Obituaries

July 17, 1952 –April 17, 2025

Johnny (John) Morris a longtime resident of Batavia, NY, and most recently from Alden, NY, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born on July 17, 1952, John was a respected member of his community. He served for many years as a superintendent of the City of Batavia, where he was known for his dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic.

John had a passion for old western movies and playing his guitar. His love for music and stories of the Old West reflected his own down-to-earth spirit and appreciation for tradition. 

He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia “Patty” (Ashton) Morris, and his beloved wife, Carol Ann (Eisele) Morris. Their love and memory remain close to his heart throughout his life. John is survived by his daughter Alison (Chris) Avino and Heather Martin, along with two grandchildren, all of Batavia.

John’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his steady presence, and his love for simple pleasures.

Stafford ~ Stephen R. McQuillen, Sr. (Steve) died peacefully at home on May 1^st, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones.

     He was born February 18, 1954, in Batavia, the son of the late Robert and Margaret “Peg” Chambers McQuillen. 

     If you knew Steve, you knew of his love for racing, tractor pulls, snowmobiles, or anything that had an engine. He was always tinkering in his shops, whether on his numerous different drag cars, Merc sleds or tractor-pulling tractors.     

 Steve is survived by his loving wife Sheila; daughter Stephanie (James) Call; step-children Shawn (Marie) Bigsby, Nicole (Andy) Calletto, Eric (Shannon) Ball; grandchildren Samantha Call, Nicholas Call, Joshua McQuillen, Jenna McQuillen, Emma Bigsby, Brock Bigsby, Ryan Bigsby, Aaden Calletto, Sam Calletto; siblings Patricia Daansen (late Dave Daansen), Mary Lynn (Richard) Jacko, Peter (Judy) McQuillen, Timothy (Sue) McQuillen, Amy (Jeff) Sturm, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends, including his best buds Jim Pixley and Mike Kemnitz.

     Steve was predeceased by his brother Terry (“Tuba”); sons Gregg and Stephen Jr (Mack); aunt Dottie McQuillen; brother-in-law Burt Bigsby; sister-in-law Deb Merkle, and his beloved dog, Glitter Sophia.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 8700 Lake Street Road, Le Roy, NY. His Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, Le Roy, NY.  In honor of Steve, all are welcome and encouraged to show up in your hot rods.

     In lieu of flowers, be kind to others. 

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

William J. Waldruff passed away on April 22, 2025.

Born September 20th, 1939, Bill was the son of the late Irene and Leo Waldruff of Potsdam, NY.  Bill graduated from high school in 1957 and SUNY Canton ATC in 1960 with an Associate's Degree in Business Management. He was a veteran, serving 8 ½ years of active duty and attaining the rank of Sergeant. While working at Kinney Drug Store in Potsdam, he saw Anne Fisher when she walked into the store and asked a friend to arrange a blind date.  That blind date led to marriage in 1960 and continued for another 64 years until Anne passed away on June 19, 2024.

In 1960, Bill was employed as an accountant by St. Regis Paper Company in Deferiet, New York. In 1968, he was offered a job at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York, where he could further his education at RIT, so Anne and Bill moved the family to Bergen, NY where they stayed for 57 years. In 1972 while working for Kodak, he earned his BS degree in Business Administration.

Bill was offered early retirement after 25 years with Kodak. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and served on the church relations and construction committees. Bill was also an AARP Income Tax Volunteer for 12 years and served on the Town of Bergen Zoning Board of Appeals for 16 years, part of that time as chairman. Bill served as the District Boy Scout Training Chairperson, Bill and Anne also received the District Award of Merit for their service. Bill and Anne were active in their churches for over 50 years and volunteered their time at many other non-profit organizations.  They loved the Lord and were thankful for their wonderful lives.

Bill is survived by sons James (Diana) Waldruff of Avon; Brian (Kathy) Waldruff of Byron; daughter Karen Yount of Palm Harbor, Florida; granddaughter Emily Waldruff of Avon; Sisters Mary (Tom Sikora) Waldruff of Malden, Massachusetts and Helen Waldruff of Andover, Massachusetts; along with several brothers and sisters in law, and nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to Bill's celebration of life at 11:00 am on May 15, 2025 at the Bergen  United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Avenue, Bergen NY 14416. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Bergen Methodist Church: 27 South Lake Avenue, Bergen NY 14416 or the Alzheimer’s Association: 6400 Sheridan Dr #320, Buffalo, NY 14221.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc Funeral Home. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Paul Robert Potter, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the age of 76. He was born in Franklinville, on March 24, 1949 a son of the late Dana Potter and Charlotte Meachem Potter.

