Obituaries

Alberta M. Strauss, 79 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born October 13, 1939 in Batavia to the late Elmer (Ruth Dunn) Shultz. She is preceded in death by two husbands, Carl Cropo and Charles Strauss; daughter Michelle Cropo and her brother Robert Dixon.  

Mrs. Strauss retired from Valeo in Rochester, she worked there for many years while it was Delco. Alberta was fiercely independent, strong willed and a lover life.  

She is survived by her son Michael (Ellen) Cropo of Hamlin; sister Margaret (Stephen) Delaney of Hamlin; grandchildren Carl and Alex Cropo along with several nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 23, 2019 from 2 to 5 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Lung Association at www.lung.org or a charity of the donor’s choice. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Elaine Canfield Johnson, 77 of Florida and formerly of Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2019 in Florida.

She was born September 26, 1941 in Medina, NY, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Lavona Canfield.

Elaine worked for the Boy Scouts of America as a registrar, until her retirement. She relocated from Batavia to Florida in 1986, where she married Joe Johnson, WWII Bronze star recipient and who worked with McDonell Douglas on the Saturn 5 missions.

Survivors include her son, Lawrence (Susan) Grzebielucha and granddaughter, Sarah Evans, all of Houston, Texas. Daughter, Sharon Cino; grandchildren, Stacey Drozdowski, Stephanie Hoyt and great-grandchildren, Noah Bellinger, Robert Drozdowski and Rowyn Drozdowski, all of Batavia, NY. Daughter, Barbara (Greg) Totten; grandchildren, Gregory Totten and Jonathan Totten, all of Batavia, NY.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joe Johnson.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (September 21^st) from 9am-10am at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, were a memorial service will commence at 10am. Interment will be in Bates Road Cemetery, Medina, NY.

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.

 

 

BATAVIA - Dorothy P. Hollis, 98, of Batavia, passed away Monday, September 16, 2019, at The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion.

Dorothy was born January 24, 1921, in Lebanon, PA, a daughter of the late Marvin and Martha (Dillinger) Silvis.

She was a Charter Member of the Living Water's Church in LeRoy.

She was the wife of the late Carl M. Hollis who died on January 14, 2004.

Survivors include a son, Gordon (Betty) Hollis of Marysville WA; 4 daughters, Karen (Daniel) Schultz of Lyndonville, Charlene Frazer of Houston TX, Kathie Hollis of Cape Coral FL and Jeanette (Dennis) Ryder of Spencerport; a daughter-in-law Karrie Hollis of Ft. Collins, CO; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her son Roger Hollis; her brothers, Kenneth Silvis and Howard Silvis and her sisters Elizabeth Beatty, Mabel Allen and Doris Henneman.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. in Batavia where services for Mrs. Hollis will be at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Jack Hempfling officiating.  Memorials are suggested to Living Waters Church, 30 Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482 or to Hospice of Orleans County, Inc. 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or Light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Virginia (née Geitner) Meiser, 85, died peacefully on September 13, 2019 in Sarasota, Fla., with family at her side.

Virginia was born on January 31, 1934 in Bennington, NY. She was the daughter of Lawrence and Stella (née Brodowski) Geitner.

Virginia was married to Floyd Meiser and lived in Oakfield, NY, operating Meiser Chevrolet until their move to Venice, Fla.

Virginia loved golfing, sewing, reading and spending time with her family.

Virginia is predeceased by her husband, Floyd Meiser, brother James Geitner, sister in-law/brother in-law Alice and Marvin Childs, brother in-laws Leo Meiser and Dick Thompson.

Virginia is survived by her daughters Jeri Thomas (Ron), Barbara Stracener, son Larry Meiser (Donneda), brother Thomas Geitner, sister Lorraine Thompson, sister in-law Nancy Meiser, sister in-laws/brother in-laws Jean and Lloyd Schlagenhauf and Marvin and JoAnn Meiser. Virginia will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Becky, Misty, Melanie, Bethany, Nadia, Sheri, Evan, Christopher, Phillip and nine great-grandchildren.

At Virginia’s request there will be no services or calling hours. Memorials can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Flowers are gratefully declined.   A private burial will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fla.

