Obituaries

Thomas H. Lambert, resident of Elba, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on Thursday, November 11, 1943, in Batavia, Thomas lived a life filled with love, service, and dedication.

Thomas proudly served his country in the Navy as a Seabees, embodying a spirit of duty and honor that remained with him throughout his life. Following his military service, he worked for Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester.

A man of faith, Thomas was a committed member of St. Joseph’s Church in Batavia, where he served as an usher. He was also an active member of the VFW Post No. 1602 in Batavia. Thomas had a deep love for the outdoors, often spending his time deer hunting and feeding the birds. His passion for antiquing with his loving companion, Bonnie Smith, brought him much joy. Additionally, he loved working with wood and mortar.

He is survived by his devoted companion, Bonnie Smith of Elba; his children, Jeffrey (Veronica) Lambert of Texas, Christopher Lambert of Massachusetts, and JoAnne (Jamin) Lehmann of Colorado; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his three brothers, twin brothers Henry Lambert of Colorado and John Lambert of Florida, and Robert (Debbie) Lambert of Mount Morris; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Viola Lambert.

Visitation for Thomas will be held at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow at 1 pm at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu. Please assemble at the cemetery by 12:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your local SPCA or animal shelter.

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

Harry E. Boyer, 104 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (December 10, 2024) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia, NY.

He was born February 23, 1920 in Tonawanda, NY, a son of the late William and Betty Sablotny Boyer.

In 1953, he and his wife Elma, built their dream home in the Town of Alabama where he resided for 60 years before moving to his present apartment in Batavia. Harry served honorably during World War II with the U.S. Army from 1944-1946. He was witness to both theatres, serving first in Italy and then the Philippines and Japan for the occupation. He served as a motor mechanic for the Signal Corp.

Before and after he was drafted into the Army, he worked as a tool & die maker for the Farrel Machinery Group in Buffalo and Rochester for 45 years. After retirement, he became interested in woodworking and craft projects.

He volunteered faithfully for the Batavia Senior Center until he was 99 years old and also enjoyed taking Veterans from the Batavia VA Medical Center out to lunch. He was a proud member of the East Aurora American Legion for 63 years, the Ira Spring Post 273 VFW in Oakfield for many years and later the Batavia VFW. He was one of 56 Western New Yorkers to take part in one of Steve Hawley’s Honor Flights in 2009.

Harry was married for 57 years to Elma Keem Boyer, who passed away in 1998. He was also predeceased by his siblings, William Boyer Jr., Robert Boyer and Helen Girods.

Survivors include his daughter and son in-law, Janie and Bill Messinger of Batavia. Grandchildren, Jeanine Messinger of Niagara Falls and Kyle (Mary Kay) Messinger of Darien Center. Nieces, Judy Milhollen, Cyrene Winkler and Valerie Mitchell. Also survived by his dear friends, Patricia Passage and Clayton and Diane Fry.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (December 17^th) from 2-5pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where military honors will be rendered at 3:30pm. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in the West Bethany Cemetery.

Memoiral donations in his name may be offered to Meals on Wheels of Genesee County, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Theresa G. Pfalzer, 83 of Darien, passed away peacefully Monday, December 9, 2024.

Theresa was born on June 7, 1941, in Essex, Vermont, a daughter of the late John and Anita Laramee King. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Pfalzer.

Theresa was a well known hairdresser in Darien. She enjoyed gardening and being with her family.

Theresa is survived by her children; Bruce and Susan (Colby) Pfalzer, Tammy Pfalzer, Rodney and Fabian (Cala) Pfalzer and James and Becky (Vincent) Pfalzer; grandchildren, Lindsay and Seth Rademacker, Katlynn Pfalzer, Alyssia and Dennis Maxwell, Joshua and Genevieve Doll, Brandon and Sara Doll and Dominik Pfalzer; 12 great grandchildren and her sister, Phyllis King.

There are no calling hours. Services will be private.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 12 Noon at the Pembroke Community Center (Corfu Fire Hall) 116 East Main Street, Corfu, New York. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

James J. Nalbach, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday (December 8, 2024) at Rochester General Hospital.

He was born January 31, 1943 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Joseph and Ruth Heist Nalbach.

