Obituaries

Alan R. Murray, 77, of Batavia passed away on August 25, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born on May 1, 1946 in Bangor, Maine to the late Elmer and Arlene (Hailey) Murray. He was also preceded in death by his brother Wallace (Jasmine) Murray. 

He is survived by his daughter; Julie (Eric) Stock; son David (Amy) Murray; four Grandchildren Emily, Alyson, Owen and Sara; sister Joan (Edward) Brady along with several nieces and nephews.

Alan was a Seaman for The United States Navy. He retired in 1996 after a 26 year career as a New York State Corrections Officer. Alan was a Diehard Boston Red Sox fan and he enjoyed country music and the music of Del Shannon.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 1:00PM Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday September 13, 2023 at the Western New York National Cemetery 1254 Indian Falls Rd. Corfu, NY 14036; Anyone that plans on attending this Service, please arrive at 12:45PM. 

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Jean L. Wasiulewski, 69 of Oakfield, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, August 28, 2023. She was born February 1, 1954 in Batavia, to the late William H. and Mary L. (Irion) Sweet. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry S. Wasiulewski, granddaughter, April Angel Diaz, siblings, Mary Ann Alban, Elizabeth Shea, William G. Sweet, Richard D. Sweet.

Jean worked at the Oakfield Hotel for years. She enjoyed playing Bingo, going to the casino, birdwatching especially cardinals, and any outdoor activity with her husband. In her later years she spent half her time in Arizona with her best friends, Paulette and Beanie. Jean adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they were her everything.   

She is survived by her beloved children, Rachil (Nick) Pontillo, Travis (Stacie) Wasiulewski, Crystal (Scott) Dugan, Jeri (Heidi) Wasiulewski, MaryAnn (Adam Young) Forsha, brothers, James (Cindy) Sweet, Kenneth (Karen) Sweet, 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours, a Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.   Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Chad G. Pratt, 55 of Oakfield, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (August 26, 2023) at his residence.

He was born July 19, 1968 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Norman and Eileen Burgett Pratt.

Chad was employed by Mobile Air Transport of Cheektowaga. He was a member of the Alabama Vol. Fire Department, the Sportsman’s Coon Hunters Association and Thursday Night Horseshoe League. Chad was an avid Yankees, Bills, Sabres, NASCAR fan and loved fishing.  His love of those teams showed in the tattoos he proudly wore.  His infectious and gregarious laugh was his calling card and would bring smiles and joy when it was heard.  Meeting you with a beer in hand and a joke at the ready, he lit up the room.  He had a deep love for his family and his lifelong “Brothers” Pat, Jeff, and John.  He would always say “I Love You Man” when they parted ways. 

Survivors include his siblings, Norma Bauer of Texas, Patricia Dick of Canandaigua, Bettyjo (David) Gizzi of Hamburg, Sherry (Andy) Coppi of Texas, Norman (Debbie) Pratt of Darien and Kelley (Scott) Smith of Virginia. Daughter Corey (Matt) Scarborough, and the apple of his eye, his granddaughters Olivia and Ava Scarborough. Stepdaughter Elizabeth (Brette Hensely) Johnson-Walsh. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and his feline friends, Skittles and Girlie.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (Sept. 1^st) from 5-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Burial will be in Morganville Cemetery, Stafford, NY.

Donations in his name may be made to the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department. 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.

Amelia Christina Sheelar, 85, of East Bethany, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Amelia was born July 22, 1938 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Ralph and Mary (Avino) Parise.

Amelia was a member of Resurrection Parish.  She enjoyed baking, watching the birds, bowling, spending time with her family, friends and her beloved dog, JoJo.  Amelia was a receptionist for Dr. Guy Patterson, D.D.S. in Batavia.

Surviving are her children, Christine (Troy) Taggart of Greensburg, PA, Mark (Traci) Sheelar of Alexander, Peter (Ann Marie) Sheelar of Stafford and Gregory (Denise Rader) Sheelar of Batavia; her sister, Mary Marchese of LeRoy and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Amelia is the wife of the late Gerald Anthony Sheelar and sister of the late Carmon Parise, Ralph Parise, Salvatore Parise, Frances Cirillo and Jovanna Russell.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. also on Thursday.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter, www.alz.org/wny?form=alz_donate or your local SPCA.  

