Obituaries

East Bethany - Our beloved husband and father, Merritt S. Holly, passed away on June 4, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital ICU cardiac unit after struggling for years with heart failure.

Merritt was born December 15, 1947 in Batavia, a son of the late Clark Holly and Catherine Blanchard Holly.

A 1966 graduate of Pavilion Central School, Merritt excelled as a multi-sport athlete playing basketball and baseball at a high level and worked at Lapp Insulator in LeRoy for over 35 years. He always loved life and his family, his church, music and all sports. He served for several years as an Elder at East Bethany Presbyterian Church and was also on the worship and music committee. He coached his kids through many years of sports - as a coach and a fan. He adored his grandchildren, loving to play and provide "no discipline". They filled his life with love.

Anybody who knew Merritt, knew he harassed and teased everyone. His enthusiasm and positivity for life was inspiring.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Goodman Holly, whom he married May 29, 1971; his children, Merritt C. (Kellie) Holly of LeRoy and Megan C. (Adam) Logsdon of Pavilion; his six grandchildren, Merritt Curtis Holly and Harper Holly, Greysen Logsdon, twins; Bentley Logsdon and Eleanor Logsdon; and Augustus Logsdon; his brother, William (Judy) Holly of LeRoy; several nieces, nephews, cousins including Tom (Jane) Holly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and many dear friends.

He is predeceased by his sister, Sharon Holly.

Friends may call on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Memorial services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany.  He will be laid to rest in East Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in his name to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, New York14054. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

ADAM WADE PITCHER ~ Batavia

"We've come a long, long way together,

Through the hard times and the good

I have to celebrate you, baby,

I have to praise you like I should."

                                       Fatboy Slim- 1998

Age 49, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning May 26, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Buffalo, NY, November 24, 1968 to William and Cheryl (Kingsley) Pitcher of Batavia. Adam began his journey through this world as a life force to be reckoned with, a unique soul, he was confident and creative and fearless, artistic, passionate and perceptive. He was unabashedly, brazenly and only exactly and ever himself. Everyone knew Adam, and no one could forget him.

Adam was a 1987 graduate of Batavia High School and attended Alfred State College, he was a tremendous athlete, gifted in baseball and basketball throughout his youth, high school and beyond. Adam was a free spirit with a naturally creative mind. His philosophical approach and innate skill made him an outstanding musician and performer. He was the "The Bass Player" in many bands including Neo-York Preservatives, Sanduleak, Sapien, Junk, OZ Willis and Empty Grave and filled in for Pavilion Natural Grass and the Pitcher Family Band.

He was passionate about all his chosen endeavors, none could compete with his love for his children. He was extraordinarily proud of them. He will be remembered by them as loyal, loving, lighthearted and thoughtful. His son, Addison Ray, referred by Adam as Bobbo, B, Big B, Eddie B, and inexplicably, Chauncey, would be inspired by Adam's wide interest in music, from the Grateful Dead, to Bluegrass, Old Blues musicians to German Speed Metal and everything in between. Adam's children, Addison and Mica Leah "LeeLee" would be inspired by his athleticism, becoming motivated and competitive athletes themselves.

Joseph Campbell in speaking of the Hero's Journey, said, "Follow your bliss and don't be afraid,  doors will open where you don't know they were going to be." Adam's unique and fearless approach to life, seizing the moment and hearing him say, "I feel more like myself now than before I got here." There will never be another Adam Pitcher, the one, the only will be dearly missed now and forever.

Adam's talents were widespread from cooking at several area restaurants over the years to installing fiber optic cable for White Knight Communications. 

Along with his mother and father Adam is survived by his beautiful children, Mica Leah and Addison Ray both of Batavia; the children's mother, Susan Hoak of Batavia; siblings, Timothy Pitcher of Buffalo and Molly Smith of Batavia along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Please join the family from 5-8pm for a Celebration of Adam's Life on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Ri-Dan's Brewery & Sports Park 3755 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to his children to further their education. 

Please share your words of comfort with Adam's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF ADAM W. PITCHER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

JAMES L. ENGLE ~ 

Age 76, of Batavia, died peacefully Sunday March 25, 2018 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. He was born February 16, 1942 in Kane, PA a son of the late Ira Stanley and Lucille (Pierotti) Engle also preceded in death by his twin brother, Robert Lee Engle.                                                                  

Mr. Engle served honorably in the United States Navy from 1962-1964 and worked for Trico for over 30 years. Jim was a selfless man always looking to assist someone in need and was an avid outdoorsman, although having no children of his own Jim took in his nieces and nephews and loved them unconditionally. 

