Obituaries

MELISSA GRACE (EICHELBERGER) BETANCES

Saturday morning January 16, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Melissa was carried home by the angels to be with the Lord and have eternal peace. She was born on April 23, 1981 and raised in Batavia the daughter of Sherry M. (Mooney) and Doug Mellenthine of Batavia and Robert C. Eichelberger of NC. 

Melissa was formerly employed by the West Seneca Developmental Center, a job she truly enjoyed. She had a love for the water and what she cherished most was her boys. 

Surviving along with her parents are her sons, Quinten Betances and Rivers Lee Fanara both of Batavia; sister, Eisha (Will) Yank of NC; aunts, Patricia (James) Henry and Denise Mooney both of Batavia; godmother, Carol (Don) Shepard of Farmington along with many cousins and friends. 

The family will be present from 3-8pm Wednesday January 20th at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where funeral services will began at 8:00pm. Memorials in Melissa's memory can be made in care of her boys. 

Please share your memories of Melissa with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF MELISSA GRACE BETANCES IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

Clara M. "Clare" Gayton, age 85, of Perry, died on Thursday January 14, 2016 at the Teresa House in Geneseo. Clara was born in Leicester, New York on June 13, 1930 a daughter of the late Lewis and Dorothy (Wood) Cooper.  Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Donald Gayton and a son John Gayton.

Clara thoroughly enjoyed working, and could not understand why anyone would want to retire. Throughout the years she worked at former Lipman’s Clothing Store, LoVerde’s Grocery Store, Motorola and for the last 45 years worked as a School Bus Driver for the Perry School District. Clara enjoyed her time being a bus driver, interacting with the kids and coworkers at the bus garage.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her pets, as well as lunch and dinner outings with her friends. Clara enjoyed playing board games, cards and enjoyed times outdoors during the spring and summer months. In her younger years she enjoyed catering events with her good friend the late Gladys (Tootie) Hewitt, candy making and driving stock car in the powder puff.

She is survived by a daughter: Donna (Terry) Page of Perry, a son: Paul (Karen Cutitta) Gayton of Perry, 5 grandchildren: Tonya (Joel) Clester, Travis (Amy) Gayton, Conley and Cooper Gayton and Carissa (Jared) Smith, 5 great grandchildren: John Gayton, Rowan and Demitri Clester and Addison and Drew Smith, along with many friends.

Family and friends may call from 1-3 and 6-8pm on Sunday January 17th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 18th at the funeral home at 11:00 A.M. She will be laid to rest in the Leicester Cemetery in Leicester.

Memorials may be made to the Teresa House 21 Highland Rd. Geneseo, New York 14454 or to the James P. Wilmont Cancer Center 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, New York 14642. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

John L. "Jack" Spencer, age 80, of Perry, died on Thursday January 14, 2016 at the Batavia Health Care Center in Batavia. Jack was born in Buffalo, New York on December 28, 1935, a son of the late George and Bernice Manquen. After birth Jack was given up for adoption. He was adopted by the late Leigh and Mary (Fluker) Spencer. In 1971, Jack found his birth parents because of some health problems and developed a relationship with them and his biological sister. Along with his biological and adopted parents he is predeceased by a Step- father John Kershaw and sister Dorothy Spencer-Ballard.

He graduated from Perry Central School. He was raised by a farming family, when Jack was a senior in high school his father died in an automobile accident. At his young age he stepped up and continued running his father’s farm, which is still in operation today. He was a member of the United Church of Warsaw, where he was a member of the church choir, and an elder serving on several committees as well as the Presbytery of Genesee Valley; a longtime member and past President of the Warsaw Barbershoppers, where he was a tenor in their quartet; a 50 year member of the Dairylea Cooperative, where he was a youth leader of the Young Cooperators. A FFA member since high school, where he received the Empire Degree in ’52, NYS Poultry Award recipient, NYS Honorary State Farmer award in 1978. He was a life member of the National FFA, serving as the NYS FFA Alumni President in 1977 thru 1979; a member of the Perry Grange.  Jack was locally known as the “Glad Man” He and his wife raised Gladiolus for many years. He belonged to the WNY Gladiolus Society, Genesee Valley Gladiolus Society, Central New York Gladiolus Society, Empire State Gladiolus Society and the North America Gladiolus Council. He held positions as President of the Empire State Gladiolus Society, Eastern Region Vice President of National Gladiolus Council and Vice President of the North America Gladiolus Council. “Everything Jack did in his life he did with a passion”.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Norma (Chamberlain) Spencer, 4 children: Douglas (Kristine) Spencer and David Spencer both of Perry, Lisa (Robert) Frost Jr. of Sauquoit, NY, and Beth (Neil) Lamb of Hamilton, a biological sister: Janice Parent of Lancaster, 8 grandchildren: Corey Spencer, Robert (Angela) Frost III, Brittany Spencer, Heather Frost, Stephanie Spencer, Casey (Timothy) Richards, John (Andra) Frost and Megan Lamb, 3 great grandchildren: Conner and Emma Frost and John “Jack” Frost II, along with many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Saturday January 23rd at 11:00 A.M. at the United Church of Warsaw 22 South Main St. in Warsaw. He will be laid to rest in West Perry Cemetery in Perry.

