Obituaries

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Randall Steven Pashong, 64, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, (May 4, 2023) at his home.

Randall was born on December 12, 1958 in Batavia, a son of the late Melvern L. and Shirley (Kirkpatrick) Pashong.

Mr. Pashong spent many long days working as a roofer for Mooney Construction in Warsaw, enjoying his retirement in later years. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his enjoyment of football (particularly the Buffalo Bills), and the love he had for his friends and family.

Surviving are his children, Joshua Pashong of Batavia, and Rachel Pashong of Newfane; sister, Bonnie (Dennis) Dugan of Batavia; niece, Kate Whitcomb of Fairport; aunt, June Pashong of East Bethany; cousins, Scott (Barbara) Pashong of Batavia, and Brenda Pashong of Kentucky; the mother of his children, Pamela Dickinson of Batavia. Several other cousins also survive.

Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where funeral services will immediately follow at 6:00 PM. Burial at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.

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

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Robert L. Whiting, 73 of Akron, passed away on Wednesday (May 3, 2023) at his residence following a brief illness.

He was born May 4, 1949 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Lauren (Alice) Whiting and Shirley (Ted) Jones.

Robert was employed by the Village of Akron prior to his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, many years as a boy scout leader, woodworking and was a very proud grandpa. 

He is survived by Phyllis, his loving wife of 51 years. Children, Toni (Aaron) Nadrowski, Tammy (Ron) Pugh, Tracy (Tom) Finiki and Teri (Frank) Remillard. Siblings, Theo (Michael) Abraham, Rodney (LuAnne) Whiting, Nancy (Timothy) Girard, Steve (Delia) Tee, James (Christine) Tee and Alice (John) Worrall. Grandchildren, Eric, Ernie, Jarred, Alec, Kassie, Lexie, Bryce, Anthony, Mason, Kai, Madison, Dylan, Richard, Charlie and Sydney. He is also survived by aunts, cousins and many loved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at Clarence Fillmore Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Akron Central School Music Dept., 47 Bloomingdale Ave., Akron, NY 14001 Attn: Courtney Sanville or Starpoint Central School District to the attention of the district treasurer. 4363 Mapleton Road, Lockport, NY 14094 and write "music department" in the notes. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

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Henry A. “Hank” Dykes, 83 of Batavia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, May 5, 2023. He was born February 10, 1940 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Ralph Dykes and Gladys (Stinson) Jones. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Belinda (Frank) Allberala, sister Melba (Ray) Whitley. 

Hank was an avid fisherman, enjoyed tinkering in his man cave and loved watching old westerns. He was a man of great faith, it got him through a lot of hard times. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Hank will fondly be remembered as “Hank the Tour Bus Driver”. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to HomeCare and Hospice. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Amy L. (Griswold) Dykes, children, Teresa (Ken) Anderson, Henry Dykes Jr., Freda Moore, Kenneth Dykes, Amy (Brian) Wight, siblings, Pat (Mike) Sylvis, Judy (the late Rance) Foster, Dale Jones, Mary (Dennis) Harisson, 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 11am to 1pm at High Point Community Church, 1163 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036. A Graveside Ceremony will immediately follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Corfu. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church, East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or to HomeCare and Hospice, 29 Liberty St. Ste 6, 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.

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MAJ (Retired) Samuel J. Gerace, 86, Lawton, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at his home following a brief illness.  He was born October 1, 1936, in Batavia, New York to Dr. Samuel Joseph and Beatrice (Duffy) Gerace.  He joined the US Army and retired in 1979 with the rank of Major.  His awards include the Bronze Star Medal- 2 OLC, the Meritorious Service Medal-1 OLC, the Army Commendation Medal-1 OLC, the Air Medal- 1 OLC, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, 2 Overseas Service Bars and the Aircraft Crewman’s Badge.  He served tours in Vietnam, Korea and Germany.  Following his retirement from the Army, he worked in the Civil Service at Fort Sill as Range Control Chief for 24 years.  He married Barbel Hilmruth Maschke on May 12, 1967, in Munster, Germany. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2022. In 2021, Major Gerace was inducted into the Notre Dame High School Sports Hall of Fame in Batavia, New York. Samuel loved to work with electronics, was a great cook and genuinely just an all, around nice guy.

