Obituaries

Corfu - Allan M. Starkweather, 74, passed away on November 30, 2022.

Allan was born in Batavia on January 29, 1948, son of the late Clyde and Wilma Potter Starkweather. He was the brother of the late Sandra Thomas.

Allan graduated from Pembroke High School in 1966 and from SUNY Geneseo in 1970.

Allan taught Sixth grade at the Corfu Intermediate School from 1970-1971. He then worked for Jay E. Potter Lumber in Corfu from 1971-1978. He lived in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1978-2001. In Las Vegas, he worked for Von Tobel’s Home Center from 1978-1985. He was then the Safety Director at Houston Lumber Company in Las Vegas from 1986-2001. Allan returned to Corfu and worked for Jay E. Potter from 2001 until his retirement in 2010.

Allan has been the Village of Corfu historian and Town of Pembroke Co-historian since 2003. He has written many local historical brochures and co-authored a Town of Pembroke History Book in 2012.

Allan liked local history, model trains and railroading. He was a member of the Pembroke Historical Society since 1999, Brick House Fair Committee since 2002, Genesee County Historians since 2003 and secretary since 2014, government appointed Historians of WNY since 2008, The New Society of the Genesee History Group since 2008 and The Holland Land Office since 2012. He was also a member of The Toy Train Operating Society since 1970, the Lionel Collectors Club since 1973, The Silver State Train Club of Las Vegas since 1992 and the National Railroad Historical Association since 2003.

Allan was a Commissioner of the Corfu Fire District from 2004-2011, Member of the Corfu Fire Department from 1964-1978 and from 2006-present day, and on the Corfu Zoning Board of Appeals. He was on the Board of Directors of the Genesee County Baseball Club (Muckdogs) since 2004. He was a lifelong member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church.

Allan is survived by his aunt, Alice Dix and several cousins.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu, NY at 1 PM. Allan will be buried in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu,
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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159, Corfu, NY 14036 or to the Corfu Fire Department, PO Box 418, Corfu, NY 14036.

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

Patrick Daniel Sullivan of LeRoy, NY, born 8/1/1949 in Rochester, died surrounded by his loved ones on 12/7/2022 also in Rochester.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Kathleen; his three sons, Brendan (Rebecca Rose), Daniel (Melissa Carll) and Kian (Julian Shaw); his two granddaughters, Kate Sullivan and Alice Sullivan; his sisters, Maureen Sullivan, Carol Coonan (Jamie) and Kathleen Grimsland (Henry), as well his wife’s siblings, Sharon Monaco (Larry), Robert Chesser (Susan) Mary Ellen Holmes (Tim), Nancy Wickham (Frank), and Margaret Chesser; his brothers in-law, Gary Stevens and Gus Kahwati; plenty of nieces and nephews, lots of cousins and many dear friends.

     Patrick was a devoted father and husband. He was loved by those who knew him for his quick wit and sense of humor. Patrick attended MCC in his youth and joined Gamma Chi Fraternity and made many longtime friends.  Patrick was a lifelong patriot and served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from October 1970 to October 1971, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Through a stroke of fortune on St. Patrick’s Day 1980, he met the love of his life, Kathleen. They were engaged in 17 days and married by October of the same year. Their marriage lasted for 42 beautiful years. They were blessed with three amazing sons. He is finally at peace after a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. He will be missed by us all, but we are glad he can finally rest.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, Dec. 12 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.  Interment with military honors will follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in his name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.Org), LeRoy Ambulance Service, or American Legion Post #576.

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

Corfu ~ Michael Craig Mairose, age 65, of South Lake Road, passed away on December 7, 2022 in the loving presence of his family.

Michael proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Okinawa during Operation Frequent Wind; this was the final phase in evacuation of American Civilians and at risk Vietnamese from Saigon, South Vietnam before the North Vietnamese took over the city during the last days of the Vietnam war.  He served as a Culinary Specialist while aboard ship. He took his knowledge and love for cooking along with his attention to detail to the VA Medical Center where he was a Food Service Supervisor. During that time he joined the Army Reserve. He retired after 37 years of service from the VA; in retirement, his passion for caring for others brought him to the Clarence Senior Center where he was loved by all. 

