Obituaries

Donald Edward Wagner, 84 of Attica, passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 22, 2017. Mr. Wagner was born in Milton, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1932. Mr. Wagner was predeceased by his 2 sons, Donald Jr. “Chipper” and Christopher.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Moya nee Hollenbeck, two daughters, Lisa and Laurie, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter and his sister Polly in Florida.

A Masonic Service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery followed by a private Celebration of Donald’s life with his immediate family and close friends.

Memorials may be made to the Family. 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.

Robert F Spencer, born April 25, 1920, died in his Port St. Lucie, FL home on February 8th, 2017 with his wife Joy at his side.  He was 96.  Twenty-two of his happiest years were spent as Minister of the Batavia First Baptist Church (1958 to 1980).

Robert liked to be referred to as Spence and was well regarded by all who knew him.  In return, he greatly cared for all with whom he came in contact in all corners of the communities where he lived and worked.  His life accomplishments and activities are way too numerous to cover in a few paragraphs.

Spence can be considered a real renaissance man of his era. At any given time, he was an active member of up to 20 organizations, a tireless champion for many causes and a learned scholar of countless subjects.  This included an ability to read biblical scripture in original Aramaic or Greek texts.

While in Batavia, he held two important posts in addition to the First Baptist Church pastorate.  He was the protestant Chaplin at the VA hospital and with the rank of Lt. Colonel, was the head Chaplin for the New York State Civil Air Patrol which provided ministry services to all New York state Air Force servicemen.

His hobbies were many and included coin and stamp collecting but in Batavia, he was perhaps most notorious for his herpetology hobby.  He housed three large constrictors in a big cage kept in the parsonage and the dinner guests were fewer during that time!

Spence was blessed to have two wonderful marriages.  His first marriage of 27 years to Priscilla Alden Bowles ended when she passed in 1969.  He is survived by the wife of his second marriage of 47 years, Leah Joy Hall.  He is also survived by his sister, Beatrice, his four children, Judith, Bradford, Stephen and David and by his step daughter, Sandy.  In addition, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

His was truly a Christian life well lived and leaves a good and lasting legacy.  A memorial service for Spence is being held March 4th from 1 to 3 PM at the Brennity in Port St Lucie, FL. (772-345-2700).

 Barbara A. Alvut, 81, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Thursday February 23, 2017 at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born on February 27, 1935 in Batavia to the late John and Frances (Wozniak) Kowalik. She is predeceased by her husband Clarence Alvut and siblings; Ray, Jerry and Jack Kowalik, Irene Kulikowski, Connie Brazzell and Dolores Slater.

Barbara was a graduate of Nazareth College and after 33 years of teaching, she retired from Attica High School. She was a long time member of Ascension Parish in Batavia, its Bible Study Class and the Altar and Rosary Society. Mrs. Alvut was a member of the NYS Teachers Association, the Wyoming County Teachers Association and the Retired Teachers of NYS. She was an avid camper who enjoyed the friendship of the AR-GYS camping group. Watching her grandchildren play sports was one of her favorite pastimes.

She is survived by her daughter; Sandra (David) DiSalvo of Batavia and son James (Brenda) Alvut of Batavia; brothers Robert and Arthur Kowalik; sister Virginia Kowalik; grandchildren Aren (Alesha) DiSalvo, Valerie (Matt Crammer) DiSalvo, Emily Alvut and Michael Alvut; great granddaughter Briar DiSalvo along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday February 26, 2017 from 2:00-6:00PM 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 Monday February 27^th at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner Ave. in Batavia. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020 http://crossroadshouse.com/. 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.

J. Richard “Dick” Brick, 93 of Perry, NY, passed away on February 22, 2017 at Wyoming County Community Hospital. He was born in Perry, on December 28, 1923 to the late John L. (Blanche McEligott) Brick. Mr. Brick is preceded in death by his wife Geraldine A. Brick in 2011.

