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Obituaries

Marion F. Janicki

By Ronald Konieczny
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Marion F. Janicki, 91 of Corfu, passed away on Thursday (December 28, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born December 16, 1932 in Cheektowaga, NY, a son of the late Anthony and Mary Bogulski Janicki.

He served his country with the U.S. AirForce from 1952-1956. Marion was a former district manager for the Buffalo News prior to his retirement.

Survivors include his daughter Marie (Roger) Willgens. Son Brian Janicki. Grandchildren, Chris, Catherine, Ann and Robert Willgens. Great-grandchild, Avery Willgens and dear friend Judy Long and her family.

Private services were held at the convenience of the family with burial in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Buffalo, NY.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfunerahomes.net.

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

 

 

Kenneth Czworka

By Joshua Smith
Czworka

Bennington- Kenneth R Czworka, 63, of Bennington, left this world on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, to be with his parents. 

He was born in Batavia on May 5, 1960, a son of the late Walter and Lottie Czworka.

Ken started working for the Town of Bennington in 1977 and soon after married the love of his life, Sherry Weirs, on September 5, 1980. Together they raised two wonderful sons and enjoyed every moment with their grandchildren. Ken retired from the Town of Bennington as the Highway Superintendent in 2020 after 43 years of service.

Ken will be remembered by his wife, Sherry Czworka; sons, Jason (Victoria) Czworka of Bennington and Gregory Czworka (David Paye) of Holley; grandchildren, George and Elizabeth Czworka of Bennington; brothers, Joseph Czworka of Batavia, Walter (Cheryl) Czworka of Arkport; sisters, Rose (Ron) Kaczmarek of Dale and Judy (Kerry) Green of Batavia; many nieces, nephews , cousins, friends, and a special furry friend, Peaches.

In death Ken is reunited with his parents; brother, Frederick Czworka; parent in laws Lester and Nancy Weirs.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church in Bennington, NY on Saturday, January 6, 2023, at 10:00am A private burial will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life at the convenience of the family.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken's memory to the Bennington Fire Department, 1353 NY-354, Attica, NY 14011 .

Arrangements were entrusted to Marley Funeral Home in Attica.

Deena M. Hargett

By Joshua Smith
Hargett

Pavilion - Deena M. Hargett, age 53 of Pavilion, NY passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born on July 4,1970 in San Diego, CA. a daughter to Woodrow A. and Judith C. (Brown) Shands of San Diego, CA.

Deena was a member of Calvary Chapel in Perry and a homemaker who enjoyed hiking, going on walks, camping and enjoyed raising her 13 children. 

Along with her parents she is survived by her husband James C. Hargett whom she married on September 7, 1991, 4 daughters: Laura (Nathan) Colopy of Perry, Meghan Hargett of San Diego, CA., Grace Hargett of Corfu, Verity Hargett of Pavilion, 9 sons: Andrew (Courtney) Wikel of Rockford, IL., Ryan (Tami) Hargett of Bemidji, MN., Jonah Hargett of Rochester, Joshua Hargett, Benjamin (Anna Doneburg) Hargett, Liam, Donovan, Brandon and Dylan Hargett all of Pavilion, 2 sisters: Michelle (Paul) Briggs of Citrus Heights, CA., Jennifer Cantellano of San Diego, CA., 4 grandchildren: Oliver, Archer, Mallory and Karolina Wikel,  along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial service will be held at the Calvary Chapel S. Main St. in Perry, dates and times to be announced.

Memorial contributions can be made to Calvary Chapel 181 South Main St. Perry, New York 14530.

For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry NY 14530

Kevin J. Bohn

By T.J. Woodward
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Kevin J. Bohn, age 77, of Perry, NY passed away on Saturday December 23, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo. He was born on February 25, 1946 in Kenmore, New York a son to the late Elmo and Mary Ellen (Cogswell) Bohn.

Kevin was a 1963 graduate of Kenmore East High School and received his business degree from Genesee Community College. He served in the US Air Force from 1966-1970. He worked in the restaurant business for many years prior to buying the Lumberyard Restaurant in Perry in 1981. He and his wife Ann ran the well-known restaurant until they sold it in 2014. 