Paul proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971, where he earned the National Service Defense Medal and a marksmanship badge in rifle. For many years, Paul worked as a truck driver with Triple G Farms in Elba, fulfilling his passion for old trucks and mechanics. He was known for his remarkable ability to build anything and had a knack for fixing things.

Paul leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. He is survived by his devoted wife, Manetta J. Brown Potter, whom he married on April 15, 1995. He was a cherished father to his children, Sara Potter of Allegany, NY, Jason Potter of Batavia, and Rhonda (Steve) Kimerly of Darien, as well as a loving stepfather to L. Matt (Melissa) Landers of Batavia. He adored his grandchildren, Randy, Nicole, Kris, Kaitlyn, and Benjamin, and had a special place in his heart for his great-grandchildren, Luke, Dylan, and Delila. Paul is also survived by his dear sister, Laurie Zapf of Texas.

Paul is predeceased by his siblings, William Potter, Ward Potter, Don Potter and  Marilyn Deet

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where funeral services will follow visitation at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to the Batavia DAV Chapter #166, 3680 Rose Road, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

David Joseph Zanghi, 53, of Batavia, NY, passed away on April 27, 2025, in the cardiac ICU at Strong Memorial Hospital. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family. David was born on September 13, 1971, in Lackawanna, NY, the son of Patricia Ann (Gorski) Zanghi and David Joseph Zanghi, and the grandson of Henry and Gertrude Gorski. 

David graduated from Batavia High School in 1990 and went on to study history at U.T. Dallas and U.B. David married Kelley Walker on June 13, 1998, at First Presbyterian Church in Batavia, NY. They were married for twenty-one years and have three children together: Lexie, Henry, and Lindsey. 

David grew up attending many concerts and Yankees games with his mom, Patty, and traveling to Florida to visit his grandparents. With his own children, he enjoyed attending sporting events, seeing movies, bowling, competing in trivia nights, and most of all - vacationing at Disney World! David’s children were his greatest pride, and he enthusiastically supported them in all their endeavors.

After many years working as a payroll specialist and serving in IT support at Paychex in both Buffalo and Rochester, David enjoyed a rewarding career as a client success manager at Next HR Solutions. 

David was an avid sports enthusiast and loved playing golf. One of his proudest accomplishments was getting a hole in one on at Terry Hills Golf Course, 118 yards, on hole #3. A lifelong fan of the Yankees, Bills, Sabers, Tarheels, and thoroughbred horse racing, David enjoyed traveling to various cities with his friends and family to attend sporting events including Bills games, NBA games, Triple Crown races, the NY Open, and more. David was also a founding member of a fantasy football league that has lasted for over twenty-five years and has grown from twelve teams to a 24-team super league! 

David’s smile, humor, caring, and roguish charm touched the lives of everyone he met.

Remaining to cherish David’s memory are his mother, Patty Zanghi; his children, Lexie Zanghi, Henry Zanghi, and Lindsey Zanghi; their mom, Kelley Walker Zanghi; his brother, Alex Harrell; his uncle, Charles (Susan) Gorski; his aunt Cecelia (Tony) Gorski; his cousins; his lifelong friend, Scott Hall; and many other friends and family members. 

Preceding David in death are his father, David Joseph Zanghi; and his grandparents, Henry Gorski and Gertrude (Sivret) Gorski, both of whom helped raise him and were his heroes.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday May 10, 2025 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Memorial donations may be directed to his family. 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 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Penfield, NY ~ Lloyd P. Gordon, age 83, passed away at home on April 25, 2025.

     He was born April 26, 1941 in Hornell, NY, a son of the late Viola and Benjamin Gordon.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Ben Gordon; grandson, Kevin Luckenbach and his former wife, Karen Johncox.

     He is survived by his loving companion, Joanne Mortimer; sister, Gertrude (Pearl) Knight; Children, Amanda Luckenbach (Joe), Kevin (Lisa) Schicker, Thomas Schicker, Joe Skinner and John (Rosanne) Schicker; grandchildren, Rebecca (David) Fenn, Caleb (Elizabeth) Luckenbach, Spencer (Lauren) Schicker and Alyssa (Glen) Hoehn, along with 5 great-grandchildren.  

