Obituaries

George A. Schmieder, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2020 in The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia.

He was born on October 15, 1925 on a farm in Attica, New York to George and Rosa (Beck) Schmieder.  

He leaves: his wife, Janet (Courtwright) Schmieder; his daughters Karen Schmieder, Marian Smith, Lori Modafferi; sons Thomas Schmieder, Daniel Schmieder and Gary Schmieder; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arnold, Frederick and Paul, and sisters Hilda, Erma and Shirley, and his son George (Guy) Schmieder Jr. He left behind a great many friends and acquaintances.

He attended Alexander Central School, where his athletic prowess in basketball and baseball earned him scholarship offers and induction into the Alexander Sports Hall of Fame.

He ultimately took over the family dairy farm, working with brothers Arnold and Paul.

He enjoyed playing cards, golf and fishing. One of his favorite pastimes was conversing with people; he could talk about anything, from current events to sports and history. Always quick to lend a hand or help a friend or neighbor in need, George was well-known in the community for his kindness and willingness to help anyone in need.

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

The family would like to thank the kind and compassionate caregivers at The Grand for their long-term care of George.

Stafford ~ Joseph L. Licata Jr., age 73, of E. Morganville Road, passed away Tuesday morning (March 24, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

     He was born June 26, 1946 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph and Caroline Moffo Licata Sr.

     Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, who was extremely supportive and devoted to his family.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran, an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing, making his own wine, cooking, gardening and traveling. He was a member of the YMCA and a Buffalo Bills fan.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Muriel Pinkert Licata; his sons, Brian (Heidi) Licata and Joseph W. Licata (Kwon); grandchildren, Brayden Joseph Licata and Myah Joanne Licata; his siblings, Patricia Roe, Mary (Richard) Laursen, Joan (Stephen) Roe, Kathy (Peter) Chatt and Salvatore (Terri) Licata; brothers-in-law, William Pinkert and Daniel Pinkert, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     A memorial mass will be celebrated at a future date to be announced.

     In lieu of any flowers, kindly consider donations in Joe’s memory to either the American Cancer Society or the Batavia Animal Shelter.

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

     Mr. Licata and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Batavia - Jean G. Hume, 93, of Batavia, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Jean was born April 9, 1926, in Albion, daughter of the late Roy Derr Gillette and the late Beulah Achilles Gillette. A native of Albion, she was a graduate from Albion High School, class of 1942. She was active in the high school productions of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. In addition, she was a member of the Albion United Methodist Church, where she participated in church choirs and Sunday School activities. Jean always kept in touch with her family and friends from Albion.

Jean married James H. Hume in 1951 and moved to the Hume Farm on Creek Road. They celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on April 1, 2013. Jean is also predeceased by her son, Joel Hume on June 30, 2019 and her sister, Carol Seagar Hunt.

An active member of the Batavia community, she was an active member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church since 1952. Jean was a member of the McNabb Class, Ingraham Class, Women's Morning Worship Circles, served as the treasurer of the church and was responsible for the memorial fund of the church.

Jean was also an integral part of United Memorial Medical Center; the former Genesee Memorial Hospital. Jean was a member and past president of the Hospital League, volunteered in the snack shop and was later employed part-time as the hospital historian and public relations director where she worked until she was 80 years old.

Jean was known for her organizational skills which she acquired from the Rochester Business Institute. She also loved to take photographs which had to have names and dates on the back side. Her most important job was raising her five children with her husband, Jim.

Survivors include her children; Jeff (Theresa) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Judd Hume of Portland, Maine, Jack (Sarah) Hume of Silver Spring, Maryland and Jill (Kevin) Bailey of Canandaigua; five grandchildren; Meghann Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Nicholas (Jessica) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Emily Hume of Meherrin, Virginia; Shaunna (John) Bailey Stith of Ventura, California and Merritt J. Bailey of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two great-grandchildren; Nathan Reeves and MacKenzie Jean Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; two nephews, John (Linda) Hume of Batavia and Roger (Mary) Hume of Batavia as well as five great-great-nieces.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her memorial service will be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church at a later date. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Batavia, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or UMMC Hospital League Foundation, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jean's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

Alden - Ruby Martha Blachowicz, 85, of Alden, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home.

