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Obituaries

Richard C. "Dick" Parkman, Jr.

By Joshua Smith

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Batavia - Richard C. "Dick" Parkman, Jr., 79 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, (March 15, 2021) at LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility in LeRoy.

Mr. Parkman was born May 6, 1941 in Buffalo, a son of the late Richard C. Parkman Sr. and Evelyn (Slocum) Parkman. 

He graduated from South Park High School in 1959 and Buffalo State in 1963 with a Masters in Secondary Education. Dick was the principal at Alexander High School for 24 years. 

He was a member of Northgate Free Methodist Church for over 30 years and was involved in Primetimers, Communion Ministry for 15+ years, Cafe Ministry, and Active in Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. He was a former Boy Scout Leader of Troop 13 in South Byron. Mr. Parkman enjoyed camping, fishing, and boating. 

Richard is the husband of Jean M. (Richardson) Parkman of Batavia. The two were married August 17, 1963 and enjoyed nearly 58 years together.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Jeffrey (Cristine Mittermeyer) Parkman of Churchville, and Lori (Steven) Rinker of LeRoy; grandchildren, Alyssa, Brynne, and Keelin Mittermeyer Parkman all of Churchville, and Daniel and Megan Rinker of LeRoy. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (March 19th, 2021) from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday (March 20, 2021) from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street, Road in Batavia, where Dick's Funeral Service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 2805 Wherle Drive, Buffalo, New York 14221.

The church will be restricted to 50% of its normal occupancy throughout the course of visitation and the funeral service. Face coverings and social distancing will be mandatory. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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

Mary R. Vendetta

By T.J. Woodward

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Mary R. Vendetta, 91, of Batavia passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. She was born March 12, 1930 in Oakfield to the late James (Clara Giordano) Deni. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph Vendetta who passed in March of 2010, brothers, Anthony, Gerald and Joseph Deni.  

Mrs. Vendetta graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School in 1947. She was a member of Chorus of Harmony for 10 years, growing up in Oakfield she was known for singing Ave Maria at weddings and O Holy Night at Christmas Time. Mary and Joseph loved dancing together, traveling, but most of all spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a retired hairdresser, worked at John Kennedy Elementary School and also studied calligraphy.

She is survived by her loving sons, Dennis (Sharie) Vendetta of Batavia, David (Fiancée RoxsAnn Strembenis) Vendetta of Rochester, brothers James (Grace) Deni of Batavia, Carl (Christine Cummings) Deni of Buffalo, grandchildren Kristina (Aaron) Clark of Batavia, Dennis J. Vendetta of Batavia, Michael (Rachael) Vendetta of Rochester, Samantha (Fiancé Nick) Vendetta of Pittsford, Joshua Vendetta of Rochester, great-grandchildren Aiden and Gianna Clark, daughters-in-law Anna Vendetta of Batavia and Jeanine Monachino of Chili, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.  

The church will be restricted to 50% of its normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Heart Association www.heart.org. 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.

Nancy P. LeFort

By T.J. Woodward

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  Nancy P. LeFort " Miss Nancy," passed away from a long illness on March 13, 2021.  She was born in Buffalo NY on June 7, 1953 to Edwin D. Hint and Rose N. Hint of Marilla, NY.  She was a long-time resident of Attica, NY. 

She worked as a bus driver for the Alexander School District for many years. Driving her "little ones" brought her so much joy. In the summer she enjoyed being an usher for LiveNation at Darien Lake and had 20+ years of service there. Many remember Nancy as an avid baker. In her free time, Nancy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. 

Nancy is survived by her mother, Rose Hint; her brothers James Hint, Thomas (Liann) Hint; her sons Jeffery (Trisha) LeFort, Daniel LeFort; two grandchildren Eloise LeFort, Jace LeFort and several nieces and nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her father Edwin Hint, brother David Hint, Sister-in-law Alice Hint and nephew Jon Hint.

Due to the trying Covid times, the family has decided to hold a private ceremony at this time. A celebration of life for Nancy is being planned for a later date that is to be announced. 

In Lieu of flowers donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, Inc. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Sophie R. “Sue” Tydelski

By Joshua Smith

Sophie R. “Sue” Tydelski peacefully ascended to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 14, 2021.  Sophie, 94 years young and a lifelong resident of Alexander, was just days from her 95th birthday on March 21st.  She had been a resident at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing in Batavia since October.

