Obituaries

Pavilion ~ Brian H. Elliott, age 63, of St. Mary’s Street, passed away Friday afternoon (April 24, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

    

 He was born October 26, 1956 in Batavia, a son of Clifford H. Elliott Jr. and the late Shirley Johnston Elliott.

     Brian will be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.  He loved to spend time with and entertain his nieces and nephews at family functions.  He was a dedicated life time member of the Pavilion Fire Department, where he was a past chief and past chairman of the Pavilion Board of Fire Commissioners.  He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Syracuse Orange basketball.  He enjoyed hunting and taking long rides on his Spyder with Nancy and their very special friends, Lynne and DR Roblee.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife of almost 43 years, Nancy Twichell Elliott; his son and daughter-in-law, Eric (Belle) Elliott; father, Clifford Elliott Jr. (Joyce Herold); his siblings, Karen (Gordon) Almeter, Debra (Brian) Bly, Joyce (David) Zaremski, David Elliott, Janet Elliott and Suzanne (Michael) Herold, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     A public memorial mass and celebration of Brian’s life will be held at a later date to be announced.  He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Pavilion at the convenience of his family.

     Contributions in memory of Brian are suggested to the Pavilion Fire Department, P. O. Box 156, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525.

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

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

  Mary Jane Marino, 87, from the Town of Batavia and of Albion passed away peacefully on April 23, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 14, 1933 in Elba to the late Harry and Beulah (Hicks) Cosway. In addition to her parents, Mary Jane is predeceased by a daughter Joanne Marino-Perry; her siblings Frank and Robert Cosway, Grace Pahuta, Beatrice Hatch and Dorothy Merkle-Elbel.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 ½ years; Joseph Marino of Albion; children James (Susan) Marino of Spencerport, Jon Marino of Virgina, Janelle (Gene) Flammger of Albion, Son-in-law, Clair Perry of Akron; 7 grandchildren, Nicole, Matthew, Dan, Christopher, Jennifer, Joe, Jolene and one special great-grandchild, Brianna, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was a Secretary of Administration at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia. Her love of travel took her to many places around the world and to all but three states in the USA. She loved to play games, garden, sew, quilt and was well known for her chocolate chip cookies and themed decorated birthday cakes. She had a kind and generous heart who was always there to help anyone. She was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

There will be no prior calling hours and a Celebration of Mary Jane’s life will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Akron.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St Jude www.stjude.org. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020    

Orchard Park/Batavia - Eleanor F. Found, 95, of Orchard Park and formerly of Batavia, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2020, at her daughter's home in Orchard Park.

Eleanor was born May 14, 1924, in Wheeling, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Glenn and Grace (Giffen) Ferguson.

Eleanor was a long time teacher’s aide for the Batavia City School District. She also served in many volunteer capacities including the snack shop at Genesee Memorial Hospital, Meals on Wheels, Literacy Volunteers, and many church ministries at First Presbyterian Church. Eleanor was instrumental in helping many young children begin their lives in a way that set them on a course of becoming all they could be. She loved being involved with her family’s activities, and delighted in spending time at the Chautauqua Institute and their family cabin in Quebec each summer. Eleanor was beloved by many for her helping spirit and always caring for the needs of the people around her.

Survivors include her children, Marilyn Found of Orchard Park, Ernest Found, Jr. of Iowa City, IA and Grace (Mark) Hedges of Hamburg; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Eleanor is predeceased by her husband, Ernest Murray Found, Sr., son, Daniel Found, granddaughter, Caroline Found, daughter-in-law, Ellyn Found and brothers, Richard Ferguson, Robert Ferguson and James Ferguson.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

Memorial contributions in Eleanor's memory may be made to Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

Robert Bruce Mertens, 85 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (April 22, 2020) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

He was born June 9, 1934, a son of the late George and Mary Johnson Mertens.

Bruce as he was known by so many people was the owner of Merts Wholesale Auto Parts in Akron.  Bruce had served his country with the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.  He was a longtime member of the Akron Newstead Rotary Club and was also a member of the American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and was an avid history buff.

He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Mertens and son, Michael Mertens.

