Obituaries

Bonnie J. Vernaccini, age 74, of Batavia, NY, passed away early Saturday morning, Sept. 16, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital.

     Bonnie was born January 18, 1949 in Magnolia NC, the daughter of the late Harold Rackley, Louise Kennedy and step-father, Raymond Kennedy.  

  She was pre-deceased by her husband, Steven J. Vernaccini (2008) who she married on July 15, 1972; her sister, Shelby Armstrong (2008) and her mother-in-law and father- in- law, Joseph and Tina Vernaccini.

     She is survived by her sons, Joseph (Tracey) Vernaccini of Stafford and Michael (Allicia Herman) Vernaccini of Batavia; her five grandchildren, Joseph, Carrie, Nathan of Stafford and Nico and Aubrey of Batavia; sisters, Susan K. (David) Grisby of NC and Angie Kennedy of VA; brother, Michael (Doris) Kennedy of VA and sister-in-law, Joanne Vernaccini of LeRoy, along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Also survived by her best friends, Susan Ebrel, Patricia Carli and Linda (Jim) Macaluso and her dog, Molly.

     There will be no calling hours at Bonnie’s request. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy, NY.

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

Niagara Falls - Michael D. Krzemien, 76 of Niagara Falls, formerly of Silver Springs, passed away on Saturday (September 16, 2023) at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Krzemien was born May 23, 1947 in North Tonawanda, a son of the late Edward and Josephine (Wrazin) Krzemien.

Mike was a restaurateur having worked at the Silver Lake Sportsmans Club in Perry, managed the Driftwood Motel in Florida, and owned the Rendezvous Supper Club in Iowa. His personality was perfect for the restaurant business. He had the gift of gab, a wonderful sense of humor, and loved to party. Mike cherished time spent with is family and friends.

Surviving are his partner of over 30 years, John Rivera of Niagara Falls; sisters, Virginia (late Gordon) Mosher of Shortsville, Nancy (Thomas) Surtel of Silver Springs, and Rosemary Krzemien of Warsaw; sisters-in-law, Lynn Krzemien of Warsaw, Nancy Krzemien of Nunda, and Debra Krzemien of Castile. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death, Mike is reunited with his parents; brothers, Edward, Jack, and Ronald Krzemien; and sister, Deloris (late Daniel) Gelser.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Robinson and Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main Street in Warsaw.  Michael 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday (September 23, 2023) from St. Mary's Church, 23 Church Street in Silver Springs.  Private Interment.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County SPCA.  Online condolences at www.robinsonandhackemer.com.

Virginia Elizabeth “Ginnie” Skelton, 88 of Batavia passed away on September 14th at Crossroads House in Batavia surrounded by the love of her family.

Virginia was born in Varick, New York on November 14, 1934, the daughter of the late Kenneth L. and Esther E. (Landis) Jennings.

Virginia spent her early childhood in Varick and the surrounding area until her father took a transfer as a corrections officer from Auburn to Attica. She graduated from Attica High School in 1952, and from Brockport State Teachers College, part of the SUNY system, in 1956. Virginia began teaching in Corfu, New York during the 1956-1957 school year. A New Year’s Eve party in December 1956 introduced her to Ken; they were married in April 1957; lived in Batavia, Elba, and Oakfield and settled in the Town of Batavia to raise their children. Virginia taught full time until their fourth child was born in 1963 and restarted her teaching career as a substitute in Oakfield-Alabama, Elba, and Pembroke schools after their sixth child began school in 1973. In 1990, she and Ken moved to Chiefland, Florida where she worked a few years as an administrative assistant at their son’s farm, Levy County Dairy. They lived in Chiefland for nearly thirty years before moving back to New York in 2019 when Virginia lived at the Manor House in Batavia and Evergreen Place in Brockport before the Crossroads House. Virginia’s hobbies over the years included league bowling in Batavia and Chiefland, including an episode on “Strikes, Spares and Misses;” sewing mostly clothes for her daughters and a variety of Halloween costumes over many years, knitting and crocheting countless comforters, afghans, and baby blankets; and frequent coffee clutches with friends. Virginia took pride in hosting and cooking for holiday meals and reunions with extended family.

