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Obituaries

Elmer C. Draper

By Joshua Smith
Elmer C. Draper

Elmer C. Draper, 86, of Oakfield, passed away on September 6, 2024 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.  He was very proud to be a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Elmer was born August 31, 1938 in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Elmer and Nora (Bowman) Draper.

Elmer enjoyed the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top and also enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was a fan of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills.  Elmer retired from Graham Corporation.

Surviving are his children, Michael (Nancy) Draper, Michele (David) Bennett and John (Jen) Draper and grandchildren, Sean, Illeana and Camden.

Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Draper.  

Elmer's Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd, Corfu.  Please assemble at the cemetery by 12:45 p.m.  

Memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home, Attention: Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Arrangements for Elmer were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Michael J. Adamczyk

By Ronald Konieczny
Adamczyk

Michael J. Adamczyk, 40 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Wednesday (September 4, 2024) at his residence.

He was born July 28, 1984, a son of Terry (Pempsell) Adamczyk of Akron and the late David Adamczyk.

Mike was an assistant manager for Orville’s Home Appliance in Amherst, NY. He was a goofy guy with a quick wit. The type of guy who liked chicken wings, pizza, putting hot sauce on his popcorn and Worcestershire sauce on his mac salad. He enjoyed football, camping and just hanging out with his family. Family was everything to him, especially his wife and daughters, who were the apple in his eye. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Surviving besides his mother is his wife, Heather (Testa) Adamczyk of Akron. Daughters, Adalynn and Grace Adamczyk. Brothers, David Adamczyk of Akron and Daniel (Tami) Adamczyk of Elma. Nephew and niece, Daniel and Aurora Adamczyk. Father in-law and mother in-law, James and Tracy Testa of Alden. Sister in-law, Valerie (Darren Dojka) Testa.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (September 14th) from 1-4pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY, where a Celebration of Life Service will commence at 4pm.

Flowers are gratefully declined and memorial contributions may be made to the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family atwww.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

 

 

Donald T. Shaw

By Joshua Smith
Shaw

Alexander - Donald T. Shaw, 85 of Alexander passed away on Thursday, (September 5, 2024) at his home in Alexander.

Mr. Shaw was born May 6, 1939 in Sheldon, a son of the late Bernard and Ruth (Hale) Shaw. Along with his parents, Donald is reunited in death with his best friend and Sweetie Pie, his wife, Mary (Kreutter) Shaw; son, Duane Shaw; and brothers, Newton (late Thelma) Shaw, and Clayton Shaw.

Donald was a 65 year member of the Alexander Fire Department and a member of the Genesee County Highway Superintendents Association. He will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, hardworking man who would do anything, for anybody. His love of silly songs will be missed by his family and friends alike.  

Survivors include his children, Dean Shaw of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Douglas (late Arleen) Shaw of Batavia, Daniel Shaw of Alexander, Donna (Michael) Ciurzynski of Akron, Denise (Paul) Jones of Batavia, and Deborah (Paul) Remsen of Batavia; grandchildren, Timothy (Jessica) Ciurzynski, Katie (Tyler) Reagan, Melissa Ciurzynski, Jacob Jones, Alison Jones, Marc Remsen, Molly Remsen, Shawn Shaw, Sharon Shaw, Mikhayla Shaw, and Erika (Anthony) Brothers; great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Oliver, Emilia, Weslynn, and Sylas. Many nieces, nephews, and his cat and best friend, Muffins also survives.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (September 13, 2024)  from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, (September 14, 2024) from Sts. Joachim & Anne (St. Vincent Worship Site), 50 East Avenue in Attica.  Burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery in Attica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, New York 14005 or Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Kirk D. Gildner

By Lisa Ace
Kirk D. Gildner


Kirk D. Gildner, “Moose”, 63 of Alexander, died Sunday, September 1, 2024 after a long illness surrounded by his family.

Kirk was born on June 12, 1961 to David and Nora Bagg Gildner.

Kirk enjoyed riding his motorcycle, being on the water in his boat, camping and hunting. He retired as a truck driver, working for Seimax, M&T Trucking, Waltons Milk Haulers and WJW Trucking.

Surviving along with his parents David and Nora are his son Brian (Angela) Gildner of Byron, a brother Scott (Winnie) Gildner of Alexander, a sister Kim (William) Sobczak of Batavia, 4 grandchildren, CJ Anderson, Jayden Hughes, Harley and Nora Gildner; along with six nieces and nephews, Justin (Christina), Tara, Erika (Marc), Allison (Mike), Selina (George) and Scott Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 12th at the St. Maximilian Church Hall, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY, where the family will receive family and friends from 4 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family and sent to C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., PO Box 338 Corfu, NY 14036.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Jean M. Harms

By T.J. Woodward
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Jean Marilyn (Seekins) Harms, age 86, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born June 25, 1938 in Batavia, New York the only child of Harry and Helen Seekins.