Kevin attended St. Joseph’s Church in Perry, a member of the Perry Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris award, Batavia Lions Club and the Batavia JC’s. He enjoyed gardening, taking care of his home, spending time with his friends and family especially visits from his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife: Ann (Carter) Bohn whom he married on September 7, 1968, daughter: Daniell Bohn of Perry, son: Kevin (Merima Lelic) Bohn of Clarence Center, 2 sisters: Barbara Rogers of Clarence, Virginia Bohn of Stafford, 2 brothers: Roger (Sandra) Bohn of Batavia, John (Colleen) Bohn of Texas, sister-in-law: Beth Bohn of South Carolina, brother-in-law: Joe Gallo of Maryland, 3 grandchildren: Olivia, Carter and Isabel Bohn, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Along with his parents Kevin was preceded in death by a sister: Kathleen Gallo, 3 brothers: Ronald (Shirley) Bohn, Michael Bohn and James Bohn.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at a future date.

(In lieu of flowers) Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306 or visit t@t.org to donate. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Kathleen M. Dylag

By Ronald Konieczny
Dylag

Kathleen M. Dylag, 75 of Cape Cod, Formerly of Akron, passed away into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, December 23, 2023.

She was born October 24, 1948 in the city of Buffalo, a daughter of the late Joseph P. Dylag and Elizabeth J. Dylag (Rzeznik) and was predeceased by her brother Joseph Jr.

Kathy was a longtime resident of Cape Cod and recently moved back to New York to be with her family. She was an advocate for the preservation of the Cape Cod National Sea Shores and an avid lover of cats and dogs, flowers and plants and the ocean. She loved spending time with her close friends and family.

Kathy is survived by her brother, James (Darlene) Dylag and her sister Judith (Harold) Schilling. Also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (Jan. 3rd) from 4-8pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron. A funeral service will be held Thursday (Jan. 4th), 11:00am at High Point Church, 1163 Main Rd., Corfu, NY.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please kindly offer donations to the National Sea Shores of Cape Cod. 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.

 

 

Dolores L. Brunea

By Lisa Ace
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Dolores L. (Poerschke) Brunea, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at the age of 97, at Premier Genesee in Batavia.

Dolores was born on March 15, 1926, in North Tonawanda, NY, a daughter of the late Rudolph and Agnes (Wilke) Poerschke. Predeceased in death by her husband Henry Brunea whom she married on May 1, 1948, 3 brothers, Bernhardt, Paul and Edward; 4 sisters, Clara, Evelyn, Leona and Ida.

Dolores worked for Implement dealer in Akron, NY and at the Pembroke Thruway Service Station as a bookkeeper. She was a lifetime member of Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, Oakfield-Alabama American Legion Post 626 and was a former member of the Alabama Fire Department Auxiliary.

Dolores enjoyed gardening, needlework, crocheting, bingo, playing euchre and spending time with her grandchildren.

Dolores is survived by her children, Michael, Donald (Sharon), Laurie (Harold) and Scott; 5 granddaughters, Cassandra, Jennifer, Payadie, Erin and Ashley; 7 great grandchildren, Tyler, Andrea, Bianca, Alicia, Melissa, Keegan and Chase; 2 great great grandchildren, Dresden and Andrea, Jr.; brother-in-law, William (late Irene) Brunea and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the mortuary. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Joseph S. "Sam" Misiti

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Joseph S. “Sam” Misiti, age 85, passed away Tuesday evening (Dec. 26, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

     He was born August 17, 1938 in LeRoy, a son of the late Joseph and Maria Rosa D’Agostino Misiti.   

Sam

Sam graduated from LeRoy High School and proudly served in the US Army.  He retired from the LeRoy Machine Shop and was a proud member of St. Joseph’s Church in LeRoy.

     His favorite pastime was going for coffee with the guys or stopping at his nieces for a good Italian bite.  He would share stories about the family, the army and growing up on Pleasant Street. He loved to box and was an avid fan. He loved all sports, especially watching all the kids play and coach.  He loved his garden.  His hot peppers and Basilico were his favorites.  Nothing he enjoyed more than hot roasted peppers and pasta sugo.  His Italian heritage, faith and family were the center of his life.  His legacy will be how he loved and was loved by so many.

     Sam was deeply devoted to his wife of 51 years, Maureen Kleps Misiti and is also survived by his sister-in-law, Angie Misiti; several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews and great-great-nieces & nephews, who were like children to him and they idolized him; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, along with many longtime friends, who he considered family, relatives in Italy and his “Pleasant Street Family”. 

