Obituaries

Batavia – Bernard J. “Bernie” Bonczyk passed away Wednesday, (March 16, 2016) at Hospice Buffalo, Inc. surrounded by his loving family.

Bernie was born in Buffalo on July 24, 1946 to the late Edward and Elizabeth ”Betty” Bonczyk

In 1966 Bernie was drafted into the Army where he served in several positions, most notably as a tank commander in the Panama Canal Zone, and as a courier for top secret documents.

After returning home, Bernie married the love of his life Patricia (nee Nelson) on August 28, 1971. Together they moved to Colorado in 1975 so Bernie could pursue his training at the Colorado School of Trades to become a Certified Gunsmith. In 1977 they returned to WNY where Bernie took a job as the head gunsmith at Sterling Arms in Gasport. After the company closed, Bernie took a job as a precision machinist at Graham Manufacturing, where he stayed until his retirement in 2009.

Bernie was very active in many local Boy Scout troops and packs, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Unit Commissioner and Unit Committee Member. He was very generous of giving his time to the Scouts; volunteering many hours working with the Dewalt Crew fixing up the camps and working in the kitchen on camp weekends.  Bernie was also involved with the Alabama Hunt Club, a local muzzle loading gun club, where he was a life member. There he assisted in designing and setting up their sporting clays course.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia, his son Wesley (Linda) of Lancaster, his 3 beloved grandchildren Owen, Ian and Eryn, a dear sister Delphine (late Gary) Derenda of Buffalo, and a special cousin Gary (Cathy) Tokasz of Elma.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 4-8pm at the Kenneth Howe Funeral Home, 64 Maple St. East Aurora, and on Sunday from 4-8pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. Batavia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday 10am at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, 8656 Church St. East Pembroke. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. or to the Boy Scouts of America; Iroquois Trail Council.

Online condolences may be made at www.howefuneralhome.com.

Local arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Robert S. Jacek, 63 of Middlebury, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (March 15, 2016) at his residence with his family by his side.

He was born February 17, 1953 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Stephen and Sophie Malinowski Jacek.

Robert was a graduate of Batavia High School and was employed for 41 years by R.E. Chapin in Batavia prior to his retirement.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, riding his motorcycle and gardening. Most of all he enjoyed the time spent with his family, especially taking his grandsons fishing. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Karen Spink Jacek of Middlebury. Sons, Christopher (Laura) Jacek of Attica and Steven (Laura) Jacek of Fishkill, NY. Sisters, Arlene Jacek (Brian Griggs) of Rochester and Patricia Potter-Kusciusko of Mississippi. Uncles, Louis Malin of Concord, CA and Julian Zielinski of Henrietta. Five grandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Sunday (March 20th) from 12pm-2pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY. A funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Roswell Park Alliance, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY 14263, Homecare and Hospice, 450 N. Main St., #3, Warsaw, NY 14569 or Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Rd., Attica, NY 14011. 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.

 

 

   Anna Nicosia, 89, of LeRoy passed away peacefully on Thursday March 10, 2016 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. She was born August 27, 1926 in Batavia, New York to the late Daniel (Jennie Battaglia) Menne. She is preceded in death by her husband Samuel J. Nicosia along with sisters Nelda Menne and Rose Ferrando.

Anna worked for Doehler Jarvis Manufacturing. She was a past member of St. Michael’s Society. Anna enjoyed bingo, dancing, baking, playing cards and crocheting.

She is survived by her step sons Benjamin and Joseph Nicosia; sister Audrey Dodd of Florida along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 19, 2016 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, New York 14020 or to the donor’s choice. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

Gerald W. Sporer, 84, of Medina, formally of Oakfield, entered into rest on Sunday March 13, 2016 at The Orchard Manor Nursing Facility in Medina.  Mr. Sporer was born on March 23, 1931 in Honesdale, PA the son of the late Leo and Florentine (Greenfield) Sporer.  He is predeceased by his daughter, Sandra J. Sporer; sisters Margaret Polk and Lois Young; brother and sister in law Leo and Doris Sporer.