(In lieu of flowers) Memorials may be made to the NY FFA Foundation 9349 Long Pond Rd. Croghan, NY 13327 or visit NYFFAfoundation.org/contributions, Western NY Gladiolus Society (4-H Scholarship fund) C/O John Stenson 2501 St. Rte 238 Warsaw, NY 14569-9566 or to the United Church of Warsaw P.O. 205 Warsaw, NY 14569. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Berniece Joyce Skelton, who recently celebrated her 95^th birthday, departed this life on January 15, 2016, at the LeRoy Village Green, where she had resided for the previous six months. She was lovingly in the company of a few of her family and friends. 

Berniece (with an ‘e’ as she always reminded people) was born December 19, 1920 to Howard Rudolph and Annabelle Boatfield at her family’s farm on the Buckley Road in Stafford, N.Y.  She attended a one-room schoolhouse, District #3, which housed seven grades, and was taught by her father’s sister, Clara Rudolph. She remembered Aunt Clara as a stern disciplinarian, but an excellent teacher who was given the credit for Mrs. Skelton’s superior spelling and grammar skills.

Mrs. Skelton graduated from LeRoy High School in 1938 and briefly attended Geneseo State Teacher’s College where she decided, after practice teaching with second graders, that being a teacher just wasn’t for her. She worked briefly for Dipson Theater and in 1943 after answering a blind ad in the Daily News,  she was hired as a stenographer with the New York State Police, Troop A. She was the first woman to be so hired, as men were being called off to war. Soon joined by two other women, she often said that it was very apparent that the men were skeptical at first, but the ladies proved their worth in short order. Mrs. Skelton was very proud of her 26 years with the State Police, kept in touch with many retired troopers for years, and helped one of them write a book about the NY State Police. She recounted many stories of the criminal cases that she worked on, including having a jar on her desk containing a lady’s fingers, which were being preserved for possible identification in a murder case.

After her retirement from the State Police, Mrs. Skelton worked for Crocker’s Country Store in LeRoy, NY as a bookkeeper.

Mrs. Skelton was an avid collector of many things, including elephants (figurines, not live ones), stamps, pens, watches and dolls. Her home had a museum-like quality with items from the distant past mixing with the new. She loved flowers -- growing them, picking them, and of course, receiving them. She enjoyed watching the birds from her chair outside the back door.

Mrs. Skelton met her husband, Marvin Skelton, at his 18^th birthday party in 1937. After dating for four years, they married on May 31, 1941 and honeymooned in Washington, D.C. In 1948, with encouragement from family members, the young couple moved back to the farm of Mrs. Skelton’s birth, and began their life as a farm family. They eventually owned several farms. For a time, they had a dairy, but later turned solely to cash crops and custom harvesting. Mrs. Skelton savored her role as a farmer’s wife, taking meals to her husband wherever he happened to be harvesting crops, sleeping overnight in their truck camper with him in various fields, and going along on 3 a.m. runs to the canning factory. Both of them were active in the Farm Bureau and traveled extensively on trips organized by that organization all around the United States, Hawaii, and Spain.