Survivors include his two sons, Sam R. Gerace of The Colony, Texas, Stefan J. Gerace of Lawton, his granddaughter Isabel N. Gerace of The Colony, Texas, three sisters; Margaret Parra of Palo Alto, California, Mary Ellen Voltura and husband Danny of Batavia, New York, Catherine Hoitink and husband Tom of Batavia, New York, his brother Peter Gerace and wife Bonnie of Pelham, New Hampshire, and two brothers-in-law in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Burial with full military honors will be held at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

Local arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia.

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Elwin A. Clattenburg, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born December 16, 1933 in Batavia, to the late Edson and Mona (McGiveron) Clattenburg. He is preceded in death by his brother Donald (Audrey) Clattenburg. 

Mr. Clattenburg was a proud United States Army Veteran. He was in charge of printing at the Daily News, received an award from USA Today and retired after 22 years. Elwin enjoyed water color painting, making pizza’s, golfing, bowling, horseshoes, playing cards and gardening. He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Batavia. Mr. Clattenburg was a devoted family man and will be missed dearly. 

He is survived by his beloved wife and sweetheart of 70 years; Elsie M. (Reiss) Clattenburg of Batavia; children Cheryl (Karl) Samuelson of Oakfield, James (Marianne) Clattenburg, Thomas (Michelle) Clattenburg both of Batavia; 6 grandchildren Kristen, Kimberly, Aaron (Jacqulyn), Andrea (Mike), Lisa (Ben) and Tara; 7 great-grandchildren Chantelle, Lily, Jamison, Blake, Aubrey, Tucker and Ben; along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:00am Celebration of his Life will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church. 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. 

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Paula M. Hammond, 62 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Gateway Home in Attica. She was born June 7, 1960 in Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada, to Herbert Hammond of Batavia and the late Lucy Hammond. 

Paula worked as a Registered Nurse for many years and retired from Orchard Heights, Orchard Park. 

Along with her father she is survived by her brothers, Gary (Birgitt) Hammond of Corfu, Glenn (Patricia) Hammond of Batavia, aunt, Ellen Pecoraro of Canada, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Friends are invited to attend an 12:00PM Celebration of her Life on Monday, May 8, 2023 at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York, 14020. Paula will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. 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. 

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Jean Kent, a celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 13th for Jean Catherine (Cross) Kent, who peacefully left us on November 23, 2022. The service will be at 11 AM at the Morganville United Church at 8466 Morganville Rd., Stafford, NY. A reception will follow.
 

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Thomas E. Easterbrook, 84 of Sebastian, FL; formerly of Alabama, NY passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023. He was born April 12, 1939 in Buffalo, to the late Francis and Brevidene (Biedient) Easterbrook. He is preceded in death by his brother Clare Easterbrook.

Tom was a proud United States Army Veteran and Operating Engineer for Local 17 Union for 42 years, 6 months and 3 days.  He was a well know quarter horseman. Tom worked construction for 42 years and loved camping after retirement.

He is survived by his beloved wife Fay (Balzer) Easterbrook of FL, sons, Bret (Denise Colby) Easterbrook of Batavia, Tim (Shelly) Easterbrook of WI, Tod (Kas) Paton of New Hampshire, sister Roseann Pulvino, along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00am Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Alabama Cemetery, with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. 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. 

Byron - William J.  Zeitvogel, age 86, of Byron passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023 at his home.

He was born on December 8th, 1936 in Rochester, a son of the late Jacob Zeitvogel and Cecilia Hecht Zeitvogel.

A graduate of Byron-Bergen High School, he proudly served his country with the United States Navy. He worked at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester for 30 years retiring as a development technician. A lifetime member of the Byron Fire Department, the Genesee County Fire Police Association and the Merrill-Sackett-White Veterans of Foreign War, Post No. 575 he was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are his wife Shirley J. Stannard Zeitvogel, whom he married on June 28, 1958 in South Byron; his children, Edwin J. Zeitvogel of Byron, Nancy J. Zeitvogel of Dale and Samantha J. Starowitz of North Bergen; six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Ann Tanzer of Virginia and nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his grandson, Lukas Starowitz and his siblings, Thomas Zeitvogel, Charles Zeitvogel and Virginia Mann.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 5th, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at Byron Cemetery, Townline Road.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Byron Fire Department, P.O. Box 210, Byron, New York 14422 or to Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, New York 14482. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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Peter J. Chilano, 81, passed away on April 20, 2023 in Pittsburgh,PA.  Born on February 6, 1942 in Batavia, NY to the late Peter and Mary (Saraceni) Chilano.  