He was the brother of the late Charles Nalbach.

Jim was a graduate of Notre Dame High School Class of 1961 and served his country with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves for five years. He was employed by Doehler Jarvis, Monroe Forging and Value Home Center prior to his retirement. Jim was a member of the Polish Falcons and participated in the Wednesday night golf league. 

Survivors include his wife, Linda Morien Nalbach of Batavia. Sons, Jay (Kelly) Nalbach of Portland, OR and Eric (Sarah) Nalbach of Amherst, NY. Grandchildren, Victor and Ivy Nalbach. Brother, Joseph (Sharon) Nalbach of Madison, WI. Also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share in a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday (Dec. 14^th) at 9:30am at Holy Name of Mary Parish, 8656 Church St, East Pembroke, NY. He will be laid to rest in St. John’s Cemetery in Alden, NY.

Memorials in his name may be offered to Resurrection Parish-Holy Name of Mary Church, 8656 Church St, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott St, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Patricia Ann Fenton, Funeral service for Patricia Ann "Pat" (St. John) Fenton, age 85, of Decatur will be 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10,
2024, at Fairview Baptist Church with Lael Davis Fenton officiating and Parkway Funeral Home directing. The family will
receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the funeral home Interment will be Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1 PM in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY. Guestbook available at www.parkwayfunerals.com.

Formerly of Binghamton, NY and Orchard Park, NY, Pat passed away on December 4, 2024, in Decatur, AL. Having no siblings, she was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers-in-law, Joseph Fenton and Warren Clark.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, John Fenton; six sons, Daniel Fenton (Tina) of NY, Darrel Fenton (Kaycee) of AR, Clyde Fenton (Veronica) of AR, Matthew Fenton (Terry) of IN, Andrew Fenton (Leslie) of AL, and Lael Fenton (Suzanne) of ME; brother-in-law, Joel Fenton (Marilyn); two sisters-in-law, Joan Clark and Elizabeth Fenton; 19 grandchildren; 23 great- grandchildren; and eight nephews and nieces.

Pat was born in Binghamton, NY on April 26, 1939, to Frances (Phillips) St. John and Walter Davis St. John. After graduating from high school, she attended Broome Community College where she graduated as a dental hygienist. She continued on to Cortland State Teachers College where she earned a B.S. in Health Education. While at Cortland, she met the brother of one of her roomates, John W. Fenton, whom she married in 1960. Following marriage of two weeks, her husband left the U. S. for active duty in Germany. She finished her last year of college and joined him eight months later in Germany. Without military housing, they rented an apartment from a German family. Although she did not speak German, she enjoyed coffee times and had a great relationship with her landlady.

After the time in Germany, she traveled with her husband, to Michigan for his schooling and then to various parts of New York as his job meant several moves. She practiced dental hygiene with a dentist in NY for a short time. Her desires were to use her training as a dental hygienist in a pubic school. However, the educational system did away with that service before she gave birth to the twins. Giving birth to identical twins was not only a surprise to Pat but a special learning experience as a new mother.

Teaching became her husband's occupation. It resulted in a year of studies in North Carolina and followed a couple of years later with his Biblical training for a year in Indiana. They had four children by then. A surprise call offered her husband a teaching job in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, near where they had enjoyed their honeymoon. They were led to accept this position. It was a small Christian school in a scenic area. With four young boys needing care, Pat's plan was to not work outside the home. Her plan was followed for the first seven years while her husband was teaching at Adirondack Christian School in Wilmington, NY. She even added to their four sons by giving birth to two more. With her husband's critical need for a lower elementary teacher, she came to his aid. She taught first and second grades for three years before they moved from Wilmington to Western, NY. She taught biology, health, and homemaking at West Seneca Christian School for 18 years. After retiring, Pat and her husband drove to Alaska to visit a missionary. After being accepted as volunteer missionaries, she continued her working career as an office worker and representative with Voice for Christ Ministries with headquarters in Nenana, AK.

She had accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior through the ministry of First Baptist Church of Marilla, NY in 1965. She spent 10 years at Calvary Baptist Church in Wilmington, NY, 36 years at First Baptist Church of West Seneca, NY, and 1 years at Fairview Baptist Church in Decatur, AL.