Surviving is his brother, William (Dorothea) Engle of Akron, NY along with several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held privately by the family and he will be laid to rest in St. Callistus Cemetery in Kane, PA, memorials in his memory are suggested to Mercy Flight 100 Amherst Villa Road Buffalo, New York 14225. 

Please share your words of comfort with Jim's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF JAMES L. ENGLE WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

Raymond L Kiley, 77 of Perry, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2018. He was born in Warsaw, to the late Chester (Irene Gibbs) Kiley. He is preceded in death by brother John Keel.

Ray enjoyed collecting sap, making maple syrup, fishing and cutting wood. He attended services at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center. Ray was a man that loved to work and was still working for Donald G. Butler Construction in Perry.

He is survived by his children Joyce Wilson of Las Vegas, NV; Christine (Ken) Gilbert of Pavilion; Denise (Patrick) McIntyre of Perry; Daniel (Wendy) Kiley of Perry; sisters Mary White and Cheryl Keaton both of Florida; 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530. A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held on Friday June 8, 2018 at 4:00 PM at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church, 7205 Perry Center Road, Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Bernard “Bernie” William Doktor, 88 of Corfu, went to the Lord on June 1, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at United Memorial Medical Center, under comfort care. He was born August 17, 1929 to the late Martin (Cecilia Szymanski) Doktor. He is preceded in death by son-in-law Scott Thompson; brothers Alfred, Henry, William, Richard, and Norman Doktor; sisters Florence Wyder, Rita Gostomski and Alice Berardi.

Bernie worked for National Gypsum and Georgia Pacific in Akron, in earlier years and retired after 25 years from Pembroke Central School District. He was a village of Corfu Trustee 1972-1977 and 1987-1990, he was instrumental in getting municipal sewer system for the village of Corfu. Bernie was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved outdoor activities. He enjoyed family gatherings and plenty of stories.

He survived by his beloved wife of 68 years Catherine (Lang) Doktor, sons Mark (Cathy) Doktor both of Corfu; Michael (Jessica) Doktor of Buffalo; daughters Apryle (David) Carney of Shoemakersville, PA; Robin Thompson of Godfreys Pond, Bergen; six grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Robert Lang of East Pembroke; sister-in-law Norma Lang of Byron; along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 18 West Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or donor’s choice. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

Batavia - Marguerite E. Giordano, 75, of Batavia, died Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Batavia Health Care Center.

Miss Giordano was born March 28, 1943 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Anthony J. and Lena (Cianfrini) Giordano.

She graduated from Notre Dame High School and from Bryant and Stratton.  She worked for 35 years as an Administrative Assistant at Pratt & Lambert in Buffalo, was a member of the former St. Anthony's (Roman Catholic) Church and its Altar & Rosary Society, St. Jerome Hospital Guild and volunteered at the NYS Veteran's Home. 

She is survived by her sister, Mary S. Giordano of Batavia; 2 Aunts, Rose Mager of Batavia and Catherine Cianfrini of Rochester; several cousins including her special cousins, Carol (Brian) Zito-Wolfley of Alexander and Anthony (Josephine) Deni of Batavia.

She was the step-daughter of the late Rose Mary Pulvino and was predeceased by several aunts, uncles and cousins.   

Friends may attend her Mass of Christian burial at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Site, 303 E. Main St., Batavia.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  Please consider memorials to Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St, Batavia, NY 14020 or to Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Dr. Ste. 6, Williamsville, NY 14221-7380, www.alzwny.org.  Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery in Oakfield.  Arrangements were completed by Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St., Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mary Sue (Stoffan) Goodman, 52, of Alexander passed away on Saturday June 2, 2018. She was born September 3, 1965 in Corry PA, daughter of the late Albert Stoffan & Sybil (Sallie) Stoffan of PA. In addition to her father, Mary is predeceased by her grandparents; John & Mary (Stasicky) Stoffan and Burdette & Doris Weiler.

Mary was an accomplished pianist and beloved wife of James Goodman and mother of Zachary Goodman.  Prior to her marriage to James Goodman April 13, 1996, she grew up in Columbus PA on the family beef farm and was active in the Columbus Community church where she was a member.  She was a 1983 graduate of Corry area High School and attended Jamestown Business College. Mary cared for her grandmother at the family home after graduation and worked at various businesses prior to moving to Alexander NY upon her marriage.  Mary enjoyed traveling with her husband supporting their love of Minneapolis Moline’s, trains and steam engines prior to giving birth to their son. Mary was a dedicated mother to son Zachary and wife to James and enjoyed spending time together as a family and playing or singing music.

