Obituaries

Richard was born in Batavia, NY on July 14, 1950 to Alice and Richard Haitz Sr. Richard had an abundant loving family, being the seventh of 10 siblings. He married Cathy Jean Davidson on June 9th 1972. Together, they had four children.

Richard discovered his passion for music and entertainment at a very early age. He was a singer, songwriter, loving father, and a soulful playing piano man. His musical talents were so captivating he won a television program called "The Gong Show" in 1979, where he performed "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis, one of his many musical inspirations. His passion for entertaining led him through a very successful musical career where he played in many different venues in his home state as well as in Sarasota, Fla.

He loved working on cars, watching movies, and all things comedy. His distinctive sense of humor was immeasurable, and his profound ability to make others laugh will be sorely missed, but his jokes and witty one-liners will continue to live on. Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Martin Haitz Sr., and his sister, Suellen Haitz.

He is survived by his children, Richard Appleton Haitz III, Heather Patricia Dolatowski, Sean Davidson Haitz, Grace Storey, their mother, Cathy Haitz, and six grandchildren. As well as, seven of his siblings, Judy Marchese, Cathy Quinlan, James Haitz, Gregory Haitz, Mary Konarski, Christopher Haitz, and Gerard Haitz. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will be carried on through his accomplishments and his children and grandchildren who value entertainment and music just as he did. 

Due to COVID-19 a small celebration of life will be held in Sarasota for family and friends.

Date TBD; contact grace.haitz@gmail.com for further details.

A memorial service will be held in Silver Lake, NY in July 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for service expenses be made to https://everloved.com/life-of/richard-haitz-jr/

David Van Ornum, born August 17th 1945, passed away the morning of November 18th 2020. At 75 years of age, David is survived by his sister: Ann (Mark) Fackler, five children: Michael (Sharon) Van Ornum, Rachael (Jon) Morrill, Daniel (Sheena) Van Ornum, Gail (Brad) Vosburg, and Cheryl (Pat) Single; a beloved former wife: Trudie Van Ornum: fifteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild. David was predeceased by his parents, Alden (Betty) Van Ornum. There is no funeral or calling hours at this time. A memorial service will be arranged in 2021 at a date to be determined.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements for David were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Fredrick Merritt White, 83, of Batavia and formerly Olcott, passed away November 19, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center after a lengthy illness. 

He was born in Lockport, September 28, 1937, to the late Merritt White and Frances (White) Haight. 

Fred attended Michigan State, served in the Army, and then settled in Chicago, Ill. and Foxborough, Ma. before returning to the Lockport area in the early 70’s where he became associated with Paul Fox Auto Sales. This began his lifelong interest in the Retail and Wholesale Automobile Business, working in and with dealerships throughout Western NY as well as starting his own businesses.

Fred became a member of Olcott Yacht Club in 1975 was recognized as not only a dedicated sailor in OYC Club races as well as LYRA, South Shore and Youngstown Level Races, but also taught numerous people how to sail and race.  He was affectionately nicknamed “Fast Freddy” at OYC where he kept his various sailboats (Sunrise, Awesome, Cracker Jack and most recently Still Awesome).

Fred became an officer at OYC serving as Fleet Captain, Rear Commodore, Vice Commodore and Commodore several times over the forty plus years he was a member and also served on their Long Range Planning Committee and was one of the original organizers for their current Haulout and Storage Committee.

Fred is survived by his wife Kathy, his children Susan (Anne Casto) White of Columbus, Ohio and Mitchell White of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Step-children, Brian Havens of Batavia, and Jocelyn Sikorski of Alexander. Grandchildren David Arizosa, Jonathan and Donna White of Florida, Zack and Nick Casto of Ohio and Paige and Peyton Sikorski from Alexander, as well as former wife Janet Bagshaw of Canada and son-in-law Kevin Sikorksi of Attica. Sibings Sara Renna of Florida, Richard White of Virginia and Michael White in Washington state. Several nieces and nephews living throughout the country.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family asks that any donations be made to OYC Mantle Club or OYC Junior Sailing (PO Box 715, Olcott, NY 14126) in his name. 

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

JoAnne M. Ritter (Schnaufer), a lifelong resident of Pembroke, NY, passed away peacefully under hospice care, with her loving husband by her side on November 18, 2020, after a grueling battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 59.

JoAnne was born in Virginia on January 3, 1961. She graduated college with a degree in accounting and went to work for 26 years at Cameron Compression. On October 15, 1983, she married John J. Ritter, Jr., and welcomed her only child.