Survivors include her children Raymond of Williamston, Michigan, Ronald (Carolyn) of Williston, Florida, Leanne (Marlene) of Denver, North Carolina, Lynette (Paul) of Batavia, Jeffrey (Teresa) of Millstone Township, New Jersey, and Paul of Cranford, New Jersey; twelve grandchildren Mackenzie (Kyle) Skelton, Yvonne (Dustin) Skelton-Jones, Jennifer (Tanmay) Skelton, Andrew, Erica, and Stephanie Esten, Kenneth, Timothy, Christopher and Ella Skelton, and Joshua and Daniel Skelton; great-grandson Liam Esten and great-granddaughter Kamryn Esten; her sister Shirley Jennings and sister-in-law Susan Jennings, both of Attica, New York, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth D. Skelton in 2019, daughter-in-law, Angela of Cranford, New Jersey, brothers Donald and Kenneth, and sister Sharron Lapp.

Family and friends are invited to call on October 13, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Virginia's Memorial Service will immediately follow visitation at the funeral home. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.

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.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert C. Moscicki will be held at Ascension Parish Catholic Church in Batavia on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Immediately following Mass, there will be graveside services at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia, where Bob will be laid to rest with his wife, Lee and their son, Bruce. A Celebration of Life will take place after the burial at Terry Hills Restaurant from 11:30 AM ~ 2:30 PM. 

LeRoy ~ Joseph M. Szymanski, age 60, of Keeney Road, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family Wednesday evening (Sept. 13, 2023).  

   He was born June 5, 1963 in Medina, N.Y., a son of the late Joseph Szymanski Jr. and Lois Wagner Ayler.

     Joe will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, son, cousin and dear friend to many.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, who enjoyed teaching his outdoor skills of hunting and fishing to other young men.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 27 years, Nancy Antinore Szymanski; daughter, Kimberly Antinore; special parent, Robert Ayler; In-laws, Laurie Carlson, Joanne (Joseph) Dermady, Anthony Antinore and Carol (Susan Schinaman) Antinore, along with several cousins.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, Sept. 18 from 4 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family c/o Mrs. Nancy Szymanski, 8461 Keeney Road, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

Michael Baldwin, (Skully) age 55, died in his sleep on September 10^th, 2023, in the privacy of his own home in Batavia, New York.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Stephanie McGuire, girlfriend Stephanie Kellogg, her children Abby and Logan, sister Sheila Burnett and husband Roger Burnett, sister Mary Dewey, niece Nicole Watson and husband Ernie Watson, niece Dani Watkins and husband Todd Watkins, niece Julie Potter and partner Ian Fundling, niece Paige Brien and partner AJ Keiffer, niece Tia Brien, great nephews Douglas Watson, Brandon Watkins, great nieces Rachel Watson, Ally Watkins, Keri Keiffer, Kensley Keiffer, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. 

He was predeceased by his father Gilbert Irven Brien, his mother Elizabeth Baldwin, brothers Skip Brien, Scott Brien, sisters Linda Potter and Cindi Baldwin, as well as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Michael was born November 16, 1967, in Batavia, New York to his parents Elizabeth Baldwin and Gilbert Brien. A few days later Stephanie Kellogg was born in the same hospital, they were in the nursery together, later he would attend school in Oakfield, New York where he would meet and become childhood friends with Stephanie Kellogg. He later moved to Hamlin, New York where he attended Brockport High School.  He lived in California, and Texas for short stints but moved back to settle in Batavia, New York where he worked construction and lived with his mother until she passed in 2022.  His friends Mike Stack and Jerry Gibbs were like brothers from another mother to him.  Mike and Stephanie Kellogg reunited after many years and dated for the last 8 years of his life. In 2016 he was in a life changing motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Although this brought many obstacles, he overcame them with a smile and never gave up.