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

Batavia - Susan Vaccaro, 62, of Batavia, NY passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 21, 2023 at her home.

Susan was born Saturday, October 22nd, 1960 in Buffalo, New York, daughter of the late John Paul Ianni Sr. and Philomena (Colarusso) Ianni.

Susan graduated from Bishop McMahon in 1978. She married the love of her life, James R. Vaccaro on August 16, 2003 at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. She worked as an administrative assistant for Person Centered Services in Batavia, NY.

She enjoyed exploring thrift stores, decorating, and loved cooking and baking for her friends and family.

Susan is survived by her husband, James; her siblings John Jr. (Joanne) Ianni, Richard (Lia) Ianni, Cynthia (Louis) Horvath, and Paul (Lynn) Ianni; step daughters Amanda (Ben) Pearce, Jaclyn Vaccaro (Matt LoBuglio), grandson Edward Pearce, and her nieces, nephews and friends.

In death, Susan is reunited with her parents, John and Philomena Ianni and her godfather John Colarusso.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner Funeral Home, Batavia. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 9 th at 10:00 am at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden Ave. Buffalo, NY 14211.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, PO Box 448, Buffalo, NY 14215.

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

Batavia - Frances I. Kowalik, 98 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.

Frances was born Wednesday, October 1st, 1924 in East Oakfield, New York a daughter of the late Raymond Finnican and Anabelle (Samson) Finnican.

She was a former president of the Batavia Lions Club and a lifelong member of Resurrection Roman Catholic Church. Frances enjoyed entertaining company, spending time with her friends and golfing. She was passionate about her work, serving as a registered nurse for Dr. Baker for over 30 years, and then retiring from New York School for the Blind.  

Frances is survived by her nephew, Robert Finnican, and her friend Lorraine Kuczynski.

In death Frances is reunited with her parents, Raymond and Anabelle Finnican, and her brother Ronald Finnican.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 30th, 2023  from 2:00 pm  to 4:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia .  Frances's funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Resurrection Roman Catholic Church - St Joseph Worship Site, 303 E Main St, Batavia, NY 14020

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

Donald L. Grieger (Don), 89, well known Batavia artist, passed away August 21, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Louise (Bachinger), two daughters, Dr. Dara Grieger and Kimberly Grieger, nieces and nephews.

Don, a native of Niles, MI., held BS and MS degrees from the University of Michigan and The Air Force Institute of Technology. His working career was divided between the military (USAF), private industry (Xerox), and academia (GCC). In the 1970s he began oil painting and discovered a passion that directed the rest of his life. He was basically self-taught with help from a few workshops. He was pleased when he was invited to join the Batavia Society of Artists.

He and the late John Hodgins began a tradition of meeting Saturday mornings, rain or shine, at Miss Batavia Diner for coffee, conversation and cinnamon rolls, then going out to paint whatever field, farm or street scene that caught their attention. They gradually expanded to include other like-minded painters and evolved into The All Weather Gang. For more than 30 years they have become a familiar sight, with easels set up, battling the elements wherever the landscape draws them.

Eventually Don began entering shows, winning awards and recognition. He became an artist member of several prestigious art organizations. He was a long-time member of The Salmagundi Club, NYC, the oldest art organization in the USA. In 2017 he was honored to be awarded Emeritus status. He was also honored with Emeritus status in the Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters, Rochester, NY. He is listed in Who's Who in American Art.

For six years he and Louise operated a summer gallery in the historic Rocky Neck Art Colony, Gloucester, MA, which draws collectors from all over the world. Don's paintings are in public and private collections in almost every state, throughout Canada and Europe as well as South America and Australia. Don considered himself a painter, not an artist. He felt history should decide if what he created was art.

As he requested, any Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Anyone who wishes to remember him can send donations to the Don Grieger Plein Air Award at: GVPAP, Inc. 44 Meadow Cove Rd. Pittsford, NY 14534 or The Don Grieger Landscape Award at: Rochester Art Club c/o Gabriele Lodder (RAC Treasurer) 977 Pathway Lane Webster, NY 14580. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Anthony “Tony” Joseph Pullinzi, Sr., 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully, Friday, August 25, 2023 at Crossroads House. He was born October 19, 1932, in Batavia to the late Pasquale and Salvatrice (Tabone) Pullinzi. He is preceded in death by sisters Carmina DiSanto and Antonia Corbelli.