Jerry graduated from Honesdale Catholic High School and soon after moved to Attica. He worked a few different jobs before becoming a New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation Officer in October of 1954.  He retired as a Lieutenant Game Warden after 37 years of adventures and misadventures related to his field. Jerry was a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Batavia Fire Dept. in the 1960’s and 70’s.  After taking courses in Montour Falls, he became a NYS Fire Instructor for multiple volunteer fire departments in the area.  

He is survived by his devoted wife; Dixie Sporer of Oakfield; a daughter Mary Claire Sessamen of Corfu; sons Gary (Katy) Sporer of Garden, MI, Jeffrey (Ann Marie) Sporer of Lake Ariel, PA and Gregory (Tina) Sporer of Gainesville, FL.; brothers John (Pat) Sporer and Thomas (Kathy) Sporer both of Honesdale, PA.; 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday March 16, 2016 from 2:00 -4:00PM & 6:00 – 8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday March 17, 2016 at St. Padre Pio Parish 56 Maple Ave. Oakfield, NY 14125. He will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association of WNY https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2 or American Heart Association https://donatenow.heart.org . For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

Batavia - Joan M. Pfeifer, 88, of Batavia, a Physical Education Teacher at Batavia Middle School for 36 years prior to her retirement in 1984, died Friday, March 11, 2016 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility. 

Miss Pfeifer was born June 18, 1927 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Frank and Caroline (Walpole) Pfeifer.

She graduated from Batavia High School in 1945 and from SUNY Brockport in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree.  She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Buffalo in 1963, was a member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association, Genesee County Retired Teachers Association and was a volunteer at United Memorial Medical Center, North Street and for Meals on Wheels.  She was also a member of St. James Episcopal Church and the Batavia Club's and Senior Center's Bridge Clubs.  She was the treasurer of the NYS Softball Officials Organization, Genesee Tennis Club and Midtown Tennis Club of Rochester.

She is survived by several cousins.

Friends may attend services at 11:00 am, Friday at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homecare and Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Batavia, NY  14020 or St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, NY  14020.  Private burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LORRIANE D. (METZ) FLEMING

Lorraine D. Fleming 94 of Corfu, formally of Cheektowaga entered into eternal rest peacefully at home and into the loving arms of the angels on Saturday, March 5th surrounded by family and friends.

She was born in Buffalo, New York on Mother's Day & her mother's birthday - May 9, 1921. She married Linn A, Fleming who departed from this life in Sept. 1993. They were married 46 years. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Dorothea (Haun)Metz, sister of the late Marjorie Metz Fleming and sister of the late Lawrence Metz, Jr.

Lorraine is survived by her son Rev. Robert W. Fleming and his wife Suzanne. Grandchildren: Craig & Veronika Smith of Colorado, Crystal Fleming of Tonawanda, NY, Christopher Fleming of Rochester, NY. Great Grandchildren: Matthew & Eva. Also survived by her brother-in-law Roger Fleming of California, many nieces and nephews. Special friends Theresa Michalski and Adam Moninski of Clarence, NY. Also survived by her loving cat Babe.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, March 19th at 1pm at St. Stephens-Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 750 Wehrle Dr., in Amherst with Pastor Sara Campbell presiding. Flowers are graciously declined. Memorials may be made in her memory to the church she held so dear to her heart.

The family is being cared for by: Carlton Ullrich Funeral Home in Amherst. Interment services will be private and at a later date.

 

Ruby H. Snow, 71, of Batavia passed away on Thursday March 10, 2016 at her residence. She was born September 12, 1944 Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Marshall (Alberta Scroggins) Snow. She is preceded in death by her brothers Percy Snow and Marshall Snow Jr.

Ruby worked at Heritage Manor in Louisiana as a nurse. She was a volunteered for the Salvation Army in Batavia, and Volunteers of America in Warsaw. She was very religious and a devoted Jehovah Witness for 45 years.

Ruby is survived by her children Michael Norman of LA, Maurice (Beatrice) Norman of LA,  Marriette (Chris) Jones of LA, Marlos (Beckie) Norman of Perry; siblings Sam (Lene) Snow of LA, Minicole Snow of LA, Wayne Scroggins of LA, Diane Small of CA; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours and services will be held privately. She will be laid to rest in Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be donated to various charities. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or 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.

