Obituaries

Mark William Ryan (age 65), on Monday, November 30, 2020, of Chevy Chase, MD. Beloved husband of Nancy Allison Ryan; father of Maryellen Ryan (Scott Estrada), Molly Ryan, and James Ryan; brother of Elizabeth, Ann, Joseph, Thomas, John, and Daniel (Colleen) Ryan.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Washington, DC. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive at www.ggcfd.org or to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958.

To leave a message of condolence or to join the live stream of Mark's Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 5, at 11 a.m please visit www.collinsfuneralhome.com.

Local arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia.

Oakfield - Carol S. Speed, 73 of Oakfield,  passed away on Tuesday, (December 1, 2020) at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia in Batavia.

Mrs. Speed was born January 21, 1947 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Cecil Compton and Alice (Ross) Compton.

Carol attended Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church. She enjoyed playing piano and organ and played for many churches over the years.  She was a Sunday School teacher and enjoyed spending time with church kids.  Mrs. Speed liked to camp and ride in the boat while her husband fished.

Carol is the wife of Wayne Speed of Oakfield.  The two were married on April 26, 1969.

Surviving along with her husband are her children, Pastor Jonathan (Kimberly) Speed of Azle, Texas, and Julie (Trevor) Peterson of Columbia, Maryland; grandchildren, Veronica Speed, Samantha (Rory) Cox, Charles, Jonathan, and Susannah Speed, Ian and Jenna Peterson; a brother, James (Sandy) Compton of Bethany; a sister-in-law, Grace Compton of Varysburg. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Carol is preceded in death by her brothers, Richard and Philip Compton.

There will be no visitation. A private service will be held for Carol at Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church followed by burial in Cary Cemetery in Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Carol's name to the Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road, Oakfield, New York 14125.

Arrangements for Carol were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Batavia - Richard  T.  Wagner, age 87, of Batavia passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at LeRoy Village Residential Health Care Facility, Inc. in LeRoy.

Mr. Wagner was born Wednesday, March 1, 1933 in Alabama, New York a son of the late Elmer Wagner, Sr. and Vera Garrison Wagner.

Mr. Wagner enjoyed gardening, tending to his flowers, trips to the casino and going to garage sales with his wife, Joanne. Mr. Wagner retired from National Fuel in Batavia where he was a machine operator for many years.

He is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Joanne M. Della Penna Wagner, who passed away on May 13, 2020.

He is survived by his children; Richard (Deb) Wagner, Sr., Robin (Late Wayne) Bassett and Deborah (Ronald, Jr.) Gibson, all of Batavia;  four grandchildren; Roy Watson, Jr., Sarah (Kevin) Copeland, Richard (Jennifer) Wagner, Jr. and Ashley Gibson; six great-grandchildren; Jayce Wagner, Gavynn Trippany, Kendra Watson and Tyler, Dylan and Letti Copeland; two sisters;  Esther (Richard) Brown of Middleport and Nancy (late Norman) Forbes of Lockport; his brother-in-law; Robert Ayler of Akron; along with several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his siblings; Betty (late Lawrence) Pfak, Elmer (late Elizabeth) Wagner, Jr., Francis (late Stanley) Benben, Carol (late Carl) Schubel and Lois Ayler.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to  the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Richard's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Daniel C. Rider, age 69 of Perry, NY passed away on Friday November 27, 2020 at Eastside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw.  He was born in Warsaw, NY on May 12, 1951 a son to the late Donald C. and Nellie (Hurlburt) Rider.

Daniel was a farmer who worked for a couple of local farmers in the area, then eventually moving his career to Markin Tubing in Wyoming where he retired in 2006. He enjoyed hunting, watching westerns on TV and going to tractor and horse pulls.

He is survived by 2 brothers: David (Patricia Hendrickson) Rider of Warsaw, Duane Rider of Perry and a great niece Monica.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Daniel will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry, NY.

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Lee Benedict Frette, 74, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 29, 2020, surrounded by his loving caretakers. Lee was born May 19, 1946, in Warsaw, New York. Son of Florence Benedict and Vidar R. Frette, both deceased. He was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Martha (Marty) in April 2018.

