Obituaries

Elaine enjoyed playing Bingo and cards, especially pinochle and relaxing while reading romance novels. She had a passion for the outdoors, hiking, camping, fishing with family, waterfalls, photography and parks. Elaine was an animal lover, from horses to goats and golden retrievers. Her greatest joy was the deep love she had for her family.

Elaine is survived by her beloved husband, Francis E. Fuest Jr, her children, Brenda A. (Kevin) Rosel of Clarence, Francis J. Fuest of Batavia, Timothy J. Fuest of Bennington, granddaughter, Isabel Rosel of Clarence and brother Eugene P. Zola of Cave Junction, OR.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bennington Volunteer Fire Company Rescue Squad 1353 RT 354, Attica, NY 14011. To leave thoughts or a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the scheduled visitation and funeral mass on November 17 & 18 for Joan F. Staats has been postponed to a future date to be determined and announced.

Chad was born Monday, October 26th, 1987 in Rochester, a son of Beth Cekuta Beale of Elba and the late Carl Zawistowski.

An avid hunter, Chad enjoyed being out on the water kayaking, traveling with family and friends and playing rugby.  He was generous, selfless, kind and was always the life of the party. Chad had the biggest heart and motivated others around him to be better people. He adored his wife and sons and will be remembered for being "all things good".

Surviving along with his mother is his wife, Abby Zawistowski of Elba; his sons, Sawyer A. Zawistowski and Elias A. Zawistowski, both of Elba; his siblings, Adam (Meghan) Zawistowski of Chili, Sarah (Greg) Garcia of Hilton and Jacob Beale of Elba; his grandfather, Albert Cekuta of Gates, several aunts and uncles including Kevin (Val) Cekuta of Webster and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm  at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, New York where Chad's memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 19th, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Young Life - Genesee County Office, P.O. Box 614, Bergen, New York 14416.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in Chad's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Madeline was born October 3, 2007 in Cortland, New York, a daughter of Sarah (Pat) Fedus and Tom Bartz.

Madeline’s passion was cheerleading. She also loved the arts: singing, dancing, performing, drawing and painting. You could also find her outdoors: climbing trees, riding her cousin’s horses, skateboarding with friends, catching (and “training”) frogs and other nature’s creatures. She loved animals, especially her dogs, Zeus and Elaina, and ferrets, Luna and Bear.  Madeline was spunky, loved the spotlight, and goofy. She loved to laugh and make others laugh.  Madeline will be remembered for putting everyone's feelings before her own and being a wonderful source of strength for others.

Surviving along with her parents are her brothers, Alex Bartz, Jackson Bartz, Derrick Fedus, sisters Natalie Bartz and Kyra Fedus, grandparents, Ruth Watkins, Richard Watkins, Tom and Betty Bartz, Joe and Loretta Fedus and her many loving cousins, aunts and uncles. Other loving family members to be included are Kimberlie Miller and the Miller family.

Family and friends are invited to call on November 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, where Madeline's funeral will be held at 10:00 am on November 23.  

Madeline's family is asking that you wear bright colors to her funeral to honor her life: a last wish of Madeline’s. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/.  

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

Arrangements for Madeline were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Pavilion ~ Joseph F. Falcone Jr., age 71, of Perry Road, passed away early Friday morning (November 12, 2021) at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw.

     Joe will be remembered as a very kind and loving person, who served 23 years with the National Guard and retired from the NYS Dept. of Corrections with over 30 years of service reaching the rank of lieutenant.  He was an avid hunter and participated in league shooting competitions.  He was also a member of the Moose, St. Nicks Club, Batavia VFW and American Legion Post 332.

     He is survived by his wife, Deborah Lewis-Falcone; his children, Rachel (Brian) Heywood, Joe Falcone and Michelle Falcone; grandchildren, Andrew Frank, Haylee Frank and Madison Heywood; his siblings, James (Carol) Falcone, Jacqueline (Randy) Harding, John (Mary) Falcone and Joan Falcone; sister-in-law, Robyn Falcone, along with an aunt and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Jeffrey.

