may be made to the family. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to or call 343-8260. Arrangements by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc.,  329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Willie L. McGill Sr.

By Joshua Smith

Elba - Mr. Willie L. McGill Sr., 82, of Elba and most recently a resident at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, died Wednesday, (December 15, 2010) at the Buffalo General Hospital.

Mr. McGill was born April 18, 1928 in Rhine, Georgia, a son of the late Willie and Minnie Mae (Johnson) McGill.

Mr. McGill was a machinist at Doehler Jarvis and also drove refuge truck for the ARC. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Elba and enjoyed reading his Bible. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a sports fan, especially of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. Mr. McGill loved life and his family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Hazel Walker of Lockport, Willie McGill Jr. of Elba, Marcus (Cindy) McGill of Hemlock, Dorsie (Melissia) McGill of Batavia and Robert (Penny) McGill of Churchville; a brother, Gary (Ann) McGill of Georgia; a sister, Elain (Joseph) Manning of Georgia; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

His wife, Orgia McGill died in 2004. He is also predeceased by his brothers and sisters and is the father-in-law of the late Ruth Ann McGill and Robert Walker.

Calling hours are Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Elba, 31 South Main Street, Elba. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Elba, 31 South Main Street, Elba, N.Y. 14058. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Evelyn E. Casper

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mrs. Evelyn E. Casper, 97, of Batavia, died Monday, (December 13, 2010) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Mrs. Casper was born August 21, 1913 in Pembroke, the daughter of the late Bert and Bertha (Slusser) Joslyn.

Survivors include a son, Larry (Peg) Casper of Batavia; five grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Her husband, Joseph Casper, died in 1993.

There are no prior calling hours. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Burial will be in North Pembroke Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com

MRS. JEANNETTE A. GALLANT

By Joshua Smith

 

Batavia - Mrs Jeannette A. Gallant, 84, formerly employed as a Registered Nurse at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home and as a parish secretary at St. Joseph’s Church, died Sunday, December 12, 2010at the Conesus Lake Nursing Home, in Livonia.
Mrs. Gallant was born December 4, 1926 in West Wallrich, Rhode Island, the daughter of the late Jean B. and Mary E. Snow Cazes.
She was a member of Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, the Sodality and a Eucharistic Minister of the Church and served on the Town of Batavia Planning Board.
Survivors include one son; Geoffrey (Kimberly) Gallant of Massachusetts; three daughters, Nancy (Kevin) Bellimer of Avon, NY, Beverly (Joseph) Finnivan of Massachusetts and Denise Priest of Texas and 10 grandchildren.
Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.   Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 am Thursday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church, 303 E. Main St., Batavia. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Livonia Ambulance Corp or Masses may be offered in her memory. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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