She was married in 1946 to her loving companion, Edward Tydelski, who passed away in December 2008.  We trust Ed and Sophie are dancing a polka again in the clouds today.

Sophie was one of ten children born to Stanley and Bertha Wiktorski of Alexander.  She was the last surviving member of her generation, having been pre-deceased by brothers Iggy, Steve, Frank and Stan, and sisters Stella, Helen, Katie, Ellie and Theresa.  Even though the 2020 annual Wiktorski family reunion was limited by COVID issues last summer, she opted to attend and was the hit of the party.

Sophie spent part of her adult life on the family farm as well as working part-time for the Attica Knitting Mill and the Batavia Daily News.  She also used her passion for baking and cooking for many years at the Genesee County Daycare, where she enjoyed the opportunity to work with small children.  But she was most widely known for her artistic talents and hand-made crafts, creating a myriad of treasures that found their way all across western New York.  In addition to her calligraphy, she was the queen of pressed flowers and made hundreds of stunning greeting cards, envelopes and personalized wedding invitations with her unique talent, rarely accepting money and giving most away as gifts to friends and family.

She was truly a kind and gentle soul who knew no strangers.  She and Ed were the neighborhood good Samaritans, helping anyone who needed a phone, a tow, a mower, a safe haven from the rain or snow, a hot cup of coffee or pop and some sweets, or just a bit of cash to make it to their next stop.  There was no limit to their giving.

Missing her dearly are her daughter, Carolyn Kessler of Byron and son, Greg (Cathie) Tydelski of Pearland, Texas.  Reunited with his Mom is son Paul, who passed away in July 2014.  Also surviving are beloved grandchildren Kris (Sandy) Kessler of Batavia, Katy (Jeff) Carloni of Clarence, Julianna (Hani) Elnaggar of Leesburg, Virginia, Julian Tydelski of San Diego, California, Sara Guilbeau of Vancouver, Washington, Matt Tydelski of Houston, Texas, Jensen (Erik) Reyna of Pearland, Texas, and great-grandchildren Tyler Kessler, twins Brayden and Bronson Kessler, Lilah Grace Elnaggar, Mason Reyna and Tanner Reyna.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews from both the Tydelski and Wiktorski families.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Premier Genesee Center for their care and assistance over the last several months, as they faithfully stood in for family when visitation was impossible due to COVID.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main Street in Batavia, where visitation will be from noon to 1PM on Friday, March 19th, followed by a Christian prayer service.  A private interment for immediate family will take place at the St. Joseph Cemetery mausoleum.

If you would like to leave a memory or note for the family, please share at: www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

VIVIAN I. WETMORE

By Lisa Ace


VIVIAN I. WETMORE - Age 76, of Pike, NY, passed away at her home on March 15, 2021.

She was born August 11, 1944 in Leesburg, Florida, daughter of the late Frank and Thelma Wetzel Epps. Vivian served for twenty years as the Town of Pike Court Clerk. She worked for several years in supervised visitations for the Wyoming County Department of Social Services.

She was a graduate of Pavilion High School and was a member of the Pavilion Alumni Association. Vivian was a long time member of the Pike Community Church. She enjoyed quilting and doing genealogy and family history. She loved cooking and entertaining for family and friends.

Vivian was predeceased by her husband of thirty years, Eugene Wetmore who died in 2012, her children, Chris Welsh, Sr. and Annette Cwiklinski, her grandson, Andrew Wolcott, son-in-law, Frank Bellucci and siblings, Dennis Peck and William Epps.

Surviving are her children, Lance (Becky) Wetmore of Perry, Mark (Pam) Wetmore of Pennsylvania, Brian (Amy) Welsh of Pennsylvania, Theresa Damonti of Erie, PA, Yvonne (Charles) Wolcott of Batavia, Patty Bellucci of Batavia, Becky (Scott) Kelley of Batavia, Gina (Dan) Worden of Pike; 27 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; her siblings, Robert Epps of LeRoy, Earlene (Frank) Finocchario of Rochester, Jerry (Brenda) Peck of North Carolina, Lenora (Roy) Scott of Bliss, Lisa Setterington of Batavia, Butch Setterington of North Carolina.