She married David Harms and enjoyed a long, happy marriage of 64 years. They had two children together. She was a loving and devoted mother to: Crystal (Joseph) Jeziorski of Brockport, NY; Steven (Kristina) of Raleigh, NC.  They had two grandchildren:  Blake Harms of Raleigh, NC and Erika Harms of Washington, DC. Jean is also survived by cousins Donna Kauffman; Donald Seekins; several nieces and nephews, and the Jantzi Family; Todd, Sandra, Cal and Zak. 

In her youth, Jean, was a very active member in the Happy Hopper 4H club.  At age 16 her winning apple pie recipe was published in the Batavia Daily Newspaper.  In 1966 they also published her Caramel Pecan Honey Rolls recipe.   Jean graduated from Batavia High School in 1956 and received a Master’s degree in teaching home economics from Oneonta College in 1960; eventually teaching primary-age students in East Pembroke.

During the years that Jean’s husband was fire chief, she was active in East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department’s ladies auxiliary.  She also joined David with getting her General class ham radio license (KA2GLR) and was active in the Genesee Radio Amateurs club.  Jean was leader of her daughter’s 4H club the Clever Clovers for 5 years.  She also played the piano and organ. 

After her retirement in 1993, Jean started line dancing and doing it for 30 years until she turned 85.  She started tracing her family’s genealogy making it into an obsession. Jean enjoyed 55 years of camping, many cruises, and 22 winters in Winterset Resort, Florida.  She also enjoyed playing Solitaire and Mahjong and helping her husband with jigsaw puzzles.

There will be no prior calling hours. The family will have a brief ceremony at Grand View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056.  To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

John J. Derleth Sr.

By T.J. Woodward
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John J. Derleth Sr. 89, of Batavia passed away on Tuesday September 3, 2024. He was born in Rochester on June 11, 1935 to the late Elmer and Arlene (Dilmore) Derleth. In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his wives; Nancy Strike and Patricia Farrell; brothers Richard, Tom, Gerald and Lawrence; and sister Mary Ann.

Mr. Derleth owned the Byron Hotel for 25 years. He was a family man who loved his wife, movies, reading, classical music, walking, the Opera and watching Golf on TV. John will be remembered for being hard working and a loyal and caring neighbor. 

He is survived by his children; Christine (Richard) Thomas of Williamsville, Shirley (Allen) Shaffer of FL, John (Betty) Derleth Jr. of NC, Mary Moskal of Dunkirk, Roy (Nancy) Johnson of NH, Wade Johnson of IL; brother Harry Derleth of CA; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately for the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Eileen S. Tomidy

By LaVern Falcone

Eileen S. Tomidy, 93, passed away quietly the early morning of September 3rd at The Le Roy Village Green Nursing Facility where she had been a resident for two months. For twenty-one years prior, she lived in an in-law apartment in the original Tomidy family home under the diligent and loving care of her daughter and son-in law, Maureen and Gerry Calmes.  

Eileen tomidy

   Eileen was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt (Auntie Nell), sister, friend, neighbor, and devout Roman Catholic.

     Eileen was born to John and Ellen (Murphy) Stack in 1931 in Ballybunion, Ireland, but Youghal (County Cork) was her home town. She was the fifth oldest of twelve children. In her early twenties, Eileen emigrated to Toronto, Canada, where she lived with her sister and brother-in-law, Maura and John Dickson. There she met Donald Scheuing from LeRoy; they soon married and settled in LeRoy, NY. After her husband’s sudden passing in 1961, Eileen stayed in LeRoy to raise their two children with the loving support of the Scheuing/Scanlan families.

     In 1969 Eileen married Dr. K. Michael (Mike) Tomidy (deceased, 1995) to whom she was married for thirty-four years. Eileen loved her family. A homemaker with five children, Eileen was a bowler, an avid bridge player, and a voracious player of the card game Skat/31; she was also known for making and distributing her famous Irish Soda Bread, rooting for her beloved Buffalo Bills, and for crocheting baby blankets/caps for her children, grandchildren and any other family friend who was expecting. Eileen also enjoyed traveling to Canada to visit her sister, to Ireland (occasionally) to visit her family, and (later) to Poughkeepsie, NY, to watch her youngest son Alan play college basketball at Marist College. Eventually, she would be a proud member of the Red Hat Society. Through it all, with her charming and a captivating Irish brogue,      

Eileen remained very proud of her Irish heritage. Her expressions “One day at a time, Sweet Jesus,” “God Bless ye” and “Come in if you're good looking” surely resonate in many ears.

