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Obituaries

Ronald R. Hawker

By T.J. Woodward
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Ronald R. Hawker, 69 of Waterloo, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born in Batavia, January 25, 1954 to Pearl (Volino) Eley of Batavia and the late Raymond Hawker. He is preceded in death his brother Reginald Hawker and step-father Raymond Eley.

Ronald worked as a Tree Trimmer. He will be remembered as a very helpful man, helping his community and neighbors whenever he could.

Along with his mother Pearl, he is survived by his children, Raymond and Carrie, sister, Linda (Ken) Catino, along with several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.   

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Heart Association www.heart.org. To leave an online 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.z

Gwendolyn H. Willey

By Joshua Smith
Willey

Bennington - Gwendolyn Willey, 90 of Bennington passed away on Saturday, (December 9, 2023) at Gateway Home in Attica.

Mrs. Willey was born April 10, 1933 in Hume, a daughter of the late Frank C. and Shirley (Walradt) Hall.

Gwendolyn worked as a Fire and Safety Officer with the West Seneca Development Center prior to her retirement and proud to have been the first woman in Western New York to complete the Erie County Sheriff's Academy. She was a lifelong member of the Orangeville United Church of Christ. Gwendolyn and her late husband Kenneth, enjoyed playing euchre in tournaments, camping at Bide-a-Bit Campground, and traveling the country in their RV. She had a fondness for elephants and giraffes and enjoyed birdwatching, especially loving cardinals.

Gwendolyn is the wife of the late Kenneth Willey who passed away in 2014.

Surviving are her children, Gregg (Sandra) Willey of Bennington, Stanley (Donna) Willey of Attica, and Valerie Wooton of Bennington; grandchildren, Amy (Den) Eley, Nicki (Chris) Durfee, Justin (Carrie) Willey, Reneé Willey, Jason (Pablo) Willey-Bustos, Bradley (Randi) Kirsch, Brian (Angela) Kirsch, and Ashley (Christopher) DeLong; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Maddilyn, Logan, Maci, Hudson, Mikaila, Weston, Carter, Charlotte, Collins, Anna, and Ella; brother, Daniel C. Hall of Attica; sister, Debra (Mark) Farrell of Statesville, NC; brother-in-law, Glenn Washburn of Attica. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mrs. Willey is preceded in death by her sisters, LynnAnn Washburn, Catherine (late Donald) Aubry, and Sandra L. Cooke; niece, Wendy Washburn.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday (December 13, 2023) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, 98 N. Main Street in Perry, where Gwendolyn's funeral service will immediately follow visitation. Private burial will be in Freedom Rural Cemetery in Freedom, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 or the Bennington Fire Department, 1353 Clinton Street Road, Attica, New York 14011.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Marley Funeral Home  in Attica.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Dennis Baumgarte

By Joshua Smith

Dennis Baumgarte of Batavia NY passed away peacefully at the Gateway House in Attica NY, He was 77 years old.

Dennis is survived by his son Scott Baumgarte and daughter Lisa Wenner, and by his brother David and sisters Linda and Carol and 3 grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents Paul and Betty Baumgarte, his wife Beverly, and sons Kevin and Brian.

He was born on July 22, 1946, in Lima, Ohio and worked as a nuclear technician for Consolidated Edison.

He enjoyed working on computers, traveling and meeting new people.  He was a prolific reader and an avid Ham Radio enthusiast.

There are no services planned, in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Gateway House, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Helen A. Moore

By Joshua Smith
Moore

On December 7th, 2023, Helen A. Moore, 94, formerly of Oakfield, Byron, and Batavia, New York, passed away at LeRoy Village Green Rehab & Nursing Home, leaving behind her loving family.

Helen was born June 12th, 1929, in Washington Township, Pennsylvania to Maxwell Fulmer and Mary A. Bell.

On September 7th, 1946, she married the love of her life, the late James F. Moore, Sr. They had three beautiful children, James F. (Penny) Moore, Jr. of Appleton, the late Kenneth J. (Cheryl) Moore of Elba, and Helen L. (late Howard) Austin of Batavia.

Gram/Old Gram was very proud of her six grandchildren, Tammy (Michael) Boudreau, James (Amy) Moore III, Jeffery (Carri) Austin, Michael Austin, Jason (Kimberly) Austin, and Kimberly (Frank) Cuttitta; twelve great-grandchildren, Haley, Kylie and Mackenzie Moore, Tyler and Gracie Boudreau, Cameron, Ava, Brycen, Abigail, Allison, Brynn and Liam Austin, and Lucus Cuttitta; and great-great grandson Mason Arevalo. Helen’s brother-in-law, Edward Kastelic, Sr. (“Uncle Ed”) was her Yankees buddy. Helen is survived by many nieces and nephews; and good friends, Aggie McKenrick and Ethel Tanner.

