Obituaries

Batavia – G. Bill Engelhardt, was a man who loved life and fiercely loved his family.  Bill served his country with the United States Army National Guard and was a volunteer fireman with the Elba Fire Department.

Bill passed away early Saturday morning most unexpectedly at the age of 56.

Bill was born January 1, 1962, a son of the late John Engelhardt and Linda Mead Engelhardt Royse. He is also predeceased by his step-father, Ralph Royse, Sr. and his first wife, Linda Anne DiMartino Engelhardt, who passed away on June 29, 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne M.  Wheeler Engelhardt, whom he married September 1, 2012. Joanne was his everything. Bill is also survived by his children, Ricky Engelhardt, Mary Engelhardt, Jessica Engelhardt, Ronnie Engelhardt, George Engelhardt, Brandon Hines and Jerry Dykstra; two brothers, Ralph (Deb) Royse, Jr. and Ward Royse of Batavia; seven sisters, Helen Engelhardt, Irene McNutt, Linda Royse, Annie Royse, Ruth (Tom) Gilliatt, Malynda Blackshere and Mabel Ramirez; his aunt, Mabel “Mae” (Robert) VanNess who was his hero, friend and role model and several grandchildren and nieces and nephews survive.

Bill loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle and loved giving his grandchildren a ride on the bike. He was a giver, not a taker. Bill believed in helping anyone whenever possible. He was a man that did not pull punches. He loved snowy owls, so whenever you spot one, know its Bill flying free and watching over everyone.

Friends may call on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Bill’s name to his family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Elba - Stewart G. Hare, age 90, of Elba, passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Hare was born August 12, 1928 in Albion, a son of the late Alton S. Hare and Ruth Snyder Hare.

He is predeceased by his wife, Jean Gillard Hare, passed away on February 5, 2014 and his son, James S. Hare passed away on September 12, 2018. Mr. Hare is also predeceased by his siblings, Eunice Murphy and Maurice Hare.

He is survived by his children, Thomas Hare of Batavia, Andrew (Dawn) Hare and Amy (Marty) Stucko, both of Elba; his daughter-in-law, Mary Hare of Red Hook; eleven grandchildren, Tracy (Andy) Belmont, Emma and Maddie Hare; Mark (Laura) Hare and Hayley Hare; Collin and Meg Stucko; Catherine, Dennis, Erin and Kerry Hare; two great-grandchildren, Avery and Paisley Belmont and several nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Elba Central School and Colgate University, Mr. Hare was a longtime financial advisor working for Sage Rutty & Company in Batavia and then as an independent financial advisor in Elba.  A lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elba, he was a member of the former Elba Rotary Club and served as the Mayor of Elba during the 1960's and was instrumental in bringing the sewer project to the village.

He loved aviation and anything to do with airplanes; especially vintage aircrafts and crop-dusters. He shared this passion with his late son Jim and would visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome where Jim was an active advocate for the museum. An avid reader, Mr. Hare had a passion for following the stock market, traveling to Myrtle Beach and Gulf Shores with his late wife, Jean in their retirement and the numerous family vacations that were spent at the Adirondack Mountains.

There are no prior visiting hours.  Services for Mr. Hare will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba.  In lieu of flowers, consider memorials in his name to the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058 or to the Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

 

Warsaw ~ Dorothy L. Swineford, age 70, formerly of LeRoy and Batavia, passed away Wednesday evening (October 24, 2018) at the Wyoming County Community Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw.

    

She was born November 6, 1947 in Warsaw, N.Y., a daughter of the late Albert and Alice Reichenbach Courtney.

     Dorothy was a loving mother and grandmother, who loved animals and enjoyed doing crafts and just driving around the countryside.

     She is survived by her daughters, Lonnie Peterson of Batavia and Tammy (Mike) Reinhart of Pavilion; her husband, Floyd "Woody" Swineford; grandchildren, Melissa Peterson, Jessica Ianiro, Mathew Ianiro, Bradley Fairbanks, Bobby Reinhart, Cody Reinhart and Zachary Reinhart; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Rogers of Caledonia, along with many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sisters, Betty and Marge.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 12 ~ 2 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where services will be held at 2:00 P.M.  Interment in Elmwood Cemetery, Silver Springs will be private.

     Memorials are suggested to Volunteers For Animals, 3841 West Main St. Rd., Batavia, N.Y. 14020.

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

Sharon Nanette Williams, 54 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday (October 24, 2018) at her residence.

She was born February 19, 1964 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late C.J. and Rosa C. Hatcher Williams.

She was predeceased by her sister Angelia C. Williams.

Survivors include her sister, Carolyn G. Williams of Florida. Brothers, Danny L. Williams of Batavia, Lennon B. Williams of Batavia and Eric P. Williams of East Pembroke, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins nieces and nephews with deep affection for Pratorian, Zebadiah, Ezekiel and Brandon.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (November 3^rd) from 10-11am at Discovery Chapel, 315 W. Main St., Batavia, NY, where her Homegoing Celebration will begin at 11am.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. 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.