 A 1960 graduate of Batavia High School, Pete loved playing football and hunting with family and friends. He worked in construction until he began bartending at the family owned business The Albion Steakhouse.  Prior to moving to Florida in 1991, he worked at Batavia Downs Racetrack for many years.

An avid storyteller and extremely social person, Pete enjoyed talking to anyone he met and especially loved spending time with his grandsons in Florida.

Pete was a lifelong Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees fan. 

Pete was preceded in death by his parents and wife Marie (Fiore) Chilano.  Pete is survived by his son Peter (Lisa) Chilano of Pittsburgh, PA, daughter Nicole Thorpe of Orlando, FL, sister Paula Wood of Batavia, grandsons, Devin and Dante Thorpe of Orlando, FL as well as many nieces and nephews.

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Kyle R. Inman, 39, of Darien Center passed away on April 30, 2023 at Highland Hospital in Rochester after a lengthy illness. He was born in Buffalo on May 21, 1983 to Mary Ellen Wechter of and Carl Inman. He is predeceased by his grandfather; Lester Wechter. 

Kyle was a well-respected race car driver who was always willing to help fellow race car drivers/teams. He loved racing which started at the age of 7.  The family would like to thank so many friends for their support during his racing career as well as the love that was shown in the last several weeks. 

In addition to his parents, Kyle is survived by his daughters; Isabelle and Elizabeth Inman; girlfriend Sarah Stranc; grandparents Harold “Pete” (Janet) Inamn and Mildred Wechter. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 4 to 8PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 1:00PM Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at The Church in Alexander (former United Methodist) 3389 Church St. Alexander, NY 14005. Kyle will be laid to rest in Darien Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his daughters.  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. 

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LeRoy ~ John J. “Chip” Graney, age 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (April 26, 2023) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia surrounded by his loving family.

Chip was born in Batavia on July 3, 1946, a son of the late John R. and Mary A. Gallogly Graney.

He was a graduate of Pavilion Central School and Gannon College of Erie, PA. He worked at several places to include Lapp Insulator, Joslyn Manufacturing & Supply Co., LeRoy Machine Co. and retired from George & Swede Sales of Pavilion.

He was an avid sports fan, especially the University of Notre Dame football, the Boston Red Sox, Batavia Muckdogs and NCAA basketball.  He also enjoyed hunting and gardening.

Chip served our nation honorably with the United States Navy in Vietnam from 1968 – 1972. He was a member of the American Legion for 50 years, serving as Commander of Botts Fiorito Post 576 in LeRoy from 2016 – 2020.  He was second vice-commander of the Genesee County Committee of the American Legion, a member of the Genesee County Joint Veterans Honor Guard, member of Northwoods Sportsmans Association, where he served as treasurer of many years, member of the LeRoy Historical Society and the Pavilion Alumni Association Scholarship Committee.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Roberta Horgan Graney and his sister, Mary Catherine Graney.

He is survived by his sons, Sean (Robertta) Graney and their children, Lauren and Margaret of Stafford; Patrick (Leah McNair) Graney and her children, Faryn and Nevin of St. Petersburg, FL; sisters, Sheila (James) Logsdon, Katherine Hurley, Elizabeth (William) Harris, Eileen Ostrander and Moira (John) Glidden, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Per Chip’s wishes, there will be no prior visitation.  A Memorial Mass for both John and Roberta will be celebrated on May 8 at 10:00AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peters Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, with interment to follow at 2:00 PM at the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the American Legion – Post 576, 53 W. Main Street, LeRoy, NY  14482 or to the LeRoy Historical Society, 23 E. Main Street, LeRoy, NY 14482

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

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On Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Edmund R. “Bud” O’Neill, 92, of Batavia decided on a new adventure. He left us here on earth and went to heaven to start a new adventure with his wife Pat and his son Kevin. 

