Obituaries

We are sad to announce the passing of Velnona Krieger. She passed away in her sleep at the age of 87 Sunday morning October 15th 2023. Even though her failing health took her away, Vel's love for family friends and life continues like a beacon of light. As a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt, the love and joy she gave will never be lost.

Vel is predeceased by Lloyd Morrison (father), Bernice Morrison (mother), Elnona Sharp/William (twin sister), Bill Sharp (nephew) and Marilyn Sharp (niece).

Survived by Richard Krieger (Husband of 65 years) David Krieger /Katherine (son), Leslie Krieger (daughter), Susan Hyman/Michael (daughter). Lauren Evans/Matt, Lisa Pitera /Ted, Richard Vogt (grandchildren) and Theodore Pitera (great grandson). Also survived by her extended family; grandchildren, Amanda & Chris Skotarczak, Julie & Jeff Stoll and great grandchildren, Jessica, Corey, Benjamin, William, Mason, Isabel and Nicholas. Niece and Nephew's; Cathy & David Rhodes, Daniel & Patricia Sharp, Ken & Linda Krieger and Bill & Shelly Krieger.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at H.E. Turner Funeral Home from 4pm to 7pm. 403 East Main St. Batavia, NY.

Please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle for Velnona at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Ronald R. Smith, 71, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023. He was born October 11, 1952 in Erie, PA, to the late Raymond and Maxine (Gardner) Smith. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Vincent and Raymond Smith, a brother-in-law Joe Honan.  

Ronald was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired from Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia, as a Teacher’s Assistant in Culinary Arts and was known for teaching his students about music as they listened during class. Ron had a strong love for his family and will be missed dearly. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Karen R. (Kluczynski) Smith of Batavia, son, Matthew R. Smith of Batavia, daughter, Beth Ann (Allen) Peters of Churchville, brother, Edward (Lynn) Granke of PA, sisters, Elaine Honan of Williamsville, Suzy (Robert) Weimer and Joyce (Fred) Taylor both of Florida, grandson Tyler M. and granddaughter Madelyn R., along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, www.lung.org. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Gary L. Caryk, March 9, 1966 - October 15, 2023 of Batavia, NY passed away October 15, 2023.  Loving father of Jonathan and Brooke Caryk; son of Gregory (Christine) Caryk and the late Barbara Caryk; dear brother of Sandy (Gilbert) English, David Caryk and Jerrett (Elizabeth) Allen.  Family will be present at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 13228 Broadway Alden, NY Thursday, October 19th from 3-7 PM. with funeral services to follow at 7 PM.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com

June 18, 2013 - October 13, 2023. A light in this world, Levi Michael Zielonka entered this earth on June 18, 2013 into the grateful arms of  his parents and was received into the arms of his heavenly Father on October 13, 2023.

Levi gifted his parents Julie and Brian with the titles of “Mom” and “Dad” and the opportunity to witness zest for life and joy that will remain a legacy to them forever.  The origin of Levi is “united in harmony” and he embodied this by being the best big brother to Sofia, Noah, Ellie, Charli, Micah and Harper.  He was selfless in life and generous with love. Levi loved his family so deeply and so purely that his light will endure until one day they are reunited again in Heaven.

While Levi will be missed by his grandparents Mark and Sharon Zielonka and Dzia Dzia John Kochmanski, he was joyfully reunited at the gates of Heaven with his Babcia, Marie Kochmanski.  Levi will also be truly missed by his aunts and uncles: Amanda (Kenny) Almeter, Nicole (Larry) Lampke, Katie (Anthony) Poupalos, John (Marisa) Kochmanski, Mary Kochmanski, and Annie Kochmanski.  His memory will be cherished by many cousins, extended family, and friends; and his infectious smile will be greatly missed by his St. Joseph’s School family.

Levi was dedicated in his love of God and enthusiastically shared that love with others. This love especially came through while he was singing his praises to God at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and while learning to play hymns during piano lessons.  After Sunday church services, Levi could be found enjoying his second great passion, sports.  Whenever he was  tossing a football around or reciting sports statistics, he was in his element.

