Obituaries

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.

Katherine J. Cianfrini, 94 of Rochester, formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully at her daughter Maria’s home on Sunday, May 29, 2022. She was born September 19, 1927 in Batavia, to the late Felix and Antoinette (Parrinallo) Marchese. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward Cianfrini, son Edward Cianfrini Jr, siblings, Joseph, Anthony, Samuel Marchese, Mary Tiberio, and Rose Antinore.

Mrs. Cianfrini was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s RC Church in Batavia and then St. James RC Church in Rochester. She loved taking care of Maria’s dog, Bella. Her biggest joy in life was cooking, cleaning and most of all family.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Maria Cianfrini of Rochester, brother Louis (Joanne) Marchese, sister-in-law, Gloria Marchese both of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

A 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at St. James Church, Peace of Christ Parish, 130 Brett Road, East Irondequoit, NY 14609. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greece Cancer Center, 155 Bellwood Drive, Suite 1, Rochester, NY 14606. 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.

Oakfield – Dr. Samuel J. Gerone, age 91, passed away peacefully due to dementia on Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Unity Hospital in Rochester, with his family by his side. Upon his admittance to the hospital, he always had one of his loving daughters with him.

He was born on July 19, 1930 in Oakfield, a son of the late John J. Gerone and Rose Cipolla Gerone.

He was the valedictorian of the Class of 1948 from Oakfield High School and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Buffalo with his Bachelor of Arts degree. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, a National Honor Society while he was an undergraduate student. Following his undergraduate work, he also received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Buffalo. Following his graduate work in 1955, he enlisted into the United States Army where he was a Captain in the Dental Corps in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He completed his service in the Army in 1963 and was honorably discharged.

He opened his private practice in Oakfield in 1956, next door to his parent’s home until 1974 when he went to work at the Canandaigua VA Hospital until his retirement.

He enjoyed bowling, gardening, grocery shopping at Wegman’s, watching the Buffalo Bills and loved to play golf. Oakfield residents knew every Thursday that the dentist, pharmacist and town mayor were “on vacation” at Terry Hills Golf Course.

He is survived by six beautiful daughters (one of whom composed this notice), Rose Marie (late Ian) Calder, Linda (Robert) White, Kathy (late Joe) Schifano, Beverly (Ryszard) Lipke, Jackie (Tony) Marcello and Susie (Mark) Jesse and their mother, Lois Klehn; his son, Sammy Gerone; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Peter (Lois) Gerone; his cousin, Jo Ann Cipolla along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia (PLEASE USE SCHOOL STREET ENTRANCE). His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday at St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester and the Finger Lakes, 435 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, New York 14620. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  James H. Wright Jr. 81 of Darien Center passed at home on May 27, 2022. He was born at home on Easter Sunday April 13, 1941, Buffalo, New York. Jim was preceded in death by his infant daughter Tammy Annette 3 months and 5 days of age and his brother George Frank Wright.

Jim worked for dresser industries until closing and retired from the State of New York as a Stationary Engineer working in numerous State facilities and retiring from Attica Prison.

Jim was a proud Navy veteran serving in the Atlantic Fleet. He loved his country, hunting , fishing, and his 1958 Chevy Stepside Truck dubbed The White Knight winning numerous local national and international trophies.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Josephine (Lauricella) Wright, his daughters Gina Marie (Dan) Weislogel of Henderson, Nevada Paula Ann (Mike) Boundy, of East Bethany, NY and James G. Wright (Teresa) of Darien Center, NY 6 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

There will be no prior calling hours. Burial will be in Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Darian Fire Co. PO 135, Darien Center NY 14040. 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.

Basom - Allan L. Grehlinger, 87, of Basom, passed away on Thursday, (May 26, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Grehlinger was born January 4, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Duane and Mildred (Long) Grehlinger.

Mr. Grehlinger served honorably in the United States Air Force for three years, and for six more years in the US Air Force Reserves. He was very proud to serve his country, and to be a jet mechanic crew chief.

Allan was a member of the Indian Falls United Methodist Church and a 50-year member of the Alabama Fire Department. He was a lifelong farmer and greatly enjoyed all animals, especially cows, golden retrievers, and Haflinger horses. He was a people person, and loved to talk with anyone he met. He had a knack for being genuinely interested in others' stories. Allan liked to go on adventures, and to take people with him.  Mr. Grehlinger also enjoyed antiquing, watching airplanes, and going to garage sales to find just what someone else was searching for.  Allan devoted more than two decades to the Salvation Army food pantry in Batavia. He began by carrying the donations from the Indian FAlls UMC to the pantry and progressed to coordinating the other volunteers for each month. With those volunteers, he sorted the donated food and packed the food boxes to share with those in need.  Allan's devotion to the Salvation Army's food pantry sprang from his desire to serve and to give when his health prevented him from continuing his farming. especially to Amish country to watch the Amish work their fields. While he appreciated modern day farming methods and machines, he was most fond of the down to earth family farming of his Amish and Mennonite friends.

Allan was the husband of Jane (Silsby) Grehlinger of Basom. He is also survived by his sister, Laura (late William) Hagen of Batavia; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Shirley (late Charles) Green; and a nephew, Jimmy Lee Hagen.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 6 to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 10 to 12:00 noon at Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu, where Allan 's Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon, immediately following visitation. Burial will be in the Alabama Cemetery in Alabama.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donation Processing, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or Oakfield-Alabama FFA, 7100 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY 14125.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsandford.com

Hilton - Nicole L. (Worthington) Gerould passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022 at the age of 42. She is survived by her husband, Chad; her 3 daughters, Katelyn, Erica, Emily; her father, Dale (Cathy) Worthington of Byron; her mother, Gail (Bruce) Rizzo of Spencerport; her mother-in-law, Sheryl Hugh; her sisters, Paula (Paul) Anderson, Crystal Worthington, Nicole (Steve) Myers, Sara (Kevin) Ziesenitz; her brothers, Andy (Erica) Williams, Tim (Laura) Williams, Scott (Amanda) Williams, Matt (Jessica) Rizzo; her sister-in-law, Leah (Steve) Talarico; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Nicole was employed by Heritage Christian Services as a Case Manager. She enjoyed boating, camping, spending time at the beach, vacationing and being with her girls. She especially enjoyed when all the neighborhood kids would gather in her yard to play with her girls. She will be greatly missed by all.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, 735 East Avenue, Hilton, NY. Nicole's Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Jude's Church, 4100 Lyell Rd, Rochester, NY 14606. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 or to The Dream Foundation, 1528 Chapala Street, Suite 304, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. To donate online click on the charity name.