Obituaries

Pavilion / E. Bethany ~ William A. “Billy” Phillips, age 73, formerly of Hawks Road, passed away Monday morning (June 20, 2022) at the Homestead Nursing Home in Penn Yan.

   

  He was born April 15, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late Arnold and Rose Metzler Phillips.

     Bill will be remembered as a very giving and caring person, who would do anything for anyone.  He had a jolly laugh and enjoyed visiting with people, often telling stories and jokes.  He was a graduate of the Pavilion Central School, an avid hunter and was a co-owner of William A. Phillips & Son in East Bethany.

     He is survived by his son, Bill Jr. and daughter, Lindsey, along with many other family members and friends.

     Family and friends are invited to his Graveside Service to be held on Monday, June 27 at 11:00 AM at the East Bethany Rural Cemetery.

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

     Bill and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Bernard A. Twardowski Jr. “Bernie”, 68 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

He was born December 25, 1953 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Bernard and Doris Stringham Twardowski.

Bernard served his country with the U.S. Marines from 1972-1973. He was an employee for Blue Cross Blue Shield, prior to his retirement. He was an avid bowler, golfer and enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his son, Daniel Wixson of Batavia. Siblings, Jeffrey Twardowski of Batavia, Frances (Art) Bowen of Batavia and Michael Twardowski of Brockport. Emily Silfies, whom he cared for all her life as a daughter. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Steve Twardowski, Pat Conway and Doreen Bogue.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (June 22^nd) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY. Private burial will be in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Mary Alice Flagler, 81, of Bergen, NY, passed away on June 17, 2022 at St. Ann’s Care Center in Webster, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Martin and Catherine Jones, her husband, Stephen and her son, Joshua Dickens. Surviving are her sister, Anne Endries (John), niece, Carrie Endries (Paul Morgan), nephew, John Endries II, great niece, Zoe, great nephew, David, and cousins.

Mary Alice completed her Masters in Library Science at the University of Buffalo and worked as a Librarian at the Eastman Kodak Engineering Library and prior to that, the Georgetown University Library. Until retirement, she worked at Agway Farms in Batavia.

The funeral Mass, at St. Brigid’s Church in Bergen, will be at 11 AM on June 24th. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann’s Community Star Fund, 1500 Portland Ave. Rochester, NY 14621 or to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main St. Rd., Batavia, NY, 14020.  

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

Arrangements for Mary Alice were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Batavia - Virginia R. Johnson, age 99, passed away Wednesday afternoon (June 15, 2022) at the Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence. She was born on March 31, 1923, in Burlington, VT, a daughter of the late Leo and Verna Kramer Bray Sr.

  

   Virginia was a devout parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church/Resurrection Parish. She lived her life with kindness and compassion, and her family meant everything to her. Virginia will always be remembered as a very loving and devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and dear friend to many.

     Virginia was employed by Nu-Way and Acme Markets, and later retired from Fay’s Drugs. In her spare time, she loved baking for others and was well known in the area as the "pie lady" for her delicious pies. Her carrot cake and potato salad were also the best! Virginia had an incredible talent for creating intricate crochet pieces, beautiful afghans, and doilies that she took great pleasure in gifting to her loved ones.  She also enjoyed playing bingo, spelling bees, word search puzzles, and especially her scratch-off lottery tickets.

     Virginia will be sadly missed by her daughters, Patricia (John) Thayer of Fabius, NY,  Jean Boldt of Batavia, and Norma (Jack) Smith of Atlanta, GA; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her extended "family" at Brothers of Mercy.

     Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Earl (1971); son, Donald (2011); siblings, Beatrice Rice, Leo Bray Jr., Dorothy Oaks, James Bray Sr. and Clifton Bray; stepbrothers, Duane Nichols and Peter Nichols.

     Virginia's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Brothers of Mercy for the wonderful care and love that was provided to their mother and grandmother.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, June 24, from 11:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020, or Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home, 10570 Bergtold Road, Clarence, NY 14031.

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

Margaret Louise Volino, 85 went to be with the lord on June 16, 2022 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

 

    Margaret was born on May 5, 1937. She was a daughter of the late Lucian and Clara Volino, of Batavia.

