Obituaries

     

Jennifer M. Gartz, age 73, passed away at home on Saturday, June 29, 2019 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was born on January 7, 1946 in Buffalo, NY, one of eight children, to the late Harry and the late Thelma (Fulton) Schwarz.

Jen will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was known for a great sense of humor, incredible smile, and love of people. Jen had many careers during her life, but loved being a nurse the most.

Jen is survived by her loving husband, James; children, Gina Napierski, Annette Smith, Joseph (Michelle) Auricchio, Anthony (Cynthia) Bykowski, and Michael (Tanya) Bykowski; and 13 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 PM at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10 am at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10656 Alleghany Rd., Darien Center, NY 14040. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Homecare & Hospice, Inc., 450 N. Main St # 3, Warsaw, NY 14569 in Jen’s honor. 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.

 

Byron/Varysburg - Ruth E. Ribbeck, 81, of Byron/Varysburg, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home.

Ruth was born February 26, 1938, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Milton and Ida (Heywood) Acker.

Ruth loved puzzles, reading and was devoted to her family and church.  She was a former member of the North Bergen Presbyterian Church and the Johnsonburg United Methodist Church.  Ruth worked at Mallory Timers, Champion Products and Angelica.

Survivors include her children, Amanda (Warren) Spencer of Caneadea, Marjorie (Jim Cassidy) Ribbeck of Corfu, Buzz (Tammy) Ribbeck of Pavilion, Christine (Boyd) Poole of Warsaw, Julie Pope of Mt. Morris, Timothy (Angel) Ribbeck of Warsaw and Matthew Ribbeck of Warsaw; two sisters, Dorothy Dumbleton of Pavilion and Mary Backus of Newark; fifteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.     

Ruth is the wife of the late Roy E. Ribbeck and a sister of the late Delmar Acker and Albert Acker. 

Calling hours are Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.  Ruth will be laid to rest in North Byron Cemetery.

Memorials in Ruth's memory may be made to the New York State Veteran's Home, Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

Jane A. Grodem, 91 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 in the presence of her loving family.

She was born January 11th, 1928 in Bowmansville, NY, one of seven children of the late George and Gertrude (Kauffman) Sugg.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. Grodem, her son, James M. Grodem, grandson, James N. Grodem, brother Paul (Gloria) Sugg, sisters Rita (Jack) Gibbs and Gertrude (Gerry) McCormick.  She is survived by her sisters Irene Casper, Marylin Malucci and Rosemary Hopcia, her 7 children, Andrea (Dave) Kruger, Deborah Baehler, Greg (Deb Perkins) Grodem, Janine (Mike) Vogel, Lisa (Randy) Sharick, Becky (Norm) Seelbinder and Peter (Robin) Grodem, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.

Jane was a caring and giving person who was devoted to the Catholic faith.  She was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society, the Legion of Mary and was a Eucharistic Minister.  Jane volunteered with All Babies Cherished, Crossroads and the nursing home facilities in Batavia, NY.  She was also a Girl Scout and 4-H leader when raising her children.

A memorial service and Mass of Christian Burial will be scheduled at the family’s convenience.  In lieu of flowers, people are invited to contribute in memory of Jane to Crossroads House in Batavia (www.crossroadshouse.com) or to All Babies Cherished (www.allbabiescherished.com).

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE C.B. BEACH & SON MORTUARY, INC., 4-6 MAIN STREET, CORFU, NY 14036.

CLARENCE L. BLACKMON, SR. ~ Age 78, of LeRoy, died Monday June 24, at the Premier Genesee Center. Clarence was born February 22, 1941 in Columbia, SC to the late William and Myrtle (Baughman) Blackmon also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie (Figlia) Blackmon and a brother, William Blackmon, Jr.

Mr. Blackmon was a veteran of the United State Army and was retired from Wegmans. He had a love of stockcars, from building them to racing it was his passion. He enjoyed Bingo, could fix just about anything and cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his children, Sherry Palmieri of NC, Bonnie Russell of Rochester, Wilma Blackmon of Bergen and Lee Blackmon, Jr. of LeRoy; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

In keeping with Mr. Blackmon’s wishes there is no prior visitation and funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials in his memory are suggested to the NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY.

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

THE FAMILY OF CLARENCE L. BLACKMON, SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

DONALD P. REBMANN ~ Age 81, of Batavia, died suddenly Monday June 24, 2019 at his home. Don was born in Darien, NY on April 19, 1938 to the late Stephen and Elizabeth (Kovach) Rebmann also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane L. (Horni) Rebmann on 11/16/17 and a sister, Sandra Hinkson.

