Obituaries

  One of Batavia’s oldest and proudest residents passed away on August 23, 2022 at the age of 100. Donald (Dan, Don) Zinni was born at home, on June 7, 1922, in Batavia, New York. He was the first-born child to an Italian immigrant father (Dominic Zinni) and a first-generation Italian-American mother (Mary Dispenza Zinni). Dan, as his family called him, grew up with his two brothers and two sisters.

In his younger years, Dan played basketball in a YMCA league and enjoyed horseback riding. His first job was working as a pin boy at Mancuso’s Bowling Alley when he was 15 years old. Dan graduated from Batavia High School in 1939 and the Batavia Metal Trade School in 1941. Because of his machinist and tool and die maker skills, he was soon hired at Curtis Wright in Buffalo. Curtis Wright made aircraft used in WWII, thus Dan was initially deferred from the draft as his skills were needed in supplying aircraft for the military. However, in 1943 he was drafted into the Army Air Corp. Dan served in various airfields across the U.S. and inspected, serviced, and repaired hydraulic systems used to actuate landing gear on B-24's and C-47's. Dan was honorably discharged as the war was ending in 1946. 

Shortly thereafter, Dan met the love of his life, Lydia, at a dude ranch. Since Lydia lived in New York City, it was a true illustration of his love for her that he drove eight hours on many weekends to take her out. They were married in 1950 and settled in Batavia – a place Dan never wanted to move from. There they raised three daughters. He worked for many years as a model maker at Xerox and was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (now Ascension Parish).

Dan was entirely devoted to his family and took them on many summer road trips across the U.S. and Canada. After retiring from Xerox, Dan and Lydia continued to enjoy traveling, including trips to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, most Canadian provinces, and most U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii. He was also a proud grandfather and loved spending time with his seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. They will remember him for his unequaled blueberry pancakes, his entertaining ear-wiggling, his passion for food, music, golf, and the Buffalo Bills, and, above all, his generosity and unconditional love.

During his 100^th birthday celebration in June, he attributed his longevity to healthy eating and keeping active. Most importantly, he said the secret to a long life is “Lots of LOVE.”

Dan was predeceased by his wife, Lydia; his parents; his brothers, Joseph and John Zinni; and his sister Frances Massar. He will be missed by his sister, Rose Marie Szadek; daughters and son-in-laws, Lynne and John Stager, Virginia and Charles Reist, and Paula and Terry Reeger; grandchildren, Erik Reeger, Danielle (Scott) Dallas, Kevin Stager, Erin (Andrew) Katzman, Maria Stager (Nathan Senner), Rachel Reist, and Harland (Andrea) Reist; great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM  Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 29, 2022 at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 625 Abbott Rd., Buffalo, NY 14220. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

  Richard G. Wolff, 85, of Batavia passed away on August 23, 2022 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. He was born on August 29, 1936 in Alexander to the late Getman and Marlene (Best) Wolff. In addition to his parents, Richard is predeceased by a daughter; Tammy Wolff; sister Regina (Stanley) Slivinski.

Richard worked for National Fuel Gas Company for over 40 years and was active in youth baseball and football for over 40 years. He is a member of the Batavia High School Hall of Fame and the Batavia Little League Hall of Fame. Richard was an avid New York Yankee fan.

He is survived by his loving wife; Linda (Jacobs) Wolff of Batavia; children Gregg (Tina) Wolff of Batavia, Mark (Fiancé Suzanne) Wolff of Brockport and Scott (Debra) Wolff of Batavia; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday August 29, 2022 (his 86^th birthday) from 4:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday the 30^th at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. ***New York Yankee attire is encouraged for his Funeral*** Richard will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia or UR Medicine Hospice 2180 Empire Blvd. Webster, NY, 14580. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

  Vincent “Vincenzo” DelPlato, 65, of Batavia passed away on Monday August 22, 2022 due to complications of diabetes. He was born on July 16, 1957 in Batavia to the late Daniel and Mary (Marcello) DelPlato. In addition to his parents, Vincent is predeceased by a sister; Christine DelPlato.