Mr. and Mrs. Skelton celebrated their 74^th wedding anniversary in May 2015. They were each other’s best friend. Their marriage stood as a shining example for many of their friends and family members, particularly younger ones. They supported each other through many difficult circumstances, including several serious illnesses, lean years of farming, and the loss of many family members and friends.  They enjoyed dancing together and for many years danced multiple times a week with friends in Florida.  They spent more than 50 happy winter years in Englewood, FL at their second home where they were very involved with the Englewood Methodist Church. At home in Stafford, NY, they were active with the Stafford United Methodist Church and the Stafford Historical Society, served on the Stafford Rural Cemetery Board, and participated in the Old Boys & Gals Club. Mrs. Skelton was also a member of the Red Hats Society in the LeRoy/Batavia area as well as in Englewood, FL.

Mr. Skelton passed on in June 2015. After that, Mrs. Skelton was never the same. Although she will be missed by her family and friends, they rejoice in their knowledge that Berniece (with an ‘e’) and the love of her life, Marvin, are once again dancing together, free of pain, somewhere beyond this earth.  

Mrs. Skelton’s family was most important to her.  She had a sister, Winifred Miner (1923-2006), with whom she was very close. She is survived by her sister’s children and their children, Jan Miner of Hartsdale, N.Y., Carol (Paul) Beechler of Manassas, VA, David Miner of Batavia, N.Y., Julie (Frank) Wagner of Farmingdale, NY, Laurie (Art) Grocholski of Manassas, VA; and Carrie (Chad) Jordan of Aldie, VA.  She also had relationships with several of her husband’s nieces and nephews, who include Tom (Mary) Skelton of Batavia, Katherine (Joseph) Fry of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Earl Skelton of Stowe, Pennsylvania, Susan (Geoff) Briggs of Stafford, and Rita (Dennis) Brayley of Pittsburgh, PA.  She also had many first and second cousins scattered around the country.

Although they did not have any children of their own, Mrs. Skelton and her husband cherished and loved a great many children over the years, including the Fullers (Linda, Sandy, and Wirt), the Blythes (Michael, David, Matthew, and especially, Amy),  the Swansons (Anders, Beckett, and Cooper), the Bessetts (Tamra and Brandon), the Scotts (Jay, Emily, Sarah, and Anne), the Brantons (Afton, Chad, and Kari), and the Halls (Colby, Katie,  and Tyler). They were especially close with Mrs. Skelton’s sister’s children, Jan, Carol & David – but most attached to David, their nephew with special needs. They bragged about David and his talents (photography and ceramics) and his antics (not enough space here) to anyone who paused to listen.

Memorials may be made to Genesee County ARC (64 Walnut Street, Batavia, NY 14020) or the Stafford United Methodist Church (Stafford, NY 14143). Calling hours are 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, January 18 at H.E. Turner Mortuary in Batavia, NY. The funeral will be held at H.E. Turner’s on Tuesday, January 19, at noon, followed by interment in the Stafford Rural Cemetery.

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

Batavia - Kathleen I. Bobzin, 55, of Batavia, a Substance Abuse Aide at United Memorial Medical Center, passed away Thursday, (January 14, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester following a lengthy illness.

Ms. Bobzin was born March 21, 1960 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Irwin and Mildred (Larmon) Donovan.

Kathleen was a member of City Church, in Batavia and enjoyed bird watching, flowers, and gardening.  But most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Amii (Nick Redding) Capuano, and Candice (Adam) Gonzalez both of Batavia; grandchildren, Siyara Capuano, Riley and Zoey Gonzalez; brothers, Timothy (Judy) Donovan of VA, and Robert Donovan of Batavia; sisters, Esther Garcia, and Hazel (late John) King both of Batavia.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Mark Bobzin and her companion, Christopher Koch.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia.  Kathleen’s Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, (January 20, 2016) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 16 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will take place in the spring in Mannsville, NY.

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

Wolfgang P. Niedt, 75, of Batavia and New York City died on Tuesday January 12, 2016 at Genesee County Nursing home.

Wolfgang Peter Niedt was born on April 29, 1940 in Wuppertal Germany, the youngest of the four children of Wilhelm Niedt and Hilda Niedt (Wolhgemuth).  Born into the Second World War and raised in the rubble of the aftermath, his earliest memories were of hunger and struggle to survive. He and his siblings survived this difficult time with love, strength and humor led by their beloved and revered mother (Wilhelm Niedt had died in the latter days of the war).

