Obituaries

Ronald R. Olejniczak, 88 of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2023 at Millard Fillmore Hospital, Williamsville. He was born July 25, 1934 in Buffalo, to the late Edward and Irene (Briekus) Olejniczak. He is preceded in death by his son Ronald Olejniczak in 2003 and his brother Daniel Olejniczak.

He worked as a Manager at Acme Bakery for many years. Ron was an avid bowler, member of Knights of Columbus and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, both in Hamburg.

He is survived by his loving daughter Nanette “Nan” Olejniczak and grandson Nathan Olejniczak.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 29, 2023 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 1:00PM Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, Lancaster.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or to Roswell Park www.roswellpark.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

  Richard S. Cina, 88, of Stafford passed away on Sunday January 22, 2023 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Batavia on April 17, 1934 to the late Charles and Margaret (Gautieri) Cina. In addition to his parents, Richard is predeceased by his wife; Nancy (Bielinski) Cina.

Richard worked for many years as an Electronic Technician at the Wyoming County Correctional Facility and also taught defensive driving for AARP for years. He was a lifetime member at St. Anthony’s Church and Ascension Parish. He was an avid bowler and card player, enjoyed going to the casino and loved older cars. Richard was known as a very intelligent man who could fix anything. He will be remembered as being a great family man to his children, grandkids and great-grandkids.

He is survived by his children; Clark Cina of Batavia, Richard (Kimberly) Cina Jr. of Churchville, Tim (Tina) Cina of Scottsville and Christine (Raymond) Hernandez of NC; a sister Jennie (Frank) D’Aurizio of Batavia; 8 grandchildren Brittany, Brandon, Rebecca and Charles Cina, Joshua Lehr, Richard, Jessica and Eric Hernandez; 7 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on Friday January 26, 2023 from 3:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday the 28^th at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. B in Batavia.  Richard will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org.        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.

  Elizabeth L. “Betty” Murray of Batavia, passed away peacefully on January 20^th, 2023 at UMMC. She was born in LeRoy, NY, the daughter of Samuel and Mary Leone. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Mary Leone, her husband D. Michael Murray and the father of her children Cary D Dixson.

Elizabeth, Betty, Betty Lou, Betty Boop, will be remembered for her kind heart and giving personality. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was always there if anyone needed her. Even if it was just an ear to listen and give you her special advice.

Betty grew up in Leroy, NY where she graduated high school and kept many friends throughout her life and enjoyed being a part of her Red Hatters group. She loved traveling, shopping, going to out to dinner and especially her time spent at the lake with her lifelong friend Cathy. Betty was also a Bill’s fan and never missed a game. But most of all she loved sharing her time with her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her brother Nelson (Deanna) Leone and her sister Margaret (Vincent) Leone. Her four children, Steven (Char) Dixson, Cheryl Phillips, Kimberly Dixson and Kathleen Dixson. Her nine grandchildren, Michael (Mandy) Dixson, Katie (Jimmy) Ta, Adam (Rachel) Dixson, Jason Dixson, Oneal Dixson, Rain Galanti, Emma Phillips, Tristan Flint and Jordan Flint. Four great grandchildren, Khai Ta, Alina Ta, Lydia Dixson and Elliana Flint, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday January 26, 2023 from 3:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 7:00PM Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.  Betty will be laid to rest privately at a later date.

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

Anna M. (Costantini) Fava, age 96, a longtime resident of Oakfield, NY, passed away Jan 20, 2023. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gino L. Fava in 2014, after 68 years of marriage. She passed exactly nine years to the day of his death.  Born to Giuseppe and Maria Giuseppina (De Gennaro / De Janeiro) Costantini in South Alabama, NY, she was predeceased by sisters:  Mary, Elsie, and brother, John. She is survived by her three children: Susan Hubbert (Adam Malek) of Chandler, AZ and of Batavia, NY; William (Cathy) Fava of Batavia, NY and Apollo Beach, FL; Debra (Robert) Cecere, of Victor, NY; plus, her younger sister, Edna (Costantini) Bradley of Concord, CA.