LeRoy ~ Donald D. Mancuso, age 84, formerly of E. Main Rd., Lime Rock, passed away Thursday afternoon (March 10, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     He was born February 14, 1932 in Lime Rock, a son of the late James and Victoria Rigoni Mancuso.

     He will be remembered by his family as a very proud and loving dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.  He was a very hardworking, self-employed business man, who took over and ran his family's business - Empire State Motor Express Inc. - for over 45 years.  He was a past member of the Lion's Club and the Loyal Order of the Moose.  He enjoyed building model airplanes, woodworking and cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.

     He will be sadly missed by his six loving children, Kathleen (Duncan) Mackenzie of LeRoy, Donna (Will) Potter of Springville, David (Deborah) Mancuso of Pavilion, James (Patricia) Mancuso of Chili, Nancy (Kevin) Mullen of LeRoy and Kevin Mancuso of Caledonia; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Virginia Mancuso of LeRoy and Karen (Michael) Weins of FL, brother-in-law, Richard Blood of LeRoy,  along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends at The Greens. 

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Blood Mancuso in 2009 and his brothers, Harold and Francis.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday from 3 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19).  His 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.

     Memorials are suggested to Don's family for distribution to charities of their choice.

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

     Mr. Mancuso and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

  Luicille J. Hoy, 88, passed away March 7, 2016 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. She was born December 15, 1927 to the late Martin (Clara Fiegl) Spoth.

Lucy enjoyed family, church, to bake, cook, sew crochet and read stories. The Family would like to express our gratitude to all family, friends, and the staff at NYS Veterans Home for all their heartfelt time, support &personalized care.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years Harry A. Hoy Jr.; children Harry Hoy III, David(Diana) Hoy, Susan(Michael)Daugherty, Daniel Hoy, Claire (Philip)Reiner, Michelle(Gary) Midkiff, Paul (Lynn) Hoy, Peter(Susan) Hoy and Elaine Hoy; her dear brother Robert Spoth, sister Jean (Al) Turton and sister in law Lucille B. Spoth; blessed with 23 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on May 23, 2016 from 10-11 AM with a Memorial Service followed at 11 AM at Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church, 8445 Greiner Rd Williamsville, New York 14221.

For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

Gerald F. Snyder, 47, of Attica passed away peacefully on March 7, 2016 at his home. He was born June 26, 1968 in Batavia, New York to Ronald (Luella Hough) Snyder Sr. of Elba.

Gerald Snyder was known as a loving father for his sons since day one. He enjoyed working with his sons and friends in the Drywall business. He loved his family and he was proud to be a grandfather of 3. Gerald loved his dog Kizzy, he took her everywhere.

He is survived by his sons Cody E. (Serena) Snyder Sr. of Oakfield, Matthew Snyder of SC; siblings Ronald (Joann) Snyder Jr. of Elba, Brenda (Tim) Kelso of SC, James (Dianne) Snyder of Elba, Mary Lou (Tom) Porter of Oakfield, Raymond (Kelly) Snyder of Batavia, Richard (Chris) Snyder of Batavia, Thomas (Tammy) Snyder of Lyndonville; grandchildren Jaydan Snyder, Jasmine Snyder and Cody Snyder Jr. along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers 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 Street Attica, New York 14011.

Elba, NY - Krista Anne Douglas, 37, died peacefully after a lifetime of health struggles March 9th 2016.

Beloved daughter of the late Robert S. Douglas & Lorraine Peterson Douglas Damon.

Long time resident of Newark's DDSO, Cobblestone 101, more recently The Highlands at Brighton. No matter her burdens always expressing joy, sharing smiles and her contagious laughter. Loving rides, animals, music, family visits, activities and fun. Resting in Peace, forever in our thoughts, hearts & prayers.

Surviving are her mother Lorraine Damon of Elba, NY, sister Brandy Douglas of Batavia, NY, brother Robert Douglas of Batavia, NY, nieces and nephews, Trevor, Gina, Damian, Kaylee and Chloe.

Private services will be held. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle for Krista, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Arrangements by H. E. Turner Funeral Home 403 East Main St. Batavia, NY.

