Obituaries

Batavia, NY -- James E. Boyd, age 83, of Batavia, New York, died peacefully Thursday April 5, 2018 at the Northgate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda.

Widely known as "Gentleman Jim," Boyd took over the Batavia Downs track announcing duties from the legendary Max Robinson in 1984 and continued to call races there until it closed in 1996. He was also the announcer at Buffalo Raceway and called races at Finger Lakes racetrack.

Boyd called the richest race ever held at Batavia Downs, the $268,756 Breeders Crown aged-mare trot in 1988 won by Armbro Flori and also Getting Personal’s 1:53.3 track record in 1993.

“Jim was known for a very steady voice and very accurate calls,” Todd Haight, director/GM of Racing at Batavia Downs said. “Even though it’s been over 20 years since his retirement, our old-timers still ask about him.”

Besides calling the races, Jim was also a salesman in the Buffalo area for many years.

Boyd was born in Batavia, the son of the late Harry S. and Marjorie (Price) Boyd and was also preceded in death by his wife Josephine (Nevin) Boyd and siblings, Raymond, Robert, Ronald "Don" and Harry "Jack" Boyd.

He was a graduate of Batavia High School and Alfred State College and served honorably in the Army during the Korean conflict. Upon returning home he became a member of the Glenn S. Loomis Post #332 of the American Legion in Batavia and rose to the position of Post Commander.

Boyd is survived by his beloved daughter, Deborah (William) Evans, of Nevada, dear friends, Paula (Frederick) Leigh, of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present from 10 - 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel LLC located at 4120 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020 where his Funeral Services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by Jim's nephew, Rev. David Boyd.

He will be lain to rest alongside his beloved wife in Grand View Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory are suggested to Volunteers for Animals of Genesee County.

  Janet L. Brockel, 63, of Middleport, formerly of Lakeland, FL., passed away on April 7, 2018 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born in Batavia on July 21, 1954 to the late Melvin and Jane (Held) George.

Janet was a Registered Nurse in Central Florida for 25 years. She was a graduate of the Attica High School class of 1972. She will forever be remembered as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

She is survived by her husband; Gary Brockel of Middleport; children Angela Brown of Lakeland, FL., Melissa Brown of Varysburg, Glen (Catherine) Taskinen of Arcade and Bruce Taskinen of Arcade; siblings Jeff George of Lakeland, Allen Klawer of Lakeland, Robert (Paulette) Ramsey of Brooksville, FL., Kenneth Klawer of SC., and Raymond Klawer of Brooksville, FL.; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday April 14, 2018 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

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.

This week saw the ending of a special love story. On Saturday, April 7^th, Phyllis M. Burr passed away quietly at home. A few days later on Monday, April 9th, the final chapter of their story was written when her husband of 69 years, Donald L. Burr, joined her on their final journey together when he passed peacefully at home.

    

Phyllis was born in Fort Erie, Ont. on December 4, 1931, to Agnes and Joseph Wilkinson. Agnes later relocated the family to a farm in Orangeville, New York, where she met the love of her life.

     Don was born on November 17, 1926, in Orangeville, New York, to Helen and Leslie Burr.  He met Phyllis while working on her family farm. They were married on December 11, 1948, before he was deployed into the U.S. Army.  After basic training he was sent to Japan during the post war occupation.  Upon completion of his active duty he served 6 years in the Army reserves.

     Don and Phyllis had 4 daughters: Barbara Wingate Hansen (Craig) of Monclova, Ohio, Marsha Martin (David), Donna Richardson, and Debbie Wagner (Bill).  They have 8 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. 

     Don is predeceased by his brother Carl and his sister, Joyce Plowe.  Phyllis is predeceased by her brother, William and sister, Adeline Cornell, and their infant great grandchild, Zoey Flint.

     Don and Phyllis have resided in LeRoy for over 50 years.  Don worked for the Hall Baking Company for many years before taking a job at Kodak in the paper emulsifying division.  After retirement he became active in the LeRoy Food Pantry.  This service was recognized in 2000 when he was made LeRoyan of the Year, a major highlight in his life.  He was also active in the LeRoy American Legion for 50 years.

     Phyllis was a housewife, who was an avid seamstress, knitter, and gardener.  She was also active in the First Presbyterian Church in LeRoy where she sang in the choir and participated in their knitting club which made sweaters for underprivileged children in third world countries.  She too was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

     A joint funeral will be held at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service located at 8700 Lake Street Road, LeRoy.  Visitation will be Thursday from 4 - 7 P.M.  Their funeral service will be at the funeral home on Friday at 12:00 P.M.  Interment will be in Machpelah Cemetery on North Street in LeRoy following the service.