Anthony was a 1950 graduate of Batavia High School. He was employed at Massey Ferguson, Batavia Downs Racetrack, and retired as a Supervisor at GTE Sylvania.  Anthony was a member of Resurrection Parish and formerly a longtime member of St. Anthony’s Church. “Tony” was an avid Red Sox and Buffalo Bills fan, bowler, golfer, hunter, and fisherman. Anthony enjoyed fishing for salmon and trout on Lake Ontario with his brother Patrick, testing his luck at area casinos, and enjoyed old school Italian specialty cuisine, and especially seafood buffets. 

Anthony is survived by his sons Anthony J. Pullinzi, Jr., and Michael Patrick Pullinzi (Marcy) of Batavia, his brother Patrick Pullinzi, of Hamlin, eight grandchildren Nia (Ryan) Shepard of Baton Rouge Louisiana, Constance Pullinzi and Seina Pullinzi of Rochester, Trenton (Jennifer) Zanow of Massachusetts, Kendel (Amanda) Zanow of Ohio, four great-grandchildren Lilliana, Samantha, and Wyatt Shepard, Adalynn Zanow, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited on September 16, 2023 at 10:00am to a Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish at 19 Sumner St. in Batavia and are invited by Anthony’s family to attend a Memorial luncheon at Batavia Downs Grandstands Banquet Room at 12:00pm at 8315 Park Rd., Batavia.  Anthony will be interred in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com where Anthony received excellent comfort care in his final days. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Cheryl A. Squire, 59, of Bergen and Wake Forest, NC, entered into eternal Life on 8/26/2023 surrounded by her loving Family after a long, courageous battle with Cancer. Cheryl was the daughter of James and Sandra Compton. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 39 years, Timothy Squire, son Taylor James (Sarah), her Mother, Sandra Compton, brothers Kevin Compton, Roger (Cheryl) Compton, Sister Jeanne (Al) Palmer, Sister-in-law Lori DiFilippo, Sister-in-law Jean (Sam) Tambe, Brother-in law Randy (Nancy) Squire, sister/cousin Aimee (Jeff) Maurer, adopted (in our hearts) daughter, Marlyn (Nick) Carbonell-Twardowski, nephews Jay (Missy) Aquino, Brett (Monica) Squire, Jeremy (Stephanie) Squire, Michael (Aurora) Compton, Aaron Pahuta, nieces Stacy Squire, Rachael (Andrew) Boynton, Allyssa (Dieril) Compton-Disla, Amanda Palmer, Great Aunt to Ally Aquino, Addison Gregg, Ethan Boynton, Noah Disla, grandmother (in our hearts) to Quinn, Colin and Preston Bannister, Galileo Carbonell-Twardowski, 2nd Mom/Special Aunt, Patricia (Aubrey) Beverly, best friend Amy (Joe) DiSalvo as well as numerous aunts/uncles/cousins.

Cheryl was predeceased by her first born, Zachary David, father, James Compton, father and mother-in-law, Vince and Irma Squire, brother-in-law, Larry Squire, brother-in-law, Kevin Squire.

Cheryl was born 6/13/1964 and grew up in Elba, NY where she attended and graduated from Elba Central School. Cheryl and Tim were high-school sweethearts who married on 8/25/1984 and were blessed with their 2nd Son, Taylor James, on 8/25/1989. Cheryl was a “proud” Cheerleader Captain throughout High school and anyone lucky to have known her knows that she continued to be a cheerleader for everyone she came in contact with throughout her life. If you were fortunate enough to know Cheryl, she loved you unconditionally.

Cheryl was the Store Manager for Wortzman Furniture in Batavia for 25 years and considered numerous past customers as friends. Cheryl also worked 4 years as Store Manager for Raymour-Flanigan Furniture in Rochester, NY and in typical Cheryl fashion, left an incredible lasting impression within that organization as well. Cheryl attended Northgate Free Methodist; shared her faith with everyone she came in contact with and supported numerous charities throughout her life. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, spending time with family and friends, vacationing, often in Punta Cana, DR, yet anywhere she could plant her bare feet in sand. Her positive attitude, warm smile, outgoing personality, unwavering faith and love for others....and for JESUS.....will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  Cheryl’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Rd, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in honor of Cheryl, to Northgate Free Methodist Church or St Judes Childrens Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html or any charity that may be near and dear to your heart, in her name.