He was a long-time resident of Perry and Silver Lake, New York. Lee attended Perry schools and joined the U.S. Air Force upon graduation from high school where he trained in electronics and became an expert, having many Temporary Duty assignments around the world. He received his bachelors' degree and did his Masters’ work at SUNY Geneseo in Psychology. But his love was electronics and specifically computers. He worked for General Railway Signal, Computer Consoles and Nortel, eventually retiring to make fishing lures, fishing in Silver Lake and the Red River every summer with his childhood friend, John Hume. He also served the Town of Perry as zoning official for several years.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Terry) Piar, and his four grandchildren, Kathryn, Glenn, Kirk and Samantha; his sister Jo Anne (Daniel) Palmer and his nieces Rebecca Gustafson and Laura Kuehn. Lee and Marty loved their kitties all of whom were rescued from the elements and they provided joy to them.

The family would like to thank Lee’s many neighbors and friends who, through the years, provided meals, rides, companionship and whatever he needed. We especially want to thank Nancy Wolcott who, at Marty’s deathbed, told her she would take care of Lee, she certainly went above and beyond. Also, many thanks to the ladies who helped Nancy these last few weeks.

Due to the pandemic, we will have a Memorial Service and internment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry Center, in the spring or summer, at the convenience of the family.

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

  Thomas V. Glair died on November 25, 2020 at his Batavia home after a lengthy illness. He was born on January 9, 1946 in Buffalo to the late Joseph and Henrietta (Rush) Glair. In addition to his parents, Thomas is predeceased by his sisters; Eleanor O’Dwyer, Henrietta Glair and Theresa Lillis; brother Joseph Glair.

Mr. Glair, who greatly expanded the Arc chapter during two decades as executive director, was 74 years old. Born in Buffalo, he lived his entire life and raised a family in Western New York. He spent the past four decades in Batavia. Mr. Glair began working with people with disabilities in the early 1970s with the Niagara County chapter of Arc. He was hired as the executive director of the Genesee County chapter in the early 1980s and served in that position for about two decades. Mr. Glair also served on the board of the New York State Industries for the Disabled, including a stint as president of the board.

Mr. Glair was married for 51 years to Patricia Glair, nee McNamara. They met in high school when they used to ride the school bus together, he to Bishop Timon High School and she to Mount Mercy Academy. Their early dates included roller skating, sledding and Mrs. Glair’s first visit to a new drive-in restaurant named McDonald’s. They were married in 1969 at Nativity of Our Lord in Orchard Park. Mr. Glair got an undergraduate's degree from the University of Buffalo and a master’s degree from Niagara University. He was in the Army Reserves and a member of the Rotary club. An avid hunter, Mr. Glair spent time with friends in Franklinville. He was known by friends and family for his long stories, use of Latin phrases and rendition of the Big Bopper song, Chantilly Lace.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife; Patricia (nee McNamara) Glair; their children Colleen M. Schleede of Cottage Grove. MN., Jennifer (David) Demmer of Batavia, Thomas J. Glair of Kenmore and Daniel G. Glair of Eau Claire, WI.;  brothers Paul Glair, John (Sandy) Glair and Michael (Nancy) Glair; three sisters Frances (Robert) Gall, Lorretta (Murry) Reagan and Marie Pezinski; seven grandchildren Tricia Demmer, Ty Demmer, Thomas Demmer, Erin (Zach) DeLorne, Alexis Schleede, Benjamin Schleede and Charlotte Glair; 3 great grandchildren Serinity Rose Demmer, Ivy Rose Harper and Lorraine Harper, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are made to memorials may be made to ARC of Genesee Orleans https://www.arcgo.org/.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Matilda A. Syracuse, 99 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, November 30, 2020 at her home. She was born August 5, 1921 in Perkinsville, NY to the late Leo (Mary Fabio) Azzi. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph D. Syracuse (1997), siblings Charles Azzi, Veronica Martin and Barbara Leone.

Mrs. Syracuse was a 1944 graduate of St. Mary’s College and then began her nursing career of over 50 years. She began working at St. Mary’s Hospital, VA Medical Center in Batavia, and retired from St. Jerome Hospital as a Nursing Supervisor. Mrs. Syracuse was a devote catholic and attended mass weekly. An avid New York Yankee fan, Buffalo Bills fan and gardener. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband and most of all time spent with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Syracuse is survived by her children Carol (Kentt) Monteleone of Batavia, Lee (Robin Lamb) Syracuse of Batavia, Joseph (Deborah) Syracuse of Ft. Myers, FL, sisters Leona Pastore of Batavia, Virginia (James) Bass of Sante, CA; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 3 - 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held for the family. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory. Thank you for your cooperation.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Arlette Sherwood, age 100, of the Village of Elba, peacefully entered her eternal home in heaven on Sunday, November 29, 2020 surrounded by her family in her home.

