Obituaries

LeRoy ~ Anthony M. Lasaponara, age 97, formerly of South St. Rd., passed away Tuesday morning (Nov. 18, 2014) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

     Mr. Lasaponara was born July 22, 1917 in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Gerardo and

     He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, who cherished his time with his family.  He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp. from 1934 - 1935 and was retired from Eastman Kodak and General Motors where he worked for many years as an electrical welder.

     Mr. Lasaponara is survived by his children; Deborah (Thomas) Stella of LeRoy and Terry (Catherine) Lasaponara of Churchville; his grandchildren, Jodie (Thomas) Kinsey, Michael (Megan) Lasaponara and Julie (Steven) Moda and his great-grandson, Nathaniel Kinsey.

     He was predeceased by his loving wife of 51 years, Jody Samara Lasaponara and his brothers, Victor, Albert and Rocky.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, Nov. 21, from 4 ~ 7 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Services and Entombment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will be private.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to the Sunshine Fund of the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson St., LeRoy.

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

     Mr. Lasaponara and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  585-768-2400

Mount Dora, FL ~ Edith Andolora, age 89, formerly of Perry, NY, passed away on Friday (Nov. 14, 2014) in Mount Dora, FL, with her loving family at her side.

     She married the love of her life, Michael Andolora in 1944 and they moved to Leesburg, FL from Perry in 1980.

     She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Michael Joseph Andolora, her son, David (Suzanne) Andolora of Henrietta, NY; her grandchildren, Terrence (Michon) Ball and Beth (Christopher) Ball Kovach; her great-grandchildren, Evan, Elyse and Lucas Ball, Chloe and Delia Kovach; a sister-in-law, Margaret Stotts of Austin, TX, along with many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother, Virgil Barber.

     A memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Interment in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy, will be at the convenience of the family.

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

     Mrs. Andolora and her family's local arrangements are being completed by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

   Prior to moving to this area, Claude was a laborer farmer, coal miner and brick maker. He worked for Westinghouse before and after WWII, where he served in the US Army. A self-taught car mechanic and body/fender repair man in Sligo, PA, he moved to Batavia in 1954 where he worked for Saupe Tool & Die of Corfu, John Roach Motors of Batavia and retired from Drake Street Motors of Elba and during the 70's he owned Cummings & Jones Auto Service in East Pembroke. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia since 1954 and had a passion for woodworking, making grandfather clocks, covered wagons and carved horses. He was an avid painter and did many beautiful oil paintings over the years, he loved country music and bingo.

   Surviving are his loving children, Edgar D. (Michelle) Cummings of Byron and Salinda J. Cramer of Batavia; 5 grandchildren, Zane Cummings of VA, Jennifer (Mark) Powell of VA, Tina (Dan) Eck of Batavia, Teri (Dale) Tobola of Lancaster and Russell (Tammy) Cramer of TX; 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua & Melissa Ohlson, Ethan & Benjamin Cramer along with several nieces and nephews in PA.

   The Cummings family will receive friends on Thursday November 20, 2014 from 10 -11:00 a.m. at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where funeral services will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory can be made to Volunteers for Animals/Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. He will be entombed in the Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

   Please leave your words of comfort to his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF CLAUDE E. CUMMINGS IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

He is survived by siblings Angela (Derek) Brown of Canton, Johnny Zambito of Elba, Anthony Zambito of Elba, Lucia Zambito of Elba along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on­­­­ Wednesday November 19, 2014 from 4-8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday November 20, 2014 at St. Padre Pio Parish 65 South Main Street Elba, NY 14058.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Padre Pio Parish 65 South Main Street Elba, New York 14058. 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.

Stephen worked as a machinist for American Industries, Inc. formally known as LeRoy Industries.  He loved his family and was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan.

He is survived by his son, Brian Donley of Batavia; Daughter Lori Ann Donley of Batavia; brothers Leslie of Batavia and Jeff (Judy) Donley of Tennessee; sister Ruth Benz of Batavia along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Funeral Services will be private.  He will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.

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.

Selma A. Lear, 79, of Batavia passed away peacefully on November 16, 2014 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. She was born on November 28, 1934 in Center Township, PA to the late William (Margaret Witherwrite) Johnson.

Selma is preceded in death by her husband Charles R. Lear, brothers James and Kevin Johnson.  

Mrs. Lear enjoyed arts & crafts. She was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her sons; Michael (Carol) of Stafford, Charles Jr. (Pamela) of Batavia, Jeffrey (Marci) Lear of Batavia; daughter Janice Lear of Batavia; brothers William (Lek) of MD; Kenny (Ethel) of NY; Gary (Beverly) of PA; Don of OH; Dick (Anne) of MD; Larry (Patricia) of PA; Ronald Johnson of PA; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday November 20, 2014 from 2-6 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An ­11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Friday November 21, 2014 at Discovery Chapel 315 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company Inc. 329-333 West Main Street  Batavia New Yrok 14020

Dwight was an artist for Champion Products in Perry. He was an Army Veteran and a member of Saint Isador Parish (St. Joseph’s) in Perry.

He is survived by his brother Dale Morse of Batavia.