Mrs. Blachowicz was born September 20, 1934, in Buffalo, daughter of the late Joseph and the late Matilda Nowak Kaczmarek.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Blachowicz. They were married November 7, 1953. She is also survived by her children;  Jill (Kenneth) Allen of Salinas, California, Rosalyn Blachowicz of Darien, Michael J. (Judy) Blachowicz of Rochester, Eric (Donna) Blachowicz of Batavia  and Adam (D'Ann) Blachowicz of Zebulon, North Carolina; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She is the mother of the late Carl Blachowicz who passed away in 2013.

There will be no prior visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruby’s name to Brothers of Mercy Foundation, 4520 Ranson Road, Clarence, New York 14031. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Ruby's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

Stafford - David H. Stearns, 62, of Stafford, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020, at Strong Memorial Hospital.

David was born June 19, 1957, in Batavia, a son of the late George and Jane (Lee) Stearns.

A lifetime member of Godfrey's Pond, David enjoyed boating and was a Saab enthusiast.  He was a sales clerk at Barrett's Batavia Marine Sporting Goods.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra (Pike) Stearns of Stafford, whom he married August 9, 1980; his children, Kathy Stearns of Batavia, Kirk (Jennifer) Stearns of Batavia, Kristopher Stearns of Depew and Erik Stearns of Batavia; a grandson, Colden Stearns; his in-laws,  Robert and Pearl Pike of Pavilion; a brother, sisters and several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David's memory may be made to the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 56, Stafford, NY 14143 as well as the Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Association, Inc., P.O. Box, 217, Batavia, NY 14021. 

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

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

Marilyn W. Dills, age 84 of East Bethany, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 20th 2020 at
Crossroads House in Batavia. Born November 6th 1935 in Olean, NY the daughter of the late Harold L. and Elsie Brinker Weaver. Marilyn was a 1954 graduate of Pavilion Central School and worked as the bookkeeper for the family farm, Dills Bros. Inc. She was a longtime member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church and more recently Warsaw's Valley Chapel Free Methodist Church. Marilyn was a terrific homemaker always putting her family first in all she did. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, and socializing with her friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edwin H. Dills; a son Andrew W. Dills; two brothers Dean Weaver and Dana Weaver.
Survivors include three sons, Timothy (Tena) Dills of Clymer, NY; Thomas (Michelle) Dills of East Bethany; Daniel Dills of Wright, WY; sisters, Sonia (Bill) Whaley of Pavilion; Nancy Weaver of Farmington, NY; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Marilyn's family would like to thank the volunteers and staff at Crossroads for the excellent care that she received. We also want to thank all of her friends that took the time to visit mom at Crossroads.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date at the Valley Chapel Free Methodist Church in Warsaw. Burial will follow in the East Bethany Rural Cemetery. Please visit www.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences, send cards. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads House at PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021. Crossroads House has been operating for 22 years, providing no cost service to the residents and their families. They rely entirely on donations and volunteers.

Lois “Elaine” Mortellaro, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday (March 22, 2020) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born February 15, 1930 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Arthur and Hilda Baldauf Russell.

Elaine was co-owner of Mortellaro Sales and Service, with her late husband, Casper Mortellaro.  The two worked in tandem with Elaine managing the books and the storefront until 1990.  At that time the business was moved to her and her second husband’s (Chip Reynolds) home on Alexander Road, until 2013 when the business closed after 60 plus years.  In addition to her work, Elaine was a woman of faith and attended the city church until health problems set in. Some of her favorite pastimes were bowling, going to the movies, traveling, dancing, playing card games, trying new restaurants, working outside in her garden and mowing the grass.  She was always singing and had a way of taking on each day in stride no matter what came her way.  One of her more admired qualities was her candid demeanor alongside her tender soft spot to rescue any kitten that made its way into her backyard or storefront.