He arrived in New York on a Saturday in late June 1958.  He joined his brother and uncle George Heil working at Armor Elevator that Monday.  He would work at Armor for the next 17 years.After Armor Elevator moved its manufacturing out of New York City, Wolfgang branched out into many areas of metal fabrication including the making of steel wool and department store fixtures.  He settle in to a defense contractor company Fleetwood Metal.  From there he would launch his American dream his own company: Innovative Metal Fabricators.

Twice married and divorced he was the father of two loving sons.

He is survived by; his sons Peter and Patrick Niedt of New York City; his sister and brother-in-law Helga and Dieter Baumann of Batavia; his Brother and sister-in-law Willi and Barbara Niedt of Honesdale PA and his beloved nieces Birgitt Hammond and Linda Conroy of Batavia.

There will be calling hours from 11:00AM to 1:00PM on Sunday January 17, 2016 followed by a Memorial Service from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc.  333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

Helen Catino, 87, of Batavia passed away Monday January 11, 2016 at Highland Hospital, Rochester. She was born April 29, 1928 in Mayville, New York to the late Charles (Bertella Greene) Parker. She is preceded in death by her husband Nicholas Catino, daughter Janette Catino, sons-in-law Calvin Pangrazio and David Milliken.

Helen was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Rochester. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, book binding and reading.

She is survived by son Nicholas (Anna) Catino of Piffard; daughters Catherine Pangrazio (Timothy Shanks) of Elba, Theresa Cadieux-Milliken of Rochester, Frances (Rick) Wright of CT; Brother Thomas (Diane) Parker of Mayville; sister Pearl Hartwig of VA; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday January 18, 2016 from 4-7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday January 19, 2016 at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) 303 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salvation Army 529 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.  For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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

JOHN G. KRATZ, JR.

Age 70, of Bemus Point, NY, died Tuesday January 5, 2016 at his home. He was born November 8, 1945 in Syracuse, NY a son of the late, John G. and Mary F. (Lynk) Kratz, Sr.

John was a member of the BAC Local #3 Union of Brick Layers & Allied Craft workers, having worked for Alpha Masonry Construction Co., Inc. He enjoyed reading, watching movies, was an avid Sabers and NY Giants fan. John had strong faith in the Lord and will be remembered for his "big heart" and generosity.

Surviving are his sons, John (Jill) Kratz of Batavia and their children, Colin, Kaylie & Kaitlin; William J. (Alicia) Kratz of Syracuse and close friend, Michelle Brown.

There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory can be made to the Catie Hoch Foundation, 67 Catherine St., Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

Please share your memories of John with his family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JOHN G. KRATZ, JR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

Jon F. Mollnow, age 62 of Perry, died on Monday January 11, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Warsaw, New York on August 26, 1953 a son of the late John B.( Loretta "Margie" Beachel) Mollnow Jr.

Jon was a graduate of Perry High School and received his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Alfred State College. He worked for the former Kaustine Furnace and Tank Corp. in Perry, Bell Trucking in Perry and Oxbo International in Byron.He was a former member of the Perry Center Fire Department, Perry Center Rescue Squad, and the Perry Emergency Ambulance. He was a skeet shooter for the Silver Lake Sportsman’s Club in the Western New York Rod and Gun Club. For a number of years, he operated his weight transfer sled, “The Blue Intimidator” at tractor pulls. Jon’s passion was racing where he loved to race his ’69 Nova at the Empire Dragway in Leicester. He enjoyed watching NASCAR Races and spending time with his family, especially with his granddaughters. Jon will be remembered for his “refreshingly honest” and quick witted humor.