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters and brothers; Frances (Joseph) Rapone, Carmella (Robert) Humphrey, Vito (Louise) Misiti, Rose (Doug) Haskin and Vincent Misiti; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Betty Kleps, four brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

     Family and friends are invited to attend Sam’s Rite of Christian Burial to be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.  Sam will be laid to rest in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy in the Spring of 2024.

     Contributions in memory of Sam are suggested to either Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021 www.crossroadshouse.com or LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482 www.leroyems.org 

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

Mr. Thomas P. Tiefel

By Joshua Smith
Tiefel

Thomas P. Tiefel, 85, of Bergen, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, at Crossroads House in Batavia after a long illness. Born on June 27, 1938 in Rochester NY. to the late Lucille and Harrison (Bud) Tiefel.

Beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend was a United States Navy veteran, serving in “Operation Hard Tack” in 1958 during the Atomic Testing Age in the South Pacific. After his service, he was employed at Xerox Corp, a career that spanned 44 years. He had a passion for building and racing Triumph motorcycles in the 1960’s, earning the nickname “Tommy 2 Motor” after his twin-engine Triumph drag motorcycle. After his racing career, he found another passion in hunting and the development of hunting/archery equipment. Thomas was also a member of the United States Trotting Association, owning standardbred racehorses that competed at Batavia Downs in the mid 1980’s-1990’s . His later years were spent riding his motorcycle, spending time on the family farm in North Bergen, NY., enjoying hunting, the outdoors, spending time with his grandson, Noah, and helping with producing hay in the summertime. He will probably be most remembered for his “to-the-point” personality, his quick wit, and always had a good joke or funny commentary on the ready.

He was predeceased by his wife Linda A. Tiefel and his sister, Mary Joan Tiefel-VanSlooten of Greece, NY.

Thomas is survived by his son, Historian-Thomas M. Tiefel (Connie) of North Bergen, grandson, Noah Foster of North Bergen, niece, Debbie LaMendola (Patrick) of Penfield, NY, nephew, Charles VanSlooten of North Chili, NY, cousins, family members, lifelong friends, the late Bob Anselm, David DelVechio (Peggy) of Victor, NY and Frank Lucisano (Cathrine) of Rochester, NY.

Friends may call on Saturday, January 6, 2023 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, where services will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 pm. He will be laid to rest, with military honors, in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. Following graveside services, all are invited to a celebration of his life at Sage Pavilion (in Hartland Park), 62 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate. 

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

Scott Dunham

By Lisa Ace

Scott Dunham, 54 of Webster, passed away on December 8th following a short illness. Scott is predeceased by his parents Loretta and Basil Dunham. Sisters Nancy and Elizabeth, brothers: James, Palmer, Thomas and Harry. Nieces: Nicole Sheehan and Stormy Harmer. Nephews: Paul Herman and great nephew Nicholas Herman.

Scott is survived by daughter, Ashley Dunham and Mason Dunham, grandchildren Caydence, Sienna, Noah and Madden. Sisters: Margaret, Sandy, Sherri, Mary, Christine, Loretta and Suzanne. Brothers: Barry and Roy. Many other relatives. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Scott was a loving father and gifted tradesman who could diagnose a problem with just a quick glance. He was involved in thousands of renovation and construction projects throughout Rochester, Batavia and Bergen. A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 6th at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street in Batavia at 3 p.m.

Betty J. Currier

By T.J. Woodward
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Betty J. Currier, 82, of Elba passed away on December 25, 2023 at the United Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness. Betty was born on March 4, 1941 to the late Edward and Mearl Base. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sister; Virginia Mooney. 

Betty’s joys in life were her family, sewing, bingo, cards and winters in Florida. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years; Donald E. Currier Sr.; sister Marlene Arnold; very dear friend; Barbara Warner; children Daniel Currier of Syracuse, Lynette (Peter) Brade of NC., Donald E. (Lori) Currier Jr. of Oakfield, Susan (Mark) Norton of Bethany; her grandchildren Eric Currier, Emily Currier, Bruce (Gabby) Brade, Ben (Alissa Cramer) Brade, Samuel (Rene) Brade, Jason (Melissa) Currier, Jeff (Sarah) Currier, Amanda (Donald) Fonda, Andrew (Ashley) Norton, Kayla (Eric) Zagmester, Robert Stabler, Alyssa (Aaron) Lathrop, along with her 25 great-grandchildren. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday January 3, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 7:00PM Memorial Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Paula Alker

By Joshua Smith
Alker

Batavia - Paula Alker, 73 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York.