Surviving are his children, Robert (Patti) Mertens of Buffalo, Deborah (Michael) Kiel of Cheektowaga, Todd (Laurie Ann) Mertens of Cheektowaga and Patricia (late Walter) Sherron of Richmond, VA. Daughter in-law, Ginny Mertens of Arizona. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at a later date due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Interment will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in Akron.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

OAKFIELD - Michael Sabatino, age 78, went to his eternal home on April 21, 2020. He was born in Batavia on January 31, 1942, the son of the late Frank and Patricia (Lipani) Sabatino. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Frank Sabatino Jr.

Mike was an active member of the Batavia Assembly of God church for over 35 years. He was a lively character that loved telling everyone he met about the love of Jesus. He had a heart for the imprisoned and served many years ministering to those in the Genesee County Jail as well as Attica State Prison.

Mike also served as the ASA softball commissioner in the area, organizing softball leagues throughout the county for over 35 years; and he also would never give up an opportunity to tell you about his love for horseracing.

He is survived by his wife, Christy, and children Michael (Deanna) of Palmetto, FL, Wendy (Jason) of Bradenton, FL, Jeremy (Rachael) of Oakfield, and Caleb (Alycia) of Attica; as well as ten grandchildren,one great‐grandchild, and one nephew.

Due to COVID‐19, a memorial service honoring Mike’s life will be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 N. Spruce St., Batavia,NY 14020. 

Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Corfu -- Shirley M. (Glidden) Schmigel, 92, of Corfu, passed away Monday, April 20, 2020 at Premier Genesee Center, Batavia, NY.

Shirley was born May 15, 1927, a daughter of the late Maurice and Ethel (Peters) Glidden. She was the sister of the late Ellen Brockway and grandmother of the late Matthew Schmigel.

Shirley had a lifelong passion for gardening and will be remembered for her fruit and vegetable roadside stand that she famously operated for many years. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and making arts and crafts.

Shirley is survived by four children, Sandi Daily, Duane Schmigel, Cathy Kingdon and Deborah (Gary) Starowicz; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours and services will be held privately. She will be lain to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shirley’s honor may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Shirley M. (Glidden) Schmigel, 92, of Corfu, passed away Monday, April 20, 2020 at Premier Genesee Center, Batavia, NY.

Shirley was born May 15, 1927, a daughter of the late Maurice and Ethel (Peters) Glidden. She was the sister of the late Ellen Brockway and grandmother of the late Matthew Schmigel.

Shirley had a life long passion for gardening and will be remembered for her fruit and vegetable roadside stand that she famously operated for many years. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and making arts and crafts.

Shirley is survived by four children, Sandi Daily, Duane Schmigel, Cathy Kingdon and Deborah (Gary) Starowicz; 8 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours and services will be held privately. She will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shirley’s honor may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu.

Batavia - Friday, April 17th at age 91; wife of the late F. Benjamin Hart; mother of David (Kathleen) Barth-Hart of LeRoy & Diane (Laurent) Hart-Hanuad of France; grandmother of Caitlin (Trevor) Hyde, Aelish Hart, Christopher Hanaud & Emmeline Hanaud; step-grandmother of Matthew (Amanda) Doyle & Ethan DePuy; great-grandmother to many; sister of Vincent (Diane) Scime; sister in-law of Allison Scime & Richard Dombrowski; & nieces & nephews; dear friend of Nancy Morrissey. Preceded in death by her sisters Concetta & Carolyn & brother Michael.

Born in 1928 to Sicilian immigrants who came to America four years earlier. As a young girl Mom was blinded for a year when she was badly scalded in an accident. Though she regained her sight, she carried the physical scars the rest of her life. Her twin sister Connie was her defender, and got in many fist fights with those who teased Mom. In school, Mom did very well, skipping three different grades. After graduating from Grover Cleveland High School, Mom worked at Woolworths. Toward the end of WWII she worked at the International Institute helping to settle European refugees. It was there that she met my father, Ben Hart. They married on September 27, 1952, a wonderful, loving marriage that lasted 64 years, until Dad died in 2017. Mom took civil service exams just for fun: “to keep my mind active”. Still when, in 1978, she was offered a job as a secretary in the Department of State in Washington, DC, she and Dad saw it as an adventure, and moved, on three weeks notice. They lived for 35 years there before returning to this area in 2013. Mom will long be remembered for her loving, passionate, generous and caring nature, and for much else.