Helen dearly loved her late dog, Killer.

Besides her parents, Helen is predeceased by her husband, James F. Moore Sr.; son, Kenneth J. Moore; son-in-law, Howard Austin; brother, Dean (Edith) Fulmer; brothers-in-law, William (Imogene), Jack (Judy), John Moore; sisters-in-law, Minnie, Mae, and Ruth Moore, Carrie (Wilber) Helman, Dorothy Davis, Betty Kastelic, and Jean (Ron) Gibson, and good friend Martha Mack.

Mom worked at many places in her life, such as weeding onions and picking potatoes on the mucklands of Elba, the canning factory in Oakfield, and Sylvania in Batavia. But most of all, she did the most important job of being our mom. We always had food on the table, clean clothes, and a tutor for us in the evenings as she did our homework. She was a caring mom and grandmother. Nothing made her happier than holidays and family gatherings.

Upon retirement, her and Dad traveled the country, visiting Hawaii, Texas, Las Vegas, California, Mexico, and Canada. They loved spending winters in Silver Springs, Florida. They fit right into retirement life there, making hundreds of friends. She was a member of American Legion Post 626 Auxiliary, IOOB’s Oakfield Chapter, and held many offices. Mom liked to play golf and bowl (even though she was not too good at it), enjoying being out with the gang. She also managed the impressive feat of still driving at 94 years of age! WE WILL MISS YOU, MOM/GRAM. Hope you can now rest in peace. XOXO

We would like to thank the entire staff at LeRoy Village Green for the wonderful care they gave our mother. Again, thank you.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home at 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, New York, where funeral services will immediately follow. Burial will be held thereafter at Cary Cemetery in Oakfield, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Volunteers For Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.

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

Bret "Joe Dirt" Bellacosa

By Joshua Smith
Bret

Bergen – Bret “Joe Dirt” Bellacosa, 65 of Bergen passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Bret was born Saturday, February 15th, 1958 in Denver, Colorado a son of the late Carmine and Regina (Gonzalez) Bellacosa.

He enjoyed photographing sunrises and sunsets, and sharing his favorite photos of them, family BBQ’s, football, traveling, and especially spending time with his family and friends.

Bret married Rita Schramm on June 24, 2006 at their home in LeRoy, NY. He worked as a heavy machine operator at Dilcher's Excavation and Contracting until his retirement.

Bret will be remembered by his wife, Rita Bellacosa of Bergen; children, Zachery Bellacosa of Medina and Sarla (late James) Bellacosa- Sanford of Rochester; stepchildren, Vincent Henning of Alexander, Daniel Henning of Attica, and Amanda (Shawn) Brayley of Apopka, FL; stepfather, Phil Shin of Orchard City, CO; grandchildren, Daniel Tyler Cone, Jacelyn Ferringer, Alexis Burley, Brianna Welsh, Caleb Henning, Arionna Henning, Xander Welsh, Maxamillyn Chase; sister, Cory (Steve) Miller; brother in law, Edward (Kathryn) Schramm of Henrietta, sister in law, Donna Russell of Batavia, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Bret is reunited with his parents, Carmine and Regina Bellacosa; siblings Carmen (Harold) Shelden, Janet (Jeff) Dewey, and Carmine Bellacosa Jr.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bellacosa Family.

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

Charles M. "Woodie" Wood

By T.J. Woodward
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Charles M. “Woodie” Wood, 85 of Oakfield, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Sunday, December 3, 2023. He was born October 8, 1938 in Batavia, to the late Clifford and Evelyn (Bartlett) Wood. 

Chuck proudly retired as a NYS National Guardsman for 35 years, and worked in that capacity for the Department of Military and Naval Affairs in Rochester for over 25 years. He then went on to work at LMI, Bergen part time and retired for good in 2009.  Chuck also spent 10 years as a Barber in his younger days.  

He was a man of great faith, Charlie became an Ordained Minister in 2006 where he would proudly serve The City Church in Batavia. Pastor Wood loved teaching the Bible and did so for 25 years at The City Church. Along with his faith Charlie enjoyed WWII history and memorabilia.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda L. (Rowe) Wood of Oakfield, his sister, Marilyn Wood Donahue, along with so many dear family and friends.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 11, 2023 from 2 to 5pm at The City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 5:00pm Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at the church. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charles M. Wood Study, c/o The City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online 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.