Don was a veteran of the US Marine Corp and served honorably during the Korean Conflict he was also a lifelong member of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Darien Center. Don was the founder and owner of Rebmann Masonry which is still operated by the family. His passion in life was farming as he operated Lyn-Don Farms for over 30 years. Don was a member of the NRA, enjoyed bowling, tending to his garden and peach trees and enjoyed vacations with his late wife.

Surviving are his loving children, Stephanie Norris of Chesapeake, VA and her children, Kaylee and Ashley; Douglas (Tammy) Rebmann of Alexander and their children, Leah, Katie, Michael and Joseph; Debra Webster of Batavia and her children, Tanner and Kelly; Julie (Daniel) Vella of Rochester and their children, Zinnia, Zander, Olivia and Alec; Christopher (Carrie) Rebmann of Darien and children, Tess and Chloe; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Philip (Kathy) Rebmann of Alden, Gerri (late Joseph) Matre of Elma, Norman (Rusty) Rebmann of Corfu, Raymond Rebmann of Alden, Ann (Joseph) Marin of Lancaster, Nancy (James) Allegretto of NC and Patricia Begiers of Alden along with several nieces and nephews.

Please join the Rebmann family 10a.m. Saturday June 29, 2019 to Celebrate Don’s Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church 10675 Alleghany Road Darien Center, New York 14040. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife in the church cemetery, in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia, NY.

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

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

Churchville - Age 70, entered into rest June 24, 2019.  Loving daughter of the late Louis and Lina (Kemp) Shultz; beloved wife of the late Kenneth R. Fuller; devoted mother of Dustin (Erin) O'Brien of Macedon, Sanford (Amy) Fuller of Fairport, and Kerry Fuller of Churchville; dear grandmother of Derrick Fuller, Melody Fuller, Kathryn (Matthew) Brown, Samuel Fuller and great-grandmother of Selena Fuller; fond sister of Marita (Dick) Tourscher of Penfield, Beverly (Darrel) Millspaugh of North Chili, Evelyn Watkins of Penn Yan, and Linda (Rick) Hartung of Gates.

Elaine was a long time volunteer with Boy Scouts of America and the Churchville Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary.  She drove bus for Churchville-Chili Schools and loved children, especially her grandchildren.

Calling Friday (June 28, 2019) from 4 to 7 PM at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake St., Bergen.  Services to follow at 7 PM.  Interment, Saturday 10 AM at Creekside Cemetery, Churchville.             

Memorials to American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst, New York 14228.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Robert James Morith, 95, died on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Rob was born on August 15, 1923 to Joseph and Winifred Taylor Morith in Batavia, NY. Rob was the youngest of their ten children and was the last surviving child. He married Edna “Lynn” Kiefel in 1950. She preceded him in death in 1999. He married Fay Carey Pogel in 2002. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Linda (Stephen) Miller, Hamlin, and Peggy (Eric) Hardy, Normal, Il; two step-children, Rob (Cheryl) Pogel, Wolcottsville; and

Elizabeth (Ray) Brucker, Wolcottsville; six grandchildren; Elizabeth (Mark) Holcomb, Brockport; Erin(Wayne) Burton, Jersey City, NJ; David (Jennie) Miller, Brockport, Jonathan (Christi) Miller, Henrietta, Christopher (Dana) Hardy, India; Anne Marie (Jonathan) Spelman, Bluffton, Ohio; Frank Brucker, Middleport; Robbie Pogel and Amanda Pogel, both of Wolcottsville. He has 25 great-grandchildren.

Rob graduated from Batavia High School in 1943 and served in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II. Upon returning from the war, he worked for Buffalo Arms and then the Batavia Post Office until his retirement. He was part-owner of a Christmas tree farm in Wyoming County. He was a member of the American Legion Post 332, VFW Post 1602, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Rob was an avid ballroom dancer. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and bowling. He was a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by many people.

Visitation will be 6-8 PM, Thursday, June 27 at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. Graveside military honors will be at 11 AM Friday, June 28 at Grandview Cemetery, 80 Clinton St., Batavia. A lunch will follow at the VFW, 25 Edwards St., Batavia.

