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Obituaries

Joshua K. Durham

By Joshua Smith

Basom - Joshua K. Durham, 21, of Basom, died Saturday, (August 7, 2010) as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Albion Road in the town of Oakfield.

He was born July 28, 1989 in Batavia, a son of Scott Durham of Basom and Tina (Corcoran) Durham of Batavia.

Joshua enjoyed baseball and hunting. He loved his family and was a great uncle and brother.

Surviving along with his parents are two brothers, Matthew (Jackie) Durham of Oakfield and Stephen Durham of Batavia; a sister, Katie Durham of Basom; grandparents, Shirley Durham of East Pembroke and Edward and Beverly Corcoran of Batavia; a niece, Savannah Durham; a nephew, Gavin Durham and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is a grandson of the late Donald Durham and Lenora Durham.  

Calling hours are Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday also at the funeral home. Burial will be in North Pembroke Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Matthew Ryan Ware

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Matthew Ryan Ware, 22, of Oakfield, a roofer with A to Z Construction in Batavia, died Saturday, August 7, 2010 as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Albion Road in the Town of Oakfield.

Mr. Ware was born August 13, 1987 in Batavia, a son of Colleen Alexander Ware of Oakfield and Byron Ware of New Jersey.

He was a member of United Pentecostal Church, was a graduate of Oakfield Alabama High School where he was active in football for 6 years, basketball for 3 years, baseball for 1 year, outdoor track for 4 years and indoor track for 1 year. He was on the All-star League and All State Team.

Surviving along with his parents are a brother, Nicholas Alexander and Daniel Ware, both of Oakfield; a sister, Tanisha Majors of Oakfield; his step father, Jeffery Patrick of Oakfield; maternal grandmother, Constance Alexander of Batavia and grandfather, Hunter Alexander of Batavia; paternal grandparents, Albert & Betty Ware of NJ; a great-grandmother, Claudine Meney of Batavia; survived by numerous cousins.  

Friends may call on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at United Pentecostal Church, 180 Oak St., Batavia, where services will follow at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Burial will be in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.   Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Todd M. Mazzarella

By T.J. Woodward

Todd was born on January 12, 1958 a son of Joseph (Patricia) Mazzarella of Perry and Betty Mazzarella of Venice, Florida.

Mr. Mazzarella was a graduate of Perry High School and Geneseo State Collage. He was a self employed painter and pressure cleaner in Florida. He was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall South Venice Congregation. He enjoyed playing basketball and was an avid NY Yankees fan. He especially like spending time with his family.

Survived by his wife M. Catherine Mazzarella whom he married on April 20, 2008, 3 sons Michael and Joseph Mazzarella both of Sarasota, Fla, and Tate Wharton of Venice, Fla, 2 daughters: Tonya Pupko of Venice, Fla. And Torri Roberts of Daphne, Alabama, a granddaughter: Talia Phillips of Venice, Fla. mother and father-in-law: Bart and Margaret Cook of Bradenton, Fla., 5 sisters: Terry (Steve) Pierson of Perry, Tracy (Mark) Calvert of Venice, Fla., Tina (David) Kramell of Perry, Victoria (Rob) Cicero of Perry, and Trini Zintel of Perry. a brother: Tammy Mazzarella of Venice, Fla. Brother-in-law: R. Taylor Cook II of Ellenton, Fla. Sister-in-law: Susan (Nathan) Clouser of Ellenton, Fla. along with many nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday August 8th at 3:00 pm at the Mt. Morris Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 1721 Rt. 20A . Leicester, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. For more information or to sign the online guest registry visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call Timothy J. Woodward at 237-2626.

Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530.

Elizabeth C. Crane

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mrs. Elizabeth C. Crane, 91, of Batavia, a clerk at The Daily News died Wednesday, August 4, 2010at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.
Mrs. Crane was born August 23, 1918 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Francis and Mary (Elmore) Johnson.
A member of the Batavia High School Class of 1939, she was member of Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Site, and its Sodality. She enjoyed her family and family gatherings were very important to her.
Her husband, W. Kenneth Crane, died in 1999.
Survivors include a son, Paul (Pat) Crane of Gates; 6 daughters, Maureen (Jim) Bowers of Liverpool, Mary Margaret (James) Eaton of Salem, NH, JoAnn (Richard) Peffer of Sackets Harbor, Janice (Alan) Forsyth of Chattanooga, TN, Donna (David) Cole of Fairport, and Rita (Terrence) McCormack of Batavia; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sue Johnson of Batavia, Jane McCormick, Joseph Crane and Gertrude Crane, all of Rochester and Sally Annas of Florida; 21 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 
She was the grand mother of the late Aidan McCormack who died May 29, 1999 and sister of the late George Johnson, Elmore Johnson and Marguerite Laird.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St., Batavia. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 a.m. Saturday followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m., at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Site, 303 E. Main St., Batavia. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's School, 2 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum.