   Lloyd spent the majority of his career working as a long-haul truck driver, where he traveled across the country. He finished out his career as an owner-operator, hauling for various local businesses. 

     In his spare time, he could be found outside where he always kept a garden and cared for his many pets. For many years, Lloyd also tended to his home where he kept livestock of his own. He enjoyed all aspects of nature, where he would take frequent walks as well as hunting and fishing. Throughout his retirement, Lloyd picked up many hobbies while maintaining his sense for adventure. He enjoyed riding snowmobiles and motorcycles to traveling the countryside in his RV. He was also known to be a very competitive euchre and corn hole player. 

     Above everything else, Lloyd loved his family and bringing them together. Whether it was for a breakfast or a summertime get-together, he was happiest when surrounded by family. He will be remembered as a strong, selfless man with a caring heart and loving soul. He is remembered as always going above and beyond helping others whenever they were in need. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew him.

      Family and friends may call on Friday, May 9 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, NY 14482

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Lloyd are suggested to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, New York 14843

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

Daniel LaPoint, age 86, passed away peacefully at The Hurlbut Care Facility on Saturday evening, April 26, 2025.

Dan was born on January 29, 1939 in Madison County, NYS.  The son of John and Mabel (Guthrie) LaPoint.  He graduated from Pavilion C.S. in 1957 and earned an associates degree at Alfred Ag & Tech  Dan was an active member of the Pavilion community for decades.  He served on the Pavilion Emergency Squad, was a member of the Pavilion Methodist Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Farming was his first love, but he also worked at Retsof Salt Mine, The Pavilion Highway Department, the Pavilion Wastewater Treatment Plant, Pavilion Central School bus driver and director of Transportation.

Dan is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia McGee LaPoint.  They were married on September 5th, 1959, when Dan agreed to marry the whole McGee Family.  His children Peggy (Steve) Orman of Saranac Lake, William (Deborah) of Harrison, TN, Joan Oldale (late Matt) LaPoint of Boiceville, NY, Barbara (Leo) Stelzer of Hallein, Austria, Robert (Cara Kingsley) LaPoint of Pavilion, Jessica (Kevin Parsley) LaPoint, of Columbia Falls, MT, and his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. His sister, Mary Cordes of Pavilion and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother-in-law Thomas Parmenter, and his grandson Corey Orman.

Dan loved his family and farm.  He is well known for his painless removal of splinters.

There are no prior calling hours.  A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday May 5, at 2:00 PM with a lunch reception at noon before the services.

A private  interment will be held at a later date, for the family.

Contributions in memory of Dan are suggested to Pavilion Fire Department or Katie's Star Memorial Fund in care of Pat LaPoint.

Nancy (Evans) Mondo, 94 of Bradenton, Florida and formerly of Batavia, a devoted wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother, peacefully passed away on the evening of April 13, 2025. She was born June 21, 1930, in Batavia, New York to George D. and Viola (Bey) Evans. 

Nancy was a member of the Batavia High School Class of 1947, and a graduate of the Rochester Business Institute.  She began her career as a legal secretary, working for attorney Louis A. Gerace in Batavia.  On October 1, 1960, Nancy married John A. Mondo in Batavia, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage together, making their home in Batavia until moving to Bradenton, Florida in 1973, where they lived for the remainder of their life together.  After a brief hiatus to raise a family, Nancy continued her career as a legal secretary with attorney Ernest S. Marshall in Bradenton and retired from her position in 1993.

Nancy is survived by her four children, Anita (Lori Pierce) Mondo, Daniel (Elizabeth) Mondo, John Mondo, and Stephen Mondo; five grandchildren, Tiffany (Bo Birmingham) Mondo, Christopher Otteni-Mondo, Courtney (Jake) Lane, Hailey Mondo, and Abbey (Cody) Mordecai; sister in-law and very dear friend, Antoinette (Mondo) Burns; five great-grandchildren; as well as all of her beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and their families.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents; husband; sister, Doris (Evans) Susat; brother-in-law, Frederick E. Susat; mother-in-law Alice (Gugino) Mondo; sister-in-law, Josephine (Mondo) Tubiolo; and son John’s partner, Rick D. Marchewka.

Calling hours will be held at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia on Thursday, May 8th from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street in Batavia on Friday, May 9th at 9:30am, immediately followed by a graveside committal service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., 4210 77th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221 (dogsinc.org). Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that we announce the passing of T. Frank D'Aurizio, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a lifelong member of the Batavia community. Frank passed away peacefully on April 27th, 2025, at the age of 89, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Frank was the son of the late Nicholas and Teresa D'Aurizio. He embodied the strong work ethic and close-knit family values of his Italian heritage, earning the respect and affection of all who knew him.