     Margaret will be sadly missed by her loving family. She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, playing cards, taking Bubba for car rides and her feisty personality. She enjoyed visiting her family in person and on facetime. Margaret shared her love of nature, by feeding and watching the squirrels and birds outside her window. She shared laughter and coffee with her friends and family at LVG. She enjoyed spending time with her late friend, Betty Clark.

     She is survived by her two sisters, Pearl (Ray) Eley and Joanne Goodman. She was predeceased by her brother, Anthony Volino.

     Margaret’s beloved children include Arthur Smith Jr., Bonny (Tom) Shelby, Pearl (Ray) Moutray and Anthony (Kellie) Smith, along with their fathers: James (Peggy) Sweeney and Arthur (Patty) Smith Sr.

     Her grandchildren include: Sara Smith, Crystal (Matthew) Butler, Erin (Joseph) Graff, Thomas (Jessica) Shelby, Ashley Moutray, Bonny (William) Palmatier, Anthony Smith Jr., and Daniel Smith; eleven great grandchildren include: Nathan, Mason, Eleanor, Francis, Gabrielle, Gianna, Lila, Finnegan, Edward, Riley, and William. She also has several nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 27 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 28 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, NY.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

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

Andrea Adams, age 77, passed away on June 16, 2022 to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born December 3, 1944 in Tonawanda, to the late Andrew M. and Lillian Y. (Kish) Blujus. She graduated from Attica High School and worked for many years at Eastman Kodak and GTE Sylvania in Batavia.

Andrea was gifted with a beautiful voice. She enjoyed singing in her high school chorus. She also sang many solos in her church choir. Andrea would always sing to people even while at the Wyoming County Nursing Home where she resided. Her singing brought joy to many people. She also enjoyed performing ballet recitals in past years.

Andrea is survived by her daughter Kimberly (Linc) Spangler, son Philip Adams, brother Dana (Linda) Blujus, sister Cheryl (John) Goodridge; grandchildren, Tyler Spangler, Lillian and Anabelle Adams, along with several nieces and nephews.

Andrea will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Lighthouse Station, 67 W Buffalo Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. 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.

 

Ethyl I. Sojda, age 84, of Creek Rd, Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 8th, 2022. Ethyl was born in Batavia as the only daughter of the late Vincent N. and Ruth M. Kirch. She was a life-long resident of Alexander, NY.

After graduating from Alexander Central School, she held various jobs until she married her late husband, John F. Sojda, Jr. in 1961 and raised three children. As a dedicated mother she could be seen braving any weather to watch her children’s sporting events. She returned to work in 1977 and held a number of positions with local companies over the following thirty years. In her last role she was a Loose Ends hostess managing the GCC cafeteria where many folks came to enjoy her kind and pleasant personality and her dedicated work ethic.

Though a long-time crocheter, later in life she became a serious quilter and active in the Batavia Museum Quilt Guild. She produced a number of quilts for family and friends that are still enjoyed daily.

For a number of years, she was also a volunteer with All Babies Cherished. It was not uncommon to see her with her knitting material creating baby hats for the regional hospital system. For many years she was an assistant to John Sojda, Jr. in his role as Alexander Town Justice. Part of her charm and grace was how resiliently and quietly she met life’s challenges—both her own and those of others who knew her.

Ethyl is survived by her sons John and Steve (Barb), her daughter Ann, five grandchildren; Lily Whisman, Jacob (Paige), Stephanie (Patrick) Guarino, Michelle (Andrew) James , and Angela (Martin) Pohl, great-grandchildren; Ezekiel Guarino, Emily and Eli James, Alex, and Maria Pohl. She was preceded by her brother Merlin Kirch and has 4 surviving brothers (Ralph, Arnold, Harold, and Myron), and many nieces and nephews.

Mass at St. Mary's in Batavia at 9:30am Saturday June 25th followed by a graveside service at West Bethany Cemetery. Lunch to follow at her home at

9926 Creek Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alexander Rescue Squad PO Box 336 Alexander, NY 14005 or Homecare & Hospice 29 Liberty St. Suite 6 Batavia, NY 14020. 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, NY 14011

BASOM – Gertrude M. Parker,  83, of Judge Road, Basom, passed away Tuesday, (June 14, 2022) at Leroy Village Green in LeRoy.

She was born November 25, 1938 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Paul and Edna (Suttell) George.