     In addition to her parents, her husbands, and eight siblings, Eileen was predeceased by her dear friend, Jack Fay, and many close friends. 

     She is survived by her children: Kasey (Eileen) Tomidy, Stephen Tomidy, John “J.D.” (Karen) Tomidy, Maureen (Gerry) Calmes, and Alan (Jessica) Tomidy.  She is also survived by grandchildren Chloe Corcoran, Nicholas (Lindsay) Tomidy, Rachel (Jimmy) Niziurski, Lindsey Tomidy, Evan (Nicole) Calmes, Brian Calmes, Andrew Tomidy, Avelin Tomidy, Alaria Tomidy, and Alexander Tomidy, four great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friend Millie Tomidy-Pepper.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, September 7th, from 2 ~ 5 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Street Road, LeRoy, NY.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, on Monday, September 9th, at 11 A.M.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Parish.

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

Diane C. Smith

By Lisa Ace

Diane C. Smith, 73 of Corfu, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

Diane was born August 1, 1951 to the late Loren Vincent and Naomi (Bernard) Vincent Hale 
(Clarence Hale). Diane was also predeceased by her beloved son, Alan Burfield. 

Diane retired from P.W. Minor Shoe Factory in Batavia and for many years, worked with her sister at Linda’s Diner, waitressing, where she made many friends. She enjoyed bowling, her garden and going to the auction with her brother Danny. The most imprint thing to Diane was spending time with her family. She also loved hitting up the casino!

Diane is survived by her siblings; Linda (Darrell) Richley, Larry (Donna) Vincent, Danny (Debi) Vincent and Jim (Debbie) Hale; her partner of 20 years, John Sobczak; her children, William (Michelle) Smith, Brian (Gina) Smith and Stacy (Brian) Wilt; John's children, Loni (Randy) Fancher and Andy (Christine) Sobczak; grandchildren, Seth Wilt, Samantha Smith, Miranda Wilt, Taylor and Ethan Fancher. Many nieces and nephews also survive along with her loving companion Roscoe.

Family and friends may call Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street Corfu, NY.

Diane will be laid to rest next to her beloved son Alan, on Sunday, September 8th at 11:30 a.m. in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.

Donald J. Best

By Ronald Konieczny
Best

Donald J. Best, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (September 2, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

He was born November 12, 1942 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Earl Best and Amelia Sitzman Royal.

Don was employed by Lapp Insulator in LeRoy, NY prior to his retirement. He also tended bar at numerous establishments around Attica, which he enjoyed because he was a great communicator and listener. But Don will be also remembered for the time he volunteered at Crossroads House in Batavia. For over 24 years, he spent so much time and energy helping for such a great cause. He was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Genesee County Independent Living and Office for the Aging. Don could also be seen volunteering at the Genesee County Tourist Booth in Batavia.

Don enjoyed his family and spent the past 17 winters in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he would enjoy time with his wife. He will be surely missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Judi Hopkins Best of Batavia. Son, David (Debra) Best of Attica. Daughter, Sheila Best of Batavia. Grandchildren, Craig, Trever, Richard, Kyle, Juan, Cristiana, Esperanza, Santiago and Anthony. Great-grandchildren, Avery, Austin, Juan Jr., Nyeli and Oakley. Brothers, David (Denise) Best of Tennessee, Robert (Martha) Best of California and Patrick (Darlene) Best of Attica. Brother-in-law, Gary (Lynne) Hopkins of Attica. Sisters-in-law, Doris (late John) Warner of Belfast, Donna (Jim) Zevola of Lake Peekskill, NY, Diane (late Paul) Hendel of Attica, and Joan (Paul) Kulczyk of Batavia.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (Sept. 7th) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm.

Memorial contributions may be offered to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

 

 

Wilbur A. Gray

By Lisa Ace
gray

Wilbur A. Gray, age 77, of Batavia, passed away on August 5, 2024 at the Batavia VA Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 4, 1947 in Batavia, New York to the late Alfred E. Gray, Sr. and Dorothy Andrews Gray.

