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Obituaries

Robert J. Case

By Ronald Konieczny

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Robert J. Case, 87 of Buffalo, NY, passed away Thursday (January 14, 2021) at the New York State Veterans Home.

Robert was a Veteran having proudly served in the Korean War. Robert loved the people at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia, staff and residents alike. He loved socializing and telling stories to his friends and family.

He is predeceased by his loving wife, Jackie Lee Case who passed away in 2003.

Robert is survived by his son, John Case and grandchildren, Lydia Spencer and Ryan Spencer.

It was Robert’s wish to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke, NY. With the long-awaited opening of the cemetery, Robert’s wish will be fulfilled.

Funeral services for Robert J. Case will be held privately for his immediate family. 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.

 

 

Rosemary W. Caito

By LaVern Falcone

Rochester, NY ~ Rosemary W. Caito, age 90, formerly of Batavia, died Friday (Jan. 15, 2021) at The Friendly Home in Rochester, NY.

    

 Rosemary was born in Buffalo, N.Y., a daughter of the late William H. Watkins and Marguerite Maxwell.  She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Samuel J. Caito in 2014.

     She is survived by six children; Paul J. Caito of Rochester, Mary Eileen Caito of Amherst, Karen M. Caito of Painted Post, Patrice Caito of Penfield, Michael D. (Donna) Caito of Penfield and Catherine M. Caito (Douglas Wigton) of Batavia; grandmother of Patrick Caito Stevens, Maxwell Stevens, Alyson Caito, Andrew Caito and Haley Caito.  Also survived by her brother, Paul (Joan) Watkins of Amherst and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters; J. William (Evalyn) Watkins, Jean (Teresa) Watkins, James (Mary) Watkins, Margaret Mary (Henry) Zugger, Joan (Frank) Gerace and Sr. Patricia Watkins, GNSH.

     Rosemary was a 1948 graduate of The Academy of the Sacred Heart, which at the time was under the auspices of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart.  She was a long time member of St. Mary's Altar & Rosary Society and the St. Jerome Hospital Guild.  We celebrate her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  She gave unselfishly to her family always placing their needs before her own.  Her deep Catholic faith was her life's guide.

     Due to Covid restrictions, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Resurrection Parish, St. Joseph's Church Site, Batavia.  Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Father Kelly Mausoleum.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, 14500 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116 or Notre Dame High School.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with the Caito family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Robert B. Hess

By T.J. Woodward

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Robert B. Hess, 96 of Alexander, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo. He was born in Benton, PA on January 22, 1924 to the late Khor (Hester A. Everitt) Hess. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly (Shadbolt) Hess, son James Hess, siblings, Martha, Peg, Dean and Ralph.

Mr. Hess was a proud United States Army Veteran; he served in WWII with the 73rd Bomb Disposal Squad and received 3 Bronze Stars along with other medals and commendations. He was a Shriner with the Masons, accomplished bowler and avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish. After retiring from AJ Trucking in Buffalo, Mr. Hess enjoyed going back and forth to Florida in the winters with his wife. He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.     

Mr. Hess is survived by his children David (Joan) Hess of Alexander, Debora Hess of East Hampton, CT, 5 grandchildren, Amanda, David Jr., Patricia, Victoria and Kathleen, two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Ellie, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 5 to 8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. Funeral Services will be held privately. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica, with Military Honors.  

Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory. You may be required to wait outside. Thank you for your cooperation.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.   

Elizabeth (Betty) C. Cummings

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - Elizabeth (Betty) C. Cummings, 100 of Bergen passed away peacefully on Tuesday (January 12, 2021) at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport.

Mrs. Cummings was born January 16, 1920 in Bergen, a daughter of the late Francis and Mary (Healy) Fodge.

Betty was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Parish - St. Brigid's Church. She was a loving, fierce, selfless, deeply caring woman who raised seven children all of whom are like her in some way or another. She instilled the importance of education, a strong work ethic, a great sense of humor, and a respect to care for one another no matter what the circumstance.

Elizabeth is the wife of the late Donald A. Cummings; mother of the late Peter Cummings; and sister of the late Rita (late Earl) MacConnell.

