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Obituaries

Katherine A. Owen

By Ronald Konieczny

Katherine A. Owen, 73 of Batavia, NY passed away Thursday, May 23 at Rochester General Hospital.  Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Frank E. and Natalie (Walker) Owen and a brother Robert W.  She is survived by her brother, James R. Owen of Batavia.

A 1963 graduate of Batavia High School and Alfred State College, Kathy was proud of playing a key part in maintaining the close knit relationships the Class of '63 has experienced over the last 55 years.  She had last worked for Attica Bus Service after many years employed in the dental office of Dr. L. L. Mulcahy, Jr..  An accomplished photographer and music lover, she loved the outdoors, her animals and being in nature. As an avid Buffalo Bills and Batavia Muckdogs fan, we know she will be looking down on her favorite teams cheering for that elusive championship.

Visitation for family and friends will be at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. 

The family graciously declines flowers and have asked that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, Batavia, NY or Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Kathy's memory. 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.

MARLIN L. "MERK" MERKEL

By Michael Tomaszewski

MARLIN L. “MERK” MERKEL ~ Age 85, of Batavia, died peacefully Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. Merk was born in Batavia, NY on March 2, 1934 to the late Edwin and Harriet (Klosen) Merkel.

Merk served honorably in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Church). He worked many years for CE Knox Shoe Store as a salesman and buyer before going to work for the former Thomas & Dwyer Shoe Store. A former member of the American Legion, former St. Nicholas Club, Batavia Lions Club where he served as secretary and a former director of the Genesee County Baseball Club. Merk was an avid supporter of Notre Dame High School and its sports programs especially when his grandchildren played, “He never missed a game.”

Surviving is his beloved wife of 62 years, Florence (Maile) Merkel of Batavia; loving Karen (Michael) Rapone, Thomas Merkel and Nancy (Randy) Squire all of Batavia; cherished grandchildren,  Michael (Jessie) Rapone, Melissa Rapone, Joshua Merkel, Drew (Jillian) Merkel and Stacy Squire along with 3 great-grandchildren, Jason, Joseph & Marcella.

Please join the Merkel family in celebrating Marlin’s Mass of Christian Burial 9:30a.m. Tuesday May 28, 2019 at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Site). He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery with Military Honors following funeral services, In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Notre Dame High School 73 Union Street Batavia or Volunteers for Animals 3841 West Main Street Batavia.

Please share your words of comfort with the Merk’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF MARLIN L. “MERK” MERKEL IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.    
 

Marie Welker

By T.J. Woodward

Marie Welker, 82 of Medina, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Hildebrandt Hospice in Rochester. She was born on August 3, 1936 in Alexander to the late Walter (Lillian Bierline) Heimann. She is preceded in death by her husband Darwin Welker, brothers Richard and George Heimann, sister Irene Hahn.

Marie is survived by her son Dan (Karen) St. Aubin; granddaughters Tiffani and Dana St. Aubin, all of Rochester; brothers Elmer (Marie) Heimann of Darien Center; Ralph (Sylvia) Heimann of Rochester; sister Marian Tiberio of Holley; along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow calling hours at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood, Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. 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.

Cecil William Beardslee-West

By T.J. Woodward

  Cecil William Beardslee-West, age 21, of Perry passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from a work related accident in Mt. Morris. He was born in Olean, NY on May 27, 1997 a son to Elizabeth “Marlene” West and Gerald Morgan.

Cecil was a 2016 graduate of Perry Central School. He was on the Perry football, wrestling and chess teams. He was currently employed at Ken’s Tree Service in Warsaw, he had worked for Tim Gelder Construction in Amherst, Dziezc Farm in Bliss and True Farm in Perry. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Warsaw. Cecil enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering on vehicles or anything he could take apart, playing video games, tattoos designed by Andrew Carter of Revelation Ink, NASCAR Races as well as the local Wyoming County Speedway. He was a history and military history buff, especially with the Marine Corp in honor of his late grandfather who was a retired Marine.

He is survived by his mother: Elizabeth “Marlene” West of Perry, father: Gerald Morgan of Portageville, maternal grandmother: Lila Emmons of Castile, paternal grandparents: Richard (Donna) Morgan of Rushford, maternal great grandmother: Doris Emmons of Perry, sister: Selena (Cody Daniel) Bearslee of Perry, 2 brothers: Dylan Morgan of Belfast, Jesse James (Kayla Dills) Beardslee of Perry, his 2 dogs: Indy and Daytona, best friend: Devan Pries of Perry, 3 Aunts: Nikki Ferrin of Castile, Lisa (Richard) Capps of Norfolk, Va., Nicole (Paul) Murphy of Belmont, 1 uncle: Ronald Morgan of Centerville, along with many cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by and infant sister: Michaela Lee Morgan who passed away on March 6, 1994, maternal grandfather: Paul James Beardslee who died on 11/20/1980, 2 great grandfathers: Cecil Arthur Emmons and Robert Pendleton and 2 uncles: Francis Emmons and Loren Dean Morgan.