                                                                                                                   

    

William “Bill” Meisner, 81, of Attica, passed away at his home on September 17, 2019. He was born on April 10, 1938 in Attica, NY to the late Alton and the late Bernice (Wendler) Meisner.

Bill worked at Newels Dairy Farm after he graduated from Attica High school. He joined the Air Force in 1961 and was active for 4 years until 1965. He was an Aircraft and Engine Mechanic for US Airways until retirement. After retirement, he drove for Attica Bus Service. Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was Grand Knight, a board member of the Attica Historical Society, and Co- President of the Attica Landmark Society. Bill was also a devout Christian of the Sts Joachim & Anne RC Church where he served as an usher and a greeter.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Frances (Lenton) Meisner; his children, Jeffrey (Erin) Meisner, Heather Galusha, Kellie (John Ammerman) Meisner, and Russell (Jennifer) Meisner; siblings, Joan Wood, Harold Meisner, Margaret Meisner, and Janet (Bernard) Meinweiser; grandchildren, Emily, Caden, Caleb, Sarah, Emma, Eva, Anna, Julia, Ryan, Leah, Kira (Jerod) Ellis, Kinley, and Kennedy; great granddaughter, Hailey.

A Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC., 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 10 AM at Sts Joachim & Anne RC Church, 50 East Ave., Attica, NY 14011..

In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family would be grateful if you would send a donation to Homecare & Hospice Wyoming County, 450 N Main St #3, 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.

 

 

 

Karen M. Jacek, 61 of Middlebury, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (September 17, 2019) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born December 12, 1957 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Roland Spink and Donna Glor Spink Rippel of Olean, NY.

She was employed as a press operator for Tompkins Metal Finishing in Batavia. Karen had a huge heart for people and animals and it showed in her daily life, especially her dedication to her family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her gentle heart.

She is predeceased by her step-father, Harry Rippel and siblings, Douglas Rippel, Annie Rippel and Kevin Spink.

Survivors include her mother, Donna Spink Rippel of Olean, NY. Son, Christopher (Laura) Jacek of Attica. Grandchildren, Quentin Jacek and Bentley Jacek. Brother, Timothy Spink of Portville. Sisters, Kathleen Rippel of Olean and Janet Rippel of Cuba. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Sunday (September 22^nd) from 2-4pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a memorial service will commence at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are graciously asked to be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Wyoming County Hospice or Wyoming County SPCA. 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.

 

Joan J. Vandenberg, 89, of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2019.

Joan served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1955. She was predeceased by her sisters, Helena Vandenberg and Clara Fehrenbach.

Joan is survived by her brother-in-law, Robert Fehrenbach; a nephew, Robert (Michelle) Fehrenbach; a great nephew, Robby and great niece, Samantha. Also surviving is her dear friend, Michelle Smith.

Friends may call Saturday, September 21st from 1 to 3 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, with full military honors.

 

 

Clarendon - Donald W. Sparks, 88, of Clarendon, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Donald was born May 16, 1931, in Clarendon, a son of the late Wallace and Rose (Hovey) Sparks.

A veteran, Donald served with the United States Navy.  He was a heavy equipment operator for Cold Springs Construction, a member of the American Legion and loved all animals. 

Survivors include his wife, Betty Sparks of Clarendon; children, Donald M. (Elizabeth) Sparks of Clarendon, George Sparks of Clarendon and Sandra (Peter Dreher) Sparks of Spencerport; a granddaughter, Ashley (Patrick Mancine) Sparks of Buffalo; a great-grandson, Wyatt Sparks Mancine; a sister, Carol Morgott of Clarendon and several nieces and nephews.

Donald is a brother of the late Dorothy Ferguson, Gilbert Sparks and Bruce Sparks.

Calling hours are Sunday, September 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, where services will be held at 3:00 p.m. also on Sunday. 

Memorial contributions in Donald's memory may be made to the Clarendon Fire Department, 16169 East Lee Road, Holley, NY 14470.

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

  Philip S. Young, Jr, 87, passed away on September 16, 2019 in Warsaw, NY. He was born on May14, 1932 in Buffalo, NY to the late Philip S. and the late Hedwig (Escher) Young, Sr. Philip was preceded in death by 6 siblings.