     Interment in Grandview Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pavilion Fire Dept., P.O. Box 156, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525

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

            She was born July 18, 1936 in Albany, New York, daughter of the late Marian and Francis Henry.

She graduated from Brockport State in 1958 and began teaching physical education for the Indian River school system in Philadelphia, NY. Upon moving back to the Albany area, she taught for two years at Ravena Coeymans and left teaching to start her family. After raising two daughters, she began her career in service to the state of New York as district office manager for State Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley, and concluded her career as an advocate for people with disabilities at NYSDDSO.

     A devoted mother and grandmother who nurtured her daughters’ interests in music, and theater and attended all of her grandsons’ baseball, football, and basketball games, Joan was also an avid reader, swimmer, crossword-puzzler, card-player, and dog lover. She gave her all to so many community organizations, including the Town of Stafford Recreation, the New York State Veterans Home, the LeRoy PTSO, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Republican Women’s Club.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband of 59 years, Berney V. Staats; daughters Marian Staats (Thomas Bowen) and Cindy (Steven) Dumbleton; grandsons Steven and Joshua Dumbleton; and special friend and caretaker Sophie Penepent.

     Joan’s family would like to extend their appreciation to Home Care and Hospice and Johnny’s Angels for the wonderful care of their wife and mother.

     Visitation and services will be announced at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia, NY.

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

Mr. Batchelor was born May 29, 1945 in Batavia, a son of the late Herbert and Doris (Dixon) Batchelor.

John enjoyed hunting, camping, woodworking, traveling, riding his motor cycle, and boating. When not any of that, he was always hard at work.

John was the husband of Carol (Dewey) Batchelor who preceded him in death on August 13, 2009. In addition to his wife and parents, he is predeceased by his son, John Batchelor, Jr., grandsons, Joshua and Nicholas Tracy; his sisters, Dorothy (late Noel "Butch") Elmore, and Shirley Klinkbeil.

Surviving are his daughters, Denise Hargrave of Prattsburg, and Michelle (Thomas & Olivia) Smith of Batavia. Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.   

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, from 12  to 2 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  John 's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at 2 pm at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

He was born July 18, 1981, in Amherst, NY, a son of Karen LeMaster of Batavia and Joseph (Carrie) DiFrancesco of Canada.

Surviving besides his parents are sisters, Angi DiFrancesco, Leah (TJ) Peca and Emily LeMaster, all of Batavia, brother Jimmy (Lindsay) DiFrancesco of Florida, niece and nephews Anthony, Joey, Vinny and Raeven and grandparents Anita Szabo of Amherst, Margaret LeMaster of North Carolina, Bill Szabo of Clarence, and Carol Rowcliffe of Batavia.  He is also survived by numerous loved pets and many cousins, aunts, and uncles - in particular his uncle Joey Szabo of Gasport, who was like a big brother to him.

Danny was a unique soul who found his comfort in music, sports and nature.  He formed easy bonds with kids and animals.  His fun-loving spirit and one-of-a-kind personality gave him an endearing charm to those who knew him.   Danny was a proud member of the Kelsey Road Bangers, and spent countless hours playing hockey, snowboarding, and finding peace near lakes and mountains.  

If you’d like to toast and share some happy memories of Danny, the family will be having a pre-Bills game gathering in his honor at The Caryville patio in Oakfield on November 14th from 11-1pm (informal, please dress for the weather.)  Stay for the game or just stop in for a hug.

In lieu of flowers, a fund is being set-up to sponsor youth hockey players to provide a helping hand with the costs of playing the sport that Danny loved.  To make a donation, you can reach out to the family at leahpeca@gmail.com for details.   

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Valjean Charles Burns passed away in his sleep on Monday November 8, 2021. He was born on January 4, 1936 at the homestead in Shelby, to the late Charles A. and Erma R. (Oliver) Burns.

Valjean graduated from Batavia High School in 1955. He worked in collision until his retirement. He then worked at Whiting Door until he retired again. Valjean was an avid hunter.

