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Obituaries

Richard A. Luce

By T.J. Woodward
r

 

 

Richard A. Luce, 89 of Corfu, passed away on July 9, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born December 20, 1933 in Buffalo to the late Allan and Florence (Keiser) Luce. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann (Trzaska) Luce, siblings, Kenneth (Patty) Luce, Evelyn (George) Hanel. 

Dick was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired from General Motors in Rochester. Dick owned horses with Mary Ann that ran harness races, he loved taking care of them and was an avid bettor. He was very athletic and active, enjoying biking, jogging and walking. Dick loved sports, especially the Buffalo Bills.

He is survived by his children, Cheryl (Debbie Maniace) Luce of Batavia, LeeAnn (Brian) Swimline of E. Pembroke, Michael Luce of Medina, step-children, Dan (Jackie) Surdyk of Canandaigua, Carl (Michele) Surdyk of Boston, NY, Lynette (Greg) McGiveron of Basom, Scott (Deb) Sarama of Elkridge, MD, siblings, Sandra (the late Ralph) Richley, Geraldine (the late Jerry) Henry, Jacki (Rudolph) Humel, 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 4 to 8pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00am Celebration of his Life will take place on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, Lancaster. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia, Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave, 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.   

Bernadette A. Meyers Peterson

By T.J. Woodward
Bernadette

Bernadette (Bernie) A. Meyers Peterson went home to be with the Lord on Saturday July 8, 2023 at the young age of 63 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Batavia, a lifetime resident of the surrounding area and spent the majority of her life in manufacturing as well as tending to an oversize garden of green peas and potatoes on the family farm.

Bernie is survived by her life partner John Peterson of Warsaw and his son Jonathan of Alexander. Her siblings: Teresa (late Al) Thorley of Alexander, Jim (Linda) Meyers of East Bethany, Vince (Marie) Meyers of Alexander, Fran (Greg) Michalak of Ashville, Anne (Tom) Vanderbosch of Alexander, Tom (Heather) Meyers of Montezuma and Jen (Joe) Decker of Belmont. Also survived by aunts, and uncles, many nieces and nephews, grandnephews and a plethora of cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Virginia Meyers.

In her final days, Vickie and George Matteson were always there to tend to her needs.

There will be a Celebration of Life at West Middlebury Baptist Church 4950 W Middlebury Road, East Bethany, NY 14054 at 10AM on Saturday July 22, 2023 followed by a gathering from 11AM to 3PM in the church social center.

She will be laid to rest next to her grandmother M. Cecelia Meyers at St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wilmont Cancer Center 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642 (she received the most wonderful care from Dr. Yirinec and his staff at the Batavia location) or the York Animal Hospital Stray Animal Fund 2275 Main St., York, NY 14592 (who took the best care of her fur babies – Kitty, PK, and Renny). 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.

Lt. Col. Todd M. "Sparky" Randall, USAF NC Retired

By Joshua Smith
Randall

Lt Col Todd M. “Sparky” Randall, age 69, of Batavia, NY (formally of Greensburg, PA), passed away Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18th, 2023, at United Memorial Medical Center. 

Todd was born January 7th, 1954, in Batavia, a son of the late Paul I Randall and Joyce Ames Randall of Elba. Todd attended Elba Central School (ECS) where his leadership skills emerged early as Class President, grades 7-12. Additionally, Todd’s athleticism netted him letters in football and in his favorite sport, tennis, playing with good friend, Bart Dentino. Todd also had a touch of musical talent playing trombone in the ECS band. Graduating in 1972, Todd was in the top ten of his class. Interestingly, his Mom was ECS secretary and typed his honors letter along with the nine others. Summers and most any down time, found Todd at CY Farms working and playing beside his best friend, Chris Yunker; both under the watchful eye of Carl and the loving care of Bernice. Many stories told and untold still linger amidst those barns and fields. 

Todd attended the State University of New York, Brockport. Majoring in Nursing, he earned his Bachelors in 1976, graduating with honors. Todd took his first job at the VA Hospital in Batavia. Inspired by the veterans for whom he cared; Todd joined the United States Air Force in 1978. After three years at March AFB, Riverside CA, talk of orders came, but southern California had won his heart. Todd departed the Air Force in 1981 and took his first intensive care job at Loma Linda Hospital. The fire was lit. His knowledge and expertise in critical care exploded and was noted: Todd became a licensed RN legal consultant/expert witness. 