Mary is survived by her husband of 22 years James (Jim) K. Goodman and her son Zachary both of Alexander; her Mother Sybil (Sallie) Weiler Stoffan of Corry Manor, PA.; she is also survived by her sister Cynthia (Cindy) Stoffan Applebee and her husband Dale of Clymer; step Nephew William (Bill) Applebee and wife Denise of Sherman NY and their children Rachel & Wyatt; two Aunts, Susan Reynolds of Anacortes, WA., and Cloie Hollingshead of Warren, PA., along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 7, 2018 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James Goodman Family, please mail to the Funeral Home address listed below. For more information please call (585) 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 - Charles R. Miller, 57, of Batavia, lost his long battle with cancer on Tuesday, (May 29, 2018) at his home, in Batavia.

Mr. Miller was born February 6, 1961 in Batavia, a son of the late Charles Max Miller Sr. and Judy Watkins-Hale.  He is the step-son of Gloria Miller of Warsaw and the late Joseph Hale and John Henry. 

He served his country honorably with the United States Air Force.  Up until Chuck’s illness he was an avid bowler, and earned a 300 ring at Mancuso’s. 

Surviving is a son, Jeremy (Brandi) Miller-Steele of Rockford, MI; a granddaughter, Lillian Kathleen Steele of MI; his significant other, Jackie Bigelow and her children Joslyn and Casey; siblings, Marsha (Frank) Slavens of SC, Kimberly (Roy Taylor) Nesbitt and Michael (Linda) Henry of Batavia, Ken (Juanita) Hale of Bergen, Lisa (Diane Rapkiewicz)Toal of OH, Cathy Hale of Batavia, Charles Max (Darlene) Miller, Jr. of Warsaw, Bonniejo (James) Froehlich of Livonia, Sherryjo (Mark) Rajk and Billiejo (Paul) Keough of Warsaw, and Jeff (Jessica) Miller of Scottsville; a sister-in-law Kathleen Watkins of Rochester.  Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.

Chuck is predeceased by a brother, Douglas Henry-Watkins.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia, where Chuck’s Funeral Services will immediately follow calling hours at 4:00p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery with full military honors on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

UPDATE: A Memorial Service for Dr. Phillips will be Saturday, June 2nd at Resurrection Parish St. Joseph’s Church at 10 am.’

Paul J. Phillips, DVM, 93, of Batavia passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, March 10, 2018. Paul was born in Chicago on December 20, 1924, to the late Edward and Irene (Walsh) Phillips. In addition to his parents, Paul is predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Dottie, and his son, Michael (John Styliaris, fiance).

When a man is a great father, it outshines every other major accomplishment in his life, and Paul had many. Paul was born in Chicago on December 20, 1924.  A WWII veteran, “Doc” to all that knew him, grew up in Brooklyn, NY, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy T. Somers.  With Dottie in tow, Doc went to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1954.  He was quickly scooped up by Drs. Perry Combs & Rodney Forsyth in Batavia, which would become his “furever” home.   After the passing of both Drs. Combs & Forsyth, Doc continued the veterinary practice solo.  Doc also founded Genesee Valley Farm, where we could fulfill his passion for Standardbred racehorses.  He continued practicing until his battle with throat cancer in 2013, forced him to retire. Doc will be well remembered for his wit, compassion & honesty for all who would walk into his vet practice, or interact with him at their farms.

He is survived by his devoted children, Paul (Lisa Bosley) of Loveland, Colorado; Edward (Doreen Turnbull) of Babylon, NY;  Anne Phillips of Batavia; Constance Chisolm of Rochester; Daniel (Jacquie) Phillips of Batavia, & Katherine (Robert) Brown of Batavia  Grandchildren; Jessica, Rachael, Ned, Mikala, Craig, Peter, Paul, Adam, Matthew, Katrina, Sydney, Samantha, Phillip, Natalie & Brendan, and many  great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.  He is also survived by his sister Helen Huley of MA.