Along with his parents, Valjean is predeceased by his brother and sister, his wife and mother of his children; Joy M. (Stout) Burns; his sons Mark and Douglas; his great-granddaughter Willow.

Valjean is survived by his children; Steven (Coralyn) of Avon, Scott (Carolyn) of Basom, Sue Ellen (Andrew) Buckenmeyer of Batavia and Valerie (Gregory) Houseknecht of Oakfield, daughter in law Lori (Bell) Burns; his former wife Judith Burns; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren with one on the way, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours or services at his request.

Memorials may be made to Care-A-Van Ministries, Inc. 4 Lewis Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Mr. Waldron was a proud United States Air Force Veteran. He retired from Kodak. Ben enjoyed Line Dancing and was a member of Senior Moments Biker Club.

He is survived by his sisters, Joyce Harezga of Batavia, Christine Moore of Augusta, GA and Margaret Gilchrist of Orlando, FL; along with many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, November 15, 2021 from 1 to 3 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Frank was born Saturday, February 23rd, 1935 in Shaw, West Virginia a son of the late Stewart Wolford and Sana Wilfong Wolford.

A United States Army Veteran, Frank proudly served his country.  He was the owner and proprietor of Bison Pest Control in Batavia and worked in the pest control industry  for over 45 years.  He enjoyed being in business, but especially enjoyed his ability to cultivate and build relationships with his customers.  An avid hunter who loved the outdoors and all it had to offer.  He and his wife enjoyed taking rides to see the landscape and countryside.  They spent many weekends at their camp in Cherry Grove, Pennsylvania.  Frank was very talented in many facets of life such as carpentry, woodworking, and auto-body work.  He loved country music and was also musically inclined and self-taught.  He had the ability to learn and play many different musical instruments.  

He was a great husband, father and grandfather.  His witty sense of humor and his ability to tell a joke will truly be missed.     

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Gloria J. Harloff Wolford; his children, Todd (Becky) Wolford, Karen (Doug) Kohorst, Trent (Lynn) Wolford and Lori (Rick) Bush; thirteen grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt) Moden, Stephen (Anne) Wolford, Amanda Wolford, Bethany (Andy) Peters, Ashley Kohorst, Brandon Kohorst, Emery Kohorst, Eric Wolford, Alyssa (fiance Dylan Shea) Wolford, Patrick Wolford, Jack Wolford, Lindsay (Brent) Seewald and Travis (Kaiti) Bush and five great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his son, Terry Wolford.

There are no prior visiting hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial, with military honors, will be held at Hillside Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.  To leave condolences, share a story, or light a candle in Frank’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Mrs. Nolan was born Wednesday, August 8th, 1934, in Pembroke, a daughter of the late William H. Stoneham, Sr. and Edna Mae Fritz Stoneham. 

She worked at Kresge’s, Five-and-Dime store in Batavia. After moving to Corfu, she provided day care for roughly 250 children in the Corfu area over a span of 36 years. She enjoyed baking for others, especially cakes for special occasions and Christmas cookies. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Corfu, a lifetime member of Cathie-Wild VFW Post 9000 in Corfu since 1991 and lifetime member of the DAV, Empire State 2. A dedicated volunteer at Crossroads House since the passing of her husband Al, Lorraine was a past member of the Ladies of the Moose and AARP. She will be remembered by many in the area during the holiday season as Mrs. Claus.

She is predeceased by her husband, Almond L. Nolan, I; her granddaughters, Amanda Nolan and Melissa Nolan and her siblings, Robert G. Stoneham, William H. Stoneham, Jr., Charles Stoneham, Verna E. Estabrooks, Lucille M. Pahlka. 