But, spurred by memories of his 1980 Air Force Flight School, Todd re-entered the USAF in 1984 at Maxell AFB, Montgomery AL. As Captain, he was put in charge of their small ICU. Todd immediately recognized the unit was outdated, so found himself in the Commander’s office pushing for modernization. Soon he was working side by side engineers designing the hospital’s new ICU. Todd’s critical care expertise, leadership and relentless effort to meet any challenge head on won him his next assignment to the 1st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron, Pope AFB, Fayetteville, NC. 

At Pope, Todd was immersed in a world of high energy, fast paced, critical care, field nursing, i.e., in his glory. He was immediately welcomed by the C-130 “Tarmac Toads” and became “Sparky” after hit by a fractured lightning bolt while teaching Self-Aid and Buddy Care at co-located Ft Bragg. Professionally, Todd soared becoming Chief of Standards & Evaluation (StandEval) where he managed and conducted C-130 flight emergency procedures as well as crew evaluations and certifications for tactical aerovac. Dec 1989 brought the pinnacle of Todd’s career: 1st AES deployment in support of Operation Just Cause, Panama. Todd was an integral team member who performed life-saving interventions, stabilizing wounded soldiers for aeromedical evacuation and sadly, bringing home some of those killed in action.

Late 1990, Todd’s Pope experience led him to the small, remote, tri-service base of Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal. Small meant many “hats.” Todd served as Assistant Chief Nurse, Emergency Room (ER) Officer In Charge (OIC) of the best group of ER techs ever and Staff Development & Training OIC. Hot off his flying assignment, Todd helped create an Aerovac Coordinator position moving Army, Navy and Air Force troops stateside for more in depth or intensive care. From that sprouted Todd’s one nurse deep--Aquavac Coordinator--rescuing critically ill Navy crew from passerby subs via a pontoon boat. At Lajes, Todd pinned on Major. Outside the business of work, Todd managed to engage another Air Force nurse, Capt Lisa Alsippi. With his favorite Chief Nurse’s blessing, Todd and Lisa were married 19 Oct 1991.

Now “joint spouse,” the Randall’s headed for Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK. Here, Todd ran the Special Care Unit, obtained his Master’s in Business Organizational Management and completed Air War College. But in 1995, Todd attained his greatest life achievement---a father to a son, Collin. 

After four gorgeous years in Alaska and a very long, but interesting drive down the Al Can with his Dad, Todd arrived at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH. At this major medical center, Todd served as OIC of the surgical floor. He eventually made his way to Medical Readiness earning kudos from base and civilian authorities for developing in-depth, highly realistic base exercises. Here, he pinned on Lieutenant Colonel.

From Dayton, Todd proceeded to Scott AFB, Bellville, IL where he again managed a surgical floor at a major medical center. Now a Lt Col with tactical aerovac experience, highly regarded clinical expertise and exceptional leadership skills, Todd attained his premier and final position as Chief Nurse, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, overseeing, directing and flying the final missions of the C-9 Nightingale prior to its retirement. On Sep 30, 2002, Todd retired after 22 years of service. 

Following Lisa to Mt Home AFB, Mt Home, ID, Todd was not very good at being “retired”, so applied for a hospital, GS-11, Medical Readiness Manager position. Todd took a mess of a program and made it shine. His efforts not only won a base award, but an Air Combat Command award, and beyond that, Air Force Medical Readiness Manager of the Year. With that, the ultimate: an F-15 Fighter jet ride. His “fun meter was pegged.” 

Todd moved to Greensburg PA, near Lisa’s folks, when she retired in 2006. He worked in a local cardiac unit, but ulcerative colitis took over his world. Todd became severely ill from 2008-2011, nearly dying. He eventually got back on his feet and took his all-time desired retirement job--“Custodian”-- at Charter Oak United Methodist Church. Here, thanks to the lead pastor and some very special staff, Todd grew in his beliefs and relationship with God. 

In 2014, Todd returned to his heartland, Genesee County, NY, bought a house and made it his life project. He joined Northgate Free Methodist Church where he served as usher, helped with church beautification/construction projects and visited/helped shut-in veterans and church members. Thanks to his Pastor and very good friend, Vern Saile, his small group and many others from the Saturday evening service, Todd’s knowledge and understanding of the Bible grew immensely and his relationship with the Lord flourished. Todd also became an extensive gardener like his Dad and later, a near-crazed exerciser, especially cycling. However, late 2021, Todd started to notice changes in his muscles and strength. In early 2022, the symptoms became inhibiting and in Oct 2022, Todd was diagnosed with Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) a cousin/sub-type of ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease which, along with Crohn’s, eventually stole his life. 

