Obituaries

James “Jim” Edward Porter, moved to his heavenly home October 26, 2023, the anniversary date of his mothers passing.

Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 24, 1951. His father, Roy C. Porter, mother Bernice Swift and brother Kenneth W. Porter all passed previously and welcomed him home in heaven.

He leaves behind his companion of 6 years, Anne Haas of LeRoy, NY and his two daughters; Kellie Brink of Columbus, Ohio and Angela Lynn Porter of Clinton, Ohio; as well as the four grandchildren he adored, Kaitlyn, Hayden Aaleyah and Jaydon. Jim is also survived by sisters, Ellen (late David) Wood of East Bethany, NY, Debbie Claw of Canton, Ohio, Sharon (Lynn) Porter Wood of East Bethany, NY, Linda (Vince) Maurer and Patti (Pat) Moretti, both of Kentucky. 

His hobbies were playing Beatles music on his guitar or keyboard and singing along. Jim was a stand-up comedian, always cracking jokes and making them up spontaneously. Although he attended the Batavia Lake Plains Dialysis Unit, Jim kept everyone there laughing. His friends and staff there will miss his uplifting personality.

Jim was an avid Browns fan (proudly wearing his leather Cleveland Browns jacket). He played football himself at Dalton High School in Ohio, as well as Rittman High School where he graduated in 1969. After graduation, Jim served in the United States Navy on the USS Regulus.

He will be interred at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, NY with services and military honors held at the convenience of the family. There will be no prior calling hours.

Memorials can be offered to a charity of choice. 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.

Paul A. Smith, 82 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Monday (October 30, 2023) at the Absolut Care Nursing Facility in Gasport, NY.

He was born December 13, 1940 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Frank and Margaret Kerr Smith.

Paul was a car hauler for Penske Lease Way in Lewiston prior to his retirement and was a career member of the Teamsters Union Local #449. 

He is survived by his children: Michael (Deborah) Smith, Jeffrey (Karen) Smith, Jennifer (Timothy) Manchester, Brenda (Daniel) Schultz, Leanne Smith; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Brother. David (Judy) Smith and sister Margaret Jean (late Dale) Wiley.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (Nov. 6^th) from 3-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, where a funeral service will commence at 7pm. Burial will be private in White Chapel Cemetery, Buffalo, NY.

Memorial offerings may be made to White Whiskers Dog Sanctuary, 35 Lewis Rd., Akron, NY 14001. 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.

Batavia - Myron Dean Dupler, 76 of Batavia  passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York.

Myron was born Monday, November 25th, 1946 in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania a son of the late Sarah (Flood) Gross. 

Myron was a Red Sox fan and loved watching Joe Logano in the Nascar races.  He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and was a member of the dart league. 

Myron is survived by his siblings, David (Mary) Gross of Niagara Falls, Dennis (Melody) Gross of Batavia, and Linda Palaszynski of Batavia.

In death Myron is reunited with his mother, Sarah Gross, and brother, Terry Gross.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. Burial will be in Western New York National Cemetery on Thursday, November 2, 2032 at 10:00 am.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street Batavia, NY 14020 or American Parkinson Disease Association P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306. 

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

Wanda M. Wolfley, 79 of Alexander, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 30, 2023 with her family by her side at Unity Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Batavia, January 23, 1944 to the late Homer Philo and Marjorie Marie (Dumbleton) Wolfley. Wanda is preceded in death by siblings, Dorothy M. (James) Stewart, Eugene M. Wolfley, and Mary Lou Wolfley.

Wanda began her career in teaching 68-69 school year at Avon Central School in grades 7-12 Phys Ed and Health. In 1980 she moved to grades K-6 Phys Ed. Wanda coached girls sports at various times – starting with soccer, volleyball, basketball, track & field, and softball plus teaching. She retired in 2000. Wanda started a Girl’s Athletic Association at Avon Central School before Title IX came into effect. She actively enjoyed watching all of her nieces and nephews play sports.

Wanda enjoyed time spent with her family; traveling to Florida during the winter months, woodworking, driving her PUCH scooter, and GEM car, and playing cards at any gathering.  

Wanda is survived by her brother, Willard G. (Sandra Myers) Wolfley, sister-in-law Doris M. (Hodge) Wolfley; 12 nephews, David, Paul, Tom and John Stewart, Theodore, Brian, Philip, Wayne, Andrew, Jim, Mark and Greg Wolfley; 3 nieces, Kathy Wielobob, Sharie Wolfley-Vendetta, Sarah Herting, great nieces, nephews, great-great nieces and nephews.

It was Wanda’s wish that there be no prior visitation. A Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Following the service, there will be a gathering of friends and family.