There is no prior visitation. Graveside services will be held at Batavia Cemetery, Harvester Avenue. Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Leilani Darlene (Kuntz) Spring, 79 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Premier Genesee Center, Batavia. She was born October 18, 1940 in Woodland, CA to the late Raymond August (Margaret Gomes) Kuntz. On November 26, 1960, she married Raymond LaVerne Spring, son of the late LaVerne (Genievive Rembas) Spring in West Sacramento, CA. She is preceded in death by her beloved son Bryan Keith Spring, who died in 1997 and brother-in-law Bob Goldsborough.

Leilani was a life member of the Harder O’Donnell American Legion Post 734 Auxiliary of Attica and a life member of the Cathie Wilde VFW Post 9000 Auxiliary of Corfu; along with her husband, she was a member of the Alexander “Happy Agers” Senior Group. They also enjoyed performing volunteer work with the New York Veterans’ Nursing Home and the Genesee County Historian. Mrs. Spring was a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe R.C. Church in Corfu.

She is survived by her husband Raymond LaVerne Spring of Corfu; her sister Teleia Mendoza of Portland, OR; sister-in-law Midge Goldsborough of Kerrville, TX; two borthers-in-law Richard (Joan) Spring of Henrietta; Calvin (Carol) Spring of Saratoga Springs, NY; numerous nieces and nephews.  

Funeral Services will be held privately for the immediate family only. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars Cathie-Wild Post 9000, 116 East Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036 or Harder O’Donnell American Legion Post 734, 83 Market Street, Attica, NY 14011. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

PATSY S. GALLO ~ Age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 15, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Patsy was born on October 13, 1926 in Oakfield, NY, a son of the late Rosario and Mary (Marabella) Gallo, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Anthony (Rose) Gallo, John Gallo, Josephine (Joe) Joy, Theresa (Anthony) Massaro, Betty (Frank) Spadacino, Mildred Gallo and sister-in-law, Dolores Gallo.

Mr. Gallo was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s) and was a retired machinist from the former Trojan Industries. He always had a smile on his face, was quick with a joke and loved to sing to his family. He enjoyed going to the casino, having coffee with his pals, hunting, fishing, and watching the New York Yankees. Pasty will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and for the unconditional love for his wife of 71 years,

Pat is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Margaret (Dailey) Gallo of Batavia; sons, Patrick (Vicki) Gallo of Ontario, John (Karen) Gallo of Batavia; daughter, Catherine (Theresa Suozzi) Gallo of Rochester; brothers, Frank of Batavia and Sam of Williamson; seven cherished grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Due to the on-going COVID-19 epidemic Pat’s visitation and funeral mass will be held at a time deemed safe to do so. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14020.

Pat’s family wishes to offer many thanks for the wonderful care he received from his caregiver, Mitzi Youchzee and Unit 412 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Please share your words of comfort with Patsy’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

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

NEW YORK CITY/BATAVIA - Jeremy J. Penna, 75, of New York City and Batavia, former partner with Manhattan Color in New York City, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Mount Sinai - Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan following a brief illness.

Mr. Penna was born February 5, 1945, in Batavia, a son of the late Frank Penna, Sr.and the late Mary Colangelo Penna.

Survivors include his longtime companion, Kathleen Holohan; sister; Marianne (Michael) Kenny of Rochester; his brother; Frank Penna, Jr. of Batavia; nieces and nephews; Lisa (Tim) Cooney; Maria Nicole Penna who was also Jeremy's Goddaughter; Frank (Lisa) Penna, III and Sean (Lauren) Kenny; seven great-nephews; two great-neices; and his aunt; Amelita "Lee" Colangelo.

He is predeceased by a special uncle; Dante Colangelo and a special niece; Nicole Seward Farquar.

