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Obituaries

Mark A. Cole

By Lisa Ace

Mark A. Cole, 67, formerly of Calaboga Rd., Hammond, NY, died unexpectedly Monday, June 11, 2018 at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY. 
Born on November 13, 1950 in Alexandria Bay, NY, he was a son of Guy A. and Betty L. Schermerhorn Cole. He graduated from Hammond Central School in 1968 and Canton ATC in 1970 with a degree in Agronomy. 
Upon graduation, Mark worked in management for AGWAY for 30 years at various locations in NY and PA. For the better part of the past two decades, Mark worked in Chemgro Seeds’ expanding seed division in the New York and New England region. Mark built a full, rich life with his wife of 40 years, Patricia (née Stine) Cole. Mark’s greatest joy was being helpful and supportive of his wife, children, and grandchildren. Mark’s steadfast devotion to his family was shown in his quiet championship and continuous generosity. He saw and appreciated the beauty in everyone and everything. He imparted these values on his eight beloved children: Tammy (Michael) Sack, Heather (John) Impelliter, Liza (Roosevelt) Smith, Adam, Clayton, Joshua (Jessica), Logan, and Julia Cole. 
Mark had a deep affection for each of his grandchildren: Heidi, Dustin, Gretchen, Liam, Deacon, Malachi, Nadia, Roman, Solomon, Andrew, and Genevieve. He was an avid fitness fanatic. He enjoyed weight lifting, running, biking, and swimming, especially with his grandchildren. 
He is survived by his brother Ned (Martha) Cole and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Andy Cole. 
There may be no words to fully describe the light that Mark brought to this world, but it reflects off every person whom he showed it to, especially in these times that seem so shadowed. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. 
Funeral Services will be 1 pm, Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY, with Rev. Allan J. Ferguson of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Redwood Cemetery, Redwood, NY. Calling hours will be 6-9 pm Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the funeral home. 
Donations may be made to the Adoption Fund of The Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street Road, Oakfield, NY 14125. 
Condolences may be made online at www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com

 

Eugene A. "Geno" Jankowski

By Ronald Konieczny

Eugene A. "Geno" Jankowski, Sr., 84 of Batavia and recently Elba, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday (June 14, 2018) at United Memorial Medical Center, one day shy of his 85th birthday.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Amelia "Molly" Jankowski after almost 60 years of marriage. 

He was born June 15, 1933 in Batavia, a son of the late Frank and Jennie Brzeczkowski Jankowski.

Geno was dedicated to his wife and his 5 children, as well as his grand and great- grandchildren, often mentioning how much his family meant to him.  He and Molly were snowbirds for many years, spending winters in Largo, Florida and summers at Silver Lake in Perry, NY.  His sense of humor was a trait that drew people in.

He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing.  He was also a lover of all sporting events and spent many of his younger days coaching baseball as well as watching his children and grandchildren engage in their individual sports.

He was a diehard Buffalo Bills fan who hoped every year for a Super Bowl win, and was a season ticket holder for many years.  He passed on that love (and heartache) of the Bills to many of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a member of Ascension Parish in Batavia and St. Joseph's Church in Largo, where he was an usher.

He was employed for almost 50 years as a Chief Draftsman at Graham Manufacturing prior to his retirement and took up a job in Largo at a golf course during the winter.

He was a Korean war era veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955,   and traveled throughout Europe before coming home and marrying his wife.

Geno was a loving father and husband and will be missed but never forgotten.

Eugene is survived by his five children, Eugene (Leanne) Jankowski Jr. of Batavia, Sandra (John) Wojtaszczyk of Elba, Donald (Jeni) Jankowski of Marana, AZ , Mary Klein and Daniel Jankowski of Batavia. Grandchildren, Bryan Jankowski, Jennifer (Josh) Price, Dr. Julie  Thomas, Lisa Wojtaszczyk, Matthew (Danielle) Wojtaszczyk, Nathaniel Mullen, Marissa Klein, Arielle Arsenault, Kristen Klein, Jessica and Blake Jankowski. Great-grandchildren, Austin, Ella and Gina Price, Dawson, David, Annabella and Deacon Wojtaszczyk, David III and Alexander Thomas. He was also fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews and his sisters and brother, Rita Byrne, Jeanette (Robert) Terry and John (Marilyn) Jankowski.

