Obituaries

Bergen - Rose M. Loiacono, 85, of Bergen, passed away Thursday, (November 17, 2016) at Unity Hospital, in Rochester.

Mrs. Loiacono was born June 13, 1931 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Pasquale and Giovanni (Palermo) Murgillo.

Rose was a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Churchville and enjoyed traveling.  She especially loved going to the casino, specifically the Batavia Downs.  For many years, Rose owned a race horse along with her late husband, which she greatly enjoyed.   

She is the wife of the late James V. Loiacono.  He passed away on October 20, 2011.

Rose is survived by a niece and four nephews.  A close friend, Lana (James) Koneski of Bergen also survives.

There will be no prior visitation.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.  She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester.

Flowers are gratefully declined; however memorials in Rose’s name may be made in the form of Mass Intentions. 

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

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen.

Batavia - Joseph Richard Gerace, 80, proprietor of Gerace's Hair Care Center and along with his wife owned the former Bob Harris Realty Company, died on Thursday (November 17, 2016) at the New York State Veteran's Home in Batavia.

Mr. Gerace was born March 15, 1936 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph A. and Sarah (Gazzetta) Gerace.

A 1955 graduate of Batavia High School, he served with the United States Army from 1957 to 1959.  Prior to the hair care center he operated the Trailways Diner.

The lifelong Batavian was a member of many organizations, including the Batavia Rotary Club, where he amassed 33 years of perfect attendance,  served on the Board and also was the Sergeant at Arms, Knights of Columbus Fr. Vincent Capadanno Assembly 0755, Msgr. Kirby Council #325, City of Batavia Republican Committee, which he chaired for many years, Batavia Muckdogs Board of Directors and was on the teams’ Wall of Fame, Genesee Cancer Assistance program where he served on the Board since its inception and founded the Simply Beautiful Hair Service, Resurrection Parish, former St. Nick’s Social Club, Batavia Youth Bureau and a past president and co-chair of the Festival of Hope, Genesee Cancer Assistance golf tournament committee and was on the city of Batavia zoning board for 12 years.

He was an avid New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan.  He proudly attended each Super Bowl the Bills appeared in and was on the Founders Wall at the New Era Stadium tunnel entrance, recognizing season ticket holders since the beginning of the Buffalo Bills in 1960.  A favorite activity of his was the large selection of Christmas lights he displayed each year at his home.

Among the recognition and awards he received over the years included the two-time recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, which is Rotary’s Club highest award, 2008 Humanitarian Award presented by the United Memorial Medical Center  Foundation and the Jerome Foundation, 2006 Volunteer of the Year Award for the city of Batavia, Italian-American of the year awarded by the Batavia Downs and a similar award from the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation, 1993 Geneseean of the Year and the Batavia Lions Club Italian American Award.

Surviving is his wife, Lois (Wagner) Gerace, of Batavia, whom  he married July 16, 1960; two sons, Robert J. Gerace  and  John P. (Rhonda Saulsbury) Gerace, both of Batavia;  one daughter, Karen A. (Scott) Rowland of Perry; one brother, Alfred J. (Patricia) Gerace of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and one sister, Theresa (late Joseph) Irrera of Batavia. He is the grandfather of Ashley Gerace, Chelsea (Josh) Smith, Justin Gerace and Kirsten Rowland, Lindsey Rowland and David Rowland.  Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

He is a brother of the late Louis Gerace and Sarah Bateman.

Family and friends may call on Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main St., Batavia. The Knights of Columbus #325 will hold a prayer service on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main St., Batavia.  Burial with full Military Honors will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or online at http://crossroadshouse.com/donations, or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., c/o United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or online at http://geneseecancerassistance.com/donate/or to the New York State Veteran's Home, Attention: Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Pavilion - Warren “Buddy” Oderkirk, Jr., age 20, of Pavilion, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at his home.

Buddy was born June 5, 1996 in Batavia, the son of Warren Oderkirk, Sr. of Byron and Debra (Bill DuBois, Jr.) Zalar of Pavilion.

A 2014 graduate of Pavilion High School where he graduated 4th from his class, Buddy was a member of National Honor Society. He loved traveling and following his high school graduation he took an eleven day European vacation where he fell in love with the country of Switzerland. An accomplished wrestler throughout high school, Buddy began wrestling at the age of 6. He served as a mentor to many younger wrestlers and volunteered much of his time to ensure their success. He was a student at Genesee Community College with the aspirations to transfer to Monroe Community College to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. A member of Genesee County 4-H and the NIOGA Holstein Club, Buddy loved music and was a member of the Psyberdyne .Ind, Niagara Falls Car Club and was an honorary member of the Ghost Crew. He enjoyed trading sports cards, playing fantasy football, and loved listening to music. He will be sadly missed by his dog, Sophie Grace.

