Obituaries

Joanne M. Thweatt 67 of Batavia NY died June 5, 2022 at Crossroads House surrounded by family and close friend Jack Gaylord.

Joanne was a 1973 graduate of Batavia’s Notre Dame High School, a graduate of Mt. Ida College in Massachusetts and received a Bachelor degree of High Honors from St. Elizabeth College in New jersey. 

She is predeceased by a brother Stephen Rock Thweatt who died in 1982. Surviving are her parents William “Bud” and Eleanor “Ellie” Thweatt of Batavia. Brother Mark Thweatt of Rochester and a sister Laurie Thweatt-Putnam of Darien Center. She was loved by many good friends and a mother to several nieces and nephews of which she leaves behind.

Joanne was an alumnus of the Auburn Purple Lancers, Rochester Crusaders and the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps. She enjoyed needlepoint, graphic art design and spending time with loved ones.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (June 9^th) from 4-7 pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020 www.crossroadshouse.com, Drums Along the Waterfront, 13419 Quaker St., Collins, NY 14034 or to the family for distribution.  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.

 

 

Vladimir Y. Yefremenko, 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born January 30, 1929 in Belarus, to the late Yegor and Anna Yefremenko.

Mr. Yefremenko was a self-employed carpenter and spent most of his working years in Surazh, Russia. He was an extremely hardworking man, he loved building with his hands, woodworking and fixing up his son and daughter-in-law’s home with his wife by his side. Vladimir moved to America 27 years ago to take care of his grandchildren. He will be remembered by his poetry and beautiful handwriting. Mr. Yefremenko loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Anna (Hudoba) Yefremenko; son Victor (Tatyana) Yefremenko both of Batavia; 3 grandchildren, Pavel Yefremenko, Lyubov (Gabriel) Carlson, Maria (Sean) Kennelly, two great-granddaughters, Valentina and Estelle Carlson, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to a 10:00 am Celebration of Life on Friday, June 10, 2022 at The City Church, St. Anthony’s, 114 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in Batavia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church. 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.

   Laura A. Capuano, 60, of Batavia passed away on June 2, 2022. She was born on October 21, 1961 in Pennsylvania to the late Patricia (Weatherbee) Jasinski and Sigmond “Ziggy” Jasinski of Lockport. In addition to her parents, Laura is predeceased by her sons; David Michael Capuano and Chucky Carlton; brothers Michael and William Weatherbee; sister Sherry Weatherbee; father in law Larry Capuano; brother in law David Capuano.

Laura was a teacher’s aide for ARC in Elba for many years. She enjoyed playing bingo, crossword puzzles, crocheting, knitting and sewing. She loved to make candy, especially her own chocolates. Above all else, Laura loved spending time with her family.  

She is survived by her husband; Gary Capuano of Batavia; children Theodore J. (Katrina) of FL., Maria (Travis) Ross of Elba, Ann Capuano of Batavia; mother in law Louise Capuano; sister Linda Ripple of Batavia;  in-laws Linda Baker, Karen Capuano, Dennis (Pam) Capuano and Donald (Cheryl) Capuano; 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 12:00PM noon Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday June 10, 2022 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Laura will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

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 sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

The Reverend Sharon Louise Bryant Schaus, age 76, entered into eternal peace on Friday, June 3rd while in the care of family in Lockport, NY. Born October 28th, 1946 in Salamanca, NY, Sharon was the daughter of the late William Bryant and Louise (Ramsdell) Bryant. She was faithfully married to the late Edward Schaus October 19th, 1968 and had missed him dearly since his passing on December 22, 2018.

Sharon is survived by her children; Jennifer (Troy) Green and their children William, Trent, Nicholas, and Kathryn as well as Christopher (Amanda Lawrence) Schaus and their children Olivia, Esme, Gavyn and Santiago. Sharon’s siblings are Jeannette Austin (deceased), Mary (Bryant) Hagens and Arthur Bryant (deceased). 

Sharon was an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, serving in ministry for over 30 years and beloved by the various congregations that she felt privileged to call home. She was an energetic leader and faithful disciple of Christ who believed in salvation for all who accepted God’s gift of grace. Her previous career was as the first woman director The Catherine McCauley School of Practical Nursing in Batavia, NY. Sharon enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Crosby Lake near Westport, Ontario.