He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

The family will celebrate Eugene’s life during a Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan and Sumner) on Friday, June 22nd at 9:30am.  Burial and full military honors will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his honor be made to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org). Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family 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.

 

 

Mrs. Virginia R. Mullen

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Virginia R. Mullen, 86, of Oakfield, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Mullen was born September 10, 1931 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Anson and Helen Rowcliffe Speed.

A graduate of Elba Central School, Mrs. Mullen regularly attended services at East Shelby Community Bible Church. She enjoyed knitting and reading. Her greatest joy was being with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth  M.  Mullen, who passed away on September 16, 2015. They were married on June 14, 1952.

She is survived by her children, Stephen (Crystal Hawley) Mullen of Batavia, Deborah (Alan) Dennis  and John (Lisa) Mullen, both of Oakfield; three sisters, Lucille (late William) Schultz and Beverly (Jack) Hillabush, both  of Elba and Jeanette (late Gerry) Grazioplene of Batavia; her sister-in-law, Nancy Speed of Elba; ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brother, Roger I. Speed.

Virginia’s family wishes to extend their most sincere thank you to the Emergency Room doctors and nurses and the nurses on the 2nd floor at United Memorial Medical Center for the comfort and care which was provided to their mother.

Friends may call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road, Medina, where services will immediately follow visitation at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Virginia’s name may be made to East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road, Medina, New York 14103. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements for Virginia have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Louise Stone

By T.J. Woodward

Louise Stone, 89, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday June 13, 2018 at the United Memorial Medical Center. Louise was born on March 4, 1929 in Paxton, Illinois, a daughter of the late Frances Fancher.

She graduated from Paxton High School in 1947, and at the age of 23 moved with husband Donald Stone and infant son to Batavia where she worked at the Fragrance & Cosmetic counter and as a fashion model for C.L. Carr’s Department Store for many years. As an active member of St. Joseph’s Church, she was one of the original committee members that started the annual Popcorn Ball event. Louise semi-retired to Boca Raton, FL where she also worked in fragrances at Burdines. She returned to Batavia in her later years to be with family.

Louise will be remembered for her smile, her spirit, her kindness, and being a loving mother, grandma (“MaMa”), and friend to many. She liked watching all sports on TV and attending her grandchildren’s games. In her final years, she enjoyed playing poker and having coffee with her friends at the Jerome Apartments.

She leaves behind her daughter, Cindy (Mark) Francis of Batavia; son, Rick (Karen) Stone of Boca Raton; sister Janet (Roger) Hinds of Mission Texas; cherished grandchildren, Dr. Sarah (Dr. Scott Maymon) Stone of Phoenix AZ, Philip Stone of Tampa FL, Kate and Emma Francis of Batavia, Ryan (Jordan George) and Kevin Francis of Rochester, and Rebecca, Rickey, and Mikey Stone of Boca Raton; great-grandchildren Philip Stone of Tampa FL and Lincoln Maymon of Phoenix AZ and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was the sister of the late Betty Miller and brother Wayne Fancher.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., Batavia, NY 14020.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Robert H. Wiedrich

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Robert H. Wiedrich, 94, of Batavia, an employee in the Food Service Department at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Batavia prior to his retirement in 1989, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Mr. Wiedrich was born March 20, 1924 in Batavia, the son of the late Harry and Isabelle (Greschow) Wiedrich.

He served in Germany during World War II with the U.S. Army, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in action.  He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Veness-Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia and the American Legion Botts-Fioritto Post 576 in LeRoy.

His wife, Elsie H. (Heddon) Wiedrich, died November 10, 2012.  He was the brother of the late Virginia Cheeseman.

