Obituaries

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Bergen – Bret “Joe Dirt” Bellacosa, 65 of Bergen passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Bret was born Saturday, February 15th, 1958 in Denver, Colorado a son of the late Carmine and Regina (Gonzalez) Bellacosa.

He enjoyed photographing sunrises and sunsets, and sharing his favorite photos of them, family BBQ’s, football, traveling, and especially spending time with his family and friends.

Bret married Rita Schramm on June 24, 2006 at their home in LeRoy, NY. He worked as a heavy machine operator at Dilcher's Excavation and Contracting until his retirement.

Bret will be remembered by his wife, Rita Bellacosa of Bergen; children, Zachery Bellacosa of Medina and Sarla (late James) Bellacosa- Sanford of Rochester; stepchildren, Vincent Henning of Alexander, Daniel Henning of Attica, and Amanda (Shawn) Brayley of Apopka, FL; stepfather, Phil Shin of Orchard City, CO; grandchildren, Daniel Tyler Cone, Jacelyn Ferringer, Alexis Burley, Brianna Welsh, Caleb Henning, Arionna Henning, Xander Welsh, Maxamillyn Chase; sister, Cory (Steve) Miller; brother in law, Edward (Kathryn) Schramm of Henrietta, sister in law, Donna Russell of Batavia, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Bret is reunited with his parents, Carmine and Regina Bellacosa; siblings Carmen (Harold) Shelden, Janet (Jeff) Dewey, and Carmine Bellacosa Jr.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

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Charles M. “Woodie” Wood, 85 of Oakfield, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Sunday, December 3, 2023. He was born October 8, 1938 in Batavia, to the late Clifford and Evelyn (Bartlett) Wood. 

Chuck proudly retired as a NYS National Guardsman for 35 years, and worked in that capacity for the Department of Military and Naval Affairs in Rochester for over 25 years. He then went on to work at LMI, Bergen part time and retired for good in 2009.  Chuck also spent 10 years as a Barber in his younger days.  

He was a man of great faith, Charlie became an Ordained Minister in 2006 where he would proudly serve The City Church in Batavia. Pastor Wood loved teaching the Bible and did so for 25 years at The City Church. Along with his faith Charlie enjoyed WWII history and memorabilia.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda L. (Rowe) Wood of Oakfield, his sister, Marilyn Wood Donahue, along with so many dear family and friends.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 11, 2023 from 2 to 5pm at The City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 5:00pm Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at the church. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charles M. Wood Study, c/o The City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

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Basom - Michael "Frank" Gross, 94, of the Town of Alabama passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, New York.

Frank was born April 27, 1929, in Alabama, New York a son of the late John and Anna (Bosnak) Gross. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church (St. Patrick Mission Church in Wheatville, NY). Frank received the prestigious Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker from Bishop Edward Head of the Buffalo Diocese.

Frank grew up on his family farm and married the love of his life, Shirley Endres, on May 12, 1951, at St. Mary's Church in Batavia. They lovingly raised three children. Frank was self-employed as a painter and carpenter for many years prior to working at and retiring from Harrison Radiator on July 1, 1991. He was an avid hunter, outdoors man and life-long Yankees fan. He enjoyed the simplicities of life and his home was his favorite place to be.

Frank is survived by Shirley Gross, his loving wife of 72 years; children Gregory (Debby) Gross, Peter (Paula) Gross, Karen (Richard Dwyer) Grazioplene, grandchildren Timothy (Meghan) Gross, Jennifer Higgins, Jeffrey Gross, Ashleigh Gross, Jonathan (Danielle) Gross, Michael (Aubrey) Gross; great grandchildren Rori, Shayla, Eleanora, Garrett, Evangeline, Paisley and Silas; siblings Evelyn Clark and Bernice Hochmuth; daughter in law Stephanie Gross; many nieces and nephews.

In death Frank will be reunited with his parents, John and Anna Gross; siblings Anna, Betty, John, Joe, Rudy, Bob, Richard, Eleanor, and Ruthy; son in law Scott Grazioplene.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield. Frank's funeral mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at St. Padre Pio (St. Cecilia Worship Site), 56 Maple Ave, Oakfield, NY 14125. Burial
will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alabama Fire Department at 2230 Judge Road, Basom, NY 14013.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in memory of Frank at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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Frances P. Lawrence, 91, of Batavia, passed away on December 1, 2023 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Fran was born March 27, 1932 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles and Carrie (Ross) Radley.

Frances was a member of Resurrection Parish, the sodality of the church and the Town of Batavia Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.  She also taught church school.  

