Obituaries

LeRoy ~ Kathleen J. Maloy, age 79, of Platt Avenue, passed away Saturday morning April 19, 2025, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia in the loving presence of her family.

     Kathleen was born June 15, 1945, at the family home in Lime Rock, a daughter of the late Calvin and Beulah McLaughlin Pursel.   

  Kathleen will be remembered as a loving and caring mother, wife, sister, Aunt, Great Aunt, and a great friend to so many.  She loved her black labs, Misty, Tank and Benji.  She enjoyed spending time with her sisters and nieces, going to yard sales, shopping, cooking, and dressing up for Halloween. 

     She was loved and will be missed by many great friends, including her good friend and companion, Ross Smythe. 

     Kathleen will be sadly missed by her sister Alberta Hargrave, brother Clifford Pursel, and sisters-in-law; Lynda Pursel and Vera Pursel as well as by many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. 

     In addition to her parents, Kathleen was predeceased by her children, Christine Johnson (infant), Christopher Johnson and Kenneth Johnson, husband Jim Maloy; her sisters, Gladys Hargrave, Margurite Cleveland, Beatrice Pursel (Mack); her brothers, George Pursel and Calvin Pursel; brothers-in-law, Earl Hargrave, Monroe Hargrave, and Clinton Cleveland and sister-in-law, Elizabeth M. “Betty” Pursel.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday April 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  A prayer service will be held immediately following the calling hours and all are invited to the burial grave side service at Machpelah Cemetery. 

     Friends and family are also invited to attend a celebration of life reception at the American Legion in LeRoy immediately following the burial service.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621 Batavia, New York 14021.  Further information can be found at: info@vo14animals.org.

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

Joyce M. Austin, of Elba, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19th, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on Sunday, January 29th, 1928, in Pharr, Texas, Joyce lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication.

Joyce was the cherished wife of the late Lowry M. Austin, with whom she farmed for over 43 years in Elba, creating a home filled with warmth and hospitality. Her devotion to her family was unparalleled, and she will be dearly missed by her children, James M. (Kathleen) Austin, Nancy E. (Kenneth) Miller, and Patricia L. (Richard) Pratowski. She was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren, Matthew J. (Sharrie) Austin, Jennifer M. (Andrew) Holliday, Kevin (Karen) Austin, and Kimberly (Kevin) Ball, and a doting great-grandmother to Kaden and Kaelin Ball. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Henry Derr and LoveLake Frasier Derr, her loving spouse, Lowry M. Austin, and her son, Eugene R. Austin. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Dixie (Gerald) Ancelet, Leola (Harmon) Stoops, Iva Lee (Jeff) Stokes, Henry (Lois) Derr, Albert (Shirley) Derr, Donald Derr, Melvin (Thelma) Derr, Glenn (Maxine) Derr, William (Esther) Derr, and Everett (Beth) Derr.

A member of the Elba United Methodist Church, she found joy in traveling, gardening, reading, bowling, playing cards, and trips to the casino, sharing these passions with her family. Joyce’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the New York State Veterans Home for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Joyce during her time there.

Visitation will be held at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, on Friday, April 25th, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Joyce’s life will be held at Elba United Methodist Church in Elba, 8 Chapel Street, Elba, on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at 1:00 pm. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the Elba United Methodist Church, 8 Chapel Street, PO Box 56, Elba, NY 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

John L Sikora, August 5, 1947 — April 18, 2025, passed away Friday April 18 after a brief illness.
John was born in Amsterdam, NY to Frank and Josephine Sikora. He attended and graduated from St Mary's Institute in Amsterdam, NY. He continued on to the State University at Buffalo and the State University at Brockport with a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. He was employed as a State Parole Officer in Downey, California and Rochester, NY for 32 years. He loved his many lifelong friends and partners he made along the way.

He was a man of faith and a longtime member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia, NY where he was an usher for many years. After moving to Rochester to be closer with his family, he was a member of Our Mother of Sorrows Church.

He loved his best friends, coffee buddies, and his Wednesday card playing gang. There are so many stories of "Circling The Wagons" that will live on forever. He was a New York Yankees, Syracuse Orange, and Buffalo Bills fan. He was a member of the Polish Falcons in Batavia where he tended bar at many Dyngus Day celebrations, as well as a member of the former St Nick's Club.

