Obituaries

David R. Spink, 64, of Varysburg passed away on Thursday May 21, 2015 at Chautauqua Lake. He was born January 17, 1951 in Warsaw, New York to the late Hayden (Mabel Jones) Spink Sr. He is preceded in death by his brothers Hayden Spink Jr. and Norman Spink.

David was a Correction Officer at Attica Prison for 36 years. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting fishing and boating.  David was an avid NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Sr. Most of all David loved his family more than anything.

He is survived by his beloved wife Linda M. (Penn) Spink of Varysburg; children Jeffrey Spink of Varysburg, Kimberley Spink of Varysburg, Kathy (Marc) Siterak of Orlando, FL; brother Paul(Debra) Spink of Varysburg; sister Sharon Bashlin-Kellogg of Fruitland, FL Park; 6 grandchildren Alicia Rautenstrauch, Dylan, Clayton and Logen Spink, Cheyenne and Tyler Pedarza along with many nieces and nephews and numerous other family members.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday May 24 from 1-4 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. Services and burial will be held private.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Lake Walleye Association Inc. 55 Center Street PO Box 414 Bemus Point, New York 14712. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Jackie L. Buszka, 43, of Batavia, died Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at her home, in Batavia.

Miss Buszka was born October 23, 1971 in Warsaw, the daughter of Shirley (Baker) Davis of Batavia and the late Jerome Buszka.

She attended the United Pentecostal Church of Batavia, and participated in the ARC Saturday Respite Program.  She was employed at the Genesee Chapter of ARC.

Surviving along with her mother is a brother, James Buszka of New York, NY and several nieces and nephews.  

Friends may call on Saturday from 11 am to 1 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E, Main St, Batavia, where services will follow at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.  

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

 

Edgar A. Terrill, 85, of Alexander passed away peacefully on Thursday May 14, 2015 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. He was born May 19, 1929 in Dunkirk, New York   to the late Warren G. (Wilda M. Willis) Terrill. 

Edgar worked for over 30 years as a Rail Road Maintainer for Conrail in Buffalo New York and was a member of the Moose Club.

He is survived by his loving wife Patty J. (Fisher) Terrill of Alexander; children Ronald (Dorothy) Terrill of Hillsville, PA., LeeAnn (Michael) Neddo of Pigeon Forge, TN., Carolyn Rasmussen of Magnolia, TX.; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 2:00 PM Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday May 31, 2015 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020

Vincent Dean Messina, 75, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2014, at his home in Haines City, Florida after a brief illness. Mr. Messina was born on August, 28, 1939, in Batavia, the oldest son of the late Charles and Beatrice (Martino) Messina.

“Vinny” graduated in 1957 from Notre Dame High School and then went on to attend Niagara University and the University of Buffalo. He worked as a Union Official at Batavia Downs and also worked on many construction projects throughout the area until retiring to Florida in 1999. Vincent enjoyed the harness racing industry and was a former harness horse owner and member of the United States Trotting Association. He loved all sports especially football.

Vincent is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean (Krakus) Messina.

He is also survived by two daughters, Denise (Charles) Hull of LeRoy, NY; Theresa (Steve) DiMarco of Rochester, NY; and one son, Dean (Patricia Orlando) Messina of Dunkirk, NY. He is the loving grandfather of Anthony Messina, Christopher Messina, Andrew Messina, Lucas Hull, Lauren Hull, Samantha Di Marco and Philip Messina. He is also survived by aunts and an uncle; cousins; along with many nieces; nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is the brother of Charles (Patricia Tatarka) Messina and Paul (Sharon Mancuso) Messina.

A 10:30 AM Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday May 23, 2015 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, New York 14020 where Vincent was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to Development Department, Good Shepherd Hospice, 320 W. Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33815. Funeral arrangements were completed in Florida. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfunrealhome.com  or for more information call (585) 343-8260

West Seneca - Doris M. Schoepflin, 90, of West Seneca, formerly of Bergen, member of the Bergen United Methodist Church, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Cheektowaga.

Mrs. Schoepflin was born October 7, 1924 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Alfred and Louise (Rother) Williams.

Her husband, Richard P. Schoepflin, passed away on September 11, 1999.

She is survived by three sons, Peter (Angela) Schoepflin of Ohio, Paul Schoepflin of Alden and Mark (Yvonne) Schoepflin of West Seneca; 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Katheryn Meredith of Buffalo and several nieces and nephews.

She is the sister of the late Ethel Vogt and Eleanor Haas.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial designations 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.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen.

