Obituaries

Batavia - Joshua Jones-Dickens, age 49, of Batavia passed away on June 8, 2021.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Alice Flagler, his aunt and uncle, Anne and Jack Endries and his cousins, Carrie and John Endries.

Joshua was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and attended SUNY Buffalo. He was a volunteer at the Batavia VA Hospital and a resident of the DePaul Home.

There are no prior visiting hours. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 12:00 pm at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. He will be laid to rest in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joshua's memory may be made to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Joshua's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Patricia Ann Birge, 78, of Byron, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Patricia was born December 16, 1942 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Clarence J. and Hazel (Hunn) Baker.

Patricia enjoyed reading, spending time at the casino, traveling, camping, fishing, flowers and gardening.

Surviving are her husband, Gerald Birge, Sr. of Byron; children, Gerald (Tracy) Birge, Jr. of Bergen, Andrew Birge of Akron, OH and Pamela Birge of Bergen;  grandchildren, Danielle (Stephen) Fennelly, Gerald (Katie) Birge, III and Cody J. Birge; great-grandchildren, Adysen, Hannah and Dominic and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her twelve brothers and sisters.  

There are no prior calling hours.  Patricia 's graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 22 at Byron Cemetery, 6395 Townline Road (Route 262), Byron.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Byron Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 326, Byron, NY 14422 or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/donate.  

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

Arrangements for Patricia were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

    Troy B Vereecken, 53, of Bergen, (formerly Elba) NY passed away June 11, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family, friends and his endless record collection playing.   

Troy was born November 11, 1967 to Sue & Brian Vereecken.  He is preceded in death by his sister, Lisa Seefeldt & father Brian Vereecken.

A 1985 graduate of Elba High School, Troy was a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills & the NY Yankees.  He absolutely loved to hunt and spending time with his hunting crew.  Troy was an amazing cook & baker and would enjoy discussing his BBQ & smoking techniques with his brother-in-law Rick.  He leaves behind several very close & amazing friends:  Jane & Kris Petote, Donny (Lori) Wray, Frank (Lisa) Penna & Mark (Carol) Benz, who's endless visits, euchre playing and watching cooking shows kept Troy going and laughter in the house.  

Troy is survived by his wife of 28 years, Denise (Tracy) Vereecken and his children:  Jennifer (Isaiah Mapp) Vereecken formerly of Los Angeles California, Caitlin (Emily) Vereecken of Rochester and Alexander Vereecken of Bergen. 

There will be no prior calling hours.  There will be a celebration in his honor at a later date.  

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

Alexander  - Grace Violet Wickins Grefrath, 75, of Alexander, NY, died June 16, 2021, at Highland Hospital after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
 
Grace was born July 29, 1945, in North Tonawanda, NY, to the late Robert and Frances Helf Wickins and spent much of her life in Alexander, NY.
 
Grace was a proud graduate of Alexander High School- Class of 1963 and kept in touch with several classmates over the years. She attended Alfred State College where she earned an Associates Degree studying to be an executive secretary. Grace worked as a secretary at Eaton Company in Batavia, Eastman Kodak in Rochester and served her alma mater as the secretary to the high school principal until she retired in 2011.
 
During her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially sitting on the sidelines of baseball and soccer fields and basketball courts or in the audience at music concerts and other special events cheering on her two grandchildren. She looked forward to holidays and outings with friends and enjoyed exploring restaurants and shops.  In recent years, she cherished week-long summer vacations with family.
 
In years past, she volunteered with the Alexander Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary alongside her mother, Frances. Additionally, she helped fundraise and promote the Association for Research of Childhood Cancer (AROCC) in Batavia.
 
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Warren D. Grefrath, daughter and son-in-law, Lori Ann Grefrath Maher and Joe Maher of Brockport, NY; grandchildren, Nathan Joseph and Jessica Violet; nieces and nephews and close friends.
 
She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Dean; brothers Russell Wickins and Frank Wickins and sisters-in-law, Deanna Grefrath and Joan Wickins.

Family and friends may call on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Grace’s funeral service will immediately follow visitation. Burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005 or to the charity of your choice. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Irving “Ike” Beitz, 89 of Attica, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Batavia. He was born October 25, 1931 in Attica, to the late George and Lena (Cortwright) Beitz.