Anna was blessed with seven grandchildren; Dr. Dina (Dr. Mark) Dosch of Pittsburgh, PA; Pamela Cecere of Penn Yan, NY; Matthew (Kathryn) Fava of Manassas, VA; Ryan (Hannah) Fava of Ballston Lake, NY; Patrick (Melody) Fava of Batavia, NY; Philip (Kristine) Fava, of Batavia, NY; and Col. Patrick (Lt Col. Brandy) Malone of Odenton, MD. She is also the proud great grandmother to sixteen great grandchildren; Mary Rose, Joseph, and Michael Dosch of Pittsburgh, PA; Wyatt, Olivia, and Clara Fava of Ballston Lake, NY; Will, Michael, and Laura Fava, of Manassas, VA; Elliana, Parker, and Tillie Fava, of Batavia, NY; Gino and Louie Fava; of Batavia, NY; Alex, and Samuel Malone of Odenton, MD.

Anna was the heart of our family, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to many. Fluent in both French and Italian, she corresponded with family in Italy, Canada, Australia and across the United States. Her strong belief in family, lead her to become the family historian, hosting many family reunions.

A tea drinker before it was fashionable, Anna was a lover of literature and music her whole life. Coming from a very musical family she played clarinet in her high school orchestra and marching band, knew the words to hundreds of songs, and always learned our piano recital pieces better than we ever could.

She was a talented cook and ran the kitchen side of every restaurant/bar she and Gino owned, starting with the Country Grill that her father built in 1926, then the Oakfield Hotel, and the Royal Restaurant on Main Street in Oakfield.  She and Gino offered the first pizzas in Oakfield before pizza parlors were popular, only passing on her secret dough recipe after her retirement, to a younger generation of Fava’s.  

Like many women of her generation, she held numerous jobs before working at her final place of employment at the Batavia, Veterans Hospital, where she retired from in 1989. Through her dedicated efforts she was able to advocate for many veterans, helping them to receive the benefits and service they deserved. Upon her retirement she was still active as secretary of the local NARFE chapter and was also a longtime member of the Women’s Auxiliary for the American Legion, in Basom, NY.

Another little know fact of our amazing mother was her post WWII service for the Air Force Defense Team. In 1959 she was awarded a life time membership in the Ground Observation Corp, an organization created during WWII and continued during the 1950’s era of the cold war. Civilian volunteer spotters, worked as a defense effort, to protect Niagara Falls, a major producer of the power at that time and a likely target of enemy attack. Volunteers spent hours scanning the sky with binoculars to identify planes by type and call in their observations to the Air Force from a small shanty building located on Drake Street in Oakfield. Anna was one of those volunteers. Another proud moment for our mother, a lifelong Democrat was meeting, John F. Kennedy in person, before he was elected President, in 1960.

Anna loved her family with all her heart and soul and taught us by example to be honest, hardworking, a friend to others and how to be family. She will be missed more than words can tell.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday January 27, 2023 at St. Padre Pio Parish 56 Maple Ave. Oakfield, NY 14125.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests offering a mass in her honor, or donations to either: Notre Dame HS, at 73 Union St. in Batavia, NY; Or Boy Scouts of America, Iroquois Trail Council, 102 South Main Street Oakfield, NY. 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.

Batavia - William M. Cappiello, 63 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (January 18, 2023) at Shorewinds Nursing Home in Rochester.

Mr. Cappiello was born July 15, 1959 in Batavia, a son of  Irene S. (Potwora) Cappiello of Warsaw (formerly of Batavia) and the late Roland R. Cappiello.

Bill was a humorous man who had a passion for music and a love for sports.   He was intelligent, compassionate, and had a big heart.

Surviving along with his mother are his siblings, James (Bobbi) Cappiello of Willis, Texas, Anne (Darrel) Crotzer of Batavia, Susan (Joseph) Copp of La Jolla, California, and Michelle (Thomas) Clattenburg of Batavia; nieces and nephews, Kelley (Paul) Caffo, Jamie (Andrew) Maguire, Devon (Gabe) Moraes, Kells Copp, and Tara Clattenburg, along with a great nephew and 2 great nieces.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday (January 28, 2023)  from 10:00 to 11:00 am  at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia (Please use School Street entrance), where William's Memorial Service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.  Entombment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Linda L. Ellsworth, 77 of Oakfield, formerly of Akron, passed away peacefully on Thursday (January 19, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born November 12, 1945 in Warsaw, NY, a daughter of the late Claude and Esther Smith Stevenson.

She was the wife of the late Richard Ellsworth.