Michael "Frank" Gross

By Joshua Smith
F Gross

Basom - Michael "Frank" Gross, 94, of the Town of Alabama passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, New York.

Frank was born April 27, 1929, in Alabama, New York a son of the late John and Anna (Bosnak) Gross. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church (St. Patrick Mission Church in Wheatville, NY). Frank received the prestigious Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker from Bishop Edward Head of the Buffalo Diocese.

Frank grew up on his family farm and married the love of his life, Shirley Endres, on May 12, 1951, at St. Mary's Church in Batavia. They lovingly raised three children. Frank was self-employed as a painter and carpenter for many years prior to working at and retiring from Harrison Radiator on July 1, 1991. He was an avid hunter, outdoors man and life-long Yankees fan. He enjoyed the simplicities of life and his home was his favorite place to be.

Frank is survived by Shirley Gross, his loving wife of 72 years; children Gregory (Debby) Gross, Peter (Paula) Gross, Karen (Richard Dwyer) Grazioplene, grandchildren Timothy (Meghan) Gross, Jennifer Higgins, Jeffrey Gross, Ashleigh Gross, Jonathan (Danielle) Gross, Michael (Aubrey) Gross; great grandchildren Rori, Shayla, Eleanora, Garrett, Evangeline, Paisley and Silas; siblings Evelyn Clark and Bernice Hochmuth; daughter in law Stephanie Gross; many nieces and nephews.

In death Frank will be reunited with his parents, John and Anna Gross; siblings Anna, Betty, John, Joe, Rudy, Bob, Richard, Eleanor, and Ruthy; son in law Scott Grazioplene.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield. Frank's funeral mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at St. Padre Pio (St. Cecilia Worship Site), 56 Maple Ave, Oakfield, NY 14125. Burial
will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alabama Fire Department at 2230 Judge Road, Basom, NY 14013.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in memory of Frank at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Frances P. Lawrence

By Joshua Smith
Frances P. Lawrence

Frances P. Lawrence, 91, of Batavia, passed away on December 1, 2023 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Fran was born March 27, 1932 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles and Carrie (Ross) Radley.

Frances was a member of Resurrection Parish, the sodality of the church and the Town of Batavia Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.  She also taught church school.  

Fran was a welcoming person, whose door was always open to her family and friends.  She loved being with her kids and grandchildren, always attending their sporting events, concerts and dance recitals. She was so deeply loving to all.

Surviving are her children, William (Peg) Lawrence of Batavia, Nancy (Richard) Hale of Florida, Robert (Diane) Lawrence of Florida and JoAnn (Steven) Hyde of Batavia, and her sister-in-law Sandra (Dan) Slubecky of Batavia; ten grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lawrence; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Teresa Lawrence; her siblings, Robert (late Jeanette) Radley, Florence (late Howard) Taft, Mae (late Don) Dusen, Rose (late Irv) Warner, Leonard (late Ann) Radley and Angie (late Pete) Weber and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth (late Donald) Schultz and sister-in-law Barbara White.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, December 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. also on Monday.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Regional School, 2 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Arrangements for Frances were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

Sharon Breton

By T.J. Woodward
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Sharon Breton (79) went to her forever home with the Lord on November 29, 2023. Sharon was born on May 14, 1944 to Jane and Jim Murphy. She is predeceased by her parents; brother James; sister Kathy and son Rusty. 

She is survived by her 2 sisters, Patty (late Michael) Smukall, and Anita Brown, her children Annette Stephens, Susan Feldman, James (Marla) Breton, Jason (Stephanie) Breton, daughter in-law Judy (late Rusty) Breton, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, along with many loving nieces and nephews. 

Sharon had a heart of gold which was shown through her many acts of volunteering, including the Salvation Army, Buffalo City Mission, National Disaster Relief, and the Food Link. She was very involved in the Alexander community where she taught for 27 years, and was the co-founder of the Alexander Christmas in the Village. There were many things in life that brought Sharon joy. She loved her church family, the beautiful colors of the fall season, making cards for friends and family, doing puzzles during the winter and her many friends. Her family and grandchildren brought her the most joy. She was happiest spending time with her grandchildren, whether at a sporting event, band concert, cousins game night, or just random visits at her house. 

Sharon was a wonderful woman who will be missed dearly by all who knew her. 

