Obituaries

Byron ~ Steven James Grapensteter, age 71, of Byron-Holley Rd., passed away Sunday afternoon (May 1, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

   

  He was born December 22, 1950 in Rochester, a son of the late Jack and Claire Rauscher Grapensteter.

     Steven will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.  He was a proud "Paw" to his grandchildren, who simply cherished him.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted "high school sweetheart" of 48 years, Sandy DuBois Grapensteter; sons, Steven (Amanda) Grapensteter and James Grapensteter; daughter, Virginia (Joseph) Kapelke; grandchildren, Blake, Aiden, Logan and Lucas Grapensteter, Joseph Jr. and Jonathan Kapelke, Mackenzie, Madison and Maryann Grapensteter; brothers, Kevin Grapensteter and Scott Grapensteter, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 4 from 4 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 5 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in the North Byron Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

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

Patricia M. Piacente, 85 of Varysburg, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. She was born January 11, 1937 in Buffalo to the late LeRoy and Mildred (Biemler) Linkner. She is preceded in death by her brother LeRoy Linkner.

Patricia was a longtime member of Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish in Varysburg. She served as Eucharistic Minister, was part of the Altar and Rosary Society and took communion to parishioners in nursing homes. Mrs. Piacente enjoyed doing arts and crafts in her younger years.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Frank Piacente of Varysburg, sons, Frederick (Susan) Papke of Strykersville, Thomas Papke of Buffalo and Edward (Sandy) Papke of Dale; 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 4 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, 2311 Rt 98, Varysburg, NY 14167. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Varysburg Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Margaret A. Reitzel, 89, of Attica, passed away on April 28, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Margaret was born June 8, 1932 in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Elmer and Alice (Weatherwax) Bagg.

She enjoyed gardening and cooking.  

Surviving are her children, Jean Reitzel of Rochester, Floyd Reitzel of Attica, Morris Reitzel of Covington, PA and Steven Reitzel of Odenton, MD; a brother; William Bagg of Albion and several nieces and nephews.   

Preceded in death by her husband, Frank Reitzel and sister, June Donner.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Margaret's funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. also on Friday.  Burial will be in Brainard Cemetery in Attica.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stevens Memorial Community Library, 146 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.  

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

Anthony E. D’Aurizio “Tony”, 84, of Batavia, NY, passed away on April 30, 2022, after a long illness.

Anthony was born on April 18, 1938, to Nicholas and Teresa (Tiberio) D’Aurizio in Batavia, NY. After graduating from Batavia High School in 1956, he joined the United States Army in 1957 serving as Company Clerk, Specialist 4^th Class stationed in Southern France.

In 1959, Anthony met Constance Ann Pagano they married in 1961 and went on to have 3 children, Anthony M. (Kathryn) D’Aurizio Jr. of Huntersville, NC, Lisa Marie D’Aurizio Pullinzi of Batavia, NY, and Laura Ann (Andy) Pedro of Batavia, NY.

Anthony worked in food service for 36 years as a department manager, retiring from Tops Supermarket; additionally he worked at Batavia Downs for 32 years. He retired from both jobs in 2002. Anthony was a lifetime parishioner of St. Anthony’s Parish and now Ascension Parish, a member of St. Nicholas Social Club, where he served as Executive Chair and Vice President for a term. Anthony enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching his grandchildren participate in their athletic and scholastic activities; mainly he cherished spending time with his family. He was a great storyteller and spent countless hours telling his grandchildren about the “Old Days”. Anthony will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was devoted to family.

Anthony is survived by his wife of 61 years Constance, 3 children, Anthony (Kathryn) D’Aurizio Jr., Lisa Pullinzi, Laura (Andy) Pedro; 8 grandchildren Devin (David) D’Aurizio Gilbert, Anthony L. (Stacey) D’Aurizio, Joseph, Vincent and Melissa Pedro, Constance and Siena Pullinzi, Nia (Ryan) Shepard, 7 great grandchildren Olivia and Vincent Gilbert, Kenzie and Anthony L. D’Aurizio lV, Liliana, Samantha, Wyatt Shepard. He was the of brother Frank (Jennie) D’Aurizio along with many nieces and nephews. Anthony was also predeceased by his sister Mary (Alex) Neubert and brother Nicholas (Robin) D’Aurizio.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 9 to 10:15 AM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest with Military Honor’s at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. 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 J. Lang, Sr., 78, of Batavia passed away on Sunday March 20, 2022 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Batavia.  

