Obituaries

Batavia - Wayne William Bassett, age 63, of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Wayne was born October 8, 1955, in Warsaw, the son of Joyce L. Bush Bassett of Batavia and the late Robert F. Bassett.

A graduate of Batavia High School and Alfred State College, Wayne was a corrections officer for 28 years with the Albion Correctional Facility, retiring on October 9, 2017. He enjoyed shooting at the area ranges, walking, riding his Harley Davidson, snow shoeing and playing his guitar. Wayne's faith was important to him and he would read his bible daily. Above all else, Wayne deeply loved his family and spending time with them.

Surviving along with his mother are his wife, Robin A. Wagner Bassett; two daughters, Marla Bassett of Colorado and Melissa (Chad) Maniace of Colorado and their children Brooke and Brielle Maniace; step-son Roy Watson, Jr. of Barre Center and his daughter Kendra Watson; step-daughter, Sarah (Kevin) Copeland of Virginia and their children Tyler, Dylan and Letti Copeland; his sister,  Stacy A. (William) Bradley of Batavia and their children, Ethan, Justin and Brandon Bradley; his brother-in-law, Richard (Deb) Wagner, Sr. of Batavia and their son, Richard Wagner, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Debbie (Ron) Gibson of Batavia and their daughter Ashley Gibson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard (Joanne) Wagner of Batavia along with many dear friends.

Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday. Wayne will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wayne's memory may be made to Alzheimers Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite #6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Medina - Diane Ridder, age 71, of Medina, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Mrs. Ridder was born July 15, 1947, in Batavia, a daughter of the late John Caccamise, Sr. and Pearl Parmalee Campbell of Batavia.

A graduate of Elba Central School, Diane loved playing the piano and spending time family. She was devoted to her late husband Douglas and will be sadly missed by her dog, Oliver.

She is predeceased by her loving  husband, Douglas LeRoy Ridder, who passed away on August 13, 2008.

Surviving along with her mother are her children, Lori Ann (Ken) Hawes of Basom, Rickey (Dawn) Ridder of Silver City New Mexico, Christopher Ridder of Medina, Tony (Melissa) Ridder of Elba, James Ridder of Washington and Jodie (Stephanie) Ridder of Albion; two brothers, John "Butch" Caccamise, Jr. of Florida and Anthony Caccamise of Rochester; her sister, Charlene (Ed) Schultz of Elba; eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her grandson, Justin M. Dickes, who passed away on August 12, 2010.    

There will be no prior visitation. Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 18th at 9 a.m. at Bath National Cemetery, San Juan Avenue, Bath. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Diane's memory may be made to Alzheimers Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Dr. Ste. 6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

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

Jena D. Meland, Corfu, earned her Angel Wings Sunday, February 10, 2019 surrounded by family and friends who loved her deeply. 

Jena was born August 14, 1993. She loved playing the flute and if there was a piano around, she loved making songs up on it. She had a great smile that radiated wherever she was. Jena made an impact on so many lives. 

She is survived by her parents William (Gidget) and Lillian (Tomasik) Meland, siblings Jessica Meland and Brandi Meland, Paternal Grandfather Larry Meland (Nancy), Maternal Grandfather Ted Tomasik, her partner David, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. She is preceded in death by her Paternal Grandmother Connie (Glen) Stuhlmiller, Maternal Grandmother Margaret Tomasik, Grandma Ma and Grandma Hughes. 

Visiting hours are Thursday, February 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu, NY 14036. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, February 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 8656 Church St., East Pembroke, NY 14056.

Eleanor M. Kawacz “Ellie”, 91 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (February 9, 2019) at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester.

She was born February 5, 1928 in Alexander, NY, a daughter of the late Stanley and Bertha Kobrzycki Wiktorski.

Eleanor was employed for over 25 years by the former Beardsley’s Clothing Store in Batavia.  She always made time for her family, church, and passions. If she wasn't digging in her gardens or cooking in the kitchen, Ellie was playing cards, traveling, doing puzzles, rooting for the Yankees and Sabres, or trying her luck at bingo and slots. She was blessed with a green thumb and enjoyed a good polka.  She was a lifelong parishioner of Ascension Parish serving on its Altar and Rosary Society.   Most of all she loved all of her family.  A collector of family history and photos, she made annual family reunions even more memorable for more than 50 years.  She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

She was the wife of the late Donald Kawacz for over 52 years, who passed away on February 1, 2002, and a sister of the late Stella Adamczyk, Helen Kawacz, Catherine Rzepka, Theresa Bukiewicz, Ignatius Wiktorski, Stephen Wiktorski, Frank Wiktorski, and Stanley Wiktorski.