Surviving are her children, Almond L. (Jeannie) Nolan, II of Batavia, David M. (Dorothy) Nolan of Medina, Douglas W. (Marie) Nolan of Ocala, Florida and Janet L. (Neil) Ambrose of Batavia; sisters-in-law, Shirley Stoneham of Corfu and Lorraine Stoneham of Wylie, Texas; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews survive. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, November 13th, 2021, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where Lorraine's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at 1:00 pm.  She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Christopher J. Spencer, 50, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday November 9, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born on December 15, 1970 in Cuba, New York to James R. Spencer and Amy C. (Guilford) Anderson.

Chris was a graduate of Letchworth Central School and attended SUNY Brockport. He worked as a custodian at Byron-Bergen Central School District retiring this past spring.
He was a computer wiz, whether building them, working on them or playing around with his 3D-printer. He also enjoyed working on his cabin. 

Chris is survived by his parents; Amy C. Anderson of Batavia, James (Rose) Spencer of Castile; brothers Scott Spencer of Batavia, Timothy (Erika) Anderson of Castile; step-sisters Dawn (Jeffrey White) Ebner of Silver Springs, Marie (Carrie) Herbert of Centerville, MA., 4 nieces: Lily Anderson, Olivia and Ava Spencer and Alexsis Ebner, 1 nephew: Shae Ebner along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may call from 3-6pm on Friday November 19, 2021 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Funeral Services will follow at 6pm at the Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County 230 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Hunt Stout American Legion Post #1670 P.O. Box 144 Pike, NY 14130. 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.

She was born on July 28, 1935, in Caledonia, a daughter of the late Daniel Buck and Elizabeth Oster Buck.

Viola worked in the business office in the Elba Central School District for many years. She was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Elba for over 50 years where she was a member of the “four-fold” group. She and her husband were members of the “guys and gals club” and upon their retirement enjoyed taking bus tours with their friends.

A member of Godfrey’s Pond for over 50 years, she was a very talented painter who loved to read. She would often be found at the Richmond Memorial Library carrying out an armful of books.  She will be remembered for her zest of life and as a fantastic cook and baker who would enjoy eating the “sweets” she baked. Above all else, she loved being with her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin L. Stokes with whom she celebrated 68 years of marriage; her daughter, Barbara (Jeffrey) Benedict of Rochester; her son-in-law, John Jurs of Albion; her grandsons, Joshua (Robin) Jurs and Jacob (Katherine) Jurs, both of Barre; step-granddaughter, Jennifer Jurs; her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Jurs and Mason Jurs; brother-in-law, Raymond (Shirley) Stokes of East Bethany; sisters-in-law, Esther Johnson of Oakfield, Doris Stokes of East Bethany, Edith Bezon of Byron and Dixie (Charles) Rudolph of Batavia and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Jurs who passed away in 2015 and her siblings, Gordon Buck, Clifford Buck, Robert Buck, Barton Buck, Doris Martin, Alice Soto, Betty Totten and Emeline Macomber.

Friends may call on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at The First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Viola’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Harloff was born August 19, 1930 in Indian Falls, a daughter of the late Clarence and Nora (Thompson) Cook.

She was a former member of the Indian Falls United Methodist Church. She was a devoted mother who cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.   

Leona is the wife of Francis Roy Harloff who predeceased her on November 29, 2006. Leona is also predeceased by her brothers, Calvin (late Irene) Cook, and Stewart (late Ruth) Cook both of California; and her sister, Verna (late Gerry) Reynolds of Corfu.

Surviving are her children, David (MaryAnn) Harloff of Ft. Meyers, Fla., Deborah (Richard) Kleckler Wagner of Batavia, Paul (late Dawn) Harloff of Palmetto, Fla., Robert (Kay) Harloff of Palmetto, Fla., Susie (Tom) Thornton of Ocala, Fla., Sandy Harloff of Palmetto, Fla., Greg (Stacy) Harloff, and Cheryl Harloff both of Palmetto, Fla.; brothers, Dwane (late Shirley) Cook of Lockport, and Elliot (late Cookie) Cook of California. 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and Friends are invited to a graveside service in Grandview Cemetery, Clinton Street Road in Batavia on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m where Leona will be laid to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 4955 North Bailey Avenue, Suite 217, Amherst, New York 14226.

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