Surviving along with his parents are his wife, Alexandria Holderer; two sisters, Constance (fiancé TJ Czworka) Davis and Courtney (fiancé Andrew Kelkenberg) Oderkirk, both of Byron; his step-brother,  Billy DuBois, III of Byron; his step-sister, Emily DuBois of Byron; his sister-in-law, Abigail Holderer of Perry; grandparents, David Oderkirk of Bergen and James (Bonnie) Smoot of Silver Lake; his father and mother-in-law, John (Stacey) Holderer of Perry; aunts and uncles, John (Kathy) Zalar,  Jim (Bobbie) Zalar, Barbara (John) Zalar, Benjamin (Lisa) Zalar, Ronald (Barbara) Zalar, Andrew (Michele) Oderkirk, Audra Bates, Christa Oderkirk and Pamela (Aaron) Sharp; his best friend, Kyle (Samantha) Dougherty and several cousins.

Buddy is predeceased by his grandparents, Francis (Constance) Zalar, Sr., Sandra Oderkirk, his step-grandmother, Sharon Oderkirk and his uncle Mario Zalar.

Friends may call on Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. A celebration of Buddy’s life will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at BW's Restaurant and Banquet Facility, 11070 Perry Road, Pavilion.  To honor Buddy's wishes, please make memorials to his family.  He will be laid to rest in Morganville Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Buddy’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

John L. Redfern, 77, of Bennington passed away on Tuesday November 15, 2016 at the Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia. He was born on September 3, 1939 in Buffalo to the late Lloyd and Margaret (Hughes) Redfern.

John was a United States Army Veteran stationed in South Korea where he was a medic. He worked as a Supervisor of Education at the Attica Correctional Facility for 31 years prior to retiring in 2001. John taught at Genesee Community College and also BOCES in Batavia where he helped students obtain their GED. He was a very active in the Bennington and Attica communities. He would serve as a lector at Sacred Heart and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Attica. John was a Cub Master for the Cub Pack in Bennington, where he also was a Volunteer Firefighter and past secretary of the Bennington Fire Dept. He was a member of the Bennington Jaycee’s and wrote their monthly news letter. John loved to march in parades and was a self taught musician who could play the piano and the guitar, this lead him to spread his musical talent by teaching his children to play the piano as well.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Adele (Czworka) Redfern of Bennington; children Christopher (Joy) Redfern of Valencia, CA., Mark (Kathy) Redfern of Cheektowaga, Todd (Inok) Redfern of Santa Clarita, Ca. and Maria (Larry) McCleod of Darien; brother Paul (Ann Marie) Redfern of Cheektowaga, along with 9 grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday November 19, 2016 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish 1230 Clinton St. Bennington Center, NY 14011.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bennington Volunteer Fire Company 1353 Route 354 Attica, NY 14011. For questions or to leave a message of condolence please call 585-591-1212 or visit our website www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements competed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

“What words can’t say music speaks”

Timothy M. Ridgway, 34, of Newark Valley, NY joined the acoustic band in heaven on November 8, 2016. He was born on February 12, 1982 in Binghamton to James M. Ridgway and Anna M. Sopka.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters Martha Ann and Jane; grandmother Cleo, grandfather James D.; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tim suffered from addiction most of his life, his family wishes for others to seek help and be free from these demons. A drug or alcohol addiction line that can be reached 24/7 is 1-844-427-0370.

There will be no prior calling hours. A musical Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

The family would like to thank Pastor Marty for his love and support. Timothy’s faith and music guided him through the best times in his life. Please choose The City Church 210 East Main St. #2 Batavia, NY 14020 for any memorials dedicated in Tim’s name www.thecitychurch.com.  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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.

 

Mona Sheron Logar, 66, June 02, 1950 - November 13, 2016  Medford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2016, after a lengthy, courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born in Niagara Falls, NY, Mona resided in Medford for the last 32 years. She was a 1968 graduate of Notre Dame High School, Niagara University and Northeastern University Graduate School of Business. Mona was a parishioner at St. Mary of the Lakes R.C. Church in Medford.