JoAnne was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed watching her daughter play softball and all the activities she was involved in. Aside from her family, she loved Disney, animals, Christmas and was an avid Yankee fan.

JoAnne is survived by her husband of 37 years, John J. Ritter, Jr.; her daughter Jennifer (Bruce) Pritchett; her grandchildren, Ethan and Rebecca; her parents, Kenneth and Mary Ann (Hennekey) Schnaufer; her siblings, Patricia Schnaufer, Robert (Tonya) Schnaufer and Andrew (Karen) Schnaufer of North Carolina and several nieces and nephews. JoAnne was predeceased by her granddaughter Helen.

Family and friends may call Sunday, November 22 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday, November 23 from 10 a.m. until noon at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church Hall, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon, following the calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help with medical expenses.

Oakfield - At age 97; Born on July 29th, 1923 in South Alabama, NY to William Genesky Sr. and Elizabeth (Frieday) Genesky. Loving husband of Dora (Nanni) Genesky who passed away last year, for 69 years, his children; Derek (Elizabeth Balbick) Genesky of Batavia; Martin (Judi Fischbach) Genesky of Alpharetta, Ga.; John (Terry Agro) Genesky of Kenmore; Bruce (Patricia Heckathorn) Genesky of Holland, MI.; and Donna Genesky of Kenmore, New York; six grandchildren, Geoffrey Genesky, Eric Genesky, Lauren Genesky, Derek Comer, Christian Genesky, Robert “Alex” Genesky and three great grand-children.

Robert was a World War Two veteran serving as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps as a radio man on 35 bombing missions, many over key targets in Germany. He received several accommodations and in 2015 received the French Legion of Honor Medal, a recognition of courage and bravery in helping to drive Nazi Germany from French soil.

After returning from the war he worked at Doehler Jarvis in Batavia for 39 years followed by 5 years with Martin Marietta Aerospace. In addition, he was an electrician and wired several new houses in Oakfield.
Robert also served his hometown of Oakfield as first a Village Trustee followed by 10 years as Mayor through the early 1980's.

He was a lifelong member of St. Cecelia's Church in Oakfield where he was a eucharistic minister and scripture reader for many years. Robert enjoyed time with his family foremost but also liked to play golf, keep up with the Buffalo Bills and had many a home project which kept him occupied.

He will be remembered by family as a loving father and devoted husband. He loved time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a kind and honorable man who served his country and hometown with grace and humanity, a man who put others before himself and loved family most of all.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, an immediate family, by invitation only, Mass of Christian Burial will be held this week and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to, Disabled American Veterans, 3680 Rose Rd Batavia, NY 14020 or Volunteers for Animals. 3841 W. Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit  www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield.

She was a very loving wife and mother who used her nurses training to raise her five children and care for her husband who suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Jean was born on January 18, 1925 in Auburn, NY to the late Clifford E. and Anna (Donnelly) Bishop. She was a graduate of Attica High School and a 1946 graduate of Millard Fillmore Hospital School of Nursing.

She is predeceased by her husband; Robert Armbrust George, who died in 1994; her five siblings and their spouses, Jack (Pep) Bishop, Bud (Elaine) Bishop, Doris (Vin) Martina, Bernard (Doris) Bishop and Rita (Eugene) Kautz. Jean is also predeceased by her husband’s sister Helene and her husband Emmet Dunlavey, husband’s brother Leo “Bud” George and his wives, Betty and Pat; granddaughter Leah Brundage, nephews John and Kevin Kautz, and great nephew Christopher Secretan.

Jean is survived by her 5 children; Stephen (Noreen) George of Clarence, Mary (Phil) Knapp of Knoxville, TN., Paula (Tim) Wassink of Attica, Joanne (the late Steve) Todd of Ithaca and Laurie (Tom) Eidam of St. Louis, MO.; ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and 30 nieces and nephews; her sister in law Marlene Bishop and her dear friend, Josie Farnella.

There will be no calling hours. Funeral Services were held at a Graveside Service in St. Vincent’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Fire Department 11 Water St. in Attica. 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.

She is predeceased by her husbands, Alexander MacPherson and Rolland Barnes, a sister, Jean Brown and grandson Bryan K Woodruff.

Beverly was a 1948 graduate of Batavia High School, a graduate of Becker Junior College in Worchester, Massachusetts and later in life earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance from RIT. She worked at GTE Sylvania from 1954 – 1981, first as a secretary and then as a financial analyst. Upon retiring to Florida, she continued to work as an Office Manager until the age of 85. She was an avid golfer and a Buffalo Bills Fan and season ticket holder dating back to the War Memorial Stadium until retiring to Florida in 1983.