Wilbur served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a dedicated member and past commander of the VFW Post No. 1602 and American Legion in Batavia. Wilbur was also a member of the Moose Club of LeRoy and served as the State Bowling Chairman for the VFW for many years. Wintering for many years in Brooksville, Florida, Wilbur loved his family and was a cherished member of the community.

Wilbur is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dawn Worthington Gray; daughters, Michelle Fenstermaker and Sherry (Jeff) Crane; son, Allen Gray; grandchildren, Jamie (Bryan Calmes) McClurg, Brenna Fenstermaker, Carson and Cade Crane; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Kollin; brothers, his twin, David L. Gray and Herbert (Don McCall) Gray; many nieces and nephews including Earl and Robert Benson whom he raised.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Collin Crane, brother Alfred E. Gray, Jr., and sister Virginia Gray Benson.

His family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Wilbur's medical team at the Batavia VA Medical Center for the excellent care provided to him while he resided there for the past 20 months.

There are no prior calling hours. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11 am at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu. Please assemble at the cemetery by 10:45 am.

Wilbur will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

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. Funeral Home of Batavia.

Kathleen J. Carfley

By Joshua Smith

 

carfley photo 2

Bennington - Kathleen J. Carfley, 86 of Bennington, passed away on Saturday, (August 31, 2024) at Gateway Home Attica in Attica following a lengthy illness.

Kathleen was born August 16, 1938 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lorraine (Kelly) Martin. On November 17, 1956 she married Leonard J. Carfley in Buffalo, NY and have been married 68 years.

Kathy was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Bennington and worked for many years for NYS Correctional Facility as a Horticulture Vocational Instructor and for the Buffalo Board of Education. She was a beekeeper, enjoyed riding her horse Mr. C, and raising her chickens on her hobby farm. Kathy and Leonard spent many winters in Florida as snowbirds. Most of all, Kathy cherished every moment spent with her husband Leonard and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Leonard J. Carfley, Jr. of Bennington; children, Audrey (Paul) Weber of Genesee Falls, Leonard J. Carfley, III of Brighton, Helen Jennings of Attica, and Karen (Paul) Bohn of Lancaster, Ohio; grandchildren, Jeffery (Nicole) Matteson of Albion, Christopher (Maegan) Matteson of Lancaster, Marc Matteson of Perry, Kevin Carfley of New York City, Andrew Carfley of Brighton, Tara (Nick Morris) Jennings of Tennessee, David (Katie) Jennings of Attica, Nicholas (Amanda) Jennings of Stafford, Ethan Jennings of Attica, and Ryan (Erica Vuocolo) Bohn of Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Chelsey, Luke, Easton, Peyton, Cash, Tripp, Diem, Everly and Kolton; sister, Diana Hammer of Alden.

In addition to her parents, Kathy is preceded in death by her sister, Rosemary (late James) Schaffer of Florida, and an infant grandson Michael Matteson.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (September 6, 2024)  from 4:00  to 8:00 pm  at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday (September 7, 2024) at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish (St. Vincent Worship Site), 50 East Avenue in Attica. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Corabelle Grace Wright

By Joshua Smith

Elba - Corabelle Grace Wright, 81 of Elba passed away on Sunday, (September 1, 2024) at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Mrs. Wright was born January 21, 1943 in Elba, a daughter of the late Willard and Ida (Skellon) Johnson.

Cora was a member of the Elba United Methodist Church. She was a 20-year member of the Elba Fire Department and a lifelong member of the fire department Ladies' Auxiliary. In her free time she was an avid bingo player, enjoyed shopping, socializing, and generally being on the go.

Cora is survived by her husband, Robert Wright; son, Charles (Angela Bartz) Wright all of Elba; sister, Fern (Mick) Norway of Elba; sister-in-law, Jennifer Johnson of Florida.

In addition to her parents, Cora is preceded in death by her brother, Bill Johnson; sister, Evelyn (Late Ronald) Showler.

Family and friends are invited to attend Cora's Celebration of Life on Saturday (September 7, 2024) beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Robert and Cora's Residence in Elba. A private graveside service will be held in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.

Arrangements are being completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Randy G. Cook

By T.J. Woodward
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Randy G. Cook, age 68, died peacefully at home with his loving wife of 44 years, Peggy. He was born in 1956 in Hartford City, Indiana. 

Randy was the youngest of 3 children. He studied music at Ball State University with his beautiful tenor voice being his major instrument. While in Indiana, he worked as a Vet Tech and EMT. In 1980, he married Peggy (Margaret) Brundage after a whirlwind courtship. It was literally love at 1st sight for both. 