Philip was a Truck Driver for PVS Chemical in Buffalo, NY for many years. He was an avid Bills and Sabres fan and he loved hunting and fishing with his boys. He also loved to spend time in his garden. Philip was known to putter around in his barn. He was a former member of the Varysburg Fire Department. Philip was a devout Christian and helped out in his church, Sts Joachim & Anne RC Church, whenever he was needed.

Philip is survived by his wife, Barbara (Stawicki) Young; his children, Roy (Cheryl) Young, Philip (LuAnne) Young III, and William (Sally) Young; Sisters, Mary Young and Carol Bella; 6 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday the 19th at 10:00AM at Sts Joachim & Anne RC Church, 2311 Attica Road, Varysburg, NY 14167.

In lieu of flowers, Please consider a Memorial in honor of Philip’s memory to the Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St, Batavia, NY 14020 or the Gateway House, 91 Main St, 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.

Richard R. Colombo, 64 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (September 10, 2019) at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, NY.

He was born February 11, 1955 in Batavia, NY, a son of Robert and Josephine Mocciaro Colombo of Batavia.

Richard was a graduate of Batavia High School where he played football. He enjoyed golfing, photography and being a jokester to his family. Also a NASCAR fan, his favorite driver was Jeff Gordon.

Surviving along with his parents, are his children, Nicholas Colombo of Joplin, MO, Kimberly (Jason) Austin of Bakersfield, CA and Steven R. Colombo of Batavia. Grandchildren,  Ashley Lynn Colombo, Brianna Colombo, Amanda Noelle Colombo, Abigail Austin and Allison Austin. Great-grandson, Xavier. Sisters, Barbara Speed of Rochester, Janis (Brian) Palmer of Batavia and Joann (John) Baiocco of Batavia. Also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (September 14^th) from 12 pm-1pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a Memorial Service will commence at 1pm.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the National Kidney Foundation or the American Diabetes Association. 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.

Batavia - Dennis "Denny" W. Meyers, 74, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening (Sept. 9, 2019) after a 20-month battle with brain cancer. Dennis was surrounded and comforted by his family and the caregivers at Crossroads House at the time of his passing.

Dennis was born in Batavia on August 23, 1945, the second son of the late Edward and Doris (Foster) Meyers. Later raised by his mother and beloved step-father Edwin O'Leary.

Dennis was drafted into the Army in the late 1960s, where he served for two years as a military police officer. During his service, he married Penelope Haigler and had two children. Later they settleddown in Houston, TX where he worked for many years in a printing company as a senior printer. 

Dennis enjoyed playing pool, golf, and years of bowling. Boy could he put a puzzle together in a flash too. After twenty years in the Houston area, he returned to his hometown of Batavia. It was then that he rejoined his highschool sweetheart and love of his life Luana, whom he married September 15, 2015. Together they served their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father Edward Meyers, mother and step father Doris and Edwin O'Leary, sisters Lorraine Andrews Charter and Jessie Meyers Frier, and brother Paul Andrews Sr.

Dennis is survived by wife Luana "Lu" Meyers of Batavia; a daughter, Kimberly Meyers Shank of Killeen, TX; a son, Roger (Brandie) Meyers of Conroe, TX; a step-son Rob (Lyndsey); step-daughter, Bobbie Jo (fiance Adam Cook) Williams of LeRoy; grandchildren James and Travis Shank, Caitlyn Cortina, Zachary Groll, Rachel, Rebecca, and Jordan Meyers, Lilly, and Ben Williams; Great grandchildren, Kayli and Zaiden Cortina; brothers, Gary (Carla) Meyers, James (Vanessa) Andrews, and David (Vicki) Andrews.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday (Sept. 17, 2019) from 4 to 6 p.m. at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 N. Spruce St., Batavia, where Denny's funeral service will immediately follow at 6 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or online at www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.  Interment will be in Bath National Cemetery.   Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home.  Please share a story, light a candle, or leave a condolence at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Audrey D. Hancock, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Brothers of Mercy, in Clarence. She was born October 14, 1928 in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, to the late Norman (Jeanette Haines) Neubauer. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard Hancock; a daughter Judy Mezydlo; brothers Norman, Ross, Ronald, Clayton, Jack, Gary, Barry Neubauer; sisters Majorie Nickerson and Norma Howard.  