Paula was born Friday, December 8th, 1950 in Waterloo, Iowa a daughter of the late James and Marilyn (Wisner) Higley.

She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church. Paula was a true "Parrot Head" she loved everything about Jimmy Buffett, especially the song "Bubbles Up" Paula enjoyed everything about the beach life from the warm sun overhead to collecting shells on the beach. The only thing she enjoyed more than sunny beaches was spending time with her loved ones.

Paula graduated from Alexander High School in 1969 and furthered her education by obtaining her Associated degree at Indian River Community College. On September 15, 2002 She married Robert Clever. Paula was a dedicated bookkeeper working for the St. Andrews church in Florida and retiring from St. James Episcopal church, after moving back to Batavia to be closer to family.

Paula will be remembered by her husband, Robert "Bob" Clever of Batavia; daughter, Suzanne “Suzie” (Jarett) Alker Lang of Fort Pierce, FL; brothers, James (Lynda) Higley of Denver, Co and Joseph "Joe"  (Linda) Higley of Alexander, NY; nephews, Shaun Higley and Robert Helmig; niece, Katherine Lawton and everyone who has had the pleasure of being a part of Paula's life.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. At a future time there will be a celebration of life at St. James Episcopal Church. Batavia, NY and a celebration of life at St. Andrew's Episcopal church in Fort Pierce FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/donate/donate-by-mail-or-phone.html or a local animal shelter of your choice.

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

John "Jack" A. Chmielowiec

By Ronald Konieczny
Chmielowiec

John "Jack" A. Chmielowiec, 79 of Batavia, passed away peacefully at his residence in the loving care of his family and hospice.

He was born July 16, 1944 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Adolph “Jack” and Irene Maier Chmielowiec.

Jack worked, co-owned and retired from his family business Chmielowiec Painting after nearly 50 years. He had a love for fly fishing and hunting, enjoying trips to do both when he could. Jack enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events and liked his weekly poker game. He was a member of the Polish Falcons, Garbutt Fly Fishing Club, Godfrey’s Pond and Ascension Parish. Jack was also a New York State bow instructor for 25 years. Most of all he was a wonderful family man and person to know and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife, Patricia Luperino Chmielowiec of Batavia. Son, Jack Jr. (Amy) Chmielowiec of Batavia. Daughter, Tracey (Greg) Phillips of Batavia. Grandchildren, Sam Chmielowiec and Gracie Phillips. Sister, Patricia Merton of West Virginia. Brothers, Robert (Patricia) Chmielowiec of Byron, Ronald (Cathy) Chmielowiec of Batavia and Donald (Cheryl) Chmielowiec of Batavia. Sister in-law, Ann (Don) Sikorski of Batavia. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday (December 30th) 10:00am at Ascension Parish (South Swan Street). 

Memorial contributions may be offered in lieu of flowers to Homecare and Hospice, 29 Liberty St, Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

 

 

Mr. Stanley E. Truax

By Joshua Smith
Truax

Bergen - Stanley E. Truax, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 24, 2023.

He was born on January 16, 1963 in Wellsville.

He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his grandchildren are the real light of his life.

Surviving are his wife, Vicky Beedham Truax of Bergen; his children, Joelle (Raja Palepu) Truax of Rochester, Aimee (Jeff) Rose of Geneseo, Kenleigh (David) Garnish of Bergen, Taylor (Shavaughn) Stefaniak of Bergen, Connor Stefaniak of Bergen and Whitley (Luke Martinic) Stefaniak of Buffalo; seven grandchildren, Harvey and Jensen Palepu, Noah and Celia Rose, Cameron Garnish and Banks and Haven Stefaniak; his siblings, Christopher Truax of Texas and Melissa (Chuck) Truax of Texas; his father, Milford Truax of Byron; his mother-in-law, Nancy (late Richard) Beedham of Bergen; brother-in-law, David (Terri) Beedham of Stafford; sisters-in-law, Pam (Ed) Shepard of Texas, Kimberly (late David) Scriber of Churchville and Becky Beedham of Bergen along with nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sons, Luke Truax who passed away in 2007 and Steele Truax who passed away in 2019 and his step-mother Pam Truax.