They moved to WNY in 1983 after which Randy worked in various human services jobs; child care aide, retreat assistant at the Abbey of Genesee, CNA Aide at the Genesee County NH, and Instructors Aide at Genesee ARC. In retirement he became the “Overnight Guy” at Santino’s Pizzeria. Randy loved hiking, camping, music, books and animals. He leaves behind his companion cat “Tina”.

In addition to his wife, Randy is survived by his sisters; Gaylene (Larry) Holloway of Indiana, Naneen (Robert) Randolph of Kentucky; brothers in law Peter (Joan) Brundage, John (Elvira, his special “outlaw”) Brundage, David Brundage and a tribe of loving nieces and nephews who remember him for his “Zen Like” calm, sense of humor and wit. 

Family and friends are invited to share stories about Randy on Wednesday September 4, 2024 from 5:00-7:00PM at Godfrey’s Pond Clubhouse 7925 Godfrey’s Pond Rd. Bergen, NY 14416. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 W. 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, NY 14020.

Mr. Donald (Butch) Donnelly

By Joshua Smith
donnelly

Donald (Butch) John Donnelly, 79 of Bergen passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by family on Saturday, August 31st at Strong Memorial Hospital.  He was born to parents George Donnelly and Gladys Wells in Batavia, NY on July 10, 1945.

Butch was a 1963 graduate of Pavilion Central School where he played football and baseball.  He was a Spec 4 in the United States Army serving from November 1965 – November 1967 and was stationed in Germany for one of those years. 

He retired from Eastman Kodak of Rochester NY in 1998 where he worked as a QC Inspector and in Weights and Measures for many years.  He also worked at Stainless Steel Brakes in Clarence, NY prior to his retirement.

Butch was a dedicated volunteer fireman for the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department for several years.  He had previously volunteered through Catholic Charities and was fond of his time providing companionship for senior citizens.  Butch enjoyed being a member of the Sackett-Merrill-White American Legion of Bergen, NY.  

Butch enjoyed afternoons on his swing with his faithful companion, his dog Cody.  He was a devoted lifelong member of the Catholic Church.  He enjoyed spending time with his wife, sons and grandchildren.  He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports.  He coached his sons in soccer in their youth.  He was a softball umpire for Eastman Kodak softball league for 10 years.  After retirement he enjoyed his weekly coffee group with friends.  He loved fishing, golfing and spending time outdoors doing yardwork.  He so loved his once-a-year visits from his godson Calvin Zito, of Idaho.

Butch is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Diane Marie (Hunt) Donnelly.  He is also survived by his children Brian (Robin) Donnelly and Wayne (Dawn) Donnelly.  In addition, Butch is survived by his 6 grandchildren Nicole Donnelly, Hannah Donnelly, Jack Donnelly and Samantha Donnelly, Elizabeth Donnelly & Alexander Donnelly.   He is also survived by his brother Robert Donnelly and niece Mary (Bob) Diaz and several other nieces and nephews. 

He is predeceased by his parents and siblings Eileen Muoio, Elsie Buckman, Eleanor Fisher, Norma Bernard, and June Zito.

There are no prior calling hours. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11 am at St. Brigid’s Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. His celebration of life will follow Mass at the Sage Pavilion, 62 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, at 12:30 p.m.  He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. 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. Funeral Home of Bergen.
 

Donald R. Mills

By LaVern Falcone

Donald R. Mills, age 68, of Pavilion, passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2024.  He was born on December 12, 1955, in Batavia. 

     Don was an avid farmer.  He was born and raised on the farm, and it is where he loved to be.  He enjoyed being outside, doing farm work and taking care of the cows.  Don shared his passion for showing cows in 4H with his children when they were younger. Don was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed without asking for anything in return.  He was a long time Bills fan and enjoyed watching the games.  

don mills

   He was surrounded by 17 Grandchildren whom he supported and loved. When Don was not farming, you could find him teaching farm skills, going to football games or even a dance recital.   He was very devoted to his grandchildren.  

     He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Mills; his father, Richard Mills; his son, Jeffrey (April) Mills; daughter, Kimberly (David) Gross, and his stepchildren, Angela (Steven) Kazmierczak, Mark (Meg) Lafferty, Edward (Caroline) Lafferty and Brian (Tanya) Lafferty.  Don is also survived by his sister, Cindy (Wayne) Wood and his niece, Alex Wood and nephew, Ty Wood and other family members with whom he enjoyed spending time with. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Joan Mills.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday, September 3 from 3 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held at 5 PM.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be provided directly to the family for future contribution to the Genesee County 4H “Beef Club” in memory of Don.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Don's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com

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