Born on October 1, 1920 in Oxford NY, she was the daughter of the late Merritt and Bernice (Tracy) Stone. Survivors include her five children, Judith (Phil) Naas, Kathleen Rockwell, Stan (Karen) Sherwood, David (Jill) Sherwood, and Tracy (Michael) Byrnes; 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

She married her Oxford Academy high school sweetheart, the late Stan Sherwood Sr., and then moved to Elba, NY, in 1946. She worked in the office at Elba Central School doing payroll. Then, after working a short time for the ASCS office, (Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service), a farm service agency, she retired at the age of 62 from the VA hospital as a medical secretary. 

She and her husband, Stan, moved to their summer home on Otisco Lake in Marietta NY where her husband passed away in 1987. The children and grandchildren enjoyed many years visiting her at the lake. Those times will always be cherished memories having campfires and roasting marshmallows, playing the game chicken foot, fishing, boating, skiing, tubing, swimming, flashlight tag, catching fireflies at night and sipping coffee on the deck. They were happy memories that will be treasured!

Arlette was an active member of the Amber Congregational Church, serving the Lord in the church in many ministries. She loved her church family and they loved her.

Arlette moved back to Elba to live closer to her children in 2006 where she became known as the “bag” lady. She had learned to crochet tote bags out of plastic grocery bags. She made over 300 totes, using them as gifts or selling them nonprofit, donating the money to the church and other ministries.

Arlette has passed down a legacy of what a mother and grandmother should look like. A woman after God’s heart and a desire to live according to His Word, the Bible.
She has blessed her family, church family, and friends by the life that she has lived so well by her Christ like example. She will be sorely missed.

There will be a private family celebration of her life at her home. A special thank you to the nurses of hospice, Kim, Susan and Amber, your compassion and care were appreciated by the family as well as the homecare aides, Ginger and Samantha. Memorial donations may be made to Homecare and Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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.

 

 

Thomas W. Schumacher, 80 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (November 28, 2020) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

He was born July 18, 1940 in Batavia, NY, son of the late Francis and Arline Staebell Schumacher

Tom was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving his country from 1957-1960. He was employed by Strippit in Akron for over 45 years prior to his retirement. Tom enjoyed woodworking and over the years made over 50 jewelry boxes for family and friends. Most of all, he enjoyed his family especially his grandchildren who will have many memories of him roller blading, camping and spending special times with them.

Survivors include his loving wife, Sharon Lederhouse Schumacher of Akron. Children, Wayne (Cheri) Schumacher of Akron, Pebbles (Michael) Hess of North Carolina, Paul (Michelle) Schumacher of Florida, Katherine (Charles) Turner of Alden, Andrea (Ron) Dawydko of Akron and Angela (William) Earle of Akron. Siblings, Francis (Norma) Schumacher of Akron, John (Karen) Schumacher of Akron, Teresa (Richard) Warner of Akron, Joseph (Cheryl) Schumacher of Cheektowaga and Anthony (Mary Jo) Schumacher of Akron. Also survived by son in-law, Brian Blakeslee, 24 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Darlene Blakeslee and brother of the late Marie Schumacher.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (Dec. 2^nd) and Thursday (Dec. 3^rd) from 2-4pm & 6-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, 10am at St. Teresa’s R.C. Church, 5771 Buell St., Akron.

Please be understanding of the possible wait times to enter the funeral home due to covid-19 regulations.

Burial with military honors will be held in St. Teresa’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Newstead Fire Dept., 5691 Cummings Rd., Akron, NY 14001. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Pauline F. “Kitty” Caselli, 88 of Bennington, formerly of Hamburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born January 15, 1932 in Lackawanna, to the late Thomas (Mary) Cott. She is preceded in death by a sister Loretta (Bronislau) Wedzina.

Mrs. Caselli owned and operated South Park Nurseries in Hamburg with her husband Dante. She worked for many years at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Mrs. Caselli is survived by her beloved husband Dante Caselli Sr., her children, Dante (Connie) Caselli Jr., Deena (John) Mack, Darrel (Cindy) Caselli, sister Connie (Richard) Bochenek, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.   