Please consider a memorial in honor of Wanda’s memory to Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005 or to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, 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. 

Kenneth Ray Walters, 85, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born in Gary, Indiana on February 3, 1938 to the late Willie and Opal (Capron) Walters. He is preceded in death by his sisters; Rebecca Walters Boyden and Nancy Walters Albourn and brother Gary Walters.

Kenneth was a proud United States Army veteran. He retired from self-employment in Buffalo where he drove many thousands of hours over the years delivering to customers all over the WNY area, who clearly loved him and treated him like family. Ken loved spending time with his family most of all. He was loved by many and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved all animals, even squirrels. Ken enjoyed watching Baseball (especially the NY Yankees) and all sports from high school to professional, watching movies, thoroughbred horse racing, the casino, and was an avid reader of detective fiction.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years; Evelyn (Blaner) Walters of Batavia; children Sandra (Patrick) Collins of Somerset, NY, Patrick Walters of Portland, OR, and Kathleen (James) Starkweather of Batavia; brothers Thomas Walters of Valparaiso, IN and Daniel Walters of Portage, IN; his beloved cat Parker; Seven Grandchildren April (Patrick) Kimball of Batavia, Sarah (Jason) Sands of Fulton, NY, Rachel (Tim) Almeter of South Byron, Hannah (Patrick) Kendall of Wyoming, NY, Adam Brasky of Buffalo, Alex Brasky of Batavia and Jake Brasky of Nashville, TN; Ten great-grandchildren Ethan (Fiancé Ireland Sutton) Kimball, Shawn and Evan Kimball, Madelyn and Nicholas Sands, Evelyn, Eleanor and Newton Almeter, Scarlett and Lily Kendall; one great-great-grandchild Elowyn Kimball.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately. 

To leave an online message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Elizabeth M. Kinne, 94, of Batavia, passed away on October 28, 2023 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Elizabeth was born October 24, 1929 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Gerardo and Frances (Moretti) Marcello.

Elizabeth loved cooking, spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed spending time at Batavia Downs with her very close friends.  She was the office manager and purchasing agent for Genesee Industrial Supply Company/Genesee Hardware.

Surviving are her children, Susan (Robert) Lynch of Oakfield, James (Linda) Kinne of Tennessee and Barbara Johnson of Batavia; a sister-in-law, Carol (Brice) Marcello-Casey of Tennessee; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Kinne; her great-grandson, Aiden Cooper and brothers, Alex Marcello, Joseph Marcello and Frank Marcello.

At the request of Elizabeth, there will be no prior calling hours.  Elizabeth's funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at St. Joseph's Mausoleum, 531 Ellicott Street in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.  

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

Arrangements for Elizabeth were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

Doris Mae Richenberg, age 87, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida. She was born in Batavia, NY on October 25, 1935, to Edith and James Donohue.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard E Richenberg, age 81, who died on February 20, 2017 surrounded by family in Naples FL., her parents, and both of her brothers.

Mrs. Richenberg is survived by her children, three sons and two daughters. Her sons, Tim (Natalie) of Williamstown, NY, Ron (Sue) of Stafford, NY, Gary (Carla) of Louisville, KY and daughters Susan (Eliot) of Ames, IA, and Rebecca (Tony) of Naples, FL. She was blessed with many grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Philip & Gianna of Florida, Molly & Reese of Ohio & Iowa, Abigail (Justin) of Michigan, Jake (Katie) of Kentucky, Adam (Elisa) of Indiana & Chris (Heidi) of Montana, John (Chantel), Katelyn (Doug) & Michelle (Jared), Robert, David (Caleigh), Chris & Rachel (Jack) all of New York. Great Grandchildren include Zach, Henry, Ada, Emmeline, Betty, Sophia & Olivia Doris. In addition, she is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Karen Baxter, and Juanita Richenberg.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday October 29, 2023 from 10:30AM-12:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. A 12:00PM Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to Avow Hospice in Naples, FL, or Meals on Wheels America. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Hal Douglas Phillips, 72 of East Bethany, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born on December 3, 1950 to the late Stuart and Doris (Geer) Phillips. He is preceded in death by his brothers, George and Duane Phillips.

Hal was a proud United States Army Veteran. He worked as a carpenter for many years and retired from Mulvey in Lockport. Hal loved the Buffalo Bills, golfing, fantasy football and playing poker. He enjoyed family vacations to Canada, and chicken BBQ’s with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Victoria “Vick” (Shaffner) Phillips of East Bethany, children, Sarah Phillips Eglin of Montecito, CA, Adam and Jennifer (Rowe) Phillips of Santa Barbara, CA, Timothy and Emily (Morrison) Douglas of Oakfield, Scott Douglas of East Bethany, Nicole (Fiance Kevin Mattice) Douglas of Batavia, sister Sharon (Phillips) and Tom Neary of Greece, NY, 9 grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Anne (Ashley) Phillips of East Bethany, Donna (Evans) Phillips of Stafford, along with aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Hal’s Life will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 4 to 8pm at Beachhead Veterans Club, 3188 Broadway Rd., Alexander, NY 14005.