Throughout her life, besides traveling and visiting family, she enjoyed art work, sewing, and knitting, playing the flute, and in her late 60's, she started learning the violin and enjoyed playing hymns.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, P. O. Box 7745, Decatur, AL 35602
Local arrangements by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Nancy P. Beedham, cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6th, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family at the age of 89. Born on Sunday, July 28th, 1935, in Butler, New York, Nancy was a beloved resident of Bergen, where she lived a life full of love, joy, and dedication to her family.

Nancy was preceded in death by her dear parents, Jay Penner Jr. and Florence Calkins Penner; her beloved husband, Richard C. "Doc" Beedham, her daughter, Amy Jenelle Beedham; grandsons Luke Truax and Steele Truax, and her siblings David Penner and Bonnie Fisher.

She is survived by her loving children: Pamela (Ed) Shepard of Humble, Texas, Vicky (the late Stanley) Truax of Bergen, David (Terri) Beedham of Stafford, Kimberley (the late Dave) Scriber of Churchville and Rebecca (Noemi Rodriguez) Beedham of Bergen. Nancy was a cherished grandmother to Aimee (Jeff) Rose, Matthew (Kat) Shepard, Jennifer (Flavio) Medina, Andrew (Andrea Carr) Beedham, Kenleigh (Dave) Garnish, Joelle (Raja Palepu) Truax, Taylor (Shavaughn) Stefaniak, Connor Stefaniak and Whitley (Luke) Martinic, as well as thirteen adoring great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings, Shirley (the late Ronald) Egynor of Wolcott, Judy (Len) Barnes of Oregon, and Gary (the late Lena) Penner of Florida, as well as her beloved canine companion, Maggie, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will remember her as a woman who enjoyed simple pleasures—playing euchre and bingo, trips to Batavia Downs, and endless hours playing Scat with her grandchildren. Her home was a gathering place where she loved being surrounded by her family, sharing laughter and creating cherished memories by the pool.

A graveside service to honor Nancy's life will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen, New York, on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, at 2:00 pm. All are welcome to join in celebrating a life lived with love and purpose. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's memory may be made to the Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Nancy's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.

Nancy will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved her.

It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Victor Sztaba announce his unexpected passing on November 29, 2024.  Born on August 19, 1944, he was the son of the late Victor and Marie Sztaba.  

Charlie grew up in Darien on his family's farm with his beloved siblings.  Always full of energy and mischievous ideas, he surely kept his parents on their toes. He graduated from Corfu Central High School in 1962.  Charlie served in the United States Army and was stationed in Colorado Springs.  After the Army, he began his early career with a tool and die apprenticeship at Doehler-Jarvis.  Shortly after starting a family, Charlie began working as a tool and die maker at Eastman Kodak.  He worked at Kodak for 29 years and retired in 2001. Charlie was also a member of the Sackett Merrill White American Legion, Post 575 for 43 years, over the years tackling many different duties.

   On July 20th 1991, Charlie was united in marriage to Susan, together they shared a union of soulmates and began their wild journey through life. Sharing 33 years of marriage, there was never a dull day with Charlie. He lived faithfully by the term ¨Happy Wife, Happy Life¨, not because he had to, but because he passionately adored his wife. Charlie deeply loved Susan and they shared a life filled with laughter and unwavering love. True, Charlie would often devise little playful plans to rib Susan or poke fun of her just to keep her alert.  Together they created a blended family, and shared many adventures together. After retirement, Charlie and Susan set out to travel the United States together, immersing themselves in the history and the natural beauty of what their destinations had to offer.  Their life together was filled with adventure, family, and friends.  Theirs was a great love story that will continue together again someday.

After traveling with their RV across the country, they decided to set roots down.  During the winter months, Charlie and Susan were snowbirds that migrated south, residing in Paradise Oaks RV Resort.  In the summer months, Susan and Charlie would return to their family up north, and settled in at Southwoods RV Resort.  Both Susan and Charlie, built lasting relationships with friends that turned into family. In Florida, Charlie could be found making a stop at Buddy's Tavern in Bushnell, Fl.  It was his go to spot to enjoy a beer with many friends over the years.  He was also met with great joy and triumph when he achieved a hole-in-one at Point O Woods Golf Course. Every summer was met with extraordinary family camping ventures and seeing old friends at the park.  Charlie was always game to have some fun whether that meant playing card games, ladder golf, or a competitive game of cornhole.  He was also a self-proclaimed irrigation specialist and enjoyed helping Susan with the flowers at camp.  