Ike retired as Postmaster in Livonia, he also served in Attica, Wyoming and Avon. He was a US Navy Veteran, Korean War and member of Harder O’Donnell American Legion Post 734 in Attica. Ike volunteered for 20 years as an AARP Tax Return Preparer. He spent many years as referee at local high school basketball games and was a member of Attica Lion’s Club. Ike was an avid golfer and was a member of the Attica Golf Club for over 70 years.  

Ike is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn (Simet) Beitz, daughter Ellen Woods, son Timothy Beitz, granddaughter Jennifer (Zach) Jakubowski, brother-in-law Brian (Ann) Simet, along with many nieces and nepehws.

Friends are invited to an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. 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.

Raymond LaVerne Spring, born March 22, 1937 in Batavia, the son of the late LaVerne & Genievive (Rembas) Spring. He attended local schools and graduated from Alexander High School in 1954. He married the late Leilani Darlene (Kuntz) on November 26, 1960 in West Sacramento, CA.

He enlisted in the US Navy and served one enlistment there. He then enlisted in the US Air Force and was medically retired in 1969. He was a Korean and Vietnam War Veteran after serving in many locations around the states and around the world.

Upon his retirement, he began working for Montgomery Ward in Colorado Springs, CO and then in San Leandro, CA. He then retired from Montgomery Ward in 1992. Ray moved back to Corfu, NY where he worked for a few years for the local Jubilee/IGA store.

Ray was a life member of the Harder O’Donnell American Legion Post 734 in Attica and life member of the Cathie Wilde VFW Post 9000 in Corfu. He belonged to the Air Force Sergeant’s Assn., the Retired Enlisted Assn., and the Disabled Veteran’s Assn. He and his wife were also members of the Alexander “Happy Agers” Club and also enjoyed performing volunteer work with the New York Veterans’ Nursing Home. Ray was a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe R.C. Parish in Corfu.

Raymond is survived by sister Marjorie “Midge” (the late Bob) Goldsborough of Kerrville, TX; brothers Richard (Joan) of Henrietta and Calvin (Carol) of Saratoga Springs, NY; sister-in-law Teleia Mendoza of Portland, OR and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Bryan Keith Spring in 1997.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 11AM to 1PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow calling hours on Friday at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Cathie Wild Post 9000, 116 E. Main St, Corfu, NY 14036 or to American Legion, Harder O’Donnell Post 734, 83 Market 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.

Shirley Elaine Perkins LeSeur, 93, of Batavia N.Y. passed away on June 14, 2021 at the LeRoy Village Green.

Shirley was born in Batavia on July 16, 1927.  She was a life-long Batavian.  She was the daughter of the late Judd L. and Ethel Forsyth Perkins; the sister of the late Gordon F. Perkins; and the wife of the late J.D. LeSeur.  Shirley was a graduate of Batavia High School and Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Shirley was a very active member of the community.  She served as the Executive Director of the YWCA between 1949 and 1952 and thereafter was President, YWCA Board of Directors; President, YWCA Board of Trustees; President, Genesee County Homemakers, Inc. (later Genesee Orleans Homemakers, Inc.) Board of Directors; President, Genesee County American Red Cross Board of Directors; Co-President, League of Women Voters of Genesee County; President, Wednesday Study Club; Board Member, Genesee LeRoy United Way; and volunteer for the Red Cross Disaster Blood Services and Meals on Wheels.  Shirley was honored for her many years of community service when she received the Geneseean of the Year Award in 1992.   She also was very active in her church – St. James Episcopal – and was a long-time member of the Altar Guild.  She enjoyed golfing at Stafford Country Club, gardening, and reading.

Shirley was a loving mother to her three children: John LeSeur of Potomac Maryland; Debby LeSeur Hall of Willits, California; and Linda LeSeur Spencer of Oakland, California; and her five grandchildren: Mani Moran, Bryan Pavlovic, Suzanne Spencer, John Spencer, and Mary Elaine LeSeur. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Shirley can be made to HomeCare & Hospice and St. James Episcopal Church.  A memorial service in remembrance of Shirley will be held later this year.