Memorials in Rob’s name may be made to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Roswell Park Cancer Inst., P.O Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240-9856 or VFW Post No. 1602, 25 Edwards Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - John R. LaFarnara, 87, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Crossroads House.

John was born August 13, 1931, in Batavia, a son of the late Nicholas and Josephine (DiMaio) LaFarnara.

A veteran with the United States Marine Corps, John served from 1951-1954.  He was a member of Ascension Parish, the Elks Club and the VFW.  John enjoyed bowling, spending time with his family, being outdoors and gardening.  He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees and Batavia Muckdogs.  John was a carpenter for Local Union #1151 in Rochester.

Survivors include his children, Nancy (Dennis) Warner of Batavia, Amy (Joe) DiSalvo of Batavia and John P. (Jody) LaFarnara of Batavia; grandchildren, Amanda (fiancé Zachary Huemoeller) LaFarnara, Alyxandra (Stephanie Seeber) Chojnowski, Madolyn (Mike) Costa, John G. (Katie Pataky) LaFarnara, Cory Warner, Ryan Warner, Lauren Pinney and Josh Pinney; great-grandchildren, Barrett and Max Chojnowski and several nieces and nephews.

John is a brother of the late Josephine Carter and Pasquale, Anthony, Carmen, Vito, Columba and Mary LaFarnara.  He is also predeceased by his fiancée, Lynda Lowe.

There will be no prior calling hours.  John's Funeral Mass will be on Monday July 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia.  Burial with full military honors will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials in John's memory may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY, 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate as well as the Visiting Nursing Association, 61 Swan Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

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

Gertrude M. Mason, 95 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (June 21, 2019) at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born June 2, 1924 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Jacob and Anna Wozniak Siewierski.

Gertrude had worked at several places in the Batavia area, including, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Sylvania, Pok-A-Dot Restaurant, Mancuso Plumbing and Walmart. She enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, crocheting and handiwork activities. She was also a member of Resurrection Parish.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Mason, who died in 1965 and sister of the late Rose Tomaszewski, Clara Klimczak, Florence Russell, Regina Dixon, Irene Wenzka and Alice Barniak.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may gather to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (June 25^th) from 9:00-11:30am,at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, where prayers will be recited at 11:30am, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial, 12:00pm at Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s preference. Expressions of sympathy may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Pavilion ~ Dawn E. Hickey, age 73, of Court Road, passed away at home on Wednesday morning (June 19, 2019) in the loving presence of her family.

    

She was born September 25, 1945 in Alexandria Bay, N.Y., one of fourteen children of the late William and Rosemary Bowles Edwards.

     Dawn will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  She was a cub scout leader for many years and worked at the Churchville Pharmacy.  She took great pride in eventually becoming a florist, acquiring her own business "Bed of Roses" in Pavilion.  She went on to work at Batavia Downs Casino until her retirement.

     She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Eugene F. Hickey; her children, John Hickey, Wayne Hickey, Brian (Rhonda) Hickey and Krista (Mitchell) Latimer; grandchildren, Naomi (Clay) Pollock, John Hickey, Joseph Shevlin, Ryan Hickey, Erica Hickey, Jenica Hickey, Brayden Hickey, Lexy Latimer, Mya Latimer and Parker Latimer; two special family members, Linda Ryan and Kelly Crowe, along with many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 23 from 12 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Services and interment will be private.

     Contributions in memory of Dawn may be made to Homecare & Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

Pearl Creek ~ Ivan H. Draper, age 92, of Pavilion-Warsaw Road, passed away at home Tuesday evening (June 18, 2019).

    

He was born January 22, 1927 in Gainesville, NY, a son of the late Victor and Bernice Dunbar Draper Sr.

     Ivan will be remembered as a hardworking man, who was lovingly devoted to his family and was always found to be at the side of his loving wife, Elva.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked for the B & O Railroad as a track man, W.W. Griffith Oil as a truck driver and eventually became a retiree of Rochester Products.  He was a longtime member of the Pavilion First Baptist Church and he enjoyed restoring '57 Chevys.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 75 years, Elva Weber Draper; his children, Larry (Donna) Draper of Cheektowaga, Gordon (Sandra) Draper of Pavilion, James (Betty) Draper of Pavilion and Darlene (Kevin) Hinrich of Wyoming; his brother, Verner (Virginia) Draper of Fulton, NY; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his siblings, Clifford Draper, Esther Walker, Thelma Austin, Pauline Holmberg and Victor Draper Jr. and his grandchildren, Michael Draper and Colleen Hinrich.