Mike was a great family man and loving father.  He was a very social, active man. He had just celebrated 25 years of sobriety on 8/29/23. He was deeply involved as a member of the Peacemakers MC since 2015, he was an active member of N.A., A.A., Recovery in the Woods, 7 Clan, and Friday Night Lights.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 1 Hamlin Beach State Park, Hamlin New York, 14464 Area 3 on Saturday, October 7^th 2023 from Noon-4pm.  His daughter Stephanie McGuire and family invite you to join them as they say goodbye and celebrate Michael’s life. 

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

Arrangements for Michael were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868. 

Pavilion - Michael Exford, 68, of Pavilion passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023 at Suzanne's Comfort Care Home in Perry, NY.

Michael was born Sunday, May 15th, 1955 in Dunkirk, NY a son of the late Harold and Dorothy (Jarvis) Exford.

He enjoyed hunting, camping, working as a leatherworker, and was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Michael loved spending time with his friends and family.  

Michael served his country in the US ARMY and later married the love of his life, Robin Cooper, on November 14,1981. Together they raised three wonderful children in a home full of love.

Michael is survived by his wife, Robin Exford of Pavilion; children, Sarah Oltz of Pavilion, Kathaleen (John Smith) Exford of NC, and Michael (Renae Michael) Exford Jr. of Buffalo; grandchildren, Charlotte Oltz, Ian Exford, Alex Smith, Isabelle Exford, Cassie Exford, McKenzie Daley, and one great grandchild; brothers, David Exford of Florida, Les Exford of South Carolina, and Harold "Scott" Exford Jr. of Indiana.

In death Michael is reunited with his parents, Harold and Dorothy Exford, and his sister, Debbie Driver.  

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. As per the families wishes there are no services at this time.

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

Attica- Wayne Pierce, age 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Eastside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. 

Born December 28, 1941 in Penn Yan and a 1960 graduate of Attica School, Wayne will be remembered as a hard worker, business owner (Pierce Paving), and a good friend. He enjoyed visiting friends and family, collecting trains & attending shows, and catching up with neighbors at many a local eating establishment.

He will be remembered by his children, Wayne "Chip" (Judy) Pierce, Dane (Wendy Ryan) Pierce, and Patrick (Dawn Ulm) Pierce; grandchildren Jennifer (Craig Romesser) Wall, Cory Balduf, Chelsea (Alexander) Jarosz, and MacKenzie Pierce. His memory will also carry-on with his great-grandchildren Scarlett Romesser, Imani Pierce, Isobel, Hunter, & Analise Jarosz.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Nurses and staff at Eastside that took such good care of Wayne the last few years, and for the kindness extended to family members to the very end of his stay.

In death Wayne is reunited with his mother Corine McLaughlin, and a special aunt, Marguerite Boldt.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home, Attica. There will be no calling hours or services at this time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Wayne's name to the Alexander Fire Department.

Ann Blair, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home in Batavia, surrounded by her family.

Ann was married to Lee Blair, who passed away in 2011. Lee and Ann were married for 58 years and had three children: Lee (Mary Ann) Blair, Jr. of Byron, New York, Laurel (Tom) Moormann of Cleveland Heights, Ohio and Edwin (Kathleen) Blair of Wytheville, Virginia. Ann is survived by her children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Britt and many nieces and nephews, including Kim and Mark Dewey and Don and Chrystal Britt, all of Byron, New York.

Ann was born on February 12, 1934, in Warsaw, New York to Blanche and Glenn Despard. She enlisted in the United States Air Force following graduation from Batavia High School. While stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi she met and married the love of her life, Lee Blair. Lee and Ann lived in Byron, New York for over 20 years, and then relocated to Wytheville, Virginia where they lived for almost 40 years. After raising her children, and completing a 20-year career as a laboratory technician, Ann resumed her education completing her Bachelor's Degree from Radford University and then completing her Masters of Divinity from Duke University. She was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1984 and served as pastor of several Methodist churches in the Holston Conference. She also served as District Superintendent of the Johnson City and Wytheville Districts prior to her retirement.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 2 pm at the Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main Street, Byron. A reception will immediately follow services in the Fellowship Hall. The family requests that gifts in Ann's name be made to the Byron Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 206, Byron, New York 14422 or Cedar Hill Methodist Church, 2953 Chapman Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Ann are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Batavia - John Anthony Riley, 76, of Batavia passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at his home in Batavia, New York.

