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Obituaries

Jeanette Burgel

By Lisa Ace

Jeanette Burgel, 91, of Basom, NY passed away at United Memorial Medical Center, Wednesday, December 28, 2022.
Her husband William passed in June of 2020.

She is survived by her only child Claranne Burgel of Batavia, her four grandchildren Rhiannon Hawley (Brooks) of Batavia,  Jonathan Burgel of Basom, Jacob Burgel of Batavia and Jesse Russell of Basom. She is also survived by her five great grandchildren Ayla, Troy and Quinn of Batavia and Kaylee and William of Basom. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorials and donations may be made to the family in her honor. 

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Robert D. "Bob" Eschenlauer

By T.J. Woodward

Robert D. “Bob” Eschenlauer, 59, of Batavia passed away on December 29, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on January 24, 1963 to Donald Eschenlauer and the late Yvonne (Mulvihill) Eschenlauer.

In addition to his father, Bob is survived by his wife of 41 years; Theresa “Momma” (Ammirati) Eschenlauer and all of his children; Crystal (Eschenlauer) and Mark Gutman, Patricia “Pattie” (Eschenlauer) and Thomas De Salvo, Jessica Eschenlauer, Brian Eschenlauer, Robert “Robbie” Eschenlauer, Sophia Eschenlauer and Nicole Saeli, his grandchildren; Brianna Gutman, Luke Gutman, Cristian De Salvo, Gracie Eschenlauer, Aubrey Eschenlauer, and Layla Saeli, his beloved dog; Spider, grandpuppy; Blew, his siblings; Ronald (Luann) Eschenlauer, Donald (Rita) Eschenlauer, Dawn Yarington and Robin (Walt Hale) Eschenlauer, and many nieces and nephews.   

Bob loved the Miami Dolphins, video games, music, snowmobiling, gardening, being outside barefoot in nature and hanging out with his friends. Those closest to him, you know who you are.

Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or Services. He wouldn’t want anyone to fuss. There will be a Celebration of Life party outside in the summer, place, date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Robert G. Haynes

By T.J. Woodward

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Robert G. Haynes, 93, of Attica passed away on December 30, 2022. He was born September 27, 1929 in Norwich, NY to the late G. Arthur Haynes and Lucile (Torrey) Haynes. He is predeceased by his wife Betty (Abendschein) Haynes in 2009.

He graduated from high school in 1947 from the Ross Street High School in Batavia. Robert was a part of the Korean War where he served as a paratrooper with 13 jumps. He worked for Ford Motor Co, Lockheed aircraft in California, and retired from O&K Trojan in 1990. He held offices in Citizens Lodge #309, IOOF and Masonic Lodge #462 in Attica.

Robert is survived by his sister Ruby (Ronald) DeMay of Greenville, TN, sons William, Larry Haynes of Florida, step children David (Diane) Van Valkenburg of Attica, Cathie (late Dennis) Turton of West Seneca, Peggy (William) Simons of Attica, Violet (Arthur) Allen of Seneca Falls, and many nieces, nephews, grand and great grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Attica Rescue Squad at 11 Water Street, Attica, NY 14011 or the New York State Veterans Home at 220 Richmond Ave, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Joan Blyth

By LaVern Falcone

Stafford, N.Y. ~ Joan Blyth, age 88, of Horseshoe Lake Road, passed away early Friday morning (December 30, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital.     

 

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   She was born May 11, 1934 in Bethlehem, PA, a daughter of the late James and Helen Johnson Blyth.

     Joan will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, who was very proud of her World War II research work.  She, along with a historian, researched the “B-29 Bomb Group”, which ultimately brought many veterans and their families together.  Joan worked for the Princeton Theological Seminary for many years as a secretary.  She had a love for all animals, especially wolves and was an avid reader.

     She is survived by her daughters, Donna L. Voorhees and Tracey L Collins (Ken); son, John M. Stahl (Diane); grandchildren, Christopher J. Voorhees (Chelsea), Travis A. Voorhees (Maria), Sarah C. Cliff and Heather M. Kasprzak; great-granddaughters, Rileigh E. Voorhees and Athena S. Voorhees, along with her feline companion, Fred.