Visitation for friends and family will be held on Saturday, June 11th from 4-6:30pm at Clarence United Methodist Church, 10205 Greiner Rd., Clarence, where funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 12th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief at https://umcmission.org/give-to-umcor. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Catherine M. (Heale) Barber, 92, of Batavia, passed away on May 12, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Catherine was born August 6, 1929 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Rosland (Eccleston) Blossom.

Catherine was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church and Stafford Grange.  She worked food service for the Alexander Central School District.

Surviving are her daughters, Lori Andrews of Linwood and Karen Sheffield of McKinney, TX;  grandchildren; great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband LaVerne Heale; son, William Heale and her sister, Norma Zinni.  

There are no prior calling hours.  Catherine's service will be held on Monday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the West Middlebury Cemetery, 4936 West Middlebury Road, East Bethany.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or West Middlebury Baptist Church, 4950 West Middlebury Road, East Bethany, NY 14054.  

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

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

Sophia Weber (ne: Gzowski) passed peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2022. A native of Oakfield, NY, Sophia taught home economics and life sciences in New York, California, and Montana before retiring as the department chair of home economics at Bozeman Junior High School. The same adventuresome spirit that took Sophia cross-country from upstate New York to California in the late ’40s served her well in her post-retirement travels and teaching endeavors before settling in Arizona. She is missed by all who love her. Her strength and spirit lives on in our hearts. Services and interment will be held at Saint Cecilia’s in Oakfield, NY, June 11th. Masks are required. Local arrangements are being completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield. Please leave a message of condolence at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Daniel Leonard Pelton 2/23/1957 – 6/1/2022
Daniel Pelton, 65, of Stafford passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece.
Dan was born in Batavia on February 23, 1957, a son of the late Leo and Pauline Kohl Pelton. He resided in Stafford for the past 40 years and lived in LeRoy prior to that.
If you were lucky enough to have known Dan, you're better off for it.

In his 65 years upon this good earth, Dan always found a way to entertain and amuse those around him. He is remembered for his wealth of knowledge, his quick wit, and his cheerful laugh.
Dan was unique. We all learned a lot from him. He was a constant learner. He was truly “ONE OF A KIND.”

Dan graduated from Alexander Central High School in 1975. He participated in a summer youth exchange program in Peru, was involved in scouting, and spent many summers as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Arthur G. Hough on Silver Lake. He was known as the “Wolfman” and was legendary in his telling of campfire stories, many of them involving lake monsters.
He attended the University of Buffalo where he read as many science books as he could. After college, he worked at a variety of firms including Lapp Insulator. He held the full assortment of computer jobs – everything from building them, to writing source code or providing customer support (sometimes in Spanish).

Dan had a passion for the natural world and a curiosity that knew no bounds. In the late 1970s, Dan was scoutmaster for one of the local troops. He led the troopʼs effort to forge paths through the LeRoy wilderness that to this day the locals still refer to as “Danʼs Trails.” The troop took over the maintenance of Danʼs Trails. Dan could reliably be found at the Bird Auction and prized himself on his feathered acquisitions. He loved unusual flora and fauna. His knowledge of the Bergen Swamp was unrivaled.

He is survived by his daughter Nicole (Ted) of Holley; his ex-wife Betty Sue of LeRoy; his siblings Jerome (Sharon) of Texas, Sharon (John) of California, Charles (April) of Attica, Andrew (Debra) of Attica, Nicholas (Holly) of East Bethany; 2 grandchildren; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his half-siblings Jonathan and Myrna of Wayland.

The family is holding him in their thoughts and prayers and hopes that each of you finds your own way to honor this truly unique man. There will never be another like him. Gifts in his memory may be made to his family or to the Xerces Society.

 

LeRoy ~ Joseph Angelo Riggi, Jr., 40 of 47 Lake Street passed away unexpectedly at home the morning of June 3, 2022.

   

  He proudly served in the Marine Corps and is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Jennifer M. Fields Riggi and their two children, Ayden and Cameron Riggi; his parents, Joe and Bonnie (Gebel) Riggi; his sister, Tina (Jamie) Clark and their two children, Peter and Abby Clark. He is also survived by his “like a brother best friend”, Philip (Cheryl) Caccamise, close friends and wood working extraordinaire, Raymond (Kathy) Yacuzzo. Joseph also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and great neighbors, Kevin (Becky) Kast.