Frank was a proud U.S. Army Veteran, and dedicated over 30 years of employment to GTE Sylvania. Frank was an avid outdoorsman, finding pleasure and tranquility in hunting and fishing. He passionately cheered for the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills through countless seasons.

Above all else, Frank cherished time spent with his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Jennie (Cina), with whom he shared over 67 wonderful years of marriage. Their enduring love was an inspiration to their children: Julianne Keene, Frank (Debra) D’Aurizio, Joseph (Kathy) D’Aurizio and Michelle (Richard) Lamkin. He enjoyed time with his eight grandchildren: Jennifer, Ashley, Raymond (Amy), Annamarie (William), Richard, Nicole, Joseph, and Nicholas, and also his six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Frank spent many winters with Jennie at their second home in Winter Haven, Florida.

Frank's steady presence, kind heart, and deep love were the foundation of his family and left a lasting impact on everyone he knew. He was a man of integrity and kindness, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his loved ones.

Friends are invited to call on Friday May 2, 2025 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday May 3^rd at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. Frank will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in Frank's memory be made to Hospice Home Care in Batavia, an organization that provided comfort and support in his final days. 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 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Marie (Soulvie) Campbell, on April 24, 2025 at the age of 78. Sharon was born on June 27, 1946 in Batavia, New York to Raymond and Ida (Kidney) Soulvie.

Sharon married her beloved husband, Douglas Campbell, on July 4, 1964, when the fireworks of true love and life’s great adventures began. As they enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing, and camping together with family and friends, you knew it was going to be a wonderful experience just being with Sharon. With 28 years of dedicated service to Five Star Bank, Sharon retired to spend more time appreciating the simple things in life like making candy, playing euchre, solving sudoku, and cross stitching to name a few of her many pleasures. Her family and friends will always remember with great fondness those special Thanksgiving dinners.

Survived by: husband Douglas Campbell; brother Harvey (Diane) Soulvie; brother-in-law Michael (Ann) Campbell; sisters-in-law Virginia Gayton, Marilyn Rider, and Henrietta Martin, and she is survived by several loving nieces and nephews. Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Raymond & Ida Soulvie, her brother Raymond Soulvie, brothers-in-law Paul Campbell and Patrick Campbell, and sister-in-law Bonnie Winspear.

Services will be held at Weeks Funeral Home in Warsaw on Wednesday, May 7th with calling hours from 11 am to 1 pm and the service begins immediately after. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.

Amsterdam/Elba - David Frank Zielinski, 67 of Amsterdam and formerly of Elba, passed away on Sunday, (April 27, 2025) at St. Mary's Healthcare in Amsterdam, New York.

Mr. Zielinski was born November 17, 1957 in Batavia, a son of Jane (Cole) Zielinski of Elba and the late J. Frank Zielinski.

As a member of the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department and 32 year employee of National Grid, David enjoyed gardening, raising honeybees, chickens and turkeys on his farm in Amsterdam, along with helping his wife with their Thoroughbred horse breeding operation. David had a special affinity for building, woodworking and do it yourself mechanical projects. He especially enjoyed camping in the Adirondacks and spending time with family and friends. David was loved and treasured by all who knew him.

Along with his mother, David is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pamela (Winters) Zielinski of Amsterdam; his children, Jeremy Zielinski of Woodbourne, New York, Christopher Zielinski of Goose Creek, South Carolina, and Bethany Zielinski of Sharon Springs, New York. He has one grandson, Cohen Olson of Reed City, Michigan.

David is also survived by his sister, Terry (Charles) Hirsch of Elba; his nephews, Dillon and Dakota Hirsch; his niece, Dixie Hirsch; as well as his cousin, Edward (Missy) Cole, their children, Heather and Kate; and his cousin, Heidi Cole.

Family and friends are invited to attend David's memorial service on Friday (May 2, 2025) at 11:30 a.m. at Elba United Methodist Church, 8 Chapel Street in Elba. David will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Make-a-Wish Foundation, 1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

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

LeRoy ~ Peter J. Cooley, age 63, of Munson Street, passed away unexpectedly at home early Saturday morning, April 26, 2025.

     He was born May 15, 1961 in Batavia, a son of the late Edward and Audrey Ponivas Cooley.