She was the wife of the late Casper Mortellaro who died in 1990, mother of the late Ronald Mortellaro who died in 2009 and sister of the late Earl Russell and Delores Mooney.

Survivors include her husband, Chip Reynolds of Batavia. Daughter, Patricia (Richard) Stewart of Batavia. Grandchildren, Richard (Katie) Stewart, Trisha (Rusty) Turner and Melissa Shipperd. Brother, Sidney (Linda) Russell of California.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family with burial in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. 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.

 

 

Batavia - Mrs. Pearl Lovria, 92, of Batavia, a devoted wife and mother, died peacefully Sunday, March 22, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born February 28, 1928, in Dunkirk, daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Conti LoCastro.

Mrs. Lovria was the beloved wife of 54 years to the late Michael F. Lovria, who died in 2000.

She was a graduate of Batavia High School Class of 1945.  She started working in the family business, Main Hardware in LeRoy, NY, worked at GTE Sylvania and retired from Genesee Hardware.  Her life can be summed up as a life of volunteer service and as one who does "good" deeds for everyone she knows.  She received the Botts/Hale Outstanding Senior Citizen Award from the Batavia Lions Club for years of volunteer service.  As a past officer and member of St. Anthony's Altar and Rosary Society and member of the St. Joseph's Day Committee for many years, she was a women of faith who gave service to her church.  She was a member of the "Happy Hookers" of Washington Towers, a group that crochets and knits baby hats for the maternity ward at the hospital and for All Babies Cherished.  They also craft lap robes for people in wheelchairs at the Genesee County and NY State Veterans' Homes.  As a member of the "Happy Clippers'" Pearl clipped manufacturers' coupons which were sent to servicemen and women overseas to be used in the PX.  As a loyal American Legion Auxiliary member, she worked at the New York State Veterans' Hospital.  She also volunteered her time at the Senior Center.  Recognized for her many volunteer hours, she was presented the President's Service Award by both President Bush and President Obama.  Pearl enjoyed crafts, bingo, crocheting and dancing.  She was a member of the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County since its inception and was very proud of her Italian heritage.  Mrs. Lovria was known for her delicious pizza and pizzelle cookies.  A very family oriented person, she always enjoyed gathering with her family as they were #1 in her life.

She is survived by her children, Mr. Michael (late Barb Crider) Lovria of Holley, Mrs. Theresa (William) Fritts of Batavia and Mrs. Maria (James) Fanara of Batavia; one brother, Mr. Frank LoCastro of LeRoy; 5 grandchildren, James (Brandi) Fanara, Vincent (Kasey) Fanara, Katie (John) Karijolich, Barbara (Craig) Worby and Michael (Giselle) Fritts, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She is a sister of the late Joseph LoCastro and Rosalie Rosica.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pearl's memory may be made to United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450, HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020 and Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

Kathryn ("Kay") Dill Wickson, 94, of Fairport, N.Y., formerly of Batavia, N.Y., passed away March 21, 2020 at The Northfield, a senior housing community in Fairport N.Y.

Kathryn was born Oct. 21, 1925 in Buffalo, N.Y., a daughter of the late Edward and Anna Belle Dill. She was predeceased by her husband Robert Wickson, son Timothy ("Bear") Wickson, and granddaughter Tracie Heather Wickson.

Kathryn was a member of St. Mary's Church in Batavia, N.Y., and a member of the Chili Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary in Chili, N.Y. She loved Bingo, playing cards, puzzles, knitting, casino trips, and spending time with her family.

Kathryn is survived by her children: Michael Wickson, of Le Roy, N.Y.; Richard (Cheryl) Wickson, of Florida; Dennis Wickson, of Florida; Sue (Ed) Oliver, of Fairport, N.Y.; Gary (Linda) Wickson, of Le Roy, N.Y.; Barbara Michels, of Syracuse, N.Y.; 18 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren also survive.

A memorial mass will be scheduled at a later date.

Arrangements were made by Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation.