     A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a future date in New Jersey.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Lollypop Farm or Lakota Wolf Preserve.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Joan’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Murray "Mickey" W. Morrow, III

By Joshua Smith

Murray “Mickey” W. Morrow III, of Batavia passed away December 25, 2022 at UMMC. Mickey was born July 18, 1951 in Batavia, NY to Murray and Donna Morrow, one of eight siblings.  Mickey was pre-deceased by his father, Murray, his brother, Danny, and his hunting buddy Uncle John.  Mickey is survived by his mother Donna Morrow, his loving wife Diane Morrow, his children Kristen Saeva of LeRoy, Karrie Morrow of Batavia, Kati Morrow (Dustin Bulbuena) of Pavilion, Kyle Morrow (Rachael Blackshear) of Stafford, 13 grandchildren (two of which, Jayden and Sinciera lived with him and Diane for years) and step daughters Jennifer Blaszak and Katie (Scott) Neff.

Mickey was a large man, both in stature and heart, and his family was blessed to live under the umbrella of his bigger than life personality.  His humor and strength were only surpassed by his tenacity to love…and love us he did.  From a young age his children felt the love and protection of the man who would be their rock for the duration of their lives.  He went on to be that same force in the lives of his grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to teach them how to live life to the fullest.  He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and just be outside.  His children often shared in these activities with him, in the early years just so they could spend more time with their Dad, in their later years because they truly shared in the love of the outdoors that he instilled in them.

Mickey graduated from Batavia High School and lived nearly his entire life in Batavia. Far reaching beyond his immediate family, he was a respected man in his community.  He had a lengthy career working for the Town of Batavia Water Department where he was valued for his knowledge and experience.  While Mickey was a man’s man through and through, it should be noted that there are those who thought his culinary skills exceeded his hunting skills, particularly his bread pudding and strawberry jam.  He never met a stranger and was always ready to help those in need of his support.  Mickey was truly one of the good guys.

In the last years of his life, Mickey fought a battle with cancer that he endured with the same strength that he lived his life with.  He was a strong man who didn’t want the end of his life to be overshadowed with his sickness and we can attest that he kept us all laughing until the end.  His wife, his children, his mother, his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews (who secretly call him their favorite uncle), and his many cousins are left with a hole in their lives because he was always so large for them.   

Family and friends may call Friday January 6, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Mickey's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

James H. Peters

By T.J. Woodward

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  James H. Peters, age 82, of Perry, passed away Sunday December 25, 2022 at the LeRoy Village Green where he had been residing. He was born in Franklinville, NY on March 26, 1940 a son to the late Ralph B. and Florence M. (Beach) Peters. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a son: Jerry Peters who passed away in 2021

Jim was a bus driver for the Wyoming County Transit where he was known as driver #1. He was a former volunteer for the Pike Fire Department, and former Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed trapping, hunting snowmobiling, crafting, playing cards and board games and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.

He survived by his companion of 36 years Andrea L. MacGonegal of LeRoy, 4 daughters: Lisa (Scott) Falkner of LeRoy, Judith (Robert) Wilson of Frenchburg, Kentucky, Ahrena Dean of Florida, Michele Garman of Webster, 2 sons: James B. Peters Sr. of Attica, James R. (Angela) Peters of Warsaw, his beloved pet dog: Toby, brother John Peters of Wisconsin, Grandchildren James B. Peters Jr., Bethany E. Peters, Abigail M. Peters, Joshua M. Peters, Shanna R. (Dave) Nieman, Kevin E. (Ashley) MacGonegal, Courtney L. MacGonegal, Robert (Wendy) Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Walter (Kashen) Wilson along with many other grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Friday December 30th at the Perry Fireman’s Building located in the Perry Village Park in Perry from 12-4PM.

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.

Michael P. Beedham

By T.J. Woodward

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Michael P. Beedham, 64, of Attica passed away on December 28, 2022. He was born October 18, 1958 in Batavia, to the late George E. Beedham and Marilyn Sprague Beedham. He is predeceased by his step son Zachary Pope and brother Kevin Beedham.

He joined the U.S. Army, worked for Chapins, Adesa and Attica Bus Service.

He always had funny jokes and a winning smile following him around. He loved football, the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. Mike was always active, bowling, golfing, baseball, fishing, and hunting with his pal Bob. Drag racing or wrestling on TV was a great pass time towards the end.

Michael is survived by his wife Janice, children Meridith, Hailey, James, brothers Dennis (Dayle) Beedham, Brian (Cindy) Beedham and his grandchildren, Vivian, Violet and Landon.

There will be no prior calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. 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.