     Peter enjoyed his family and was a truck driver for Kohorst Trucking in East Pembroke.

     He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Claudia Lathan Cooley; his sons, Matt Cooley and Zack Cooley; brother, Paul (Sharon) Cooley; sister-in-law, Debra Cooley, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

     Peter was predeceased by his brother, Mark Cooley.

     A Celebration of Peter’s Life will be held at a future date to be announced.

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

LeRoy ~ David W. Fee died peacefully on Saturday, April 26^th at UMMC Hospice Unit with his loving family by his side.

     David was born September 30, 1937 to the late Frank and Ruth Beecher Fee.

     In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his six siblings; Jack Fee, Gerry Chamberlain, Betty Warner, Pat Yasses, Tom Fee and Sandy Constanza and his brother-in-law, John Rider.   

  After working as a route salesman for Hall’s Bakery, a life insurance broker and then retiring from Eastman Kodak, David enjoyed golfing with Phil and Larry, baseball games, summer barbecues and family gatherings in his retirement years. He will be remembered for his generosity and sincerity.

     He will be sadly missed by his wife of 67 years, Mary Rider Fee of LeRoy; daughters, Lorie (Danny) Longhany of LeRoy, Patty Canfield (Mike) of LeRoy and son, Gary (Jill) Fee of Marietta, GA; grandchildren, Joe Longhany (Kat) of Orlando, FL, Brandon Longhany (Amy) of Greece, Jamie Rickard (Keith) of Webster, Kyle Canfield (Melanie) of LeRoy, Katelyn Ferris (Andy) of Batavia and Carly Fee of Marietta, GA.  Great-grandchildren, Cal, Brielle, Harper, Ronan, Scarlett, Ira, Arden and Maya brought him loads of pleasure.  He was always eager to celebrate birthdays or root for the kids at their sporting events.

     David also leaves behind in-laws, Gloria Rider, Buck Costanza, Phil Rider and Jeanne and Ray Ianita, many nieces and nephews and two special friends; Toby, his faithful cat, and his remarkable caregiver, Janet Palenski, who looked out for him with compassion and abiding friendship over the past months.

     The family also wants to thank Barb Loftus, Mickey Charters and Sheila Lathan for sharing caregiving of David during his illness.

     David was a lifelong faithful member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish. 

     Because of David’s love of animals, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter or Our Lady of Mercy Parish.

     There will be NO PRIOR calling hours. Family and friends are invited to his Rite of Christian Burial to be held on Wednesday, April 30^th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.

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

Stafford ~ Marcia A. Gere, age 78, of Main Road, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving children on Friday morning, April 25, 2025.

     She was born July 30, 1946 in Cuba, NY, a daughter of the late Carroll and Katherine Barber Swift.    

 Marcia will be remembered as loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She graduated with honors from Cuba High School in 1964.  Marcia was an avid bowler, enjoyed cooking, baking, dancing, trips to the Thousand Islands and cheering on the Syracuse Orange and Buffalo Bills.  She was also a lifetime member of the Stafford Ladies Auxiliary. 

     She is survived by her children, Greg Gere, Kelly Gere and Colleen Gere; granddaughter, Alyssa; the father of her children, Stanley Gere; sister, Paula Corson, along with a niece, nephews and many close friends.

     In addition to her parents, Marcia was predeceased by her sister, Lois Swift; brother, Bernard Swift and brother-in-law, Donald Corson.

     Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Marcia’s Life on Sunday, April 27 from 1 ~ 4 PM at the LeRoy American Legion, 53 W. Main Street, LeRoy.

     Contributions in memory of Marcia are suggested to either Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Batavia- Leona Jean Polk, age 45 went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 18, 2025.

Leona was born in Batavia, New York where she graduated from Batavia High School and obtained her Cosmetology License. Leona attended Genesee Community College. She was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist church. She was employed as a bus aide at Attica Bus Company before taking ill. Leona was excellent at cooking, doing hair and makeup. She liked going to the casino, playing card games, coloring, and going to the beach. But most of all Leona enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Leona is survived by her fiancé Derek Thomas of Leroy, NY; parents Nathaniel Dawson of Leroy, NY and Janet Dawson of Batavia, NY; brother Daniel Dawson of Tonawanda, NY; sisters Jessica Polk of Buffalo, NY, Peggy Polk and Quella Polk of Batavia, NY; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and very close family friends.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Leona's life during visitation at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, on Monday, April 28th, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 am at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.