Todd is survived by his son, Collin Randall of St Louis, his mother, Joyce Randall and brother, Dave (Laura) Randall both of Batavia; his niece, Emily (Joe) DeSantis of Silver Spring, MD, his nephew, Wesley Randall of Bethel, CT and his former spouse and good friend, Lisa Randall, of New Derry, PA. 

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Paul I Randall and first ex-wife, Barbara (Zigrossi) Randall of Oakfield. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 10 am to 11 am at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. Todd’s Memorial service with military honors will follow visitation at 11 am or via https://www.facebook.com/northgatefmc.  Pastor Vern Saile will officiate his services.  A reception will follow memorial services in the church common area. Interment will be private at Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba, NY. 

Donations may be made in Todd’s memory to Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020, The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, Virginia, 22209 or The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, National Headquarters, Attn: Financial Operations, 733 Third Street, Suite 510, New York, New York 10017.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

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

                                                                                             Aimin’ High, Going Far, carry on good friend. 

Robin S. Johns

By T.J. Woodward
j

Robin S. Johns, 60, of Clifton Springs, NY passed away on July 1, 2023. She was born on June 16, 1963 in Niagara Falls to the late Earl and Donna Thyret. 

She is survived by her 4 daughters; Tanya Thyret, Jessica (Richard) Galluzzo, Andrea Capwell and Traci (Aaron) Pierce; 5 grandchildren Tracy, Joshua, Micah, Levi, Dominick and Stella; Sister Tammy Sumbler; brother Bobby Higgens, along with several nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of her Life will take place at a later date.

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.

Mr. Thomas R. Sobczak

By Joshua Smith
Sobczak

Thomas Sobczak, age 86, of Batavia, passed away on June 30, 2023 at Premier Genesee Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with Leukemia.

Tom joined the United States Navy in 1954. Following his discharge from the Navy, he worked for the United States Postal Service from 1964 -1989 as a mail carrier in Buffalo. After moving to Genesee County, Tom worked for Surecast and Orcon for several years. Tom and Sally moved to Florida whereTom retired from the State of Florida Highway Department.

Tom is survived by his companion, Sally Teabout, his son, Christopher Sheer (Sheryl) and daughter Kim Lambert, both of Leander, Texas; three granddaughters, Emma, Riley and Gracie. Tom is also survived by Sally’s children, Mark (Sue Ellan) Bates of Corfu, Scott (Sue) Bates of Basom and the late Cindy Miano; Sally’s six grandchildren, Jaime, Nicole, Kristina, Mitchell, Melanie and Hillary along with 8 great grandchildren.

Tom was a member of the American Legion Post 332. Tom enjoyed fishing, cooking and watching the game shows. Tom was a big fan that cheered on the Florida State Seminoles, Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres! He enjoyed spending time with family and camp fires. One of Tom’s biggest joys was with the family pets, especially his Jellybean!

At the request of Tom, there will be no calling hours. He will be laid to rest with military honors on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 11 am at Western New York National Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Robert S. Peet

By Lisa Ace

 

Robert Peet Obituary

Robert S. Peet, formerly of West Seneca, NY, entered into rest on June 30, 2023. He was born on June 19, 1949, to Raymond Lloyd Peet Jr. and Dorothy Tennet. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Leslie Ann (nee Sullivan) Peet; his sons, Steven and Scott, and his two grandchildren, Isabella and Ozzy; his two brothers, Douglas (Donna), Russell (Liza); his great-aunt Jean, and his uncle Pete. 

Robert graduated from Batavia High School in 1967, where he wrestled and played trombone in the high school band. From there, he enrolled in St. Lawrence University, continuing to wrestle and belonging to the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. To support himself through college, he worked for Oatka Milk Products as a lab technician for 8 years. Upon returning home to Batavia, Robert enrolled in the American National Guard and begun attending University of Buffalo Dental School, where he graduated in 1976. In time, Robert purchased, opened and operated his own practice as a solo dentist. In his free time, Robert was an avid fisherman. He loved his boats and motorcycles and enjoyed a good round of golf. Robert will be truly missed by all those he has come to love. 

A Celebration of Robert’s life will be held August 16, 2023, at Fireman’s Park in West Seneca, where his family and friends will meet from 3-6PM.

