Obituaries

Johanna Cromwell, 95 of Batavia, passed away Monday January 5, 2015 at Livingston County Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. She was born on June 22, 1919 in DuBois, PA to the late Andrew (Rose Polewka) Slusar. Johanna is preceded in death by her husband Herold Cromwell; sisters Cecilia Wojkowski, Frances Wudyka, Agnes Tamila; brothers Stanley Slusar, and Henry Slusar.

Johanna worked at Chapin and Melton Shirt Factory in Batavia prior to retirement. She was a loving housewife and mother.

Johanna is survived by her children Wayne (Wilma) Cromwell of Felton, DE., Dianne Wampole of Nunday, Rollin (Elaine) Cromwell of Canaseraga; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Funeral Service will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in South Sparta Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Stafford / West Palm Beach ~ Matthew D. VanAlst, age 32, formerly of Roanoke Road, passed away at his home in Florida on Saturday, January 3, 2015.

    

Matt was born May 13, 1982 in Warsaw, a son of William and Karen Schiller VanAlst of Stafford.  He attended LeRoy High School, and graduated from Springfield College, MA, where he also played football. 

In addition to his parents, William and Karen of Stafford, Matt is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Kate VanAlst of Webster; his niece, Gianna VanAlst; his godson, John Sheehan, a great-aunt, Dorothy Cesarano of Miami, FL, special uncle and aunt, Don and Judy Laurie of LeRoy, his beloved dogs,  Butkus & Shadow, along with many additional aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. 

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, January 11 from 2 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held on Monday at 11 AM.  Interment in Stafford Rural Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Camp Good Days & Special Times, 1332 Pittsford-Mendon Road, Mendon, NY 14506 or Big Dog Ranch Rescue, 10948 Acme Rd., Wellington, FL 33414.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Matt's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

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

LeRoy / Batavia ~ Viola L. Roblee, age 94, formerly of Robbins Road, passed away Tuesday morning (Jan. 6, 2015) at Strong Memorial Hospital with her loving family at her side.

    

Mrs. Roblee was born April 19, 1920 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Philip and Edna Clarke Schwingle.

     She will be remembered as a very caring and loving mother and grandmother, as well as a dear friend to many.  She loved showing her devotion to her family by attending all of her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events.  She touched many people in her many years of employment in secretarial work with the New York State Police, the Union Steel Chest and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.  She was a past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the LeRoy United Methodist Church and an avid Buffalo Bills fan. 

     Mrs. Roblee is survived by her daughters, Priscilla Nelson (Walt) of Durham, NC and Marcia McKenzie (Jerry Warren) of Pavilion; her grandsons, Michael (Michelle) McKenzie and Scott McKenzie; her great-grandchildren, Maxin, Maveric and Maicen McKenzie, along with several nieces and nephews.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Leland Roblee and her sister, Eleanor Fugle.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, Jan.10 from 11 A.M. ~ 2 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), where her funeral service will be held at 2 P.M.  Interment in Machpelah Cemetery will immediately follow her service.

     In lieu of flowers,  memorials are suggested to either the LeRoy United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mrs. Roblee's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

      Mrs. Roblee and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  585-768-2400

JAMES F. HEMMER - age 54, of Elba, died unexpectedly Sunday evening January 4, 2015 at home. He was born December 29, 1960 in Batavia, NY to Mary (Mastin) of Batavia and James F. Hemmer of Escondido, CA.

   Jim had a passion for cars, racing and music. He spent many years as a car detailer in the Genesee County area and once had a shop in Clarence. In recent years as his health was failing he held small garage sales and enjoyed helping others in any way he could.

   Surviving is his mother Mary (Bob) Newland of Batavia; father, James F. (Mickey) Hemmer of CA; children, Alesha & Justin of Rochester and Cory of Elba; sisters, Christine Hemmer of Batavia and Laurie (Gary) Cohen of CA; 4 grandchildren along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

   The family will be present from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday January 13, 2015 at the Calvary Baptist Church 3515 Galloway Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will immediately follow. Memorials in Jim's memory can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

   Please leave your words of comfort to his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JAMES F. HEMMER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

BERNARD J. RONAN, JR. - 81, of Batavia, former City of Batavia Police Officer and Town of Batavia Justice died peacefully Monday morning January 5, 2015 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born May 6, 1933 in Buffalo, NY to the late Bernard J. and Margaret (Langfelder) Ronan, Sr., also preceded in death by his siblings, David Ronan, Norine Ives and special goddaughter, Rosemary Ives.