Mr. Brick owned and operated Bricdale Farm in Perry Center for many years. He served as an elected Assessor, 8 years on the Perry Ambulance Squad, EMT, 34 years as a Perry Post Office Rural Mail Carrier, ZBA Board, and Planning Board. Mr. Brick served as an usher at St. Joseph’s Church in Perry for more than 40 years and was a member of the Perry Center Fire Department for 68 years serving as President and Secretary/Treasurer. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children Mary Anne (Chris) Stutz of Penfield; James (Sandy) Brick of Perry; sister Mary Catherine Markham of Naples, FL; 5 grandchildren Leslie, Megan, Tracy, Tim and Jeff; 11 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces, one nephew and dear friend Lois Hawley.

Friends are invited to call from 4-8 PM on Friday February 24, 2017 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday February 25, 2017 at St. Isidore’s Parish 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. He will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry Center.

Memorials may be made to Perry Center Fire Department PO Box 204 Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Bogdan K. Jaroszek Sr., 80, of Perry passed away peacefully on Monday February 20, 2017 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born on February 17, 1937 in Przerytka, Poland to the late Peter and Marcelina (Galicki) Jaroszek. He is predeceased by brothers Joseph and Richard Jaroszek.

Bogdan was a United States Army Veteran. He worked as a pump assembler for many years at PulsaFeeder in Rochester. He was a member of St. Isadore’s Parish in Perry. Bogdan loved camping, golfing, gardening and playing cards. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida and absolutely adored his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife; Sharon (McCaffery) Jaroszek of Perry; children Bogdan Jaroszek Jr., Dean Jaroszek of Batavia, Peter (Crystal) Jaroszek of NC, Diane (Gary) Blythe of York, Brenda (Chris) Sylvester of Rochester and Gaylorraine (Russell) Millhollen of Leicester; sister Isabella Mionskowski of Niagara Falls, Canada; God Child Marie-Paul (Jose) Flores of NJ; along with many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday March 4, 2017 from 10:00AM-1:00PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. A 1:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehab 11 Murray Hill Drive Mt. Morris, NY 14510. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Elba - Mayte Sanchez Vargas, age 18, of Elba, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening at Children’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family after battling Leukemia.

Mayte was born March 29, 1998 in San Jose De Pala, Mexico, a daughter of Felix Sanchez Torres and Marbella Vargas Delgado of Elba.

Mayte was a senior at Elba Central School where she was in the top three of her class. She exemplified the traits of a Lancer by striving for dedication, hard work, integrity perseverance and excellence in all she did. She loved soccer, reading, and her family and will be remembered for her most loving smile.

Surviving along with her parents are her siblings, Cristian Sanchez Vargas and Yatziry Sanchez Vargas, both of Elba and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York, 780 West Ferry Street, Buffalo, New York 14222. She will be laid to rest in Mexico. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle for Mayte, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Carol D. Merrill, 86 of Darien Center, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born March 21, 1930 in Pavilion to the late W. Elton (Mabel Jones) Duguid. Mrs. Merrill is preceded in death by her husband Robert Merrill and sister Joyce Anchor.

Mrs. Merrill worked 30 years as a Supervisor for Genesee County Department of Social Services. She was an avid collector, loved gardening, canning and had the best pickled beets in the world. Mrs. Merrill never lost her sense of humor. She was a loving mother, “grandmother” and devoted wife that took incredible care of her husband.  

She is survived by her son Scott R. Merrill of Darien Center; siblings Donald (Sandra) Duguid; Al (Lee) Duguid both of Phoenix, AZ; Sandra (Henry) Gerstman of West Caldwell, NJ; brother-in-law Bob (Virginia) Anchor of LeRoy along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 3-6 PM at West Middlebury Baptist Church 4950 West Middlebury Road, East Bethany, NY 14054. Funeral Services will immediately follow 6:00 PM at the church. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bethany Center.

Memorials may be made to the Family. 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.

Stafford ~ Ruby I. (Paddon) Weber, age 99, formerly of E. Bethany-LeRoy Road, passed away Friday evening (February 17, 2017) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home in the loving presence of her family.

    

She was born August 24, 1917 in Riga, N.Y., a daughter of the late David and Jessie Mattice Leathersich.

     Ruby was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in LeRoy, the Stafford Ladies Auxiliary, a past Grange member and State Deputy.