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

Arrangements for Shirley were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Marie E. Heiman, 97 of Darien Center passed peacefully into heaven on Sunday May 2, 2021 with her two youngest children by her side. 
Memorial Service Time Change - The memorial service for Marie E. Heiman is Saturday June 26, 2021, 1:00p.m. at the North Darien Bible Church, 9762 Simonds Road, Corfu, NY, followed by a meet and greet opportunity with family, friends and guests.  Light hors d’oeuvres will be served during this time.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to:  Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, P.O. Box 2805, West Lafayette, In. 47996, ibcresearch.org or All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020, allbabiescherished.com

Marie was born on April 10, 1924 to Peter and Sophia Heintz. She graduated from Alexander High School and married, Ormond Richert. They were blessed with three children. Ormond passed away on June 28, 1954. She married Elmer Heiman and together they raised three more children. When she was 50 years old, she went back to school and became an LPN. For many of the 25 years she worked at the Genesee County Nursing Home with the responsibility of Charge Nurse. After retirement, she continued to do volunteer work by knitting countless hats and mittens and sewing many fleece mittens, bibs, and quilts.

She was an avid gardener with a green thumb and loved to give away her surplus plants. With gentle patience she passed on her skills to any who would learn. She enjoyed traveling to attend the births of her grandchildren and attend any weddings, graduations, plays, dance recitals and musicals involving the children. 
She will be remembered for her punches to our arms and vigorous pats on our backs, endless humming, love of reading, especially her Bible and devotionals. She was faithful in praying for all those she loved. She will be dearly missed by all. She was generous in her life and in her death by donating her body to the University of Buffalo Medical School education and research program.

She is preceded in death by both her parents, her sisters: Sophia Heintz, Madelyn Cooley and Margaret Schubert, her brothers: Peter, George, and Charles Heintz, her first husband, Ormond Richert, her husband Elmer Heiman, her daughter, Deborah Shaffer, Son-in-Law Fred Dunn, and grandson Kevin Heiman. 
She is survived by her children James Richert (Gail) of Michigan, Daniel Richert (Kathy) of Florida, Melissa Allsup (Jerry) of Alaska, Philip Heiman (Angela) of Pavilion and Beth Clingerman (Bruce) of North Rose. She has 21 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service is scheduled on Saturday, June 26, 2021, 1 PM at the North Darien Bible Church, 9762 Simonds Road, Corfu, NY., followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to: Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, P.O. Box 2805, West Lafayette, In. 47996, ibcresearch.org or All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020, allbabiescherished.com 

 

James A Goff, 63, of Oakfield, passed away on June 11, 2021 at his home with family and friends at his side.

Jim was born October 27, 1957 in Canandaigua, a son of Marguerite (Park) Goff of Batavia and the late Robert A. Goff.

Jim is predeceased by his father, Robert A. Goff, brother, Stephen R. Goff, and sister, Lorie C. Goff.

Surviving along with his mother are his wife Ellen (Reichert) Goff and two daughters, Elizabeth Goff and Jessica (Keith) Kertman with granddaughter Cali Kertman. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Gregory Frielinghaus, aunts, cousins, and many loyal friends.

Jim managed The Stumblin’ Inn of Elba with his brother, the late Stephen R. Goff (Stork) for 40 years, until it was lost to a fire in 2018. We can’t thank the Elba community enough for their unwavering support throughout the years. We truly appreciate everything you all have done for our family.

Jim was a huge supporter of local music and giving back to the community. He was incredibly kind, caring, empathetic, and selfless. He supported many local bands and charities, he brought together so many friends and families, creating unforgettable memories for everyone.

A special thank you to Crossroads House for their compassionate care and incredible support.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 2 pm to 5 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St. where a memorial service will follow visitation.

Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the Dear Jack Foundation, to benefit young adults with cancer. Go to Dearjackfoundation.org to donate and for more information. Memorial donations may also be made to Crossroads House, www.crossroadshouse.com.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jim’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Hey hey, my my rock and roll can never die

Linwood / LeRoy ~ Keith E. Scott, age 61, of Linwood Road, passed away at home early Saturday morning (June 12, 2021) in the loving presence of his family.

  

   He was born March 31, 1960 in Batavia, a son of Sharron Laney Scott and the late Gene Scott.

    Keith will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

    He was a volunteer and member of the Perry Fire Department.

    Keith will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 10 years, Carol Penisse Scott; his children Amy (Seth) Meyer, Daniel (Heidi) Scott, Michael Scott and Steven Scott; his siblings; Linda (Charles) Metz of Leicester, Kenneth (Carol Durney) Scott of LeRoy, Lisa (Kevin) Schicker of York, Kevin Scott of Leicester and Kelly Scott of LeRoy; along with many grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; and his beloved companion Peanut.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, June 18 from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Lipson Cancer Center, Batavia, N.Y.

