Obituaries

Batavia - On December 14th, 2023, Sally J. Schoenthal, 88, of Batavia, New York, passed away at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Batavia.

Sally was born in Attica on July 25, 1935, a daughter of the late Donald Meisner and Erma (late Robert) Pozvary Meisner Sheehan. She married Edwin Schoenthal in 1955 and worked as a telephone operator for New York Telephone in Batavia.

Sally attended Batavia United Methodist Church, and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary in Stafford and Bethany Fire Departments. She was an avid organ player for churches in Batavia, Stafford, and Morganville, even playing while in the nursing home. She also loved bingo, and adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, being greatly involved in their lives.

Sally is survived by her daughter, Judy Sanders (Fairbanks) Luster of Batavia; grandchildren, Jeremy Fairbanks, Jessie (Kelly) Thater, Todd (Mary) Fairbanks, Andy (Wendy) Thater, and Jason Long; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas (late Connie) Meisner of Attica; and sister-in-law, Gloria (late Edward) Lewis.

In addition to her parents, Sally is predeceased by her daughter, Deborah Ann (late Edward) Long; grandson, Eric Fairbanks; brothers, Jack Meisner, Robert (late Joyce) Meisner, and Richard Meisner.

Family and friends may call on Monday, December 18, at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., where Sally's funeral service will immediately follow. Burial at Reed Cemetery in Oakfield will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stafford United Methodist Church at 6134 Main Street, PO Box 819, Stafford, NY 14143, and to the Activities fund at Premier Genesee (c/o Julie Paradiwski) at 278 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Mary Jameson Maser, 92 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at LeRoy Village Green. She was born April 10, 1931 in Huddersfield, England, to the late Jack and Winifred (Rogers) Jameson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Maser, sisters, Nellie Watkins, Peggy Holder and Renee Brownhill.

Mrs. Maser worked for many years as a Certified Nurses Assistant at Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia. 

Mary is survived by her beloved children, Matthew (Charlotte) Maser, Jennifer (John) Ott, Christopher (Kyle) Maser, Melissa Moore, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. “Keep calm and carry on, tally ho.”  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Marilyn M. Britton, 95 of Bennington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 9, 2023 at Gateway Home in Attica. She was born July 7, 1928 in North Tonawanda to the late Harold and Inez (Burtch) Scott. She is preceded in death by husband, Ralph Schuld and husband George Britton, son Randy Schuld.

Mrs. Britton worked for many years at Dr. H. Subramanian’s office in Buffalo. Her joys in life were family, sewing, reading, crocheting and travel. Mrs. Britton enjoyed making items and donating them to Angel Action and Buffalo City Mission.

She is survived by her beloved children, Diane (Robert) Franczak of Myrtle Beach, SC, Karen (Peter) Haen of Depew, Wende (David) Reiner of Bennington, daughter-in-law, Vincenza Schuld of Parish, NY; siblings, Dean (Cheryl) Scott of Sonoma, CA, Richard (the late Kathy) Scott of Weeki Wachee, FL, Barbara (Jeffrey) Manning of Lewiston, NY, Sue (Ted) Frake of Winston Salem, NC, 10 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway House, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or to Bennington Rescue Squad, 1353 Route 354, Attica, NY 14011. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Mary “Nani” Barone, 96 of Batavia, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, December 11, 2023. She was born December 18, 1926 in Batavia, to the late Salvatore and Concetta (Parrinella) Zito. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Barone, daughter, Maryann Barone, siblings, Harry, Frank, Emmanuel, John, Joseph and Anthony Zito, Josephine Paladino and Anna Amato.

Mrs. Barone worked for many years as a Beautician and a Lunch Aide at John Kennedy Elementary and Batavia High School. She was a woman of great faith, volunteering at St. Anthony’s Church, CCD Teaching Award winner, President of the Lawn Fete, member of Altar & Rosary Society, St. Michael’s Society and Paulo Busti Cultural Foundation.

Mrs. Barone was an avid reader, loved ceramics, crocheting and slot machines. She loved family dinners on Sunday’s and her family will miss her famous cannoli’s. Her granddaughter Izzabella Barone took great care of her.

Mary is survived by her beloved children, Sandra (Thomas) Natoli of Plainfield, IL, James L. (the late Marie) Barone of Las Vegas, Pamela (Abraham) Martinez of Batavia, Joseph (Rhonda) Barone of Batavia, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 4 to 8pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:00am on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the Funeral Home, followed by a 9:30am Mass of Christian Burial, Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott St, Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

John M. Pauly (82) of Elba, NY went to be with his Savior on December 8, 2023. His wife of 61 years, Martha (Ville) was at his side. 