She is survived by her children, Donald (Melanie) Cummings, John (Chris) Cummings, Robert (Jane) Cummings, Liz (Ron) Vergamini, Kevin (Debra) Cummings, Paul (Susan) Cummings ; sisters, Ann (late James) Maher, and Helen (late Chuck) Pfleger; sisters-in-law, Lucille (late Allen) Lowden, and Joyce (late Warner) Nichols. 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Betty's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport for the love, care and support they provided to their mother.  

Due to the current COVID Pandemic, there will be no visitation. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brigid's Church in Bergen. Burial will be in St. Brigid's Cemetery. A public memorial will be held for Elizabeth at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Brigid's Church.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Dorothy C. Berkoski

By Joshua Smith

Byron - Dorothy C. Berkoski, 88 of Byron, formerly of Southampton, NY and Paradise Valley, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, (January 12, 2021) at LeRoy Village Green in LeRoy.

Mrs. Berkoski was born July 23, 1932 in Southampton, New York a daughter of the late Joseph and Cecelia (Zaneski) Eames.

Dorothy is the wife of the late William Berkoski, Sr. who passed away in 2019, mother of the late William A. Berkoski, Jr.; and mother-in-law of the late Teresa F. Berkoski.

Dorothy or “Dottie,” as she was known to all, worked for many years as a hairdresser in Southampton where she owned her salon, “The Hairitage.” She touched many lives there and in her personal life. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and loved all children. She had a special corner chair just for childrens’ haircuts in her salon.  Dottie readily made friends of all the children at mass in their church in Arizona, usually bringing them little gifts on Sundays.  She was known to all as a Teddy Bear collector and donated many bears over the years to the ambulance company in Scottsdale for children to hold when they got hurt.  She spoiled and loved each one of her grandchildren, often sending care packages.

Dottie had many friends, making them everywhere she touched with her sparkling presence. She was a self-proclaimed “hugger” and many fondly recall the warmth of her signature embrace.  Our mom loved with her whole heart and everyone she knew was considered family.  Whether you called her Mom, Bachie, Chochie, or just plain Dottie, she was loved by all!  

She is survived by her children, Catherine (James) Glazier of Byron, and Alan Berkoski of Manhattan; grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Caruso, Amanda (Eric) Frantzen, Lisa (Robert ) Graziano, Michael (Virginia) Glazier, Kristin Glazier, Lindsey ( Jacob) Waliszewski, Bryan Glazier; great-grandchildren, Tessa and Eleanor Caruso, Natalie and Charlotte Frantzen, Josephine Glazier. Also surviving are her God-family, Ray (Olga) Berkoski and their son, Ray, III of Arizona.

There will be no visitation.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Poland in Southampton at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary R.C. Cemetery, Southampton.  

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dorothy's name to the Coalition for Women's Cancers, c/o Southampton Hospital Foundation, 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY 11968-5090 (Please make check payable to Southampton Hospital Foundation and include CWC on the memo line).  

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave., Bergen (585) 494-1210. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Marcella Hennessey

By T.J. Woodward

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  Marcella Hennessey, 90, of Le Roy passed away on Wednesday January 13, 2021 at the Le Roy Village Green. She was born in Buffalo on February 12, 1930 to the late Cecil and Ruby Carroll. In addition to her parents, Marcella is predeceased by her husband; Richard Hennessey

Marcella was a talented artist and an avid gardener.

She is survived by two sons; Richard and Patrick Hennessey; her granddaughter Christine (Christopher) Long and 3 great grandchildren; Carson, Cora and Cullen Long.

There will be no prior calling hours and Funeral Services will be private. Marcella will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Buffalo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY www.alz.org. For more information please call 585-343-8260, or to leave a 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.

Frank J. Gallo

By T.J. Woodward

 

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Frank J. Gallo, 87, of Batavia passed away peacefully on January 12, 2021 at the Premier Genesee Nursing Facility. He was born on May 28, 1933 in Oakfield to the late Rosario and Mary (Marabella) Gallo.

In addition to his parents, Frank is predeceased by his son; John J. Gallo; grandson Vincent Gallo; siblings Anthony (Rose) Gallo, John Gallo, Patsy Gallo, Josephine (Joe) Joy, Theresa (Anthony) Massaro, Betty (Frank) Spadacino, Mildred Gallo, and sister in law Dolores Gallo.