Survivors include a sister, Ethel McClurg of LeRoy; 2 sons, Richard (Andrea) Greenaker of Farmington, NM and Edward (Mary) Greenaker of Oneonta; 2 grandchildren, Joshua Greenaker of Portland, OR and Sara (Chris) Bankich of Oneonta; 1 great-grandson, Benjamin Bankich; special niece, Mary Cheeseman, and 9 other nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call on June 19, 2018 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. in Batavia, where services follow at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020.   Burial will be in the Stafford Rural Cemetery in Stafford, NY.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

KATHLEEN A. WEISS

By Michael Tomaszewski

KATHLEEN ANN WEISS ~ 

Age 48, of Oakfield, died peacefully Saturday March 24, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born September 17, 1969 in Batavia, NY a daughter of Joan (Nagorniak) of Florida and the late Phillip J. Weiss, Jr.                                                                                       

Kathleen lived the majority of her life in Oakfield and attended the ARC Day Program in Elba. Her family is forever grateful for the care she received at both places. 

Surviving along with her mother is a brother, Michael (Dawn) Weiss; sister, Maureen Weiss; nephew, Adam Weiss; niece, Megan Weiss all of Colorado along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Please join Kathleen's family 11am Friday June 15, 2018 to Celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site). She will be laid to rest with her father in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, New York 14020. Following the services all are welcome to join the family at the Dibble Family Center for a luncheon at 4110 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Edward Gecewicz

By T.J. Woodward

Edward Gecewicz, 50, of Lancaster, NY passed away peacefully on June 11, 2018. Eddie was born in Buffalo on April 17, 1968.

Ed graduated from Attica High School. He loved camping and working on race cars.  He was known by many and loved by all and touched the lives of many people in his community and was always willing to help a friend out with his generous acts of servitude and his gracious heart.  We were all blessed to have known Ed. He is blessed to be in heaven and heaven is blessed to have him. 

He is survived by his father; Jerry Gecewicz; mother Pat Haller Garrett; stepfather Ken Garrett; brother Todd Gecewicz; nephew Conner; niece Grace and friend Wendy Bishop. 

A visitation will be held on Friday June 15, 2018 from 2:00 – 5:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.  A 1:00PM Celebration of Eddie’s life will be held on Saturday June 16, 2018 at the Bennington Lanes on Clinton St. in Bennington, NY.

The family of Ed wishes to thank Pastor David Kennedy who provided care for him and support for his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers memorials donations can be made to the Gateway Comfort Home 91 Main St. Attica, NY 14011 or www.gatewayhomeattica.com.  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.

Charles F. Charvella

By T.J. Woodward

Charles F. Charvella, 99, of Batavia passed away on June 10, 2018 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on February 7, 1919 in Batavia to the late Sabastian and Cosima Charvella. In addition to his parents, Charles is predeceased by his wife; Ruth Charvella; son Charles “Skip” Charvella; brothers Joseph, Sam, James and Louis Charvella; sisters Hazel Alessi and Anna Chiavetta.

Charles served his country bravely in the United States Army Veteran during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star during his service. In 1958 Charles purchased a small business named Specialty Distributors on Ellicott St. in Batavia. In 1969 they moved the business to Swan St. and incorporated, then changed the name to Batavia Restaurant Supply in 1981 when they moved to West Main St. where it is currently still operating.

He is survived by his son; Michael P. (Beverly) Charvella of Batavia; daughter-in-law Karen Pompa; grandsons Stefan (Marie), Nathan (Paula) and Christopher (Dana) Charvella; great-grandchildren Ashton, Brady, Morgan, Mila, Vincent and Cora Charvella along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday June 13, 2018 from 4:00-7:00PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday June 14, 2018 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House https://crossroadshouse.com/ PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Mrs. Irma M. Altman

By Joshua Smith

Stafford - Mrs. Irma M. Altman, 93, of Stafford, passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mrs. Altman was born December 3, 1924 in Sherrill, the daughter of the late Jacob and Estelle Doxtater Miller.