Barbara A. Guppenberger

By T.J. Woodward
b

Barbara A. Guppenberger (90 years old) a long time resident of Batavia passed away following a brief illness, in Spencerport surrounded by family on Tuesday Feb. 14, 2023.

Barbara was born in Batavia on January 3, 1933, a daughter of Mary Zeitz and August Guppenberger. Following her graduation from Batavia High School in 1950 she began her 30 plus years of employment at the New York Telephone company in Batavia, rising to a position of foreman.

She is survived by her brother James (Jean) Guppenberger of Titusville, FL; and predeceased by her sisters: Mary (John) Yunker, Helene (Robert) Beuler, and Lois (John) Gringer as well as her brothers: Francis (Carol) Guppenberger, Rev. August Guppenberger and Joseph Guppenberger.

She is also survived by a multitude of nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, great-great nieces & nephews and great-great-great nieces & nephews. Over the years Barbara spent her leisure time driving her boat on Conesus Lake, completing paint by number pictures, painting ceramic sculptures and bowling. She will be greatly missed by all, her gracious and loving devotion to her family continues to be a guiding light for all to follow.

Friends and family are invited to attend an 11:00AM Memorial Mass on Saturday July 8, 2023 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia. Barb was buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the donor’s choice. To leave messages 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.

Stefan J. Stockton

By Joshua Smith
Stefan J. Stockton

Stefan J. Stockton, 88, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2023.

Born to the late Burton and Britta (Bird) Stockton on April 22, 1935, Stef was a life-long Batavia resident.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Judith Rose Stockton, their three daughters; Stefanie Stockton-Kobos, Kimberly (Carl) Pepe and Melody (Mike) Cole, along with 6 grandchildren; Valerie (Isaac) Hartunen, Andrew Dardaris, Christina McCartney, Grace Pepe, and Caiden and Conner Stockton-Kobos.  Also survived by brother-in-law, Fred Hyde, Mark (Liz) Hoover and numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his sister, Sedra Hyde.

Stef's family was his first love and he enjoyed playing games and spending time with family.  He also had numerous beloved family pets over the years and he could often be seen walking his dog throughout town.  He was a die-hard Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees fan. He enjoyed family picnics, bowling and in his retirement,  trips to Batavia Downs.  He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and worked for UPS for 30 years.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately. Stef will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers For Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021 www.vol4animals.org/donations.

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

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

Michael D. Borkholder

By T.J. Woodward
m

Michael D. Borkholder, 60, of Oakfield passed away Monday July 3, 2023. He was born on December 10, 1962 to John and Beverly (Cranston) Borkholder of Oakfield. 

Micheal is survived by his loving wife; Janet Borkholder; children Jamie (Caleb) Morrow, Jonas (Victor Wiedemann) Borkholder, Stacy (Keith) Snyder, Tracey (Mark) Burgio; Grandchildren Gavin, Lilly, Tucker, Trake, Tryson, Connor; Siblings Debbie (Buzz) Lowe, Steve (Lisa) Borkholder, Jim (Becky) Borkholder; along with several nieces and nephews and also great nieces and nephews and his Dog children; Zach and Zoey. 

Mike was the Head of Maintenance at United Memorial since 2011. He was self-employed for many years (Polar Refrigeration) and was a well-known butcher at the Meat shop, and even found time to do house renovations for family and friends. He was involved in the 4H Club as a child up through being a leader with his kids in swine club and forming shooting sports club. Mike Coached Stacy’s softball, loved hunting, archery, taking his kids fishing and Caribbean vacations with his family and friends. You could find him hanging out at the range with family and friends 3d archery, trap shooting, or enjoying a Busch Light can with the tab always at 10 o’clock and loved Tropi wine. Mike will be remembered as a funny, witty, intelligent man who loved spending time with his grandkids and was a Jack of all trades and was never too busy to lend a helping hand. He was a workaholic, always cracking jokes and had a unique personality that made him loved by all. 

Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday July 9, 2023 from 1:00PM – 4:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Monday July 10th at the Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County 4H Club 420 East Main St. 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.

Karl R. Klein

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Karl R. Klein, age 73, of Parmelee Road, passed away early Sunday morning (July 2, 2023) at home in the loving presence of his family.

     He was born January 15, 1950 in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Roger and Helen Dunkle Klein.

   

Karl Klein

  Karl was a 1968 graduate of East High School in Rochester. He then served his country honorably with the U.S. Army.  He started his career with Case Hoyt, where he worked as a printer for 12 years. 