He is survived by his sons; Frank Gallo of Batavia and Anthony (Maryann) Gallo of Batavia; brother Sam Gallo of Williamson and sister in law Margaret Gallo of Batavia; along with 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Frank worked for many years at Trojan Industries in Batavia. He enjoyed watching the Yankees and Boxing. Above all else, Frank loved spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his sons in the Adirondacks.

There will be no prior calling hours. A private Funeral Service will be held for the family. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com or the Children’s Advocacy Center 302 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260, or to leave a 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.

Jacqueline D. Scharlau

By Ronald Konieczny

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Jacqueline D. Scharlau, 92 of Batavia, passed away peacefully Monday evening (January 11, 2021) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

She was born April 15, 1928 a daughter of the late George A. and Georgieanna (Burroughs) Lawrence.

Jacqueline graduated from Corfu High School in 1946 and retired from Fisher Price in Medina in 1989. She was a member of The Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, Pembroke Historical Society and Indian Falls Senior Citizens Group.

In her younger years, Jackie and her husband belonged to the Ford Wagon Train RV Club, a family oriented camping club available to Ford employees and their family and friends traveling the country. They also had many fond memories camping at the former Indian Falls Lake. She spent endless hours knitting afghans, sewing and crocheting baby hats for newborns. She loved technology and computers, driving her car and taking her friends who no longer were able to drive to lunch and doctor appointments. Jackie loved to listen to country music. She had the art of calligraphy and had the most beautiful handwriting.

Jackie was a strong Christian woman whose faith guided her. She had many challenges in her time. She faced them all with strength and determination. Her memories we shall treasure.

The family would like to thank the LeRoy Village Green staff for the kind and compassionate care that she received during her stay.

She was the wife of the late George E. Scharlau. Mother of the late George R. Scharlau and Kathleen M. Barmasse. Also predeceased by infant brother, George D. Lawrence and infant sister Laurabel M. Lawrence.

Survivors include daughters in-law, Helen A. Chapell of Byron and Ingrid Scharlau of Alden. Granddaughters, Carrie (Al) Davids of Byron, Marcy (Matt Verschage) Johnson of Piffard and Jessica Scharlau. Great-grandchildren, Ava Davids, Kyle Johnson and Madison Verschage. Many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins, especially one special cousin Peggy Matthews of Magadore. She is also survived by several church friends.

A graveside service will be Saturday (February 6th), 11:00am at Evergreen Hill Cemetery (Route 77), Corfu, NY.

Memorials may be made to the Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, P.O. Box 189, East Pembroke, NY 14056. 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.

 

 

Mrs. Jean Marie Drock

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield-Jean Marie (Wetherwax) Drock 79 years old, passed away Monday January 11, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

She was born March 29, 1942, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Clayton and Mary (Stringham) Wetherwax.  

Jean resided her entire life in her childhood home in Oakfield NY. In her lifetime she enjoyed bowling, loved to read and do puzzles as well watch cooking shows, soap operas and NCIS.  Jean was a long time camper at Godfrey's Pond.  She never missed a summer.  Camping and the people there were the highlight of her life and the campers were like family to her.

Jean worked at GTE Sylvania, Oliver's Candies and Oakfield Alabama Central School. The most important job Jean had was being a mother and devoted wife.  She continued her motherly role with helping raise her grandchildren. She was a staple for her children and grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband of 58 years Ronald Drock, siblings Audrey Hodgkins, David Wetherwax, and Kathy Miller.
 
She is survived by her children Linda Drock of Batavia, Brian (Gaye) Drock, Basom, and Jennifer Maskell (Chris Grill) Union, Missouri; her grandchildren, Triton Drock, Jessica Benson, Cassandra Drock, Kelly Maskell, Andrew Branam-Drock, and Lukas Maskell and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will immediately follow visitation at 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Association, Inc., P.O. Box 217, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jean's name, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Please note the funeral home is restricted to occupancy of 25 people. Facial coverings and social distancing are required. We thank you for yor cooperation.

David Gordon Cross

By Joshua Smith

Elba - David Gordon Cross, age 67, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 5, 2021.

