Obituaries

Age 86, lifelong Elba resident, retired Vegetable and Cash Crop farmer with Starowitz Bros., former Pesident of O and E Growers, Inc. and longtime Public Servant died peacefully Saturday evening January 22, 2011 at Crossroads House surrounded by his family. He was born March 20, 1924 in Elba, son of the late Paul and Anna (Stanek) Starowitz Sr. also preceded in death by brothers: Chester, Henry, Edmund and Rudolph Starowicz, Aloysius, Stephen Starowitz; sister Pauline Pcionek and grandson Lukas Starowitz. Leo was well known in Genesee County and the local farming community. Former Elba Town Supervisor, former member of the Elba Town Planning Board, former councilman, active member of the Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension, former member of the Federal Land Bank and Farm Credit Assoc. Advisory Committee, former Chairman and member of the Elba-Stafford Agricultural Stabilization Town Committee, appointed by former State Senator Walter Floss to the Legislative Advisory Committee, former B.O.C.E.S. Advisory Committee, former Vice President Byron-Bergen School Board and instrumental in the restructuring of the School District. He often spoke on important community issues at Genesee County Legislature Meetings, member of Ascension Parish (former Sacred Heart) and its Holy Name Society along with the Polish Falcons Nest #493. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather Mr. Starowitz was still active in assisting his sons who now run the family business as Star Grower Farms.

     Surviving is his beloved wife of 58 years Dolores (Wolowiec) Starowitz of Elba; sons John (Pam), Frank (Samantha), Leo D. Jr. (Debbie) and Andrew (Valerie) all of Elba; daughters MaryAnn (Dave) Dorman of Batavia, Anne (Michael) Orzech of Honeoye and Barbara Starowitz of Elba. Brother (Lottie) Starowitz; sisters-in-law Mary Starowicz both of Batavia and Jennie Starowitz of Bergen. 12 grandchildren Mary Ellen, Caitlin, Amy and Anna Dorman, Sarah and Christopher Orzech, Sean, Matthew, Adam, Leo D. III, Timothy and Kalina Starowitz along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

     Family and friends may visit from 2-8 PM on Wednesday January 26, 2011 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30 AM Thursday January 27, 2011 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site) 19 Sumner Street Batavia, Celebrated by Father Pat O'keefe and assisted by Deacon John Stone. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested  to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia. Entombment will be in the Father T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

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.

Jerry was born in the Town of Portage July 14, 1917, a daughter of the late Daniel and Agnes Richardson Baker.She graduated from Silver Springs High School,was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, making latchhook rugs, and sewing. She was a member of the Perry Center Fire Department Ladies Auxillary, Perry VFW, Perry Vet’s Club, Dom Polski’s and Silver Lake Sportsman’s Club. She volunteered for the Perry Emergency Ambulance,and board of elections as an election inspector for many years. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her great sense of humor. Preceded in death by four sisters Marge Mink, Juanita Cornell, Jackie Wright, and Phyllis Lowrey, two brothers Raymond and Norman Baker.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, J. Richard Brick who she married on October 13, 1962, a stepdaughter: Mary Anne (Christopher) Stutz of Penfield, a stepson: James (Sandra) Brick of Perry, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.
 

Friends may call from 5-9 pm on Friday January 21st at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. 11:00 am Funeral Services will be held Saturday January 22nd at the Funeral Home. Interment in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry Center.  

Memorials may be made to the Perry Center Fire Department P.O. Box 204 Perry, New York 14530, St. Joseph’s Church 8 Park St. Perry, New York 14530 or to the Activities Department at the Wyoming County Nursing Facility 400 North Main St. Warsaw, New York 14569. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Batavia - Theresa M. Lawrence, 84, a lifetime resident of Batavia and a retired Registered Nurse and Supervisor at the former St. Jerome Hospital for over 48 years, died Monday, January 17, 2011 at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Miss Lawrence was born March 29, 1926 in Batavia, the daughter of the late George and Marguerite Suttell Lawrence.

She was a member of Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church, St. Jerome Hospital Guild, Canisius College Alumni and the Mercy Hospital Alumni Associations. She was a former Prefect and member of the St. Joseph Sodality.

Cousins survive.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m., Saturday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church. Memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St. or St. Joseph School, 2 Summit St. or Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., all Batavia, NY 14020. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

     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.