G. Shirley Brei

By Lisa Ace


Shirley Brei came to the end of her journey here on earth this day of December 24. 2022 at the age of 83. She was born in Attica, NY to Robert and Gladys Kirby, raised in Attica and graduated from Batavia Notre Dame High School and Mercy School of Nursing in Buffalo, NY. She started her career as a Registered Nurse at Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo and after marrying and moving to Rochester, she held nursing positions at Genesee Hospital, Brockport’s Lakeside Memorial Hospital, and the Fairport Baptist Home, along with several private duty assignments. She ended her career as a full-time nurse in the Apheresis Unit of the American Red Cross.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sisters, Ada Kennerson, Irene Eagan, Mary Janes and brother, Edward A. Kirby. Surviving her is her loving husband of 60 years, Thomas E. Brei, her daughter, Teri (Robert) Weir, three sons: Timothy (Gerilynn) Brei, Douglas (Lisa) Brei and Jeffrey (Tammy) Brei, along with seven grandchildren: Timothy, Avery, Thomas, Magdalena and McKinley Brei, and Erica and Elaina Weir. Also surviving are her brother Robert (Maureen) Kirby and in-laws Mary (Ronald) Merle, Leanne (Richard) Preston and Elizabeth Brei, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Most important in her life was Tom, their many get-togethers with her close-knit family, and the special relationships that she had with all of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed wintering in Florida, making jewelry, playing golf, and traveling throughout the USA.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Jan. 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, January 4 at 11:15 a.m. at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Avenue, Fairport, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name will be greatly appreciated by Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Louise Condello

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Louise Condello, age 65, of Batavia passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness.

Louise was born Sunday, April 14th, 1957 in Batavia, daughter of the late Frank Condello and Rose (Talone) Condello. 

Louise was a faithful member of Resurrection Parish. She was an avid bowler and loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills.  Louise graduated from Batavia High School in 1975.  After graduation she was an office employee at the former Jubilee Foods and Super Duper in Batavia for many years.

Louise is survived by her cousins in the Condello, Talone and DiSalvo families.  

There are no prior visiting hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Monday, January 2nd, 2023 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Mausoleum, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Rudolph A. Bosse, Sr.

By Lisa Ace

Celebration of life for 89 year old proud Army veteran, Rudolph A. Bosse, Sr., who passed away peacefully on December 26, 2022.

Rudy is predeceased by many brothers and sister.

Rudy lived an active life with his family and was hard working. He enjoyed family, farming, hunting, baseball, bowling swimming, music (mostly polkas) and playing the accordion. He was well loved and respected by many. A good husband and respected father. Rudy retired from Buffalo Crushed Stone.

Rudy is survived by his loving and caring wife, Patricia A. Bosse (Lorka). Their seven children; Catherine Bosse (Ken), Rudolph (Judy) Bosse, Jr., Patricia (Norm) Humel, Anthony (Donna) Bosse, Thomas (Georgine) Bosse, Jennifer Bosse (Paul) and Christopher Bosse (Tina); many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren; brothers George Bosse and William Bosse and sister Barb Beal. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Monday, January 2, 2023 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 3rd from the mortuary at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at 11 a.m. at the Western New York National Cemetery.

Mr. Roger P. Martin

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Roger P. Martin, age 95, passed away on December 26, 2022.

He was the son of the late George E. and Blanche Patterson Martin.

He served in the United States Navy during World War II.

He is predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Nancy D. Martin.

Roger is survived by his children, David and Melanie; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren

As per his request, there will not be any calling hours or services. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Hamilton

By T.J. Woodward

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  Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Hamilton, 59, of Batavia, NY went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 26, 2022. She was born on October 31, 1963 in Buffalo, the daughter of the late Harold E. and Alieen B. (Young) Leiser. She was predeceased by her dear sister; Diane L. Koehler.

Elizabeth is the surrogate daughter to John and Kathleen; surrogate sister to April (Steven); surrogate aunt to Ellyjah, Abygail, Makenzy, and Addyson.

She was cared for by many wonderful people at the group homes she lived at, in Oakfield and Batavia. She loved attending The Arc in Batavia where she had many friends, and was cared for by great staff. In honor of Elizabeth's love for Minnie Mouse, the family is requesting that you wear pink, red, black, and white to her service. Elizabeth was good at doing what Minnie Mouse loves to say, "Remember, you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine."

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday January 3, 2023 from 2:00-4:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 4:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. Betsy will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Arc GLOW www.arcglow.org. 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.

Christine L. Vescovi

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Christine Luise Vescovi, age 83, passed away at the home of her son, while under hospice care, in Inverness, FL on Sunday, December 25, 2022.