Friends are invited to call on­­­­ Wednesday November 19, 2014 from 9-10 AM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Service will be immediately following calling hours at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ John M. Brewster, age 91, of West Avenue, passed away at home Thursday evening (November 13, 2014).

     Mr. Brewster served with the U.S. Navy as a machinist's mate during World War II and returned home to follow a career as a local tool and die maker.  In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He and his family also travelled extensively throughout the United States.  He continued pursuing his love of craftsmanship into his retirement years, making clocks and furniture.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Jessie Pribison Brewster; his children, John E. (Virginia) Brewster of Batavia, James E. (Debra) Brewster of Ft. Pierce, FL, Jerome (LeAnn) Brewster of Attica and Janine (Paul) Cain of LeRoy, 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

     He was predeceased by his siblings, Helen Botts, Ruth Orzech, Dorothy Burch, Barbara Allison and Gary Brewster.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 11 ~ 1 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Services and interment will be private.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to the Pancreatic Cancer Association of WNY, P.O. Box 24580, Rochester, N.Y. 14624-0580  www.pcawny.org

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

     Mr. Brewster and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. 585-768-2400

Kenneth J. Herrmann Jr. died peacefully in his home in East Pembroke after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on November 2, 2014. He was 71.

Until his death, Ken served as associate professor in the Department of Social Work for the College at Brockport for 37 years. He was a Vietnam veteran who earned a Bronze Star medal for service in the United States Army from 1968-1969.

Much of his time and professional energy was spent championing children’s rights at the local and international levels. He leaves behind the Brockport Vietnam Program, a global, service-learning, study-abroad program, for which he served as director. In addition, he leaves the Danang QuangNam Fund, Inc., (also known as Agent Orange Children), a nongovernmental organization that provides monetary support for direct aid efforts in Vietnam.

The native of Lakawana, NY, is survived by his spouse, Susan L. Herrmann, his sister, Betty Zugger, and 11 children: Mark Herrmann, 41; Aaron Herrmann, 37; Rachele King, 36; Ruth Hubbard, 34; Gabe Herrmann, 33; Joseph Costanza, 25; James Herrmann, 17; Merrick Throm, 12; Rowan Throm, 10; Maggie Herrmann, 7; and Abby Herrmann, 4. His 4 grandchildren include, Alex and Alyssa King, Liam Hubbard, Ian Herrmann, and Caleb Herrmann. He is also survived by extended family, Tennille Richards, Payton Richards Smith, Indigo, Ella, and Jax Richards.

A community-wide memorial service and reception will be held on Friday, November 21st, from 7-9 p.m. at Brockport High School Auditorium, located at 40 Allen St., Brockport, NY 14420. There will be a memorial service from 7 to 8, followed by a celebration of his life, including a live jazz band. The event will be transmitted simultaneously via Skype to his supporters in Danang, Vietnam, hosted, it is believed, at the University of Danang.

There will be no other services. His body was donated for the purpose of scientific research and education to the University of Buffalo via its Anatomical Gift Program.

Upon making the decision to donate his body to the university, his son John told him "Dad, even after you're dead, you'll be teaching people!"

His widow, Susan, said after his diagnosis of prostate cancer in September, her family was gratefully inundated with greeting cards from the world over, and good wishes and prayers of hundreds of people. The children and staff at East Pembroke Primary School demonstrated great concern and support in the family's time of need, she said, and the Home Depot in Batavia donated the material and labor to build a fine and sturdy wheelchair ramp at his home.

"He came home from the hospital and saw that ramp, he was overwhelmed...he cried," Susan said. "He couldn't believe corporate America could be so kind."

In the intervening two months until his death, a daughter called the home atmosphere "The House of Happy." It's always filled with laughter, relatives, veterans, who still crowd in on Saturdays for dinner and camaraderie, and friends.

"He was a great father to the children and friend to so many," Susan said. "He had a gift for helping people and he had a profound impact on them. It is beautiful knowing someone whose life touched so many."

Donations in Ken’s honor may be directed to the Danang QuangNam Fund, Inc., or to Brockport’s International Education Program designating the Brockport Vietnam Program.

For information about causes he was passionate about go to http://www.agentorangechildren.org and http://www.brockportabroad.com

LeRoy ~ Marjorie A. Calmes, age 70, of North Avenue, passed away Thursday morning (Nov. 13, 2014) at home in the loving presence of her family.

     Mrs. Calmes was born September 4, 1944 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Howard and Hazel Clute Carney.

     She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who cherished her

     She is survived by her husband, James Calmes Sr., her children; Tracie (David) Perry of Hilton, Gary Kiefer Jr. (Christel Gayhart) of LeRoy, Sherry (Daniel) Constantino of Churchville, Mark (Lori) Calmes of Pavilion, Beth Hawn (Mike Urckfitz) of Churchville, Jamie Calmes Jr. of LeRoy and Sharon Wickson (Joe Miceli) of LeRoy; 16 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, her loving cousin, Nancy Martin, dear friends, Joan Riggi and Sharon Vanelli, along with many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Eleanor Conklin and Beatrice Swain.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday from 11 ~ 3 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM.  The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to Crossroads House, P. O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mrs. Calmes' family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

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

Batavia - Beverly J. Fisher, 86, of Batavia, a Registered Nurse and Supervisor at the Genesee County Nursing Home, Batavia, prior to her retirement, passed away Thursday, (November 13, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Mrs. Fisher was born June 14, 1928 in Batavia, the daughter of the late William L. and Leila Mae (Christian) Betters.