Linda is survived by nieces, nephews and close friends.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Akron.

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 - Joseph D. Taromino, 67 of Batavia passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

He was born Sunday, May 29th, 1955 in Buffalo, a son of the late John Taromino and Louise Ruggeri Taromino.

He worked for many years at Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs and truly loved horse racing

He is survived by his brother, John Taromino of Batavia.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 from 1:00 pm  to 3:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Memorials may be made to his family. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Robert L. Baiocco “Bob”, 75, of Batavia, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 15, 2023 at the Buffalo V.A. Medical Center.

He was born November 15, 1947 in Buffalo, NY, son of the late Louis and Jeanette Santelli Baiocco.

Bob, also fondly known as “Bobby” to his family and numerous life-long friends, was a talented individual known for his skill and success as a self-taught drummer, a master in Isshin-Ryu Karate, and a pizzeria owner. His world revolved around his children, and he thoroughly enjoyed the endless road trips they made between Batavia and West Palm Beach. Bobby was well known for his humor and storytelling. When not driving around town with Yuki (his cockatoo sidekick), he treasured time with his friends on the golf course and around the poker table. Bobby nurtured his faith in God by attending Mass with his fellow veterans at the Batavia VA Chapel for many years. 

Survivors include his son, Robert J. Baiocco of Florida and daughter, Nicole M. (Alden) Goodwin of Oregon. Also survived by his former wife and friend, Kathleen Tyrholm; sister-in-law, Serena Baiocco, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by his brother, John Baiocco.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (January 28^th) from 9:30am – 11:15am at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where prayers will be recited at 11:15am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 12:00pm at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia.

Entombment with Military Honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for distribution to select charities or to “Parrots for Patriots”, 13215 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Bldg C-8 Unit 101, Vancouver, Washington 98684    Phone: 503 247-3626    Email: info@parrotsforpatriots.org

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.

 

 

Winifred W. Beats of Melbourne, FL passed away in her sleep on January 16,2023. She was born October 3, 1922, in Alexander, NY to the late Lewis and Cordelia (Goodman) Wight. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years Robert J Beats, four brothers, and one sister.

Winifred and Robert met, lived, attended high school, and worked in Alexander. Winfred’s employment career was with the US Postal Service retiring as Postmaster of Alexander. Shortly after retirement Winifred and Robert began spending winters in Florida and summers at Rushford Lake, NY.

Surviving family include daughters Linda (Lawrence) Putchinski and Roberta (Leonard) Rothenbuhler in addition to two sisters, one brother, and five grandsons. Friends and family celebrated Winifred’s 100^th birthday at the Fountains of Melbourne senior living facility last October.

Friends are invited to call from 1-2PM on March 15, 2023 at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 333 W Main St, Batavia, NY 14020. (please note the location for Services is at our Batavia location) A Funeral Service will be held immediately following visitation at 2PM. Winifred will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the form of a tree planting via the Marley website. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Jean M. Siler, 76, formerly of Attica, went to the Lord peacefully on January 20, 2023 at Brothers of Mercy in Clarence where she resided for years.

Jean was the daughter of LaVerne and Charlotte (McCormick) Siler. Jean was born with Cerebral Palsy and faced many challenges throughout her life. She had strong Catholic faith and led a devoted Christian life.

Jean is survived by several cousins and three special cousins; Linda Gonzalez, Diane Baker and Dan McCormick, who visited Jean often.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the care, love and kindness shown to Jean by the doctors, nurses, aides and staff at Brothers of Mercy.

There are no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday January 26, 2023 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brothers of Mercy Activities Fund 10570 Bergtold Rd. Clarence, NY 14031-2198 or the Cerebral Palsy Foundation www.yourcpf.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

James R. Owen, Mayor of Redfield Parkway, passed away Thursday, January 19^th, while surrounded by friends and family at Crossroads house in Batavia. James was born July 9^th, 1943 and is the son of Frank E. Owen & Natalie Walker Owen and brother of Kathy & Robert Owen. James graduated from Batavia High in 1961 where he played 3 sports, cross country, basketball & golf. He was also on the picture staff of the Batavia High School paper.

James graduated from SUNY Morrisville (as he would always refer MIT) followed by RIT and the University of Buffalo. His degrees included Business and Education Majors. James started teaching in 1966 in Sackets Harbor NY where he coached Varsity basketball. After 2 years James was able to take a position in Hamburg High School where he taught for 34 years. James coached cross country, track and JV basketball.

