Obituaries

BERNARD J. RONAN, JR. - 81, of Batavia, former City of Batavia Police Officer and Town of Batavia Justice died peacefully Monday morning January 5, 2015 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born May 6, 1933 in Buffalo, NY to the late Bernard J. and Margaret (Langfelder) Ronan, Sr., also preceded in death by his siblings, David Ronan, Norine Ives and special goddaughter, Rosemary Ives.

   Mr. Ronan served on the City Police force for over 20 years and 9 years on the bench for the Town of Batavia. He is a United States Air Force Veteran having served during the Korean Conflict and was a long time member of St. Anthony's R.C. Church and current member of St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish in East Pembroke. A charming man, quick witted with a wonderful sense of humor, he enjoyed camping and family trips, had a love of music and though never in public was known to have a beautiful singing voice. His home was his castle and he was always working hard to keep it up, family, friends and neighbors will remember him on his John Deere mower keeping the lawn at the perfect height.

   His accomplishments in law enforcement and as a judge were many and his peers remember him as fair, but tough. Family, education and hard work were paramount to Mr. Ronan, he and his wife worked tirelessly to give their daughters a good education. He was so very proud of his girls and grandchildren and his strong devotion to his family and his faith lives on in all of them. Bernard loved to travel and see his grandchildren and what they were involved in, but as his health deteriorated he was unable to do so, but always made sure they knew how proud he was of them.

   Surviving is his beloved wife of 54 years, Rose Mary (Joy) Ronan of Batavia and his beloved daughters, Mary Katherine (Steven) Fisher of Batavia and their children, Kaleigh Kathleen, Steven Ronan, Maxwell Connor & Cullen O'Connell; Margaret (William) Tretter of Pittsburgh, PA and their children, Paige Alexis, Madisen Rose & Spencer Davis; Patricia (Gerald) Thompson of Halfmoon, NY and their son, Gerald Arthur III "Trey"; Judith (Neal) Pason of Kintnersville, PA, and their children, McKenna Joy, Carter Hart & Holly Mae along with several nieces and nephews.

   The Ronan family will be present from 6-9 p.m. Thursday January 8, 2015 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15 a.m. Friday January 9 followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish (East Pembroke Site) followed by full military honors. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in his memory can be made to Notre Dame High School 73 Union Street Batavia, NY.

   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 BERNARD J. RONAN, JR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

Michael P. Martino, 86 of Batavia, passed away Tuesday January 6, 2015 at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center. He was born on June 11, 1928 in Batavia, to the late Eugene (Anna Gengo) Martino. Michael is preceded in death by his sisters Mary Cavigiliano, Rose O’Geen, Louise Palone; Josephine Catino, and brother Frank Martino.

Michael was a member of the Resurrection Parish. He worked for Dohler Jarvis prior to retirement. The family would like a special thank you to the staff at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center and Hospice.

Michael is survived by his caregivers Paula Pietrzykowski, Anne Saturno, Michael Palone; along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours.  A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday January 9, 2015 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street 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.
 

Dorothy N. Van Valkenburg, 106, of Attica passed away peacefully Sunday December 28, 2014 at East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw. oShe was born December 6, 1908 in East Bethany to the late William E. (Grace Marsh) Nichols. She is preceded in death her husband Harold E. Van Valkenburg; son Robert Van Valkenburg; sisters Laura (Clayton) Curphey, Eunice (Paul) Merrill, Ruby (Benjamin) Secor, Carol (Lester) Gephart, Myrtle (Thomas) Mancuso; brothers Truman (Esther) Nichols, Sherman (Wilma) Nichols and Leslie (Elva) Nichols.

Dorothy was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

She is survived by grandchildren David (Diane) Van Valkenburg of Attica, Cathie (Dennis) Turton of Attica, Peggy (William) Simons of Attica, Violet (Arthur) Allen of Cuylerville, Robert (Susie) Van Valkenburg of Sebring, FL., numerous additional grandchildren spanning 4 generations and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00 AM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 10, 2015at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 11 Washington Street Attica, and New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Dorothy’s memory to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 11 Washington Street Attica, New York 14011 or to Brainard Cemetery in Attica. For more information please call 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.

BATAVIA — Leon C. Bennett, 92, of Batavia passed away Sunday (January 4, 2015) at United Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born on July 23, 1922, in Batavia, the son of Fred and Ida (Bowen) Bennett. After graduating youngest in his class at Batavia High School, Leon enlisted in the US Navy at the beginning of World War II and subsequently worked on the P-38 Lightning… the only American fighter aircraft in production throughout America’s involvement in the entire war.

Upon returning to Batavia, Leon worked at Bell Aircraft Corporation, Scott Aviation, and ultimately retiring from Xerox Corporation. He was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia, and Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE 950). An avid bowler, golfer, collector, and socializer…a great many people remember him as that guy who called bingo at the Elks Lodge every Thursday night, and the nut that went skydiving for his 90^th birthday.  He loved life and lived it to the fullest…you never knew where he might turn up.