The family will be present to receive friends at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 13228 Broadway Alden, NY on Friday from 1-3 and 5-7 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Resurrection Parish/St. Joseph Site, 303 E. Main St., Batavia, NY on Saturday, October 21st at 10 AM (please assemble at church)  To honor Levi’s memory, please feel free to wear your favorite sports jerseys or team wear to the funeral Mass.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com

Aileen Ziehm, 96 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Friday (October 14, 2023) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born July 21, 1927 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph and Florence Prescott Sanders.

Aileen was the wife of the late Werner Carl Ziehm who passed away December 22, 2015.

She is survived by her daughter, Sonia (Doug) Doktor of Corfu. Grandchildren, Brian Doktor of Corfu and Rebecca Doktor of California. Great-grandchildren, Jenna Doktor of Kentucky and Emily Doktor of Rochester.

There will be no prior visitation and services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Indian Falls Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the Pembroke Vol. Fire Department or the Indian Falls Vol. Fire Department. Expressions of condolence 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.

Betty Jane Heaman passed away peacefully at 101 years of age on October 12, 2023 at Crossroads House in Batavia surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 30, 1921 in Bethany Center to the late Charles Wesson Phillips and Nellie (Cox) Phillips. In addition to her parents, Betty is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, E. James Heaman and sisters, Doris Darch and Olive Bush.

Betty Heaman, affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Fast Betty”, lived life to the fullest. She worked as a telephone operator, homemaker, and stay at home mother. Betty was a long time 4-H leader and the family hair stylist and cake decorator. She was an active member of the LeRoy United Methodist Church where she participated in the Priscilla Circle and Bible studies and volunteered at many church functions. Betty golfed until the age of 92, bowled, rode horseback, was an excellent seamstress, and artist. She loved hats and shoes, made the very best apple pies, and was an incredible role model and gift to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Betty Heaman is survived by her daughters Ellen (Nick) Zinni and Jane (Ted) Darocha, sister-in-law, Betty Lou Welker; grandchildren, Bethany (Zak) Brooks, Rose Zinni, Melanie (Brad) Cottier, and James (Carrie) Darocha; six great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the LeRoy United Methodist Church, 10 Trigon Park. A memorial service will immediately follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House in Batavia or the LeRoy United Methodist Church.

We are sad to announce the passing of Jerry Gerard “Jiggs” Capamaggio of Elkin, NC, formerly of Byron, NY. Jerry passed peacefully at home on October 14, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 95 years old.

Jerry was born on May 12, 1928, in Rochester, New York.

Jerry was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Shirley, who passed away in 2005; his parents Phoebe (Dean) Capamaggio and Henry “Hank” DeGroote; and siblings Faxon, Gertrude “Gert”, Irene “Dot”, Colina “Keena”, Louis “Duke”, and Anna “Annie”.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Judy (Chip) Pierce of Elba NY and sons, Steven (Linda) Capamaggio of Elkin NC and Scott (Donna) Capamaggio of Greensboro NC; seven grandchildren, Gina (Jeff) Lathan of Byron NY, Rebecca (Vince) Schnitzer of Elba NY, Tricia Doty (Jerry) of Elba NY, Tabatha (David) Jones of Jamestown NC, Nicholas (Lauren) Capamaggio of Jamestown NC, Michele Capamaggio of Elkin NC and Pamela (David) Ballou of Asheboro NC; eighteen great-grandchildren, Jessica, Jenna, Jacob, Joey, Joshua, Adrianna, Jonathan, Jared, Ciarra, Isabelle, Abigail, Cody, Bennett, William, Peter, Parker, Matthew, and Max; and six great-great grandchildren, Mavrick, Everley, Brayden, Cameron, Madeline and Addisyn; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was an honored veteran who enlisted in the United States Army, and served our country during the Korean War. During the 1950’s Jerry became the first Italian fireman in the West Brighton (NY) Fire Department. He went on to become Battalion Chief.