James was a proud member of Stafford Country Club for 60 years. He was once President of the Horseshoe Lake Association and Retired Teachers Association of Genesee County and served on the Board of Directors for The Holland Land Office and Genesee County Mental Health. James was also a proud supporter of Batavia's GO ART. James was also a proud member of the Stafford Historical Society, Godfrey's Pond and was the former town of Stafford historian.

James would like to thank Bert Earl and Michael Marsh for all they've done for him and their efforts to help him stay in his home for as long as possible. He would like to thank his friends for all their support and encouragement in his life. James also would like to thank Batavia School District's staff and students for making his life much brighter! Success of life is having knowledge and the Batavia School system is doing a great job on educating the students K-12.

James also would like to thank Patti Pacino for helping to get the BHS Auditorium named in honor of his father Frank E. Owen. He would also like to thank Elaine Watson, Carol Redband for help with the feeding tube, Crossroads House staff, Johnny's Angels staff, residents of Redfield Parkway "you folks are doing a great job", Batavia City Council and President Eugene Jankowski for naming him Official Mayor of Redfield Parkway, and all the Batavia students and classes that made get well cards. James would also like to thank Sam for his many hours of help with his Facebook news and articles. He would also like to thank Video News Service and Alecia, The Batavian, Howard Owens and JoJo Beck, The Daily News and Brian Quinn for all reporting positive news for Batavia. Thank you as well to Phil Pies and Fran Spiotta for their encouragement and Sandy and Joe Kauffman for their daily phone calls "they kept me going" and thank you to everyone who sent cards and encouragement for their support. Thank you, Pastor Vern Saile, for your visits and friendship.

Special thanks to the Board of Education, Superintendent Jason Smith and Britt Witkop for their calls, visits and support.

James had many students that were very encouraging for him, including the Governor of NY State Kathy Hochul. James wants all people to know they're very important in his eyes and he tried his best to encourage people and students around him.

"When you dream, dream BIG and go for it."

In lieu of flowers please make donations to any of the following, GO ART, Northgate Free Methodist Church, Genesee County Mental Health, or the Batavia Peace Garden.

There are no prior visiting hours. James' service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11 am at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. He will be laid to rest privately in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy. 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.

John G. Meyer of North Java, passed on January 18, 2023 at ECMC in Buffalo, NY. He was born in Batavia, on February 8, 1957 to the late Gerald and Regina Meyer.

He was a lifelong dairy farmer on the family farm, Gerald Meyer & Sons, and maple producer. John was a 49 year long member of the North Java Fire Company. He also spent 27 years as a New York State Fire Instructor and 3 years as a NJ Fire District commissioner0. For several years, he was a councilman on the Java Town Board. As well as being a Eucharistic minister at St. Nicholas church in North Java and St. John Neumann in Sheldon.

John is survived by his brothers, Paul (Darlene Thompson) Meyer of Bliss, David (Nancy) Meyer of North Java, along with two nieces and four nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 3:30PM to 7:30PM at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Attica, Ny 14011. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 28, at St. John Neumann Parish, 991 Centerline Road, Strykersville, NY 14145. John will be laid to rest in St. Nicholas Cemetery in North Java.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Java Fire Company, 4274 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Lesa M. VanSon of Attica, passed away on January 16, 2023 in Roswell with her beloved husband by her side, after being together for 37 years. She was born in West Seneca to Allan Vivian and the late Marjorie Vivian.

Her unique creativity and tenacious energy remain in the hearts of her dear friends and family. Very few brought as much dedication and integrity to their career as Lesa, who loved and fought for "Her Guys". There were even times when her work and personal life would blend, bringing some of them to Scout events or introducing them to the many (MANY) hobbies that she enjoyed. While it would be a shorter list of things she didn't try, an attempt to list the ones she did would to include: genealogy, wood and metalworking, jewelry making, sketching, and gardening.

She was a Scout Mom, Town Historian and Curator for the Bennington Historical Society, and often the first to ask "What do you want me to make?" for any event (and she'd usually have a suggestion before you have a chance to answer). Lesa was not afraid to get involved and learn new things. Her dream was to teach others and one day pass on her knowledge to her 'grand-babies'.

