Obituaries

Sherryl A. Hendershott-Pillo, 58, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 5, 2017 surrounded by her family at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born on June 18, 1959 in Batavia to the late Douglas Hendershott and Patricia Monagon of Medina. In addition to her father, Sherryl is predeceased by her sister Kathy Benoit; brother Keith Hendershott; father-in-law Phil Pillo.

Sherryl was a Nursing Supervisor at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She loved camping, fishing, dancing and going to the casino. She enjoyed playing games on the internet, especially Farmville. Sherryl was very passionate about her job, was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and most importantly, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her loving husband; Thomas Pillo of Batavia; children Jennifer Gangi of Batavia, Daniel Gangi of Batavia, Jessica (Josh Blanco) Maskell of Bethany, Steven Maskell of Elba, Keith Pillo of Batavia, Sarah Pillo of Albany, Mike and Matt Pillo of Batavia; mother-in-law Karen Pillo of Batavia; siblings Sue (Carl) Slate of Pembroke, Doug (Deborah) Hendershott of Oakfield, Kevin (Barb) Hendershott of Alabama and Tommy (Christine) Hendershott of Alabama; 13 grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday December 11, 2017 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 7:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House http://crossroadshouse.com/ PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

 

Marcia Karson, 71, of Batavia passed away on Friday December 1, 2017 at the Batavia Health Care Center.

There will be no prior calling hours and her Services will be held privately.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.

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.

Richard J. Canale, 75, of Batavia, died on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Rochester General Hospital.

Richard was born July 6, 1942 in Buffalo, a son of the late Louis and Eva (Quatrani) Canale.

A veteran, Richard served with the United States Army and was a senior consultant with Systems & Computer Technology in Rochester. Richard was an active member of Resurrection Parish, serving on the parish council and also as a Eucharistic minister and lector. He was a Lay Person, 3rd Order of Mercy Grove LeRoy. Richard was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Monsignor William C. Kirby Council #0325, serving as deputy, grand knight and financial secretary. Also, he was a 4th Degree Knight with Father Vincent R. Capodonno Assembly #0755, holding office as a faithful pilot and faithful navigator.

Survivors include two nieces, Luanne (Gregory) Kovacs of Florida and Susan (David) Hostetter of Rochester; a nephew, John (Cindy) Canale of Batavia; great-nieces and great-nephews, Adam (Barbara), Scott and Frank Kovacs, Molly (Tyler) Jette, Jonathan and Eric Hostetter and Rebecca and Nathan Canale; a great-great-nephew, Gregory Kovacs.

He is a brother of the late John V. and Dr. Louis D. Canale.

Calling hours are Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. The Monsignor William C. Kirby Council #0325 will conduct a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and the Father Vincent R. Capodonno Assembly #0755 will stand guard during the calling hours.

Richard's Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, where military honors will be held at the conclusion of Mass. Richard will be laid to rest in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kenmore.

Memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or Fathers of Our Lady of Mercy, c/o Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, NY 14482-1046.

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

Alexander - Diane  J. "Kitty" Keicher, 70, of Alexander, retired executive secretary for National Grid, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mrs. Keicher was born March 23, 1947 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert J. and Helen Piacinte Bartz.

A member of the 1st Baptist Church of Batavia, Mrs. Keicher served as Bergen Town Clerk from 1980 to 1988.  A huge fan of Elvis Presley she would often travel to Tupelo to visit his home and was a member of many Elvis Fan Clubs.  Three years ago she authored the book, Before Fame and Fortune, a life story of Elvis.

She is survived by her husband, Mark  A. Keicher, whom she married Nov. 19, 1988; her son, William (Karen) Brew of LeRoy; two brothers,  Robert (Judith) Bartz of Chili and Larry Bartz of Batavia; her sister, Shirley (Robert) Gouger of Batavia; two grandchildren and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. 

She was the mother of the late David R. Brew.

There will be no prior visitation and services will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Memorial Institute, PO Box 631, Buffalo, New York 14240-0631. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Bergen - Michael Victor Blackcloud, 73, of Bergen, Line Inspector at General Motors Corp., Rochester, NY, died Sunday, December 3, 2017 at his home, in Bergen.