He is survived by a son; Theo Vincenzo DelPlato of Northport, FL; siblings Frank DelPlato of Oneonta, John DelPlato of Sodus, Charles (Linda), Daniel, Joseph, Michael (Bridget) DelPlato all of Batavia; Carmen (Deborah) DelPlato of Williamson; Mary E. DelPlato of Batavia; nieces and nephews; James, Anthony, Richard, Sophia, Danielle, Jonathan, Marcella and Joseph, along with many cousins.

Vin was a talented artist. He saw the beauty in God’s creation. With his paints and brushes, he tried to capture that beauty on canvas, whether it was a portrait of someone’s loved one, a family pet or the ever changing scenes of nature. He created true works of art to be admired for years to come. Vin played hockey in his younger years in the Batavia Men’s League and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Vincent’s wishes were to have his body donated to science at the University of Buffalo. There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at a later date. He will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

  Donna L. Kenward, 83, of Basom, passed away on August 23, 2022 at her home. She was born in Batavia on July 23, 1939 to Carroll and Frances (Rowe) DeWitt. In addition to her parents and husband, Donna is predeceased by an infant brother; Carroll Jr. and brother Larry (Marie) DeWitt.

Donna was a 1956 graduate of Oakfield-Alabama Central School, a 1971 graduate of Genesee Community College and a 1984 graduate of SUNY Brockport. She married Robert A. Kenward on July 8, 1958. He preceded her on May 27, 1985.

Donna was a Secretary at Genesee Community College for 28 years. She enjoyed concerts, dancing and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law; Carolyn (Scott) Burns; granddaughters Jennifer Burns and Kathleen (Bruce) Gerould; great-grandchildren Taylor (Brittany) Burns, Lillian, Douglas and Genevieve Gerould and her great-great granddaughter Bethany Burns; sister-in-law Elaine Cichocki, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend an 11:00AM Graveside Service on Friday August 26, 2022 at the Alabama Cemetery on Route 63 in Basom where Donna will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church 1392 Lewiston Rd. Basom, NY 14013 or the Alabama Fire Department PO Box 798 in Basom.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

Lucille A. Maksymik, 77, of Java Center, passed away on August 19, 2022. She was born Buffalo on April 11, 1945 to the late John and Genevieve (Flower) Maksymik. In addition to her parents, Lucille is predeceased by her brother Sam Maksymik.

Lucy was a loving and caring person who enjoyed gardening and her furry friends.

She is survived by her sister; Virginia Meyers; brother Timothy Maksymik; special friend Justin George.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Lucille will be laid to rest in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Java Center.

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.

  Longtime Batavia businessman, Daniel Joseph DiLaura, 68, passed away on Sunday August 21, 2022. Daniel was born on September 26, 1953 to Joseph and Rose (Schiavi) DiLaura in the Panama Canal Zone, where his father was stationed in the US Navy.

Dan was a graduate of Batavia Senior High School, Class of 1971. He started his first automotive repair business at age 23 on West Main St. in Batavia. He then moved to the Mobil Gas Station on the corner of East Main & Clinton Streets. From there he continued to grow his business and built the current Dan’s Tire & Auto Service in the Batavia City Center.

Daniel was an avid race car owner / builder / enthusiast. He primarily competed at Empire Dragway in Leicester, NY, where his youngest son TJ took over the wheel in later years. Daniel was a lifetime member of Ascension Parish, formerly St. Anthony’s Parish.

