Obituaries

Rita Ruzzi, 77, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Thursday April 4, 2019 at the Kirkhaven Transitional Care in Rochester. She was born on November 13, 1941 in Batavia to the late Frank and Marie (Marchese) Ruzzi. In addition to her parents, Rita is predeceased by her siblings; Joseph, Michael Ruzzi, Rose Ruta and Margaret Stefani.

Rita was a longtime member of Ascension Parish. She worked for many years at Melton Shirt Company and Batavia Downs.

She is survived by her sisters; Shirley (Richard) Neth of Batavia, Jennie Dawson of Rochester and Audrey Prouty of Rochester, beloved nephew Richard (Melanie) Stefani of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday April 8, 2019 at Ascension Parish 15 Sumner St. Batavia, NY 14020. Rita will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or in the form of Masses. 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.    

JOSEPH VERSAGGI, JR. ~ Age 92, of Batavia, died peacefully Thursday March 28, 2019 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Batavia, NY on March 7, 1927 to the late Joseph and Onlee (Joslyn) Versaggi also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Antoinette “Annette” (Pettinella) Versaggi in 2009; cherished son, Joseph Versaggi, III in 1975 and sisters, Minnie Galline and Mary Lou Battaglia.

Mr. Versaggi was a veteran of the United States Navy Seabees during WWII and worked for many years at the US Gypsum Plant in Oakfield. A member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s) along with being an incredible carpenter.

Joe is survived by a daughter, JoAnn Versaggi of Rochester; brother, Frank (Genevieve) Versaggi of Oakfield along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Please join the family to Celebrate Joe’s Mass of Christian Burial 11:30a.m. Friday April 5 at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Site), he will be laid to rest alongside his wife in St. Joseph’s cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

STEVEN P. FOWLER ~ Age 59, of Darien Center, Steve was born January 5, 1960 in Buffalo, NY to Raymond and Alice (Ropp) Fowler of Alden, NY, died peacefully Sunday evening March 25, 2019 at Isaiah House in Rochester, NY with loved ones at his side.

Steve had a passion for the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and boating, his greatest joy was time spent his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his loving children, Kate (Adam) Willson of Batavia, Cody (Michelle) Fowler of Corfu; beloved grandchildren, Kira, Paityn, Brayden, Josie & Cory; siblings, Mona (Wayne) Marx, Lora (Steven) Zygmunt all of Alden, Alta (Dave) Mlodozeniec of Batavia, Gwen (Ernie) Heineman of Ohio and Daryl (Patti) Fowler of Elma along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In honor of Steve’s wish the family will hold a Celebration of Life that will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the charities, Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia, NY 14020 or HuntingWNY 1259 Bray Road, Arcade, NY 14009.

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

THE FAMILY OF STEVEN P. FOWLER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

  Eleanora Laird, 97, of Varysburg passed away on April 3, 2019 in Warsaw. She was born in Weathersfield, NY on March 29, 1922 to the late George and the late Hazel (Bauer) Parmerter. Eleanora was preceded in death by her first husband; Hurlburt Laird in 1993 and her second husband; Wesley Laird in 1998.

Eleanora was the former owner of Laird Brothers Dry Cleaners in Varysburg. She was a member of Johnsonburg United Methodist Church and the Varysburg Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Eleanora is survived by her two sons; George (Mary) Laird and Terry (Candy) Laird; step sons John Laird, Randall Laird, and Timothy Laird; grandchildren, Peter (Summer) Laird, Christopher (Heather) Laird, Tara (Brennan) Blowers, Niki (Noah) Seward, Zach Laird, and Tyler Laird; 9 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday April 6, 2019 from 12:00- 1:00PM. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1:00PM at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Varysburg Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, 2446 US-20A, Varysburg, NY 14167 or the Johnsonburg United Methodist Church, 3025 NY-98, Varysburg, NY 14167 in memory of Eleanora. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Luis Enrique Bazan, 36, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at his home.

Luis was born September 25, 1982, in McAllen, Texas, son of Antonio Mateo Artache of Batavia and Sanjuana Mateo of Batavia.

A graduate of Batavia High School, he was a gifted carpenter who loved fishing, painting and writing poetry. He will be remembered by his family an amazing father to his children, a devoted son and brother who will be dearly missed. Luis was a Patriot that loved this country and although he was very outspoken, he was always willing to help anyone who was in need.