Ruth I. Bell

By Joshua Smith

Elba - Mrs. Ruth I. Bell, 82, of Elba, died Wednesday, August 4, 2010at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Bell was born March 30, 1928 in Clarendon, New York, a daughter of the late Frank and Amelia Tate Moore.
 
She was a member of the Home Bureau in Elba and enjoyed crocheting and playing bingo with her late husband, Earl.
 
Her husband, Earl G. Bell, died January 25, 2004.
 
Survivors include two sons, George (Sally) Bell of Batavia and Robert (Deborah) Bell of Elba; her brother, Harold (Dee) Moore of Florida; her sister, Carol (George) Gilhooly of Alexander; grandchildren, Kevin and Heather Bell; a step-grandson, Steve (Kim) O'Dell; three great-grandchildren, Hailey and Trevor O'Dell and Clara Jean Murphy; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
 
She is the grandmother of the late Tim Bell and sister of the late Frank Moore and Rita Jarvis.
 
Friends may call on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway West, Amherst, New York 14228 or to HomeCare & Hospice, 550 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Dora "Pat"Kelley

By Ronald Konieczny

Dora "Pat" Kelley, 77, of East Pembroke, died Tuesday (August 3, 2010) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

She was born in Clearfield, PA a daughter of the late Albert and Beatrice O'Haggerty Litten.

Dora was the owner of The Hairworks Salon on Main St. in Corfu.  She was a cook for the former Coachman's Inn and other area restaurants and enjoyed bingo, going to the casino and playing Euchre.  She loved feeding the humming birds and attending to her flower gardens.  She was an exempt member of the Wolcottsville Fire Co. Auxiliary.

Surviving is her beloved companion of 33 years, Norman Groth.  Seven children: Sharon and Jim Kennedy of Jacksonville, FL., Carson and Cindy Kelley of Akron, Raymond and Cheryl Kelley of Amherst, Marie Hall of Lockport, Darlene and Ed Van Fleet of Darien Center, Kenneth Kelley of Lockport, Aileen Kelley of Baltimore, MD.  Stepchildren:  Dan and Lisa Groth of Oakfield and Dee Neilans of Alexander.  Fourteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Five sisters:  Eleanor and Londie Gaines of Alabama, Betty Levine of Baltimore, MD, Margaret Levine of PA, Laura Sezey of So. Colton, NY and Sandy and Smiley Reagan of So. Colton, NY.  A brother, John Litten of So. Colton, NY.

Visitation will be Thursday from 3 - 8 PM at the J LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  Services will be Friday at 11 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Bill Smith Officiating.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, New York 14240.

Expressions of condolences may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUENRAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, Ronald P. Konieczny, director & veteran.

Jeanne Alice (Ward) Williams Brown

By T.J. Woodward

Jeanne Alice (Warden) Williams Brown, 81 of Warsaw formerly of Batavia, NY died August 3, 2010 at Eastside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw, New York.

Born November 22, 1928 in Syracuse, New York daughter of the late George Fred Warden and Alice Maude (Bolt) Warden. 

Mrs. Brown had been an employee of the New York Telephone Company and Kisiel Manufacturing. She was a lifelong member of St. James Episcopal Church. She enjoyed playing bridge and had been a member of the same bridge club for decades. For the last several years she had been residing in the Eastside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Prior to her move there she had been a lifelong Batavia resident. 

She was preceded in death by her brother Leon Warden, her sister Betty McDonald, her husband’s William H. Williams Jr. and Victor Brown and in October of 2009 her daughter Judith Williams White. 

She is survived by her son William H.(Diane) Williams III of East Bethany, her daughter Dawn (Timothy) Gath of Glendale Arizona, her son-in-law Michael White of Arizona. Grandchildren Lisa Rice, Taylor Gath and Joshua Gath of Arizona and many brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. 