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 visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Irene R. Brunea, age 95, of Corfu NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2023. She was the sister of the late Thomas Kozlowski of Attica, Hattie Smykowski of Darien Center, and half-brother Frank.

Irene was a devoted wife and mother who dedicated her life to raising her children and supporting her husband’s career. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking for her family and friends. When the kids grew up, she enjoyed working at the Darien Knitting Mill. In her later years, Irene became an avid bird enthusiast and loved watching the birds that came to the many feeders in her yard. She particularly loved bluebirds and Baltimore orioles. Irene was a member of the NYS Bluebird Society. She also became a devoted fan of both the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres.

Irene will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 74 years William Brunea; her five children Robert (Diane), Rose (John Worth), Larry, Richard (Tina) and grand-daughter Alivia; predeceased by daughter Margaret.

The family will be scheduling a Celebration of Life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Irene to the Darien Emergency Medical Services, 10537 Alleghany Road, Darien Center NY 14040. 
 
Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.
 

Ross Michael Perry, 68, passed away Sunday October 22nd, surrounded by family and friends after a short illness.  He was the second child and only son born on November 19, 1954 to the late Marie Torcello and Samuel Perry.

He attended St. Mary's Parochial school in Batavia NY, Stella Niagara School Cadet Program in Lewiston NY, and was a 1973 Graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia NY.  He spent his childhood with his cousins at his grandparent’s farms where he found his love of horses with the help of his Aunts and Uncles. 

After high school he spent many years grooming and training race horses.  In the mid-1970s he was employed by Jim Mulcahy Stables and was the caretaker of the trotter "Vinassi" who's winnings totaled $170,000.  He also owned horses with Sal Marchese.  Known as "Rossi" by his fellow horseman, he was always a well-liked, fun loving guy. He traveled up and down the eastern seaboard with various stables and horseman grooming and training horses. He was a member of USTA and Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association. In the 1990's he settled down and joined the family business with his father becoming a businessman and certified collector and running a satellite office out of their house to collect bounced checks, this paid the bills but he never stopped with his horse obsession.

He cherished his time with his only niece and nephew allowing them to indulge in happy meals from McDonald's and climb on top of his car to look over the fence and watch the horses on the track at the Downs.  He always enjoyed taking the kids to see the horses and teaching them how to feed and ride them.  He was especially proud of his namesake Philip Ross Klein and had watched every one of his movies that he had done the music for.

Ross lived every day to his fullest spending his time away from work enjoying road trips with good friends to find good food, watching and betting on horse races in person and on line all over the world, watching sports, especially the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees, camping and hunting with friends, traveling to gentlemen's clubs, enjoying music and drinks at Billy Goats, or a good breakfast at Settler's. He also enjoyed driving through the countryside and looking for and buying fresh produce directly from farmers.  Ross was extremely generous with his time, money, and possessions.  He was always up for an adventure, however big or small.

He was predeceased by his parents and only sibling Mary Jo (Perry) Dumuhosky.  He is survived by his Niece Lisa (Carl Gieseler) Dumuhosky, Nephew Matthew (Laura) Dumuhosky, and great-nieces Kelli, Estelle, and Lenore Dumuhosky.

He was a fierce friend and "brother" to many people throughout the years, especially John Klein, Daniel Russo, Daniel Ferrando, Jerry Casper, Jim Mulcahy, TJ Mulcahy, Michael C Torcello, Michael L Torcello, Ralph Torcello, Michael Lazik, late Anthony Strollo, late Gene Manges, Sal Marchese, and late Neil Anderson

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday October 28th from 12:00PM to 4:00PM at 4068 South Main Street Road Batavia NY, 14020 followed by a trip to the races at Batavia Downs, post time is 6PM, bet your favorite in his honor. The first race will be dedicated the Ross M. Perry Memorial Race, All are welcome. 

Memorials can be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Pavilion ~ Robert Allen Kochmanski, age 43 or Bob, as he was known to most people, died Sunday evening (October 22, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.  

   Bob worked for Johnson & Johnson Construction.  He was hard working and took pride in his work.  He was a leader on the job and in life.

     Bob enjoyed watching football and NASCAR while spending time with his son, niece and nephews.  He loved laughing with family and friends and was always willing to lend a hand.  Bob was full of life and brought joy to many people.  He will be greatly missed.