     Karl was a visionary.  Karl and his brother, Paul moved to LeRoy.  That is when he purchased “One Main Street” in LeRoy and transformed it into The Ganson Inn.  He then moved to a farmhouse in Stafford on Route 5, where he provided a “take out service”.  That is also when he started his business, Ganson Rose Equipment, providing quality restaurant equipment, which he operated until his passing.  Karl was a great chef.

     In November 2014, he married the love of his life, Debbie, which he called her his angel.     

     Karl will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and dear friend, who always looked out for everyone else.  He was known for his sincere question of “do you need anything?”, which he would offer up to family and friends. During relaxing time, Karl enjoyed his many trips to the Batavia Downs Casino.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Debbie Kerr Klein; daughter, Rachael (Rob) Kuszlyk of Batavia; sons, Tim (Steve) Adams of Stafford and Scott (Kelly) Adams of Caledonia; siblings, Roger (Fran) Klein of Lebanon, TN, Vern (Gloria) Klein of Johnson City, TN, Ruth Klein of Farmington, Rose (Larry) White of North Rose and Paul Klein of LeRoy; he cherished his grandchildren, Colton, Crew, Hadley, James, Quinn, Kris, Kameron, and Kaden; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  He will also be sadly missed by his beloved dog, Remi.

     In addition to his parents, Karl was predeceased by his sister, Rita Moose and brother, Steve Klein.

     Family and friends are invited to share in Karl’s Celebration of Life to be held on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 11 AM ~ 3 PM, with his eulogy at 12 PM, at The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, 6492 Main Road (Rt. 5), Stafford, N.Y.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Wilmot Cancer Institute, 300 E. River Road, PO Box 278996, Rochester, N.Y. 14627 and Genesee Cancer Assistance, 207 Summit Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020.

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

Grace Marie (Fox) Leanen

By LaVern Falcone

Stafford ~ Grace Marie (Fox) Leanen, age 91, of Route 237, passed away Saturday morning (July 1, 2023) at home in the loving presence of her family.

     She was born October 18, 1931 in Fonda, N.Y., a daughter of the late Roland and Frieda VonHahmann Fox.

     Grace was a 1948 graduate of Fonda High School and a 1952 graduate of the University of Buffalo where she majored in Home Economics.  She taught Home Economics for one year in Corfu and 28 years in LeRoy.

     She was a member of the Morganville United Church of Christ, where she was also a member of the Ladies Aid, a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher’s Sorority, a volunteer for Catholic Charities, member of the Town of Stafford Historical Society, the Red Hatters, served as the Morganville Cemetery secretary for many years and helped with the Town of Stafford voting.

     She will be sadly missed by her son, Wayne C. Leanen; daughter, Linda (Harry) Garner; grandchildren, Jennifer (Bill) Gannon, Karl Leanen, Matt (Sumer) Garner and Aaron (Colleen) Garner; great-grandchildren, Lexi Hobart, Luke, Dakota and Kayla Gannon, Sadie, Chloe, Palynn and Haylee Garner; sister-in-law, Beverly Fox, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Edward C. Leanen; brothers, Roland Fox Jr. and Kenneth J. Fox; sister-in-law, Roberta Fox; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harry and Ruth Leanen, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and  Mary Waterman and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Amy Leanen.

     At Grace’s request there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to Grace’s Celebration of Life Service to be held on Sunday, July 16 at 2:00 PM at the Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford, NY. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Morganville United Church of Christ.

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

Carol C. Esch

By Lisa Ace
Carol C. Esch, 88 of Corfu, passed away peacefully, Monday, July 3, 2023, with her family by her side.
She was the wife of the late August J. Esch and sister of the late Lenore Zimmerman.
 
Carol is survived by her brother, Joel Cristall; her daughters, Aimee (David) Cummings and Bonnie Esch (Kevin); her son Joseph Esch; her grandchildren, Andrew (Cara) Rindell, Brandon (Racheal) Rindell, Brooke Cummings, Jody Hanel, Jamie Hanel and many cherished great grandchildren.
 
Family and friends may call Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main Street, Corfu, New York.

Raymond W. Schramm Sr.

By Joshua Smith
Schramm

Batavia - Raymond W. Schramm Sr., age 64, of Batavia passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Raymond was born Saturday, February 7th, 1959, in Batavia, New York, a son of the late Ronald and Theodora (Andrews) Schramm. 