Over the years, Charlie developed a love for all things planes, trains, and automobiles and not to be forgotten, tractors. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his best friend and brother, Rich.  Together, they spent countless hours at car shows and cruising in Rich´s 1955 Chevy Bel Air, reminiscing about the good ole days. Some of those good ole days consisted of the plethora of stories he would share about the days on the farm. Boy did he have some stories to share! Charlie´s love of that stunning bright red Farmall tractor was born during those farm days. Charlie was also fortunate to take a ride on the Historic Steam Locomotive Nickel Plate No. 765, where he and Susan were the last to make the journey aboard that train as it crossed over the old Letchworth State Park train trestle.  He also recently experienced an amazing opportunity of a lifetime, taking flight for a ride on the historic C47, Whiskey 7.  However, one of his most beloved experiences was co-piloting a Bell Jet Ranger 206B-3 helicopter to bring his daughter to her grand entrance at her wedding.

His greatest adventure was life and sharing it with Susan and his children. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Charlie.  He loved sitting around the campfire with friends and family, drinking a beer while sharing stories and laughs from the past.  You could often catch a glimpse of Charlie driving through the park on his golf cart with his trusted camp companions, his grand dogs.   He enjoyed a nice leisure stroll through the woods with his family and of course his summertime dogs.  He loved the peace and quiet of nature.  His children share the fondest of memories of the days at Black Lake where they went out for early morning fishing excursions with their dad and grandfather.  He eagerly rejoiced at watching his children fish and their excitement when they caught something, carefully retrieving the fish from the hook. Playing soccer and kickball in the backyard, cheering on his grandchildren, retrieving pumpkins on the annual fall excursion, Easter egg hunts, washing cars, and going for walks were just a few of the simple activities that brought joy to his children and grandchildren.  In more recent years, Charlie had the pleasure of sharing his love of his Polish roots with his family.  They could be found enjoying some great Polish cuisine together, dancing to a good polka, enjoying a good Tyskie beer, and watching Charlie marching backwards in the Dyngus Day Parade.  Charlie loved his family fiercely and was endlessly proud of both his children and grandchildren.  He was often overheard expressing how his family all worked hard and loved hard. Charlie was blessed to share many amazing adventures with family. 

Charlie had an impeccable sense of humor and was always primed and ready to participate in any shenanigans.  Anyone that was lucky enough to cross paths with Charlie was captivated by his smile, laughter, and sense of humor. Charlie had a way about him in that he always made everyone around him laugh and smile.  Charlie was renowned for his special gift of sarcasm and his humor extraordinaire.  Luckily, for his children´s sake, he has gifted those traits and passed them along to his children. Charlie may have had some of the best one-liners and most talented roasting abilities known to man. 

 Charlie was a soul that eagerly walked beside you through every joy and heartbreak.  His mere presence could give you a sense of peace, love, and laughter amidst a brewing storm.  Charlie's passing proves that while life can be so cruel, it can also be so wonderful. For Charlie, has left behind a lifetime of memories, living life to his fullest, and savoring every precious moment.  We are reminded of the gifts he gave us; his shenanigans, his jokes, his boundless enthusiasm for life, his infinite love, and his laughter. 