John was born on March 4th, 1947 in Albany, New York a son of the late John Henry and Margaret (Stapf) Riley.

John graduated from Ravena-Coeymens-Selkirk High School as a member of the class of 1965, from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1969 (where he was a member of Alpha Zeta Fraternity), and received his EMBA from the University at Buffalo in 1997.

Early on, he was a farm manager at Deep Acres Farm in Kinderhook, NY, worked at
Lawnel Farms in York, NY, was in partnership at St. John Farms in Oakfield, NY, and established Irish Mist Farms in Batavia, which he ran from 1978 until 1994. In addition to his farming career, John worked at Godwin Pumps, with Dean Schaal Enterprises, at Bob’s Tree Service, Bailey Electric, Terminex, and ended his formal working life at My-T Acres Farm in Batavia. Following his “retirement” he began growing and selling Poppa Riley’s Popcorn, and more recently, the flowers that he so generously shared with the community.

John was a longtime member of the Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, a member of the finance committee, and a past President of the local Farm Bureau. He was an avid supporter of the YMCA and the Cornell Cooperative Extension. John could often be found swimming at the YMCA; he absolutely loved being in the water. He loved spending time with his family, was a hard worker and a great provider.

John is survived by his wife, Marcia (Hemenway) Riley, whom he married in 1970; children, John C. (Jessica) Riley and Kate J. Riley; grandchildren, John Davis Riley, Campbell Riley, Alexis Pape, Becca Pape, and Libby Pape; siblings, Joseph Riley and Mary (Rob) Maier; nephew, Ian (Martina) Maier; sister-in-law, Lynne Whetzel; nieces, Susan Whetzel (Torin Block) and Karen Whetzel (Anton Burkett).

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Rd, Corfu, NY 14036. John's funeral service will be held immediately following visitation at the same location. Burial will be in Batavia Cemetery at a later date. In honor of John, the family requests no formal floral arrangements, but they know he would be pleased to see what your gardens have grown; if you’re so inclined, bring a small bouquet from home to share.

Memorials may be made to Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Rd, Corfu, NY 14036.

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

Varysburg- Kathryn Everett Brent of Varysburg passed suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday evening, September 9, 2023.

Kathy was born August 3, 1973 the beloved daughter of Kathryn and Gerald VonLangen.

Kathy graduated Attica High School in 1991 and married Greg in 1995. She owned and ran Attica Family Salon from 1998 until 2016 before transitioning into a teacher’s aide /assistant role at Attica and then Warsaw schools. Kathy had a lifelong love of children, and passion for all things family. She loved to travel with her family, cook, participate in 5k track events, and root for the Buffalo Bills. Kathy’s compassion and charity were well known by all that had the privilege of spending time with her, and her impact on the lives of those she spent time with will continue on.

Beloved wife of Gregory Brent; loving mother of Heather and Dante Brent; daughter of Kathy and Jerry VonLangen; sister of Jason and Carrie (Staba) Everett; niece to Pat and Joe Rizzo, she will be dearly missed.
 

Family and friends may call on Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N Main St, Warsaw, NY 14569. Funeral services will be at the Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home at 10:00 am on Monday, September 18, 2023. She will be laid to rest in Pleasant View Cemetery, Orangeville.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home, Attica.To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Pavilion / Wyoming ~ J. Randolph “Randy” Starr, age 73, of Starr Road, passed away early Sunday morning (Sept. 10, 2023) at Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home in Perry.

     He was born December 12, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late George and Isabelle Rudgers Starr.