Family and friends may call from 4-8pm on Friday 24th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday May 25th at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Cecil will be laid to rest in Freedom Cemetery in Freedom, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Wyoming County SPCA, Walter Klein American Legion Post 532 in Warsaw or to the Robert W. Howden American Legion Post #1504 in Belfast. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Mary Lou Mager Klein

By Ronald Konieczny

Mary Lou Mager Klein, 82 of Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (May 22, 2019) at her residence under the care of her loving family and Hospice.

She was born May 2, 1937 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Frank and Josephine Waclawski Mager.

Mary Lou was a Class of 1955 graduate of Batavia High School and continued to assist in the planning of every class reunion. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by HSBC Bank (Marine Midland Bank) after 20 years in the banking industry. She also served on the Town of Batavia Republican Committee. She was a longtime parishioner of Ascension Parish (Sacred heart Church), where she volunteered as a substitute Religious Education Teacher, assisted on the Bereavement Committee and was a member of the Rosary and Altar Society.

She was the wife of the late James A. Klein who died in 2003 and grandmother of the late Jeffrey A. Klein who died 2014.

Survivors include her loving sons, James R. (Bonnie) Klein, David (Janine) Klein and Michael (Heather) Klein; grandchildren, Jimmy, Mathew, Marissa, Kristen, Hannah, Owen and Evan; siblings, Barbara (Richard) Satkowski, Frank (Margie) Mager, and Suzanne (late Joseph) Koziol; nieces and nephews, Karen Fox, Cheryl (Walter) Herson, Christine (Onur) Oz, Joseph (Kim) Koziol, Donald Koziol, Joseph (Charleen) Satkowski, Terri (Mike) Riggi, Steven Satkowski, Dan (Bonnie) Klein, and Scott (Maryellen) Klein. Also survived by her aunt, Joan Torcello and many cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (May 28th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where prayers will be recited Wednesday (May 29th) at 9:15am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10am at Ascension Parish, (corner of Swan and Sumner streets). Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The Ascension Parish Rosary Society will recite the Rosary on Tuesday, 3:30pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Genesee County Office For The Aging Meals on Wheels, 2 Bank St, 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. 

 

FRANCES P. OKONIEWSKI

By Michael Tomaszewski

FRANCES P. OKONIEWSKI ~ Age 84, of Batavia, passed away peacefully Sunday evening May 19, 2019 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home with her children by her side. Frances was born March 18, 1935 to the late Teofil “Ted” and Amelia “Molly” (Kloss) Perkowski, also preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Z. “Skip” Okoniewski in 1986; brother, Carl Perkowski and sister, Barbara Burris.

Frances was a graduate of Batavia High School and received her bachelor’s in physical education from University of Buffalo. She was a physical education teacher at Norwood/Norfolk Central Schools, former Teachers Aide for BOCES and Program Director at the ARC. She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and always in support of the Buffalo Bills whether in Western New York or from her time spent in Florida.

Surviving are her loving children, Jay (Nancy) Okoniewski and Nina (Jeff) Stevens all of Batavia; cherished grandchildren, Dan (Casey) Okoniewski, Jessica Okoniewski, Brittney Okoniewski, Valerie (Stephen) Bochenski; sister-in-law, Regina Perkowski along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will be present from 4-8p.m. on Thursday May 23, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 11:15a.m. Friday May 24 followed by a 12 Noon Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Site). She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Please share words of comfort with France’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Joseph J. Mazzarella

By T.J. Woodward

Joseph J. Mazzarella, 66, of Corfu passed away peacefully on May 14, 2019 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born on September 4, 1952 in Batavia to the late Joseph F. and Jennie (Giordano) Mazzarella.

Joe was a local musician who attended the Eastman School of Music. He played in many bands, most notably one of the founding members of the Buffalo Road Show. In his younger years, Joe loved hunt and fish.  

Joe is survived by his sister; Linda Fagan of Batavia; lifelong best friend Alex “Babe” Catino of Batavia, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held privately for the family.

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

Patricia A. Mazzarella

By T.J. Woodward

Patricia A. Mazzarella, 72 of Perry passed away on Saturday May 18, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Pat was born in Clearfield, Pennsylvania on November 21, 1946 a daughter to the late Blair and Helen (Ritz) Askey. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband G. Joseph “Dula” Mazzarella who passed away in 2017, son Todd Mazzarella and son-in-law Steven Pierson.