Daughter of the late William and Joan Sheron; sister of the late Keith Sheron; she is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Richard W. Logar; her daughter and son-in-law, Kristen M. Logar and Lee Kleckner of Medford, NJ; her son and daughter-in-law, Richard W. Jr. and Cameron Logar, of Medford, NJ; her siblings, Molly Sheron (Ray Tortorice) and William Jr. and Shari (White) Sheron, sister-in-law, Marilyn Sheron and her grandson, Carson Logar; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 11:30AM, at St. Mary of the Lakes R.C. Church, 40 Jackson Rd., Medford, NJ.

Entombment will follow in Park View Cemetery at Kirby’s Mill, Medford, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mona’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

 

Batavia - Aprille E. Yaskulski, 80, of Batavia, formerly of Elba, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2016.

Mrs. Yaskulski was born October 20, 1936 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of the late Charles DeBbouwt and Jesse DeBbouwt.

A successful business owner, she was the proprietor of Bob's Bar in Elba and Bourbon Street Lounge in Byron for many years along with her husband. A happy and out-going person with a great sense of humor, she loved collecting antiques. She was a longtime volunteer with the SAGE program through Richmond Memorial Library. During World War II, she lived with her grandparents in Kansas City, as both her parents served their country with the United States Army.

Her husband, Robert J. Yaskulski, passed away in 1994.

She is survived by her children, Aprille L. Hill of Batavia, Thomas P. (Joni) Yaskulski of Byron, Christopher M. (Laurie) Yaskulski of LeRoy, Michael L. Yaskulski of Batavia and Jill M. (Thomas) Gradwell of Lancaster; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at Mount Albion Cemetery.  Consider memorials in her name to Friends of Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

James P. Beitz, 92, of Attica passed away on Sunday November 13, 2016 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia.  He was born on September 19, 1924 in Attica to the late George and Lena (Courtwright) Beitz. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Doris (Bertsch) Beitz, brothers Raymond, Vernon, Leo and Earl Beitz and sister Esther Hayes.

He is survived by his son and daughter in law; James and Kelly Beitz of Attica; brother Irving (Carol) Beitz; sister in law Leona Beitz of Batavia; grandchildren James A. (Deena) Beitz of Attica, Caryn Beitz of Palmona, NY, Douglas Beitz of Attica; great grandchildren Jaslynne, Ashlyn, Madilyn along with his longtime companion and friend Ardyth VanValkenburg.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Attica, New York, graduating from Attica High School in 1942.  In September of 1942, Jim joined the Navy and served in Pacific Theatre aboard a minesweeper in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska during World War II.  After the war, he returned to Attica and married his high school sweetheart, Doris Bertsch, in 1946.  Jim was a member of the Harder O’Donnell Post American Legion in Attica, the VFW in Alexander, the Attica Exempt Firemen, and, of which he was most proud, a charter member of the Attica Golf Club where he had belonged since the club’s inception and won eleven Club Championships.  Over the years, Jim enjoyed bowling, shooting trap at many Western New York clubs and most of all, the game of golf.  Wherever Jim and Doris went on vacation, the golf clubs went with them.  Whether it be for one of the hundreds of tournaments Jim played in or just relaxing with friends, golf was his true love. Although Jim was very proud of his many accomplishments on the golf course, he was most proud of the accomplishments of his grandchildren.  He was in attendance when his grandson, Jim, and granddaughter, Caryn, both graduated from boot camp at Parris Island and honorably served their country in the United States Marine Corp.  He introduced his youngest grandson, Doug, to the game of golf and was proud to be riding in the golf cart along-side him when Doug got his first ever hole-in-one.  

Jim will be sadly missed by his family and friends, as well as, the local golfing community.  Jim can be remembered by a couple of thoughts he lived by: “Golf is a gentlemen’s game” and “I never met a person on the golf course I didn’t like.”  

The family will be receiving guests on Thursday November 17, 2016 from 2:00-6:00PM at the Attica Golf Club 95 Bunnell St. Attica, NY 14011 where a 6:00PM Eulogy will immediately follow visitation. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica at the convenience of the family.

Flowers are gratefully declined; memorials may be made to the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation http://www.michaelshope.org/  P.O. Box 267 Batavia, N.Y. 14021-0267. 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.

Rose J. Szczesny, 96 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2016, surrounded by her children.

She was born June 1, 1920 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Frank and Jennie Brzeczkowski Jankowski.

Rose was employed by R.E. Chapin prior to her retirement. She was a lifelong member of Ascension Parish, where she served with the Sacred Heart Mothers Club and Altar and Rosary Society. She was a former Elections Inspector for Genesee County and a member of the Polish Falconette’s of Nest #493. Most of all she was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was the wife of the late Walter T. Szczesny, who died March 27, 1966.  Also predeceased by sisters, Theodora Jankowski, Helen (William) Rychlik, Irene (Chester) Kwiecien, Theresa (Warner) Scott, Jane (Eugene) Lazeski; brothers, Felix Jankowski, Walter (Clara) Jankowski; brother in-law, Jack Byrne and sister in-law, Amelia Jankowski.