     In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church choir or the American Legion/Auxiliary.   

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

Oakfield - Hattie Rose Carpenter, 73 of Oakfield, the only female miner at US Gypsum Co. in  Oakfield, died Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Mrs. Carpenter was born February 26, 1945 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Walter and Hedwig Wojkowski.

She was an avid and award winning Horseshoe pitcher, gardener and enjoyed growing flowers.  She drew the attention of many when she drove her 1979 Custom Pontiac Firebird.  She, and her family, shared a passion for fishing.  Music was very important in her life and she was a great animal lover.  She loved each of the pets that she cared for in her home.  She loved her family and they were always her priority. 

Her husband, Paul W. Carpenter, died in 1989.

Survivors include a son, Paul "Butch" Carpenter of Oakfield; a daughter, Nadine (Kenneth) Snyder of Akron; a brother, Walt Wojkowski of Batavia, 2 grandchildren, Kyle Carpenter (Fiancé Christina Bartz) and Jordan Wilt (Fiancé Meghan Chatt) and 2 great-grandchildren.  She loved nieces and nephews, Rosie, Timmy, David, Joey and Harley.

She was the mother of the late Tracy B. Carpenter.

Friends may attend services at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 531 Ellicott St. in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.  A memorial celebration will be held in the summer at a date and time to be announced.   Mrs. Carpenter arrangements are being completed by Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

JAMES E. BOYD ~ Batavia 

Age 83, of Batavia, NY longtime announcer at Finger lakes, Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs, widely known as "Gentleman Jim" died peacefully Thursday April 5, 2018 at the Northgate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda. He was born in Batavia a son of the late Harry S. and Marjorie (Price) Boyd also preceded in death by his wife Josephine (Nevin) Boyd and siblings, Raymond, Robert, Ronald "Don" and Harry "Jack" Boyd. 

He was a graduate of Batavia High School and Alfred State College along with serving honorably in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Jim was a salesman in the Buffalo area for many years, a member and past Post Commander of the Glenn S. Loomis Post #332 of the American Legion in Batavia. 

Surviving is his beloved daughter, Deborah (William) Evans of Nevada, dear friends, Paula (Frederick) Leigh of Batavia along with many nieces and nephews. 

The family will be present from 10 - 11am Thursday April 12, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where his Funeral Services will be Celebrated by Jim's nephew Rev. David Boyd at 11am. He will be laid to rest alongside his beloved Jo in Grand View Cemetery with military honors and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to Volunteers for animals of Genesee County. 

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 E. BOYD IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

Loren E. Wetzel, 84, of Le Roy, NY, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, while surrounded by loved ones.

     He was born on June 17, 1933 to John and Cora (Lortz) Wetzel in Morganville, NY. Loren was the first person in his family to go to college. In 1956, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Loren worked at Graham Manufacturing Co. for his entire career, retiring as an Assistant Manager of Contract Engineering. In all, he gave 46 years of hard work and dedication. Post-retirement, he continued to stay active with Graham by organizing retiree trips and lunches.

     Le Roy was a central part of Loren's life. He was a member of The Rotary Club for over 30 years, serving as president and on the board of directors. He was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, the highest honor from the Rotary, and was made an honorary member of the club in 2013. Loren's passion for the community didn't end there—he was a member of the Water and Sewer Committee, the Town Planning Board, and the Le Roy Historical Society, of which he was especially proud to be involved with the Jell-O Gallery. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Le Roy for 50 years. He wrote thoughtful, heartfelt graces for special occasions of organizations he belonged to and family functions.

     Golfing became a large part of Loren's life after retirement. He developed many friends through this hobby, and he served as president and treasurer of the Le Roy Senior Golf League, which was renamed the Loren Wetzel Senior Golf League in 2014, in his honor.  Loren also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife always attended the grandchildren's plays, concerts, and special events, whether they were in town or five hours away—distance was never an issue.

     Loren lived to make his part of the world a better place. His big, welcoming personality allowed him to make friends everywhere he went—from his hometown to far-off countries. He freely gave all of his love and energy to his family, his friends, and the town of Le Roy.