She was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church in Perry), the Women of the Church, Perry Garden Club and Red Hat Society. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, reading, toil painting, going to craft sales and shopping. Her family was a very big part of her life, especially her grandchildren Brian, Jenna, McKenzie and Jacob.

She is survived by 5 daughters: Victoria (Robert) Cicero of Perry, Trini (Nicholas) Kuzmicki of Wyoming, Terry Pierson of Perry, Tracy (Mark) Calvert of Venice, Fl., Tina (David) Kramell of Wyoming, son: T. Paul Mazzarella of Lakeland, Fl., brother: Daniel (Eileen) Askey of Rochester, 20 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may call from 4-7pm on Wednesday May 22nd at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, New York 14530. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday May 23rd at 11:00AM at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church in Perry).

Memorial contributions can be made to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 169 N. Main St. Perry, New York 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Patricia A. Greene

By T.J. Woodward

Patricia A. Greene, 72 of LeRoy, passed away peacefully, on Monday, May 20, 2019 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born December 31, 1946 in Batavia, to the late Stephen (Jane Mistal) Wilkolaski.

Yesterday an angel left the earth & Heaven gained another.  My mother, Patricia Greene touched so many lives & always selflessly gave of herself to others.  Whether it be giving rides to church, volunteering, checking on others daily in her building at the 400 towers, or helping other residents in the nursing home with menu’s & daily tasks.

Raising two boys herself was never an easy task, but she did so with the patience of a saint.  She’s always been & will continue to be a shining example of selflessness, caring, and love.

I take comfort in knowing that I’ll see her again one day.  Love you mom, thank you.  I miss you.  God Bless & Keep You.

(Isaiah 41:10)

She is survived by her loving sons Philip Greene of Batavia; Allen Greene of Churchville; sister Mary Wilks-Blanchard of Akron; brother Richard (Arlene) Wilkolaski of Menlo Park, CA along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday May 24, 2019 from 4 to 8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A private Celebration of her Life will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org. 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.

George Shoat Jr.

By T.J. Woodward

Mr. George Shoat Jr., 80 years old of Batavia, New York, went home to be with our Lord on May 19, 2019.  He was born on January 31, 1939 to the late Mattie Ruth and George Shoat Sr. of Montezuma Georgia. 

George is survived by his longtime partner Janice Martyn, his brother Harold Shoat, children Barbara Shoat, George Shoat III (wife Roxanne), Colleen Curl (husband Jonathon), Melissa Shoat and step daughter Mary Gray. His grandchildren are Letisha Williams, Laquita Shoat, Thomas Tate III, Jose Romero, Quintin Thomas, Christopher Romero, Derreck Tate, Ashley Jones, and George Shoat IV.  George has a host of great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, several nephews and nieces. 

He has extended family and friends in various parts across the United States.  George attended and was actively involved at City Church in Batavia, New York.  He will always be remembered as a strong and caring father, brother, and friend.  He was fun loving, yet serious and very committed to his family and friends.  George will be in our hearts eternally. 

Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 from 11:00AM-1:00PM at the City Church 210 East Main St. Batavia, New York 14020, where a 1:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow calling hours. George will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the City Church at the address listed above.  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.

GERALYN MARIE ROBINSON

By Michael Tomaszewski

GERALYN MARIE ROBINSON ~ Age 59, of Elba, died peacefully Saturday May 18, 2019 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital following her courageous 7 year cancer battle. Geri was born in Buffalo, NY on April 13, 1960 to Billie E. Tressler of Batavia and the late James E. Robinson.

Geri was a retired Sgt. With the NYS Army National Guard where she was attached to the 243rd Medical Unit out of the Masten and Connecticut ttreet Armories having served during Operation Desert Storm. She attended St. Padre Pio Parish, enjoyed woodburning, gardening, was proud to have served her country and a true advocate for veterans near and far.

Surviving along with her mother is her loving son, Jeremy J. (Joanne L. Soules) Robinson of Elba; cherished grandchildren, Cody J. Soules-Robinson , Krista L. Douvlos and John F. Douvlos; siblings, David M. Robinson of Buffalo, Kathleen L. (Arthur) Gielow of Kenmore, Jamie A. (Robert) Lehning of Derby, Kristine D. Milks of Silver Creek; best friend, Patty (Jay) Leary of West Seneca along with many nieces and nephews.