Survivors include her daughter, Diane Kawacz of Batavia and son, Paul (Linda) Kawacz of Omaha, NE. Grandchildren, Colin (Ashley) Kawacz and Mary Kate Kawacz, great-grandson, Jackson Kawacz, all of Omaha, NE.  Sister, Sophie Tydelski of Alexander. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (February 15^th) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, 11am at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan Street and Sumner Street). Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The Ascension Parish Rosary Society will recite the Rosary Friday, 3:30pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626. Expressions of sympathy can 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, DIRECTOR.

 

Laverna D. Breckenridge, 89, from Alexander, NY passed away on February 11, 2019. She was born on March 28, 1929 on Church St in Alexander to the late Arthur and the late Mildred Hawker. Laverna was predeceased by her parents, her husbands, Roy Hamilton in 1964, and then Richard Breckenridge, her son, Wayne Hamilton in 1987, and her brother, Raymond Hawker.

Laverna graduated from Alexander High School in 1946. She then met and married Roy Hamilton. They settled on the farm where Laverna grew up and raised 3 children. After Roy’s death in 1964, she worked at the Alexander School. She then met her second husband, Richard Breckenridge. Together, they had a Dairy Farm in West Bethany where Laverna did the book keeping for the dairy. She was a 4H Club leader and was in a number of craft clubs in the area where she made beautiful quilts and delicious sweet rolls. Laverna was also a member of the Orangeville Immanuel United Church of Christ.

Laverna is survived by her son, Porter Hamilton and her daughter, Melody Boarman, and 2 granddaughters, Amanda and Shelly.

There will be no prior visitation. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday at 11: 00 A.M. at the West Bethany Cemetery, West Bethany, NY. A luncheon will follow at the Bethany Community Center. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the West Bethany Cemetery Association. For more information please call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

CLARENCE JAMES BOLAS ~ of Batavia, age 90. Clarence's journey to be with the Lord and mom happened on February 9, 2019. It was important for him to die peacefully at home. With the awesome help from hospice, we were able to make his wish come true.

He is now reunited with his wife, Dorothy (Lee) Bolas who died in 2010, his parents Joseph and Catherine (Buczek) Bolas, his siblings Josephine Weiler, Mary Schneider, Louie, Billy, Chet, Eddie and Leo Bolas.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathie Tyrholm, Barb (Al) Clark, Debbie (Guy) Cassiano, his grandchildren, Bobby Baiocco, Nicole (Alden) Goodwin, Brandi (Jeff), Jodi and Aaron Clark, Derek (Courtney) Cassiano and 2 great-grandchildren, Jacob and Leah Dipalma.

Clarence was a proud union member of IBEW local 1249. His job took him and his family across the country, eventually ending up back in Western New York. He carried memberships in the Our Lady of Batavia Council 11728 Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4^th Degree Knight, Moose Lodge, Elks Club, and the Grange. Up until last year he served as usher at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site). Every Sunday he would open the church about 2 hours early and stay busy organizing all the books, filling the holy water bowls, setting up the table for the gifts and shoveling snow when need be!!

His energy levels up to age 90 were unbelievable! The work he was still able to accomplish up to this age was nothing short of miraculous. He kept going and going and going until he tired his body right out after 90 1/2 years. As he pondered his life one day, he said "I think I overdosed on work!"  Anyone who knows him will shake their head in agreement with his conclusion.

Please join the family to Celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial 11am Thursday February 14, 2019 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Site), he will be laid to rest with his wife in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations in Clarence's memory can be made to Homecare & Hospice, Resurrection Parish, Our Lady of Batavia Council 11728 Knights of Columbus or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

SEVEN POINTS TX/BYRON - Jeff Bonk, 55 of Seven Points Texas, formerly of Byron passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at the home of his brother in Texas.

Jeff was born on June 1, 1963 in Batavia a son Harvey Bonk of Texas and the late Sheila E. (Comins) Bonk.

He is survived by his siblings, Gerald (Katrina) Bonk, Henry (Barbara) Bonk, James (Heidi) Bonk, Gregory (Jessica) Bonk, Peggy (Mike) Bonk, and Darla (Robert) Harvey, all of TX; several nieces and nephews            

Friends may call from 5- 8 p.m. on Thursday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. in Batavia. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at North Byron Cemetery 6332 Byron Holley Road, Byron, NY.  Memorials may be made in Jeffrey’s name to a charity of the donor's choice.  To leave a condolence or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Barbara L. Capwell, 81, Corfu - passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 8, 2019, after a short illness.

