Obituaries

Timothy Mark Thornton, 71 of Batavia, New York, peacefully passed into eternity after a long illness, on the evening of Sunday, June 4, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Tim was born in Batavia on April 3, 1952 and has been a lifelong resident. He attended Alfred Tech, and returned home to continue working in the family business. He took great pride in Beardsley’s clothing store and being a part of the downtown business community for many years. He continued his career in retail at Land’s End until he retired in 2015.

Tim was an active member in the Batavia Rotary Club, spending his summer nights at Dwyer Stadium, managing the concession stand and thoroughly enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow Rotarians, many of which remained lifelong friends. The years of working stage crew during the Rotary plays made for a lot of laughter and stories that never got old.

He was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and the Buffalo Sabres. He enjoyed traveling to new stadiums and tried to get to as many as possible. If you knew him during the late 80’s, you know all about his prized conversion van. That van was filled full of miles and memories created during family trips to Myrtle Beach, Cape Cod and the guys baseball getaways. 

He is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 49 years, Margaret (Casey) Thornton, two daughters, Bridget (David) Uberty, Jennifer Houseknecht (Michael Klein, fiance) and son, Kevin (Sarah) Thornton; six beautiful granddaughters, Allison Uberty, Emma-Kate Uberty, Meghan Houseknecht, Ella Grace Houseknecht, Lily Uberty, and Katherine Thornton; brother, Dwight (Tina) Thornton; his proud Aunt Marian Moore, and cousin Kathy (Tom) Norton along with several other close family and friends, all of whom will love and miss him dearly.

Tim is predeceased in death by his parents Eldoune A. Thornton Jr. and Janet A. (Moore) Thornton; in-laws Christopher C. Casey and Mary Louise (Redmond) Casey, son in-law Michael R. Houseknecht, and his pal and Uncle Richard Moore. 

Friends may call on Friday June 9, from 10:30am-12:00pm at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church 303 E Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 where a memorial mass will immediately follow. Donations may be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

Arrangements for Tim were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868. 

Henry Owen Starks, 71, of Batavia, passed away on May 31, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Henry was born December 12, 1951, in Dawson, Georgia, a son of the late Buddy and Mary (Dixon) Starks.

Henry will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle who was a very happy person with a contagious smile.  He was a member of Church of God in Christ (39 Lyons Street in Batavia) where he played the tambourine.  Henry worked at Kistner Concrete Products, Akron Rule and Goodwill in Batavia.  He also enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Verda Starks of Batavia; children, Corey (Ifrah) Armstrong of Batavia, Donnie Armstrong of Connecticut and Cherkiga Starks of Batavia; grandchildren, Jeremy Armstrong, Dahana Armstrong, Chercal Smith, Osirs Muhammab, Zeshan Armstrong, Rohan Armstrong and Ifran Armstrong all of Batavia, Shaun Davis of Connecticut, Heaven Davis, Armrie Armstrong and Jafree Armstrong all of Batavia; sisters, Hattie Jordan of Orlando, FL, Clara Nixon, Mary Benson and Josephine McKnight, all of Connecticut; brothers, Horace Starks and Willie Starks, both of Connecticut and Robert Wright of Rochester and a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph, Jimmy, Julius and Ross Starks.

Calling hours are Monday, June 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 516 Ellicott Street in Batavia, where Henry's funeral services will be immediately follow at 11:00 a.m., also on Monday.  Henry will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.  

Memorials may be made to the Starks family.

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

Arrangements for Henry were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.  

Michael David Burns, 44 of Attica, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023.

He was born May 14, 1979, in Phoenix, Arizona, a son of the late Reno Andrew and Lisa Bannister of Attica.

Michael enjoyed listening to music, had a great sense of humor and was a witty individual. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his two nephews. He was a person that if he walked into a room, he made his presence known. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his mother, Lisa (Christopher) Bannister of Attica. Siblings, Brandon (Samantha) Burns of Dansville, Kaitlyn (Michael) Tiede of Silver Springs, Arin (Patricia) Bannister of North Java and Rosa Andrew of Buffalo. Also survived by his precious nephews, Denton Tiede and Elias Burns.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (June 7^th) from 4-7 pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY.

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.

Francis E. O’Neill “Mike”, 86 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (June 2, 2023) at the New York State Veterans Home.

He was born November 20, 1936 in Darien, NY, a son of the late Edward J. and Anna Pundt O’Neill.

Mike was a truck driver for General Motors for 44 years until his retirement. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Survivors include a son and a daughter. Sister, Marcella “Marcy” (Anthony) Saraceni. Brother, Edward “Junie” (Sharon) O’Neill. Many nieces and nephews, including his caregivers, John (Beth) O’Neil.

He is predeceased by a daughter Kimberly O’Neill and nine brothers and sisters.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (June 7^th) from 10am-11am at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at 11am. He will be laid to rest with military honors in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family would like to thank everyone at the New York State Veterans Home for the outstanding care they provided over the past three years.