John was born to Anthony and Carol Pauly on March 26, 1941 in Buffalo, NY. He worked for many years at his family's business, West Metal Works as a sheet metal worker. He was an avid boater and enjoyed both boat racing and recreational boating throughout his life. 

John had three children, Lynne, Debby and Kelli, along with grandchildren Jo, Lindsey, Micah, Travis, Jonathan, Mary, Amber, Claudia, Jules and Kindrah. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Ginny and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Bob. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 2:00PM Memorial Service will be held Sunday, December 17th at the First Baptist Church of Elba 31 South Main St. Elba, NY 14058. 

To leave an online 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.

Cowlesville - Edward  A.  Boskat, of Cowlesville, passed away suddenly in his sleep on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the age of 78 at The Cloister's in Warsaw, New York.

Edward was born May 25, 1945, the only son of the late Fred and Nora (Abbey) Boskat. He was raised and lived at the same home in Cowlesville, NY his entire life, with the exception of his military service during the Vietnam War. His job in the military was to repair and maintain helicopters that were used by the Armed Forces. After his military service he worked many years at the Westinghouse Foundry in Attica, NY.

His passion was his "Junk Yard on the Hill." He collected cars, trucks, and parts, old, new and everything in-between. Everyone knew you could get a good deal, fair price, and if he liked you maybe something free.  

Surviving are his sisters, Dorothy Bosket, Lottie (Frank) Beam; brother-in-law, Paul Kopp; nieces and nephews, Noreen Wolkiewicz, Jeff Kolz, Marty Kolz, Scott Kolz, Chuck Kolz, Corey Kolz, Tim Kopp, Laurie Quinones, Daryl Beam, Shannon Beam, Jay Beam, Kimberly Kraft; 22 great nieces and nephews; 7 great great nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he is predeceased by his sisters, Grace (the late Charles) Kolz and Eathel Kopp.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, December 16th from 10 am - 12 pm at Robinson And Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main St., Warsaw where Edward's funeral service with military honors will take place immediately following at 12 pm.  Private burial will be in Cowlesville Cemetery in Cowlesville.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 0523, 146 N Main St Warsaw, NY 14569-1124 or the Veterans Association of America, Inc., P.O. Box 309 Audubon Station, New York, New York 10032-0309.

Arrangements are being completed by Marley Funeral Home, Attica, NY. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

LeRoy ~ Irene B. Walters, age 95, of Summit Street Road, passed away peacefully at home early Thursday morning (December 7, 2023) in the loving presence of her family.  

   Irene was born in Cazenovia, NY on December 22, 1927, the daughter of Ernest and Ruth (Weber) Blowers.

     On April 24, 1946, Irene was married to Royal G. Walters.  They lived and worked on their family farm together for 49 years, and she continued until her passing.  Irene and Roy were married for 49 years and had 4 children.

     She is survived by Robert (Ann) Walters and Ronald (Gale) Walters; grandchildren, Brian (Brenda), William (Brandi), David, Jennifer (William) Hollebrandt and Danielle  Titus; great-grandchildren, Allyson, Kimberly, Henry Walters and Walter Hollebrandt, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

     Irene was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Ruth Blowers and (step-mother) Florence Blowers, a son, Richard and daughter, Barbara J. Titus.

     Irene attended RBI and worked at Pavilion Livestock Market and in later years, she worked at Baker Greenhouses.  She worked alongside Roy in all aspects of farming and cared for her family, home and garden.

     Irene was involved in many organizations including Post Card Club, LeRoy Historical Society, Farm Bureau, 50 year member of Pavilion Grange and 40 year member of LeRoy American Legion Auxiliary.

     Irene was interested in sewing, needlework, leather tooling and many other crafts.

     She was LeRoy’s Town Historian for more than 25 years and enjoyed doing presentations on Jello and LeRoy history.

     The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Irene’s loving and caring aides.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where her funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 11:00 AM.  Private interment will be held in Machpelah Cemetery.

    Contributions in memory of Irene are suggested to either the LeRoy Historical Society or the JELL-O Gallery Museum.

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

Ronald R. Hawker, 69 of Waterloo, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born in Batavia, January 25, 1954 to Pearl (Volino) Eley of Batavia and the late Raymond Hawker. He is preceded in death his brother Reginald Hawker and step-father Raymond Eley.

Ronald worked as a Tree Trimmer. He will be remembered as a very helpful man, helping his community and neighbors whenever he could.

Along with his mother Pearl, he is survived by his children, Raymond and Carrie, sister, Linda (Ken) Catino, along with several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.   

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Heart Association www.heart.org. To leave an online 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.z

Bennington - Gwendolyn Willey, 90 of Bennington passed away on Saturday, (December 9, 2023) at Gateway Home in Attica.