According to Jeanne’s wishes there will be no prior calling hours. Her ashes will be interned at a Memorial Service to be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, NY on Friday August 6, at 11:00 AM. The family suggests memorials to St. James Episcopal Church, 405  East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

 

Grace Simmons Woodworth

By Joshua Smith

 

 
Stafford - Mrs. Grace Simmons Woodworth, 97, of Stafford, died Tuesday, (August 3, 2010)at her home.
Mrs. Woodworth was born December 26, 1912 in Morganville, a daughter of the late John R.  and Florence  (Lathrop) Simmons.
She attended country school in Morganville, and then went to Batavia High School, graduating in 1931. Following high school, she went to Maryland College for Women, graduating in 1936. Prior to her marriage, she worked at the Genesee County Welfare Office as an investigator for six and a half years. 
Following her marriage to Russel A. Woodworth on May 4, 1943, she was a housewife, raising three children and was active in community affairs. Mrs. Woodworth was a trustee for the Stafford Cemetery Association for 42 years and its secretary for 36 years. She was the Stafford Historian for 17 years and a member of the Morganville United Church of Christ for 82 years. While a member of the church, Mrs. Woodworth was the church historian, a member of the Ladies Aid and represented the church at the Western New York Christian Conference. She was also a "Red Hat Lady", member of the Stafford Historical Society and their museum committee.
Survivors include two sons, John R. (Lonnie) Woodworth of Stafford and Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Richard C. (Bonnie) Woodworth of Panama City, Florida; a daughter, Marianne W. (Barry) Garigen of Stafford; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is the wife of the late Russel A. Woodworth, who died October 15, 2001 and sister of the late Marion L. Simmons, who died February 17, 2005.
There are no prior calling hours. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Stafford Rural Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford, N.Y. 14143 or the Stafford Historical Society, P.O. Box 28, Stafford, N.Y. 14143. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 
Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

Ronald A. Smith

By T.J. Woodward

Mr. Smith was born 64 years ago to the late Revere and Ruby (Finnefrock) Smith.

He retired as the Coordinator of Career Development Services at Erie BOCES 1 in West Seneca. He was a member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association and a past member of the Corfu Fire Department. Ron was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, race cars and traveling. He was a loving husband and father.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years Patricia (Koziel) Smith of Corfu, two sons Scott (Ursula) Smith of Fairport and Todd (Lisa) Smith of Honeoye Falls, NY. Four grandchildren Wyatt, Sarah, AnnMarie and Amelia Smith survive along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday August 4, 2010 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8PM at the Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday at 11:00 AM. Burial in Indian Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in his name be made to NFADA Charitable Foundation, 1144 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, New York 14221. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Mrs. Mary B. Roz

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Mrs. Mary B. Roz, age 83, of Oakfield, who worked for U.S. Gypsum in Oakfield for over 40 years, died Monday, August 2, 2010 at home.

Mrs. Roz was born July 16, 1927 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late Jacob and Bernice Lesniak Latko.
 
A member of Padre Pio parish – St. Cecilia’s Church, Mrs. Roz was very active with the church's bereavement committee, the altar and rosary society and she also made banners for the church. She enjoyed sewing, ceramics, water painting, bowling and traveling. An animal lover, she took in many homeless pets throughout the years.
 
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Chester J. Roz; her son, James (Rose) Roz of Oakfield; her daughter, Anne (Curt DeWolff) Rothrock of Webster; four granddaughters, Breanna Roz of Oakfield, Arianna (Devon) Chatt of Batavia, Lindsey Rothrock of Florida and  Lauren Rothrock of Webster; two great-granddaughters, Ava and Alahna Chatt of Batavia; her brother, Richard (Eleanor) Latko of Oakfield; her sister, Julia Balonek of Geneva; and several nieces and nephews.
 
She is the sister of the late Felix Latko and Stephania Sulim.
 
Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite animal shelter in Mary's name. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield.
 
Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Carl Raphael

By T.J. Woodward

 

Carl Raphael, 76 of Batavia, NY died July 30, 2010 following a brief illness surrounded by his loving family at his home under HomeCare & Hospice. Born May 17, 1934 in Batavia, New York son of the late Daniel (Helen Ferrucci) Raphael. 
 
Mr. Raphael retired as the Park Supervisor with over 30 years of employment for the City of Batavia; he also worked for over 37 years at Batavia Downs retiring as Chief of Security. He was an Army Veteran and member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Church). He was also a member of North American Hunt Club, the NRA, the Oakfield Rod & Gun Club and a former member of the Polish Falcons and St. Nicholas Social Club. Carl was a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his family; he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt. 
 