He is predeceased by his father; Joseph. He is survived by his mother; Rose (Schiavi) DiLaura; children Justine (Robert) Bartl, Daniel (Tara) DiLaura, Christopher DiLaura, Danielle DiLaura and TJ (Hailey) DiLaura; 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; brother Joseph (Marianne) DiLaura; sisters Angela DiLaura, Laurie (Max) Sheer; his former wives Adele Landin and Anne Marie DiLaura; along with numerous cousins, Aunts, family, friends and business associates.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday the 25^th at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

  Virginia Mae (Ginger) Roth (Cherry) sadly passed away on August 19^th, 2022 at the age of 76. She was born on January 22, 1946 in Batavia to the late Bernard and Dorothy (Cherry) Gillett. In addition to her parents, Virginia is predeceased by her brothers; James (Sue) Cherry and Thomas Cherry; son in law Josef Young; granddaughter Nicole Roth.  

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and aunt who always made us laugh with her feisty personality.   She loved crafts, wood working, painting, quilting, knitting and ran her own ceramic business, sharing her talents with a smile.  One of her passions was her gardens and every year she offered her flowers to friends and family.  Her beautiful plants still bloom every year at her home and her hand-painted bird houses are hanging in the yard and around her home. She also had a special place in her heart for her Cocker Spaniels.

She will be sadly missed by her loving husband; Robert Roth; children Jeff Roth, Lori Young and Jason Roth; siblings Beverly (Edward) Earl, Robert (Sharon) Cherry, Donna (Rick) Kimber, Daniel Cherry; grandchildren John Young and Greg Young; great-grandchildren Sarah and G’nell, along with many nieces and nephews that she loved very much. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A family gathering will be planned at a later date in her honor.

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.

Cecelia “Hon” Buckley, age 94, a recent resident of the Cloisters in Warsaw and a lifetime resident of Wyoming and Pavilion passed away peacefully, Friday August 19, 2022 at Crossroads House in Batavia, with her beloved family by her side. Hon was born in Fillmore, New York, the daughter of the late Sheldon and Pearl Rork Timothy. A 1945 graduate of Fillmore High School, Hon married the love of her life, the late John D. Buckley, and went on to raise a wonderful family together for 52 years before his passing. A longtime member of the Pavilion Methodist Church, Hon enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and knitting. Hon was a member of the Home Bureau, and was a Red Hatter. She loved music and dancing with her late husband John and they are together again forever.

Survivors include her three sons, Rick (Sue) Buckley of Elba, Scott (Julie) Zeller of Shortsville, NY, Todd (Sherry) Zeller of Coral Springs, Florida, two daughters, Melody (Karl) Osterman of Wyoming, NY, Lori (Stephen) Koury of Williamsville, a brother, Bill (Colleen) Timothy of Livonia, 10 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews survive.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at the Pavilion Methodist Church with Reverend Elaine Page officiating. Burial will follow in the Pavilion Cemetery beside her beloved husband. Weeks Funeral Home 123 Main Street Warsaw has arrangements. Please visit www.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Crossroads House at 11 Liberty Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Donald Frederick McCulloch, 83, of Attica, died on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, surrounded by those he held most dear (missing a few). He peacefully fell asleep trusting in Jesus and the promise of Heaven. Don, also known as MC, Donny by his cousins, or Grandpa Cookie by his great grandchildren, was the oldest of two children born to the late Thomas and Thelma (Lang) McCulloch on September 18, 1983, in Buffalo, NY.

His family moved from Buffalo to Bennington as a young boy, and he quickly fell in love with farming. Don graduated from Attica High School in 1956. He was married to the late Darralee Roberts, better known as “Cookie”, on June 11, 1959 for 61 years.

Don was proud of the fact that he helped build the Niagara Power Plant. He worked for Frontier Trucking, was a service manager at Chevy in Attica, until starting at the Attica Prison in 1974 as an Autobody Vocational Instructor for 29 years. He retired in 2003. He ran his own business on the side, plowing snow up until this past year. His real passion came after he retired from the prison. He spent the last 19 years driving big truck for BreezyHill farm and running for parts. He will be remembered for always having a big smile on his face and a great laugh.