There are no prior visiting hours. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Byron, 6293 West Main Street, Byron, New York 14422. He will be laid to rest in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his name to the Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416 or First Presbyterian Church of Byron, 6293 West Main Street, Byron, New York 14422. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.

Beverly A. Mowry

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Beverly A. Mowry, age 88, of Harris Road, passed away peacefully at home in the loving presence of her family early Monday morning (December 25, 2023).

     She was born May 26, 1935 in Gardner, MA, a daughter of the late Ralph and Hazel Crabtree Stickney.  

bev

   Bev was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Lewis Mowry III; her sister, Barbara and her brother, Robert.  She is survived by her four children, Lewis IV (Lorrie), William (Ann), both of LeRoy, Timothy (Kristan) of Fairbanks, Alaska and Elizabeth (Jake) Fletcher of Salem, VA; 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon; brother, Dale (Brenda); sisters-in-law, Sandra Mowry and Barbara Stickney, along with many nieces and nephews.

     She will be remembered as a special mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was known for her crafts (sewing & knitting), as well as her exceptional cookies. She was very active in the First Baptist Church, playing the piano and organ for all occasions and especially enjoyed playing the piano for the kindergarten Christmas concert at school for 25 years.

     Bev’s family would like to especially thank her caregivers Peg, Audrey, Val, Bev, Connie and Rosa.

     There will be no prior calling hours and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20 at 12:00 P.M. at the LeRoy First Baptist Church, 5 East Main Street, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the First Baptist Church of LeRoy, the Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Disease Research.

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

Mr. Richard Gene Couillard

By Joshua Smith
couillard

It is with heavy hearts and tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard Gene Couillard aka "Dick" aka "DC" of Batavia NY.

An avid huntsman, he was the scourge of woodchucks everywhere and never met a deer he didn’t want to eat. Ever adventurous, DC rafted the rivers of NY, snowmobiled the fields of the county, fished the lakes of Eastern Canada, and camped as much as possible. It was not unusual for the sound of James Brown’s “I Feel Good” to echo through a campground at 5am followed by DC’s laughter as he startled fellow campers awake.

Employed by the Batavia City School District for over 30 years, he said he would have been a comedian if he wasn’t a custodian. Pranks, jokes, stories, and laughter played into his motto, “The more I pick on you, the more I love you.” And he loved fiercely, with unparalleled loyalty.

Known for his green thumb, especially with roses, it was common to find him delivering blooms to the ladies of the library, his bank, the doctor’s offices, etc though he only had eyes for the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Bernice (Sprague) Couillard.

When not in his garden chugging Cool Blue Gatorade, sipping Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi while eating a Nick Tahou’s cheeseburger, or taking a Sunday drive through Amish country, he could be found feeding animals of all kinds, feral cats above all, sitting quietly with them until he coaxed them to eat from his hands.

No matter what man or beast, he was a friend to all (except those pesky woodchucks). Always ready to help a friend, family, or neighbor, he had a hug, a smile, and a nickname for everyone.

Happy to voice his opinion loud and clear, DC lived life on his terms and often got his way, often through charm, occasionally through stubbornness, mostly with both in equal measure.

Survived by those he loved most in the world- his wife Bernice, 3 Daughters: Paula Logsdon (Fla), Debra Crossett (NY), and Lynne Couillard-Blance (NY), sons-in-law: Jeff Logsdon, Ryan Crossett, Mark Blance, 6 Grandchildren and their spouses: Gregory Appleton, Timothy Logsdon, Amanda Grigsby, Carrissa (Crossett) and Amanda Novitske, Nicole (Crossett) and Micah Brill, and Noah Couillard, 9 Great-Grandchildren: Serenity Logsdon, Harmony Grigsby, Phynn Appleton, Everly Appleton, Isaiah Novitske, Elias Novitske, Jordin Brill, Leo Brill, and Salem Couillard, 1 Great-Great-Grandchild: Malakai Logsdon, and DC’s Brother-from-another-mother: Russell Joy.

Per DC’s request, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his name to his favorite charities, The Salvation Army of Batavia, 529 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020, The Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 6400 Sheridan Drive, #320, Buffalo, New York 14221 or Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Finally, we would like to leave you with his favorite bit of advice, always delivered with a right shoulder shrug and a tilt of his head, “It is what it is.”

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