Mrs. Willey was born April 10, 1933 in Hume, a daughter of the late Frank C. and Shirley (Walradt) Hall.

Gwendolyn worked as a Fire and Safety Officer with the West Seneca Development Center prior to her retirement and proud to have been the first woman in Western New York to complete the Erie County Sheriff's Academy. She was a lifelong member of the Orangeville United Church of Christ. Gwendolyn and her late husband Kenneth, enjoyed playing euchre in tournaments, camping at Bide-a-Bit Campground, and traveling the country in their RV. She had a fondness for elephants and giraffes and enjoyed birdwatching, especially loving cardinals.

Gwendolyn is the wife of the late Kenneth Willey who passed away in 2014.

Surviving are her children, Gregg (Sandra) Willey of Bennington, Stanley (Donna) Willey of Attica, and Valerie Wooton of Bennington; grandchildren, Amy (Den) Eley, Nicki (Chris) Durfee, Justin (Carrie) Willey, Reneé Willey, Jason (Pablo) Willey-Bustos, Bradley (Randi) Kirsch, Brian (Angela) Kirsch, and Ashley (Christopher) DeLong; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Maddilyn, Logan, Maci, Hudson, Mikaila, Weston, Carter, Charlotte, Collins, Anna, and Ella; brother, Daniel C. Hall of Attica; sister, Debra (Mark) Farrell of Statesville, NC; brother-in-law, Glenn Washburn of Attica. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mrs. Willey is preceded in death by her sisters, LynnAnn Washburn, Catherine (late Donald) Aubry, and Sandra L. Cooke; niece, Wendy Washburn.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday (December 13, 2023) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, 98 N. Main Street in Perry, where Gwendolyn's funeral service will immediately follow visitation. Private burial will be in Freedom Rural Cemetery in Freedom, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 or the Bennington Fire Department, 1353 Clinton Street Road, Attica, New York 14011.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Marley Funeral Home  in Attica.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

On December 7th, 2023, Helen A. Moore, 94, formerly of Oakfield, Byron, and Batavia, New York, passed away at LeRoy Village Green Rehab & Nursing Home, leaving behind her loving family.

Helen was born June 12th, 1929, in Washington Township, Pennsylvania to Maxwell Fulmer and Mary A. Bell.

On September 7th, 1946, she married the love of her life, the late James F. Moore, Sr. They had three beautiful children, James F. (Penny) Moore, Jr. of Appleton, the late Kenneth J. (Cheryl) Moore of Elba, and Helen L. (late Howard) Austin of Batavia.

Gram/Old Gram was very proud of her six grandchildren, Tammy (Michael) Boudreau, James (Amy) Moore III, Jeffery (Carri) Austin, Michael Austin, Jason (Kimberly) Austin, and Kimberly (Frank) Cuttitta; twelve great-grandchildren, Haley, Kylie and Mackenzie Moore, Tyler and Gracie Boudreau, Cameron, Ava, Brycen, Abigail, Allison, Brynn and Liam Austin, and Lucus Cuttitta; and great-great grandson Mason Arevalo. Helen’s brother-in-law, Edward Kastelic, Sr. (“Uncle Ed”) was her Yankees buddy. Helen is survived by many nieces and nephews; and good friends, Aggie McKenrick and Ethel Tanner.

Helen dearly loved her late dog, Killer.

Besides her parents, Helen is predeceased by her husband, James F. Moore Sr.; son, Kenneth J. Moore; son-in-law, Howard Austin; brother, Dean (Edith) Fulmer; brothers-in-law, William (Imogene), Jack (Judy), John Moore; sisters-in-law, Minnie, Mae, and Ruth Moore, Carrie (Wilber) Helman, Dorothy Davis, Betty Kastelic, and Jean (Ron) Gibson, and good friend Martha Mack.

Mom worked at many places in her life, such as weeding onions and picking potatoes on the mucklands of Elba, the canning factory in Oakfield, and Sylvania in Batavia. But most of all, she did the most important job of being our mom. We always had food on the table, clean clothes, and a tutor for us in the evenings as she did our homework. She was a caring mom and grandmother. Nothing made her happier than holidays and family gatherings.

Upon retirement, her and Dad traveled the country, visiting Hawaii, Texas, Las Vegas, California, Mexico, and Canada. They loved spending winters in Silver Springs, Florida. They fit right into retirement life there, making hundreds of friends. She was a member of American Legion Post 626 Auxiliary, IOOB’s Oakfield Chapter, and held many offices. Mom liked to play golf and bowl (even though she was not too good at it), enjoying being out with the gang. She also managed the impressive feat of still driving at 94 years of age! WE WILL MISS YOU, MOM/GRAM. Hope you can now rest in peace. XOXO

We would like to thank the entire staff at LeRoy Village Green for the wonderful care they gave our mother. Again, thank you.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home at 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, New York, where funeral services will immediately follow. Burial will be held thereafter at Cary Cemetery in Oakfield, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Volunteers For Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.