Professionally, Jerry pursued his dreams with determination and tenacity. From his humble beginnings, as a child born on the cusp of the Great Depression, Jerry became a self-taught, successful entrepreneur. His appreciation for hard work, building relationships, and taking risks was deeply engrained into his being. He loved to “wheel and deal” and enjoyed everything that encompassed building something from the ground up. He was the proprietor of Ye Old Mill Soda Fountain & Restaurant, The Oasis Bar, The Breezy Bend Inn, and Caps Tavern. He owned JC Restoration; was a modular home distributor and builder for many years; was a real estate agent, earning salesman of the year in 1967; bought, renovated, and sold properties from New York to North Carolina; owned and managed rental properties; and was always buying and selling automobiles... just to name a few of his endeavors.

Jerry lived life with zeal. He enjoyed antique cars (especially his 1929 Buick and 1948 Desoto), attending car shows, sulky horse racing (He owned several horses based at Batavia Downs (NY) during the 1970’s and 1980’s), tinkering in his barns and garages, playing slots at the casino, engaging with people, and sharing endless stories of his incredible life. With the help of his grandson, he even published a book about his life titled “The Good Old Days: Through the Eyes of Jiggs”.

Jerry was generous with his time, his knowledge, and his resources. He was always willing to lend a hand, help someone get on their feet, right a wrong, open opportunities for others, and provide a place of safety, security, and sometimes second chances for individuals who otherwise may not have such things.

More than anything, Jerry loved his family. They are his true legacy. He instilled the importance of family, generosity, hospitality, helping those in need, humility, thriftiness, determination, living life to the fullest, and the satisfaction of being able to declare “I did it my way”.

On October 21, 2023 at 1:00pm services will be held at Gina and Jeff Lathan’s property, 7790 Byron-Holley Road, Byron NY 14422. Immediately followed by grave side service at St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery, North Main Street, Churchville, NY. Family and friends are invited to join Jerry’s family, at 4:00pm, for a Celebration of Life gathering back at Gina & Jeff’s.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made, in Jerry’s name, to Mountain Valley Hospice, 968 North Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621(mtnvalleyhospice.org) or City of Refuge Community Church, 154 Bridge Street, Jonesville, NC 28642.

Sharon A. Valle, 80 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Premier Genesee Nursing Home. She was born February 12, 1943 in Warsaw, to the late Savatore and Mary Jane (Barkley) Valle. 

Sharon retired as a Correctional Officer after many years at Albion Correctional Facility. She enjoyed cooking and shopping. Sharon loved spending time with family, especially her grandsons and their fishing trips to Point Breeze.  

She is survived by her beloved sons, Christopher (Joy) Valle and Michael “Bubbles” Valle both of Batavia, grandsons, Victor and Max, sister Mary Ellen Valle Bennett of San Diego, CA; nephew Eric (Patti) Bennett and Niece Larisa Bennett. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Batavia - Roxanne Choate, 80 of Batavia passed away on Thursday, (October 5, 2023) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home in LeRoy.

Mrs. Choate was born July 14, 1943 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Richard and Rachel (Schoenthal) King.

Music was an enormous part of Roxie's life. She was a music teacher at Oakfield Alabama, President of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, Choir Director, member of the Bell Choir, and Organist at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church for many years.

Beyond music, Roxie cherished time spent with her family. She enjoyed cooking for and vacationing with her family in the Outer Banks. When not making music, teaching, or spending time with her family, Roxy could often be found in her garden which she deeply enjoyed. A life long lover of animals, Roxie cherished her kitties which she cared for as if they were human members of her family.

Surviving is her husband, Michael Choate of Batavia; children, Chris (Michelle) Choate of Alexander, David (Stephanie) Choate of Spencerport, and Jennifer (Aaron) Batchellor of LaMarque, Texas; grandchildren, Nicholas Choate, Emily (Daniel) Patrick, Natalie, Ryan, and John Choate, Jackson and Camden Batchellor; great-grandson, Connor Patrick; brother, Steven King of Batavia; sister, Linda (Brian) Daviau of Batavia.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (October 20, 2023)  from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia (please use School Street entrance). Roxanne's Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, (October 21, 2023) from Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street in Batavia.  Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Batavia First Presbyterian Church.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Charles (Chuck) L Butler, 76, of Mt. Pleasant, SC formerly of Batavia, NY passed away on October 01, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Chuck was born on May 29, 1947 in Batavia, NY to the late Charles and Virginia (Cudney) Butler. In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Linda A. Butler, who died in 2018, and granddaughter Emily Monahan.