Charlie was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Susan and loving father to his adored children that he thought the world of: James (Sue) Staba; Roxanne Coleman; Melissa (Randal) Staba-Busch; Susie (Mark) Ott; Dean (Dwayna) Boyce; eleven cherished grandchildren: Courtney (Eric) Hyde; Jamie (Spencer) Thomas; Tyler (Theresa) Murtha; Zander Staba; Kyle ( Becca) Coleman; Rayleigh (Joe) Staba; Caleb Busch; Riley Boyce; Kaylee Boyce; Hollie King; and Danny Harris.  Charlie also leaves behind his treasured brother and sister, Richard (Linda) Staba and Mary Ann (Dave) Buelow; loved sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, Gary Tripp; Jack (Sue) Ioannone; Frank Yacono; Charlene Yacono; Theresa (John) Banker, and many loved nieces and nephews.  Charlie leaves behind numerous extended family and close friends that he considered to be like family.  He was predeceased by his son, Matthew Charles Sztaba; son-in-law, Peter Coleman; sister, Jeanne Tripp; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sharon (James) Messick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 28th at 11:00 A.M. at  Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  The family asks that you join them afterwards for a celebration of Charlie´s amazing life at the LeRoy American Legion, 53 West Main St, LeRoy. A Military Funeral Honors Ceremony and Interment will be held on Monday, December 30th at 11:00 A.M. at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd., Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to The Gary Sinise Foundation or The American Heart Association.

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

Debra L. Shepard, 68 of Bergen, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024.  She was born in Batavia, June 29, 1956, to the late Reginald and Edith (Richardson) Shepard.  In addition to her parents, Debra is predeceased by her sister Jacqueline (Lawrence Pope), sisters Dorene Shepard and Bonnie (Roland) Sage. 

She is survived by her sister Janice (Vincent) Cervoni, several nieces, nephew, a great-nephew, aunts, and uncles. 

Debra will be remembered as a caring sister and friend. 

There will be no calling hours.  Service will be private at the convenience of the family.  Deborah will be laid to rest in Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy, NY.

To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Andrea M. Stromski, 82, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born Jan. 19, 1942, in Batavia, daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Kornowski) Gorecki.

Andrea attended Sacred Heart School and was a graduate of Batavia High School (‘59). Good with numbers, she worked as a bank teller and in accounts payable/receivables at companies like Marine Midland Bank, Lenape Resources, and Townsend Oil (from which she retired).

She was a decorated member of the Polish Falcons and a rabble-rouser with the Red Hat Society.

Andrea had some health issues over the years that restricted her ability to do the things she loved most: bowling, doing the polka, playing the slots, and traveling about to enjoy good times with her family and friends. Her deviled eggs were the stuff of legend and will be sorely missed.

Andrea was a hoot with a side of “pain in the ass.” Her children are proud to have inherited those traits from her.

Her family is comforted by the thought that she’s now free to do all the things she loved and more.

Andrea was the sister of the late Lorraine Gorecki of Batavia, NY.

She is survived by her sons Jim (Joy) Stromski of Tully, NY, and Richard (Sherri Cox) Stromski of Batavia, NY, and daughter Lynn Stromski, of Seattle, WA; grandchildren Christopher Stromski of Syracuse, NY, and Renee Stromski of Cleveland, OH; sisters Beverly (Robert) Terol of Batavia, NY, and Mary Ellen (Michael) Minuto of Greece, NY; and her loving nieces, nephew, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of Andrea’s life on Thursday, Dec. 12th, 2024 between 4pm and 7pm at the Polish Falcons Club located at 123 S Swan St, Batavia.

Please raise a glass to Andrea this holiday season. She was partial to white russians, margaritas, and cold chablis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to: Polish Falcons Nest #493, 123 South Swan St., Batavia, NY 14020; Kevin Guest House, 782 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203 or Visiting Nurse Association of WNY, 650 Airborne Pkwy, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

“That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.” -Andrea Stromski

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

David G. Mullen, 89 of Bergen, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family December 2, 2024 at home. He was born in Batavia, January 27, 1935 to the late Glenn S. and Clarabel (Cooper) Mullen. He is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Larissa Emily Mullen.

Mr. Mullen was a proud United States Marine, a Marine until the very end. He served our community in the Batavia Police Department for 37 years and acting Chief for 17 of those years. Dave was a charter member of WNYS Chiefs of Police Association and NYS Chiefs of Police Association. 

Mr. Mullen was a life member of Godfrey’s Pond and member of Batavia Lion’s Club for over 20 years. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish.  Dave enjoyed going to the races with his sons and grandchildren, he was known as the CEO of Pro Speed. He loved all animals, especially his beloved dog Buddy who stayed by his side until the end. Mr. Mullen will be remembered as a devoted family man that was never afraid to do the right thing and he will be missed.