Friends may call Friday, March 19 from 6 – 8 PM and Saturday, March 20 from 10 – 11 AM at the Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main St., Warsaw where a service will be held Saturday at 11 AM. Private burial will be in East Koy Cemetery, Pike. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pike Rescue Squad, 67 W. Main St., Pike, NY 14130. Online condolences at www.robinsonandhackemer.com.

James D. "Jim" Laney

By T.J. Woodward

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  James D. “Jim” Laney, 87, of Batavia passed away on Sunday March 14, 2021. He was born on July 10, 1933 in Batavia to the late Raymond and Margaret (Linsler) Laney. In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by his grandson; Devon Van Linder; sister Loretta Brown and brother Loren Laney.

Jim was a proud United States Army veteran from 1953 to 1955. He went on to work for NY Telephone for 35 years. Jim was a lifelong member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia. He enjoyed riding his John Deere lawn mower and having a cigar, spending time and having conversations with family and friends. Jim loved having a beer with friends, watching the critters (deer, fox, geese and squirrels) in the field next to his house. He enjoyed fixing cars and was always willing to lend a hand to help others.

He is survived by his children; Linda (Larry) Van Linder, Clifford Laney and Carolyn Laney; sister Margaret Tyler; brother Paul Laney; sister in law Joanne Laney; granddaughter Katarina Van Linder, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend a 12:00PM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday March 20, 2021 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia. The Mass will be streamed on the www.resurrectionbatavia.com Facebook page starting at noon.

The church will be restricted to 50% of its normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia or to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com or ARC of Genesee Orleans www.arcgo.org 64 Walnut St. in Batavia.  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.

Diane J. Yaple

By Lisa Ace


Diane J. Yaple, of Alexander, died peacefully on Sunday, March 7 at Strong Hospital.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, Diane was admired for the love she showed toward others and her kind-hearted approach to life. Her joyful smile was always present and simply beautiful. It will be missed.

She is now reunited with her father, brother Jim and sister Arlene.

Diane was born in Batavia April 4th, 1952, the daughter of Rita (Graff) Amend and the late Alois Amend. Her life was dedicated to raising her children and spoiling her grandchildren. 
She was devoted to her family, including her husband of 52 years Dennis, her mother Rita, daughters Denise (Andrew) Young of Batavia, Danielle (Kevin) Riggs of Alexander and Lynette (Dan) Beaumont of Pavilion. Grandchildren Branden, Jacob, Alixandra, Nicholas, Lauren, Macie, Andrew, Gavin and Joie. Her brother Karl (Roxanne) Amend, sister Kathy (Volker) Schaal, and her dear friends Colette and Carin.

She was an exceptional cook and baker. Holidays and family gatherings were very special to her. She was proud to feed the gang (including desert of course) and took great pleasure in our joy. There was never any doubt that she loved her family more than anything in the world. Her daughters carry on with her traditions.

Family will be available on Friday March 19th from 5:00-7:00 and a mass will be held on Saturday March 20th at 1:00 PM, both at West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Rd. Covid protocols to be followed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica NY.

Carl Yunker

By Joshua Smith

Carl Yunker age 97, lifelong farmer and founder of what was to become CY Farms passed away peacefully at his home in Elba on March 13, 2021. He was born to Louisa Yunker on August 28, 1923 at the family farmhouse in Sheldon, NY.

He was raised by his mother and two older brothers Alfred and Otto; they ran the small family farm with a pair of horses: Tig & Dolly. He was schooled in a one-room schoolhouse until the sixth grade and attended high school in East Aurora. It was his high school ag teacher that convinced him to go to college. 

Entering Cornell’s College of Agriculture class of 1944 at the age of 17, he worked his way through college studying agriculture, building P-47s at the Buffalo Curtiss plant, and received awards for marksmanship as a member of ROTC. He joined Alpha Zeta the honor agriculture fraternity where he met classmates in the field of agriculture that would become lifelong friends.

Following Cornell he returned to operate the family’s farm while his older brother traveled west for three years. It was during this time that he met the minister’s daughter at church and he and Bernice where married December 7th, 1947. Their honeymoon drive to Key West, Fla., was the first of their many travels together that included trips to Europe, the Middle East and China.

In 1950 Carl turned to his fraternity brother and college roommate Harris Wilcox to help him find a farm; his brother Otto had returned home and Carl needed to move out on his own. In the winter of 1951 Carl and Bernice moved their two young children, one tractor and a handful of cows to the Merriman Farm in Elba where they resided for the past 70 years.