A graduate of Batavia High School, Monroe Community College and Stony Brook University, Jeremy was an Eagle Scout with Troop 8 at St. Anthony's Church where he received the Ad Altare Dei Award. An expert skier; he trained to be a ski instructor at the Bromley Ski Resort in Vermont. He loved to ski with his nieces, nephew and his Aunt Lee. Jeremy had so many interests, talents and a true zest for life and living it to the fullest. He loved music, attending concerts, dancing, boating and fishing with his nephew, Frank and great-nephews; Frankie and Angelo. Jeremy was a nature lover who enjoyed photography; cooking and going to the Farmer's Market with his niece, Maria and his great-niece, Marissa teaching them his tomato and zucchini recipe and his tomato and cucumber salad. Jeremy was a world traveler and enjoyed the family vacations to the beach house in Atlantic City. An animal lover, especially for dogs, he will be remembered for having a heart of gold. He was always willing to help family, friends, strangers and even four-legged animals at any time. An avid football and baseball fan, Jeremy was a lifelong New York Yankee fan and took his nephew, Frank to his first Yankee game.

There will be no visitation. Public graveside services will be held at a later date at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia, Memorials in Jeremy's name may be made to Lollypop Farms, 99 Victor Road, Victor, New York 14450 - in memo line please write "In memory of Jeremy J. Penna" or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jeremy's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

James M. Gartz, 67 of Darien Center, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia. He was born January 22, 1953 in Rochester, to the late Eugene (Rose Schwann) Gartz. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years Jennifer M. (Schwarz) Gartz in 2019; brother William Gartz, sister Susan Gartz Bewley; sister-in-law Cheryl Gartz.   

Mr. Gartz worked for many years as a Mason, Cement Mason’s Local 111 of WNY in Buffalo. He was a “Jack of all trades” and had a passion for woodworking. James was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time poolside. His family was everything to him, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Gina Napierski of Attica; Annette Smith of Rochester; Joseph (Michelle) Auricchio of East Bethany; Anthony (Cindy) Bykowski of Alexander; Michael (Tanya) Bykowski of Darien; siblings, Steve (Diane) Gartz, Eugene (Bonnie) Gartz, Michael (Wendy) Gartz, Martin Gartz, sister-in-law Melissa Gartz; 13 grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home, Inc. 167 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Mary E. Lakas, 88, of Varysburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility, Warsaw. She was born October 11, 1931 in Warsaw, to the late Otto (Loretta Fugle) Grover. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband John R. Lakas in 2008.  

Mrs. Lakas was a woman of strong faith and longtime member of Sts. Joachim & Ann Parish in Varysburg. She worked at the Post Office in Varysburg. She was a Graduate of Attica Central School, worked several years for North Java Branch of Wyoming County Bank, and she was actively involved with the VFD ladies auxiliary.

Mary enjoyed spending time with her friends and senior group. She was loved by all and her family always came first, especially with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Steven (Laury) Lakas, David Lakas both of Varysburg; William (Melissa) Lakas of Depew; Robert (Michele) Lakas of Varysburg; Sally (Steve) Trader of Batavia; Deborah Lakas of Attica; 5 grandchildren, Breanna, John Trader, Kyle Zawadzki, Wyatt, Claire Lakas, along with several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family with a Celebration of Life in the future. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Varysburg.   

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167 or to Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility, 400 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Margaret Balduf, 92, of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

Margaret was born July 17, 1927, in Rayland, Ohio, a daughter of the late Frank and Josephine (Barilla) Galline.

A member of the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, Margaret was a machine operator at the former Kisiel Tool & Dye Company in Batavia.

Survivors include her son, Jeffrey (Bonnie) Saquella of Batavia; daughters, Denice Saquella of Buffalo and Karen Saquella of East Elmurst; step-son, Gerry Balduf of Batavia; sisters, Theresa Velletta of Alabama and Julia Drake of Appleton; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

Margaret is the wife of the late Pasquale Saquella and Durward Balduf and a sister of the late Josephine Palone, Frances Cupler, Mary Beneditti, Jennie Nesbitt and Joseph Galline.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Margaret's memory may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate. 

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

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