Batavia - Mary Ann Yaw, 84, of Batavia, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2018 following a brief illness.

Mame was born January 29, 1934 in Lackawanna, the daughter of the late Walter Lewis and Margaret Fitzgerald Lewis.

Mame was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Richard B. Yaw in 2017 and her daughter, Mary Patricia Yaw in 1996.

Surviving are her loving children, Kathleen (Steve McGuire) Yaw of Joy, Illinois, Todd (Amy) Yaw of Maitland, Florida and Margaret (James) Fasano of Batavia; six grandchildren, Douglas (Holly) Lamkin, Nathan Lamkin, Bret (Elizabeth) Yaw, Chelsea Yaw, Benjamin (Kimberly) Fasano and Jenna (Kevin) Arroyo; and seven great-grandchildren, Sydney, Cooper and Harper Lamkin, Addison and Jonah Arroyo, William Fasano and Colton Yaw,

A graduate of Mount Mercy Academy in 1954 and Erie Community College in 1955, Mame enjoyed a long career as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Mame was an avid Notre Dame and Buffalo Bills football fan who enjoyed many seasons alongside her husband and the "crew" from the "fan van". An avid collector of birds, Mame also enjoyed bowling, knitting, cooking and fishing. Her greatest treasures were her husband, travelling, and spending time with her children. Mame will be remembered for her huge loving heart, her extreme strength and sense of humor.

There are no prior visiting hours. Mame’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mame’s name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Mrs. Yaw have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

 Jason L. Cramer of Attica, NY, passed away at the age of 34 on Sunday October 21, 2018. Jason was born on May 2, 1984 in Houston, TX to Jeffrey (Sheri) Cramer and Rebecca Real.

He was a Trimmer for Chapin International, Inc in Batavia. Jason loved to fish and to spend time with his family. His favorite moments were spent with the love of his life, Becky Reding and his children.

In addition to his parents, Jason is survived by his 12 children; Jason Cramer, Jr, Ivy Pionessa, Cody Pionessa, Seth Pionessa, Gage Pionessa, Raven Prefontaine, Tyler Lafferty, Talan Prefontaine, Cash Prefontaine, Steel Prefontaine, Lyric Reding, Knight Reding, and a baby with an expected arrival in June of 2019; his nine siblings, Jeremy Allison, Sara (Dustin) Cook , Katie Cramer, Zachary Cramer, Jamie (Kenneth) Torrence, Mark (Taunja) Green, Heather (Richie) Mogavero, Megan (Mike Edwards) Peterson, Lindsay Peterson, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A private Service was held with close family and friends on Friday, October 26, 2018 at his home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in honor of Jason. 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.

JOSEPH R. CARRUBBA ~ age 60, of Oakfield, NY, died October 24, 2018 at Rochester General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born June 11, 1958, in Batavia, NY, the son of the late Samuel and Patricia (Geitner) Carrubba.

Joe was a driver/trainer of standard bred horses for many years. Horse racing was his life and it took him all over New York State and beyond. Joe had a wonderful sense of humor and a deep love of his family.

Surviving are his children, Michael (Amanda Benson) Carrubba of Lancaster, Erik Carrubba and Tiffany Carrubba both of Hamburg; siblings, Christopher Carrubba of Batavia, Mary (Denny) Bucceri of Oakfield, Rose (Steven Kiblin) Campbell of Oakfield and Georgeann Carrubba of Batavia along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

The Carrubba family will be present from 1-5p.m. on Sunday October 28, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Service of Remembrance will begin at 5p.m. Joe will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the family.

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 R. CARRUBBA IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

  Laura Louise (Kingston) Benton of Darien, NY, passed away at the age of 98 on Monday October 22, 2018. Laura was born on October 4, 1920 in Skaneateles, NY to the late Joseph and Lula (Thomas) Kingston.

She studied physical education at Cortland University. She was married to Thomas R. Benton for almost 65 years when he dies in 2006. Laura loved the outdoors, traveling, swimming, birdwatching and walking. She volunteered her time with many different organizations.

Laura is survived by her five children; Deborah, Amelia (Raymond), Thomas (Gigi), Julia, and John (Elaine); her six grandchildren Spencer, Rachel, Christine, Laura, Anna, and Julia, and one great grandchild, Dominic.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association via the Laura Benton Tribute page at alz.org. 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.

 

Don M. Thurau

Batavia - Don M. Thurau, 90, of Batavia, passed away Monday, (October 22, 2018) at the New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia.

Mr. Thurau was born September 10, 1928 in Batavia, a son of the late Frederick W. and Pauline (Markham) Thurau.

Don was a graduate of Batavia High School and Rochester Institute of Technology.  He served his country honorably with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Mr. Thurau owned and operated Fix Printing in Batavia until 1988.  He retired in 1990. 

A lifelong member of St. James Episcopal Church, he was a past member of the Vestry, the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, and the Batavia Lions’ Club.  He enjoyed gardening and birding. 

Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Marilyn (Brown) Thurau of Batavia; daughters, Beth (Bernard) Newhard of South Dennis, Mass., and Carrie (Eric) Kress of Livonia; grandchildren, Abigail, Samantha, and Erin Kress, Bridget and Patricia Newhard, and Terese Rogers. 

Don is preceded in death by a daughter, Sara (Late Ray) Rogers and a sister, Sue (late Bradley) Grinnell. 

There will be no visitation.  Family and Friends are invited to attend Don’s Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday (October 28, 2018) at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia.  Flowers are gratefully declined; however memorials in Don’s name may be made to the church.  Inurnment will take place in St. James Columbarium.

Arrangements were entrusted to the 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 - Florence Burke, age 84, of Batavia, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, October 18, 2018, at the New York State Veteran's Home.

Mrs. Burke was born October 25, 1933 in Providence, Rhode Island, a daughter of the late Warren Gill and Blanche Trembley Gill.

A member of the Canal Country Quilters Guild in Spencerport, Mrs. Burke was a gifted quilter who loved to sew and bake.

She is survived by her husband, Robert A. Burke, whom she married December 18, 1951; her children, Noel Burke of Milford, CT, Michael Burke of Baldwinsville, NY,  Thomas Burke of Rochester, NY, Linda Velasco of Chalfont, PA, David (Joanne) Burke of Churchville, NY, James Burke of Pasadena, TX and Kathy (Michael) Wrixon of Carrollton, GA; ten grandchildren, Bridget Burke, Matthew Burke, Joshua Burke, Robert Cooper, Jon Cooper, Kimberly Velasco, Christine Burke, Brandon Burke, Tabitha Burke and Daniel Norton; two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Friends are invited to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia on Saturday November 10^th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. to greet Florence’s family and honor her with their stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the activities fund at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Timothy R. Laskowski, 54, of Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 12, 2018.

Timothy is survived by his lifetime companion, Betti Kilian, 2 sisters, Cynthia Morell and Rosemarie White; 2 brothers, Richard Laskowski and Kenneth Laskowski; several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday October 27, 2018 from 3:00-5:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.  Immediately following, Timothy’s family would like to invite everyone to 301 Erin Rd, Medina NY, 14103 for a continuation of the Celebration of Timothy’s life.

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.

  Richard C. Burnside Jr., 82, of Corfu passed away on Sunday October 21, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 1, 1936 in Hume, NY to the late Richard Sr. and Dorothy (Remington) Burnside. In addition to his parents, Richard is predeceased by his wife; Derinda (Heise) Burnside; sister Nancy Brege and brother David Burnside.

Richard was a longtime employee and foreman at Rochester Products for 36 years. He was a member of the Morton Fire Department. Richard was an avid bowler and outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, loved camping and snowmobiling. He enjoyed doing scratch off lottery tickets and collecting eagles.

He is survived by his children; Bonnie (Scott) Chatley of Corfu; Edward Burnside of Albion; James Burnside of Corfu; siblings Duane Burnside of Lockport, Gloria Clark of Corfu; brother-in-law Jim Brege; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday October 26, 2018 from 2:00-4:00PM & 7:00-9:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday October 27^th at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Genesee County http://www.homecare-hospice.org/ 29 Liberty St., Suite 6 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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.

RONALD WILLIAM GONYEA ~ age 80, former owner/operator of Ron Gonyea Builders in Byron, NY died peacefully Saturday, October 20, 2018 at his home while under the care of Hospice and his loving family. Ron was born in Buffalo, NY on April 23, 1938 the son of the late Eli Louis and Agnes  (White) Gonyea also preceded in death by siblings, Louis Eli Gonyea, Romaine Bolt, Nellie Past, Geraldine Arbutina, Frances Brennan and ½ brother, Leo Tiederman.

Ron along with building homes worked for over 10 years at O-K Trojan in Batavia, a longtime member of the South Byron United Methodist Church and Life Member of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department. He served proudly in the US Marine Corp from 55-58 and was a member of the Botts Fiorito American Legion Post #576 in LeRoy. Ron retired from building after a 20 year career and enjoyed fishing/hunting in Canada and spending time attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Phyllis (Birge) Gonyea of Byron; loving children, Daniel R. (Carol) Gonyea of Byron, Raymond E. (Sonja) Gonyea of Byron, Lori Gonyea of TX and Kathleen (Jon) Thompson of LeRoy; 9 cherished grandchildren, Angela (Kaleb) Yates, Billy & Tiffany Cain, Brooke (Michael) Fauci, Ryan Gonyea, Jordan Thompson, Emily, Mitchell & Matthew Gonyea; 3 great-grandchildren, Faith Hampton, Tesla & Ronin Yates along with several nieces and nephews.

Please join Ron's family for a Celebration of Life Service 11am Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the S. Byron United Methodist Church S. Byron, NY 14457. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors in Byron Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to the Church or to PCF (Prostate Cancer Foundation) 1250 Fourth Street Santa Monica, CA 90401. 

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

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