   Mary E. "Liz" Noble, age 74, of Pavilion, passed away at her home on Wednesday March 9, 2016 surrounded by the love of her family. Mary "Liz" was born in Batavia, New York on May 6, 1941 a daughter of the late George S. (Marion Thompson) Powers. She is preceded in death by her first husband Richard F. Murphy who passed away in 1967.

Liz was a graduate of Pavilion Central School and graduated with her bachelor’s degree at Nazareth School of Nursing. She worked at the Pavilion Central School as the school nurse for several years. Her most important and full time job in life was raising her 9 children.
Liz was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Pavilion. She enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking and especially enjoyed times spent with her husband children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband David Noble whom she married on September 22, 1969; 5 daughters Mary Kate Noble of Perry, Amy (Christopher) Finch of Warsaw, Molly (Ted) McCall of Port Leyden, NY, Sarah (Christian) Rounds of Linwood, Meghan (Greg) Bonter of Harrisburg, PA.; 4 sons Brian (April) Murphy of Pearl Creek, Terry (Stacey) Murphy of Woodland Park, CO., Timothy Noble of Trout, TX., Thomas (Jamie) Noble of Charlotte, NC.; brother William (Sue) Powers of Clarence, 15 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Friday March 11, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 12, 2016 at St. Mary’s (Mary Immaculate Parish) 11095 St. Mary’s St. Pavilion, New York 14525. She will be laid to rest in Olivet Cemetery in Covington.

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Ladies of Charity C/O/ St. Mary’s Church 11095 St. Mary’s Street Pavilion, New York 14525, Covington United Presbyterian Church 1701 Craig Rd. Pavilion, New York 14414, or to the Home Care and Hospice of WNY 29 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or 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.

Batavia - Barbara V. Neal, 74, of Batavia, New York joined her husband Gary and our Lord Jesus Christ on March 8, 2016.  Barbara was born February 14, 1942 to Herbert & Edna Krieger (Morris), along with her twin Brother Bruce whom she often joked with about who was born first (Barbara was born second). 

Barbara was a devoted wife to her husband Gary and was by his side while he battled leukemia until his passing in 2003.  Barbara was the best Mother that a child could have to her children, David whom passed in 2003, Kathleen whom has also passed in 2013 and her baby boy Herbert (who she fondly called Herbie).  Barbara was a very compassionate grandmother to her five grandson's, Christopher, Matthew, Jason, Dustin and Tyler. Barbara greatly enjoyed spending time with Christopher and Matthew and often tell everyone who would listen to her how handsome they looked in their Boy Scout uniforms. 

Barbara enjoyed her pug dog “Baby Girl”, and her hairless Egyptian Sphinx cat “Cleopatra” or sometime she would refer to her as “P.I.T.A.”.  Barbara also enjoyed reading, and could often be found reading missals or other spiritual books about her Catholic Faith. 

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Herbert & Edna Krieger (Morris), her husband Gary Neal, Son David (Randall), and daughter Kathleen (Randall). 

She is survived by her son Herbie of Batavia, Brother Bruce (Nancy) Krieger of Bellefontaine OH, Grandson's Christopher, and Matthew of Batavia, Jason, Tyler and Dustin of  Bardstown, KY.  Barbara is also survived by several brother and sister in-laws as well, nieces and nephews as well as four great grandchildren. 

There will be no calling hours, and a spring burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Brockport, NY is planned.  Please contact the family if you wish to attend. 

In Lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Barbara's grandson's Christopher and Matthew where they will make a “Little Free Library “  in her honor at her residence on Harvester Avenue in Batavia, NY. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Batavia - Jean Hart Sovocool, 95, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mrs. Sovocool was born October 28, 1920 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Thurman Hart, Jr. and Dorothy Dyer Hart.

A dedicated and faithful member of St. James Episcopal Church, she served as a worship and ministry leader and sang in the church's choir. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter #267. She was a pet lover. She also enjoyed gardening and loved her roses.

She is survived by her children, Eugene A. (Ann) Northrop Jr. of Rochester, Craig (Lori) Northrop of Pennsylvania and Suzanne (Leo) Corbelli of Nevada; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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