He loved his grandchildren fiercely and rarely missed any events they participated in. His granddaughter Sydney, spent countless evenings with him, cutting his hair and helping him with whatever he needed. He passed his knowledge and love of golf to Mason, his grandson. His namesake, John Miles brought so much joy to him with his dancing and sweet spirit. Although his granddaughter, 3 month old Daisy Mae didn't know him, he loved spending time holding her and talking to her.

He is survived by his children Mary Jo (Richard) Doran, Mark (Kristen) Sikora, and Rachel (Sheryl) Smith-Charlton. He also survived by his lifelong best friend and confidant, his brother Bill (Kim) Sikora of Broadalbin, NY, and many special nieces and nephews.

Friends may attend his funeral mass 9:30am Friday April 25th at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 267, Batavia, NY
14020-0267

Alexander - James M. Dudek, 72 of Alexander passed away unexpectedly on Friday, (April 18, 2025) in Batavia.

Mr. Dudek was born July 15, 1952 in Batavia, a son of the late Walter and Delores (Tys) Dudek.

James Matthew Dudek, father, son, uncle, grandfather, and veteran. An avid collector of antiques, cars, and all things old. he loved tinkering with vehicles with his friends, spending time with his kids and grand kids, gardening and helping with Vanessa's Lasting Legacy, Ltd charity. May he not haunt us, but those who have done him wrong.

Surviving are his daughters, Kerry Dudek of Oakfield, and Alivia Dudek of Perry; grandchildren, Averey Dudek, and Brian Orona; siblings, Walter (Lucy) of Mississippi, Robert (late Gayle) Dudek of Alden, and Sally (Mike) Waldron of Bethany. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to attend James' Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Friday (April 25, 2025) at 10:30 a.m. from St. John Neumann Parish - St. Vincent's Worship Site, 50 East Avenue in Attica. Burial in Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vanessa's Lasting Legacy, Ltd., 6952 Fisher Road, Oakfield, New York 14125.  

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com 

Gerald A. Phillips of Attica passed away on Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025) at Warsaw Hospital.

He was born February 7, 1932 in Cowlesville, to the late Leo and Rose (Bolz) Phillips.

Gerald was a graduate of Attica High School. He owned and operated a dairy farm in Cowlesville. After moving to Attica he worked at Attica Correctional Facility as an Assistant Stationary Engineer, and later worked at the Medical Building in Attica as a custodian.

Jerry and his wife Pat loved their backyard, going on senior trips, watching game shows, soap operas, Bills football and Yankee baseball. They enjoyed going to their grandchildren’s sporting games and other activities. He also enjoyed playing cards, doing word search, reading and board games.

Survivors include his loving wife Patricia of 70 years and children, Gary Phillips of Attica, Sandra (Christopher) Szmania of Alexander, Betsy Lee of Etters, PA, Bonnie (late John) Saravullo of Pavilion, Susan (Mark) Scharlau of East Berlin, PA and Jeffrey (Christine) of Cowlesville; sister, Marguerite (Gerald) Moultrup of Cowlesville; sister-in-law, Eileen Phillips of Florida; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; brother-in-law, William (Peggy) Simons and sister-in-law Mary Mitzel, both of Attica. Along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was predeceased by Charles (late Patricia), Paul, Lawrence, Michael; sister, Teresa Phillips; granddaughter, Amanda Saravullo and sister-in-law Deborah Beebe.

Jerry was a member of St. John Neumann Parish (St. Vincent’s Site), and also was an usher for many years.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Church (St. Vincent’s Site), 50 East Ave. Attica, New York on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11 am. Burial will immediately follow at St. Vincent Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road Attica, NY or the Attica Fire Department Rescue Squad, 11 Water Street, Attica NY 14011.

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

Christopher J. Cook “Chris”, 56 of Basom, passed away unexpectedly on Monday (April 21, 2025) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born December 6, 1969 in Buffalo, NY, a son of Kathleen O’Neill and the late Henry H. Cook.

Chris was the operator and owner of Henry H. Cook Plumbing Heating and Electrical Inc. He enjoyed working and was a “jack of all trades”, always keeping busy with something. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy (Starr) Cook. Children, Stefaniee Oneil, Rick Kolmetz and Marc Christopher James Cook. Grandchildren, MarcChristopher, Riley, Trent, Ryder, Kevin and Henry. Siblings, Tracey Cook, Lori (Bill) Penepent, Ryan (Tristan) Cook and Meghan Cook. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts and condolences on Wednesday (April 23rd) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. He will then be laid to rest in the Alabama Cemetery. 

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.