He is survived by his wifePaula J. (VanBuren) Mollnow whom he married on April 27, 1974; 3 daughters Amanda (John) Monteleone of Perry, Kristi (Jeremy) Palmer of Vista, CA., Heather (Jerad) Hewitt of Cornelius, NC.;  2 sisters Katherine (Douglas) Watson of Bedford, TX., Mary (Timothy) Kowasz of Perry; 2 brothers Daniel Mollnow of Honeoye Falls, Steven (Theresa) Mollnow of Perry; 2 brothers-in-law David (Jacky Xia) VanBuren of Platteville, WI., Eric VanBuren of Webster,TX.;  sister-in-law Patricia VanBuren of Silver Spring; 6 grandchildren Madelyn, Olivia and Gabriella Monteleone, Joie and Luca Palmer a, Norah Hewitt along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Thursday January 14th at the Eaton Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Funeral Services will be held on Friday January 15th at 11:00am at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute (Brain Tumor Research Dept.) 601 Elmwood Ave. Box 704 Rochester, New York  14642, AddingCandles.com P.O. Box 10717 Rochester, New York  14610 or to the Perry Center Fire Dept. P.O. Box 204 Perry, New York 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Jean M. Henry, 72, of Batavia passed away Monday January 11, 2016 at her residence. She was born December 10, 1943 in Medina, New York to the late Burt (Evelyn Sahms) Lindke. She is preceded in death by her husband Willard P. Henry Jr. and son Scott Henry.

Jean was a member of the Town of Batavia Fire Department ladies auxiliary. She loved animals, especially horses and was always helping strays. Jean and her late husband loved their Cadillac’s. She was an avid Bingo player. Jean loved playing in Vegas and Foxwoods. What Jean loved and enjoyed most however was her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived her daughters Constance (Mark) Post of Byron, Lori (Andrew) Henry-Draper of Batavia; brother Gerald (Jean) Lindke of Gasport; sister Betty (Robert) Williams of Akron; 4 grandchildren Johnathan (Fiancé Stacey Hahn) Post, Amanda (Joshua) Knauss, Sean and Coltin Henry along with many nieces, nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday January 13, 2016 from 3:30 PM- 7:30 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Funeral Service will be held on Thursday January 14, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 31 Washington Avenue Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to www.spayourstrays.info.  For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

Batavia - Joseph Ogozaly, Jr., 58, of Batavia, died Saturday (January 9, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Joseph was born May 3, 1957 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph and Annette (Cintorino) Ogozaly.

A graduate of Pembroke High School, Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking walks outdoors.  Joe is a veteran, serving with the United States Air Force. He enjoyed amateur radio and was a member of the Orleans County Amateur Radio Club.

Survivors include a brother, Andrew (Darlene) Ogozaly of Batavia; a niece, Melissa (Dave) Troche of Virginia Beach, VA and a great-niece, Adrianna Troche of Virginia Beach, VA.

Joseph is predeceased by his nephew, Michael Ogozaly and his grandparents, Andrew and Mary Cintorino.  

Calling hours are Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Services will be at 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home at the conclusion of calling hours.  Burial with full Military Honors will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Grandview Cemetery, Batavia. Memorials may be made to the family. 

Bergen – David N. “Doc” Lougheed, 54, of Bergen, passed away suddenly Saturday, (January 9, 2016) at his home, in Bergen.

Mr. Lougheed was born November 6, 1961 in Rochester, a son of the late Dixon Lougheed, Sr. and the late Joann (Streb) Bianchi.

Doc was a long time member of the Sons of the American Legion and a past member of the Moose Lodge #1132 in LeRoy.  He loved to cook, play the guitar and piano and was an avid Miami Dolphins fan.  He will be remembered for his sense of humor and for always being the life of the party. 

Surviving are two brothers, Dixon (Cheryl) Lougheed, Jr. of Rochester, and Dan Lougheed of FL; and three sisters, Debra (Steve Greene) Dutton of Anahuac, TX, Deann (Tony) Distaffen of Rochester, and Dina (Thomas) Wolfe of Greece.  His lifelong friend, Roger Ridd of Bergen, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Ruth Streb.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen; where Doc’s Funeral Service will immediately follow calling at 7 p.m.  Burial will be held privately in Mt. Albion Cemetery, Albion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion, Merrill-Sackett-White Post #575, P.O. Box 207, Bergen, NY 14416.

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

Michael R. Houseknecht 38, local businessman and life-long resident of Batavia died most unexpectedly on January 7th.  

Michae

l is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years Jennifer Anne Thornton Houseknecht.  Mike and Jen were high school sweethearts before marrying, soul mates and best friends.  He also leaves behind his adored children Meghan Elizabeth and Ella Grace.   Those who know Mike know that his faithful devotion to his girls was the essence of who he was.  They were his everything in this world.  