      Family and friends may call on Monday, June 24 from 1 ~ 3 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, where his Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery.

     Memorials are suggested to the Pavilion First Baptist Church, 10956 Lake Street, Pavilion, NY 14525.

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

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

   Judith Marie Snyder passed away peacefully at the Wyoming County Nursing Facility on June 19, 2019 at the age of 82. She was born on January 25, 1937 in Buffalo, NY to the late Orville and the late Julia (Schiffmacher) Snyder, Sr. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ethel (Tom) Baurer and Marney (Sam) Leone, brothers, Harold (Norma) Snyder and Orville (Sophia) Snyder, Jr.

 While living in the nursing facility, Judy loved to participate in many activities every day such as Bingo, Listening to music, going to the holiday parties, having her hair and nails done, and even going to Pike Fair where she had yearly submissions of her arts and crafts, bringing home awards as well.

Judy is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and great great great nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility, 400 N Main St, 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 - Alexander "Alex" O'Brien, 20, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2019, at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Alexander was born April 19, 1999, in Batavia, a son of Gregory and Karen (Langdon) O'Brien of Batavia.

Alexander was a custodian at the New York State Veteran's Home and also worked food service at the New York State School for the Blind.  He enjoyed anime, music, writing and being with his family and friends.

Surviving along with his parents, Gregory and Karen, are his brothers, Zachary O'Brien of Batavia and Steven O'Brien of Batavia; grandmother, Betty O'Brien of Batavia and two very special friends, Walter and Mary.

Alexander is a grandson of the late John O'Brien and Douglas and Elizabeth Langdon.

Calling hours are Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where a Time of Sharing will be held at 4:00 p.m., also on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Alexander's memory may be made to Mercy Flight, 4781 East Saile Drive, Batavia, NY 14020, https://www.mercyflight.org/support/ or to Palliative Care Program - Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 278996, 300 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14627, www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/palliative-care/.

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

Batavia - Dixie L. Best, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 surrounded by her family.

Dixie was predeceased by her son, Steven Rethlake and her brother, Danby Best.

Dixie is survived by her daughter; Tara (Joseph) Statler; grandchildren; Aaron Statler, Bethann Rethlake and Tiffany Rethlake; great-grandchildren; Eloise Statler and Lucas Walls; her brothers; Mike (Debbie) Best, Corky (Sue) Best and Doug ( Jean) Best; her special friend and niece, Jessica Oliver along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will welcome friends from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2019 at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 p.m. She will be entombed in the niche at Elmwood Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Françoise (Frances) Menard Bourdon passed away June 16, 2019 in Batavia, New York.  Frances was born March 22, 1925 in Alfred, Ontario, Canada to Isaie and Alma (Sibué) Menard.

  She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Eugene  (Gene) Bourdon, her children Anne and Mark, twin brother  Rev. Francis Menard and sister Helen White. She is survived by a brother, John Menard (Sophie) and sister, Gloria Breh (Michael), her 4 children (and their spouses), Mary Lou Bailey (Ernie), John Bourdon (Claudia), James, and Denise Spadaccia (Larry), 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She and her husband, Eugene Bourdon, operated Bourdon Oil and Tire in Cobleskill, New York from 1957 until Gene’s death in 1981. Frances continued to live in Cobleskill, but spent winters in Maryland with her son, John and daughter-in-law, Claudia.  Frances was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Church and active in the hospital auxiliary. She enjoyed regular family gatherings with her siblings, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their friends at Thanksgiving, Easter and at any other opportunity.  

In the words of her grandchildren, ‘Granny’ was the epitome of beauty, strength and grace, and looked for sunshine in every day.  She was often referred to as ‘solar powered’! She was ever present in our lives, celebrating our victories, and acknowledging our struggles.  She always had time to read us books, look at our pictures, and sing songs. In her final two months, she continued to teach us by modeling how to die with grace, strength, courage, and dignity.  Granny will be the center of stories around the card table for generations to come continuing to fill hearts with warmth, laughter, and love. She lives on in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, New York on Tuesday evening, June 25 from 5-7PM.  Visitation will also be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, June 26 at St Vincent DePaul Church in Cobleskill, New York followed at 11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial.  

In lieu of flowers, people are invited to contribute in her memory to Crossroads House in Batavia, NY www.crossroadshouse.com or St. Vincent DePaul Church www.stvincentdepaulcobleskillny.com.  

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