He was a proud supporter and patron of the U. S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps for many years.  Memorial contributions may be offered to Rochester CA124 Division USNSCC in care of the Central New York Council Navy League of the United States PO Box 2582 Liverpool, NY 13089.  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.

Jason W. Reardon, 50 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 2, 2023.

He was born May 27, 1973 in Batavia, NY, a son of William Reardon of Dunkirk, NY and Diana Pathammavong of Brockport, NY.

Jason was most proud of his boys. He was a patient and loving dad and coach - especially for his favorite sport, hockey. Coach Jay considered every kid he coached one of his, and could always be counted on for a smile and a laugh. He loved to be outside, whether working, playing, or just sitting by the lake. Jason was a survivor of the 9/11 attacks, making it out of the South Tower and back home to his family. He could always be counted on to help anyone with anything at any time. Jason was an employee of Genesee Community College for several years, working in the building and grounds department. He will be missed by everyone he met.

Surviving besides his parents is his loving wife, Mary Ellen (McGee) Reardon of Batavia. Cherished sons, James, Thomas and Sean Reardon, all of Batavia. Sister, Holley (John Geissler) of Batavia. Sisters in-law, Eileen McGee of Batavia and Sarah Tsirtsakis of Buffalo. Brothers in-law, John (Jane) McGee of South Carolina and Michael (Laurie) McGee of North Carolina. Also survived by special niece Kathryn (Ryan Ross) Greene, nephew Brian (Staci) Ellingham and several other nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Arlana Pathammavong and mother in-law and father in-law, James and Kathleen McGee.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (June 8^th) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Funeral Service will be held Friday (June 9^th), 11:00am at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the family for distributions to various charities. 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, DIRECTOR.

Batavia - Richard K. Doell, 79 of Batavia passed away on Monday, (May 29, 2023) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. Doell was born December 25, 1943 in Batavia, a son of the late Gordon and Hazel (Rouse) Doell.

Rick was a religious man who often kept to himself. He could often be found behind the camera at family functions, watching a movie, or spending time with the children in the family - whom he was great with.

Surviving are his brother, Larry Doell of Rochester; and sister-in-law, Diane Doell of Darien Center. Nieces and nephews also survive.

In death he is reunited with his parents and brother, Carl Doell.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, (June 24, 2023)  from 10 to 11 a.m.  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Richard 's Memorial Service will immediately follow visitation at 11 a.m.  Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Dexter L. Stinson, 47, of Rochester, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 25, 2023. He was born October 25, 1975 in Batavia, to the late Harry and Ruth (Hatcher) Stinson. He is preceded in death by his two oldest brothers, Titus Stinson and Otis Thomas. 

Dexter was a proud United States Navy Veteran. He worked as a cook and is remembered by his family for his excellent meals. He was outgoing, positive and lived life to the fullest, always putting God first. Dexter was an awesome father, loved his children dearly and will be missed.

He is survived by his beloved children, Rachel and Gabriel Stinson of Philadelphia, PA; siblings, Tyrone (Maggie) Stinson of Buffalo, Kevin Thomas of Rochester, Charlotte Thomas of Rochester, Tamar Lopez of Cheektowaga, Onita Thomas of Rochester, Rosa (Abram) Cotton of Rochester, Regina Stinson of Rochester, Michael Stinson of Peekskill, NY; two Godsons, Javaughn Johnson and Hassan Harris, along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 

Batavia - Marie Blackshear, 87 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, (May 27, 2023) at Orchard Rehab and Nursing Center in Medina.

Mrs. Blackshear was born June 27, 1935 in Miami, Florida a daughter of the late Samuel and Nora (Williams) Roberts.

Marie was a founding member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Batavia and was affectionately known as Mother Blackshear to most. She greatly enjoyed attending church events, singing, and going for rides. Most of all, Marie cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Marie is the wife of the late Rev. Oraid Blackshear.

Surviving are her children, Billy Blackshear of Batavia, Gloria (late Mike) Sanders of Batavia, Diane (Kelvin) Shannon of Stafford, and Charlene Blackshear of Batavia; a brother, Christopher (Dell) Roberts of New Jersey. 29 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death, Marie is reunited with her parents; husband; son, Rodney Blackshear; daughter, Ann Blackshear; several brothers, and a sister.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Wednesday (June 7, 2023) from 11-12 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 516 Ellicott Street in Batavia, where Marie's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Blackshear Family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia – Roger C. Draper, Sr., 65, of Batavia, passed away Friday, May 26, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Draper was born May 18, 1958 in Batavia, a son of Charlotte (Gould) Draper of Batavia and the late Charles G. Draper.

Roger enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being in the outdoors. He liked cars, playing pool and family barbeques. Most of all, he loved his family and spending time with them.