     She is survived by her son, Donald (Nancy) Paddon of Stafford; her grandchildren, David (Donna) Paddon of Pavilion, Susan (James) White of Stafford, Julie (Paul) Ehrmentraut of Stafford, Robert Paddon of CT, Elizabeth Ouelette of CT and Faith Paddon of CT; step-grandchildren, Thomas (Sharon) Weber, Daniel (Luanne) Weber and Marlene (Craig) Prusha; 16 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren.

     She was predeceased by her first husband, Wilbur Paddon and second husband, Lawrence Weber; her son, Robert Paddon; and her sisters, Lillian Bater and Alma Agness.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 2 ~ 4 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 P.M..  Interment in Stafford Rural Cemetery will be private.

     Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wilbur Paddon Memorial Award, c/o LeRoy Central School District, 2-6 Trigon Park, LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

     Mrs. Weber and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  585-768-2400

Lois J. Bonefede, age 82, of Perry passed away on Friday February 17, 2017 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mt. Morris. Lois was born in Perry, New York a daughter of the late Seth and Maude (Keating) Tucker. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by a brother; William Tucker.

Lois was a graduate of Perry Central School class of 1950. She worked for the former Perry Knitting Mill, Mallory Timers in Warsaw and owned and operated Tucker’s Boat Livery on Silver Lake with her husband until their retirement in 1980. She was a member of the Perry Overseas Vets Club in Perry. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens, reading, fishing, collecting bears, going to flea markets, and traveling with her love “Newt”.

She is survived by her husband; Nunzio “Newt” Bonefede whom she married on January 28, 1961; two step-children Patricia (Donald) Johnson of Scotia, NY, Nunzio J. Bonefede of Geneseo; 3 grandchildren Stacy (Joseph) Rossi, Gregory (Jessie) Johnson and Michael (Bobbie Jo) Bonefede; 8 great grandchildren; 2 nieces Shelly (Timothy) White, Leslie (Hans) Kunzie, and nephew Seth Tucker.

Family and friends may call from 2:00-4:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM on Tuesday February 21, 2017 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday February 22nd at the Funeral Home.
She will be laid to rest in Joseph’s Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311 or visit www.diabetes.org. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Donald J. Cecere Sr., 85, of Gainesville, FL. formally of Batavia passed away peacefully on Saturday February 11, 2017 at the North Florida Hospital surrounded by his loving family. he was born on June 21, 1931, a son of the late Angelo and Adeline (Sangus) Cecere. In addition to his parents, Donald is predeceased by Mary LoBello Cecere; brothers Albert, William, Victor, Anthony, Richard, Joseph, Arthur, Louis and Lester Cecere; sisters Mary Chaya, Edna Predmore, Dolores Figlow and Adeline Gioia.

Donald was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Batavia. He was a United States Army Veteran in the Korean War and also was a member of the National Guard. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers and was in the construction business most of his life. Don was a devoted father and grandfather who loved his children, grandson, nieces and nephews more than anything. He was an avid sports fan who loved watching the Buffalo Bills and going to UF softball games. You could always find him in his shop working on his projects. Donald will never be forgotten by everyone who felt his love, kindness and sense of humor.

He is survived by his son; Donald J. Cecere Jr., of Gainesville, Fl.; daughters Ann M. Cecere of Gainesville, Mary J. Cecere of Gainesville and Therese M. (David Stupp) Zigrossi of Batavia; his beloved grandson Andrew Zigrossi, who was his pride and joy; along with his pals Georgie and Dexter.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial on Monday February 20, 2017 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Batavia  -Mrs. Judy M. Calarco, 73, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at The LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mrs. Calarco was born March 11, 1943 in Buffalo, the daughter of the late Edward and Irene Schmitt.

A waitress at The Windmill in Elba for many years, she was a member of Assembly of God Church in Batavia, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher. Judy had a deep devotion to her faith reading her Bible on a daily basis. A fan of the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees, she enjoyed watching cooking shows on television. Judy enjoyed travelling with her husband Tony to Florida and Las Vegas.