Surviving are her son William (Denise) MacPherson, daughter Susan (Thomas) Woodruff, her grandchildren Gail Tenney, Katie MacPherson (RJ Lathan). Mikhail MacPherson,  William (Cheryl) MacPherson and great grandchildren Marguerite and George Woodruff, Ayden, Eliana, Keeley, Michaela and Kenna MacPherson, Madalynn and Isabella Condidorio and Bryce, Luke and Jax Lathan and many nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School 73 Union St. in Batavia or The Le Roy Sports Booster Club c/o LeRoy High School  South St. Le Roy, NY 14482 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.

Pavilion ~ Adora B. RoweIngalls, age 44, of Big Tree Road, passed away at home on Monday, November 16, 2020.

     She was born June 7, 1976 in Rome, N.Y., a daughter of Thomas and Barbara Buckley Rowe.

     In addition to her parents, Thomas and Barbara Rowe, she is survived by her children, Cody (Megan) Pike and Elisabeth Pike (Zach Douglas); her brother, Alan Rowe, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, Nov. 20 from 4 ~ 6 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

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

     Ms. RoweIngalls and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Chuck, as he was known to all his family and friends, was born on December 11, 1932 in Batavia,
son of the late Albert and Hazel Beach Herman. He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor Peterson Herman; his granddaughter, Nicole Elizabeth Herman and his sister’s, Phyllis B. Fauth and Ruth Lennon Case.

Chuck was the Salutatorian of the Corfu High School Class of 1950. He started work at the family business, C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary on July 3,1950, becoming the 3rd generation to work in the business. Chuck was a licensed funeral director for over 66 years. Chuck was a member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church for 75 years and was very active in many roles at the church but was most dedicated to the Chancel Choir as he loved to sing. His favorite pastimes were reading, watching TV and being with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 17 years, Patricia J. (Sliker Brown) Herman; his dear children, Charles B. (Lori) Herman, Julie A. (Patricia Marvin) Herman, Richard B. (Nicole Hornstein) Herman and Elizabeth A. “Betsy” (Sander) Abramson; three precious grandchildren, Jason Herman, John Bauduin and Jessie (Michael) Molle’; four cherished great grandchildren, William Graham Molle’, Alexander John Bauduin, Jack Charles Molle’ and Kate Elizabeth Molle’; his stepchildren, Cynthia (William) White, Douglas (Tammy) Brown, Darlene (Mark) Bramley and Laurie (Tracy) Rudolph; twelve step grandchildren and 14 step great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Thursday, November 19th from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday, November 20th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. 
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 21st at Twelve O’clock Noon at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church Hall, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY. Burial will be private in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY. We will be following all New York State Covid guidelines and those in attendance must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036, the Indian Falls Fire Department 8030 Alleghany Road Corfu, NY 14036 or the Indian Falls United Methodist Church Men’s Group, 7908 Alleghany Road Corfu, NY 14036.

Donna was a homemaker and enjoyed reading, fishing, camping, cooking, and playing board games, especially Yahtzee, and also the Wii. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church.

Donna is survived by three children, Donald Stephens of Watertown, New York, David Stephens and Christine Hancock, both of Newark; grandchildren, Jeremy Kirchner, Breton Stephens and Taylor (Eddie) Silversmith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Joseph Stephens, on January 2, 1994; and by a sister, Joyce Zymowski.

The family will have a private graveside inurnment at a later date at Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica, New York, where Donna will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Please click “Donate Funeral Funds” on the left side of the obituary https://www.hoskinsonfuneral.com/obituary/donna-stephens Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral home is honored to care for Donna and her family. For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, New York 14011.

Oakfield - Vinette G.  Cline, age 74, of Oakfield,  passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020 at her home.

She was born Wednesday, September 25th, 1946 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Wallbridge Gann and Vivian Wallace Gann.

She will be remembered by her family for her creative and artistic mind. She loved to paint, draw and making crafts. An avid traveler, she visited Alaska twice in her life.  She enjoyed bird-watching, especially hummingbirds.

She is predeceased by her husband, Richard Cline, who passed away on July 10, 2008.