Fran was a welcoming person, whose door was always open to her family and friends.  She loved being with her kids and grandchildren, always attending their sporting events, concerts and dance recitals. She was so deeply loving to all.

Surviving are her children, William (Peg) Lawrence of Batavia, Nancy (Richard) Hale of Florida, Robert (Diane) Lawrence of Florida and JoAnn (Steven) Hyde of Batavia, and her sister-in-law Sandra (Dan) Slubecky of Batavia; ten grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lawrence; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Teresa Lawrence; her siblings, Robert (late Jeanette) Radley, Florence (late Howard) Taft, Mae (late Don) Dusen, Rose (late Irv) Warner, Leonard (late Ann) Radley and Angie (late Pete) Weber and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth (late Donald) Schultz and sister-in-law Barbara White.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, December 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. also on Monday.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Regional School, 2 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

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

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Sharon Breton (79) went to her forever home with the Lord on November 29, 2023. Sharon was born on May 14, 1944 to Jane and Jim Murphy. She is predeceased by her parents; brother James; sister Kathy and son Rusty. 

She is survived by her 2 sisters, Patty (late Michael) Smukall, and Anita Brown, her children Annette Stephens, Susan Feldman, James (Marla) Breton, Jason (Stephanie) Breton, daughter in-law Judy (late Rusty) Breton, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, along with many loving nieces and nephews. 

Sharon had a heart of gold which was shown through her many acts of volunteering, including the Salvation Army, Buffalo City Mission, National Disaster Relief, and the Food Link. She was very involved in the Alexander community where she taught for 27 years, and was the co-founder of the Alexander Christmas in the Village. There were many things in life that brought Sharon joy. She loved her church family, the beautiful colors of the fall season, making cards for friends and family, doing puzzles during the winter and her many friends. Her family and grandchildren brought her the most joy. She was happiest spending time with her grandchildren, whether at a sporting event, band concert, cousins game night, or just random visits at her house. 

Sharon was a wonderful woman who will be missed dearly by all who knew her. 

Friends and family are invited to call from 1:00-4:00PM on Sunday December 3, 2023 at West Bethany Baptist Church 10333 West Bethany Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Monday December 4^th at Grace Baptist Church 238 Vine St in Batavia ***Please note Calling Hours and Funeral Service locations are different***

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Bethany Baptist Church or the Salvation Army of Batavia 529 E. Main St. 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.

Margy VanValkenburg, 74, of Bergen, NY passed away peacefully at home on November 28, 2023. Margy was born on October 19,1949 to Volney and T. Marie Bucknam in Warsaw, NY.  

     She is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Lewis O. VanValkenburg. She leaves behind her children: Kathy (Matt) Barbaro of Forest City, NC, Sarah (Rich) Howard of Hopkinton, IA, Maryann VanValkenburg of Henrietta, NY, Paul (Jennifer) VanValkenburg of Caledonia, NY, and Neil (Krystal) VanValkenburg of Geneseo, NY; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, her siblings, Jane (Bill) Fitzsimmons of York, NY, Betty (Patrick) White of Pavilion, NY, William (Martha) Bucknam of NM, Susan (Jim) Garret of LeRoy, NY; many nieces and nephews and dear friends, Irene Barber of Geneseo, NY and the Adam family of Churchville, NY.   

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   She married the love of her life on June 21,1969 in Warsaw, NY. Margy spent many years working beside her husband, providing for the family and raising their 5 children. She spent 18 years working as an LPN at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home until retirement in 2006. During her years of nursing, her compassion, understanding and dedication enriched the lives of her patients. Her acceptance, understanding and love showed in each day of her life and those touched by meeting her. Margy loved crafting, each item she made surrounded the receiver with her love, which was only second to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her faith sustained her though her battles with cancer and gave her peace.   

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday December 5, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy Ny 14482, where services will be held at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry Center, N.Y.

     In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Ste 6, Batavia, NY 14020, The Paralyzed Veterans Association or the Disabled Veterans Association.  

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

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Laura M. Perry, 79, of Batavia, passed away on November 28, 2023 at the LeRoy Village Nursing home.

Laura was born February 12, 1944 in Batavia, the daughter of the late George and Victorine (Neamon) Bosseler.

Laura was a member of Resurrection Parish and was an avid shopper, always finding great deals.  She enjoyed spending time with her grandsons and friends.  Laura worked at Chapin's in Batavia.