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

Cricket Johnson-Seward, DVM, died on August 25 th , 2023 after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. She entered heaven into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”. 

Cricket is survived by her husband, George, with whom she shared 39 years; her sons and their families, Elias and Catherine Seward – grandchildren Tyler, Sydney, and Cade; Noah and Niki Seward – grandchildren Paxton and Lilah. Also surviving are her sister-in-law Brenda Seward, sister Susan Johnson and brother- in-law Mark Albano, special friends Sue Odre, Betty Huntley, and Christine Pinello, and many other great friends.

Cricket was a veterinarian and animals were a very important part of her life. She graduated from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1978 and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982. Cricket worked at Batavia Animal Hospital in private practice for many years. She became a field veterinary with the NYS Department of Ag and Markets in 1996. Always a hard worker, Cricket loved the outdoors and her animals and pets.
Cricket loved spending time with her family, cooking for them, gardening, skiing, and reading. She loved nothing better than a trail ride on a good horse and walks in the evening with good black dogs and a special cat by her side.

Cricket was never afraid to voice her opinion. Cricket loved learning and teaching. She was active in her church – Northgate Free Methodist Church. For many years she taught a women’s bible study, was part of the prayer team, and worked in the café. Cricket has donated her body to the UB medical school.

A Memorial service will held Thursday, August 31st at 2pm at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. A reception to follow memorial service.

Memorials may be made to: Northgate Free Methodist Church or Samaritan’s Purse
Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Attn: Gahanda Rawanda Connected Community 585-343-4011

Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, 828-262-1980.

Joseph Czajka, 95 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (August 24, 2023) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

He was born June 21, 1928 in Springville, NY, a son of the late Bronislaw and Josephine Mertz Czajka.

Joseph served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he was stationed in Germany. He was a repairman for Ebling Electric in Batavia prior to his retirement. Joseph was a good Christian man and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by nieces, nephews and step-children.

He was the husband of the late Clara Czajka and brother of the late John Czajka, Brownie Czajka, Mary Ann Samsel and Jenny Niedzwiadek.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (Sept. 1^st) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery.

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.

Yolanda G. McCowen, 87, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born in East Bethany, to the late John and Natalina (Perciballi) Cervoni. She is preceded in death by son, Richard McCowen, daughter, Tammy Stanton, brothers, Loreto and John Cervoni, sisters, Rose Ianni, Christina Orlando and Nicolina Maniace.

Yolanda was a retired cook from St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia. She loved playing BINGO and going out to eat with her family and friends.

She is survived by a son, Michael McCowen of Houston, TX, siblings, Vincent (Janice) Cervoni of Batavia; sisters, Dorothy (Earl) Schlaggel of Batavia, Ann (Chuck) Bordinaro of Oakfield, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 4:00-6:00pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 6:00pm Celebration of her Life will immediately follow. She will be laid to rest 10:00am on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  

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. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Gloria Ann Andrews, 82 of Batavia, transitioned from this world peacefully on Thursday, August 24, 2023 surrounded by her family at United Memorial Medical Center. She was a resident of The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing Home.

Gloria was born in Batavia, NY on July 1, 1941, a daughter of the late Aloysius Ratulowski and Celia (Slominski) Ratulowski of Batavia. 

Gloria was a loving and devoted Catholic mother to her four children and a loving grandmother to her seven grandchildren and one great grandson. Gloria cherished spending quality time with her family & friends and took pride in pampering her grandchildren & great grandson. She was extremely humbled and always prioritized the needs of others before her own. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Gloria was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast & an Elvis Presley fan as evident by the collection of various Elvis memorabilia populated throughout her home.

Gloria was employed by the former St. Lukes Manor in the culinary division & also provided additional hospitality services for the residents. 