Survivors include her children, Shirley (Barry) Flynn, Marcia (Robert) Derck, Paul (Karen) Szczesny, Greg Szczesny and Walter (Gina) Szczesny. Grandchildren, Shannon (Chris) Flynn King, Erin Flynn, Sean (Karyn) Flynn and Paul Walter Szczesny, Jr. Great-grandchildren Brady Flynn Denker, Maren Rose, Declan Michael and Nora Frances Flynn. Sisters, Rita Byrne and Jeanette (Robert) Terry. Brothers, Eugene Jankowski and John (Marilyn) Jankowski.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend Rose’s Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, 11:00 am at Ascension Parish (corners of Swan and Sumner Sts.), which will be celebrated by Rev. Walter J. Szczesny. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of the donor’s preference. Expressions of condolence 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.

 

 

LeRoy ~ God summoned Hank Barbeau Jr. on November 12, 2016, at the age of 81.

     Born in Batavia, N.Y., on April 27, 1935, to the late Margaret and Henry F. Barbeau, he moved to LeRoy as a young child.

     After graduating from Mount St. Mary's College in 1958, Hank went to work as an accountant for SUNY Brockport and later as Treasurer for Russer Meat Company.  In 1968, he was named Treasurer at Ward's Natural Science Est., going on to become President/CEO in 1982.  As President, Ward's saw tremendous growth nationally and internationally and the company moved from its small headquarters in Irondequoit to an expansive facility in Henrietta.  Hank retired from Ward's in 1997.

     In LeRoy, Hank was member of St. Joseph's Church/Our Lady of Mercy Parish; a former Village Trustee and water commissioner; past member of the Jay-cees and LeRoy Historical Society board and former coach and board member of LeRoy Little League and  youth football.

     However, for all his personal and professional accomplishments, none rose to the level of the love he had for his family, especially for his surviving wife of nearly 60 years, Margaret (nee-Taylor); sons, Stephen (Doris) and Terry (Cindy); grandchildren, Kyle, Emily and Elise; step-grandchildren, Jason (Vicki) Warner, Jodi (Sean) Vandervoort and James (Brandy) Warner and 6 step-great-grandchildren.  Hank is also survived by his sister, Rosemary (Tom) Whaley and several nieces and nephews.

     In addition to his parents, Hank was predeceased by his sister, Patricia (Leonard) Tomaszewski and brother, John (Gloria) Barbeau.

     Hank's family will receive friends on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 2 ~ 4 and 7 ~ 9 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. Private interment will follow.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either LeRoy Ambulance Service or the LeRoy Food Pantry.

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

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

Elton F. DeMuth, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (November 12, 2016) at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 10, 1926 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Leonard and Lorraine Drilling DeMuth.

Elton was a U.S. Naval Reservist, having served his country from 1948-1956. He was employed by Diane Shoe Store and then by E.J. Beardsley Clothing Store in Batavia prior to his retirement. Elton enjoyed volunteering at the New York State School For The Blind in Batavia, where he would use his barbering skills to cut hair for many of the students.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine “Jerri” Leggett DeMuth of Batavia. Children, Dixie Lee (Gary) Monagan of Batavia, Michael (Deborah) DeMuth of Rochester, Patricia “Patti” (Raymond) Hackett of Elba, Paul (Rebecca) DeMuth of Pensecola, FL and Dorothy “Dottie” DeMuth-Velletta of Oakfield. Grandchildren, Casey and Amy Monagan, Robert and Jamie DeMuth, Bobbi Rae Oddo, Ryan Hackett, Jessica, Bryan, Joshua and Sarah DeMuth, Austin, Jacob and Emily Velletta. Step-Grandchildren, Margaret and Grace DeMuth. Great-Grandchildren, Gavin, Patrick and Declan Monagan, Anna and Jace Oddo and Arabella DeMuth. Sister in-law, Delores DeMuth and nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Gordon DeMuth.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (November 15th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7pm. Elton’s Committal Service will be Wednesday, 11:00am in Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery, Alleghany Rd., Darien Center, NY.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the family for distributions to various charities. Expressions of condolence 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.