He was born June 24, 1953, in Batavia, a son of the late Gordon and Arlene Hoffmeister Cross.

A 1971 graduate of Elba Central School, he retired from the Town of Byron Highway Department after 35 years as a heavy equipment operator and then worked part time for the Town of Elba Highway Department. Dave would work for many of the area farmers as he was needed.

He drove race cars in the mid 80's into the early 90's at local tracks including Genesee, Perry and Delevan and in 1991 won Mr. Dirt Sportsman. A huge fan of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., he attended many NASCAR races over the years.

Dave loved his time with family and giving his grand-kids rides on his four wheeler and Kubota Tractor. He took pride in caring for his property including his home, woods and farmland.

He is survived by his wife JoAnn Easton Cross whom he married on September 22, 1979; his children; Tiffany (Adam) Hoopengardner of Bergen and Christopher (Amanda) Cross of Elba; five grandchildren; Makala, Madison and Connor Hoopengardner and Ethan and Emily Cross; sister, Chyle (Rick) Castillo of Elba; two sisters-in-law; Joyce (Jerry) Seaman of Oakfield and Judy Stiles of Pavilion; several nieces, nephews, close friends and neighbors.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. His family cordially invites the public to attend his graveside ceremony on Friday at 2 p.m. at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in his name to the Elba Fire Department, P.O Box 58, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford. com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Joseph B. Greene

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Joseph  B.  Greene, 82,  of Batavia, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Greene was born Thursday, March 17, 1938 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Clarence Greene and Marguerite Pask Greene.

He enjoyed attending Batavia Muckdog baseball games, area softball games and to whittle. He loved woodworking and made many canes for the residents of 400 Towers. A graduate of Oakfield Alabama High School, he attended Alfred State College and worked for many years at Doehler-Jarvis in Batavia.

He is survived by his daughters; Betsy (Thomas) Pettinella of Pittsford and Mary Jo (Roger) Hume of Batavia; six grandchildren; Matthew (Meghan), Philip (Ali), Adam (Mackenzie), Cady (Ohnet), Jenna and Abbey; seven great-grandchildren; Leah, Aubrey, Tyler, Gio, Remi, Brecken and Rosalie; his brother; Jerome Greene of Alabama; his sister; Mary Jane Hartwig of Holley along with several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his brother; Thomas Greene and his brother-in-law; Thomas Hartwig.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Dorothy E. Taylor

By T.J. Woodward

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  Dorothy E. Taylor, 103, of Warsaw formerly of Batavia passed away on January 10, 2021 at the East Side Nursing Home.  She was born on May 12, 1917 in Batavia to the late Harold and Catherine Cummings. In addition to her parents, Dorothy is predeceased by her husband; Arthur J. Taylor; brother Donald Cummings; sisters Marion Cummings and Ruth Bishop.

Dorothy was a long time member of St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia and worked for many years as a cook at John Kennedy Elementary School. She loved being outside, gardening and shopping.

She is survived by her son; James (Shirley) Taylor of Batavia; sister Betty Gillard of Stafford; grandson Jayson (Anita) Taylor of Stafford, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A private Funeral Service will be held for the family. Dorothy will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information please call 585-343-8260, or to leave a 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.

Lee C. LaPaglia

By Joshua Smith

Lee C.  LaPaglia, 68, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Lee was born February 26, 1952 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Leslie and Alice (Petty) Smith.

She was a Buffalo Bills fan, who enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking, puzzles and playing Yahtzee.  

Surviving are her children, Cassandra Brunea of Batavia, Payadie (Thomas) Park of LeRoy and Christopher LaPaglia of LeRoy; grandchildren, Bianca (AJ) DiStefano, Alicia Yasses, Cody LaPaglia, André Taylor, Melissa Park, Kylee LaPaglia, Keegan Park and Tyler Brunea-McGraw; a great-grandchild, Dresden DiStefano; her step-father-in-law, Bill Kent of Batavia; brothers, Ralph (Jennifer) Smith, Charles (Ramona) Smith, Richard (Louise) Putney and Wayne Smith and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph LaPaglia and a brother, Robert Putney.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, January 18, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Lee 's family asks that if attending calling hours to please wear your Buffalo Bills attire.  Funeral services will be private and Lee will be laid to rest eternally with her late husband, Joe, in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  

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

Please note that the funeral home capacity is 25 people. Facial coverings and social distancing are required. Please be prepared to wait outside. We appreciate your consideration and cooperation.