Carl was known for his progressive farming and was active in both farm and community affairs. He was a past President of Genesee County Farm Bureau, Treasurer of Upstate Milk Cooperative and was named the Outstanding Young Farmer of New York State by the Jaycees. Upon his retirement from daily farming activity, Carl volunteered at Pine Hill Airport with the Vintage Aircraft Group and built his Kitfox 1200 airplane (tail # N123CY) and took flying lessons.

As a lifelong Republican, he was friends with Barber Conable and helped him win his very first election. He along with Bernice were active in the campaign to establish Genesee Community College and he served on the Genesee Valley BOCES Board. Elba Presbyterian Church was an important part of his life where he served on the Session 18 years of their 70-year membership.

It has been said; “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Our family watched with pride as dad planted trees well into his 90s.

Carl Yunker was predeceased by brothers Alfred and Otto and sisters Emma Moore and Hilda Burch of Modesto, Calif. 

He is survived by his wife of 74 years Bernice Beisheim Yunker; children Gail (Bruce) Bartlett, of Baja California Sur, Mexico, Craig (Kimberly) Yunker, of Elba, Cyrus Yunker, of Virginia, Joy (Mark) Mistur, of Ohio, Heidi Yunker Dorpfeld, of Medina, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Springvale Cemetery, Elba. A public memorial service will be held this summer at the Elba Presbyterian Church, 23 N. Main St., Elba.

Memorials can be made to the Elba Presbyterian Church, HomeCare and Hospice of Genesee County, or the Yunker Family Fund for Excellence, Cornell University #0002768, Ithaca, NY 14850. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Carl’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Wayne R. Smith

By Ronald Konieczny

Wayne R. Smith, 74 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (March 13, 2021) at the Elderwoods of Williamsville.

He was born February 23, 1947 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Joseph and Melba Hayes Smith.

Mr. Smith was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1968-1971. He was formerly employed by the U.S. Gypsum and most recently Perry’s Ice Cream. He was a proud member of the Niagara River Beagle Club and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Wayne also enjoyed his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Maria M. Smith of Akron. Son, Michael Smith of Akron. Daughter, Kristen (Matthew) Pollock of Sterling, NY. Grandchildren, Kylie and Ethan Pollock.

He was the brother of the late Dennis Smith.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment and military honors in the Western New York National Cemetery, Pembroke, NY.

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.

 

 

Margaret (Peg) McQuillen

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy - Margaret (Peg) McQuillen, age 88, passed away peacefully at Brothers of Mercy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clarence, NY on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

     Peg was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and (soon-to-be) greatgreat- grandmother. Peg was born on May 6, 1932 in Batavia, NY, the daughter of John and Helen (Sprissler) Chambers, and lived all her life in Batavia and LeRoy, where she dedicated all her time and energy to raising her children and grandchildren. Many remember Peg as the best story and joke-teller.

    

 In addition to her parents, Peg was pre-deceased by her husband Robert McQuillen, son Terry McQuillen, companion Spencer Fox, grandson Gregory McQuillen, sister Virginia Chambers

Tretter and brother Daniel Chambers.

     Peg will be sadly missed by her children: daughter Patricia (David) Daansen of LeRoy, daughter Mary Lynn (Richard) Jacko of Murrysville, PA, son Stephen (Sheila) McQuillen of Stafford, son Peter (Judy) McQuillen of LeRoy, son Timothy (Susan) McQuillen of Byron, and daughter Amy (Jeffrey) Sturm of Erie, PA.

     Peg will also be greatly missed by her beloved nineteen grandchildren: Peter Panepento (Walworth), David Panepento (LeRoy), Robert Panepento (LeRoy), Michael Jacko (MD), Daniel Jacko (PA), Susan Jacko Hartman (PA), Stephen McQuillen (GA), Stephanie McQuillen Call (Stafford), Joseph McQuillen (FL), Jennifer McQuillen (FL), Matthew McQuillen (LeRoy), Megan McQuillen Rogers (Batavia), Molly McQuillen Foy (FL), Michael McQuillen (LeRoy), Justin McQuillen (Byron), Ashley McQuillen Liles (Stafford), Andrew Sturm (PA), Jake Sturm (PA), Hannah Sturm (FL) and by her twenty-one great-grandchildren, of whom she was always so very proud.