Surviving are her son, Scott (Jill) Perry of Batavia; grandsons, Alexander Perry, Carter Perry and Brock Perry; her brother, Donald (Marcia) Bosseler of Florida along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her brothers, George Bosseler, Jr. and William Bosseler and her sister-in-law, Mary Alice Bosseler.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, December 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street in Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

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Batavia - Scott F Hall, 70 of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York.

Scott was born Friday, April 10, 1953, in Batavia, New York, a son of the late William D. and Dorothy (Foster) Hall. Scott was married to the love of his life, Judith (Bolles) Hall, for 35 years, and together they raised three wonderful children.

Always wearing blue jeans, he enjoyed fishing, gardening his tomatoes, spending time with friends and family, Disney, cheering on the Yankees, and golfing at Terry Hills Golf Course, where he had been a formidable member of the Thursday Night League for each of the past six decades. Coaching his boys with his daughter was one of the greatest joys of his life. His professional career included 20 years as a produce manager and 20 years as a night manager at Lowe's.

Scott is survived by his sons, David Hall and Philip Hall of Batavia; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Matthew Harris; son-in-law Jason Harris of Las Vegas, NV; a brother, Ronald (Shellye) Hall of Albion; a sister, Wende (Late Sidney R.) London of Medina; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In death, Scott is reunited with his wife, Judith Hall; his daughter, Amy Harris; and his parents, William D. and Dorothy Hall.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H. E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. A graveside service will be in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia, NY, on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 10:00 am.

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

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Attica - Barbara R. Shephard, 87 of Attica passed away on Tuesday, (November 28, 2023) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home in LeRoy.

Mrs. Shephard was born September 23, 1936 in Attica, a daughter of the late Harold and Dorothy (Sattler) Duschen.

Always looking for a deal, Barbara enjoyed garage sales and auctions. She liked listening to country music, going to the casino, and playing bingo. Mrs. Shephard deeply loved her family, and cherished time spent entertaining and feeding her people. She will be remembered as a devoted, caring, and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Surviving are her children, Mark (Kim) Shephard of Batavia, and Marie (Daniel) Wierzbicki of Cheektowaga; grandchildren, Andrew (Emma) Wierzbicki, Ashley (Luca) Chimento, Matthew (Paige) Wierzbicki, and Michael Wierzbicki; great-grandchildren, Isabelle Chimento, and Henry Wierzbicki; sister, Gladys (late Kenneth) Mooney of Attica; sister-in-law, Brigitte Duschen of Brockport. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death, Barbara is reunited with her parents; husband, Kenneth W. Shephard; brother, Charles Duschen; and sister, Shirley (late James) Courtwright.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, (November 29th, 2023)  from 3 to 6:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia where Barbara's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, (November 30th, 2023). Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

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John M. Swanson, age 83 of Stafford, New York died on Thursday November 23, 2023 in Rochester, New York after a lengthy illness.  

John was born in Lowell, Massachusetts to Buelah (Kimball) Swanson and Paul F. Swanson.  He graduated from Concord High School, Stockbridge Agricultural School, The University of Massachusetts, and The University of New Hampshire with a degree in Genetics.  John was employed by the Cobb Research Corporation in Littleton, Massachusetts. He traveled to over 27 countries as a poultry geneticist creating breeding programs for impoverished nations helping them with their production of food.  John most enjoyed his two year residency in England with his family while continuing his research for the Cobb Corporation.

After John’s retirement, he managed the development of Tall Pines in Carlisle, Massachusetts.   Along with his partner and friend Bill Costello, he was instrumental in the design and creation of the Curve Street area of Carlisle.  

Upon moving to Sandra’s home town of Stafford, New York, he returned to his roots in agriculture and created a true homestead full of poultry and beautiful gardens abounding.  He was most at home on a tractor, gator and equipment improving his property. He loved traveling with Sandra to Florida, Cape Cod and Europe. He was interested in art, literature, music and all things beautiful.  John was very connected with the book Tuesdays with Morrie.  He loved philosophy and had a thirst for knowledge. John was a life long learner.  

John supported Sandras’s advocacy related to energy production in the town of  Stafford. With John’s immeasurable  assistance and encouragement to maintain the authenticity of agricultural land in the town, laws were passed to protect the soil of the community and integrity of the land

John will always be remembered for this amazing grilling on the deck, icecream sundae buffets and his creation of wonderful parties for family and friends.

He is preceded in death  by his parents Buelah and Paul Swanson, brother Paul Kimball Swanson and his sister Linnea Swanson Van Winkle.

John is survived by his loving wife Sandra Fuller Swanson of Stafford, New York; his daughter Susan (James) Ferguson of Maynard, Massachusetts;  his son Peter (Charlene) Swanson of Glouster, Massachusetts and two grandsons.  