Roger is survived by his wife, Dianna Draper of Batavia; mother Charlotte Draper; sons, Roger (Christine) Draper Jr., David Draper, and Jason (Brenda) Draper all of Batavia; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Jeff (Tammy) Draper of Batavia, Dennis (Betty) Draper of LeRoy, Gary Draper of Batavia, and Andrew Draper of W.VA; sisters, Diana Draper of Batavia, and Charlotte (Albert 'Butch') Jepson of Batavia. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Roger is predeceased by his siblings, Chuck (Wanda) Draper and Janice Williams.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E Turner & Co. Funeral Home. A memorial gathering will be at the convenience of the family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit https://www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

James M. Alvut, 59 of Bethany, passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2023. He was born March 3, 1964 in Batavia, to the late Clarence and Barbara (Kowalik) Alvut.

James was a 1982 graduate of Batavia High School. He worked at UPS in Batavia. Jim enjoyed camping, gardening and working on cars, especially Volkswagen’s.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda S. (Worthington) Alvut, children, Emily Alvut of Philippi, WV, Michael (Rebecca Saile) Alvut of Batavia, sister, Sandy (David) DiSalvo of Batavia, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

An 11:00am Celebration of his Life will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at Sacred Heart Social Center, 17 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Constance M. “Connie” Spring, age 73, passed away on May 25, 2023, at the Aurora Zilber Hospice Facility.
She was born in New York on November 12, 1949, the oldest of 7 children to the late Harvey and Mildred (Alwardt) Bartz.

Connie graduated from Alexander High School in New York and later received her certification as a CNA from Genesee Community College. She worked full time as a CNA in Sheboygan and Plymouth and held other part times jobs, most recently at Walmart in Plymouth.
She loved caring for people which led her to serve many years as an EMT with the Adell First Responders, and she also served many years as a Lioness with Lions Club International.

Connie loved baking, cake decorating, coloring books, sewing, and crafting. Most recently she enjoyed making hand towels and fancy hats. In her younger years, her passion was dancing and she always enjoyed playing a good prank on someone.
 

She is survived by: Two daughters: Dawn Bailey and Naomi Spring; Five grandchildren: Jennifer Nichols-Fraser, Marissa Proefrock, Joe (Mariah) Peters, William Springer, and Hunter Springer; 12 Great grandchildren; and 1 Great-great grandchild. Connie is further survived by: Her siblings: Thomas (Betty) Bartz, Skip (Nancy) Bartz, Cathy (Richard) Maniace, Debbie (Ron) Spink, Arnie (Brenda) Bartz, and John Bartz; As well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by: Her parents; Sister-in-law, Donna Bartz; and great niece, Madeline Bartz. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday (June 3, 2023) at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. Visitation will take place from 10:00am – 12:00pm, with a service to follow at 12:00pm. The service will be live-streamed and can be watched on the Suchon Funeral Home Facebook page –
www.facebook.com/suchonfuneral. Memorials are suggested in Connie’s name to Adell First Responders.
The family would like to send special thanks to: Slinger Police Dept., Aurora At Home Hospice, and Aurora Zilber Hospice, for the wonderful care and compassion given to Connie. The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.

LeRoy ~ Sharon R. Royce, age 73, of Britt Road, passed away early Tuesday evening (May 30, 2023) at Crossroads House in Batavia surrounded by her loving family.

  She was born April 10, 1950 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Raymond and Arlene Garrow Mancuso.

     Sharon will be remembered for her love of family, especially her grandchildren and holiday gatherings.  She was a lifetime member of the LeRoy Moose and enjoyed casino trips with family and friends. 

     She will be sadly missed by her husband, Tom; children, Roxanne Coniber, Jason (Missy) Coniber, Brian (Becky) Coniber and Toni Jo Royce; grandchildren, Zachary Bieber, McKenna Coniber, Hailey Coniber, Lindsey Coniber (Dillon Beehler) and Madison Coniber; sisters, Debbie (Vern) Falcone and Laura (Dean) McClurg; nieces and nephews, Jenna (Matt) Brooks, Kristin Falcone, Michael (Paula) McClurg; great-nieces and nephews, Aiden McClurg, Brenna McClurg and Baby Brooks; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Paul (Karen) Royce and Cheryl Royce and their children, Bryant Thompson, Lauren Royce and Erin Royce, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 4 from 1 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. Interment in St. Francis Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021  www.crossroadshouse.com/donate

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

Joseph S. Orlowski, 60, of Attica passed away peacefully on May 26, 2023 at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 14, 1962 in Buffalo to the late Michael and Angeline (Kisiel) Orlowski. 

Joe was a Correctional Officer at Attica Correctional Facility as well as a member of C.E.R.T. and a volunteer fireman. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and spending time with his family. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his loving heart.

His memory will live on through his loving wife; Paula (Merkle) Orlowski; sons Joe, Nate and Ryan; daughter in law Shelby; along with many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on Friday June 2, 2023 from 3:00-7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.  A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday June 3^rd at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (Sacred Heart site) 1230 Clinton St. Rd. Attica, NY 14011. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Fire Department 11 Water St. in Attica. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.