He was born on September 25, 1943, the son of Joseph and Clara Lang.

Joe was the loving husband of the late Pamela (Winkstern) Lang; father to the late Jackie, the late Jeffery (Tina), the late Joseph (Bonnie) and Jayme (late Dara); grandfather to Katelynn, Sky, Storm, Kylee, Kalob and Autumn.  

Joe loved the outdoors, gardening and hunting. He will be sadly missed by many.  

A Celebration of Life will take place this summer.

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

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

  Gregory L. Bruggman, 46, of Batavia, born May 18, 1975 with Spina Bifida at Genesee Memorial Hospital.  He was immediately transferred to Children’s Hospital in Buffalo for surgery. Greg passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was predeceased by his dad William “Bill” Bruggman and a brother John Joseph Bruggman, who died in 1966, also born with Spina Bifida.

He lived his life to the fullest, on his terms, never letting his disability stop or slow him down. Greg graduated from Alexander Central School. He worked at Kmart, Walmart, Independent Living and ARC Workshop. In May of 2015, he received a “Friends of ILGR Award”. He was a great advocate and supporter of Independent Living and people with disabilities. He had been a member of St. Vincent’s Church in Attica.

Greg lived on his own, in his apartment, in Batavia for over 20 years. A few years ago he had a wheelchair fire that destroyed it (Scott DeSmit interviewed him for the Daily then) but after a month of renovations he was back. Everyone would see him wheeling around town, at Batavia Downs or the ball game. Greg had been a great fan and booster of the Muckdogs for years and already had his season tickets for this summer.

Greg is survived by his mom Connie (Williams) Bruggman, brother Scott, sister Beth Anne (Michael) Matney, brothers Thomas and Michael (Courtney Treese) Bruggman. His nieces and nephews Christopher (Joyce Garcia Alberty) Guzman, Brandon (Theresa Thomas) Williams, Ryan Williams and Chris Matney, Brandi (Joe Tedesco) and De Anna (Dereck Shaw) Bruggman, John and Jack Bruggman;  great-uncle to Landon and Paisley Williams, Aspen Shaw and Anacaona Guzman and many great aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service will be held in July at the family cottage in Java Lake. The family would like to thank all of his friends who have helped Greg have a very happy and adventurous life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greater Rochester Spina Bifida Association, P.O. Box 3, Fairport NY 14450. 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 - Marguerite P. Goff, age 88, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mrs. Goff was born Monday, July 24th, 1933 in Middleport, a daughter of the late Cecil W. Park and Katherine G. Gavigan Park.

A member of The Elba Elegants and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Elba Fire Department, Marguerite will be remembered by all as a caring friend to everyone she met.  She was a proud and loving mother and grandmother.

Marguerite is the wife of Robert A. Goff who passed away January 16, 2015, mother of the late Lorie C. Goff who passed away on July 29, 2020, Stephen R. Goff who passed away on March 9, 2021 and James A. Goff who passed away on June 11, 2021 and sister of the late John Oakes and Raymond Oakes.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Ellen Goff  of Oakfield; son-in-law,  Greg Frielinghaus of Rochester; granddaughters,  Jessica (Keith) Kertman  of Palmyra and  Elizabeth Goff of Oakfield; great-granddaughter, Cali Kertman of Palmyra; her sister, Betty Monagan of Batavia and nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 30th, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where a brief prayer service will follow at 3 pm. She will be laid to rest in Mount Albion Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Louis M. “Rusty” Breton Jr, 53, of Alexander, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2022 after a battle with ALS, a battle he fought courageously in his faith and always with a smile. Rusty’s love for life didn’t come to an end with his death. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his memory by living their lives to the fullest, like he did every single day.

He was born on August 23, 1968 in Batavia, to Louis M. Breton Sr. of Batavia and Sharon (Murphy) Breton of Alexander.