   

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  She was born June 10, 1939 in Karlsruhe, Germany, a daughter of the late Georg Johann Maier and Luise Margarete Klopper and immigrated to the United States in 1958.

     Chris was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She worked for the U S Postal Service for 26 years, retiring in 1999.  She continued employment with NYS Thruway Authority for 19 years until retiring in 2018.  She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, bingo and casino trips.  She was also an avid NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan.  She was a member of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary for 55 years.

     She will be sadly missed by her children, Chrissie (Jim) Williamson of LeRoy, Donald (Pam) Miller of Florida, Karen (Vincent) Syracuse of LeRoy, Ursula (Dan Norman) Isaac of LeRoy, Kip (Denise) Vescovi and John (Barb) Vescovi, both of LeRoy; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ursula Jene of Germany; along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Donald Clark Vescovi in 2018 and her brother, Peter Maier.

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

     Contributions in memory of Chris are suggested to the American Legion Post #576, Ladies Auxiliary, 53 West Main Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Christine’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Dennis I. DeVelder (June 21, 1983 - December 24, 2022)

By Joshua Smith

Rochester/Bergen - Dennis Ivan DeVelder, 39, took his last breath on Christmas Eve morning, with the loves of his life (his wife, Lacy and daughter Jaden) by his side on 4-1200 at Strong Memorial Hospital. Dennis was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008 and spent every day since truly living. He earned an associate’s and then a bachelor’s degree, worked in development and finance at the Villa of Hope, took numerous vacations, spent time with friends, and most importantly, had the opportunity to raise his amazing daughter. It was Dennis’s wish to see Jaden, who was only 4 years old at the time of his diagnosis, graduate from high school, which she did in June 2022. It was with great pride that he hosted her graduation party celebration in the summer and helped her move into the dorms at St. Bonaventure in the fall. They just celebrated the completion of her first college semester.

Dennis loved running, playing ice hockey, golfing, and anything sports-related: watching games, reading stats, talking sports, drafting and managing fantasy teams, and since made possible in NYS, betting on games. He especially loved the Buffalo Sabres (even through the many, many seasons of rebuilding), the Mets, and the (San Diego) Chargers. He laughed the loudest playing poker with the guys at Steve’s and playing Fortnite with Dan, Cory, and Blue. He was an incredible husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Dennis was brave and underwent numerous treatments over the last 14.5 years always with the goal of living as long as possible with a good quality of life. Dennis was literally, “happy to be alive” each day. He hoped that others could find the appreciation for life and health that he had and not begrudge the process of getting older but instead, realize that aging is a privilege.

Dennis “Denny” was pre-deceased by his mother, Denise Dugan (Viavattine) and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lacy Morgan-DeVelder, his daughter, Jaden Rose, and his sweet and needy chihuahua, Riley. Dennis was well-loved and is also survived by his dad, Brian Dugan (Laurie), brothers Scott (Lisa) and Steve, and sister Darcy (Gavin) Greco. Dennis is also survived by his father, Michael DeVelder, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

It was Dennis’s wish to have a private, graveside service. We hope that those who were impacted by Dennis will celebrate his life through the sharing of stories and special attention to really living your life now (take the trip, eat the ice cream, meet up with the friends you’ve been meaning to see). A chance for family and friends to gather and celebrate his incredible life will be planned and announced in the future.

Special thanks to Dr. Nimish Mohile, Jen Serventi, and Bethann Sayers who cared for Dennis since he was diagnosed. Hugs and gratitude to all of the providers at SMH ED, 8-1200, and 4-1200 who took exceptional care of Dennis and his family in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Coop Cup for Brain Cancer Research (www.coopcup.com).

Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle for Dennis at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Gregory D. Lewis

By Lisa Ace


Lewis-Gregory D. of Alden, NY passed away December 24, 2022.  Beloved husband of Mary Ellen (Keizer) Lewis; dear father of Rick (Rebecca Flanders) Lewis and Ryan (Amanda) Lewis;loving son of Lois and the late David Lewis; brother of Larry (Betty) Lewis, Johnny Lewis and the late Sheri (Thom) Kaminski; son-in-law of Dorothy and the late Robert Keizer; brother-in-law of Gary (late Linda) Caccamise, Marilyn (David) Grinnell, Jack (Carrie) Caccamise and Kathy (late Joe) Trigilio; also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.  Family will be present at the Charles Meyer Funeral Home, 13228 Broadway Alden, NY Friday, December 30th from 4-6:45 PM with a prayer service following at 6:45 PM.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com.

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