He is survived by his three children: Michelle Butler of Pooler, GA, Kristina (Phillip) LoBello of Batavia, NY and Matthew (Crystal) Butler of Charleston, S.C. Chuck also unconditionally loved his grandchildren: Kelsey (Matt Brown), Nicole (Nathaniel Recht), Kiara Butler, Lucy LoBello, Mason Butler, Eleanor Butler and Francis Butler as well as his great-grandchildren: Madeline Recht and Oliver Charles Recht. His siblings: Michael (Cindy) Butler GA, Debbie (Terry) Warren IN and Polly (Lloyd) Smith NY. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews and Aunt Shirley.

Our father was an outstanding athlete at Elba High School winning MVP and Rotary Club Awards in 1965 in football. He also played basketball and baseball for the Lancers. Our father continued his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. He served Honorably in the U.S. Army, being stationed in Korea until his discharge in 1968 at which time he was hired at Eaton (later Trojan Industries) in Batavia. He became a parts manger where he had the opportunity to travel to Germany several times, which he absolutely loved. His second career, as a physical therapy assistant, came about after Trojan Industries moved out of NY State. This offered him and our mother the opportunity to move to the Carolina’s, where they enjoyed the second half of their lives together.

In his adult life, our father continued his love of sports by playing hockey twice a week, playing on two different softball teams for CF Air and South Byron, coaching hockey for several years for the Batavia Ramparts and coaching baseball in Batavia. He also loved golfing and even owned a home near the 13th green at Batavia Country Club. Our father would take golf trips to Myrtle Beach, which began his love for the area, and where he and his wife would later buy their second home. Our father was also a baseball umpire throughout the Genesee Region and hockey referee for many years.

Our father really loved traveling with  our mother, Linda, visiting many different destinations throughout North America, including Asheville, NC, the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee and countless ports-of-call aboard many cruises. He loved camping with the family in the “pop-up” camper and going to Disney World. He was also an avid photographer and could always be seen on vacations with a camera around his neck. Our father will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and he would always try to trick you with some random trivia question. Our father was honest, wise, loyal, hard working, respected by anyone who knew him and very approachable, although he could be very stubborn too. But most importantly, he was a family man. He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. All three of his children said they couldn’t have asked for a better man to have raised them. Our father is going to be greatly missed by everyone. Dad, maybe now you can finally get that hole in one!

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday (October 20, 2023) from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. A graveside service will take place on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in Grand View Cemetery, Clinton Street, Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Carol Ann Morris (formerly Eisele), 73, passed away on October 11, 2023, after being diagnosed with bile duct liver cancer 13 months prior. She spent her last moments peacefully in the loving care of Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo, in Buffalo New York.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late Carl and Mary Eisele, who were local flower shop owners in Olney, PA, Carol is survived by her husband John Morris, daughters Carol Bertola (Tim), Teri Foley (Carl Pluim), Danielle Foley, and Kathleen Smith, and her two grandchildren Tyler Smith and Ashley Smith.

She graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High school (Class of 1967) and Gwynedd-Mercy College (Class of 1969) and worked as a medical secretary and homemaker while raising her four daughters.

Known for her warm, kind heart and playful sense of humor, Carol was a remarkable person who touched the lives of all who she met. Whether it was the server at the diner that she and her beloved husband John frequented, or the nurses at the chemo center, someone was always commenting on how sweet she was and how she left a special impression on them.

She loved to crochet her afghan blankets. Even while she was sick and weak from chemo, she spent her time making afghans for the new chemo patients at the cancer center. She also loved cardinals, cats, Irish music, tea (hot or iced) and anything pink. These were a few of her favorite things.