“Am I right, do you follow me?” The Chief.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth A. (Stein) of Bergen, children, Robert (Tammy Stevens) of Batavia, Scott (Elizabeth) of Chili, James (Michelle) of Batavia, Jeffrey (Tracy) Mullen of Stafford, Jennifer (Steven) Hughes of Cazenovia, 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:30am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest with Military Honor’s, 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, NY 14036 (If you plan on attending the burial please arrive at 12:45pm). 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

William J. Graham, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born January 27, 1935 in Red Creek, NY to the late Paul and Mable (Griffin) Graham. He is preceded in death by a sister Evelyn Russell.

Mr. Graham made lenses at Kodak for many years along with working at Call Farms and Kendall Trucking. He was proud to serve with Genesee County Civil Defense Police from 1968 to 1975.  Bill loved quilling, he was an avid reader and proud supporter of Richmond Memorial Library. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte (Lyons) Graham of Batavia, son Ronald (Jodi) Graham of FL, granddaughter Alicia Graham of Batavia, great-granddaughter Isabella of Batavia, siblings, Carolyn Epps of Batavia, Albert Graham of Batavia, Nelson of IL, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 11am to 12:00 Noon at High Point Church, 1163 Main St, Corfu, NY 14036. A 12:00 Noon Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at the church. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or to Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

June 22, 1937  -  November 27, 2024
LAVERNE F. PANGRAZIO, JR., of Wesley Chapel, Florida, passed away November 27, 2024. He was born June 22, 1937 to his parents Laverne F. and Anita Pangrazio where he grew up in Elba, NY as part of a very large family, being known to his siblings as “Brother or Vern”. Laverne started as a mechanic at Ray Hart’s garage and was introduced to stock car racing in the early 1960’s. Once he got behind the wheel, there was no stopping his passion for the sport. Anyone that knew Laverne, saw his natural talent in a race car. Some of his major accomplishments were rookie of the year, championship titles, Mini Stock World Championship in Daytona, Florida, Four Score Hall of Fame, and over two hundred feature wins. Laverne raced on dirt tracks and asphalt tracks, often in the same season. He entertained many fans over his thirty-five year history in racing.

Laverne worked for Sakrete in Batavia, where he retired after forty years of hard work driving truck and eventually managing the shop. He was a lifetime member of the Stafford Fire Department and a member of the Stafford United Methodist Church. He was a man of faith and devoted much of his later years caring for his wife while putting his needs last.

He married his wife, Jane DeYoung Pangrazio, in 1971 and they raised their children as a blended family in both Elba and Stafford, NY. He was a kind, loving husband and father that taught all the right lessons when needed. He led by example, would give you the shirt off his back, and kept a warm inviting home for the family. He is predeceased by his devoted wife of forty-six years, Jane Elizabeth, who died in 2018. He is also predeceased by his parents and sister, Beverly Brown and husband Thomas Brown, his brothers Calvin Pangrazio, Cary Pangrazio and Terry Pangrazio, along with sister-in-law, Kathy Pangrazio. He will also be joining his good friend in Heaven, Bill Shea.

Surviving are his sons, Laverne (Debra) F. Pangrazio III of Leroy, Gary (Betsy) Farnsworth of Wesley Chapel FL, and Brian (Lynda) Farnsworth of Alexander, daughters Laurie Chamberlin of Batavia and Crystal (Bob) Nelson of S. Byron; siblings Bernard (Joan) Pangrazio, John (Pat) Pangrazio, Charlene (E.James) Worthington, Charles (Marge) Pangrazio, Alvin (Nancy) Pangrazio, Gary (Sandy) Pangrazio, Larry (Chris) Pangrazio, June (Doug) Boldt, Keith (Brenda) Pangrazio and sister-in-laws Cathy Pangrazio and Lorraine Pangrazio, along with many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren .

Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren, Josh (Kelsey & Noah) Farnsworth, Jacob Farnsworth, Kyle Pangrazio, Becky (Mark) Robbins, Courtney Pangrazio, Sarah (Aaron) Johnson, Nicholas (Samantha) Farnsworth, Mark Farnsworth, Zachary (Leah) Chamberlain, Ashley Chamberlain, Jillian (Ed) Engle, and Colton (Hannah) Cole. He will be sadly missed by his life-long best friends, Sam and Marge Noah, along with Jacky and Skip Smith who will always be family.