Geri’s family will be present from 4–8p.m. on Wednesday May 22, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will be held 10a.m. Thursday May 23. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Warrior House of WNY 22 Mill Street Oakfield, New York 14125.

Please share your words of comfort with the Geri’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Mrs. Rosemary Ladd-Scopano

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Rosemary Ladd-Scopano, age 81, of Batavia, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born June 2, 1937, in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Anthony and Carmilla Pergaliggi Steffanilla.

A member of St. Mary's Church she enjoyed playing Bingo, her crossword puzzle books and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Bruno J. Scopano, passed away on June 19, 2008.

She is survived by her children; Debra (Anthony) Licata of Batavia and Harold D. (Lori) Ladd of Olean; five grandchildren;  Angela Licata of Batavia, Anthony (Misty) Licata of Alaska, Michael (Angie) Licata of North Carolina, Nicholas (Heather) Licata of Holley and Dustin Ladd of Olean; nine great-grandchildren; Amanda, Brandon, Tyler, Randi, Cherish, Mariah, Faith, Dylan and Vincent; her great-great-granddaughter; Adalynn Rose; her sister; Fran Cole of Batavia and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Osburn.

There will be no visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

RICHARD L. McGIVERON

By Michael Tomaszewski

RICHARD L. McGIVERON ~ Age 82, of Batavia, died Thursday May 16, 2019 at his home while under the care of his loving family and Hospice. Richard was born in Batavia, NY on February 19, 1937 to the late Leslie and Luella (Meiser) McGiveron also preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Brenkus.

Mr. McGiveron was retired from Batavia Metal Products where he was a Foreman Tool & Die maker. He had a passion for motorcycles loved to ride. He enjoyed the outdoors and often found tinkering in his garage.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joann (Thornley) McGiveron of Batavia; loving children, Richard T. (Lynn) McGiveron of Akron, Jeffrey (Maryann) McGiveron of Basom, Gregory (Lynette) McGiveron of Basom; cherished grandchildren, Jamie (Steven) Wasielewski, Danielle (Timothy) Dosch, Daniel, Andrew, Shawn, Morgan & Taylor McGiveron; 7 great-grandchildren; special cousin, Lois Brockway along with many nieces and nephews.

The McGiveron family will be present from 3–7p.m. on Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow. The family requests memorials to HomeCare & Hospice, Inc. 29 Liberty Street Suite #6 Batavia.

Please share your words of comfort with the Richard’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

NORMAN W. BEHRENS

By Michael Tomaszewski

NORMAN W. BEHRENS ~ Age 97, of Batavia, formally of Battle Creek, MI, died peacefully Sat. May 4, 2019 at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret (Spaulding) Behrens.

Norman served honorably during WWII with the Army Air Corp and was always extremely proud to have served his country.

Surviving is his loving son, Peter (Barbara) Behrens of Hamlin, NY and their children Mark and Scott Behrens.

Please gather 11a.m. Fri. May 24 at Bath National Cemetery for graveside services and Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorials to donor’s choice.

Please share words of comfort with Norman’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

John Jay Hodgins

By T.J. Woodward

John Jay Hodgins of Batavia NY passed away at peace on Friday, May 17,2019.  John was a creative, energetic and deeply generous person who was first and foremost a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. John was born in Basom NY on December 12, 1931.  He was a printer, sign painter, and entrepreneur who founded Batavia Press, Hodgins Printing, Hodgins Engraving, papersigns.com, and John’s Studio.

John contributed in many ways to the community.  He served 8 years on the Batavia City Council and 8 years on the Genesee County Legislature.  He was a former member of the Oakfield Lions Club, a Director on the Richmond Memorial Library, and a Director of the Genesee County Baseball Club.  John was also a member of Batavia Society of Artists, serving as the treasurer and president.  

John was an artist.  John had many shows of his work locally and taught painting workshops in Maine and Florida. He authored and published four books.  John hiked most of the Appalachian Trail, ran four marathons, and was a fan of the Batavia Muckdogs.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years,  Mary T (Paul) Hodgins, and six children,  Joyce (John)  Dwyer of Venice FL, Daniel (Joan) of Syracuse NY, Robert  (Mary Lu) of  Alexander, Holley of Saratoga Springs NY, Janice (Paul) Spiotta of Batavia and Michael of Batavia. John and Mary are also blessed with thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by his parents, Ora and Velma Hodgins and his sister, Mary (Hodgins) Hubbard.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford, NY 14143.  

The family wants to express their deep gratitude to the wonderful staff at The Grand Health Care Center. Their professionalism, care, and kindness helped John and family in his final two years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Morganville United Church of Christ or Genesee County Volunteers for Animals, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 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.

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