     He is survived by his son, Jayden (Ashley Clark) Kochmanski; parents, Walter and Kathleen (Hammer) Kochmanski; brothers, Stephen (Nikki) Kochmanski and Wally (Claudia) Kochmanski; niece and nephews, Julie, Jacob, Landyn and Sawyer Kochmanski, along with numerous aunts, uncles and countless cousins.

     The family will hold a private service, per Bob’s wishes.  He will be laid to rest at St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Bergen.

     Family and friends are invited to join the family at the Beachhead Veterans Club, 3188 Broadway Road (Rt. 20), Alexander on Friday, October 27 from 2 ~ 5 PM to remember Bob and celebrate his life.

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

Batavia - Lawrence “Larry" E.  Hanley , 72 of Batavia  passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born Thursday, January 11th, 1951 in Warsaw, New York a son of the late John C. and Dorothy 'Hatfield' Hanley. 

He was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed deer hunting and target practice. Larry had a fondness for trains, but his greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones. 

Larry graduated from Attica high school and went on to receive his associates degree from Bryant & Stratton College. He married the love of his life, Patricia "Patty" Watkins, on April 3, 1971; they spent 52 wonderful years together. Larry worked for Taylor Typewriters, in Batavia, until his retirement.

He will be remembered by his wife, Patty, of Batavia; daughters, Lisa Hanley of Batavia and Christina (Miguel) Ramirez of Oakfield; grandchildren, Destiny (Bleyke) Green, Honesty Green, Kevin jr.  Green, Arriana Morales, Miguel Ramirez III, Temoc Ramirez, and a niece.

In death Larry will be reunited with his parents and brothers, Richard and Ronald (Ronnie) Hanley.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, Batavia. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

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

Ronald A. DeMena, 86 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (October 12, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born August 13, 1937 in Jersey City, New Jersey, a son of the late Andrew and Helen Gould DeMena.

He was predeceased by his wife Charlotte DeMena and a son Ronald DeMena II.

He leaves behind a daughter Pamela DeMena. Five grandchildren, Ronald III, Gary, and Nial DeMena, Walter Briggs, and Timothy Corey; 5 great-grandchildren, Camden, Madelyn, Anna, Dani and Gary Jr.

Ronald was a faithful man of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and a true servant. He was employed by Delco Products prior to his retirement. He trained horses and dogs and enjoyed painting pictures which were sold on the streets of New York City. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be missed immensely by family, church family and many friends.

The family desires no gifts but if you wish to honor Ronald, please send a love gift to Care-A-Van Ministries Inc., 4 Lewis Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

Batavia- Rosemary Fiannaca, 72, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22nd with her family by her side.

Rosemary was born on November 16, 1950 to the late Benjamin and Mary (Ferrando) Bonarigo.

Rosemary graduated from Batavia High School where she met and married the love of her life, Joe Fiannaca.  She enjoyed cooking and baking, but her real love was for spending time with family and friends.  She adored her six grandchildren.

Rosemary is survived by her beloved husband, Joe Fiannaca; her children and their families. Joseph (Kristin) Fiannaca and their children, Ryan, Kathryn and Samantha Fiannaca; Gregory (Amy Barone) Fiannaca; Melissa (AJ) Kasmarek and their children, Jacob, Kelsey and Andrew Kasmarek. Brother,Benjamin (Diane) Bonarigo. Nieces and Nephews; Benjamin (Lisa) Bonarigo, Justine (Brennan) Briggs and Elizabeth (Mehdi) Manii. Her best friend Cheri Pitcher and her best friend/cousin Lucille Ryan. Several cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 27th from 4pm-8pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith, 308 East Main Street Batavia, NY. Rosemary’s Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 28th at 10am at St Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street Batavia, NY.

Memorials can be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street Batavia, NY 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Nancy L. Alfes, 77, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Premier Genesee. She was born in Batavia, February 5, 1946 to the late Donald Cummings and Betty McLaggan. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Donald and Jay Cummings. 

Nancy retired as Deputy County Clerk for Genesee County DMV. She enjoyed crafting, baking and supporting local charities. Nancy was a member of Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church. She loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth N. Alfes of Batavia, children, Chad (Wendy) Caccamise of Batavia, Kimberly Alfes and Keith Alfes both of Cheektowaga, sisters, Joyce Gold of Depew, Peggy (Dave) Thompson of Churchville, 3 grandchildren, Sara (Michael) Borlaug, Stephen (Katherine) Christner, Emily Caccamise, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 3 to 6pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A Celebration of her Life will immediately follow calling hours Wednesday at 6:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.