Lesa is survived by her husband Todd VanSon, children Dean (Michelle) VanSon of Colden, Jessi VanSon of Attica, brother Steven (Lori) Vivian of Avon, sister Kari (Terrance) Stevens of Sandy Creek, MI, brothers-in-law Dondi (Penny) VanSon of Pavilion, Bradley (Megan) VanSon of Dickinson, ND, grandchildren Emily VanSon, Elias VanSon along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00PM on January 28, 2023 at the Attica Lodge #462, 39 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 665 Elm St, Buffalo, NY 14203, Indicator Art, https://www.indicatorart.org/donate/, Buffalo Audubon Society, 1610 Welch Rd, North Java, NY 14113, Bennington Historical Society, https://benningtonmuseum.org/gift-form/, or the SPCA, 808 Creek Rd, Attica, NY 14011. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

 

Virginia E. Green, 78, formerly of Akron, passed away with family by her side Tuesday (January 17, 2023) after a lengthy illness.

She was born September 10, 1944 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Arthur and Helen Godlewski Tucholka.

Survivors include her children, Shane (Kim) Green of Akron, Dawn (Lisa) DeMarco-Green of Elma and Daniel (Maria) Green of Akron. Grandchildren, Joshua, Courtney (Kyle) and Nathan. Great-grandson, Kyle Jr., Sister, Kathy (Michelle) Tucholka of Virginia and Brother, Robert (Georgia) Tucholka.

She was the wife of the late Danny G. Green who passed away July 17, 2005.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (January 23rd) from 3pm-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday (January 24th), 9:30am at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 5771 Buell St., Akron.

She will be laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 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.

 

 

John Driscoll passed away peacefully surrounded by family early Wednesday morning, January 18^th at his home in LeRoy, New York.  He was born on January 20^th, 1963 to Catherine (McGuire) and James Driscoll.

     Born and raised in LeRoy, NY, John graduated from LeRoy High School in 1981.  He furthered his education by earning degrees at GCC, SUNY Brockport, and Roberts Wesleyan.  At Roberts Wesleyan, John received his Masters Degree in Education, a degree which gave him the opportunity to work in his dream career as an elementary school teacher.

     John wore many hats in and around his community.  He was a grade school teacher, a RCCFO football referee, and a raft guide at Letchworth State Park.  He enjoyed cycling around the community and hiking and cross-country skiing at local parks.

   

  With each hat he wore, he always brought the same characteristics; perseverance, positivity, courage and humor.  These characteristics aided him in excelling in each hobby he participated in and helped him make a lasting impression on everyone he met.  In his 32 years as a high school football referee, he earned referee of the year along with a lifetime membership.  In his 15 years of teaching at Wolcott Street School, John’s spirit and hard work earned him a “Golden Apple” award in 2019.

     John could always be spotted in rain, wind, and heat riding his bike around the community and back country roads.  His love for riding his bike was sparked when his two friends, Tim Mowry and Doug Legg, road their bicycles form Seattle down the PCH to Nevada finishing up in Colorado.  During the trip, John fell in love with endurance sports.  He ran the NYC marathon, participated in biathlons, and for 17 years participated in Auburn New York’s Great Race with his team the “Common Gray Suckers” (Tom Borrelli, Tom Tillson and Doug Briggs). 

     When John was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer on April 29^th, his faith never wavered, it got stronger.  Before he got sick, he could be seen each weekend at mass and each morning could be found on his spin bike praying.  When he was too sick to attend church, he would participate in Mass on TV and would do his daily prayers on his Bills blanket at home and in hospital beds.

     John touched each and every person he came in contact with through his warm and kind spirit.  He will be missed by his many 4^th and 6^th grade students, his co-workers at Wolcott Street School, his referee friends, his rafting friends, and close friends and family in and around the LeRoy community.  As a testament to his character, the 2023 LeRoy Little League season has been dedicated in his honor.

     He fought his battle the only way he knew how - with courage, positivity and a smile.  He is survived by his best friend and wife of 32 years, Kerry; his daughter, Alanna; his son, Ryan; his mother, Catherine; his brother, Jimmy (Judy); several in laws; his nieces and nephews; uncle; aunt and cousins.  He was predeceased by his father, James and his sister, Patty.

     John’s family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, January 24^th from 2 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 25^th at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020.   www.geneseecancerassistance.org/donate/

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