Obituaries

Eunice H. Gardner, 92, of Bergen, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at her home.

Eunice was born July 20, 1930 in the town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, New York to the late John and Ada Milleville Mueller.  She graduated from Niagara Falls High School.  On May 17, 1961, she was united in marriage to Harry Gardner, who passed away in November 1989.

Eunice was an active member of St.Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia. She loved serving her Lord in many ways. One of her favorite ways was meeting every Tuesday with her gal pals, where she hand sewed hundreds of quilts for Lutheran World Relief, for well over 30 years.

For many years Eunice was a child care provider, and has stayed in contact with many of them. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. She also enjoyed going out with the Gilliam Grant lunch group, Silver Sneakers, and taking day trips to the Amish Villages and stores.  Along with gardening, Eunice enjoyed putting puzzles together, doing crossword puzzles, adult coloring, baking and going on Facebook. Her greatest joy was spending time at family gatherings enjoying the active great grandchildren and crazy fun of the Saran wrap ball at Christmas.

Her marriage was blessed by two sons, Peter of Bergen and Philip (Dee) also of Bergen: a grandson, Jordan and three granddaughters, Nicole (Angelo) Antonini, Kelly (Steve) Panek and Caitlyn Saville, three great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a brother, Delbert (Gerda) Mueller of Texas; three nieces and one nephew.

Preceded in death by brother, Melvin Mueller and her step mother, Ella Mueller.

Eunice was a kind, loving woman of God and she will be deeply missed.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m.  She will be laid to rest in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in York.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church,  31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Arrangements for Eunice were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Brockport ~ Benjamin John Lathan, age 22, formerly of Bergen, passed away unexpectedly.

    

He was born August 19, 2000 in Batavia, a son of John P. Lathan and Amy Burch Kohorst.

     Ben was a very kind and loving person who would go out of his way to help others. He loved his family and his friends, but most of all he loved being outside, whether it was for hunting or fishing, gathering up his chickens or building a pig stall. But his favorite thing to do was sitting around a bonfire with all of his favorite people around.

     His smile and laughter would brighten up a room no matter where he was.

     He is survived by his father, John Lathan of Bergen; his mother; Amy Burch Kohorst of Stafford; his brother, Jeffrey Kohorst of Piffard, his sister and brother-in-law, Alyssa Wood and Micheal Pinkerton of Stafford, his brother, Edwin Lathan of Stafford; his nieces and nephew, Rylee Wood, Everlee Pinkerton and Weslee Wood of Stafford and nephew, Corby Copani-Kohorst of Florida; his grandparents, Gerald and Elaine Burch of Stafford and Grace and the late Edwin Lathan of LeRoy, along with many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

     Memorials may be made to the family. A Celebration of Ben’s Life will be held soon.

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

Mr. Dennis Francis Brown, 78, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, after a short illness. He passed peacefully with the knowledge that he was greatly loved and adored by his loved ones, and that his loved ones knew how deeply he loved and cared for them as well.

Dennis was born on November 28, 1944 in Newport News, VA to his late and loving parents, Francis and Thelma Brown. He was a brilliant chemist who graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Pharmacy. He worked as a pharmacist throughout most of his life and retired at the age of 74 from Attica Correctional Facility. For the better part of his life he resided in Warsaw NY.

Dennis is survived by his younger sisters, Marilynn Palotti (Dave) and Judith Barber (Sig). He had 3 loving daughters, Sara Bell (Logan), Jill Jackson (Chad) and Emily Brown. He had 4 adoring grandchildren, Jett, Bella, Gunner and Kathryn, and 5 nieces and nephews. Not to mention countless friends and other extended family members who thought the world of him.

Being the outdoorsman that he was, Dennis had a love and true passion for hunting, fly fishing, target shooting, camping and golfing in particular. It gave him great pleasure to pass his knowledge on to others and there are a lot of great hunters, sharp shooters and fly fisherman out there now, thanks to him. He loved fly tying, reading and was a fabulous cook. He enjoyed classical music and later in life even became a country music fan. He was a member of the Wyoming Conservation Association where he spent a lot of his time in his final years target shooting with his fellow “Range Rats”.