     In addition, Peg is survived by her much-loved sister Patricia Chambers Flynn, sisters-in-law Lois Sisson and Dottie McQuillen, brother-in-law Carl Tretter, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

     The family wishes to extend deepest thanks to the caring staff of St. Ann’s Community at the Greens in LeRoy, The Manor House in Batavia, Brothers of Mercy in Clarence, and Hospice Buffalo.

     The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, Lake Street, LeRoy, NY. (Church occupancy will be limited to 50% capacity and face masks are required.) The funeral Mass will be livestreamed through the parish website www.ourladyofmercyleroy.org.

     A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when social gatherings become safer.  

     Memorial contributions may be made to Notre Dame High School, Batavia, NY 14020, or to “St. Ann’s Foundation in Memory of Margaret McQuillen”, 1500 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621.

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

     Mrs. McQuillen and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Edward J. Olander

By Joshua Smith

Rochester - Edward J. Olander, 79 of Rochester passed away on Tuesday, (March 9, 2021) at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Facility in Rochester.

Mr. Olander was born September 25, 1941 in Amsterdam, New York a son of the late John and Agnes (Filuba) Olander.

Edward graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam in 1959 and joined the U.S. Army where he served honorably until discharged in 1962. Following his discharge from the Army, Ed attended Hudson Valley Community College, graduating in 1964 with an Associates Degree in Mechanical Technology. He then worked for 30 years as a Mechanical Designer at Eastman Kodak Co.

Surviving are his children, Michael Olander of Gates, Peter (Deana) Olander of Bergen, and Sue (Mark) Barber of Bergen; grandchildren, Tyler Lavare of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Zachary and Megan Olander of Gates, Jillaina Olander of Brockport, Jessica and Michael Olander of Churchville, Matthew and Aleah Olander of Bergen; great-grandchildren, Arriel Shanley, and Ella Olander.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Anne Olander who passed away on May 24, 2005.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street in Bergen.  Edward 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday (March 16, 2021) at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson Street in Bergen.  Burial with military honors will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen. A recording of the funeral service will be available on Wednesday on the funeral home website.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral home will be restricted to 50% occupancy throughout the course of visitation and the funeral service. Please be prepared to wait outside. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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

Mrs. Barbara W. Stein

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - Barbara W. Stein, age 89, longtime member of St. Brigid Church in Bergen, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at St. Ann’s Community in Rochester.

Mrs. Stein was born April 23, 1931 in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Charles Francis Wright and Rosamond Eddy Wright.

Barbara is the wife of Joseph F. Stein who passed away on January 30, 2010 and sister of the late Robert Wright.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie (Thomas) Machell of Webster and Marcia (Randall) Kehl of Churchville; five grandchildren Lauren, Lindsey, Nicholas, Matthew and Brendan; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law Betty (David) Mullen.

Barbara grew up on a farm in Perry/Warsaw and was a 1949 graduate from Perry Central High School. She worked at Eastman Kodak for 10 years, then raised a family with the love of her life, Joe. They met at a square dance in Caledonia. 

Barb and Joe enjoyed traveling and spending their winters in Haines City, Florida. Barbara was known for her sewing, baking, going to casinos, bingo, coffee with friends, craft fairs, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was also an active member of Triangle Club, Ladies of Charity, Ladies Fire Auxiliary, and active in many volunteer activities.

A special thanks to St Ann’s Community for caring for Barbara as one of their own family.

There are no prior visiting hours, due to the ongoing pandemic.  Barbara’s funeral Mass will be on April 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson St.  Private Christian Burial will be held at St. Brigid Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s Foundation in her memory, (parkinson.org). To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen.

Louis F. "Lou" Piacente

By T.J. Woodward

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  Louis F. “Lou” Piacente, of Batavia, the son of the late Ralph and Carmela (Caruso) Piacente, was 85 years old and died peacefully in the intensive care unit at Unity Hospital from illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife BettyAnn (Davis) Piacente who was his “high school sweet heart” who passed in 2001. He was never the same without his BettyAnn.

Lou served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany for much of his tour and was a longtime employee at Graham Manufacturing in Batavia. He was a kind man and a help to many, always ready for a good conversation and to share a smile. Lou was the first to earn his “Sport Pilot” license in Genesee County and trained many students in the ultralight flying experience.