     Joseph was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Ken and Ceil Gebel and paternal grandmother, June Riggi.

     Joe will always be remembered for being a United States Marine. He was an avid hunter and loved fishing. In recent years he had found an amazing talent and love for wood working and had created many beautiful pieces under the careful watch of his friend and teacher, Ray. Joe would help anyone who needed it and could fix anything better than most people. He loved watching his boys play sports and excelling at everything they tried. He was the quintessential proud dad at every event. He was the life of every gathering making everyone laugh and always doing some dumb thing just to prove he could. You could always find him near a cornhole board and he’d spot anyone points as long as they would just play with him. To say that he will be sorely missed would be a gigantic understatement. The hole he has left in so many people’s lives is massive and will never again be filled.   

     Family and friends may call on Friday, June 10 from 2 ~ 4 and 6 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Services and interment in the Western NY National Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to assist with Ayden and Cameron’s education.

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

Deborah B. Anderson, 71 of Batavia passed away peacefully Thursday (June 2, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born August 3, 1950 in Medina, NY, a daughter of the late Carl E. and Esther May Hillyard Reak.

Deborah was a licensed practical nurse for the former St. Jerome Hospital. She enjoyed arts and crafts and was a very social person. Most of all she loved her family, especially her loving grandchildren who were very precious to her.

She was the wife of the late Obie Anderson and mother of the late Philip Carl Reak.

Survivors include her children, Joseph Lawrence Nelson, Alana Monska and Brian Reak, all of Batavia. She was known as "Grandma Grapes" to Casanna (Dan) Dressler, Marleana Hand, Avalina Hand, Phillip Monska, Izabella Nelson, Anastacia Monska, Brielle Nelson, Julian Monska and Khaleesi Jane Deborah Reak. Deborah was also a great grandmother to Raelynn Dressler, Ameliana Hand and Beckett Dressler 

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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.

 

 

Gary K. Newell, 68 of Wethersfield, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at his home. He was born July 20, 1953 in Buffalo to the late Rodman and Evelyn (Codd) Newell.

Gary was retired from Triple S Construction in Crittenden. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved hunting, fishing, boating and gardening. Gary enjoyed hot rods and his companion Buddy.

He is survived by his loving wife Kimberly (Weatherbee) Newell of Wethersfield; daughters, Kari (J.R.) Kemp of Warsaw, Kristi (Chad) Crawford of Batavia, Sommer Weatherbee of Alexander; sister Jody (Jeffrey) Hager of Varysburg, 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road, Attica, NY 14011 or to the donor’s choice. 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.

Paul R. Westermeier, 68 of Bennington, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born April 30, 1954 in Batavia, to the late Robert and Shirley (Marquardt) Westermeier.  

Paul worked as a self-employed contractor in the area for many years. His four grandchildren were the joy of his life.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Carla (Beck) Westermeier; sons, Ryan, Dustin (Laycee Willson), Guy (Sommer Weatherbee) and Tate (Bri) Westermeier; grandchildren, Ryan, Austin, Autumn and Harper Westermeier; two sisters, numerous in-laws, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom loved him dearly.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

  Carol L. Coffta, 59, of Bergen passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Brockport on September 4, 1962 to Richard and Joyce (Sloper) Sands of Bergen. Carol is predeceased by her sister; Laurie Sands.

Those that had the pleasure of having Carol in their lives will remember her as the most generous and loving person they met, but even better than that it was her ability to teach those same attributes to others.

From the moment Carol woke, until the time she laid her head to rest she was teaching.  She taught love, kindness, forgiveness and inclusion along with her every day lessons to whom would become the young leaders of the world.

In the morning Carol would grab her infamous red Ms. Frizzle bag and be off to change children’s lives forever, and that she did.  One of the greatest compliments Carol ever received was when someone told her “You teach like you are Mr. Rogers’ daughter”. Something she was very proud of and brought a smile to her face.

If we had to rank all of Carol’s finest accomplishments then above all things she did, she simply made this world a better place one student at a time leaving a lasting imprint for all of us to emulate.