In the weeks preceding his passing and during the time after, his family has received an outpouring of loving thoughts. Dennis was clearly admired and respected by anyone who knew him. Many have called him “a legend”, “quick witted”, “a genius”, “had the best dry sense of humor”, “genuine”, “compassionate”, “protective”, “unique”, “generous”, “a mentor”, “a phenomenal father”, “a proud grandpa”, and the list goes on and on. Though he had many accomplishments and wonderful qualities about him, Dennis will be forever known as a great and proud dad and grandfather who loved his children unconditionally. Those were the roles he truly embraced the most. As we mourn the loss of a great man, know that Dennis would want everyone to celebrate him and carry out his legacy by living our best life possible. He always did one thing every day that brought him happiness and encouraged others to do so as well.

A memorial service will be held in or near Warsaw, NY at a date to be determined. Loved ones will be contacted through family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wyoming Conservation Association in his honor. The secretary contact and address is: Jack Plowe at 8813 Lovers Lane Rd, Corfu, NY 14036

Batavia - Tyler P. Schroeder, 31 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, (March 22, 2023) at his home.

Tyler was born January 23, 1992 in Batavia, a son of Kevin (Myra) Schroeder of Warsaw and Kimberly (Thomas) Mikolajczyk of Oakfield.

Tyler was a skilled, passionate, and creative glass blower and was looking forward to starting his own business. He was an adventurer who loved to travel and snowboard.

Surviving along with his parents are his siblings, Alyssa (Chris) Macomber of LeRoy, Morgan (Ryan Worthington) Mikolajczyk of Hilton, Austin Schroeder of Texas, Jesse Claud of Warsaw, Devon Schroeder of Buffalo, Skylar Claud of Vermont, Matthew Schroeder of Elba, and Emilee Schroeder of Warsaw; he was uncle to Kree Macomber, Kailynn Worthington, and Atreus Macomber; paternal grandmother, Suzanne Schroeder of Batavia; maternal grandparents, Pat and Sharon LaFarnara of Oakfield. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

In death, Tyler is reunited with his grandparents, Brian Schroeder, and Frank and Barbara Mikolajczyk.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield, where Tyler's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 6:00 p.m. Burial in St. Cecilia's Cemetery in Oakfield will be private.

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

Ed Layton, 82, of Corfu, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 19, 2022, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Edward was born December 2, 1940, in Franklin, New Jersey. He graduated from Newton High School in 1959 and studied horticulture at Alfred Sate Tech, Alfred, NY. He went to work in the flower business and for many years, had owned his own shop, Flowers by Edward in Newton, New Jersey.

Ed is predeceased by his parents Charles and Helen Branham Layton; sister-in-laws'  Alison Gordon Miller Walton, Karen Gordon Zambito, Carol Morely Gordon and brother-in-laws’ Richard Washer and Paul Walton.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen Gordon Layton; his sons Gregory Edward (Karyn) Layton of Rockaway, New Jersey, Brett (Heather) Layton of Wilmington, North Carolina, Matthew Layton of Corfu, and daughter, Kara Beth (Steven) Layton Kljajic of Toronto, Canada. Ed had a special relationship with his younger brother, Everett (Leigh Anne) of Indianapolis, Indiana and his, “big sister” Shirley Washer of New Castle, Delaware. Ed is survived by his brother-in-laws’, Wally Gordon of Penn Yann, New York, Mark (Jean) Gordon of Selkirk, New York and Aunt Edie Layton Bale of Newton, New Jersey. He was the proud grandfather “Poppy”  of Gordon “Mitch” (Abby) Layton, Aaron Layton, Zachary Edward Layton, Isabel Layton, Emma Evelyn Kljajic and Ava Kljajic. Poppy (Dad) had a special relationship with each of his children and also each beloved grandchild. Ed is survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ed, ”Big Ed”, “Chief”, was an easy going, non-judgmental, fun loving, kind soul. He loved his family, his many dear friends, fishing, horseshoes, golf, all sports, TV, country music and playing cards, all with a bit of mischief! His dog Charlie was very special to him.He enjoyed the outdoors, flowers, gardens and mowing his lawn. Ed loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish and spent time in Canada, Keuka Lake, Wallenpaupack and the Outer Banks enjoying his pipe, his family, friends and fishing! He always had time to be a listener and liked to tinker and solve mechanical problems. Ed will be so very missed by many.