Rusty was an avid outdoorsman, contractor and family man. The simplest pleasures in life brought great happiness to Rusty. He was happiest enjoying a quiet evening on his back porch with his family which was his greatest pride. Rusty always had a heart to help and was the first one to volunteer. He’d help anyone in any way he could, including a complete stranger. Rusty loved to spend every moment laughing with family and friends. His love for his family, friends and life is impossible to put into words or summarize in one paragraph.

He is survived by his loving wife; Judith D. (Norton) Breton of Alexander, children; Louis M. “Bucky” Breton III of Darien, Sydney (Aaron) Ertel, Alexis Breton and Cole Breton all of Alexander, siblings; Annette Stephens, Susan Feldman both of Alexander, James (Marla) Breton of Churchville, Jason Breton of Alexander; along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 3 to 7 PM at Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at Grace Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Road, Batavia, NY 14020 or to the ALS Association Upstate NY Chapter 135 Old Cove Rd. Suite 213, Liverpool, NY 13090. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Sharon L. Hills, age 75, of Baneberry, Tennessee; formerly of Alexander, New York, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 24, 2022, surrounded by family. Sharon was born in Warsaw, New York to the late Harold and Vivian (Muir) Hills.

Sharon is survived by her very dear friend and soulmate, Sonya Mohney of Baneberry, Tennessee; brother, Ric (Jane) Hills of Norwalk, Ohio; dear nieces, Roxanne (Dale) Neel of Norwalk, Ohio and Laura Hills of Amherst, New York, and favorite niece-in-law, Joni Sandles; dear nephews, Drew Hills, of Buffalo, New York and Joshua Hills of Ashland, Ohio; many great nieces, great nephews, and great great nieces and nephew; sister-in- law, Nancy Hills Miller; and many dear close friends.

Sharon was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Sandles; brother, Ronald Hills, sister- in-law, Jean Hills; niece, Regen Hills; and great niece, Amy Haynes. She lost her dear nephew, Larry Sandles of Baneberry on April 20, 2022.

Sharon taught at Warsaw Central School for 33 years. She was awarded the 2016 Inductee as “Special Contributor”. She guided Warsaw female athletics from the “classic” era through Title IX and into what is now known as present day athletics. She was an amazing coach from 1967-1976 and served as the only coach for every team and every level in the women’s athletic program, which included field hockey, soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, track, cheerleading, bowling, and badminton. Sharon wanted to remind the summer softball team that she “Did not bobble the ball and God knows it!” She was humbled by the comfort and support her former students showered on her during her final illness.

To our hundreds of prayer warriors, family, and friends for their endless outpouring of love, cards, messages, phone calls, and gifts, thank you. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Bill Santora Student Athlete Scholarship Fund; c/o Warsaw Boosters, P. O. Box 393, Warsaw, NY 14569, Genesee County Animal Shelter, West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020, or Amedisys Hospice Care, 1423 West Morris Blvd., Ste 6, Morristown, TN 37813.

A Memorial Service may be planned for later in the year. Farrar Funeral Home in White Pine (865) 674-244. www.farrarfuneralhome.com

Olga Steininger, 101 of LeRoy, formerly of Troy, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at LeRoy Village Green. She was born February 27, 1921 in Troy to the late Afton and Bessie Bodnaryk. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Edward A. Steininger; siblings, Peter, Eva and Elizabeth.  

Mrs. Steininger is survived by her sons, James (Ollie Allen) Steininger of Melbourne, FL and William (Joan Bird) Steininger of Batavia; special niece, Joyce (Dexter) O’Brien of Southwick, MA, along with many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held privately for the family. She will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. 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.

Corrine R. Becker, age 97 of Corfu, NY; formerly of Akron NY; entered in to rest peacefully at home April 15, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born April 2, 1925, in Buffalo, NY the daughter of the late Emil and Anna Schilling.

Corrine was predeceased by her devoted husband Nelson Becker March 9, 2009, whom she married September 8, 1944; her son and daughter-in-law Gary Becker and Paulette Sheley and her sisters Eleanor Berger and Geralda Smith. They are now reunited eternally.

Corrine is survived by her daughter Sandra (Robert) Ammon; grandchildren Jeffrey Ammon, Shari (Anthony) Salim, Sherry (Josh) Livergood; great-grandchildren Kari Ammon, Samantha Salim, Jenna Salim, and Jackson Livergood; and also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Corrine’s life will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Corfu Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny St., Corfu, NY.  Flowers gratefully declined.  Memorials may be made to the family who will distribute them to local charities.  Arrangements completed by C. B. Beach and Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.  