Surviving along with hs parents are his children: Kris Richard Bazan, Enrique Antonio Bazan and Liam Cruz Connelly-Bazan all of Batavia; his brother: Ruben (Deanna) Torres of LeRoy; sisters: Jan Alaniz of Rochester, Yadira "Rosie" Mateos of Batavia and Michelle (Eric Amaro) Mills of Elba; step-brothers and step-sisters: Cecilia, Fernando, Joaquin and Adriana along with several nieces and nephews.            

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. Contributions in Luis's memory may be made to the  charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

SHANE R. CARVER ~ Age 65, of Batavia, died Friday morning March 29, 2019 following a lengthy illness at his home in Seven Springs Country Club where he was dedicated member for 40 years. He was born February 18, 1954, in Buffalo, NY a son of the late John and Brenda (Dorf) Carver also preceded in death by his sister, Penny Bridge.

Shane was a heavy equipment mechanic for 35 years for the Genesee County Highway Department. He had a knack for storytelling, occasionally a bit embellished but always ending with his famous line, “You Can’t Make This S?!T Up.” Most important in his life was family, he will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.       

Surviving is his beloved wife of 41 years, Mary (Tyler) Carver of Batavia; his daughters, Jennifer (Gregory Newton) Carver of Mt. Morris and Samantha Carver of Chafee, NY; cherished grandchildren, Kayla, Michael Richenberg and Grayson Newton; brother, John “Jake” (Nancy) Carver of Albany; mother-in-law, Margaret Tyler of Batavia; brothers-in-law, Daniel Bridge of Elba, Daniel Tyler of OH, Robert Tyler of Medina; sister-in-law, Barbara (Alan) Austin of Albion, Catherine (Jon) Baretello of Batavia; former son-in-law, Michael A. Richenberg of Batavia along with many nieces and nephews.    

Shane’s family will be present from 11-1p.m. on Saturday April 6, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where his Celebration of Life will begin at 1p.m. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery and memorials in his memory suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, HomeCare and Hospice 29 Liberty Street Ste 6 Batavia, NY 14020 or the Stafford Rescue Squad.

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

THE FAMILY OF SHANE R. CARVER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

 

Frederick J. Hensel, Jr., “Rick”, 65, of Corfu, passed away peacefully, Sunday, March 31, 2019 at his home, with his family by his side.

Rick was born on May 13, 1953 in Batavia, a son of Elaine Cummings Hensel and the late Frederick J. “Red” Hensel, Sr. He was the father of the late Charles F. Hensel.

Rick was a proud and active member of the Patriot Guard Riders and ABATE of New York. He was an Elder and member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church.

Rick is survived by his mother, Elaine Hensel; his beloved wife, Beverly (Borden) Hensel; his children, Chris (Amber) Hensel and Rebecca Hensel;  brother, Gerald Hensel; 9 grandchildren;  step children, Ralph (Khrystina) Clarke and Renee (Jeremy) Peters; 5 step grandchildren with one on the way and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Rick is also survived by his faithful companion, Buddy the dog.

Family and friends may call Thursday, April 4, 2019 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 5, 2019 at 11 a.m at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu. Burial will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery, Akron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159, Corfu, NY 14036, Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia, NY 14020 or Crossroads House, PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14201.

Batavia - John R. Sherman, Sr., age 41, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

John was born August 8, 1977, in Batavia, the son of Jan Beach of Batavia. John was also raised by Bill Northrop of Medina.

A 1996 graduate from Avon High School, John graduated from the Wellsville Campus of Alfred State College and Empire State College and was currently working at Pizza Hut in Batavia. John's culinary and sculpting skills were second to none. A member of City Church, he was also a member of the YMCA and volunteered his time at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. John will be remembered as kind, giving and always accepted people for who they were. He was always willing to help anyone in need. He will be sadly missed by his dog, Roxie.

Surviving along with his mother and Bill are his son, John Sherman, Jr. of Livonia; John Jr.'s mother, Mandy Murphy of Livonia; sisters, Amber (Alex) Curry of Piffard, Shannon (Matt) Morgan of Wyoming, Samantha Meritt of Nevada, Melissa (Fiancee Yoneida Feliciano) Meritt of Pennsylvania, Amanda (DJ) Murphy of North Carolina and Wendy Northrop of Conesus; his uncles, David Sherman of LeRoy and Bob (Lee) Beach of Conesus; several nieces and nephews including Christopher Taylor, Jr. of Medina, Aniya Northrop-Neely of Conesus and Kylee Wonsey of Conesus; his best friends, Dai Nguyen, Ryan Warner and Scott Karness; all of Batavia.  

Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Friday at City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia where John's funeral services will immediately follow at 2 p.m.with Pastor Marty Macdonald officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in John's name please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

  Margaret A. Hinz, 81, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Sunday March 31, 2019 at the Premier Genesee Nursing Home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 3, 1938 in Batavia to the late Charles and Bessie (Fenton) Johnston. In addition to her parents, Margaret is predeceased by her son; Freddy Hinz; brothers Allen, Billy, Bobby and Jimmy Johnston; sisters Marion Kaziorik, Mary Lyons, Virginia Geyser and Nancy Wade.

Margaret was a long time employee at PW Minor in Batavia. She loved fishing, puzzles and Beanie Babies. She enjoyed camping and the outdoors and loved wildlife. Margaret just loved life. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her beloved husband of over 60 years; Larry Hinz Sr.; children Margaret (Michael) Taylor of LeRoy, Larry (Patricia) Hinz Jr. of Batavia and Roxanne (Michael) Sentiff of Brockport; 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday April 4, 2019 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Friday April 5^th at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alexander Fire Dept. PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. 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.

Joan A. Piechocki, 85, of Alden, passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 30, 2019.

Joan was born on January 2, 1934 if Corfu, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Emma Warren Aylsworth. She's the wife of the late Anthony R. Piechocki and mother of the late Donald Thayer.

Joan is survived by her children, Brenda Piechocki, Anthony R. Piechocki II and Mary (David) Zawodzinski; her daughter-in-law, Gayle Thayer; grandmother of 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and sister of Gloria (Carl) Patterson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Joan was retired from the Erie County Home in Alden. She worked there for 30 years.

There is no prior visitation. Private services at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

Anthony Umbardo Strollo “Tony”, 84 of LeRoy, passed away peacefully on Friday (March 29, 2019) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

He was born December 8, 1934 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Albino and Carmella Corrado Strollo.

Anthony was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and a lifelong resident of the LeRoy and Batavia communities. At one time he was a manager for Dominic Mancuso’s Restaurant in Attica. His passion was horse racing and he owned and raced several horses in the states of Florida and New York. His pride and joy was “Single Johnnie”, who was a dominant and favorite horse which he raced at Batavia Downs. He was a member of the Harness Horse Association and a proud member of the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576 in LeRoy.

He was the brother of the late Michael (Anna) Strollo, Fred (Mary) Strollo, Mary (Alphonse) Ficarella, Rose Strollo, Antoinette (John) O’Geen, Pauline (Joseph) O’Geen, Frances Miceli and Florence (Joseph) Macaluso.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Jean Morrison-Strollo of LeRoy. Daughter, Kara Niemi of Kingfield, Maine. Brother, Albert Strollo of Batavia. Brothers in-law, Bradford W. Morrison of South Portland, Maine and Barry W. Morrison of Ellenton, Florida. Also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to share memories on Wednesday (April 3, 2019) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a memorial service will be held at 7pm, followed by full Military Honors. Family and friends are then invited to a Celebration of Life at the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576, 53 West Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be offered to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 42 Arneytown-Hornerstown Rd., Cream Ridge, NJ 08514. Expressions of sympathy 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.

 

 

  Catherine Rose Nestor, 79, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Saturday March 30, 2019 at Brothers of Mercy in Clarence. She was born on November 26, 1939 in Italy to the late Peter and Carmella (De Masi) Macheda. In addition to her parents, Catherine is predeceased by her beloved husband; Mark Nestor; sister Rose Pileggi.

Mrs. Nestor was a teacher at Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools for over 30 years. She was an avid reader and loved nothing more than spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters; Marie (Tom) Martell of Oakfield and Jennifer (Paul) Ko of Princeton, NJ; brother Vincent Macheda of Batavia and sister Frances Winicki of North Carolina; 4 grandchildren Olivia and Dylan Ko, Sophia and Malena Martell, along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday April 5, 2019 from 4:00-7:00PM 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 Saturday April 6^th at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.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.