Leon was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn “Pete” (Davis) who died March 29, 2004. He is survived by his three children, Michelle A. Ireland of Bar Harbor, ME, Ronald R. Bennett of San Diego, CA, Douglas P. Bennett of Portsmouth, NH; five grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours; a memorial gathering will be held later in the year. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To light a candle, leave a condolence or share a story, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are being completed by Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Richard “Rosie” D. Hensel, 79 of Batavia, passed away suddenly on Saturday (January 3, 2015) at his residence.

He was born on December 19, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Walter and Ethel Mae Burke Hensel.

Rosie was an electrician for the Village of Bergen prior to his retirement in 1999.  He was a US Army veteran, having served his country from 1958-1960.  He was a member of VFW Veness-Strollo Post #1602, Polish Falcons and the former Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge in Batavia. His passion was for golf and bowling, where he was a participant of several leagues and in his lifetime he accomplished three holes in one.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Pauline George Hensel of Batavia. Daughters, Candace Hensel of Bergen and Denise (John) Prospero of Bergen. Grandsons, Nicholas and Jacob Prospero. Sisters in-law, Mary Lou George of Rochester, Kathy (Clark) Taft of Florida and Laurie George of Batavia.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share memories, thoughts and condolences on Wednesday from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A funeral service with full military honors will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for distribution to 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.  RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

 

 

 

LeRoy ~ Susanna Kellogg McCarthy, age 94, died peacefully January 4, 2015 at her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Raymond Yacuzzo.

     She was born July 20, 1920 in Dorset, Ashtabula County, Ohio, the daughter of the late Willison and Susie Hawkins Kellogg.

     Susanna was a graduate of Rome (Ohio) High School and Kent State University.  She was a retired elementary school teacher, a member of the LeRoy Historical Society and had been a 4-H leader for over 20 years in Ohio.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Warren McCarthy; brothers, Richard, Clarence and David Kellogg.  Beside her daughter and son-in-law, Susanna is survived by her sister, Martha Smerik of Warren, Ohio; her son, William of South Bend, Indiana; her grandson, Matthew (Melissa) Yacuzzo and her great-grandson, Patrick Yacuzzo all of LeRoy, NY.

     At her request, there will be no calling hours and a graveside service will be held at the Hawley Cemetery in Wayland, Ohio at the family's convenience.

     Memorials may be made to the LeRoy Historical Society or to the Wayland Church in Wayland, Ohio.

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

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

Colleen M. Hancock, 56, of Perry died on Thursday January 1, 2015 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Warsaw, New York on October 20, 1958 to the late Francis Baker and Iola (Kane) Ames.

Colleen was a graduate of Letchworth Central School. She worked for American Classic Outfitters in Perry.
 

She is survived by her son Shane Ames of Canaseraga; daughter Carrie Ann Schery of Perry; sister Theresa Gifford of Silver Springs; and 2 grandchildren Alex Rodrigues and Letti Schery.
 

Family and friends may call from 1-4pm on Monday January 5th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry where services will follow at 4pm.
 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. 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.

Marie Mazzarella, age 85 of Perry, died on Thursday January 1, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Buffalo, New York on December 15, 1929 to the late Albert (Sarah Darnley) Lorenz.  Marie is preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Maureen Mazzarella, sister Delores Koson along with several brother and sister-in-laws.

Marie graduated from Perry Central School. She sold Avon products for over 35 years.
She was a seamstress and avid gardener.

She is survived by husband Frank whom she married on October 30, 1948; daughter Lisa (Mark) Walworth of Hemlock; sons  Frank Jr. “Butch” of Leicester, Christopher (Linn Hom) of Sacramento, CA.; sisters Barbara (Paul) Baron of Leicester, Judith Koson of Brockton, MA.,;granddaughter  Marisa Mazzarella; 3 Step-grandchildren James Walworth, Duane (Holley) Walworth and Lisa Bloser; step great grandchildren  Hailey Brown, Brandon and Aiden Bloser and Bailey Walworth, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may call from 4-7 pm on Tuesday January 6th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. 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.

Pavilion ~ Dean A. Beck, age 44, passed away Friday morning (Jan. 2, 2015) at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long courageous battle with cancer.

     Dean was born December 15, 1970 to John and Karen Beck, who survive.

     Dean was a graduate of Pavilion Central School and Alfred State College and was a professional driver for most of his life.  He enjoyed seeing the country and meeting new people in his travels.  Dean also enjoyed hunting, was an avid fisherman, and an airplane enthusiast.  He will be best remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor, bringing laughter to any occasion, even on the lowest days of his battle with cancer.

     In addition to his parents, Dean will be missed by his loving family and friends, including his twin sister, Darla (Douglas) Cunningham of Pavilion, his brother Terry (Jill) Beck of Pavilion, his sister, Peggy Clapp of Short Tract, NY; many nieces, nephews and his life-long friend, Henry Buell of Pavilion.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, Jan. 9 from 6 ~ 9 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Interment in Mt. Ash Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to the family c/o The Beck Family, P.O. Box 187, LeRoy, NY 14482

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

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

LONA R. POMEROY – Age 95, of LeRoy, formerly of Unadilla, NY, died peacefully Thursday morning January 1, 2015 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. She was born July 15, 1919 in Wells Bridge, NY to the late Arthur and Jessie (Burroughs) Root, also preceded in death by her husband, Carleton Pomeroy, Jr. in 2014, siblings, Adelbert Root and Ethel Mirick.  