He served in the United States Air Force from 1949-1953 and was a member of the IBEW Local 86 in Rochester where he worked as an electrician. Bud was a life time member of Godfrey’s Pond and the Oatka Fish & Game Club. He was also a member of the Old Boys Club and the Alexander Happy Agers.

For 92, he lived life to the fullest, regardless of how nervous it made his family and friends. If there was an adventure, he wanted to do it. His many adventures included horses, motorcycles, sky diving, hot air balloon rides, dancing, golfing, roller skating, cross country road and hunting trips, and lots of fishing, hunting, NRA Instructor, trap and skeet shooting and archery. Whether he was with his grandkids or great grandkids playing doll house, telling stories or going out hunting with them it was those times that were his greatest joy. 

He enjoyed his countryside rides with his special friend, Marsha driving the countryside looking for wildlife and tracking their finds in their journal. 

Mr. O’Neill is survived by his children; Patti Jo O’Neill of Caledonia, Cheryl (Ri Sipes) O’Neill of Pleasant Hill, CA., Shana Lasher of Henrietta, Colleen (Allen) Alton of Hamlin and Karen (Mark) DeFelice of Pavilion; daughter in law Kim O’Neill of Alexander; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife; Patricia (Garlock) O’Neill in 2014 and son Kevin O’Neill in 2012. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 11:00AM - 1:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 1:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities (Genesee County) 25 Liberty St. #7 in Batavia or Meals on Wheels (Office for the Aging) 2 Bank St. in Batavia. 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.

Dennis M. Cianfrini, formerly of Oakfield and Lancaster, NY  April 14, 2023.  Beloved husband of Karen (nee Winkler) Cianfrini; loving father of Leanne (Charles) Rader and Gregg (Tracey) Cianfrini; devoted grandfather of 2 grandchildren. Also son of late Augustine and Sylvia (Grazioplene) Cianfrini and brother of late Ronald (late Linda) Cianfrini, Dianne (late Richard) Hewett, Ray (Karen R.) Cianfrini; brother-in-law of Denise Winkler.  A private family memorial was held at Memorial Gardens in Fort Myers, FL.

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Edmund J. Sobresky, Jr., 85, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at home under the care of his loving family.

Edmund was born February 18, 1938 in Pottstown, PA, a son of the late Edmund and Violet (Royer) Sobresky, Sr.

Ed was a very generous man who devoted his life to his family and friends. He was selfless, and lived to ensure that everything and everyone was taken care of. Ed was a wonderful Dad to his four children, and Pappa to his six grandchildren, whom he cherished, loved, and adored. He was a mentor and confidant, his unconditional caring and advice helped countless people navigate incredibly tough times. Ed’s interests and knowledge were very diverse - he especially enjoyed vintage cars, technology, science, history, music, politics, and world affairs. Ed was a polka accordionist, Soap Box Derby director,  lifetime member of the Happy Halupkis, and enjoyed traveling and smoking a cigar while he mowed the lawn. He was a master conversationalist who loved sharing his knowledge, many interesting stories of his life, a joke, or obscure fact to keep the conversation going into the wee hours of morning.

Ed studied at Drexel University, earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and MBA. He served in the United States Army specializing in his field. Ed spent his career as a manufacturing, materials and die casting engineer. He worked at Doehler Jarvis as engineer, foreman, and plant manager, and Eastman Kodak and Heidelberg in a variety of technical roles. He was a well known innovator and expert, often working on unique leading edge manufacturing, as well as military, consumer and industrial technologies that we take for granted today. He is the holder of several patents and design awards, and could solve any problem with the perfect balance of elegance, simplicity, and efficiency.

Ed will be missed greatly by his children, Anna (Doug) Barnard, Judith Sobresky, Edmund Sobresky III and Kathryn Sobresky; grandchildren, Felix Barnard, Violet Sobresky, Eustacia Garrison, Olivia Garrison, Zoe Garrison and Daniel King; great-grandchildren, Onyx and Nikko, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and Summit Street family.

Edmund is preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Judith Sobresky and brother, Kenneth Sobresky.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Edmund's Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  He will be laid to rest with military honors with in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.  

Special thanks to Paula Smith for her extraordinary care of Dad in his final months of life, and to our Summit Street neighbors for always being by our side.

Memorials may be made to St. Amelia Outreach https://secure.myvanco.com/YH15/campaign/C-YKFY.  

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