David Montgomery, age 78, passed away on April 17, 2025 at McAuley Residence in Kenmore, NY.
 

David was born on November 24, 1946 in Buffalo, a son of the late Ernest and Alice (Fraser) Montgomery.
 

He graduated from Attica High School and soon after started his career as a corrections officer until his retirement from Attica Corrections in 2005. David was a man who could brighten up any social gathering. He was a member of the Warsaw Moose Club, Warsaw Veterans Club, Attica Legion, and Oatka Valley Snowmobile Association.
 

An avid outdoorsman, David enjoyed all types of hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Any chance to be in the outdoors was a good day. David loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
 

Surviving are children, Kimberly (John) Houseknecht of Clarence Center, Amy (Timothy) Taberski of Florida, James Montgomery (Bethany Morse) of Varysburg, Beth Montgomery of South Carolina, and Jeffery (Sheryl) Montgomery of Arizona; grandchildren, Alisha Delson, Amanda Anderson, Angela (Glenn) Marshall, Tyler Montgomery, Jabob Montgomery, Jordan Haywood, Jessica Montgomery, Jenna Montgomery, Anna Montgomery, Joey Montgomery, Emily Bednarek, and Kevin Bednarek; great grandchildren, Mackenzie Anderson, Wyatt Anderson, Macy Haywood, Coltlyn Haywood, Owen Vanhoose, Alexander Vanhoose, Bryson Chafin, Madisyn Montgomery and Izzy Nylund; brother, Richard (Gail) Montgomery of Batavia, sister in law, Sandi Montgomery Faulkner of Ohio, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 

In death David is reunited with his parents and brothers, James and Gary Montgomery. 

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. There are no calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in David’s memory to: Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Elba - Ellsworth E. “Chubby” Norton Jr, age 84 of Elba, NY passed away Wednesday the 16th of April 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born February 13th   1941 to the late Ellsworth and Francis Norton.

Chubby loved his family and was proud of nothing more than the life he had built with his beloved wife Carol (Madill) Norton. He raised his family on the same dairy farm where he grew up and he could usually be found during his retirement using the cattle trailer, 10-wheeler or lawnmower. He was also a lifetime member and former President of the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. Chubby loved animals and never failed to have a dog bone in his pocket, and he loved to watch the birds that came to the many feeders he had hung outside of his sunroom windows. Chubby and Carol also loved to travel and see as much of the world as they could, he was grateful to be able to visit most of the country he loved so dearly.

Chubby was a generous and faithful man who was kind to all. He loved to talk and crack jokes with anyone who was willing to listen. He was a father and mentor to many who weren’t even his own blood and taught all those around him the most important values of life.

Including his parents, Chubby was proceeded in death by his; brothers, Charles Norton, Eugene Boldt; and sisters, Marjorie German and Susan Cole.

He is survived by his wife Carol Norton; sons, Dean Norton, Curt Norton, Charles Norton and Chris Norton; daughter, Robin Warner; son in-law, Travis Warner; daughters in-law, Melanie Norton, Carol Norton, Lynn Norton and Sarah Norton; grandchildren, Kara and Chris Kenderish, Charles Jr and Emily Norton, Amanda Norton, Callee Norton, Kyle Norton, Aiden Warner, Adison Norton, Carson Warner, Fletcher Norton, and Grace Norton; and great grandchildren, Grayson Kenderish, Charlotte Norton and Oakley Kenderish; sisters, Beverley Reamer, Joyce Sixt and her husband Ron Sixt and Linda Richenberg; brother Robert Norton and his wife Judy Norton.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Elba, 31 South Main Street in Elba, where Chubby's funeral service will be held on Saturday (April 26, 2025) at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elba Central School, c/o District Clerk, 57 South Main Street, Elba, NY 14058 for the establishment of the Norton Family Legacy and Leadership Fund to help support various activities and the Charles H. Norton award at their beloved family Alma Mater.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com 

LeRoy / Bergen ~ Joanne R. Falcone, age 83, passed away Wednesday afternoon (April 16, 2025) at Crossroads House in the loving presence of her family.

     She was born January 12, 1942 in Brockport, a daughter of the late Elwin Rodgers and Alice Fitzsimmons Neis.   

  Joanne will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend.  Family gatherings or dinner with a friend was always a top priority.  She enjoyed playing cards with her friends at Hidden Meadows, the occasional casino trip and boat rides on Silver Lake.