Carol Rogers (Stevens)

By Joshua Smith

Carol Rogers (Stevens) of Oakfield, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2021 at age 88.

Carol was born in Batavia in 1932 to the late Karl and Gertrude Quartley Stevens.  

She attended SUNY Geneseo and worked for the US Gypsum Company, as well as being an ‘Avon Lady’ for over 30 years. She enjoyed her family, keeping in touch with friends, knitting and participating in craft shows with her husband Norm. They also enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States, in particular attending army reunions in various locations.  Carol enjoyed watching sports at all levels and was an ardent Buffalo Bills fan.

Carol is survived by her son Steven (Wendy Hartley), grandsons Ken Rogers of NC, Jack Rogers of Webster, Craig Rogers (Kjell) of Australia, Mike Rogers of NYC, and great grandson Gabe of Australia. Brothers-in-law Jim Rogers (Donna) and Ardell Gehman (Shirley).  As well as many other relatives and dear friends. Predeceased by her husband Norman and daughter-in-law Shari.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at a later time when it is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Carol’s name to Heritage Christian Services, 275 Kenneth Drive, Suite 100, Rochester NY 14623 or heritagechristianservices.org/donate/

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

Arrangements for Carol were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.

William E. LaVarnway

By T.J. Woodward

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  William E. “Billy” LaVarnway, 73, of Attica passed away on Friday January 8, 2021 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo. Bill was born on December 14, 1947 to John and Mary LaVarnway in Auburn, NY and moved to Attica at age 2.

He Graduated from Attica Central High in 1965 and then from Auburn Community College with an Associated degree. He joined the US Navy for 6 years 1969-1975, serving as a Machinist Mate 1st Class, working on many air craft carriers. His best day ever was September 5, 1976 when his daughter, Erin (Treya) Kurnik was born. Bill started working at Kodak and continued there for over 25 years. Bill enjoyed hunting, was an avid fly fisherman, made many of his own flies for the lures. He loved sports and was the Buffalo Bills No. 1 fan. His biggest loves were his many dogs he had, mostly Spaniels and Golden Retrievers. Many remember Bill walking his dogs through Attica, truly a dog’s best friend. He also carved walking sticks for waling in the woods with dog in tow. Bill loved to golf whenever he was able. He was an avid reader, a member of Stephen’s Memorial Library. He loved all genres of music; Classical, Celtic, Jazz, Rock n Roll, etc. He also loved movies, had quite a collection.

Bill suffered many years from Parkinson’s disease but still kept active till the disease took over. He last resided at Greenfield’s Assisted Living before he passed. A big thank you and appreciation goes to Greenfield’s building B Nursing staff, also to the Millard Fillmore 3rd floor staff than made him comfortable his last week. Our Lord took him into his arms to end his suffering on January 8, 2021.

Billy is predeceased by his parents; John and Mary LaVarnway; nephews Joel LaVarnway, Joey Bailey, Mason Harris and Jake Johnson; niece Aubrey Kimmel and brother in law, Roger.

Bill is survived by his loving daughter; Erin Kurnik; 11 siblings Mary (Royal) Bailey, Suzanne Kimmel, John LaVarnway, David (Sue) LaVarnway, Michael (Maury) LaVarnway, Annette Pfaff, Kathy (Dennis) Klotz, Sheila (Tom) Thompson, Mark (Kathy) LaVarnway, Theresa (Jeff) Hume and Erin (Scott) Mast. He also has many nieces and nephews, many who will miss him, along with 4 cousins who reside in England with their growing families.

Sadly there will be no calling hours. There will be an 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday January 16, 2021 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Church 50 East Ave. Attica, NY 14011.  He will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations can be made to the Attica SPCA 808 Creek Rd. in Attica, Sts. Joachim & Anne Catholic Church 50 East Ave. in Attica and Stephens Memorial Library 146 Main St. in Attica. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica New York 14011.

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