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

Ogden - Jerry M. Cantrell, 62 of Ogden, passed away suddenly on Friday, (June 11, 2021) at his home.

Mr. Cantrell was born April 9, 1959 in Jenkins, Kentucky a son of the late Roy M. and Beulah (Sampson) Cantrell.

Jerry was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and siblings. He liked to tinker and would attempt to fix just about anything. He was a basketball fan and a golfer. He played in the annual Madison Nation Golf Tournament every year to help fight childhood cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Pengelly) Cantrell of Ogden; children, Matthew (fiance Jessica Kimball) Cantrell of Riga, Heather (Chester Brassie) Cantrell of Gates, and Daniel (Megan) Cantrell of Brockport; grandchildren, Collin, Austin, Ava, and Jax Cantrell, and Abigail Brassie; siblings, Elner (Ulan) Anderson of Kentucky, Gary (Kay) Cantrell of Tennessee, Barbara (Ronald) Baker of Florida, and Diana (Avis) Sexton of Kentucky; Mother and Father-in-law, Tom and Judy Pengelly of Penn Yan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Jerry is preceded in death by siblings, Curtis Cantrell, Mildred (late Joe) Huges, Magaline (late Truman) Sanders, Shirley (late Dorsey) Galford, Birtie Vanover, Greta Buchanan, Matthew (late Carol) Cantrell, and Jimmy Cantrell.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, from 4 to 8 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue in Bergen. Jerry 's Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, (June 18th, 2021) at the funeral home. Burial will be in Creekside Cemetery in Churchville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madisonation, 12 S. Spruce Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Evelyn M. (Eve) Davis-Weatherly, 50, passed away on Thursday May 27, 2021 at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California in the loving arms of her husband. She was born on August 22, 1970 in Geislingen, Germany to William R. & Mary L. (Arena) Davis III.

Evelyn is survived by her husband: Jeffrey Weatherly; a step-granddaughter Jasmyne Serenity whom Eve has raised since she was 6 months old and a step-daughter; Ashley Weatherly. She is survived by her parents; William R. Davis III & Mary L. (Arena) Davis of North Carolina; she also has many aunts, uncles and cousins in New York., North Carolina and California. She is survived by her 8 dogs; Abbie, Bella, Lil Bit, Pup, Chuckwagon, Pudge, Charity and the new puppy Maximus Vincenzo.

Evelyn and Jeff were married in Las Vegas on November 11, 2011 at 11:00AM, to honor the date and time that her maternal grandfather, James V. Arena Sr. was born in Italy. Evelyn was deeply loved by all who knew her due to her compassion for everyone because of her charming personality. She treated everyone she met with dignity and respect. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, especially the family vacation she took with her parents and the many concerts they attended.

Evelyn was an event planner and fundraising coordinator for a group of veterans in the Vets 4 Veterans organization. She was also a member of the local Elks Club where she planned, organized, setup and cooked for the membership at times for the homeless in her area.  Her biggest accomplishment was being a member of the Desert Chapter of B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse). They are a worldwide organization to support abused children. This group was established to empower abused children to not feel afraid of the world they live in. Evelyn was also a tissue donor.

She is predeceased by her maternal grandparents; James V. Arena Sr. and Martha Arena; fraternal grandparents William R. Davis Jr. and Evelyn A. Davis and her Uncle; James V. Arena Jr., as well as her former dogs; Faith, Matilda, Benjamin, Wrinkles and Sgt. Buford.

There will be no prior calling hours per Evelyn’s request. A 12:00PM noon Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday June 19, 2021 at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's site) 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020 followed by entombment at the Fr. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made celebrating Evelyn’s life by donating to your favorite charity. 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.

Batavia – Anthony "Tony" Scafetta, Jr. "Nonnie", age 96, passed away on December 15, 2020 at the Premier Genesee Rehabilitation Facility in Batavia.

He was born April 29, 1924, in White Plains, a son of the late Anthony Scafetta, Sr. and Angelina Dolorata Scafetta.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years Frances Zimarino Scafetta, who passed away on January 17, 2017 and his sister, Angeline “Lilly” Licata.