This large family is mostly going to miss the phone calls to hear his voice, the honesty and truth that he would spell out to you, the heartwarming love and care he gave all his dogs, especially Mr. Buffington.

A Christian service will be held for Laverne in Florida early January of 2025. The family will then have a celebration of life in New York at a later date to be determined and announced.

Bergen - Candy  L.  Hutchison, 50 of Bergen passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at her home in Bergen.

She was born February 14, 1974 in Brockport, New York, a daughter of Wayne and the late Donelda Drosky.

Candy enjoyed playing video games, had a love for cats and scary movies but most importantly loved spending time with her grandkids. Candy had a very loving and open heart and took everyone in as if they were her own.

She is survived by her daughters, Rose-Marie (Bradlee Drisel) Hutchison, Killian (fiancé Jamin Harvey) Hutchison; grandchildren, Finnian and Sylas Driesel; siblings, Tom Watson, Richard Hutchison, Jr., Lorne Watson, Don Watson, Andy Watson, Carl Watson, Shirley Smith and Billie Evans; and husband, Steven Hutchison.

Candy is preceded in death by her beloved mother and brother Johnny Watson.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (December 13, 2024)  from 1 to 3 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Ave in Bergen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Ralph David Worthington, Jr. passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024, at the age of 65. Born on March 22, 1959, in Batavia, NY, Ralph was a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather. 

    Ralph was an assembly crew chief, machinist, and project manager; he was proudest of his work on the James Webb Space Telescope. He always took advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, showed great pride in his work, and cared deeply about his colleagues. He had an ability to solve or fix anything. Ralph loved the outdoors, traveling, cars, and being active. He climbed all 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks with his best friend Guy, becoming a member of the ADK 46er’s. He had a fun, competitive spirit and was an avid golf and volleyball player.

He was a good man in the truest sense of the word, intelligent and humble, holding to the highest standards in every aspect of his life. Ralph genuinely connected with people, bringing laughter and joy; he had a generous heart and was always ready to help others. Ralph cherished time with his family (especially his 4 grandsons) and close friends.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Betty; his children, Laurie (Greg) Davis, Rebecca (Mitchell) Robinson and Brian (Alex) Worthington; and his cherished grandchildren, Porter and Finn Robinson, Miles and Ian Davis. He is remembered by his father, Ralph D Worthington Sr., his sister, Nita (Kurt) Lewis, his in-laws, Donald and Judith Laurie, his brothers-in-law, Don (Kirsten), Rick (Julie), Joe (Debbie), Mike (Terri); his best friend, Guy (Pat) Clark and numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Worthington and brother-in-law, Danny Laurie. 

Family and friends may call on Thursday, December 5^th, 2024 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the  Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Street Rd (Rt. 19), Le Roy, NY 14482.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 6^th, 2024 at 10:00 am at Mary Immaculate Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, 5865 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the ADK46’rs (https://adk46er.org/)via check to Adirondack Forty-Sixers, 29 Maine Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12903 or to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (https://www.theaftd.org/), 2700 Horizon Dr., Suite120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

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

Rosetta Hickman, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on Wednesday, November 25th, 1931, in Glade Spring, Virginia, Rosetta lived a life filled with love, dedication, and cherished memories.

She worked for many years in food preparation at the Treadway Inn in Batavia. Rosetta had a passion for scrapbooking and canning, activities that allowed her to express her creativity and preserve the memories and flavors of her life. She also enjoyed watching soap operas, with "The Young and The Restless" being her favorite. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Rosetta is survived by her children, Earl Austin of Batavia, Elliott (Barbara) Hickman of Batavia, Celestine Hickman of Syracuse, Colleen Warfle of Florida, and Margaret Hickman of Batavia. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Eva Calisto and Agnes Austin, both of Batavia, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ree and Louise Austin, and her children, Barbara Hickman and Troy Hickman.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia on Monday, December 2nd, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A memorial service will follow from 1:00 pm where we will celebrate Rosetta's life and the lasting impact she had on those around her. She will  be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.