Mike loved to spend time with family and enjoyed traveling, camping, and exploring new parks. He loved to cheer on the Bills and host parties with friends and family to watch the game. He had a unique but amazing sense of humor which he shared with all. He was always there to help others and lend a generous hand to those who needed it. He was cared for by his children and his partner, Kathie. In his final moments he was surrounded by those who loved him. He was a loving father and grandfather who will surely be missed by all.

He will be sadly missed by his father, Raymond (Linda) Mairose, partner, Kathie Oviatt; daughter, Sara (Herlan) Manurung; son, Michael Mairose (Ashley); grandchildren, Ella, Norah and Miles Manurung; siblings, Melanie (Michael) Cox, Pamela (Steven) Alban and Linda (Joe) Taormino; the mother of his children, Laurie Mairose, along with nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother, Ella Mae, Michael was predeceased by his loved ones; Brad Mairose, Rodney Mairose and Dale Morrison.

Family and friends are invited to attend his military honors which are to be held on Thursday, December 15 at 10:00 A.M. at the Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd, Corfu, NY 14036. Luncheon to follow at BW’s Restaurant, 11070 Perry Rd, Pavilion, NY 14525.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mairose Family to create a memorial bench in Michael’s honor in Genesee County Park.

            A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Genesee County Park.

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

Jessie Mae Montes Torres of Tampa Florida passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Highland Hospital after a courageous fight with cancer.
Jessie was born in Batavia on August 6, 1983, the daughter of Blaze (Tommie) Parker and Elvin Montes.
Jessie is survived by her husband Dannie and son Lion and her parents, brothers Joseph, RaeShawn, Ryan, and sister Lois. In addition, she has many aunts and uncles, and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of life will be held for Jessie on Saturday 12/10/22 at LeRoy United Methodist Church,11:30 - 12:30 visitation of family and friends,12:30 service and reception to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Highland Hospital Palliative Care, 1000 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620.

LeRoy ~ Barbara Ann Knitter, age 74, of Randall Road, passed away unexpectedly at home early Thursday morning, December 8, 2022.

     Barbara was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She was a very caring person and a wonderful homemaker. Barbara cherished her family, granddogs, baking, camping and the holidays. 

     She will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted husband of 53 years, Patrick Knitter; daughters, Beth Knitter (John Frank) and Erin (Lacee) Griffith; siblings, Albert “Fran” (Jane Dewberry) Peterson, Timothy Elmore and Gail (Jerry) Blair; In-laws, Peter Knitter, Gail (Jim) Horne, Thomas (Janice) Knitter, David (Fran) Knitter and Julie Knitter, along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

     Barbara was predeceased by her loved ones; Eugene “Gene” Elmore, Elmer (Grace) Knitter, Joanne Knitter, Suzanne Lenhard and Michael Knitter.

     Family and friends are invited to her Rite of Christian Burial to be held on Friday, Dec. 16 at 11:00 AM at St. Martin de Porres Parish at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 99 Main Street, Scottsville, N.Y.  Interment will be private in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Lake Plains Dialysis, 587 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, NY 14482

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

Ronald was a longtime member of Akron Fire Department, as well as the Warsaw and Silver Springs Fire Departments. He owned and operated Bug Be Gone in St. Petersburg, FL. Ronald was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan and loved WWE and he would argue with anyone that it was real.

He is survived by his sons, James (Nicole) Gayton, Andrew (Lindsay McKenzie) Gayton, sisters, Madeline McCready, Doreen (Scot) Wright all of Batavia; 5 granddaughters, Alexis, Paige, Payton, Aria and Brynn, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to call on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 14 at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Warsaw Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Senior Center at the Genesee County Office of the Aging, 2 Bank St. Batavia, NY 14020 or the East Pembroke Fire Department 8655 Barrett Dr. Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 43 years, Deborah (Cranmer) Stott; children Jason (Sharalyn) Stott, Justin (Rachel) Stott, and Jaime (Wade) Smith; sister Jeannie (Todd) Baham; Mother in law Nancy Sherbert; brother in law Cliff Willey; nieces and nephews. He was also an extremely proud Pop-Pop to his grandchildren Adalyn Stott, Kaylie Stott, Emelia Stott, Olive Smith and Isaac Smith who will miss him deeply.