RICHARD (DICK) FLUKER ~ 79, longtime area farmer died peacefully Thursday morning March 19, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center. Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan (Pervorse) Fluker of Batavia and their children, Jeff (Sandy) Fluker of Bethany, Judy (Doug) Harloff of Oakfield and Randy Fluker of Rochester and their families.

Considering the ongoing Covid-19 epidemic and consultation with the Fluker family, it has been decided to postpone Dick’s visitation and funeral services until such time that family, friend and community interaction is deemed safe.  

Memorials in Dick’s memory are suggested to, Town of Batavia Fire Station #2, Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 N. Street Batavia or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 230 E. Ohio St. Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60611.

MICHAEL AND THE TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL HOME ASK YOU TO CONTINUE TO OFFER YOUR WORDS OF COMFORT AND HOPE TO THE FLUKER FAMILY IN WHAT IS ALREADY A VERY TRYING TIME AT www.tomaszewskifh.com    

THE FAMILY OF RICHARD “DICK” FLUKER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 – (585)343-7500

Corfu -- Terance “Terry” D. Payne, 73, of Corfu, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

There will be no calling hours or services at this time because of the health concerns regarding COVID-19. A complete obituary and services will be published in The Batavia Daily News in the coming months.

Arrangements are being made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu, NY.

Alexander -- Vernon G. Rupert, 88 of Alexander, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Premier Genesee Center, Batavia.

Vern was born July 21, 1931 in Batavia, a son of the late George W. and Victoria Williams Rupert. He was the father of the late Vernon James Rupert and brother of the late Roy Rupert and Kenneth Rupert.

On March 22, 2020, Vern would have been a Master Mason for 65 years. He was a very dedicated member. He was appointed Steward of the Batavia Lodge No. 475 in 1961 and was the Master in 1968 and 2004-2008. He was the installing officer from 1971-1977; District Deputy Grand Master of the Genesee-Wyoming District from 1974-1977; District Brotherhood Fund Chairman from 1975-1977; President of Genesee-Wyoming Council of Masonic Activities from 1977-1978; President of the Purple Apron Club 1984-1985 and when the Batavia Lodge merged with the Olive Branch No. 39 in July of 2012, he transferred there. Most recently, in May of 2019, Vern received through the Livingston District, the RW-James W. Lee Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Vern became a member of the Western Star Chapter No. 35 on May 7, 1955 and received Most Excellent Master on June 2, 1955. He was exalted to Degree of Royal Arch Mason on June 16, 1955. Vern became High Priest in 1961 and was the District Deputy high Priest from 1983-1984. He was elected Grand Council of Anointed High Priest (Holy Order of High Priesthood) in 1961; Member of Nundawaga Council No. 92 in May 1962; appointed to the Grand Representative of Georgia in September 2004 and was elected and installed Recorder of the Council May 11, 1998 to the present. Vern received the Order of the Silver Trowel Degree in Ellenville, NY on September 13, 1997. He became a member of Batavia Commandry No. 34 Knights Templar in January 1962 and was the Commander for four years. He received Knight of The York Cross of Honor in Cheektowaga in January 2003. Ken Kohlhagen and Vern took care of the installation teams for the district for the past 10 years.

Vern honorably served in the United States Army from 1952-1954. Vern was on the Village of Alexander Planning Board from 2008 to the present time. He starting working as a Counselor in 2003 for the AARP/IRS Federal and State Income Tax and in 2007 became the ERO, Counselor, and Instructor for the program. He still held these positions in 2020.

Vern is survived by: his beloved wife of 62 years, Anne Elm Rupert; sister-in-laws, Eula Rupert and Daisy Klein; nieces and nephews, Gail (Robert) Stephans, Joyce (Herman) Langford, Bryan (Lou Ann) Rupert, L.J. (Diane) Lang, Ozzie (Pinky) Osborn and Keith Rupert; several great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews also survive.

There a no calling hours or services at this time. A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for July 5, 2020 at the Masonic Temple in Le Roy. More information will be available the closer we get to the date.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu, NY.