Harold Smith passed away on May 17, 2015 in his home.  Harold was born June 3, 1929 in Middletown, NY to Harold and Myrtie Smith.  He graduated from St. John’s Academy in Plattsburgh, NY.  He served in the US Navy from 1947 to 1950.  Upon discharge he continued his education at various colleges in New York State.  He entered into the NYS Dept. of Corrections in 1952.  He worked in ten different correctional facilities.  He came to Attica in 1972 and became Superintendent in 1973.  He worked there until 1984 when he transferred to Wyoming Correctional Facility.  He retired as Superintendent of Wyoming Correctional Facility, concluding a 35 year career that included restoring stability at Attica Correctional Facility after the 1971 riot. 

Harold served as an original member of the Buffalo Diocese Peace and Justice Committee which was devoted to social justice.  He was a parishioner of St. Joachim and Anne Parish.  He served on the Parish council, served as a lector, and also a bingo worker.  Harold received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal issued by Pope John Paul II in 1987.  The award was presented by the Rev. Edward D. Head, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.  The medal was bestowed in recognition for work as an outstanding Catholic leader.  Harold was the first Superintendent in the history of New York State to be given this honor.

Harold was a big supporter of the Stevens Memorial Library.  He served for many years on the Library Board.  He was a long time member of the Attica Golf Club, also a member of the Attica Lions Club, and the Harder O’ Donnell American Legion. He was a VA volunteer in Batavia, NY for many years. Harold enjoyed all types of sports especially golf along with skiing and bowling in his younger years.  He enjoyed his retirement, traveling and spending winters in St. Augustine, Florida.  What he enjoyed most was his family and was happiest when they could all get together.

Harold is survived by his wife, Betty Smith, of 61 years, a son Scott (Diane) of Attica, a son Craig (Lisa) Bloomingdale, NY and a deceased son, Jeffrey (Barbara) in 2002.  Also, surviving is a sister, Karen Wyatt of Lawrenceburg, IN and a brother- in-law, Ed Spangenberg, Port Jervis, NY.  Six grandchildren; Jennifer, Stephanie (Eric), Christopher, Amee (Nick), Justin, and Kaitlyn.  Four great-grandchildren; Owen, Landon, Gavin, and Ali.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 4PM -8PM at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. in Attica on Thursday May 21^st.

He bequeathed his body to the University at Buffalo’s Anatomical Gift Program.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stevens Memorial Library 146 Main St. Attica, NY 14011 or Wyoming County Hospice 450 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com   Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.

Pembroke - Raymond R. Warren, 84, a long time resident of Pembroke, passed away Sunday (May 17, 2015) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.
Mr. Warren was born July 7, 1930, in Corfu, a son of the late Edward and Doris Aylsworth Warren. Ray was a life member of the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), A-On-Do-Wa-Nuh Sportsman’s Club in Geneseo and an honorary member of the Sportsman’s Coon Hunters Association. Ray loved to hunt, fish and especially trap shooting at area clubs and also clubs in Ohio and Florida. Ray was the beloved husband of the late Doris Witt Warren and brother of the late John, Thomas, Emma, Harriet and Margaret.

Ray is survived by two sons, James (Roxanne) Warren and Ronald (Catherine) Warren; grandsons, Kenneth (Kristen) and Andrew Warren; great grandchildren, Brooke Marie and Tyler Raymond; brothers and sisters, William, Augustus, Gertrude and Nancy. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to Noon at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funerals services will follow at Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pembroke Fire Department, 630 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

Fort Myers - Patricia Noel Merritt, 56, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Batavia, died Sunday, April 26, 2015  in Fort Myers.

Mrs. Merritt was born December 16, 1958 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Lawrence H. and Concetta Marone Merritt White.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Arth of Ft. Myers, Florida; her daughter, Corinne Edelstein of Stamford, Connecticut; two brothers, Larry Merritt and Bob Merritt, both of Batavia and several aunts, uncles and cousins survive.

There are no prior visiting hours. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015 at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Msgr. Schwartz Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Corinne Edelstein, c/o H. E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 to be distributed to Patty's favorite charities. To light a candle, share a story or send a condolence, please visit www.bataviafuneral homes.com.

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

Bessie A. Grasso, 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 16, 2015) in Batavia at the home of her son and daughter in-law, with her loving family by her side.

She was born February 23, 1922 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Harrison and Annette Johnson Hale.

Bessie was employed by Union Steel Chest Co. in LeRoy and the V.A. Hospital in Batavia prior to her retirement.  She was very passionate about her family and enjoyed spending time raising her children and grandchildren.  Bessie also enjoyed collecting collect anything and everything for flea market sales.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Grasso Sr., who passed away on September 20, 2013 and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her children, Joseph (Carol) Grasso Jr. of Batavia, Betty Ann Nash of Florida and Richard (Kathy) Grasso of Hilton, NY. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sisters in-law, Betty Grasso, Louise Capuano and Sister Mary Virginia.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (May 19^th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7pm.  Burial will be private for the family in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY or Homecare and Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

Brockport - Patricia Ruth Palmateer, 88, of Brockport, formerly of Oakfield, an Admissions Representative at the former St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia prior to her retirement, died Monday, May 11, 2015 at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center, in Brockport.