She is survived by her husband, Anthony J.  Calarco, Sr. whom she married March 21, 1987; her children,  Dawn (Randy) Piazza of Batavia, Darlene (Scott) Watson of Wellsville, Carl Larson of North Carolina,  Frank (Jackie) Calarco of Maybrook, Denise (Robert Lyness) Calarco and Anthony J. (fiancée Diana Kindig) Calarco, Jr. both of Batavia;  ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. Her funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home followed by entombment in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum. Memorials in Judy’s name may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or Rochester General Hospital Foundation, 100 Kings Highway South, Suite 2300, Rochester, New York 14617. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Judy’s name please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy ~ Evelyn Tabone, age 88, passed away Wednesday morning (February 15, 2017) at United Memorial Medical Center.

    

 She was born October 11, 1928 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Anthony and Wanda Samolyk Battaglia.

     Evelyn will be remembered as a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. 

She was very devoted to her family, her friends and her faith.  She was most at ease in her kitchen, where she enjoyed baking and canning, only to give the proceeds to others.  Her generosity and caring ways toward others was very evident and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

     She is survived by her loving son and daughter in law, David (Susan) Tabone of Batavia; her granddaughter, Danielle (Jared) McDonald-Bourbeau; her great-grandchildren, Rowan, Jaxon, Weston and Paisley, along with many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Joseph and her siblings, Sam (Helen) Guarino, Gregory (Irma) Guarino, Anthony (Rose) Battaglia, Grace (Sam) Tortorice and Helen (Bob) Zielinski.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday from 1 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19).  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.  Interment in St. Francis Cemetery will be private.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to either Crossroads House or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

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

     Mrs. Tabone and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. 585-768-2400

KENNETH R. GARDNER

Age 59, of Batavia, died peacefully Tuesday morning February 14, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born June 26, 1957 in Buffalo, NY a son of Mary Wingate of LeRoy and Ralph (Marta) Gardner of Wilson, NY. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Marie Yingling and sister-in-law, Kathy Yingling   

Ken served his country honorably with the USAF Security Police Squadron from 1976 thru 1995, he then spent a short time as a toll collector on the NYS Thruway before becoming a Communications Specialist with the New York State Police, Troop A, from 1998 thru March 2016 as his health declined. His life revolved around his own family, his military family and his State Police family, he had a love for the outdoors, especially fishing and trips to Alleghany State Park. 

Surviving along with his parents is his beloved wife of 35 years, Susan (Yingling) Gardner of Batavia and their loving daughters, Jacquelyn and Michelle both of Batavia; his cherished grandchildren, Lathan, Gianna & Gabriella; sisters, June Embert of DE, Janice (Luis) Cotto of Batavia, Susan (Steve) Patruska of Oklahoma; father-in-law, James Yingling of Eden, NY; sisters & brothers-in-law, Tina (Dave) Cole, Marian Engle, Steve (Leslie) Yingling, Dave (Grace) Yingling, Theresa (Joe) Buziak, Jane (Dan) Lochner along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.  

The Gardner family will be present from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. on Friday February 17 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020, please join Ken's family to celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. Saturday Feb. 17 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site) followed by Full Military Honors. He will be laid to rest in the future National Cemetery being constructed in Pembroke and in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital 601 Elmwood Ave. Box 660 Rochester, NY 14642. 

Please share your words of comfort with Ken's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

 

   

Dorothy (Marchese) Komosinski, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 12, 2017 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. She was born June 5, 1927 in Batavia, to the late Joseph (Carrie Guggino) Marchese. She is preceded in death by her husband Anthony Komosinski; siblings Rose (Alphons) Nigro, Florence (Anthony) Joy, Joseph and Russell Marchese.

Mrs. Komosinski worked with her son at Plaza Spirits in Batavia.

She is survived by her children Ann C. (Peter) Sewert of Byron; John Komosinski of Batavia; granddaughter Carrie Sewert of Rochester, great-grandson Jaxon, sister Carolyn (Thomas) McGorroy of AZ; brother Robert (Judith) Marchese of Virginia; sisters-in-law Mary Marchese of Batavia, Antonia Marchese of FL; Irene (Dean) Hagen of FL; along with many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be private. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020 or to HomeCare & Hospice 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.