Preceded in death by his wife Patricia A. (Wallace) Raphael in 2003 and a sister Geraldine Raphael.
 
He is survived by his children Daniel S. (Phyllis) Raphael, Gary M. (Margaret) Raphael, and Lori A. (Emery) Green all of Batavia.  8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive. 
 
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday August 3, 2010 from 3 to 7 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday August 4, 2010 at 9:30AM. Burial will take place in Grand View Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or to Batavia Youth Football c/o 216 E. Main St. Suite 35 Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.  
 
 

Helen Jurkowski

By T.J. Woodward

Helen Jurkowski, 87, of Rochester died July 29, 2010 at Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester.

Born November 2, 1922 in Cuylerville, NY daughter of the late Julian (Magdalena Kochan) Baginski. Mrs. Jurkowski worked for many, many years at Champion Products in Perry. Longtime member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Perry.

She loved to read, sew, crochet and go on trips with her family. Preceded in death by husband Joseph Jurkowski; brothers Joseph, Frank, and Henry Baginski.

Survived by son Joseph (Kimberley) Jurkowski of Rochester; daughter Diane (Dennis) Pawlowski of Cheektowaga; grandchildren Jennifer Pawlowski; Tammy (John) Beltrano; Adam (Bridget) Jurkowski; Kristen Jurkowski; great-granddaughter Kaylie Beltrano, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call from 1-3 and 5-7 pm on Sunday August 1st at the Funeral Home. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home 10:30 AM on Monday August 2nd followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM at St. Isidore’s Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. Burial will take place at St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery in Perry. Memorials are suggested to the Monroe Community Hospital 435 East Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14620 or to the American Diabetes Association at www.Diabetes.org .

Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Please call Timothy J. Woodward at (585) 237-2626 or visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com for more information.

 

Elmer L. Billings.

By T.J. Woodward

Elmer L. Billings, 82 of Perry died July 28, 2010 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. Born March 12, 1928 in Silver Lake, NY son of the late Moore (Meora Johnson) Billings. Mr. Billings was born in Silver Lake, New York on March 12, 1928 a son of the late Moore and Meora Johnson Billings Sr.

He worked for the former Agway Feed Store in Perry for 37 years retiring in 1990. After retirement he worked for the former Cooks Citco service station in Perry for 9 years.He was a member of the Coleman Memorial Free Methodist Church in Perry. He was an avid bowler, bowling on the Senior citizens bowling league, Tuesday night leagues and the Thursday night giants league. He also enjoyed fishing and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Preceded in death by wife: Josephine E. Billings who died on November 23, 2007 1 brother: Moore Billings Jr., and 2 sisters: Florence Irvine, and Lillian Bowen.

He is survived by 2 sons: Elmer Jr. (Deborah) Billings of Perry, George Billings of Perry, 7 daughters: Ruth (Richard Sr.) Grasby of Gainesville, Nancy (Karson) Heubusch of Gainesville, Norma (Douglas) Rutherford of Silver Springs, Donna (David Sr.) Grasby of Perry, Jean (Joseph) Monteleone of Warsaw, Dora Spencer of Mt. Morris, and Shirley (Joseph) LaGeorgia of Perry, 1 brother: Herbert Billings of Perry, 4 sisters: Irene Hertzog of Warsaw, Virginia (Charles) Hunsinger of Silver Springs, Betty Alwardt of Attica, and Mary (David) Jones of Warsaw, 23 Grandchildren, 32 Great grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday July 30th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry 14530. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM on Saturday July 31, 2010 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery in Perry. Memorials are suggested to the Wyoming County Office for the Aging 8 Perry Ave. Warsaw, New York 14569.

Arrangements by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Please call Timothy J. Woodward at (585) 237-2626 or visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com for more information.

 

Murray W. Morrow, Jr.