Surviving are her daughter; Nicole (Tim) Kauffman of Elba; her son; Eric (Annette) Beverly of Cheektowaga;  four grandsons; Dillon Beverly, Cody Kauffman, Travis Kauffman and Tyler Kauffman; her great-grandson, Michael Kauffman, along with cousins.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, in care of JDRF, PO BOX 37920, Boone Iowa 50037-0920.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Batavia - Earl D. Dorman, 97, of Batavia, passed on November 12, 2020 at Crossroads House in Batavia. He was born on June 20, 1923 in Batavia, to the late Leo and Fannie (Laramy) Dorman. He married Suzanne (Hopp) Dorman April 1, 1945 at the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia where he has been a member for 74 years. Suzanne passed away April 9, 2015 after 70 years of marriage.

He is the last surviving graduate from Elba Central School Class of 1941. In addition to his lifelong work on the family farm, he drove truck hauling milk and fuel, worked as an Equipment Operator and Foreman for the Genesee County Highway Department over a span of 20+ years, and enjoyed working at the annual Brockport Central School Art Show for over 10 years.

His family, neighbors, and friends will remember him for his love of the farm and his D2 CATS and John Deere equipment, travels, his willingness to lend a helping hand when needed, and conversations with friends and strangers with a cup of coffee and fried cake in hand.

He will be missed and forever loved by his children Judy Whitney of Avon, Karen (Ray) Gabriel of Brockport, Craig (Beverly) Dorman of Batavia, and David (Mary Ann) Dorman of Batavia. Grandchildren Peter (Tammy Matt) Whitney, Greg (Aileen) Whitney, Michelle (Shawn) Skelly, Jeremy Gabriel, Trevor Gabriel, Jill (Josh) Daws, Kelly (Ryan) Olson, Joshua (Shawna) Dorman, Sarah (Matt) Ford, Mary Ellen (Jason Downs) Dorman, Amy (Jack) Moffitt, Caitlin (Shawn) Affolter, and Anna (Nathan DeVille) Dorman.  21 Great Grandchildren, several nephews, nieces, and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother James and wife Dorothy Dorman, son-in-law David Whitney, and sister-in-law Virgina and brother-in-law Charles Barone.

The family would like to extend special thanks to his incredible caregiver crew this past year.   We also appreciate the amazing care he received from the staff and volunteers at Crossroads House this past week. Earl requested that he be a part of the Anatomical Gift Program at the University of Rochester.  The family welcomes donations in his memory to Crossroads House P.O. Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021; Town of Batavia Fire Dept. P.O. Box 417, Batavia, New York 14021; or First Presbyterian Church 300 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

There will be no prior visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Earl’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Renee worked for many years at Wyoming Central School, the Penny Saver and Sylvania in Batavia. She enjoyed baking, traveling, camping, fishing, planting her favorite flowers in the spring and spending time with her family. Renee was a compassionate woman who always made sure others needs were met above her own until the end. Her quiet strength and undying love will continue to inspire her family and she will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her husband; Glenn Miller; son Jeffrey Miller of Buffalo; brothers Laverne (Susan) Lear and Gary Lear; sister Victoria Krueger, along with many nieces and nephews.

Renee’s family would like to thank Renee’s niece, Leigh, for the special care she provided over the last weeks of her life.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, November 16, 2020 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A private Funeral Service will be held for the family. Renee will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.   

Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory. Thank you for your cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North St in Batavia.  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.

Florida/Batavia - Richard Langford Christie, III, 57  of Ruskin, Florida and Batavia  passed away on Friday, (November 6, 2020) at his home in Batavia.
Mr. Christie was born February 19, 1963 in Miami, Florida, a son of Richard Langford Christie, Sr. and Eartha Lee (Jackson) Christie.

Services for Richard will be held in Florida at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 6919 Providence Road, Riverview, Florida 33578. Those wishing to send arrangements, please deliver by 5 PM on Friday, November 20, 2020.  Any cards or gifts of love can be mailed to The Christie Family, c/o/ Kosheka Wright, 10010 Park Place Avenue, Riverview, Florida, 33578.  Burial will be in Serenity Meadows in Riverview.

Local arrangements were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Grace  P. Cook, age 84, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia.

Mrs. Cook was born Friday, October 2nd, 1936 in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, a daughter of the late Hedley Robert Earle and Mary Elizabeth Cook Earle.

Grace was a member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia. An avid gardener, she enjoyed walking with her friends.

She is survived by her siblings; David (Barbara) Earle of Batavia, Edward (Beverly) Earle of Lockport, Jeanette Konieczny of Batavia and Loretta Bausch of Silver Lake; her sister-in-law, Marge Earle of Rochester and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings; William, Jerry and Patrick Earle, Phyllis Griener, Stella Cirillo and Betty Minchin.

There are no prior visiting hours. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 in the Father T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York 14263.  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, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.