 She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the St. Jerome School of Nursing in 1950 and worked for St. Jerome Hospital and the VA Medical Center in Batavia.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia and greatly enjoyed her family and dog.

Her husband, LaVerne L. Fisher, died February 7, 2013.

Survivors include 2 sons, Rand (Deborah) Fisher of Batavia and Scott (Jodi) Fisher of Oakfield; a daughter, Laurie Fisher of FL; 4 grandchildren, Rand (Rachel) Fisher II and Jennifer Fisher, both of Batavia, Anthony Fisher and Jillian Fisher, both of Oakfield; a brother, Ralph Betters of CA, several nieces and nephews. 

She was the sister of the late Floyd D. "Buck" Betters, Gordon Betters, Robert Betters, and Marshall Betters.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  Beverly’s Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of Strong Memorial Hospital, PO Box 278996, 300 E. River Road, Rochester, NY 14627.  Burial will be in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Julia Wesley Haring Post, 80, was called home by her Lord and Savior on November, 10 2014 while residing at West Park Hospital LTCC. Judy was born September 29, 1934 to Muriel and Samuel Westbrook Haring in Batavia, NY, where she grew up and graduated from high school. Judy married her high school sweetheart, Gordon (Butch) Post in 1953 in their hometown where they owned and operated a service station. Over the next several years, they were bless with five children. They built a home in Pavilion, NY, and while Butch drove tractor-trailer over the road, Judy put her energy into keeping their home and raising their children. She was a devoted, loving wife and her family always came first. Once their children were older, Judy worked outside of the home and at an electronics factory in a nearby town.

In 1981, Butch and Judy followed their dream west to Wyoming where they built a one-room log cabin in the peaceful foothills of Wapiti Valley. Judy was employed by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and later worked at Steck's Gocery. Prior to entering long-term care in 2010, she was blessed with several years at their home cabin in Wapiti enjoying the panoramic views, peace, solitude and abundance of wildlife that only life in God's Country can offer. She was an avid hunter, outdoors woman and nature-lover all of her life. Judy loved a pristine, snow covered winter's day and could be found hiking their mountain road, cross-country skiing or hunting with Butch in one of their favorite spots up the North Fork.  Judy's great love and appreciation for music would often find her dancing, even while confined to a wheelchair in recent years.

Judy was fun to be around and whenever the family was together there was much laughter. Her quick, beautiful smile and bright personality made a memorable impression on everyone she met. Judy had great affection and appreciation for her caregivers. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.  Judy had a longtime, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and knowing she is home with the Lord is a great comfort to her family.

Judy is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gordon (Butch) Post of Wapiti, son Greg (Joan) Post of Batavia; daughters Jeffi (Richard) Kinney of Powell, Wyoming, Jackie (Joe) Shumacher of Wapiti, Wyoming, Jodi (Tom) Wilcox of Kent, Wyoming and Jaime (Byron) DeWitt of Pavilion. She is also survived by hersister Dixie Hartley of Hilton, nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildrenand several nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, sister Musette Haring and infant grandson, Jacob Post.

There will be no calling hours. Arrangements will be made by Ballard Funeral Home for a private celebration of life and burial at Riverside Cemetery in cody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Park Hospital Foundation, 707 Sheridan Ave., Cody, WY 82414 or a charity of choice.

Marylou was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Legion Auxiliary in Attica for many years.  She loved to cook and worked for many years at Attica High School.    

She is survived by a son, Thomas (Emma) Edwards of Attica; a daughter Mary (Mari Smith) Edwards of Orlando, FL; sisters Lorraine Kirkpatrick of Attica, Merle Willard of Darien, Ardyth VanValkenburg of Attica and Natalie Slocum of Attica; 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday November 14, 2014 from 3 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.  An 11:00 AM Funeral Service will take place on Saturday November 15, 2014 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 30 Favor St. Attica, New York 14011.  She will be laid to rest at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 30 Favor St. Attica New York 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.

Jim worked at GSP Components in Rochester. He was a member of Four Seasons Sportsman’s Club in Elba and Genesee Snow Packers in Oakfield. He was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and snowmobiling. Jim was a big fan of the Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Basketball.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years Deborah A. (Lasher) Rowles of Elba; son Brian A. (Jessica) Whipple of Grand Island; brothers David Fischer of Kent; William (Mariette) Rowles of SC; sisters Donna (Steven) Kovacs of Parish; Lynette (Michael) Gregori of Elba, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday November 13, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.  A 10:00 AM Funeral Service will be held on Friday November 14, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church 23 N. Main St. Elba, NY 14058. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.

Memorials may be made to Aurora House P.O. Box 21 Spencerport, NY 14559. 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.