She worked for many years as an office secretary at the Pavilion Central School District and retired from Genesee Community College in 1987, where she worked as a library clerk. At age 63, she graduated from Genesee Community College with her RN Degree. Irma was very proud of this accomplishment and went on to work as an RN at United Memorial Medical Center and The Batavia Nursing Home until the age of 69.

 A member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Stafford, Irma was an avid hunter in her earlier years with her late husband, Carl and traveled extensively, visiting several national parks, numerous trips to the Adirondacks and going on a Disney cruise. She also was a nurse at Wyomoco 4-H Camp in Varysburg and Camp Loyaltown in Hunter. She was a guide for Beaver Meadows in Java and served as an election inspector and Zoning Board Member for the Town of Stafford.

She is predeceased by her husband, Carl E. Altman, who passed away on May 19, 1986.

She is survived by her children, Cathy Pfalzer, Terry Altman and Carl Altman, all of Stafford; three grandchildren,  Crista (Steve) Boldt of Stafford,  Jake Altman of Colorado and Hunter Altman of Florida; and two great-grandchildren, Emily and Alex Boldt, both of Stafford.

She is predeceased by her great-grandson, Evan Carl Boldt who passed away on February 27, 2005.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will follow visitation immediately at 7 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to  the charity of the donor’s choice.  She will be laid to rest in Stafford Rural Cemetery. 

Ethel D. John

By Joshua Smith

Passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018, at age 97.  Survived by her children, Richard Reynolds, Donna (late Tom Fischer) Pringle, Gary (Bernie) Reynolds, James (Robin) Reynolds, Sharon (John) Lohman; step-sons, Ken John and Bill (Mari) John; grandchildren, Debra (Wayne) Klieger, Rich (Sue) Pringle, Brandy Reynolds, Brett (Annie) Reynolds, Brian (Catherine) Reynolds, Jay (Felisa) Reynolds and Matthew McGill; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Ethel is predeceased by her husbands, Merton Reynolds and Lee John and is the sister of the late Dorothy Hopson.  There are no prior calling hours and Ethel’s Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Street, Bergen.  A reception will follow the memorial service in the fellowship hall of the church.  Private burial in Mt. Rest Cemetery, Bergen.  Memorials to Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake St., P.O. Box 216, Bergen, NY 14416. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210. 

Treasel Lee Ward-Speck

By T.J. Woodward

Treasel Lee Ward-Speck, 81, of Warsaw passed away on June 5, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the Wyoming County Nursing Facility in Warsaw. Tina was born on May 18, 1937 in Lincoln, AR., to the late George and Bertha (Brunback) Waller.

Tina was born and raised in Arkansas, the youngest of 7 children. She was an accomplished vocalist, seamstress and square dancer. In her younger days, Tina played in a country band and was a seamstress for all the folks she square danced with. She worked with the Easter Seal Association and handicapped children, and then later in life was a supervisor at Westwood Pharmaceuticals where she later retired. Tina enjoyed her family, pets, gardening, reading, dancing, music and playing her harmonica in the home she built in Darien Center.

She is survived by her loving son; Kevin Lee (Michelle) Ward of Attica, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org. 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.

 

Robert Joseph Mix

By T.J. Woodward

Robert Joseph Mix, 92, passed away on Wednesday June 6, 2018 at the New York Veterans Home in Batavia. Mr. Mix was born June 5, 1926 in Pavilion, the son of the late Delbert and Merta (Sandels) Mix.  On March 25, 1949, Robert married his beloved wife, Elizabeth Jean Devaney at St. Mary’s Church in Pavilion NY, whom predeceased Bob in 2010.

Bob was a World War II, Marine Veteran and served on the USS Randolph in the Pacific. His military accomplishments included four Service Medals.  After his military career he was employed as a Machinist for many years at Stippit Inc. in Akron NY, where he retired in 1991. 