Tony is survived by two half-brothers;  Louis (Linda) Scafetta of Byron and Nicholas (Shelly) Scafetta of Colorado; his son;  Dennis (Nancy) Scafetta of Penfield; his daughter; Angela (Bert) Pooler of Amsterdam; four grandchildren;  Andrew (Adriana) Scafetta, Eric (Rachel) Scafetta, Shannon (Bobby) Schiller, Jonathan (Monique) Fabio; eight great-grandchildren; Leo Scafetta, Eli Scafetta, Anthony Scafetta, Lucas Scafetta, Ella Scafetta, Dylan Scafetta, Ava Schiller and Owen Schiller; his brother-in-law; Charles Gustaferro of Binghamton along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He moved to Batavia at a young age and grew up on South Jackson Street and was affectionately known as "Tony" by the Zimarino family and his many friends and as "Nonnie" by the Scafetta family and his South side friends.
 

He was a member of the 1942 Graduating class at Batavia High School and proudly served his country with the United States Navy during World War II.

A longtime member of St. Mary's Parish and later Resurrection Parish, Tony was an Honorary Member for the Knights of Columbus for 29 years.  He was a 4th degree Knight of the Father Vincent Capodanno Assembly and a 3rd degree Knight of the Msgr. Kirby Council 325 of Batavia and a longtime member of the Lions Club of Batavia.

Tony was a Tool and Die Maker by trade and worked at Doehler-Jarvis for many years, becoming second shift Plant Supervisor. An accomplished carpenter, he enjoyed hunting and playing golf, and was a Ham Radio operator, WB2VPP, for many years. He was an avid coin and stamp collector.

There are no prior visiting hours. His Mass of Christian Burial, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10 a.m. at  St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tony’s name may be made to American Heart Association of Western New York, 5488 Sheridan Dr #300, Williamsville, New York 14221. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 2 pm, we invite you to join us in the Celebration of the Life of Diane E. Howe Strock.  The service will take place outside at the North Bergen Presbyterian Church, 7068 North Bergen Rd. Bergen, NY.

Diane, 62, of Byron/NYC, peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on May 19, 2021 at home after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer under the loving care of her family and HomeCare & Hospice.

Diane was born on May 12, 1959 in Brockport, NY, the daughter of the late Willis and Eleanor (Fisher) Howe.  

Diane graduated from Byron-Bergen Central School, North Country Community College, and Roberts Wesleyan College.

“Peace begins with a smile.” by Mother Theresa was Diane’s mantra.  She cherished her family, friends, music, the beauty of nature, photography, and her pets.  Diane expressed the love of Jesus Christ as she brought joy, comfort, and love to so many.

She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Frank Strock of Byron/NYC;  her sister, Marsha (Jim) MacConnell of Bergen; her brothers, David Howe (Tamara Ligtenberg, partner) of Rochester, and Doug (Jeff) Howe of Spencerport; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and her beloved pets, her dog, Faith, and her cat, Jack.

A living memorial will be established in Diane’s name.  Contributions may be sent to North Bergen Presbyterian Church c/o Vickie Bonin 7068 North Bergen Rd. Bergen, NY 14416.

For those who would like to attend the service via Zoom

Meeting ID: 874 5970 5420
Passcode: 123456

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During these tumultuous times, if you plan to attend Diane’s Celebration of Life service at the church, we ask that you bring your smile along with a mask.  Please contact Frank Strock with concerns at mcgee79@aol.com.

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

Arrangements for Diane were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, NY (585) 494-1210.

Oakfield - Richard F. Cole, 78 of Oakfield, passed away on Tuesday, ( June 8, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Cole was born December 1, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late Floyd and Roberta (Dixon) Cole.

Richard retired from Niagara Mohawk.  He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Oakfield Rod & Gun Club.  He enjoyed hunting, tractors and had a knack for fixing anything.  Richard will be remembered for his willingness to help anyone and his great sense of humor.

Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara (Scroger) Cole of Oakfield; his daughters, Rachel (Thomas) Fogerty of Columbus, Ohio, and Alicia (Scott) Cook of Oakfield; grandsons, Devin and Colin Fogerty, and Mason Cook; sisters, Cheryl (Ken) Moore, and Susan (David) Mudrzynski both of Elba; a sister-in-law, Sharon Cole of Elba. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by brothers, Gerald and Wayne (late Susan) Cole.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.