     She will be sadly missed by her son, Vern (Debbie) Falcone; granddaughters, Jenna (Matthew) Brooks and Kristin Falcone; great-granddaughter, Charleigh Brooks; sister, Carol Westcott; sister-in-law, Darleen Rodgers, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Salvatore “Slim” Falcone; brothers, Elwood Rodgers and Ronald Rodgers, brother-in-law, Dean Westcott and step-father, Karl Neis.

     A special thank you to the staff at Crossroads House and the second floor nursing staff at UMMC for their support, care and professionalism.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday, April 22 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment will immediately follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021.  www.crossroadshouse.com/donate

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

Elba - Ellsworth  E. "Chubby" Norton, 84 of Elba passed away on Wednesday, (April 16, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Arrangements are being finalized and will be announced by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia.

Batavia - Dillon Christopher Hale, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Dillon was born on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2007 in Buffalo, a son of Larry Hale and Diane Mazur Hale of Batavia.

Dillon was the happiest boy who always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He loved all Boston sports teams; the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. He was a senior at Batavia High School and was a member of the varsity golf team. Following high school he had aspirations to further his education at college and become a sports broadcaster.

Surviving with his parents are his brothers, Zachary Hale, Tyler Hale, Jacob (Alicia Alexyn) Hale and their son, Oliver and Alex Hale; grandparents, Richard Mazur and Lawrence (Sandra) Hale along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dillon is reunited in heaven with his grandmother, Barbara Mazur, his uncle, Joseph Hale and his beloved dog, Youkilis.

There are no prior visiting hours. Dillon's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26th, 2025  at 9:30 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. A reception will follow Mass from 11 am to 2 pm at T.F. Brown's, East Main Street, Batavia. Flowers are gratefully declined. Please consider memorials in Dillon's name to Michael Napoleone Foundation, P.O. Box 267, Batavia, New York 14021 or to the BCSD Foundation, 260 State Street, Batavia, New York 14020 - in the memo line please write "In Memory of Dillon Hale".  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in Dillon's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Dillon are under the care and direction of the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Barb Wolf on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. at High Point Community Church, 1163 Main Road, Corfu. Please join Barb’s family for a time of fellowship and refreshments as we honor and remember our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Barb peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Cross Roads House.

Priscilla L. Patterson, 82 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (April 12, 2025) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born April 25, 1942 in Dansville, NY, a daughter of the late William N. and Beatrice Gilbert Swarts.

Priscilla graduated from Akron Central High School, and was the owner of the former Priscilla’s Styles in Akron. She enjoyed watching soap operas, and loved the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. 

She was the wife of the late Robert K. Patterson and mother of the late Shayne Patterson.

Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca I. Patterson of Batavia. Grandchildren Nicholas, Jacob and Zachory Patterson. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation and private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery.

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

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

Ann C. Sewert, 67, of Byron, New York passed away peacefully at Unity Hospital on Tuesday, April 8th 2025 after a brief illness. She was born on April 20th, 1957 to the late Anthony and Dorothy (Marchese) Komosinski. In addition to her parents, Ann is predeceased by her brother John Komosinski and granddaughter Skylar Sewert. 

Ann is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Peter Sewert; loving daughter Carrie (Mark Hanna) Sewert; treasured grandson Jaxon Hanna; enjoyed step-grandsons Mark Hanna II and Joshua Hanna; sister-in-laws Susan Sewert and Cynthia Sewert; close cousin Shirley Nigro; aunts Carolyn McGorray and Irene Hagen; along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

Ann graduated from Brockport with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She then took classes in dog grooming and opened her own shop in 1995. Ann joyfully owned Thornell Brook Dog Grooming for 30 years, lovingly caring and forming a bond with each dog she met. Ann was thrilled to pass her knowledge of dog grooming to her daughter Carrie. A special thank you to our customers for your love and support. 

Ann enjoyed many hobbies such as painting ceramics, creating wood art, and gardening. She found excitement in planning elaborate family dinners and a plethora of events for the children in her life. Ann loved her grandson Jaxon dearly and found great joy in spending time with him. Aside from her family, Ann’s greatest passion in life was dogs. Ann spent many years participating in dog agility competitions with numerous family companions. Ann was also involved in dog rescue for a few years. Ann always said that she would be greeted by a large pack of all of the dogs she’s met and loved when her time came. 

As per Ann’s wishes, there will be no prior calling hours. Private burial and celebration of life are being held by the family at a later date. Ann will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia, New York. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.