Services will be held at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu, NY at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. Family will greet friends from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036 or Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church, 1 Yellow Frame Rd., Fredon Township, NJ 07860.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church, Newton, NJ, later in the spring.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 E. Main Street, Corfu, NY.

East Pembroke - Margery Louise Bartholf, 75, daughter of Wilbur and Adelle (Scroger) Bartholf, died on March 22, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital of complications of diabetes.

Margery was born on July 9, 1947 in Batavia. She attended Oakfield-Alabama School, graduating in 1965 with a Regents Scholarship in Nursing. She continued her education at the Wyoming County Community Hospital School of Nursing (in conjunction with the University of Buffalo), graduating with her RN Degree in 1968. She was then hired by the (then) Genesee Memorial Hospital, working the night shift on the geriatric ward. She decided to spread her wings a bit and went with a friend from nursing school to a position at Encinitas Hospital near Camp Pendelton, California. She worked there for a few years until she experienced an earthquake during one of her shifts. That was enough to bring her back to New York. Margie then worked as office nurse for Dr. Egeli for a few years and finally ended up working for many years at Summit Physical Therapy on Chandler Avenue in Batavia.

Margie loved to travel, enjoying bus tours and cruises with family and friends. She was active in her church (St. Paul Lutheran) and also in the American Legion Auxiliary #332. She enjoyed bowling (once appearing on "Bowling with the Stars" with her mother), reading a good book, and working a crossword puzzle. Her favorite activty however was counted cross stitch, the more involved the piece, the better. She loved the challenge and the intricacy of a good piece of handwork.

Margery is predeceased by her parents and by their infant son, Wilbur M. Bartholf, Jr., her longtime companion, Herbert Genagon, and many cousins on both sides of the family.

She is survived by brothers, Lawrence W. (Linda) Bartholf of Ellenville, New York, and David P. Bartholf of East Pembroke; and by a sister, Mary Ann (Jim) Neider of Stafford. Nieces, a nephew, great-nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday (March 31, 2023) from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Street in Batavia, where Margie's memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. The church is handicap accessible. Private burial will be held in Byron Cemetery in Byron. Flowers are gratefully declined but memorials may be made in Margery's name to St. Paul Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements for Margie were entrusted to the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Basom - Andrew  K. Merkel, 38 of Basom  passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Andy was born Thursday, June 21st, 1984 in Batavia, a son of Kelly and Susan (Grower) Merkel of Basom.

Andy graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School and went on to obtain his associates degree from Genesee Community College in 2004. He married the love of his life, Kelly Moden, on December 6, 2008. Together they had 3 wonderful children who were the light of his life. Andy worked for Mercy EMS from 2009 to 2015 as an EMT-B. He served the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since October 1, 2011.  In addition to his regular duties as an Emergency Services Dispatcher, Andy was a Communications Training Officer and a board member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Employee Association. 

He was a baseball coach for the Oakfield-Alabama Little League program and a longstanding member of the Alabama Fire Department. Outside of serving his community, he spent his time operating Wings Cupped Retriever Services, his dog training company, that started as a hobby and grew into a thriving business. He also enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, camping, and music.

He was a devoted family man and a great friend. He loved spending time with his wife and 3 young children, attending their sporting and music events. Andy was a Jack of all trades with a larger than life personality who always told it as it was. He contributed valuable guidance and tremendous support over many years to anyone who crossed his path.

Surviving along with his parents are his wife, Kelly Merkel of Basom; his children, Kaylee, Kaiya, and Finian Merkel of Basom; his brother, Cory (Melissa) Merkel of Greece; his grandmother, Onolee Grower of Batavia; his mother-in-law, Kimberly Moden of Basom; his brother-in-law, Matthew (Jennifer) Moden of Basom; his best friend, Chris Stratheam of Byron; his two amazing dogs, Roy and Sully along with aunts, uncles and cousins.  