Gloria is survived by her four children, Montagu Scott (Margie) Andrews of Virginia Beach, VA, Debbie (David) Olivani of Mesa, AZ, Mindy Andrews of Batavia, and Mark (Tina) Andrews of Slatington, PA and seven grandchildren Sara Wagner (Tony), Desiree Janiga, Michael Andrews (Amanda), Autumn Janiga, Emily Olivani, Mary Olivani, and Melecia Andrews as well as one great grandson Micah Hunter. Gloria is also survived by her brother, Ron Ratulowski (Kathy) of Batavia as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was the wife of the late Montagu J. Andrews, Jr. "Monty". Her deceased sister is Jean M. Metz.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (Aug. 28^th) from 3 -7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10:00am at Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Resurrection Parish. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDERW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Joyce Ann Glazier, 87, of Byron, NY passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 24th, 2023.  She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years Richard Glazier, daughter Yvonne Branton (Donn), granddaughters Afton Heitzenrater (Jeffery) and Kari Isaac (Nicholas), grandson Chad Branton (Savannah) and the lights of her life, great-grandchildren Gemma and Finn Heitzenrater, Everlee and Delainey Isaac, Austin, Carter, and Brianna Branton.  Joyce is also survived by her beloved brother-in-law Ronald Glazier and sister-in-laws Marian Partridge and Judy Glazier; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.   

She was predeceased by her mother Claribel Partridge Oltmann and father Lewis Partridge, brothers Lewis Partridge and Richard Partridge, sisters-in-law Loretta Glazier, Helen Partridge, and brother-in-law David Glazier.

Joyce was born March 5th, 1936 and was a lifelong resident of Genesee County.  Joyce and Richard were high-school sweethearts and married April 6th, 1957.  She started her career at Lapp Insulator in the billing department later working for GF Britt & Sons and L-Brooke farms as a bookkeeper as well as being a homemaker.  Joyce also supported Richard in his business endeavors. She was a member of Byron Presbyterian Church, a former Girl Scout leader, and former member of Byron Garden Club.  She enjoyed reading auto-biographies, bird-watching (especially hummingbirds), gardening, and nothing gave her more pleasure than spending time with family.  Her humor, love, and unwavering support will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. 

Friends may call on Monday from 11 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York. Her funeral services will be held at 11 am on Tuesday at Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main Street, Byron. She will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the following charities that were close to Joyce’s heart, the Davis Phinney Foundation, P.O. Box 270948 Louisville, CO 80027 or via their website https://davisphinneyfoundation.org, the Rochester Ronald McDonald House, 333 Westmoreland Drive Rochester, NY 14620 or their website https://rmhcrochester.org or the Byron Rescue Squad P.O. Box 326, Byron, NY 14422.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Allen B. “Vinny” McFollins, 74, of Batavia, N.Y. passed away suddenly, due to health complications, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday August 20, 2023. He was born in Buffalo, NY on November 22, 1948 to the late James "Jack" and Virginia Josephine (Harper).  Allen is predeceased by his Uncles William "Burt" Harper, Florian Anson Harper, Sidney "Sid" Harper; his brother James "Hummer" McFollins.  He is also predeceased by his loving companion of 34 years Mary Susan Nielsen.

Surviving is his sister Lynette McFollins of Buffalo;  his children Jason McFollins of Wilkes-Barre, PA., Aaron McFollins of Batavia, Stacey McJury of Cape Coral, FL. and  Kristen Hawkins (Michael) of Rochester; sister in law Janice McFollins; grandchildren Shurrodd (Jessica), Samuel, Cori (Jose), Zachery, Alicia, Ja'maicia, Tequira, Mason, Ayden, Ja'vin, Carter, Memphis, and Jayda; great-grandchildren Kayden, Javier, Jose (Chuie), Ellie Lee and his longtime best friend Lee Sage.

Allen was a United States Army Veteran and formerly employed at Eastman Kodak Company. Known as "Dr.al", "Vinny", "Burge", "Big Guy", "Pa", "ABM", "ED", "Grandpa," "RPP-Rice Patty Pimp" and Dad to so many! He was loving father, coach, hero, mentor, inspiration and touched all of the lives of all he came into contact with. He was selfless and always put others needs before his own. Allen was a father figure to those without one, an avid photographer and videographer; he captured moments thru a lens that are priceless moments for all those to cherish. He loved all sports especially Buffalo Bills, NY Mets and Syracuse Orangemen. Allen was an avid golf player and a huge passion of his was going to the beach. His pure happiness came from watching his kids and grandkids play sports, he was one of those parents who never missed a game, which he said were some of the greatest times of his life. McFollins Strong, as we all wear the family crest that embodies what he will always be remembered as. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday August 30, 2023 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:30AM Funeral Service will be held on Thursday August 31^st at the First Presbyterian Church 300 E. Main St. in Batavia. Mr. McFollins will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation www.pcf.org.  To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.