Gert will be remembered for working alongside her husband Donnie on the family farm, crocheting many afghans to be given away, that she was always up for a sweet treat and being gramma to her two grandsons.   

She will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, Donald Parker; her daughter, Debbie (Rob) Greene and grandchildren Benjamin (Katrin) – great grandsons Skyler and Jaxson and Andrew (MacKenzie) great granddaughter Charlotte and great grandson Carter; her brother Richard George, brother-in-law Gerald Parker, sisters-in-laws Evelyn Green, Norma Meyer and Gloria Parker, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.   In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and husband, Jane (Bernard) Buttons, sister-in-law Sandra George, brother-in-law Harold Green and sister-in-law Donna Parker.  

Family and friends may call on Friday from 3 to 6 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, (June 18, 2022) at 11:00 am at St Padre Pio Parish - Our Lady of Fatima Worship Site, 65 South Main Street in Elba. The mass will be concelebrated by Rev. Ken Breen and Rev. Thaddeus Bocianowski.  Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield.

Thank you for all the kindness, outstanding care, compassion and family love she received from all the staff at Leroy Village Green.  She entered the facility in the worst days of COVID, and from the first day in this facility she received the best attention and care anyone could hope for.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Leroy Village Green, c/o Sunshine Fund, 10 Munson St, Leroy NY 14482 to help show appreciation to all the dedicated team members.

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

Batavia - Dustin M. Fleming, age 34, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at his home.

Dustin was born on January 6, 1988 in Batavia, son of Lisa A. Fleming of Batavia.

Surviving along with his mother are his son, Johnny Fleming; his siblings, Katrina Ewert, Nathan Clark, Christian Alexander and McKiah Alexander; and his cousin, Lynn Betties.

Friends may call on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 5 pm to 6 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where his funeral services will immediately follow at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Dustin's name to his family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Dustin's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Rocky J. Gringer, 75 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born December 28, 1946 in Batavia to the late Anthony and Catherine (Pricola) Gringer.

Rocky was a proud United States Army Vietnam Veteran. He owned and operated a pizzeria Tip of the Boot with his cousin Gary Puccio in Colorado. Rocky was extremely athletic and enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing, cycling, baseball and going to the gym. Everyone loved his embracing personality.

He is survived by his siblings, Patti (the late Alfred) Panepinto, Josie (James) Lambert both of Batavia, Anthony (Theresa) Gringer of Pittsford, along with many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner St, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia, with Military Honor’s.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Rd, Suite 100, Silver Springs, MD 20910; www.pickupplease.org or to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073; www.foodforthepoor.org. 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.

On June 11, 2022 Karen M. Rodon rejoined Frank, her beloved husband of 45 years, who died in 2012.

Karen was born on July 17, 1945, in Batavia, NY to the late Frances and Daniel Canty.

She graduated from Batavia High School in 1963 and then attended the University of Buffalo. In 1967, she married Frank, her high school sweetheart and they moved to Hawaii where they lived for five years. In Hawaii, she worked for the U.S. Navy and continued her education at the University of Hawaii. Upon her return to Batavia, she began a 36-year career with the Veterans Administration, from which she retired as the Human Resource Manager for the Batavia and Buffalo VA Medical Centers. Following Karen’s retirement in 2004, she and Frank sailed their boat to their new home in Fort Myers, Florida. Karen was the volunteer editor of their community newspaper, volunteered for the Veterans Foundation and delivered Meals on Wheels of Lee County.

She is survived by her brother, James Canty; her sister, Diane Gerould; sister-in-law, Carol (Merle) Banek and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her brother, Gerald “Red” Canty predeceased her in 2001.

Karen and Frank’s ashes will be interred at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Karen’s name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21747-5014 or ECHO, Inc., 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33917. Local arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Diane R. Schoff, 61, of Corfu, passed away on June 9, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Diane was born January 3, 1961, in Batavia, the daughter of the late Jack and Ruth (Warren) Bromsted.

Diane enjoyed bird watching, playing video games, watching Jeopardy with her son, baking, gardening, cross stitch, reading and sharing books with her grandchildren and spending time with her family.  During the 1990's, while working as the cashier in the cafeteria at Pembroke Primary School, was known as Miss Diane.