In death Andy is reunited with his grandparents, Charles Grower, Margaret Merkel, and Edwin Merkel and his father-in-law, Dennis Moden.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, March 26th, 2023  from 2:00 pm  to 6:00 pm at Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Rd, Basom, NY 14013, where Andrew's funeral service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Ducks Unlimited, 219 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or Oakfield-Alabama Little League P.O. Box 44 Oakfield, New York 14125.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Sharon Ann Waldron Venuto passed away at United Memorial Medical Center after a short illness on March 20, 2023.

She was born in Batavia March 26, 1945 a daughter of the late John and Ethel Mathes Waldron and was raised and grew up in Elba.

She is also predeceased by her brother John K. Waldron, her daughter, Angela Venuto, her granddaughter, Jacklyn Silker and her partner, Kenneth Kozuch.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri (Tom) Kavanagh of Stafford; her son John L. Venuto, Jr. (Christine) of East Bethany; grandchildren, Alex, Fallanne, Nickol, Zach, Emily, Mckayla and Brittany; great-grandchildren, Austin, Hayleigh, Kyler, Joel, Jake, Brooks, Quinn, Everett and Bailey.

Sharon had an immense love for her family like most matriarchs. She also loved bargains, garage sales and haggling over whatever she wanted or even really didn't want just because it brought her immense joy. We will forever laugh about the great paper plate debate.

She was fierce and fought for all the right things. She was never afraid to say the hard truths and follow the path that needed to be taken even when the road was rough. And those roads taken were often rough as she always made the choice to do the right thing. She always said doing the right thing would often be the harder choice, but that's what mattered the most. Our mom was tough and loving and all rolled up into one feisty, stubborn, opinionated, strong, supportive, kind, crazy little spitfire of a woman.

There was never a time where she backed down from any challenge when she knew it was the right thing for her kids, grandkids or great-grandkids. It was everyone else's needs above her own. She was our protector, our safe place, our voice and our backbone. She taught us loyalty and confidence in facing the world, all while maintaining kindness and compassion. We were held together by her strong will and determination. She was a great mom.

She may not have been perfect, but she was ours. She was tough as nails. Her friend Greg always said she had more grit than John Wayne. She raised her children to be strong, independent and kind human beings. She changed lived for the better and saved many others because she made it so. Even as she fought to stay with us, she defied the odds and diagnosis. She wasn't done until SHE said she was. That was our mom.

Mom will be missed so much and we will never fill the empty space left by her passing but the lives she touched are better because she was in them. Forever in our thoughts, forever in our hearts We love you.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Kenneth John Kozuch passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 under the care of the New York Sate Veteran's Home.

He was born on January 24, 1949 in Buffalo, a son of the late John and Agnes Malinowski Kozuch. Ken is also predeceased by his partner, Sharon A. Venuto who passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023.

Ken is survived by his step-daughter, Sherri (Tom) Kavanagh of Stafford; his step-son, John L. Venuto, Jr. (Christine) of East Bethany along with many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his cousins, Sandy Kwiatopwski and Michaline Collins.

Ken was a decorated Vietnam Era Veteran who was wounded in Danang in 1969. He was an incredibly humble man, simple in his needs as well as kind and generous with his time and caring.  He was a man of few words but get him started on racing or muscle cars and that was something that he could go on about for hours.

He had a love of wolves, CB radios, tinkering with things and watching Gunsmoke reruns. Most of all he loved being on the pit crew for V-Force racing through many years with John. He would polish and clean the car just before it went out to get dirty. It was one of his favorite things to do again and again every night of the week. He took so much pride in that crew and being with John in the winners circle meant everything to him. There were very few nights you would not find him in the stands or in the pits cheering and giving advice on the turns.

Ken loved his family and we were grateful that he had been a part of our lives for so many years. His presence was at every function and daily talks where he would call to say nothing other than hello. He wasn't gushing sentiments every day but he always made sure we all knew we were his.

He rarely complained about anything and always ended every conversation with "Have a nice day." As his final day became shorter we sat telling him how loved he was and thanking him for always being there for us. He said he did his best and to "Now go and have a good day." Those were his final words to us that will forever be in our hearts because it was so him. We will miss you pops.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in 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 are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

  Holly A. Zaremski, 67, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on March 18, 2023 at Unity Hospital, Rochester, NY.