     Loren is survived by his wife, Janet, of 62 years; his children, Keith Wetzel, Brian Wetzel (Paula), and Lynne Baudanza (John); his seven grandchildren, Sarah (Adam) Wetzel-Strong, Becky Wetzel, Emilie Wetzel, Paige Wetzel, Amy Wetzel, Rachel Baudanza, and Sam Baudanza; a great-grandchild, Henry Strong; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents and ten siblings; Eleanor (Albert) Neubert, Dorothy (John) Kruppa, Kenneth (Annamae) Wetzel, John (Blanche) Wetzel, Richard (Emma) Wetzel, Thelma (Earl) Setterington, Helen (Nathan) Binkley, Robert Wetzel, Charles Wetzel, and Virginia (Harold) Berry.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, April 13 from 5 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. His Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 14 at 11:00 A.M. at the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church, Rts. 5 & 19, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either The Hospice Foundation of WNY, P.O. Box 590, Buffalo, N.Y. 14240-0590 or the LeRoy Historical Society, P.O. Box 176, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482.

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

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

 

Corfu - Joseph D. “Joey” Jaszko, III, 56, of Corfu, passed away suddenly on Thursday, (April 5, 2018) at Erie County Medical Center, in Buffalo, a result of injuries sustained at work.

Mr. Jaszko was born June 27, 1961 in Batavia, the son of Joseph, II and Nancy (Chatt) Jaszko of Batavia.

He was a mechanic with Zoladz Construction.  Joey enjoyed bowling, fishing, and spending time with his family.  He will be remembered for his incredibly strong work ethic - be it on the job, at home in the yard, or in the woods.  Joey loved to be outside. 

Along with his parents, Joey is survived by his wife, Dawn (Odachowski) Jaszko of Corfu; children, Kira (Matt) Koch of Oakfield, Jessica (Mike) Rapone of Batavia, Joseph, IV (Lauren) Jaszko of Castile, Madison and Seth Jaszko of Corfu; grandchildren, Benjamin and Ivan Koch, Jason Rapone, Aaliyah, Madilyn, and Joseph, V Jaszko; sisters, Catherine and Lorie Jaszko of Batavia.  His work family at Zoladz Construction along with several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  Joey’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, (April 11, 2018) at St. Padre Pio Parish (St. Cecilia's Church), 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., C/o UMMC, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.com/donate. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Oakfield - Eleanor Latko, 83, of Oakfield, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Eleanor was born April 23, 1934 in Bethany, a daughter of the late George and Mary (Salat) Cupicha.

The most important thing in Eleanor's life are her children, grandchildren and her great-grandson.  She was a devout Roman Catholic who maintained a faithful prayer life and was a member of Saint Padre Pio Parish.  Eleanor enjoyed cooking, canning, baking and orchestrating family reunions.  She was a registered nurse who worked at various hospitals. 

Survivors include her husband, Richard J.  Latko of Oakfield; her children, Mary B. (Dr. Alex) Kajstura of Ormond Beach, FL, Richard J. (Daisy) Latko, Jr. of Wilmington, NC, Kathleen of Oakfield, Laura M. (Michael) Scarborough of Wyoming and George (Diana) Latko of Scottsville; grandchildren, Nicholas Scarborough, Elijah Latko and Drake Latko; great-grandson, Gunnar T. Scarborough; one brother, George (Joyce) Cupicha of East Bethany; one sister, Mary Carl of Williamsville; several nieces and nephews and her faithful pets, Lady Bear and Bernie.

Eleanor is a sister of the late Stella Radley, Genieve Mikolajczyk, John Cupicha, Andrew Cupicha, Joseph Cupicha, Laura Dembski and Peter Cupicha.   

There are no prior calling hours.  Eleanor’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia's Church, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  She will be laid to rest in St. Cecelia's Cemetery, Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield, NY 14125, Saint Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, NY 14125 or to the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club, Box 52, Oakfield, NY 14125.

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

Arrangements were completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.  

 

  Patrick J. Kopper, 65, of Batavia passed away peacefully on April 4, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 16, 1953 to the late George Kopper and Eileen (Dunn) Kopper of Batavia. In addition to his father, Patrick is predeceased by his brothers; Daniel and Terence Kopper; and nephew Chad Kopper.  

He will be remembered as a simple man who loved hunting, fishing and tinkering around the house. Patrick enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family.

In addition to his mother, Patrick is survived by his loving wife; Carol Merriman of Batavia; daughter Courtney Kopper of Batavia; brother Steven (Michelle) Kopper of East Pembroke; sister Diane (William) Williams of East Bethany along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday April 8, 2018 from 2:00-5:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday April 9^th at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish 8656 Church St. East Pembroke, NY 14056. He will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Maximilian Kolbe Parish 18 West Main St. Corfu, NY 14036.  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 - James P. “Phil” Grant, 95, of Batavia, died Monday, April 2, 2018 at his home, in Batavia after a short illness.