He is survived by his 5 children; Rosemary Mix of Alexander, Robert (Jaci) Mix Jr. of Warsaw, Jeanie (Scott) Fitzgerald of Conesus, John (Vanessa) Mix of Picayune, MS., and Tom (Jennifer) Mix of Alden. He is also survived by three grandchildren; Kaitlyn (Dan) Istas of Buffalo, Charlie Burgen of Mt. Morris and Mike Burgen of Livonia; Great-Grandson Andrew Istas of Buffalo.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday June 15, 2018 at St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to the New York Veterans Home @ Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Brian D. Rynkowski

By Ronald Konieczny

Brian D. Rynkowski, 47 of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (June 5, 2018) at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

He was born March 18, 1971 in Batavia, NY, a son of Daniel and Eileen T. Wierzbicki Rynkowski of Batavia.

Brian was a graduate of Batavia High School and Genesee Community College. He was formerly employed by Value Home Center in Batavia.

Surviving besides his parents is his longtime companion, Lauren C. Baer of Niagara Falls. Brother, Jeffery (Stephanie) Rynkowski of Victor. Nieces, Autumn, Victoria and Nyka Rynkowski. Nephew, J. Ryno Rynkowski. Uncle, Robert Rynkowski of Batavia. Aunts, Irene Thompson of Castile and Sylvia Post of Warsaw. Laurens parents, Dennis and Nancy Baer of Wheatfield.

There will be no prior visitation. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

For those desiring, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family 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.

Arlene M. Leaton

By Joshua Smith

Arlene M. Leaton, 94, of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Arlene was born November 26, 1923 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Arthur and Carol (Belger) Kibler.

A lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Batavia, Arlene enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing bridge, crocheting and baking.  She was a telephone operator at New York Telephone in Batavia.

Survivors include her children, Richard (Marcia) Leaton of Batavia, Ronald Leaton of St. Simons, GA, Susan (Larry) Aiello of Conover, NC and Thomas (Judith) Leaton of Liverpool; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Lomazzo of Garden City, MI and several nieces and nephews.

Arlene is the wife of the late Edwin E. Leaton, mother of the late Kibbie Leaton and sister of the late Rita Newton and Marjorie Davis.  

There are no prior calling hours.  Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia.  Arlene will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

William "Bill" Lee Hagen

By T.J. Woodward

William “Bill” Lee Hagen, 80 of Stafford, NY passed away on June 5th at his home in Stafford. He was born Aug. 21, 1937 in Batavia to the late Lester and Hazel (Tooley) Hagen. He was also preceded in death by his son James (Jimmy) Lee Hagen.

Bill attended Oakfield-Alabama High School and for 18 years worked for the Texaco Oil Co. on the NYS Thruway. During this time he was drafted and served in the US Army from 1961-1963 while stationed at Kitzingen, Germany. Later Bill worked for the NYS DOT and then went on his own as a self-employed carpenter until retirement in 2000. He is a member of the VFW 1602, Batavia, Army Historic Foundation, Arlington, Va. and the Eldred WWII Museum, Eldred, Pa. He is also a member and Trustee of the Stafford United Methodist Church where he led the renovation of the church over many years that significantly upgraded the facility including building a new addition for handicapped access. He enjoyed traveling to see his sons overseas in Europe and Japan as well as stateside during their time in the military. He also enjoyed visiting old Army friends and working with his hands.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laura (Grehlinger) Hagen, sons Timothy (Dawn) Hagen, Alexander and Terry (Bianca) Hagen, Dumfries, VA. He has two granddaughters Emmeline (Emmie) Hagen and Evelyn (Evie) Hagen and one grandson James (Jimmy) Hagen, both of Dumfries, VA. Also surviving are a sister Sally Robins, Fairport, brother Allen (Leota) Hagen, Oakfield, brother-in-law Allan (Jane) Grehlinger, Basom, and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sat, June 16 at 3pm at the Stafford United Methodist Church, 6134 Main St., Stafford, NY, 14143 followed by a reception. Bill will be laid to rest in Stafford Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to VFW Post 1602, 25 Edwards St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

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