Robert “Bob” E. Crowley, 87, of Attica, passed away on March 28, 2019 in Batavia, NY. He was born July 14, 1931 in Salamanca, NY to the late James and the late Helen (Wachter) Crowley. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Crowley, daughter, Cathy Crowley; brother, James Crowley and brother-in-law, Bill Denapole.
Bob served as a Correctional Officer at the Attica Correctional Facility for 25 years. He was a member of St. Joachim & Anne RC Church in Attica for many years.Sports played a major role in Bob's life. In his younger years, Bob was a professional baseball Umpire and a life-long fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills. Bob was an avid golfer and past President of the Attica Golf Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family fishing in his pond, shooting hoops on "Crowley Court", and storytelling on the back deck. In retirement, Bob and Evie enjoyed many years with friends at their winter home in Sebring, Florida.
Bob is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Heidrick), children, Michael (Barbara) Crowley of Attica, NY and Patti (Rick) Ransanici of Dansville, NY; sisters, Jean (David) Kinney Allegany, NY and Maryann Denapole, Bakersfield, CA; grandchildren, Cathy (Eric) Sailer, Jenny (Geoff) Mealey, Rob (Stacy) Crowley, Amanda
Crowley , Megan and Alyssa Ransanici; great grandchildren, Brant, Carson, Saige, Denny, and Lydia and his many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at United Memorial Medical Center and the staff and residents of the Manor House for their excellent care and concerns for Bob in recent weeks and years.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 from 4 pm- 7 pm at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at St. Joachim & Anne RC Church, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob’s memory to the Gateway House,
www.GatewayHomeAttica.org or make checks payable to Gateway Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011.
For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit
www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street,
Attica, New York 14011

  Lydia V. Zinni, a long time former resident of Batavia, passed away on March 19, 2019 in Jacksonville, FL. Lydia was born on May 14, 1922 in New York City. She was the only child of Ernesto and Mary Bertone.

She enjoyed many outdoor activities including horseback riding, tennis, cross country skiing, and ice skating. She always believed that exercise was important and was taking aerobic classes into her 80’s!  Lydia was an excellent cook and advocated healthy meals even before it was the fad! She made everything from scratch.  Her pie crusts were unbeatable and her strawberry rhubarb pies will not be forgotten. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing costumes and clothing for her daughters, and even tackled re-upholstering furniture. Lydia also enjoyed traveling throughout the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and several Caribbean Islands. Prior to marrying the love of her life, Donald Zinni, in 1950, and moving to Batavia, she was an executive secretary at the Montgomery Ward Headquarters in NYC. Lydia was a devoted and loving wife and mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Her loving and caring ways will be cherished forever. 

Lydia is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Donald; her daughters & son in laws: Lynne Stager (John), Virginia Reist (Charles), Paula Reeger (Terry); seven grandchildren: Kevin Stager, Maria Stager, Erik Reeger, Erin Katzman (Andy), Danielle Dallas (Scott), Rachel Reist, and Harland ( Andrea) Reist; six great grandchildren: Mollie, Ian,& Margaret Dallas, Hailey Reist,  Jacob & Micah Katzman. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Lydia was a faithful member of St. Anthony Church and Ascension Parish. She was a wonderful role model for her daughters. Lydia enjoyed life and was always up for a good time. She will be sadly missed.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be determined. Mrs. Zinni will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

The family requests no flowers and kindly requests that memorials in Lydia’s memory be made to The Sisters of Mercy NY, PA, Pacific West Community Development Office 625 Abbott Rd. Buffalo, NY 14220-2092 www.sisterofmercy.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.

NICHOLAS JOHN BENDER ~ Age 39, of Corfu, died peacefully Wednesday morning March 27, 2019 at home under the care of his beloved wife, his loving family and his extended law enforcement family. Nick was born in Buffalo, NY on September 13, 1979, a son of Rick and Susan (LaCrego) Bender of Lancaster; he is preceded in death by his brother, Aaron D. Bender in 2003.

Nick graduated from Lancaster High School in 1998 and joined the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department as a Corrections Officer some five years ago. He loved his job and his co-workers, Nick was always first in and last out, he simply had your back when trouble came around, giving him the respect of his peers. Nick was “Loud” & “Sassy”, you knew when he walked into a room, but he was compassionate and had a soft side as well. He enjoyed the outdoors, his Harley, cuddling with Bobbie Jo, camping, hunting with Jacob for hours and fishing with his sweet Riley.

Along with his parents Nick is survived by his dearest Cherie (Roman) whom he married in 2010; children, Riley Bender and Jacob Miller at home, Bobbie Jo (Adam) Hill of Pembroke and Brandon Bender of Newark, NY; father & mother-in-law, Mathew (Frances) Roman, Jr. of Corfu; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Coles of Buffalo; paternal grandmother, Joan Bender of Depew; godparents, Robin Mutka and Richard Bender along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Nick’s family will be present from 12-6pm along with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard on Sunday March 31, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020 where a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 6p.m. (PLEASE NOTE: All Law Enforcement is asked to assemble 4:15p.m. at the funeral home with a Final Salute of Nick at 4:30p.m). The family requests memorials in his memory to the Genesee County Sheriffs Employees Association for the future Memorial Garden PO Box 46 Batavia, New York 14021.

“236 Genesee…No answer 236 Genesee…236 Genesee out of service. Although you are gone, you will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, our friend.

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

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