She was a very spiritual soul and had an incredible faith. She was not afraid to die, and she knew God would be smiling upon her as she transitioned over.

Carol will be dearly missed by her husband, family, and close friends. Per Carol’s request, there will be no memorial service held. 

To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in her memory, please visit Castiglia Funeral Home. 

Batavia - Harold E. Graff, Jr., age 70, longtime employee for the Town of Alexander, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born on August 24, 1953 in Warsaw, a son of the late Harold E. Graff, Sr. and HIlda Mabel Milcarek Graff.

His wife, Bonnie Marie Graff, passed away on July 19, 2021.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Duane Mather) Graff of Batavia, Peter (Elizabeth) Graff, II of Batavia, Matthew Graff of Rochester and Kaila Tidd of Batavia; his brother, Dennis (Hailey) Graff of Pavilion; two sisters, Jean (Joe) Zajaczkowski of Alexander and Sharon Graff of Darien Center; twelve grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 13, 2023 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 6 pm at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery, Akron. In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Anne Marie Kasmer, 88, of Elba, passed away on October 6, 2023 at Elderwood of Lakeside in Brockport. She was born on March 3, 1935 in Cognac, France to the late Camille and Ferande Cibrot. In addition to her parents, Anne Marie is predeceased by her son; Mark Vidaurre; brother  Jean Cibrot of France and sister Francine Stevens.  

Anne Marie Kasmer was born in the small French village of Cognac and grew up in France during World War II. She completed her schooling and earned an apprenticeship in hair styling. In her mid-twenties, she left France and came to America. Anne Marie was a hard worker who taught herself to speak English and obtained her US citizenship as soon as possible. 

Raising her family was her number one priority and keeping a neat and tidy house was her way of showing that she cared. Anne Marie loved spending time around children and her grandchildren. In the early 1980s to the 1990s, she taught others how to speak French. She was a gifted and talented French teacher at Oakfield Alabama CSD and also taught at Batavia Notre Dame High School. She would also visit her children’s classrooms, share her knowledge about France, and often bring her signature French dessert, “Une Pomme de Flan,” to share. Anne Marie also was a classroom aide for Genesee Valley BOCES Preschool class before she retired. After retiring, she focused on gardening. Anne Marie was well known for her beautiful rose gardens, and many friends and relatives were blessed by the bouquets she would share with them. 

When she wasn’t gardening or cleaning, she was often found laughing and talking with friends. Anne Marie loved to talk about France, her experience of growing up during the war, and her family. She had a laugh that would brighten any room and loved being around people. She will be greatly missed by those who loved and cared for her. 

She is survived by her daughters; Elizabeth Charters of VA., Nicole (David) Kresock of Elba, Chantal (Anthony) Zambito of Elba; 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately. Mrs. Kasmer will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. 

To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Wayne E. Frens, "Worm", 84, of East Pembroke, passed away on October 6, 2023 in Batavia, NY.

Wayne was born February 5, 1939 in Batavia, a son of the late Oria and Helmi (Boettcher) Frens.

Wayne was a proud member and past president of the Sportsmens Coon Hunters Association of Pembroke.  He was an avid fisherman, a diesel mechanic at Boyles Motor Sales in Batavia and loved his dogs dearly. He spent many years with his wife, Janet, traveling campgrounds together with their mopeds and enjoying time in nature. A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, he was known to watch every game, and proudly wear his fan gear on game day.

Surviving are his wife, Janet Frens; daughters, Martha (Robert) Conover of Dayton, Ohio, Rhonda (Brian) Hickey of Byron and Valarie (fiancé Chester Deyo) Singleton of North Tonawanda; grandchildren, Erica Hickey, Jenica Hickey and Brayden Hickey and Vincent J. Mullen, Tiffany Stone and Ashley Stone, all of Batavia and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his brothers, Clair Frens and Orrie “Corky” Frens.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately for his family.  Wayne will be laid to rest in East Pembroke Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 207 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/support-us or to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.  

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