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

Bergen – Bret “Joe Dirt” Bellacosa, 65 of Bergen passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Bret was born Saturday, February 15th, 1958 in Denver, Colorado a son of the late Carmine and Regina (Gonzalez) Bellacosa.

He enjoyed photographing sunrises and sunsets, and sharing his favorite photos of them, family BBQ’s, football, traveling, and especially spending time with his family and friends.

Bret married Rita Schramm on June 24, 2006 at their home in LeRoy, NY. He worked as a heavy machine operator at Dilcher's Excavation and Contracting until his retirement.

Bret will be remembered by his wife, Rita Bellacosa of Bergen; children, Zachery Bellacosa of Medina and Sarla (late James) Bellacosa- Sanford of Rochester; stepchildren, Vincent Henning of Alexander, Daniel Henning of Attica, and Amanda (Shawn) Brayley of Apopka, FL; stepfather, Phil Shin of Orchard City, CO; grandchildren, Daniel Tyler Cone, Jacelyn Ferringer, Alexis Burley, Brianna Welsh, Caleb Henning, Arionna Henning, Xander Welsh, Maxamillyn Chase; sister, Cory (Steve) Miller; brother in law, Edward (Kathryn) Schramm of Henrietta, sister in law, Donna Russell of Batavia, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Bret is reunited with his parents, Carmine and Regina Bellacosa; siblings Carmen (Harold) Shelden, Janet (Jeff) Dewey, and Carmine Bellacosa Jr.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

Charles M. “Woodie” Wood, 85 of Oakfield, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Sunday, December 3, 2023. He was born October 8, 1938 in Batavia, to the late Clifford and Evelyn (Bartlett) Wood. 

Chuck proudly retired as a NYS National Guardsman for 35 years, and worked in that capacity for the Department of Military and Naval Affairs in Rochester for over 25 years. He then went on to work at LMI, Bergen part time and retired for good in 2009.  Chuck also spent 10 years as a Barber in his younger days.  

He was a man of great faith, Charlie became an Ordained Minister in 2006 where he would proudly serve The City Church in Batavia. Pastor Wood loved teaching the Bible and did so for 25 years at The City Church. Along with his faith Charlie enjoyed WWII history and memorabilia.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda L. (Rowe) Wood of Oakfield, his sister, Marilyn Wood Donahue, along with so many dear family and friends.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 11, 2023 from 2 to 5pm at The City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 5:00pm Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at the church. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charles M. Wood Study, c/o The City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online 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.

Basom - Michael "Frank" Gross, 94, of the Town of Alabama passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, New York.

Frank was born April 27, 1929, in Alabama, New York a son of the late John and Anna (Bosnak) Gross. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church (St. Patrick Mission Church in Wheatville, NY). Frank received the prestigious Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker from Bishop Edward Head of the Buffalo Diocese.

Frank grew up on his family farm and married the love of his life, Shirley Endres, on May 12, 1951, at St. Mary's Church in Batavia. They lovingly raised three children. Frank was self-employed as a painter and carpenter for many years prior to working at and retiring from Harrison Radiator on July 1, 1991. He was an avid hunter, outdoors man and life-long Yankees fan. He enjoyed the simplicities of life and his home was his favorite place to be.

Frank is survived by Shirley Gross, his loving wife of 72 years; children Gregory (Debby) Gross, Peter (Paula) Gross, Karen (Richard Dwyer) Grazioplene, grandchildren Timothy (Meghan) Gross, Jennifer Higgins, Jeffrey Gross, Ashleigh Gross, Jonathan (Danielle) Gross, Michael (Aubrey) Gross; great grandchildren Rori, Shayla, Eleanora, Garrett, Evangeline, Paisley and Silas; siblings Evelyn Clark and Bernice Hochmuth; daughter in law Stephanie Gross; many nieces and nephews.

In death Frank will be reunited with his parents, John and Anna Gross; siblings Anna, Betty, John, Joe, Rudy, Bob, Richard, Eleanor, and Ruthy; son in law Scott Grazioplene.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield. Frank's funeral mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at St. Padre Pio (St. Cecilia Worship Site), 56 Maple Ave, Oakfield, NY 14125. Burial
will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alabama Fire Department at 2230 Judge Road, Basom, NY 14013.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in memory of Frank at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.