Mr. Grant was born April 5, 1922 in Somerset, NY, a son of the late Arthur W. and Marion (Lum) Grant.

He attended Maritime school, earning the rate of Master-Oceans and Great Lakes.  His achievements made him eligible for the rank of Captain.  He sailed the Great Lakes on crews of cargo freighters before and after WWII as well as ocean going ships carrying supplies for troops with the US Merchant Marines during WWII.  He was a Chief Mate on Liberty ships from 1944-1948 and was the youngest 1st Mate in the Merchant Marines during WWII. 

He worked for GTE International and served as a General Foreman in Charge of Production at the GTE Sylvania plant in Batavia and was the superintendent of a 1 million sq. foot manufacturing plant in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria from 1977 to 1980.

Mr. Grant was a former member of the Sertoma Club of Batavia and was an avid reader, bowler in the Sylvania Men's League, golfer and fisherman.  He had his first "Hole in One" at the age of 84.

His wife, of 65 years, Dorothy L. (Lange) Grant, died February 15, 2014.

Survivors include 4 children, Marcia (Byron) Harrington of Norwich, Michael J. Grant (Irma Cumminsky) of Batavia, Marilyn G. Mael of Batavia and Mitchell (Therese) Grant of San Diego, CA; 2 sisters, Patricia Berger of New York City and Jean L. Grant of CA; 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews and his faithful companion Roxy. 

He was the brother of the late Watson Grant.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018 at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, where services will immediately follow a 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Batavia #166, 222 Richmond Ave., Rm 2-102, Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.  Arrangements are being completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Oakfield – MaryLouise (Dimmick) Tonner, 86, passed away on April 2, 2018, with family by her side. She was born February 22, 1932 in Kenmore, New York.  MaryLou was a retired supervisor from Fisher Price Toys.

MaryLou loved animals, especially her birds. She also enjoyed traveling, walking on the beach and spending time with family. Mary Lou had a very kind and generous heart. She was a wonderful mother, best friend to her family and always caring and giving to others. She was very much loved, and will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.  

MaryLou is survived by her seven children, Linda Tonner, Tom Tonner (Rose), Colleen Glanville, Randy Tonner, Peggy Tonner, Mike Tonner and Amy Lavelle. Eight grandchildren, Randy Tonner II, Becky, Shannon, Matthew, Kelly, Amy, Tony and Nick. Eight great grandchildren, Ethan, Anders, Maddox, Kaya, Aaliyah, Madelynn, Jordon and Anthony.

She was predeceased by her beloved grandson, Justin Lavelle, Parents, William and Amy Dimmick, three brothers, Joseph Dimmick, Robert Dimmick, and Richard (Jane) Dimmick and two sisters, Dorothy (Dick) Diehl, and Ruth (Al) Steindel. 

A private celebration of life will be scheduled for family and friends. Donations in honor of MaryLou can be sent to Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, New York.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

LeRoy - Betty J. Norton, 93, of LeRoy, formerly of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, (April 3, 2018) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility, in LeRoy.

Mrs. Norton was born July 13, 1924 in Batavia, a daughter of the late William and Nina (Van Duser) Hammond.

Betty was a long time member of the West Bethany Baptist Church.  She was very active with church activities and greatly enjoyed spending time volunteering at United Memorial Medical Center.  She lived in Florida for 25 years before returning to Batavia after the death of her late husband, George Norton who passed away on January 11, 2003.

She is survived by her sons, Bruce (Cathy) Norton of Hereford, AZ, Brian (Carol) Norton of Kissimmee, FL and G. Jesse (Michele) Norton of the Bahamas; grandchildren, David (Rachel) Norton of Sierra Vista, AZ, Christopher Norton of Portage, WI, Rene (Mike) Holstien of Batavia, Jason Moneau of Batavia, James (Stephanie) Norton of Melbourne, FL, Elizabeth (Rick) Johnson of Batavia, Amanda (Chris) Cross of Elba, Michelle Reiner of Bennington, and Daniel (Jessica) Norton of Batavia; great-grandchildren, Daphne and Vera Norton of AZ, Kyle, Erin, and Megan Kelley of NY, Conner Moneau of NY, Shawna, Adrianna and Dallas Norton of FL, Hailey and Ashley Johnson of NY, Ethan and Emily Cross of NY.

 Betty is preceded in death a daughter, Cheryl and a sister, Minnie Housenecht.  

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1120 South Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620.  Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery.  Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.