Friends and family are invited to call from 1:00-4:00PM on Sunday December 3, 2023 at West Bethany Baptist Church 10333 West Bethany Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Monday December 4th at Grace Baptist Church 238 Vine St in Batavia ***Please note Calling Hours and Funeral Service locations are different***

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Bethany Baptist Church or the Salvation Army of Batavia 529 E. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Margy M. VanValkenburg

By LaVern Falcone

Margy VanValkenburg, 74, of Bergen, NY passed away peacefully at home on November 28, 2023. Margy was born on October 19,1949 to Volney and T. Marie Bucknam in Warsaw, NY.  

     She is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Lewis O. VanValkenburg. She leaves behind her children: Kathy (Matt) Barbaro of Forest City, NC, Sarah (Rich) Howard of Hopkinton, IA, Maryann VanValkenburg of Henrietta, NY, Paul (Jennifer) VanValkenburg of Caledonia, NY, and Neil (Krystal) VanValkenburg of Geneseo, NY; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, her siblings, Jane (Bill) Fitzsimmons of York, NY, Betty (Patrick) White of Pavilion, NY, William (Martha) Bucknam of NM, Susan (Jim) Garret of LeRoy, NY; many nieces and nephews and dear friends, Irene Barber of Geneseo, NY and the Adam family of Churchville, NY.   

Margy

   She married the love of her life on June 21,1969 in Warsaw, NY. Margy spent many years working beside her husband, providing for the family and raising their 5 children. She spent 18 years working as an LPN at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home until retirement in 2006. During her years of nursing, her compassion, understanding and dedication enriched the lives of her patients. Her acceptance, understanding and love showed in each day of her life and those touched by meeting her. Margy loved crafting, each item she made surrounded the receiver with her love, which was only second to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her faith sustained her though her battles with cancer and gave her peace.   

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday December 5, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy Ny 14482, where services will be held at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry Center, N.Y.

     In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Ste 6, Batavia, NY 14020, The Paralyzed Veterans Association or the Disabled Veterans Association.  

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

Laura M. Perry

By Joshua Smith
Laura M. Perry

Laura M. Perry, 79, of Batavia, passed away on November 28, 2023 at the LeRoy Village Nursing home.

Laura was born February 12, 1944 in Batavia, the daughter of the late George and Victorine (Neamon) Bosseler.

Laura was a member of Resurrection Parish and was an avid shopper, always finding great deals.  She enjoyed spending time with her grandsons and friends.  Laura worked at Chapin's in Batavia.

Surviving are her son, Scott (Jill) Perry of Batavia; grandsons, Alexander Perry, Carter Perry and Brock Perry; her brother, Donald (Marcia) Bosseler of Florida along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her brothers, George Bosseler, Jr. and William Bosseler and her sister-in-law, Mary Alice Bosseler.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, December 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street in Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Scott F. Hall

By Joshua Smith
Scott

Batavia - Scott F Hall, 70 of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York.


Scott was born Friday, April 10, 1953, in Batavia, New York, a son of the late William D. and Dorothy (Foster) Hall. Scott was married to the love of his life, Judith (Bolles) Hall, for 35 years, and together they raised three wonderful children.


Always wearing blue jeans, he enjoyed fishing, gardening his tomatoes, spending time with friends and family, Disney, cheering on the Yankees, and golfing at Terry Hills Golf Course, where he had been a formidable member of the Thursday Night League for each of the past six decades. Coaching his boys with his daughter was one of the greatest joys of his life. His professional career included 20 years as a produce manager and 20 years as a night manager at Lowe's.


Scott is survived by his sons, David Hall and Philip Hall of Batavia; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Matthew Harris; son-in-law Jason Harris of Las Vegas, NV; a brother, Ronald (Shellye) Hall of Albion; a sister, Wende (Late Sidney R.) London of Medina; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.


In death, Scott is reunited with his wife, Judith Hall; his daughter, Amy Harris; and his parents, William D. and Dorothy Hall.


Arrangements are under the care and direction of H. E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. A graveside service will be in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia, NY, on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 10:00 am.


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

Barbara R. Shephard

By Joshua Smith
Shephard

 

Attica - Barbara R. Shephard, 87 of Attica passed away on Tuesday, (November 28, 2023) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home in LeRoy.

Mrs. Shephard was born September 23, 1936 in Attica, a daughter of the late Harold and Dorothy (Sattler) Duschen.