Michael was born on May 2nd, 1977.  He is survived by his truly bereaved parents, his mother Sheila Mitchell of Batavia, and his father and stepmother Ralph (Buddy) Houseknecht, Jr. and Katy Gorton Houseknecht of Perry and Bonita Springs, Florida; his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Agnes Houseknecht, Sr. of Stafford.  

He is also survived by his in laws, Timothy and Margaret Thornton, sister and brother in law Bridget (David) Uberty along with nieces Allison, Emma-Kate and Lily, brother and sister in law Kevin (Sarah) Thornton; aunts and uncles, Greg Houseknecht, Mary Kay (Bill) Barton, Thomas (Lynn) Houseknecht, Tim (Sue) Houseknecht, John Houseknecht and Aunt Katie (Gary) Berger. 

Michael was a 1995 graduate of Batavia High School.  He earned a baccalaureate degree in business from SUNY Brockport in 1999.  From there, Michael went on to achieve success as a business owner, both in his former role as co-owner of Loose Ends Vending and in his current endeavors as owner of both Statewide Machinery and House O’Laundry.  

In addition to his accomplishments in industry and the business world, Mike had many outside interests.  He loved to play golf, boat, attend sporting events and concerts with his family and friends.   He always found the time to volunteer as a soccer coach for his girl’s teams, assisted modified basketball coach for his daughter Meghan's team, and serve on the Board of Governors at Stafford Country Club.  Mike will be loved and remembered forever by his family and friends.  His devotion, loyalty and generous spirit made him a remarkable man; one that many were fortunate to consider a friend.   Eternally etched in our hearts and minds will be his contagious full body laugh, his inability to whisper, his sharp wit and memorable one liners.  Mike was a man that commanded a room and made it a funnier, happier place once he was in it.  His love of laughter and levity in all situations was a gift he shared with all who knew him. 

Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, the family suggests contributions made in Michael’s memory to the Michael Napoleone Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 267, Batavia, New York 14021 or online at www.michaelshope.org. This was a cause that was near and dear to Mike’s heart. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Miles H. Jordan, of Blasdell , NY passed away suddenly on January 4, 2016, age 79.  He was predeceased by  his beloved wife, Linda (Pautler) Jordan, his loving mother, Gertrude Jordan.

He is survived by his nieces and nephew Deborah Pautler of Long Island, Thomas (Diane) Pautler of Utah, Dawna (Jacque) Thompson of Berne, NY, Brenda (Michael) Post of Alexander,NY and Cindy  Laney of Georgia; cousins Linda and Diana Dent of Bradford, PA; brothers-in-law Harry (late Joyce) Thomas of TN, and John (Barbara) Pautler of FL.

Miles retired from WIVB-TV after many years and continued to volunteer annually at their Erie County Fair Booth.  Miles had a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, was a Reiki Master, Hypnotist, and a Korean Army Veteran.

Miles chose to have no calling hours or memorial services.  Miles spent his life giving to others.  In that spirit, his final gift was a donation of his organs.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Erie County SPCA 205 Ensminger Rd, Tonawanda, New York 14150. 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 Street Attica, New York 14011.

Stafford ~ Nina Marlene Paladino Vicary, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, was called home at age 68 on January 6, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma.

     Mrs. Vicary was born June 15, 1947 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret DeMars Paladino.

     She worked for about 20 years in the admissions department of SUNY College at Brockport and then for about 10 years as an administrative assistant at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia.

     She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, David G. Vicary; her children, Mary Margaret (Buddy) Johnson of Rock Hill, SC, Bonnie Jean Vicary of LeRoy and David G. Vicary Jr. of Asheville, NC; her 6 treasured grandsons, Andrew Vicary, Nicholas Nobles, David Vicary III, Logan Vicary, Dalton Cowell and Colton (CJ) Cowell; her 3 sisters, Alice Macaluso of Batavia, Marjorie Buckley of Batavia and Joann (Michael) Wrobleski of Eden Prairie, MN, along with several beloved nieces, nephews and children born of her heart.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, William Paladino.

     Family and friends may call on Friday from 2 ~ 4 and 7 ~ 9 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Nina's Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 9:30 A.M. at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY, with interment in Stafford Rural Cemetery to follow.

      Memorials are suggested to either Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank St., Batavia, N.Y., 14020, Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Wilmot Cancer Center, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, N.Y. 14627.

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