He was known as the “Doctor” back in the day of the Citizen Band radios as he repaired just about everyone’s rig. He found great joy in learning how things worked and how to repair just about anything. Lou loved his friends at his favorite restaurant, Town & Country in Batavia and would visit there every day for the past several years. He was a member of the City Church in Batavia and loved to worship Jesus Christ in song.

Lou is survived by his only son; Gary (Eileen) Piacente of Batavia; granddaughters Lisa (Terry) Piacente of Brockport and Melissa (Matthew) DeLosh of Holley, Lindsay (Kenneth) Fisher of Elba and Rachel Piacente of Batavia; great-grandchildren Olivia, Mariah, Kerri, Henry and Madison; brother Ralph (Jane) Piacente and sister Jeanmarie Gardener, both of Florida.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday March 16, 2021 from 6:00-7:00PM at The City Church 210 East Main St. in Batavia, NY 14020, where a 7:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation. Lou will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

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

Arlene J. Peck

By Lisa Ace


Arlene J. Peck, Age 81 of Batavia, died peacefully March 3, 2021 at her home.  Born in Batavia, NY on May 23, 1939, Arlene was a graduate of Oakfield High School and attended Brockport State College on a Field Hockey Scholarship.  Arlene was a substitute physical education teacher in the Attica Catholic School System, but was best known for waitressing at Sunny's and Alex's Place, both in Batavia.

She is survived by her loving children Rolene Peck of Naples, FL, Jolene (John) Schmidt of Vero Beach, FL, Randy (Yvonne) Peck of Batavia, NY along with three granddaughters, Joanne and Laura Schmidt and Taylor Peck.  She also was a great grandmother to Payton and Aubree.   Arlene is also survived by her brother Karl Dilcher of Oakfield, NY and a special cousin, Judy Nichols of Wyoming, NY.

Lastly, Arlene was predeceased by her husband and best friend, Roy T. Peck who sadly passed in January of 2009.  Arlene and Roy were admired for their love and devotion of fifty years.  While her family sadly mourns her passing, they find some comfort knowing that they are together again and she is at peace.   

Arrangements were made by Gilmartin Funeral Home in Batavia, NY.  There will be a Memorial Mass held for Arlene sometime this summer when her children are reunited to celebrate her life.  

Jessie Y. Button

By T.J. Woodward

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  Jessie Y. Button, age 82 of Perry, NY passed away on Tuesday March 9, 2021 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  She was born on July 2, 1938 in Batavia, NY, daughter of the late David and Mildred (Mason) Young-Hillabush.

Along with her parent she is preceded in death by her husband: Roy who passed away in 1999, daughter: Deborah Booth who passed away in 2015 and son: Michael who passed away in 2020, sisters: Dorthy Bower, Sally Nelson, Charlotte Somerfield, Ruth Crowley, brothers: Robert Young, Donal Young, Carl Young, Jack Hillabush, Donald Hillabush, brother-in-laws: Ray Shutt and Jerry Struck.

Jessie was a graduate of Batavia High School. Jessie was a homemaker, and worked for Perry Market Place in Perry in the bakery and as a cashier. She was an active member of Hope Chapel in Perry. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing scratch off tickets and listening to John Denver music. She loved the holidays keeping her Christmas tree up all year long and decorating it according to the season or holiday. She always looked forward to visits with family and friends.

Jessie is survived by her children: Bonnie (Stephen) Willey of Leicester, Laurie Button of Geneseo, Tammy Stewart of Geneseo and Jeffrey Button of Wyoming, 3 sisters: Jeanne Shutt of Zephyrhills, Fl., Betty (Bill) Harmon of Belfast, Carol Struck of Buffalo, 4 brothers: David (Debbie) Hillabush of Zephyrhills, Fl., Murray (Marie) Young of Buffalo, Paul (Ann) Hillabush of St. Johnsonville, NY and George (Anita) Hillabush of Alexandria Bay, NY, caregiver and friend: Ivy Alderman of Perry, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandson, along with many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 11am-1pm on Saturday March 20th at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. in Perry,  where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00PM. (Jessie loved wearing hats in honor of her spirit please wear a hat to her service). Jessie will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Huntington Disease Foundation of America 505 8th Ave. Suite 902 New York, NY 10018 or to Hope Chapel 7 Church St. Perry, NY 14530. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, N.Y. 14530.

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