Obituaries

BATAVIA - Nancy Lee Russell, 70, of Batavia, passed away Monday, (June 17, 2019), at her home

Nancy was born March 13, 1949, in Batavia, New York, the daughter of the late Bud Hale and Rose Stringham.

She enjoyed crafts, movies, and her dogs, Pookie and Baby.

Survivng are her children, Nicky (Derek) Stefanski of Oakfield and Daniel Russell of LeRoy; grandchildren, Corey (Matthew) Scarborough of Oakfield, Ethan Russell of Buffalo, and Leo Russell of Batavia; great-grandchildren, Oliva and Ava Scarborough; sisters, Ann (Norman) Steinbaugh of Attica and Helen (late Robert) Mullen of Stafford; a brother, Harold Hunt of Iowa.

Ms. Russell is preceded in death by a sister, MaryLou Sweeney.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in East Bethany Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia or online at www.geneseecancerassistance.org.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.  To leave a message of condolence, share a story, or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Henrietta - June Ellen Dorf, 73, of Henrietta, longtime resident of Elba and 1964 graduate of Elba Central School, passed away Friday, June 28, 2019, at Strong Memorial Hospital after some challenging times and a good life. After working in retail for many years, June Ellen went to work for the Orleans Correctional Facility and retired in 2007.

June Ellen was born June 11, 1946, in Batavia, a daughter of the late June and Anna Allen Dorf.

She is survived by her sisters; Lynda (late Kris) Porter of Lewiston and Gail (Joseph) Gabriel of Brockport; two nephews; Jeffrey Porter of Marysville Washington and David (Paula) Porter of Olathe, Kansas; two great-nieces; Courtney and Mary Beth Porter of Olathe, Kansas; her aunt; Dorothy (late Bernard) Allen of Elba. June is also survived by many good friends and cousins.

Friends may call from 4- 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2019 at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, contributions in June's memory may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Road, Albion, New York 14411 or to Medical Motor Services, 608 Clinton Avenue South, Rochester, New York 14620. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in June Ellen's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bergen – Mary T. Sardou, 91, a longtime Bergen resident and business woman, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Sardou was born on August 6, 1927 in Fairport, a daughter of the late Michael and Mary Marchioli.

She purchased the Rose Garden Restaurant in September of 1954.  Later it became the Viking Valhalla Restaurant at Rose Garden Bowl.  For many years, Mary ran the business as one of the only woman-owned business during the era ranging from 1967 to 1980.  The business continues to be owned by her family to this day.

Mary was very customer minded and she truly loved all of them.  She was also very community minded with memberships in the Bergen Business and Civic Association, Bergen Historical Society, the Ladies Auxiliary of Sackett Merrill White Post 575 in Bergen, and the Churchville Moose Club.

Her husband, Pierson “Doc” Sardou died in 1967.

She is survived by her two sons, Thomas (Christina) Sardou and George Sardou, both of Bergen, 3 grandchildren, Kerry (Sam) DiPasquale, Don Richards (Josh Withers) and Tammy Jo (Michael) Sardou; 3 great-grandchildren, Alanna, Mari Barbara and Michael and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Carmen (Josephine) Marchioli and Nicholas (Josephine) Marchioli, her sister, Rose (Sam) Papa and her dear friend, Paul Hanks.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 51 South Lake St., Bergen.  Mary’s Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 am Wednesday at St. Brigid’s Church, 18 Gibson Street in Bergen.  Burial will be in St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Bergen.  Memorials may be made to Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY  14642 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Please share a condolence, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

     

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.