By T.J. Woodward

 

Murray W. Morrow Jr., an award winning professional photographer for more than half a century and past president of the Professional Photographers Society of New York, died on July 28, 2010 after a prolonged illness. Mr. Morrow was born in Batavia on March 23, 1925, was a lifelong resident of Batavia. In 1943, before completing high school, he joined the United States Navy in World War II where he served aboard the USS Chester, which supported eight major Pacific battles including the invasions of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima. Returning to Batavia in 1946, he married Donna Francis O’Brien, and in 1947 became the first father to graduate from Batavia High. Mr. Morrow drove across country with his new family to California where he studied photography and graduated from the Fred Archer School of Photography in Los Angeles. Upon his return he worked for Eastman Kodak, as well as starting his own studio. He also joined his brother in law, John O’Brien to establish Kleen All Company. Forced to give up this activity after breaking his back, they purchased a coffee business, which Mr. Morrow operated in the mornings while attending to his growing studio in the afternoons. The studio operated in Batavia for over 49 years and has photographed countless portraits & weddings for this community starting as Murray’s House of Photography then Murray-Lawing. Over the years his sons joined him and ultimately he and his son Tim became TwoMorrow’s Photography. Mr. Morrow became active in local chapters of the PPSNY, becoming an officer and subsequently moving up to President of the state society. He was a member of the board for many years & was instrumental in setting up the photographer’s professional school. His photographs & portraits won many awards for excellence and were chosen for exhibition in major salons. Late in life, Mr. Morrow plunged into digital photography and became a marvel with this new technology. He took considerable pride his community and worked for the betterment of his hometown and served in several community service organizations. He served as Kiwanis Club President and was instrumental in establishing Kiwanis Park. He was Kiwanian of the year in 1973 and became a lifetime member in 1988. For over thirty years he served with Ducks Unlimited. He served as chairman of the annual dinner held by the local chapter several times, and received numerous awards for his dedicated service. Mr. Morrow served as an honorary member of Zonta for over twenty years. When Zonta began to accept male members, he joined and thus became the first male member in Batavia. He served the club for twenty-six years by being the master of ceremonies for entertainment at local nursing homes. As president of the St. Joseph’s Home School Association, Mr. Morrow served his church where he was a devout member. He helped to initiate the first Popcorn Ball as a fundraiser for the school. During the final chapter of his live, he became the Vice-Chairman of the resident’s committee of the Veterans Nursing Home in Batavia. He led a campaign to raise money for planting flowers on the grounds. He also served as the “unofficial” official photographer recording events and producing portraits for his fellow residents. Murray Morrow was a fun loving guy, “a last man on the dance floor” kind of guy, a man who knew everybody and was known by everybody. A man who found joy in all aspects of his life – but most of all , the family that he leaves behind: his wife of 63 years Donna, his daughters Madonna (Thomas) Smyth and Vicky (George) Hodges; his sons Daniel (Gina), Murray “Mickey” (Colleen), Brian (Carolyn), Mark (Lee), Dennis (Natasha), Timothy (Brenda) Morrow. Twenty two grandchildren, twenty- four great grandchildren as well as sisters Eva Stern and Gloria Bodane, his brother in law John (Betty) O’Brien, sisters in law Kathleen (Robert) Maher and Natalie Morrow. Many nieces and nephews also survive along with a special friend Mike Chapman. He went through life with exuberant optimism believing obstacles can always be overcome, problems can be solved, goals can be achieved and life can always be made better. Life was made better by Murray Morrow. Calling hours will be held on Sunday August 1, 2010 from 3 to 7 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Memorial Mass with military honors will be held on Monday August 2, 2010 in Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Church), 303 East Main Street, Batavia at 9:30 AM. Burial will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Family to distribute to various charities. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or phone (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Chartte M. Scherff

By T.J. Woodward

 

Charlotte M. Scherff, 92 of Batavia, formerly of East Aurora, and Leroy, NY. Died July 28, 2010 at the Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia. Born February 25, 1918 in East Aurora, NY. Daughter of the late Clarence (Cora Lapp) Kilian. Mrs. Scherff was a long time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Batavia where she was a Sunday School Teacher. She enjoyed day time trips with her family and also loved going to parade’s to see her family march in them. Mrs. Scherff loved to cook for family and others as she was a care giver to many. Preceded in death by her husband Kenneth W. Scherff in 2006 and a sister Bernice Cole. Survived by her son David (Ann) Scherff; daughter Joan Scherff all of Leroy; five grandchildren Michael Scherff, Lisa (Wayne) Burlison, Anya (Robert) Pastecki, Jonathan Scherff and Matthew Scherff; two great-grandsons Adam Burlison and Ryan Pastecki; survive along  with several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Saturday July 31, 2010 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 31Washington Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will follow calling hours 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 31 Washington Ave, Batavia, NY 14020 on Saturday July 31, 2010. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery in East Aurora, NY. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 31 Washington Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.
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