Bill was friendly, warm, and able to easily strike up a conversation with anyone he met. A people-person through and through, he worked as an electronics technician for many years. If he wasn’t working or spending time with his family, Bill enjoyed perfecting his golf game, shooting pool with buddies, attending sporting events, and cheering on his favorite New York and Baltimore teams.

Bill drew people to him with his sense of humor, energetic nature, and ability to always laugh at a silly joke. He enjoyed telling stories about his time spent overseas while enlisted in the US Navy and growing up on Long Island, and always wanted to hear what was new with others, too. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the wonderful nurses at the Batavia Veterans Hospital CLC Unit who went above and beyond in their care of Bill during his last days.

There will be no prior calling hours and the services will be held privately. Bill will be laid to rest in Western New York National Veterans Cemetery in Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Activities Fund at the NYS Veterans Nursing Facility 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Bergen - Donna R. Pringle , 79  of Bergen passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022, peacefully surrounded by her loving family in Bergen, NY.

Donna was born Friday, March 19th, 1943 in Brockport, New York, daughter of the late Merton Reynolds and Ethel D John. She married Richard A Pringle, in January 1962. Donna graduated from Byron-Bergen Central Schools and later became a licensed hairdresser. She worked for Gilette/Sullivan insurance in Bergen and later as an associate for Wegmans in Brockport, until her retirement. 

She was active in the community as a member of the Bergen United Methodist Church, and the Gillam Grant Community Center. Donna enjoyed painting, gardening, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends. Donna was a wonderful grandmother that loved spoiling and playing with her grandchildren and new great-grandbaby, Ella 

Surviving are her children, Rich (Susan) Pringle and Deb Klieger; grandchildren, Richard (Taty) Klieger, Sarah Klieger, and Samuel Pringle; brothers, Richard Reynolds, Gary (Bernie) Reynolds, and Jim (Robin) Reynolds; sister, Sharon (John) Lohman and many nieces and nephews. 

Donna is predeceased by her husband, Richard A. Pringle; parents, Ethel D John and Merton Reynolds, and special friend, Tom Fischer. 

Burial will be at Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Friends and family are welcome to a celebration of life following the burial from 1 P.M. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rose Garden.  Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen, NY.

In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, Donna insisted that everyone perform a random act of kindness, in her memory.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

She is survived by her step-children; David (Sandra) Demarse and Denise Demarse of AZ; brother Robert J. (Sonja) Poorten of Walworth, NY; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Mrs. Demarse got her Master’s Degree from Canisius College. She began her career as a math teacher and went on to finish as a guidance counselor in the Buffalo City Schools, she was also a member of the Buffalo Teachers Union Board. Mrs. Demarse was a member of Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, most recently as Treasurer, she was very passionate about the GOMOC. She enjoyed actively volunteering in the community. Faith was a big part of her life, she was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia.

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday December 9, 2022 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:00PM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday December 10^th at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern 121 N. Main St. suite 311 Albion, NY 14411. 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.

Edgar J. Hollwedel age 91, passed away at home on December 5^th, 2022. 

     He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Louise; his children, John (Sheila), Robert (Jodi); step-children, Elaine (Robert Reyes) Shell, Eric Shell, Walter Shell and Jonathan (Lisa) Shell; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

     There will be no prior calling hours.  Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

     Memorials may be made to Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion or Genesee Community College, in Batavia.

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

LeRoy ~ In loving memory of James Edward Leach, age 64, who passed away on December 5, 2022 at home.

     James will be remembered for his love of family.  Being with them was his biggest joy in life.

He will be sadly missed by Deanna Leach, Tiffany Macey; brothers, Raymond Leach Jr., Michael Leach and Dontist Hunt; sisters, Sandra Leach, Sharon Leach, Alecia Futch, Tasheenia Bennett (Wright), Yolanda Henderson and Patty Infante, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Joyce Leach.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, December 9 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held at 4:00 PM. 

     Contributions in memory of James are suggested to his family.

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

Mrs. Allison was born May 11, 1962 in Batavia a daughter of the late Carmon and Muriel (O'Connor) Parise.