When he wasn’t working, he loved to ride motorcycle with Cookie. Their adventures took them as far as Alaska and Nova Scotia. MC spent the early 1970’s until 1983 coaching AYA football. He also enjoyed throwing horseshoes, golfing, playing cards, bowling, snowmobiling and going to camp in the Adirondacks.

Surviving are his children, Debra (Roger) Almeter of Sheldon, Scott (Michelle) McCulloch of Attica, and Todd McCulloch of Attica. He was proud of his grandchildren, Brad (Carolyn) Almeter, Jared (Michele) Almeter, Adam (Amanda) Almeter, Melinda (Jeremy) Meyer, Natalie (James) Flint, Courtney (Derek) Wolfley, Megan McCulloch, Cassandra McCulloch and Nick, and Hunter McCulloch. Also surviving is Don’s sister Shirley McCulloch Loefke of Hamburg, sister-in-law Mary Jane Roberts of Attica, Michelle Carr and Frank of Arizona, Yvone (Rex) Bishop of Colorado, Linda Roberts of Michigan, and Barb Roberts of Batavia, and brother-in-law Gene Limpinsel of Elma. As well as 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces & nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Graceful Gatherings, 2300 Gassman Rd, Varysburg, NY 14167, on Friday, August 26, 2022. Beginning promptly at 3:00PM, followed by visiting and refreshments until 6:00PM. He will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Attica Fire Department, 11 Water St, Attica, NY 14011, or Attica Youth Athletics, 84 Exchange St, P.O. Box 14, Attica, NY 14011. 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.

February 20, 1968 – August 19, 2022

James Robert Worthington, age 54, of Pavilion, NY, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 19 after sustaining injuries from a motor vehicle accident.  

     He is survived by his beloved wife, Debby (Loveland) and his son, Matt; step-mother Nancy (Charles) Slaven; brothers and sisters, Dale (Cathy) Worthington, Jeffery (Kimberly) Worthington, Gloria (Roger) Smith, Dawn (Wilber) Gray, Brenda (James) Alvut, Lisa (Thomas) Partridge, Daniel (Leslie) Johnston, David (Dawn) Johnston, Charles (Leanne) Johnston, Robert (Judy) Johnston, Steven (Cindi) Johnston, Sheryl (Greg) Schultz, Sandra (Richard) Kosciolek, Pamela (Rance) Choate, Yvonne Ortiz, Patricia Boots, Shelia (late Anthony) Colombo, Stephen (Carla) Earle, Jason (Shannon) Earle, sister-in-law Kathy (late Douglas) Johnston; several nieces and nephews.

     Jim is predeceased by his parents Loren Worthington, Dorothy (Robert) Johnston; brother Douglas Johnston; sister, Sheila Morse; niece, Nicole Gerold and great-nephew, Collin Crane.

     Jim loved his family fiercely and adored spending his free time with them. Together, they enjoyed camping, traveling and going out to eat. He enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres play. Jim was an avid Candy Crush player.  He liked cracking jokes and making everyone around him laugh.

     He worked for over 30 years at Chapin International in Batavia, NY.

     Friends and family may call on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 1 ~ 3 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, NY. There will be a reception to follow at 4 PM at the Pavilion Fire Hall, 11302 Lake St., Pavilion.

     Memorials are suggested to either Arc GLOW, 64 Walnut St., Batavia, NY 14020 or the Pavilion Fire Dept., P O Box 156, Pavilion, NY  14525 

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

Patricia A. Laird, 75, of Batavia, passed away on August 17, 2022 at Unity Hospital.

Patricia was born August 19, 1946, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Patrick and Anna (Spadaccino) Avino.

Patricia will be remembered for her beautiful smile.  Patricia loved her cats and was a secretary at the First Baptist Church in Batavia.  She was also a seamstress at Melton Shirt Factory and Batavia Tailors & Cleaners.   

Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Roger Laird, Sr.; children, Donna A. (Harry) Gimlin, Roger (Taylor) Laird, Jr. and Kimberly (fiancé Kenneth Drury) Laird; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her brother, Patrick Avino and sister, Joanne Avino.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, August 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main in Batavia, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.  Patricia will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers For Animals, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Robert J. McElroy Jr. “Bob”, 62, was found deceased in his home on April 27, 2022. 

  

   Robert was predeceased by his adoptive parents, Robert McElroy Sr. of LeRoy and Mary Jane Brodie of Lowville, NY.  He is also predeceased by his sisters, Jillanne (Bob) Bush of Lowville, NY and Colleen Murillo of Houston, Texas and his aunt Margaret Mooney of LeRoy.    

     He is survived by his former wife, Tamara McElroy of Marietta, Georgia; children, Stacie McElroy of Rochester, NY and Jason (Heather) McElroy of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Madison McElroy of Charlotte, NC; stepfather, Douglas Brodie of Lowville, NY; sister, Jennifer (Robert) Hanno of Lowville, NY; uncle, Ed Mooney of LeRoy, along with several nieces and nephews.

     Robert grew up in LeRoy and moved to Marietta, Georgia in 2017.  Robert attended LeRoy High school and graduated from Lowville High school in 1977.  He attended MCC and RIT, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.  He was an active member of the Catholic church in LeRoy and had a fond love for the outdoors and motorcycles. 

     Family and friends are invited to share condolences and memories on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 8700 Lake Street Rd, Le Roy, NY 14482. 

David L. Campbell, 79, of Batavia passed away on July 28, 2022 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born on May 23, 1943 in Greenwood, NY to the late Gilbert and Athelma (Rice) Campbell.

David was a long time dairy farmer in Byron.

He is survived by his wife; Anna May Campbell of Batavia; daughter Betsy Campbell of Batavia and son; David (Barbara) Campbell of TX.

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

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.

Judith A. (Konieczny) of Batavia passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born in Batavia on May 22, 1953, to the late Joseph and Dorothy (Adams) Konieczny. Judy was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. She loved animals and donated to several organizations, including the SPCA.

She is survived by her brothers; Joseph (Cheryl) Konieczny of Corfu, James (Michelle) Konieczny of Batavia, and two nieces and three nephews; Heather Hedden of Raleigh, NC, Jennifer Konieczny of Oakfield, NY, Christopher Konieczny of Batavia NY, Michael Konieczny (Sarah) of Lancaster NY, and Joshua Konieczny of Batavia, NY. A private memorial service will be held at the family's convenience later this fall.

In Judy's memory, Memorials may be made to the SPCA or your local animal shelter.

Batavia - Thomas M. Brown, 74, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Monday, August 15, 2022 at his home.

He was born on October 30, 1947 in Batavia, the only child of the late Charles Brown and Regina Ryan Brown.

Tom made friends everywhere he went.  He worked at Attica Lanes, the Batavia Post Office and finished his career with his family at Terry Hills Golf Course. 

Tom loved live music, rock 'n' roll, concerts and all sports including horse racing, auto racing, football, and the New York Yankees. He was an avid bowler in his day and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame.  His favorite places were Big Daddy's and St. Nicholas Social Club. Tom was quick-witted, well known for his one-liners and had countless stories to tell.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years,  Mary Elizabeth Rotondo Brown; his son, Casey Ryan Brown of Batavia and his daughter, Natalie Rae Brown of Chicago and close relatives: Constance Babcock, Joan Rotondo, Nick Rotondo (Ellen Simkulet), Danielle Rotondo (Jessica Ecock Rotondo), Lauren Rotondo Kondo and Annette Rotondo.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, August 21st, 2022, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 am on Monday, August 22nd, 2022 at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local charity of your choice or Genesee Cancer Assistance, Michael Napoleone Foundation or The Ricky Palermo Foundation. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.