Mrs. Palmateer was born March 18, 1927 in Brockport, a daughter of the late Edward and Agatha "Gitch" (Feltz) Elwell.

She was a member of Harrison Hose Co., No. 2 Ladies Auxiliary in Brockport, was a former Cub Scouts Den Mother, and enjoyed knitting and summers at Tuttle's Beach.

Her husband, Robert A. Palmateer, died July 1, 2007.

Survivors include 4 children, David (Gail) Palmateer of Payson, AZ, James Edward (Betty) Palmateer of Pine Top, AZ, Neil Alan (Charlotte) Palmateer of Aztec, NM and Kerrie Ann (late Roger) Hollis of Ft. Collins, CO; a brother, William (Marcia) Elwell of Albion; a sister, Barbara Davy of Brockport; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was the mother of the late Patricia Palmateer and Richard Palmateer.

Friends may call on Friday from 5 to 8 pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield, Her Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, St. Cecilia's Church, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield. Memorials may be made to Lifetime Care, 3111 S. Winton Road, Rochester, New York 14623. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Brockport.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

DOUGLAS C. MATLA - age 67, of Oakfield, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning May 13, 2015 at home. He was born May 19, 1947 in Oakfield, NY a son of the late Ignace and Frances (Nicometo) Matla.

   Doug was a member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield, worked for many years at Doehler-Jarvis, Rotork Controls and for 20 years was the owner/operator of QCSI. He was an avid football fan, passionate about the Cleveland Browns, enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and Nascar. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time teaching his grandsons about the outdoors. Doug's love of family and time spent with them is what brought the most peace and joy to his life.

   Surviving is his beloved wife of 34 years, Mary Jo (Dolan) Matla of Oakfield; his devoted sons, Grant (Rochelle) Matla of FL and Dolan (Sophie) Matla of Illinois; cherished grandsons, Liam, George and Henry Matla; sister, Diane Matla of Oakfield; brothers, Wayne (Esther) Matla of Oakfield and Gregory (Ann) Matla of Henrietta; aunts, Rosemary Nicometo of Oakfield, Florence (late Henry) Matla and Agnes (late Ed) Matla; uncle, Sam (Sharon) Nicometo of SC; brothers-in-law, John (Jule) Dolan of Geneva, Jim (Cindy) Dolan of Bennington; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Quentin) Fitch of LeRoy and Karen (Don) McJury of Hilton along with many nieces and nephews.

   The family will be present from 2-7 PM on Sunday May 17, 2015 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15 AM Monday May 18 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Padre Pio Parish (Oakfield Site). Memorials in his memory are suggested to the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 184 Oakfield, NY 14125 or Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) 1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge, IL 60068 - specializing in the care of ill and premature newborns. He will be laid to rest in St. Cecelia's Cemetery.

   Please leave your words of comfort to his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DOUGLAS C. MATLA IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

DONNA E. FREER-STRONG – Age 56, of Byron, died Wednesday May 6, 2015 at her home from a heart related illness. She was born October 25, 1956 in Pavilion a daughter of Donald and Viola (Lawton) Freer.

   Donna was a graduate of Pavilion High School, she will be remembered as a kind woman with a big heart and she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her three children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  

   Please join the family for a Celebration of Life service for Donna, at 11:00 AM Saturday May 16, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Pavilion, 10956 Lake Road 14525. Memorials in her memory are requested to the family.

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

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

Carol A. Veltz, 67, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 13, 2015 at her residence. She was born July 28, 1947  in Medina to the late Frank (Lillian Roggow) Witkop. She is preceded in death by her sister Marilyn Landon.

Carol was an avid gardener, and enjoyed keeping excellent care of her flower beds. She loved her family, especially playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband Arthur R. Veltz of Batavia; children Donald (Patti) Stanley of Basom, Steven Witkop of Batavia, Julie (Jeff) Clay of Middleport; brothers Frank (Cheryl) Witkop of TN, Terry (Charlotte) Witkop of Batavia, David (Linda) Witkop of Attica; sisters Josephine Hale of East Pembroke, Linda Yeager of Middleport; grandchildren Nicholas, Jason, Sara Stanley; Krista (Josh) Coash, Timothy Clay; great-grandchildren Emma and Parker Coash along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Ste 6 Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.