Sara was an avid bingo player, often attending games at the Alabama Fire Hall. She enjoyed going to basket raffles and flea markets, where she was a vendor of handmade jewelry for a number of years. Mrs. Allison liked to color and spend time with her family and friends.

Her husband, Nelson E. Allison and her son Nelson E. Allison, II precede her in death.

Surviving are her children, Justin Cowell of Albion, Ratana Allison of Albion, April (Christopher Bisig) Allison of Batavia, and Christopher (Samantha Barker) Allison of Corfu; step-daughter, Katy Allison of Albion; grandchildren, Danielle, Aidan, Dilon, Malachy, Chaston, Lily, Adara, Logan, Levin, and Lukas, who is expected any day; brothers, Daniel (Deborah) Parise of Florida, and Timothy Parise of Florida. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A celebration of life is being planned for spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Don was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Darl (Gillette) Ryan, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandy & George Bower, nephew, Edwin Bower and siblings, jerry, Betty, Russell, Fredy and Lucille Ryan. 

Survived by his son, Kevin (Elaine) Ryan of Holley; daughter, Kelly Ryan Valente of Batavia; grandchildren, LeeAnna (Dan) SanFilippo, Nicholas (Carmen) Valente, Jesse (Ashleigh) Valente; great-grandchildren, Ryan SanFilippo, Michael Vito Valente, Josefina Lynn Valente, Salina Rose Valente; several nieces, nephews, cousins. 

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 Route 31, Holley, NY., on Sunday December 11, from 1:00-4:00pm followed by his funeral service at the funeral home at 4:00pm.  Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring with military honors. 

Memorials may be made to the Holley fire Dept. 7 Thomas St. Holley, NY 14470. 

To share a special memory of Don, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfunealhomes.com 

He was born on September 30, 1932 in Westerly, Rhode Island, a son of the late Walter Coon and Beatrice (Hunt) Coon. Mr. Coon married the former Phyllis Sue Jewell on December 18, 1971. The couple had two daughters and resided in Wyoming, NY for more than 40 years. In 1973 Mr. Coon graduated from the Elohim Bible Institute. Mr. Coon worked as a lineman for National Fuel Gas, retiring in 1995 following 30 years of service. A man of strong faith, Mr. Coon was a member of the East Shelby Community Bible Church. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed biking. Mr. Coon was also an avid letter writer, enjoyed photography and reading history books, magazines and especially the Bible.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of over 50 years, Sue Coon; daughters, Sue Ellen (Ben) Clark and Amy (Levi) Olsen; four grandchildren, Natalia, Elise, Lillian and Josiah Olsen; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by six siblings, Walter Coon, Susan Mosseau, Bernie Campbell, Grace Coon, Herb Coon and Beverly “Belle” McCarthy.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 5PM at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 E. Shelby Rd., Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Janell is survived by her parents, Robert G. and Michelle J. (Worthington) Wood, her best friend and sister Diane J. (Chris J.) (Wood) Deleo, beloved brother Eric R. (Caryn L.) (Burk) Wood, and cherished nephews, Justin and Joel Deleo. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Janell is predeceased by her grandparents, George and Elinor Wood and Donald and Elaine Worthington. 

Janell was a patient and kind servant to the Lord. She was a favorite and trusted babysitter to many local families who all loved and cared for her deeply. She was extraordinarily generous and giving to family, friends, and strangers alike. An active servant at Northgate Free Methodist Church, she frequently volunteered with childcare services, and always unselfishly offered her time and talents to those in need. 

Janell loved growing up on the farm and being involved in 4-H while showing cows at the Genesee County Fair. She continued that love by always helping her nephews prepare their animals for the Fair as well. She loved playing cards with her family, going to ESP tractor pulls, and watching basketball; especially her favorite team Syracuse. She was also an avid supporter of both of her nephews in all of their many teams and activities. 

Janell was extremely thoughtful, dependable, and a person that everyone could rely on. She thought of everyone else before herself. She is and will forever be profoundly missed by all those who knew and loved her. 

Friends may call on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday at 1 pm at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street, Road. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Janell’s name may be made to Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia, the Genesee County 4-H Dairy Club care of CCE of Genesee County, or The Arthritis Foundation. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.