   Mr. Ronan served on the City Police force for over 20 years and 9 years on the bench for the Town of Batavia. He is a United States Air Force Veteran having served during the Korean Conflict and was a long time member of St. Anthony's R.C. Church and current member of St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish in East Pembroke. A charming man, quick witted with a wonderful sense of humor, he enjoyed camping and family trips, had a love of music and though never in public was known to have a beautiful singing voice. His home was his castle and he was always working hard to keep it up, family, friends and neighbors will remember him on his John Deere mower keeping the lawn at the perfect height.

   His accomplishments in law enforcement and as a judge were many and his peers remember him as fair, but tough. Family, education and hard work were paramount to Mr. Ronan, he and his wife worked tirelessly to give their daughters a good education. He was so very proud of his girls and grandchildren and his strong devotion to his family and his faith lives on in all of them. Bernard loved to travel and see his grandchildren and what they were involved in, but as his health deteriorated he was unable to do so, but always made sure they knew how proud he was of them.

   Surviving is his beloved wife of 54 years, Rose Mary (Joy) Ronan of Batavia and his beloved daughters, Mary Katherine (Steven) Fisher of Batavia and their children, Kaleigh Kathleen, Steven Ronan, Maxwell Connor & Cullen O'Connell; Margaret (William) Tretter of Pittsburgh, PA and their children, Paige Alexis, Madisen Rose & Spencer Davis; Patricia (Gerald) Thompson of Halfmoon, NY and their son, Gerald Arthur III "Trey"; Judith (Neal) Pason of Kintnersville, PA, and their children, McKenna Joy, Carter Hart & Holly Mae along with several nieces and nephews.

   The Ronan family will be present from 6-9 p.m. Thursday January 8, 2015 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15 a.m. Friday January 9 followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish (East Pembroke Site) followed by full military honors. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in his memory can be made to Notre Dame High School 73 Union Street Batavia, NY.

   Please leave your words of comfort to his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF BERNARD J. RONAN, JR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

Michael P. Martino, 86 of Batavia, passed away Tuesday January 6, 2015 at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center. He was born on June 11, 1928 in Batavia, to the late Eugene (Anna Gengo) Martino. Michael is preceded in death by his sisters Mary Cavigiliano, Rose O’Geen, Louise Palone; Josephine Catino, and brother Frank Martino.

Michael was a member of the Resurrection Parish. He worked for Dohler Jarvis prior to retirement. The family would like a special thank you to the staff at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center and Hospice.

Michael is survived by his caregivers Paula Pietrzykowski, Anne Saturno, Michael Palone; along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours.  A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday January 9, 2015 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Dorothy N. Van Valkenburg, 106, of Attica passed away peacefully Sunday December 28, 2014 at East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw. oShe was born December 6, 1908 in East Bethany to the late William E. (Grace Marsh) Nichols. She is preceded in death her husband Harold E. Van Valkenburg; son Robert Van Valkenburg; sisters Laura (Clayton) Curphey, Eunice (Paul) Merrill, Ruby (Benjamin) Secor, Carol (Lester) Gephart, Myrtle (Thomas) Mancuso; brothers Truman (Esther) Nichols, Sherman (Wilma) Nichols and Leslie (Elva) Nichols.

Dorothy was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

She is survived by grandchildren David (Diane) Van Valkenburg of Attica, Cathie (Dennis) Turton of Attica, Peggy (William) Simons of Attica, Violet (Arthur) Allen of Cuylerville, Robert (Susie) Van Valkenburg of Sebring, FL., numerous additional grandchildren spanning 4 generations and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00 AM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 10, 2015at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 11 Washington Street Attica, and New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Dorothy’s memory to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 11 Washington Street Attica, New York 14011 or to Brainard Cemetery in Attica. For more information please call 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

BATAVIA — Leon C. Bennett, 92, of Batavia passed away Sunday (January 4, 2015) at United Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born on July 23, 1922, in Batavia, the son of Fred and Ida (Bowen) Bennett. After graduating youngest in his class at Batavia High School, Leon enlisted in the US Navy at the beginning of World War II and subsequently worked on the P-38 Lightning… the only American fighter aircraft in production throughout America’s involvement in the entire war.

Upon returning to Batavia, Leon worked at Bell Aircraft Corporation, Scott Aviation, and ultimately retiring from Xerox Corporation. He was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia, and Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE 950). An avid bowler, golfer, collector, and socializer…a great many people remember him as that guy who called bingo at the Elks Lodge every Thursday night, and the nut that went skydiving for his 90^th birthday.  He loved life and lived it to the fullest…you never knew where he might turn up.

Leon was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn “Pete” (Davis) who died March 29, 2004. He is survived by his three children, Michelle A. Ireland of Bar Harbor, ME, Ronald R. Bennett of San Diego, CA, Douglas P. Bennett of Portsmouth, NH; five grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours; a memorial gathering will be held later in the year. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To light a candle, leave a condolence or share a story, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are being completed by Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Richard “Rosie” D. Hensel, 79 of Batavia, passed away suddenly on Saturday (January 3, 2015) at his residence.