Always looking for a deal, Barbara enjoyed garage sales and auctions. She liked listening to country music, going to the casino, and playing bingo. Mrs. Shephard deeply loved her family, and cherished time spent entertaining and feeding her people. She will be remembered as a devoted, caring, and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Surviving are her children, Mark (Kim) Shephard of Batavia, and Marie (Daniel) Wierzbicki of Cheektowaga; grandchildren, Andrew (Emma) Wierzbicki, Ashley (Luca) Chimento, Matthew (Paige) Wierzbicki, and Michael Wierzbicki; great-grandchildren, Isabelle Chimento, and Henry Wierzbicki; sister, Gladys (late Kenneth) Mooney of Attica; sister-in-law, Brigitte Duschen of Brockport. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death, Barbara is reunited with her parents; husband, Kenneth W. Shephard; brother, Charles Duschen; and sister, Shirley (late James) Courtwright.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, (November 29th, 2023)  from 3 to 6:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia where Barbara's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, (November 30th, 2023). Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

John M. Swanson

By Joshua Smith
John M. Swanson

John M. Swanson, age 83 of Stafford, New York died on Thursday November 23, 2023 in Rochester, New York after a lengthy illness.  

John was born in Lowell, Massachusetts to Buelah (Kimball) Swanson and Paul F. Swanson.  He graduated from Concord High School, Stockbridge Agricultural School, The University of Massachusetts, and The University of New Hampshire with a degree in Genetics.  John was employed by the Cobb Research Corporation in Littleton, Massachusetts. He traveled to over 27 countries as a poultry geneticist creating breeding programs for impoverished nations helping them with their production of food.  John most enjoyed his two year residency in England with his family while continuing his research for the Cobb Corporation.

After John’s retirement, he managed the development of Tall Pines in Carlisle, Massachusetts.   Along with his partner and friend Bill Costello, he was instrumental in the design and creation of the Curve Street area of Carlisle.  

Upon moving to Sandra’s home town of Stafford, New York, he returned to his roots in agriculture and created a true homestead full of poultry and beautiful gardens abounding.  He was most at home on a tractor, gator and equipment improving his property. He loved traveling with Sandra to Florida, Cape Cod and Europe. He was interested in art, literature, music and all things beautiful.  John was very connected with the book Tuesdays with Morrie.  He loved philosophy and had a thirst for knowledge. John was a life long learner.  

John supported Sandras’s advocacy related to energy production in the town of  Stafford. With John’s immeasurable  assistance and encouragement to maintain the authenticity of agricultural land in the town, laws were passed to protect the soil of the community and integrity of the land

John will always be remembered for this amazing grilling on the deck, icecream sundae buffets and his creation of wonderful parties for family and friends.

He is preceded in death  by his parents Buelah and Paul Swanson, brother Paul Kimball Swanson and his sister Linnea Swanson Van Winkle.

John is survived by his loving wife Sandra Fuller Swanson of Stafford, New York; his daughter Susan (James) Ferguson of Maynard, Massachusetts;  his son Peter (Charlene) Swanson of Glouster, Massachusetts and two grandsons.  

An 11am Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday December 2, 2023 at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Stafford, New York with a reception following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stafford Fire Department, Rescue Squad 6153 Main Road Stafford, New York 14143.  

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

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

Robert R. Roberts

By Joshua Smith
Robert

Robert Richard Roberts, 78, of Attica, New York, was taken home to be with the Lord on November 25, 2023. Bob passed quickly while out enjoying the woods. He was born on July 5, 1945, to parents Lester and Lucille Roberts of Bliss, New York.

Bob was a Sergeant with the United States Army and served in Vietnam, where he received a Bronze Star Medal. He was a man with strong values and a great work ethic, as displayed for many years while laboring for farming, construction, and trades he was passionate about. This included twenty years as a Project Manager with Campus Construction, building projects and strong friendships along the way. After retiring, he continued constructing special projects. Bob loved fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He was very active in Varysburg Valley Gospel Church, proudly serving on the board for the last twenty-five years.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of twenty-nine years, Nancy, and their children, Lester Roberts, Jennifer (Jerold) Hall, Matthew Roberts, Mark (Julie) Dyviniak, and Jeffery (Lisa) Dyviniak. He was a beloved grandfather to Chelsie (Bryce) Hamilton, Lucas Roberts, Levi, and Boaz Hall, and a proud great-grandfather to Amelia Hamilton. Bob is also survived by his brother Rocky (late Kathy) Roberts, along with his many nieces and nephews.

Bob is predeceased by his brother, the late Rusty (Betty) Roberts.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 30 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main Street, Warsaw, New York, where his funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow thereafter at Lyonsburg Cemetery in Bliss, New York.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made in Robert’s name to Operation Blessing at www.ob.org

Online condolences may be offered at https://www.marleyfuneralhome.com/.

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