An 11am Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday December 2, 2023 at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Stafford, New York with a reception following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stafford Fire Department, Rescue Squad 6153 Main Road Stafford, New York 14143.  

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

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

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Robert Richard Roberts, 78, of Attica, New York, was taken home to be with the Lord on November 25, 2023. Bob passed quickly while out enjoying the woods. He was born on July 5, 1945, to parents Lester and Lucille Roberts of Bliss, New York.

Bob was a Sergeant with the United States Army and served in Vietnam, where he received a Bronze Star Medal. He was a man with strong values and a great work ethic, as displayed for many years while laboring for farming, construction, and trades he was passionate about. This included twenty years as a Project Manager with Campus Construction, building projects and strong friendships along the way. After retiring, he continued constructing special projects. Bob loved fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He was very active in Varysburg Valley Gospel Church, proudly serving on the board for the last twenty-five years.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of twenty-nine years, Nancy, and their children, Lester Roberts, Jennifer (Jerold) Hall, Matthew Roberts, Mark (Julie) Dyviniak, and Jeffery (Lisa) Dyviniak. He was a beloved grandfather to Chelsie (Bryce) Hamilton, Lucas Roberts, Levi, and Boaz Hall, and a proud great-grandfather to Amelia Hamilton. Bob is also survived by his brother Rocky (late Kathy) Roberts, along with his many nieces and nephews.

Bob is predeceased by his brother, the late Rusty (Betty) Roberts.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 30 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main Street, Warsaw, New York, where his funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow thereafter at Lyonsburg Cemetery in Bliss, New York.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made in Robert’s name to Operation Blessing at www.ob.org. 

Online condolences may be offered at https://www.marleyfuneralhome.com/.

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Timothy J. Foley, 56 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (November 27, 2023) at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

He was born August 14, 1967 in Batavia, a son of Jeanne Callan Foley Nichols of Batavia and the late Edward L. Foley.

Tim was employed by Premier Genesee Center prior to his illness. He enjoyed sports and his favorite teams were the Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Sabres.

Survivors include his mother, Jeanne Nichols of Batavia. Siblings, Edward (Barbara) Foley of Batavia, James (Mary) Foley of Sandwich, IL, David (Mary) Foley of Batavia, Laura (Patrick) Michalek of Bennington and Charles (Maria) Foley of Batavia. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunt, uncles and cousins.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are cordially invited to share in a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday (Nov. 30^th), 10:00am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Premier for the compassionate care and friendship they gave Tim. 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.

Alexander - 

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Rev. Ivan R. Trujillo, 71 of Alexander, formerly of Batavia, went home to the Lord on Friday, (November 24, 2023) at his home in Alexander following a lengthy illness.

Rev. Trujillo was born December 12, 1951 in Oruro, Bolivia, a son of the late Ignacio and Angelica (Ibanez) Trujillo.

Fr. Ivan was a devoted and selfless priest who served as Pastor of Resurrection Parish in Batavia for 15 years. He graduated from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. Soon after he was assigned to a parish in Jamestown where he was ordained March 15, 1985. He also covered the Erie County Holding Center and Attica Prison. Rev. Trujillo was an Roman Catholic Chaplain at Erie County Holding Center for 17 years and worked one day a week at Attica Prison for 30 years as a Roman Catholic Chaplain. From there he was transferred to Nativity Parish in Buffalo and then to his final assignment at St. Mary's Church in Batavia. Rev. Trujillo was a dedicated priest serving at the New York State Veterans Home as a Catholic Chaplain since it opened and celebrated his last Mass here only three short weeks before his passing. He also served as a Roman Catholic Chaplain at both the VA Medical Center for 20 years and the Federal Detention Center in Batavia for several years.

Sr. Mary Jane Mitchell along with Rev. Trujillo established a Migrant Ministry Program which began in Genesee and Monroe counties. After many successful years the program was split and Rev. Trujillo continued working with the Genesee, Monroe and Niagara areas. He would dedicate one evening a week with other volunteers during the growing season to distribute food, clothes, boots and many other items to migrant workers and their families. Masses were also conducted throughout the program by Rev. Trujillo as well as his participation in quinceaneras, weddings and funerals. During Bishop Mansell's tenure the Diocese established a Hispanic Ministry Program and provided a Sister to help prepare Migrants for Reconciliation, Eucharist, & Confirmation. However a few years ago the Diocese removed the sister and no longer supported the program.