BATAVIA - Geraldine Casper McMillan, 97, of Batavia passed away on March 18, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. 

She was born May 28, 1922, in Oakfield, NY, the daughter of Joseph and Fannie Casper.

She graduated from Alexander Central High School in 1940 and in 1944 she entered St. Jerome Hospital’s nursing program under the US Cadet Nurse Corp., during World War II. She received her NY Registered Nurse license in 1947.  She spent much of her life caring for others.

She was predeceased by her husband, Duncan, of 42 years whom she met when he was a patient at the VA Hospital in Batavia. He passed away in July of 1992.  They were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia.  She was active in the church as a deacon, a Stephen Minister and the women’s organizations.  She loved her church family.

Her greatest joy was her family.  She never missed an opportunity to attend activities with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and she never missed the yearly Casper family reunion.

She loved to watch all sports on television, especially the Buffalo Bills.  She spent many hours keeping the cookie jar full for her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her own children when they visited.  They were all “cookie monsters.”

She is survived by her three children:  Gordon McMillan of Batavia, Carla (Lynn) Chamberlain of Fillmore and John (Doddie) McMillan of Batavia; her grandchildren:  Crystal (Tim) Nickson, Stewart McMillan, Thomas (Chrissy) McMillan, Duncan McMillan and Ryan Chamberlain; great grandchildren: Bryce, Allison, Ethan Nickson; Keira, Elizabeth, Janessa, Levi and Adelyn McMillan; three step-grandchildren: Christopher (Jill), Bryan (April) and Dan (Emily) Chamberlain and their children; her sister Ruth Hoover of Sun City Center, Florida and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her six sisters: Blanche Warboys, Lola Lutz, Beulah Shaffer, Amy Cummins, Lillian Ridley, and Dorothy Casper and three brothers: Joseph, Harold and Lester Casper.

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held for the immediate family.  A public memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com. Arrangements for Mrs. McMillan have been entrusted to the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.

BATAVIA - Stanley V. Schumann, 83, of Batavia, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Mr. Schumann was born March 1, 1937, in Manhattan, a son of the late Jack and Lee (Bernzweig) Schumann.

Stan was a graduate of Alfred University and C.W. Post University where he earned his Masters Degree.  He was a long time Student Advisor for Genesee-Wyoming BOCES in Batavia.  Mr. Schumann was the President of Temple Emanu-El in Batavia for 37 years and ran the Prostate Support Group locally.  He also enjoyed cars and wintering in Florida with his wife, Paula.

Surviving are his wife, Paula (Rosenbloom) Schumann whom he married July 10, 1960; two sons, Marc Schumann of Los Angeles, CA, and Gary (Ariane) Schumann of the Kingdom of Bahrain; three grandchildren, Sierra, Victoria, and Alexander Schumann; a niece Jennifer (Paul) Connelly of New York City. 

He is preceded in death by a sister, Ilene Connelly.

There will be no visitation.  A public celebration of life will be held at a later date, and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stanley's memory may be made to a cause or charity of the donor's choice.

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

 

  Paul Kenneth Bower, 82 of Bergen, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport surrounded by his loved ones. He was born March 13, 1938 in Oakfield to the late Fred C. (Belle Bissell) Bower. He is preceded in death by a son Tracy Bower, siblings Robert, Donald Bower, Dorothy Zipfill, and Ruth Brown.

Mr. Bower served his country proudly for 23 years in the United States Navy and was a Vietnam Veteran. He enjoyed working on VF-14 Tomcat’s and loved to fly. Paul was very active as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Batavia. He was an avid gardener and bee keeper. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy (Dennis) Bower of Bergen; children Rene (Edgar) Moreno of Miramar, FL; Kevin Bower of Bergen; Steven Bower of Batavia; Nathan (Cortney) Bower of Bergen; brother David (Agnes) Bower of Lowville, NY; 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren survive along with many nieces and nephews.   

There will be no prior calling hours. A private service will be held for the immediate family and a Memorial Service in his church will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.