   Mrs. Pomeroy spent all her married life in Unadilla until she and her late husband moved to the Village Green last year. She worked as a bookkeeper for many years at JW Van Cott & Son, Inc. in Unadilla and Sidney, NY where she was known for her meticulous record keeping. She retired in 1982. After her retirement she started piano lessons, and also began a successful career as an Avon Representative. She was a member of the Unadilla Women's Club, past matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and was an avid bowler. Lona will be remembered for her patient and kind heart, always there to listen and forever a hand to help those in need.

   Surviving are her beloved daughters, Diane (William E.) Wormsley of Pittburgh, PA and Laraine (William E.) Caton of Batavia; cherished grandchildren, Edward J. (Paula) Caton of Stafford, Ellen C. (Adam) Brokaw of Batavia and Patai B. (Stephanie) Wormsley of Harrisburg, PA; great-grandchildren, Carson, Carly & Bailey.

   The Pomeroy family will be present from 4-6 p.m. on Monday January 5, 2015 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Graveside services will be announced in the spring for burial in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Unadilla, NY where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Carleton. Memorials in Lona's memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.  

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

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

 

Morganville ~ Thelma M. Barnard Urbaniak, beloved mother and friend, peacefully died on December 31, 2014 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia with visits from loving family and friends. She was 98 years old.

    

Thelma was born October 1, 1916 in Rochester, NY and was the only daughter of the late Edward and Ethel Barnard. She was predeceased by her former husband John Ernst and husband Harry Urbaniak.

     She is survived by her daughter Terri Ann Ernst of Stafford, her daughter and son-in-law by choice, Brenda and Masami Iburi of Stafford, her god-daughter, Beverly Rogers of Bergen, along with many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her dearest friends, Debbie and Dennis Kellogg of Stafford and Dan Shaver and Chuck Mansfield of Stuart, FL also survived her.

     Thelma was employed by Ames Department Stores for 32 years until she was 86 years old. She developed many close friendships through her job. She enjoyed traveling, especially by train. She was an avid reader, loved attending concerts, plays, eating out, and animals, especially her cats Babe and Ginger. She touched so many lives with her beautiful soul and inspiring stories. She was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in LeRoy.

      Family and friends may call on Monday from 4pm-8pm at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt.19), LeRoy, NY. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 10:30am at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 East Main St., LeRoy, NY.

     In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either St. Mark’s Episcopal Church or Volunteers for Animals, 3841 West Main St. Rd., Batavia, NY.

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

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

Rose J. Ferrando, 92, of Batavia passed away Thursday January 1, 2015 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born on November 3, 1922 in Batavia to the late Daniel (Jennie Battaglia) Menne. She is preceded in death by her husband Carmen M. Ferrando Sr. in 2004 and her sister Nelda Menne.

Rose was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Rose was a chairperson for Catholic Charities and a member of the former St. Michael’s Society. She loved spending time with her family, cooking, baking, and playing cards. 

Rose is survived by her children Debbie (Frank) Ficarella, Roselle (Frank) Minuto, Carmen (Mindy) Ferrando Jr. and Daniel Ferrando all of Batavia; sisters Ann Nicosia of Batavia; Audrey Dodd of FL; 4 grandchildren Amy (Dave) Murray, Chad (Erica) Minuto, Meghan (Dale) Pearce, Chris Ferrando; 5 great-grandchildren Sara Murray, Owen Murray, Sophia Minuto, Landon Minuto, and Camdyn Ferrando along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Sunday January 4, 2015 from 1 to 5 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main St. Batavia New York. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday January 5, 2015 at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott Street 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.

Steven J. Coraci, age 61, died on January 1, 2015 at Crossroads House in Batavia, New York.  He is survived by his wife, Lisa M. Kroemer, of Stafford, New York; his son, Dustin J. Weiderman, of Rochester, New York, his sisters, Carol Rapone of Caledonia, New York, Joanne (Gregory) Albert of Henrietta, New York and Jacqueline (Kevin) Green of Plano, Texas, his nieces and nephews and their children, aunts and uncles, and his little dogs, Trixie and Max.

Steve was a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; he served in the United States Marine Corps 1972-75.  His work life was spent primarily with Eastern Airlines, CharterOne Bank and Paychex.   He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia and most recently a volunteer with our local BID Council.

Steve will be remembered for many wonderful attributes, his integrity, honesty, humility and perseverance.  Most of all he will be greatly missed for his dedication and loyalty to his family and friends and his incredible sense of humor. 

Calling hours are Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford (please assemble at the entrance gate). 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Genesee Senior Foundation, in care of Genesee County Office of the Aging, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.