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bennington Fire Co, 1353 NY-354, Attica, NY 14011. For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Julieanne George, age 59, of Batavia passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Julieanne was born Saturday, September 23, 1961 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Jerome J. George and Doris M. Keem George.

Julieannne's family wishes to extend special thanks to the ICU at United Memorial Medical Center and to Tina Winters and her staff at the Ellicott Street Road and Ross Street group homes.

She is survived by her sisters;  Janet (late Thomas) Dwyer and Patricia (John Colagrande) Matla; her sister-in-law, Teresa George;  her nieces and nephews; Dennis Dwyer, Colleen (Patrick) Donegan, Lisa (Todd) Lenhart, Susan (Christopher) Schukin, Margaret (Scott) Niedzwiecki, Kathleen Dwyer, Carolyn (Stephen) Babcock, Brian Dwyer, Nina (Tony) White and Jerome P. George along with several great-nieces and great-nephews. 

She is predeceased by her brother, John George.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. A public Mass of Christian Burial at St. Padre Pio Parish – St. Cecilia’s Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield will be scheduled at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship in care of ARC of Genesee Orleans, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Julieanne’s name, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Leslie D. Wotherspoon, 85, of Darien, NY passed away on Saturday November 28, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Buffalo on March 29, 1935 to the late David and Katherine (Neidermeyer) Wotherspoon. In addition to his parents, Leslie is predeceased by a brother; Clark Wotherspoon and sister, Janet Holmes.

After serving in the Naval Reserves, Leslie opened an auto shop in Buffalo. He moved to a career in real estate and became an owner of L.A. Grant Realty. Leslie enjoyed fishing, boating, camping and hunting.

He is survived by his daughter; Kim (Jason) Long of Corfu; a granddaughter Norah Long.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Akron American Legion 9 Eckerson Ave. Akron, NY 14001. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Betty A. Ward, 67 of Batavia, passed away peacefully Friday, November 27, 2020 at Premier Genesee in Batavia. She was born July 16, 1953 in Wellsville, NY to the late Merle (Marjorie Gardner) Butler. She is preceded in death by her beloved son Charles Ward.

Betty worked at Genesee Community College.

Surviving is her daughter Marjorie (Mike) Richmond of Batavia; brothers Bob Butler of Kendall and David Butler of NJ, grandchildren Graydon and Morgan Richmond; along with 3 nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will immediately follow calling hours at 1:00 PM. She will be laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery, Kendall.

Memorials may be made to the family. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Shirley A.  Scofield, 86, of Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Shirley was born October 22, 1934 in Alabama, a daughter of the late Burdett and Lillian (Wagner) Newton.

A founding and active member of the Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, Shirley loved being with her family.

Surviving are her husband, Everett Scofield; daughters, Deborah (Greg) Smart of Marysville, PA, Lori (Fred) Aquina of Batavia and Sandra Smart of Alabama; a sister, Janice (late Leo) Snyder of Alabama; grandchildren, Hillary (Nicholas) Amici, Jacob Smart, Joel Hiscutt, Danielle Hiscutt, Lydia Aquina, Tiffanie (Dave) Amerine, Haven Smart, Tucker (Tara) Smart and Corde Smart; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Alexander, Aurora, Elija, Josiah, Bentley and Colton and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her sisters, Eleanor Goldsmith and Geraldine Hawley.

A private service will be held for immediate family with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.  Shirley will be laid to rest in Alabama Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, 5329 South Gravel Road, Medina, NY 14103.  

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

Arrangements for Shirley were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.

Dale A. Krawczyk, 69 of Attica, was peacefully welcomed into heaven on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born April 24, 1951 in Buffalo, to the late Herman (Rita Witczak) Krawczyk.

Mr. Krawczyk retired as a Sargent from Wyoming Correctional Facility.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Jane (Hamill) Krawczyk of Attica, brothers Brian (Carin) Krawczyk and Darren (Christine) Krawczyk; sister-in-law Cheryl Peplin; brothers-in-law Ed Jr., Jerry, Duane, Tim, Russell and Jay Hamill; along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or to Wyoming County Homecare & Hospice Inc. 450 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, New York 14011.