 

Gordon Diver age 62 of Pembroke passed away at the Premier Nursing Home in Batavia NY the afternoon of Friday January 14 2022.

Gordon was born October 4th 1959 in Batavia NY.  He was married to the late Deborah Exford of Leroy NY who passed in 2013.   

Gordon was raised on the family farm in Pembroke NY with his siblings where he enjoyed riding recreational vehicles and working on them.  He also enjoyed being around the family diner (Dees) lending a helping hand when needed.  

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Sr. in 2008 and Delores Falker Diver in 2014, and a nephew Daniel E. King in 2021.

He is survived by his siblings; sister Linda and Timothy King, along with brother Lawrence Jr. and Kathleen Diver all of Pembroke, and brother Mark and Linda Diver of Erie, Pennsylvania.  Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services for Gordon will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 10 am at Hillside Cemetery, Angling Road. A reception will follow at the Diver residence, 2058 Phelps Road, Basom.

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

LeRoy ~ Marie Sakellariou, age 84, of West Main Street, passed away early Friday morning (April 22, 2022) at the Woodside Manor Nursing Home in Rochester.

   

  She was born June 12, 1937 in Karitsa, Greece, a daughter of the late Michael and Anthi Georgeton Tountas.

     Marie, who was a longtime LeRoy resident, will be remembered as a beloved mother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She enjoyed working around her home on West Main, tending to her flowers and taking long walks around the village.  She was the owner of Tountas Coffee Shop on Main Street for many years and then went to work for LeRoy Central School, starting in the cafeteria and completing her 30 plus years with them as a bus aide for handicapped students.

     She is survived by her sons, Dean (Stacy) Sakellariou of Virginia and Michael (Michelle) Sakellariou of Mississippi; her brother, Pete Tountas of Arizona and his children, Michael Tountas and Michelle Tountas; her sister, Koula (George) Zotile of Athens, Greece and their children, Anna Zotile and Kousta Zotile, along with many dear friends.

     Family and friends are invited to her funeral service on Monday, April 25 at 11:00 AM at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Avenue, Rochester, NY., with graveside services to immediately follow in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or the LeRoy Ambulance Service.

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

Mr. Edward D. McDonald Sr., 92, of LeRoy, an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, died Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022) at East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw, NY, surrounded by family.

     Ed was born October 19, 1929, the son of the late Louis and Hazel (Pratt) McDonald. He was educated at St. Peter’s School, LeRoy High School (1947) and St. Bonaventure (1951) with a B.A.
     Ed served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1956 and completed his commission as Lieutenant Junior Grade. He served in the Korean War on the USS Casagrande.
     He worked at Lapp, Eaton Yale, Timberjack (Woodstock, Ont.) and Saban until his retirement.
     Ed was a proud LeRoyan, serving as a trustee on the village board, the Jaycees, Boy Scouts and as head of Pop Warner football.
     He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Barbara (Lathan) in 2008 and his grandson, Justin McDonald. He is survived by daughter, Margaret “Meg” (Bill) Wallace and sons, Daniel (Valerie), Paul (Kimberley), Edward Jr. (Samantha) and Michael (Chantal).
     Proud grandfather to Adam (Catherine) and Brent Wallace, Jordan and Sean McDonald, Jade (Colin Carrick) McDonald, Edward III, Zachary, Cory, Tyler (Stephanie), Dylan (Shania), Jasmyne (Randy) McDonnell, Amanda (Donovan) Mulligan and Michael McDonald, and great-grandchildren, Beau, Beck, Carson, Harrison, Paytine, Clarke, Hendrik and Simon.
     Special thanks to the kind and compassionate care over the past two years to Samantha Koons, Molly (Lathan) Peet, Jim and Michele Bonacquisti, Diane Jasczcz and the staff at East Side Nursing Home.
     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Genesee County Office for the Aging and Batavia Veterans Administration.
     Family and friends are invited to Ed’s Rite of Christian Burial to be held on Saturday, June 25 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Warsaw will be private.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Ed’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.