Barbara was born June 30, 1937, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Ralph and Dorothy Searls Kelsey. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Roy James Capwell, who passed away August 1, 2010 and her granddaughter Lisa Marie Capwell.

Barbara was a loving and devoted Christian farmwife, who worked alongside Dad. They loved life together, raising their children in such hardships, never losing their faith in the Lord through it all. She gave to those who needed, she loved so dearly and she touched so many that loved her. We will never forget Barb and Roy. They will live in our hearts forever.

Barb is survived by her six children, Thomas (Debbie) Capwell of Canaseraga, NY, Anthony (Darleen) Capwell of Corfu, Kathleen (Don) Reeb of Cosby, TN, Theodore (Lynn) Capwell of Halifax, VI, Katherine (John) George of Corfu and Kim (Mike) Lang of Batavia; 36 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren; 4 sisters and 1 brother, Joanne (Harold) Hay of Batavia, Diane (Clarence) Little of Athens, AL, Suzanne (Roger) Van Buren of Forest, VI, Ralph (Elizabeth) Kelsey of Queensbury, NY and Christine (Toby) Farrel of Estes Park, CO; sister-in-laws, Margaret Vallese and Barbara Stimpson both of Ocala, FL. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and Friends may call Tuesday, February 12, 2019 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 10 a.m. at North Darien Bible Church, 9762 Simonds Road, Corfu, NY 14036. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke, NY.

BATAVIA - Olive W. Hockey, 96, of Batavia, passed away Thursday, (February 7, 2019), at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Olive was born April 25, 1922, in Watertown, a daughter of the late Oscar and Lilly (Hart) Williams.

Olive was a woman of remarkable faith and endless curiosity. Her life is an example of hospitality and compassion.  For many years she was the Executive Housekeeper for the House of the Good Samaritan Hospital in Watertown.  Gifted with diverse interests, Olive was also a veracious reader, a generous volunteer, the leader of countless Bible Studies, and a published playwright. 

Olive is the wife of the late Arthur F. Hockey who passed away in 2004. 

She is survived by her children, Joan (Allan) Stevens and Rev. Bill (Susan) Hockey both of Batavia; grandchildren Mark (Jennifer) Stevens of Newport News, VA, Heidi Kollarik of Oakfield, Beth (John) Schroeder, Peter (Angie) Hockey both of Troy, MI, Jonathan (Thy) Hockey of Sterling Heights, MI; great-grandchildren, Hope and Noah Kollarik, Sam and Charlie Schroeder, Jack, Alex and Eli Hockey, and Reagan Hockey.

Mrs. Hockey is preceded in death by her brothers, Lloyd and Oliver Williams. 

Friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 PM on Friday (Feb. 15, 2019) at the Northgate Free Methodist Church - North Campus, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.  Olive's funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday (Feb. 16, 2019) also at church. Memorials in Olive's memory may be made to Northgate Free Methodist Church.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

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

PATRICIA A. ARNOLD ~ 79, of Batavia, died Friday February 1, 2019 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. Mrs. Arnold was born in Batavia, NY on February 16, 1939, a daughter of the late Andrew and Angeline (Zazzara) Liberto, also preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Arnold in 1983; sisters, Shirley Difilippo, Mary Jane Warren; brothers-in-law, James and Joseph Arnold

Pat worked for many years at the Batavia Downs Raceway and Alex’s Restaurant, she enjoyed the casino and horses. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Sharon Wheeler and Lori Wittkopp both of Batavia; grandchildren, Matthew, Philip (Maria), Katrina, John, Patrick (Emily Callari); great-grandchildren, Tyler, Hailey, Evelynn and Charlotte; sister, Carolyn Alfieri of N. Tonawanda; brother-in-law, Gerald (Joyce) Arnold of Spencerport; sister-in-law, May Kay Henderson of Macedon; her companion of over 30 years, Kenneth Ball of Batavia; his son, Keith (Heidi) Ball and their children, Cassidy & Katelyn along with several nieces and nephews.

Pat’s family will be present from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday February 9, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZESKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will take place at 12pm. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimers Association 2805 Wehrle Drive Suite 6 Williamsville, NY 14221.

THE FAMILY WISHES TO EXPRESS THEIR SINCERE GRATITUDE TO THE STAFF OF THE LEROY VILLAGE GREEN FOR THE LOVING CARE PROVIDED PAT, DURING HER STAY.

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

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

Janet L. Williams, 69, of Alexander, passed away peacefully on Friday February 1, 2019 at home after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Buffalo, on April 16, 1949 to Betty (Steffenhagen) Neidl of Pembroke Pines, FL and the late John L. Neidl. She is preceded in death by a sister; Judy Benden.