Eldon John Farrington Sr., 80, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Saturday November 12, 2016 at Crossroads House surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 8, 1936 in Olean to the late Rev. Harry and Vilona (English) Farrington. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by siblings Dorothy (Thomas) Hamilton, Ethel (Edward) Victor, Carloyn (Orin) Baker, wife Roxanna (Richmond) Farrington, step-son James Thompson and baby daughter Roxanna Farrington.

Eldon was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was an over the road Trucker for 42 years and also served as night security at the Village Green in LeRoy for 7 years. Eldon enjoyed people, loved his family especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed playing his accordions, watching sports and loved building onto his home.

He is survived by his wife Patricia A. (Benty Moore) Farrington of Batavia; children Eldon (Jennifer) Farrington Jr., Jeffrey Farrington, Eric Schavi, Richard Farrington, Cheryl (Patrick) Coonen, Erin Farrington, Gregory Farrington, Kevin Farrington, Keith Farrington, Kellie (Scott) Beechler, Timothy Farrington; step-children Steven (Amy) Moore, Karen Moore; 23 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; Charles (Sandy) Richmond Jr. along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday November 15, 2016 from 6 to 9 PM at the Oakfield Community Bible Church 80 N. Main St. Oakfield, NY 14125. A 4:00 PM Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday November 16 at the Church. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  

 In lieu of flowers, memorials 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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.

Oakfield – LeRoy Higgins, 68, of Oakfield, an employee in the Bridge Maintenance Department of the New York State Dept. of Transportation in Batavia, died Friday, November 11, 2016 in Elba.

 

Mr. Higgins was born March 19, 1948 in Medina, a son of the late Lester and Eileen (Larcomb) Casper.

He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, from March, 1968 to March, 1971.  He was a member of the Alabama Methodist Church and Post 626 American Legion where he was a Post Commander.  He joined the Alabama Fire Department in 1966 and served there for 22 years before transferring to the Oakfield Fire Department where he served for another 28 years.  He was proud of his 50 year involvement in the fire service.  He was the Oakfield Fire Chief from 1995 to 2000, Past President of the Genesee County Fire Chief's Association, and a member of the New York State Fire Chiefs Association. 

He is survived by his wife, Debra C.  (Falker) Higgins, whom he married on January 27, 1973, 3 children, Jonathan (Jen) Higgins of Waterport, Trisha (Steven) Werth of Elba and Chad (Julie) Higgins of Batavia; 8 grandchildren, Miah and Mason Werth, Rori and Shayla Higgins, Eric and Ethan DiLaura and Ava and Jenna Higgins; 2 brothers, Alfred (Beverly) Higgins of Oakfield and Charles (Diane) Higgins of FL; several nieces and nephews. 

He was the brother of the late Ronald Higgins.   

Friends may call from 1 to 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the Oakfield Firemen’s Recreation Hall, Albert Street, Oakfield where honors will be rendered by all visiting fire companies and veteran’s organizations at 6 p.m. Monday.  Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main St., Oakfield.    Burial, with military and fire department honors, will be at the Cary Cemetery in Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, NY 14125.

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

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

  Richard A. Hanson, 73, of Victor passed away on November 3, 2016 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born on November 27, 1942 to the late Emil and Bernita (Kloke) Hanson in Waukon, Iowa where he spent most of his life. Richard is also predeceased by brothers in law; Eddy Knuppe and Gordon Macauley and sister in law Sylvia Macauley along with several aunts and uncles.

Richard served in the United States Army from 1964-1967 and after his father passed suddenly, he took over and worked for the family dairy farm. He loved his old Farmall combine and his John Deere Tractors. Richard did custom work for other farmers and was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He was a lover of animals especially his bull “Bully”. The bull would follow him everywhere he went. Richard was also a proud member of the Farm Bureau in Waukon. He was a sweet man and his smile will be truly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife; Vera (Macauley) Hanson of Batavia; sister Elaine Knuppe and brother Jim Hanson both of Waukon; step sons Timothy (Susan) Meister of Attica and Jeffrey (Amy) Meister of Williamsburg, VA; 3 grandsons Chad (Sharon), Brandon and Ryan Meister; brother in law Paul Macauley of Henrietta along with several nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia Ontario Cottage unit and the UMMC Emergency Room and 2^nd floor for all of the wonderful care they provided for Richard and TJ Woodward and Matt Meyer of Gilmartin Funeral Home for their compassion.

Funeral Services will be held in Waukon, IA at St. John’s Lutheran Church in the spring with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Outreach Center 447 South Ave. Rochester, NY 14620. For questions or to leave a message of condolence please call 585-591-1212 or visit our website www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements competed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.