Mrs. Zaremski was born November 4, 1955, in Batavia, to the late Gerald W. Lang and the late Elfreda M. (Scroger) Lang. She graduated from Batavia High School in 1974 and began her 30 plus years of employment at Chapin International, Inc.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Edward T. Zaremski of Oakfield; daughters Amber M. Zaremski (James F. Orlando) of Oakfield and Jessica L. Zaremski (Jarrod B. Clark) of Batavia; grandson Gabriel A. Daley of Basom; granddaughter Guinnevere J. Clark of Batavia; sisters Debbie M. (John) Konieczny of Batavia, Jenny E. (Ike) Behe of Barker, Felicia R. (Thomas) Cecere of Bergen; brothers Ricky G. (Niki) Lang of Batavia, Timothy J. (Helen) Lang of Sparta, North Carolina and Jeremy A. (MaryAnn) Lang of Mebane, North Carolina; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother Sophia L. Lang in 2007; grandparents Jacob H. & Marion B. (Base) Lang in 1985; brother Richard J. Zaremski in 1985; sister Tonia M. Zaremski in 2022; nephews Jason D. Lang in 2017 and Jacob A. Lang in 2020.

Holly loved her husband, daughters and grandchildren deeply and enjoyed spending time with her dear friends and family, socializing. She was pleasant to everyone she encountered and was always ready to make a new friend. She will be remembered for her kind heart, sweet smile, sense of humor and her spontaneous nature.

There will be no prior calling hours.  A 9:30a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s R.C. Church) 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, NY 14020.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to the Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance, Inc. (COVA), www.covaems.com. To leave an online message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ Harold “Sonny” Leonard Vaughn, age 80, passed away Monday afternoon (March 20, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

    

He was born July 2, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late Leonard and Florence Shepard Vaughn.

     Sonny was a graduate of LeRoy Central School and lived in the family home on Exchange Street for his entire life.  He will be remembered as a loving brother and uncle, who enjoyed the time he spent with his nieces and nephews.

     He is survived by his sister, Donna (David) O’Neill of Pavilion; nieces and nephews, Dawn O’Neill of York, Leonard (Linda) O’Neill of Wyoming, Scott O’Neill of East Bethany and Shelley (Ronald) Thompson of East Bethany; great-nieces and great-nephews, Teresa O’Neill, Codey (Ashli) O’Neill, Joseph (Madison Offhaus) O’Neill, Joshua (Lindsay Soto) O’Neill, Connor Thompson and Kristen Thompson; great-great-nephew, Tyler O’Neill and special cousin, Ann Pokorny.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, March 26 from 1 ~ 3 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 PM.  Sonny will be laid to rest privately beside his parents in Machpelah Cemetery on Monday, March 27.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either LeRoy Ambulance Service or the Palliative Care Unit @ Strong Memorial Hospital.

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

Batavia - Clarence Lathan, 86 of Batavia passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center. Surrounded by his loving family.

Clarence was born Saturday, February 20th, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Fred and Mildred (Hirsch) Lathan.

He enjoyed fishing, golf, gun shows, auctions, and spending time with friends and family. 

Clarence graduated from Alexander High school in 1955 and later married the love of his life, Judy Bortle, on May 28, 1971. He worked for many local farms and as a diesel mechanic for many years, finally retiring from Jones mechanical in Caledonia.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Judy Lathan; children, Calvin Lathan, Ron (Tammy) Lathan of Silver Lake, Kathy Lathan of Virginia, Stan (Lisa) Mosher of LeRoy, Colleen (Tim) Miller of Fillmore, and Karen (Jim) Perry of Corfu; 10 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In death Clarence is reunited with his parents, Fred and Mildred Lathan; siblings, Lloyd Lathan, Norman Lathan, and Dorothy Staba.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. Clarence's funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Batavia.  Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

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

Lucille R. Gallo, 73 of Syracuse, passed away peacefully with her friend Bonnie by her side on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. She was born December 11, 1949 in Batavia, to the late Anthony and Rose (Sce) Gallo. She is preceded in death by her brother Russell Gallo.