  Randy, better known as “Gump” to his grandsons, was a 1971 graduate of Alfred State College. He was a lifelong farmer and the 5^th generation Starr to run the same farm, which was in the family for over 200 years.  He will be remembered for his work ethic, his love for his family and his enjoyment of antique tractors.  Randy was also the caretaker for the Pavilion Cemetery for many years.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Cindy Wellman Starr; his children, Christopher Starr and Sarah (Timothy) Kingdon; grandchildren, Evan and Collin Kingdon; sisters-in-law, Debbie Starr, Ann (Duane) Stehlar; special friends, Judd (Janet) Ewell, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, Randy was predeceased by his brothers, James, William and Michael.

     Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Randy’s Life Service to be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1:00 PM at the Pavilion United Methodist Church, 11115 E. Park St., Pavilion, N.Y.  Interment will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pavilion Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 11, Pavilion, NY 14525 or Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home, 167 N. Main St., Perry, NY 14530. www.suzannescomfortcare.org/donate

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

Betty Schuler Coughlin, passed away on September 5, 2023 at home at the good ole age of 101.

She raised her four children until she started work at school where she was a teacher’s aide at Elba Central School for many years. Her students lovingly called her “Mrs. Betty” and often wore pink, her favorite color. She's perhaps most well known to “older” folks by one of her favorite sayings “Put your head down on the cot please!” Rest time was serious business and repeat offenders were dealt with accordingly.

She is predeceased by her husband, William Coughlin, who was a World War II Veteran serving in Okinawa. Her family always found it interesting that her birthday was Pearl Harbor Day. She is the daughter of the late Rolland and Evelyn Schuler and sister of the late Rolland Schuler and Janet Hensel.

She is survived by her daughters, Christine (late Dennis) Hanlon and Nancy (Peter) Harrington; sons, Peter Coughlin and William Coughlin; her sister, Cora Ann Richenberg; grandchildren, Megan (Joshua) Unger, Kristin (Christopher) Witty, Janelle (Joshua) Rinker, Kelly (Ryan) Hartz and Adam (Jennifer) Hanlon; great-grandchildren; Keelin, Ella, Max, Evelyn, Caroline, Cedella, Brady and Lincoln along with several nieces and nephews.

She was an avid dog lover. Her latest and favorite “Andy” passed away several months ago. They were inseparable friends and were usually found lying end to end on the couch. He would follow her everywhere to make sure she had no "mishaps" along the way.

When she was still able, she prided herself by dressing to attend all appointments. The various office staff would just shake their heads in awe when she entered the rooms or offices. All outfits were prepared the night before so there was no room for error.

There are no prior calling hours. A private service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Elba Presbyterian Church, 24 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058 towards their Sunday School Program or to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Robert Laverne Kruger, 81, of Corfu entered into God’s Kingdom, Tuesday, September 5, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born November 20, 1941, to the late Laverne and Marian (Etzold) Kruger.

Bob was a loving husband, brother, father, uncle, grandpa and Gpa who is survived by his wife, Juanita; son Michael, daughter Sherry (Andrew) Reeb, son Jeffery; grandchildren Alyssa (Trevor) Spiotta, Emilee (Michael) Harasimowicz, and Matthew; one and a half great grandchildren Brooks Spiotta and one arriving soon; brother, David(Andrea); sister, Shirley (Thomas)Williamson; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a special member of the family Deidre (Scott) Fitzgerald.  His memory will live on forever with his family who will miss him dearly. 

Bob graduated from Corfu High School and wore many hats throughout his lifetime. First and foremost he loved and was dedicated to being a farmer. He also worked for the Town of Pembroke and after retirement worked as a sub cleaner for Pembroke CSD. Bob was an active member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church including being an elder and “scramblin’ Bob” at church breakfasts.

To know Bob was to know a hard working and generous man full of charisma. Bob was extremely proud of his family and loved them deeply.  He was a man of many stories and could talk to anyone about anything. Most often found in jeans and a flannel, his presence will be greatly missed.  

Calling hours will be held at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu on Sunday, September 10, from 4 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 11, at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159 Corfu, New York 14036.