He was born on December 19, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Walter and Ethel Mae Burke Hensel.

Rosie was an electrician for the Village of Bergen prior to his retirement in 1999.  He was a US Army veteran, having served his country from 1958-1960.  He was a member of VFW Veness-Strollo Post #1602, Polish Falcons and the former Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge in Batavia. His passion was for golf and bowling, where he was a participant of several leagues and in his lifetime he accomplished three holes in one.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Pauline George Hensel of Batavia. Daughters, Candace Hensel of Bergen and Denise (John) Prospero of Bergen. Grandsons, Nicholas and Jacob Prospero. Sisters in-law, Mary Lou George of Rochester, Kathy (Clark) Taft of Florida and Laurie George of Batavia.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share memories, thoughts and condolences on Wednesday from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A funeral service with full military honors will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for distribution to charities. Expressions of condolence 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.  RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

 

 

 

LeRoy ~ Susanna Kellogg McCarthy, age 94, died peacefully January 4, 2015 at her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Raymond Yacuzzo.

     She was born July 20, 1920 in Dorset, Ashtabula County, Ohio, the daughter of the late Willison and Susie Hawkins Kellogg.

     Susanna was a graduate of Rome (Ohio) High School and Kent State University.  She was a retired elementary school teacher, a member of the LeRoy Historical Society and had been a 4-H leader for over 20 years in Ohio.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Warren McCarthy; brothers, Richard, Clarence and David Kellogg.  Beside her daughter and son-in-law, Susanna is survived by her sister, Martha Smerik of Warren, Ohio; her son, William of South Bend, Indiana; her grandson, Matthew (Melissa) Yacuzzo and her great-grandson, Patrick Yacuzzo all of LeRoy, NY.

     At her request, there will be no calling hours and a graveside service will be held at the Hawley Cemetery in Wayland, Ohio at the family's convenience.

     Memorials may be made to the LeRoy Historical Society or to the Wayland Church in Wayland, Ohio.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Susanna's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mrs. McCarthy and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. 585-768-2400

Colleen M. Hancock, 56, of Perry died on Thursday January 1, 2015 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Warsaw, New York on October 20, 1958 to the late Francis Baker and Iola (Kane) Ames.

Colleen was a graduate of Letchworth Central School. She worked for American Classic Outfitters in Perry.
 

She is survived by her son Shane Ames of Canaseraga; daughter Carrie Ann Schery of Perry; sister Theresa Gifford of Silver Springs; and 2 grandchildren Alex Rodrigues and Letti Schery.
 

Family and friends may call from 1-4pm on Monday January 5th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry where services will follow at 4pm.
 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Marie Mazzarella, age 85 of Perry, died on Thursday January 1, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Buffalo, New York on December 15, 1929 to the late Albert (Sarah Darnley) Lorenz.  Marie is preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Maureen Mazzarella, sister Delores Koson along with several brother and sister-in-laws.

Marie graduated from Perry Central School. She sold Avon products for over 35 years.
She was a seamstress and avid gardener.

She is survived by husband Frank whom she married on October 30, 1948; daughter Lisa (Mark) Walworth of Hemlock; sons  Frank Jr. “Butch” of Leicester, Christopher (Linn Hom) of Sacramento, CA.; sisters Barbara (Paul) Baron of Leicester, Judith Koson of Brockton, MA.,;granddaughter  Marisa Mazzarella; 3 Step-grandchildren James Walworth, Duane (Holley) Walworth and Lisa Bloser; step great grandchildren  Hailey Brown, Brandon and Aiden Bloser and Bailey Walworth, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may call from 4-7 pm on Tuesday January 6th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Pavilion ~ Dean A. Beck, age 44, passed away Friday morning (Jan. 2, 2015) at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long courageous battle with cancer.

     Dean was born December 15, 1970 to John and Karen Beck, who survive.

     Dean was a graduate of Pavilion Central School and Alfred State College and was a professional driver for most of his life.  He enjoyed seeing the country and meeting new people in his travels.  Dean also enjoyed hunting, was an avid fisherman, and an airplane enthusiast.  He will be best remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor, bringing laughter to any occasion, even on the lowest days of his battle with cancer.

     In addition to his parents, Dean will be missed by his loving family and friends, including his twin sister, Darla (Douglas) Cunningham of Pavilion, his brother Terry (Jill) Beck of Pavilion, his sister, Peggy Clapp of Short Tract, NY; many nieces, nephews and his life-long friend, Henry Buell of Pavilion.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, Jan. 9 from 6 ~ 9 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Interment in Mt. Ash Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to the family c/o The Beck Family, P.O. Box 187, LeRoy, NY 14482

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Dean's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

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