He enjoyed watching wrestling, NASCAR, college football, and especially the Tennessee Volunteers. Raymond loved spending time with his wife, gatherings with his family, and seeing his grandchildren. 

Raymond graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School in 1977. Later he met the love of his life, Edna Bigelow, and they were married on October 19, 1985, in Batavia, NY. Raymond loved trucking and worked most of his life as a truck driver for Leonard's Express Inc.

Surviving is his wife, Edna Schramm of Batavia; children David (Victoria) Salamone of Warsaw, Raymond (Jessica) Schramm Jr. of Oakfield, William (Rianne) Schramm of Gates, Andrew (Savannah) Schramm of Batavia, and Zachary Schramm of Batavia; grandchildren, Shawntavia, Kenon, Tyler, Brooke, Bryson, Katie, Sammy, Nick, Mason, Xzavier, and William Jr. ; great grandchildren, Ishawani, Ithena, Xavier; siblings, Peter (Elizabeth) Schramm of Ernul, NC, Scott (Lori) Schramm of Middleport and an uncle that was like a brother to him, Rick (Sonya) Andrews of Byron.

Preceded in death by his siblings, Ronald H, Schramm Sr., and Cindy Day.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, July 10th, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St. Batavia, NY.  Raymond 's funeral service will be held at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St. Batavia, NY on Monday, July 10th, 2023, at 12:00 pm.  Burial will be in Byron Cemetery in Byron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lipson Cancer Institute, 330 Monroe Avenue Suite 400. Rochester, NY 14607.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Jacob "Jack" Peters

By Joshua Smith
Peters

 Jacob (Jack) Peters 

Bergen, NY. 11/13/30-07/01/23

Jack was born in Erie, PA on November 13, 1930 and graduated from Academy H.S., Erie. From 1954-1962 he owned an Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Erie and managed a Fred Astaire Studio in Niagara Falls, NY. Jack was a floor covering distributor salesman for over 40 years, selling Amtico tile, Bruce hardwood and Armstrong carpet and hard surface products. Together with Art Goodreds he co-owned Niagara Wholesale Floor Covering in Buffalo NY for a number of years. He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Kathryn (Gerlock) Peters, his sister and brother-in-law Dolores and George Gibb, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Mary (Hanes) Peters, and his childhood friend of over 70 years, Donald Ross. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Margaret Ann Peters, his children: Mary Kay Peters, Kathryn (David) Fedison, John (Joanne) Peters, Jacqueline (Paul) Walters, and Jacob Peters, III., his granddaughters, Madeline and Samantha Peters, his nephew Robert (Kathy) Gibb and his nieces: Victoria (Bill) Peterson and Tamara (Joyce) Peters. There will no prior calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 2:15 pm at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 4523 Love Road, Erie, PA.  The family will provide the flowers.  To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit; www.Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.com.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him”.

Teresa (Fix) Lawrence

By T.J. Woodward
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Teresa (Fix) Lawrence, 69, of Batavia, NY, passed away, peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023.  She was born September 2, 1953.  She is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Joseph R. Lawrence, her parents, Edward E. and Ursula (Horgan) Fix, and her father-in-law Robert E. Lawrence. 

Teresa is survived by her loving children, Marie (Shawn) Bigsby, John (Carrie) Lawrence, Catherine Lawrence (Ronald Schramm), & Elizabeth (Nicholas) Grasso, and adoring grandchildren, Emma, Brock, & Ryan Bigsby, Sophia and Jack Lawrence, and Gia and Joseph Grasso. Teresa is also survived by her mother-in-law, Frances (Radley) Lawrence, her siblings, John (Corinne) Fix, James (Christine) Fix, and Marie (Randall) Smith, her in-laws William (Margaret) Lawrence, Nancy (Richard) Hale, Robert (Diane) Lawrence, JoAnn (Steven) Hyde, and several nieces and nephews.    

Teresa was a caring mother and grandmother. She always enjoyed watching her grandchildren and telling others about them.  Teresa spent many summers vacationing at Black Lake, Oneida Lake, and Horseshoe Lake with her family.  

Teresa worked as an LPN for the VA hospital in Batavia.  She loved taking care of all of her patients.  She also babysat for many families in her home while her children were growing up.  She cared for those children like they were her own. 

Teresa will be missed by family and friends alike.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive attitude.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, July 7th from 10:30AM -12:00PM at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020.  A 12:00PM Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester 333 Westmoreland Drive Rochester, NY 14620. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.comArrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

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