Janet will be remembered by her children and those who loved her as someone who always put other people first before herself - many times even going out of her way for people she didn't even know. Seemed she made "friends" wherever she went. She had a smile and an energy that would light up any room, even more so when her favorite music was playing. For Janet, Music was good medicine. It brought her a great deal of joy and energy; especially her oldies but goodies. Janet's love for family was unmeasurable. Her goals in life were simple: to be a good wife, homemaker, and mother. She was happiest when she was with her children & grandchildren or just knowing her children were together and having fun and it always brought her a smile when she knew her grandchildren were doing well and having fun too.

"Mom was the best caregiver any child could have", her son shares. She will be greatly missed for all of these things and more.

Janet is survived by; John H. Williams of Toledo, OH; beloved children Ronald X. (Harriet) Mayers Jr. of Elma; Denise M. (Todd) Webster of Alexander; Michael J. (Karen) Mayers of Fairport; siblings Joyce Colangelo of West Falls; Karen Neubecker of Pembroke Pines, FL; John (Kathy) Neidl of Cheektowaga; Betty Jane Gibbons of Davie, FL; Gail (Charles) Faidley of Sunrise, FL; 6 grandchildren, Savannah and Casey Czapla; Alan, James and Maria (Fiance Alex McVay) Riggi; Jessica Mayers; two great-grandchildren, Landon and Athena, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A private Memorial Service will be held for immediate family followed by a Celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 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, NY 14020.

Teresa M. Norton, 53, died February 2, 2019 as a result of an auto accident.

Teresa was born July 29, 1965 in Dansville, NY a daughter of Paul Dieter of NH, and Sandra Demmer of Batavia.  Teresa loved crafts of all kinds and really enjoyed making beautiful wreaths to give to family members.  Teresa was an extremely hard worker that was dedicated to her family and could start a conversation with anyone.

She was predeceased by her son, Thomas M. Norton.

Teresa is survived by her husband, Roger; son, David (Jillian Goodenough) Robb; daughter, Kimberly (Corey VanAmeron) Albanese; grandchildren, Allen VanAmeron, Samuel Goodenough and 1 on the way, Elsie Clara Anne VanAmeron; father, Paul Dieter; mother, Sandra Demmer; sister, Angela (Bruce) Wright; brothers, Paul (Sherry) Dieter; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Teresa’s Life will be announced at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489 Albion, NY 14411.  Teresa’s arrangements have entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 W. Avenue, Albion, NY 

To share a special memory of Teresa, please visit www.christophermitchell.com.

Thomas M. Norton, 22, died February 2, 2019, as the result of an auto accident.  He was born February 27, 1996 in Olean, NY a son of Roger and the late Teresa (Dieter) Norton.  Thomas was a graduate of Albion High School.  Thomas enjoyed tinkering on anything, especially small engines.  He loved to walk and run as he had participated in several marathons. He also loved to fish and will be remembered as hard working, caring and humorous.

He was predeceased by his mother, Teresa and grandparents, Beverly and Leo Norton.

Thomas is survived by his father, Roger; brother, David (Jillian Goodenough) Robb, sister, Kimberly (Corey VanAmeron) Albanese; nephews, Allen VanAmeron, Samuel Goodenough and niece on the way, Elsie Clara Anne VanAmeron; Grandmother, Sandra Demmer; Grandfather, Paul Dieter; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Thomas’s Life will be announced at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411.

Thomas’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 W. Avenue, Albion, NY

To share a special memory of Thomas, please visit www.christophermitchell.com.

Pavilion ~ Elizabeth "Liz" S. (Griswold) Green, age 42, passed away unexpectedly Monday (February 4, 2019) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

    

She was born October 31, 1976 in Columbus, OH, a daughter of Roger Griswold and Linda Hart Griswold.

      Liz will be remembered as a very loving and caring wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.  Her sons and her family were her life.  She devoted her time to helping others and always took that extra step to do so.  Liz initiated the "Backpack Program" at the Avon Primary School where she was a primary school counselor.  She was the Livingston County Violence Prevention trainer for over 18 years.  Liz also loved nature and everything to do with the outdoors.

     Liz will be sadly missed by her husband, Timothy Green; loving sons, Austin and Gavin; parents, Roger (Phyllis) Griswold and Linda Griswold (Anto Dole); sisters, Amy (Todd) Leone and Nicole Griswold (Dan Hume); brothers-in-law, Jeremy (Melissa) Green and Daniel Green,  along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 ~ 8 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Private interment will follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the "BackPack Program" Avon Primary School, 161 Clinton St., Avon, N.Y. 14414

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

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