Lucille retired as Vice President of Savings Bank of Utica/Syracuse. She lived in Syracuse for 50 plus years and leaves behind many friends there.  

She is survived by her uncle Sam Gallo of Spring Hill, FL; aunt Marge (the late Patsy) Gallo of Batavia, along with many cousins.

Friends are invited to an 11:00am Committal Service on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Ellicott Street, Batavia.

Memorials can be made to St. Joseph’s Regional School, 2 Summit St, Batavia, NY 14020 or to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

BATAVIA - Lucian Joseph Signore, 100, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. Mr Signore was born March 25, 1922 in Auburn, NY to the late Carmelo and Mary (Ciampi) Signorelli.

On November 23, 1950, he married Elizabeth Mary (Catto) Signore. She passed away on October 29, 2018, at 98, just a month before they would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Together they raised three children.

Lucian was a veteran of World War II and served his country honorably in the Army during battles in Central Europe and Northern France. For his bravery and service he was awarded the Army Service Medal, Pacific Service Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal.

Lucian was an accomplished lifelong musician, and as a teenager went on the road with several regional Big Bands. He founded the Big Band of Batavia in the 1970s and for decades played saxophone with local Big Bands as well as clarinet with the Batavia Concert Band for thirty years. He loved playing with the pit bands for musicals at Batavia High School and was known for his generosity in repairing and giving instruments to student musicians.  His highly skillful hands tailored his kids’ clothes and produced many beautiful, upholstered furniture pieces for friends and neighbors.  And he was a rabid Buffalo Bills fan.

He worked for more than thirty-five years with Nationwide Insurance as a Loss Prevention Underwriter and was a parishioner of the former St. Anthony's Church, and a member of the former Loyal Order of the Moose in Batavia.

Lou is survived by his children who are ever grateful for his love and kindness; Thomas Signore of San Francisco, California, Elizabeth (Thomas) Simms of Bath, and James Signore, Ph.D. (Constance Brand) of Richmond, California, and granddaughter, Emily Simms, of Bath. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael (late Ramona) Signorelli, sisters Eleanor (late Joseph) Malec, and Louise (late Joseph) Janusz.

Lou will be missed by his friends, especially his Wednesday afternoon coffee group at Tim Horton’s where he said they solved all the problems of the world. For everyone who knew him, he had a welcoming demeanor, was eternally optimistic, and was always ready with a joke.

Lucian’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the support of Dr. Ambis, Dr. McLean, Dr. Rocha, Dr. Boyczuk, and Dr. Shah, as well as the extraordinarily caring and dedicated staff at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Family and Friends are invited to call on March 24, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Lou's Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street in Batavia, with the Rev. Walter Szczesny officiating. Burial with military honors will be held on Saturday (March 25, 2023) at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 6020 Lake Avenue in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Honor Flight Rochester, PO Box 23581, Rochester, New York 14692 or the New York State Veterans Home - Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Maryellen Wilber, age 68, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023, after being involved in a traffic accident. She was born November 8, 1954 in Batavia, New York, to the late Salvatore “Sam” and Domenica “Dorothy” Zanghi and was preceded in death by her brothers, Phillip and David “Davey Joe” Zanghi.

Maryellen truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; being with family and friends, serving her community, and exemplifying her Christian life. She had an ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Maryellen lived a life of service to others; from her early work helping the HIV/AIDS community, to the Community Peace Garden, the Altar and Rosary Society and serving as a Eucharistic Minister for those that are elderly and unable to attend Mass. She had a way to reach the people who needed an advocate the most. It brought her such joy to give a voice to the voiceless and provide an open heart and a warm hug.

She is survived by her husband; Jeffrey; a daughter Bethany (Peter); sisters Rosanne Wray and Michelle Gaylord; her grandchildren Isabella, Luca, Serafina and Tomasso, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Maryellen touched are invited Friday March 24, 2023 to Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020 from 3:00-7:00PM to reminisce, grieve, support each other and, of course, just be together. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 25^th at Resurrection Parish, 303 E Main St, Batavia, NY.

Memorials can be made to All Babies Cherished in Batavia, NY and the family. To leave an online message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.