She is survived by her loving husband; David Coffta of Bergen; sons Jonathon (Marissa) Coffta of Greece and Jordan (Fiancé Hailey Stevens) of Holley;  siblings Wendy (Greg) Didas of Bergen, Byron (Chris) Ariyaratnam of Bergen, Timothy Sands and Todd Sands both of Rochester; mother and father in law Chuck (Carm) Coffta of Batavia; brothers and sisters in law of the Coffta family; grandchildren Dominic, Grant and Elijah Coffta; 11 nieces and nephews, 14 great-nieces and nephews; dearest friend Janet Cappotelli and the Red Raider family, along with thousands of little friends.

A 2:00PM Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday June 7, 2022 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020, immediately followed by visitation from 3:00-6:00PM at the Funeral Home.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Gillam Grant Community Center 6966 W. Bergen Rd. Bergen, NY 14416 or in C/O Wendy Didas to be used toward a Memorial Playground in Carol’s honor.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ Sergio A. Forte Jr., age 56, of Myrtle Street, passed away at home unexpectedly on Monday (May 30, 2022).

  

   He was born January 24, 1966 in Batavia, a son of Margaret Corcimiglia Schepler and the late Sergio A. Forte Sr.

     He was raised with the belief that he held strong in his heart for Jehovah.

     Sarge worked with his dad, Sergio Sr., in the family marble & granite business until his father passed away in 2016.  He then went on to work for himself and was always ready to help anyone that needed it.

     Sarge was not only known for his big heart, but his laughter was contagious.  His love for his family was immeasurable as much as his love for life.

     He was an avid hunter, fisher and gatherer.  Once you met Sarge, you were instantly friends, even if it were for a brief moment, you were his friend for life.  No one knows that better than his best friend & "brother", Gary Dempsey.

     In addition to his dad, Sergio Sr., Sarge was predeceased by his grandmother, Marina Forte and grandparents, Sam and Arlene Corcimiglia.

     He will be sadly missed by his children, Sara Jo, Sergio III "Gino", Lola Rae (Shawn) and stepdaughter, Ajia Hasenauer; grandchildren, Kallia, Tatum, Stella, Maddox and Hazley; significant other, Missi Wray; mother, Margaret (Mitch) Schepler; sisters, Angela (Juan) and Chrissy and her daughter, Gianna; two brothers; nieces, Kristen, Savannah, Gigi and Ellianna; nephews, Timmy, Dominic, Julius, Armani and Nico, along with many dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 5, from 3 ~ 6 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where a Celebration of Sarge's Life will be held at 6:00 P.M.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sarge's family c/o Lola Forte, 88 Myrtle Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

Sandra G. Hennessey, 58 of Darien Center, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Amherst. She was born March 1, 1964 to the late Henry J. and Lois R. (Fetzer) Gizynski.

Sandra, worked as a cook for many years and in green houses. She loved cooking, baking, cats, her dog Sable and most of all gardening.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Glenn Hennessey of Darien Center, brother, Martin Gizynski of Florida, several aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Funeral Services will be held privately and a Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

BYRON - Janet M. Pike, 78  of Rochester, formerly of Byron passed away unexpectedly on Monday, (May 30, 2022) at her son's home in Rochester.

Mrs. Pike was born November 6, 1943 in Bergen, a daughter of the late DeLos and Mary (Wood) Barber.

She was a member of the Byron First Presbyterian Church and a former member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of both the Byron and South Byron Fire Departments. She enjoyed gardening when she was able, doing puzzles, listening to country music, playing cards, and crocheting.

Janet is the wife of the late John W. Pike who passed away in 2020. She is also preceded in death by a brother, Roy Barber.

Surviving are her son, Jason (Brian Hoffman) Pike of Henrietta; a brother, Wesley (Marian) Barber of Syracuse; sisters, Lucille (late Harold) Burch of Georgia, and Irene Barber of Geneseo; a sister-in-law, Gail Barber of Florida. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, (June 6, 2022)  from 4:00 pm  to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Janet's Funeral Service will be held immediately following visitation at 7:00 pm.  Burial will be in Byron Cemetery in Byron.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Byron First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 206, Byron, New York 14422 or the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Dr Suite 320, Buffalo, NY 14221. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.