In Bolivia Rev. Trujillo has three soup kitchens which he established and are still in operation today as well as his instrumental role in helping orphanages, schools and the church in Oruro. St. Mary's in Batavia and St. Vincent's in Attica combined resources to build a parish center in Oruro Church which is a place for people to come get fresh water to take home, laundry tub to wash their clothes, soccer fields and rooms for religion classes.

Rev. Trujillo was a member of the Batavia Lions Club and Our Lady of Batavia Knights of Columbus Council #11728.

Rev. Trujillo had a great love for animals especially his faithful cat of 15 years, Mario.

He is survived by his adopted family; Deacon Henry and Elyn Moscicki, Erik Moscicki, Bryan (fiance, Jessica  Bukowski), Marcia A Huber, Staci, Rob & Bobby James, David (fiance Dr. Sandra Licata) Huber, Joseph & Loretta Huber, Doug & Cheri Cook, Elliot Cook, Michael, Adrienne, William & Charlotte Fuore, and many friends.

Rev. Trujillo will lie in state on Thursday (November 30, 2023) from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday (December 1, 2023) from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street in Batavia, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. Most Rev. Michael William Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo will be Principal Celebrant. Interment will be private in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Missions in Bolivia, c/o Marcia Huber.  

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

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James J. “Jim” Findlay, 62 of Batavia, passed away on November 22, 2023 in Warren, PA. He was born in Batavia, December 9, 1960 to the late John B. “Jack” and Concetta E. (Cetta) Findlay. 

Jim was a 1979 graduate of Byron-Bergen High School and 1983 graduate of SUNY Fredonia. He had just retired as Director of Specialized Services from Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania. Jim loved taking his clients to their appointments all over the northeast. He was an avid sports fan, he loved NASCAR, the LA Dodgers and Pittsburg Steelers. 

He was a proud member of Batavia Lion’s Club, past member of Erie and Warren, PA Lion’s Club, Cassadaga area Jaycees. Jim was enamored with the birth first granddaughter last Friday. He’ll be remembered as a family man that was always there to help anyone in need.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Rebecca “Becky” (Bohn) Findlay who he married February 3, 2023; children, Joseph (Andriana) Amico of Batavia, Nicholas (Amanda) Amico of Chili, Natalie (Marcus) Amico of Ogden, Anna (Tyler) Amico of Batavia; granddaughter Avery Budzinack-Amico; siblings, Mary (Frank) Crandon of Cape Coral, FL, Elizabeth (David Rahr) Findlay of LeRoy, Ann (Robert) Chilano of Batavia; niece, Catherine Chilano, nephews, Jacob and Lucas Crandon; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York. A 10:00am Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blind Students Activities Fund, C/O Batavia Lion’s Club, PO Box 456, Batavia, New York 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.

Madonna Lee, age 94, of LeRoy, passed away in the presence of her loving family, on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

     Madonna was born on June 18, 1929, the daughter of the late James Maloy and Helen Lapp Maloy and step-father, John “Mike” Hannifin.  

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   After graduating from RBI in Rochester, she was employed as secretary to the President of LeRoy’s Union Steel Chest.  After a few years, she took time off to raise her family.  After which she took a job at LeRoy Central School in the cafeteria.  She loved her part time position as the “lunch lady” and was widely recognized by LeRoy students for years later.

     Upon retirement from the school, Madonna and her husband, Tiny Lee, traveled the county lunching at their favorite hang outs, especially at the LB Grande restaurant.

     Madonna also loved history and travelled to countries such as Ireland, England and Italy.

     She was also a woman of great faith.  She was devoted to the Blessed Mother and always had her rosary beads nearby.  She also volunteered her time with the RCIA Program at Our Lady of Mercy Church in LeRoy, teaching the catholic faith to candidates interested in joining the catholic church.

     She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Chrissy Lucas, Monica (Daniel) Virag, Marianne (Monica Scarlotta) Lee, Mary Jane Lee and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Kelly Lucas, Lee Anne Virag, Shawn (Chantelle) Virag, Angie Virage, Sydney DeVay and Danilee Schneckenburger, along with special nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.  We will all carry her memory in our hearts.

     In addition to her parents and step-parent, she was predeceased by her husband, Floyd “Tiny” Lee and her son, Daniel Lee.  Also predeceased by her brother, James “Dunie” Maloy and a niece, Margaret Maloy Thomas.

     There will be no prior visitation per her request.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, NY

     There will be a celebration of her life luncheon immediately after the Mass.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, NY 14482

     Mom ~ we love you dearly and will miss you forever.

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