Mrs. Hancock retired from Holiday Inn in Batavia. She was an avid BINGO player and extremely kind person. She loved her family.     

She is survived by her beloved children Norman Hancock of FL; Gloria (Dennis) Fluker of Batavia; Richard (Barb) Hancock of Batavia; Edward Hancock of Liverpool; Frank Hancock of Akron; 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 16, 2019 PM from 11 AM to 12 Noon at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will immediately follow 12:00 Noon at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

ROBERT W. RINDELL ~ Age 72, of Corfu, died unexpectedly Friday morning September 6, 2019 at his home. He was born in Ashtabula, OH on October 26, 1946, a son of the late Warren and Mildred (Scarborough) Henries also preceded in death by his twin brother, Richard (late Karen) Rindell and step great-grandson, Mirha Woodrow.

Bob served his country honorably with the US army and was a longtime employee of Empire Telephone. He was a member of the Sportsters Club, had a great love for nature, being outdoors and was an avid fisherman.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Andrea “Andy” (Ashton) Rindell of Corfu; sons, Ronald Rindell of Corfu and Eric Rindell of E. Pembroke; step-children, Terry (Mark) Franks of TN, Randall (Michelle) Swanz of VA, Charmagne Woodrow of NC; Howard “Butch” (Dee) Rindell of TN; 5 step-grandchildren, 5 step great-grandchildren along with several brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Robert’s wishes were for a private family gathering to celebrate his life and memorials in his memory are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

  Alice G-A Tyler, 63, of Batavia passed away on September 4, 2019 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born on March 11, 1956 in Batavia to the late James and Anna (Gullo) Tyler.

Alice had a love for all things, her family, her friends and animals. This came from her parents, ”Popie” and “Nanie.” She was a Ham Radio operator where she met many good friends. Her call sign was KC2OKL which fit her perfectly. Her nickname given to her by her niece Jessica was “Lalie, - KC2OKLalie”. She loved her only grandson Aiden deeply and would always “steal” hugs from him that would end up in a tickle fest.  Alice had a passion for reading, that was passed down to her daughter. Her sister “Pookie” was her best friend and they always would reminisce about their childhood. Carol “Ethyl” was her neighbor and was always there for her and they talked about “the world.” She was a devout catholic and belonged to Ascension Parish in Batavia. She started a rosary group at her home to share with all who wanted join. Her joy and laughter was contagious to those around her. “I sought the lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

She is survived by her daughter; Sonya (Matthew) Alwardt of Batavia; sister Providence (John) Latko of Batavia; grandson Aiden Donovan and niece Jessica Schramm.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 12:00 noon Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday September 11, 2019 at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. in Batavia. She will be laid to rest in East Bethany.  A celebration of life will be at Ever Present Church 4 City Centre in Batavia immediately after the burial. All our encouraged, and welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter www.vol4animals.org. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

  Mary Alwardt, 83, a life-long resident of Batavia passed away on September 5, 2019. Mary was born on September 24, 1935, the daughter of the late Henry and Nellie (James) Hitchcock and was married to the late Harold Alwardt for 45 years.

Mary worked as a bookkeeper for Thomas & Dwyer Shoes in Batavia for many years before retiring in 2000.  During retirement she volunteered for several years in a kindergarten class at John Kennedy School. She was an active member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where she led youth fellowship groups, was a member of the McNabb class, took part in the many church fundraising events, and assisted members by bringing them to church services when they no longer could drive.  She and her late husband Harold were also members of the Genesee County Fish and Game Association for over 50 years, enjoying summers camping when their kids were young, and picnics with the extended family.  Mary enjoyed reading, classical music, crossword puzzles, and baking her well known pastries. Her home could often be found filled with family, friends, board games, sweets, and kind laughter.     

Survivors include her son Peter Alwardt (Gisela Scharein), her daughters Donna (Michael) Turner and Marsha (Dennis) Ball, five grandchildren; Vincent Alwardt Anderson, Erin Turner, Matthew Turner, Avery Ball and Owen Ball, as well as her sisters Doris (late Everett) Norris and Dorothy (Donald) Norris and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Mary will be laid to rest by her family in the West Bethany Cemetery.  A private service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Rd, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.