Surviving are her husband, Martin Schoff; children, Kelly (Jeromy Korytkowski) Schoff, Garret Schoff and Kyle (Katherine) Schoff; grandchildren, Sienna Korytkowski, Autumn Korytkowski, Lilian Schoff and Noah Schoff; brothers, David (Paula) Bromsted, Daniel (Bonnie) Bromsted and Jack Bromsted; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Bromsted Masse, Brian (Michelle) Bromsted, Becky (Zack) Siembor, Elizabeth (fiancé Dan Tornow) Bromsted; great-nieces and great-nephews, Grace Masse, Jack Masse, Ella Bromsted, Marley Siembor and Josslyn Siembor.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, June 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Diane's funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21 at Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke.  She will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery in Pembroke.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, 2117 Buffalo Road, #299, Rochester, NY 14624, www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/rochester.  

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

Sylvia Held (Smith) of Zephryhills, FL, passed away on May 20^th at the age of 93.

Mrs. Held is predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, George Held Jr.; siblings Jeanette Bennett, Hugh (Pat), Ross and Royal Smith; and granddaughter Shelsie Walsh.

She is survived by her loving children Keith Sr. (Shirley) Held and Cathleen Bieber; her beloved grandchildren Erin (Danny) Walsh, Keith Jr. and Katelyn Held; and great grandchildren Avery and Beckham Amaral.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:30 AM graveside service will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the West Middlebury Cemetery, East Bethany, NY. Where she will be laid to rest with her husband George.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Middlebury Baptist Church, 4950 W. Middlebury Road, East Bethany, NY 14054. 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.

Jeffery M. Schum, 64 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home, Inc in Perry. He was born January 8, 1958 in Batavia to the late Maynard Schum and Shirley (Snyder) Schum. He is preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Red and Mici Sawyer.  

Jeff was a dairy farmer, farming was his life and his life was farming. He enjoyed playing Euchre and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail A. (Sawyer) Schum of Batavia; siblings, Steven (Rosemary) Schum of Darien, Cheryl (Wayne) Kriger of Attica, Janice Youngers of Attica, sisters and brother-in-law, Marcia Sawyer of FL, Lauren (Mark) Howell of Norwich, NY, Alison (Anthony) Felt of Clifton Park, Randall (Connie) Sawyer of Huntingtown, MD; along with 10 nieces and nephews; 7 great nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A 1:00pm Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Pleasant View Cemetery, Orangeville.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home, Inc., 167 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530. 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.

Patricia J. Herman, 91, of Indian Falls, NY, passed away peacefully, Friday, June 10, 2022.

Pat was born on March 4, 1931, in the family home in Indian Falls, the daughter of the late Gladwin “Bill” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Haas) Sliker. Pat was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard J. Brown and her devoted husband, Charles A. Herman.

Pat was a dedicated member of the Indian Falls United Methodist Church for 70 years and active in numerous groups at church.  She was a founding member of Indian Falls Campground and picnic area. Pat worked closely with her parents to manage the campground until her father’s passing. She was a member of the East Pembroke Rebekah’s.  Pat was a legal secretary to Sherwin Wittman at his law firm and a longtime bookkeeper for William’s Poultry Farm in Pembroke were many happy memories and lifelong friendships were established.

Pat loved to be creative, taking many classes in flower arranging, stain glass production and cake decorating. She was known far and wide with her family and friends for her delicious and moist cakes. Many in Genesee County and the surrounding area, have had the pleasure of sampling her baking expertise! Pat was very active with her graduating class and childhood friends all through her adult life. She took great pride and loved researching her nuclear and extended family genealogy. Pat had a love of nature, especially keeping the bird population around her home well fed.

Pat never had to register a “change of address” with the United States Postal Service. She lived and loved her entire existence in the beautiful hamlet where her grandparents forged a legacy, finding pure contentment on the hill between her lake and the creek.

Pat is survived by her children; Cindy (Bill) White, Douglas Brown, Darlene (Mark) Bramley and Laurie (Tracy) Rudolph; her step-children; Charles (Lori) Herman, Julie (Pat Marvin) Herman, Richard (Nicole Hornstein) Herman and Betsy (Sander) Abramson; 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Pat is also survived by her cousin, Winnie Murray.

Family and friends may call Friday, June 17, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Allegheny Road, Corfu, NY. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. 

Memorials may be made to the church.