There will be no prior calling hours as Doc’s wishes were for no visitation.  A Memorial Mass will be scheduled for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Volunteers For Animals www.vol4animals.org 3841 West Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020 or the Annual Fund at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine in memory of Dr. Paul J. Phillips at http://bit.ly/2FwgihA or Box 39., Ithaca, NY 14853. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

IRENE M. GIESLER ~ 

Age 99, of Batavia, NY died Friday morning December 22, 2017 at home. She worked for many years at the Genesee County Nursing Home, was an avid gardener, enjoyed word searches and most of all time spent with her family. 

Survivors include her loving children, Ronald (Kathy) Giesler, Larry (Debbie) Giesler all of Arizona, Mark (late Terry) Giesler of Batavia, Jean (Wilford) Wollenschlager of TX, Cheryl (Paul) Goodell of Oakfield, Deborah (Gary) Harkness of Batavia; sister, Dorothy Gerhardt of Rochester; 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews. 

Mrs. Geisler's funeral services are being held privately Friday June 1, 2018, she is being laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu and memorials in her memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street Batavia, New York 14020. 

Please share your words of comfort with Irene's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF IRENE M. GEISLER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

  Jeanne C. Iannaccone, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 29, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born on May 28, 1929 in Batavia to the late Pellegrino (Rafaella) Iannaccone. Jeanne is predeceased by her daughter Cheryl Sherman, sisters Philomena Mobley, Constance “Mary” Epple and brother Freddy Iannaccone.

She is survived by her son Robert Iannaccone of Batavia; niece Lyndia Mobley, great-nephew Paul Mobley along with grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held privately. Jeanne will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

 

Bentley Landyen Dick passed away on May 20, 2018 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a 10:00AM Memorial Service on Saturday June 2, 2018 at the Northgate Free Methodist Church 8160 Bank St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. There will be coffee and refreshments in the cafe.  The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has sent prayers, condolences and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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 York14020.

Linda J. Witkop, 70, of Batavia passed away on Sunday May 27, 2018 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born on April 19, 1948 in Buffalo to the late Richard Veltz and Elizabeth (Defoe) Gannon of Medina.

Linda worked as an Administrative Assistant at Eastman Kodak in Rochester. She loved to sing and bake. She will forever be remembered as an amazing person, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her children; Selina (Tom) McJury of Batavia, Evangeline Canty of Batavia, Bonnie Witkop of Batavia and Terry (Brittany) Witkop of Alexander; 5 siblings; 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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 York14020.

 

West Valley - Robert F. Moxham, Sr., age 90, of West Valley, passed away on  Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Batavia Health Care Center, LLC.

Mr. Moxham was born April 26, 1928 in Niagara Falls, a son of the late Ray Moxham and Esther Ella Moag Moxham.

A member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, he was a volunteer firefighter with the West Valley Volunteer Hose Company. He proudly served his country with the United States Navy and was a member of the American Legion, Post No. 1576 in West Valley. He loved spending time with his family, especially his late wife, Mary Jane.

Along with his wife, they were the owners and proprietors of the West Valley Market for many years. He was also a certified life underwriter for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

His wife, Mary Jane Moore Moxham, passed away on April 17, 2001.

He is survived by his three daughters, Linda (Tony) Buzzell and Mary Ella (late Roger) Loos, both of Batavia and Peggy Douglas of Winterhaven, Florida; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his son, Robert F. Moxham, Jr.; his grandson, Jason Allan and his brother, Ray Moxham.

There are no prior visiting hours. Friends and family are invited to graveside services on Friday at 11 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery, Roszyk Hill Road, West Valley.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post No. 5260, 650 East Main Street, Springville, New York 14141 or West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 9091 State Route 240, West Valley, New York 14171.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Mr. Moxham have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Cheektowaga - Gerald J. Krajna, age 57, of Cheektowaga, passed away on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Terrace View Long-Term Care Facility, in Buffalo.

Mr. Krajna was born February 2, 1961 in Buffalo, a son of the late Jerome Krajna and Tina Leto Krajna.

He enjoyed being able to work with his hands, woodworking, being outdoors and camping with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa M.  (Kraus) Krajna. They were married May 11, 1984. He is also survived by his children, Jerry (Rachel) Krajna of Tonawanda, Andy Krajna of Buffalo, Mary Ann Krajna of Cheektowaga and Allyson Krajna of Buffalo; his brother, James Krajna of Florida and several niecs and nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 1st at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, 150 Alleghany Road, Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials may be made to Hospice Of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Boulevard, Buffalo, New York 14227-1480. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Mr. Krajna have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.