Mr. Blackcloud was born July 21, 1944 in Kenel, SD, the son of the late David and Josephine (Bearking) Blackcloud.

He is survived by his wife, Fay M.  (Mason) Blackcloud of Batvia; 3 children, Rodney (Delia) Bickham of Bergen, Ann Dunn of Batavia and David Blackcloud of Bergen; a sister, Mary Monsees of Spencerport; a brother, Claude (Kristine) Blackcloud of Churchville;He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilition, 278 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Christopher R. Haitz, age 46, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 1, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born February 1, 1971 in Buffalo, a son of James F. Haitz, Sr. of Batavia and Pamela Maggio Haitz of Rhode Island.

Surviving along with his parents are his brothers; James F Haitz, Jr., Timothy Haitz, Jeffrey Haitz, Craig Haitz and Peter Haitz and several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours. His services will be held on Saturday, December 9th in the Community Room at the South Campus of Northgate Free Methodist Church, 350 Bank Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Vincent J. Meli  of Silver Lake NY, formerly of Oakfield NY, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017 peacefully at his home with his family by his side under the care of Hospice.

Vincent was born in Buffalo, NY on October 4, 1930, a son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Bonifin) Meli. Brother of the late Mary Fulkerson. 

He served his country in the US Navy in 1947  and the US Army during the Korean War.  Mr. Meli along with his wife Carol owned and operated the Edgewood Restaurant in Bergen NY for 20 years He enjoyed cooking and gardening at the restaurant as well as his home at the lake.  He worked hard to make his gardens something he could be proud of and his house on Silver Lake won the home of distinction in 2009 which earned him an award.

Surviving along with his wife Carol (Davis) Meli whom he married May 22, 1976  are his daughter, Penny Meli; two grandsons, Joseph Meli, and Justin Meli; two great grand daughters, Zoey Meli and Fayt Meli; brother, Salvatore (Sam) Meli;  brother in-law, Jim Fulkerson; niece, Diane Fulkerson; brother in-law, Lowell (Eleanor) Davis; sister in-law, Shirley Peters. 

Funeral services will be private for the convenience of the family. Interment will take place in the future Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke NY.

Memorial contributions in Vincent's name may be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center,  601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642 or Homecare & Hospice, 450 N Main St #3, Warsaw, NY 14569. Expressions of condolence maybe 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.

 

ANGELO L. VISCUSO ~ Batavia

Age 81, died peacefully Thursday evening November 30, 2017 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born December 27, 1935 in Batavia to the late Louis and Teresa (Pillo) Viscuso also preceded in death by beloved wife Patricia G. (Graham) Viscuso and brother, Louis. 

Mr. Viscuso was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's). A professional drummer who played with Billy Quad & The Ravens along with many area bands. 

Surviving are his loving children, Theresa Viscuso of Houston, TX, Mary Margaret (Mark) Mruczek of Houston, TX and their children, Rachel & Renee, Daniel P. Viscuso of Batavia and his daughter, Nicolette, Patrick Viscuso of Batavia, Joan E. (Norbie) Torres and their daughter, Olivia along with several nieces and nephews. 

Please join the Viscuso family to celebrate Angelo's Mass of Christian Burial 11am Wednesday December 6, 2017 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site), he will be entombed in the Rev. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are Genesee County Animal Shelter/Volunteers for Animals 3837 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020. 

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

JOSEPH J. CHOKA, JR. ~ Bergen

Age 87, avid photographer and owner of Suburban Photo Services in Hilton for many years, died Wednesday evening November 29, 2017 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. He was born December 10, 1929 in Dearborn, MI to the late Joseph J. and Helen (Torque) Choka, Sr. also preceded in death by siblings, Helen Choka, Violet Pickering and Edward Choka

Joe was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict and along with his photo service worked and retired from the Eastman Kodak, Co. He loved boating, fishing and hunting and was a longtime member and past president of the Hilton Lions Club. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 28 years, Sharon (Bogue) Choka of Bergen; children, Ann (Mario) Tufano of Hilton, Joseph J. (Susan) Choka III of Missouri, Lynn Sepor of Orchard Park, Mark (Lisa) Wadd of Pavilion; grandchildren, Tara (Richard) Guck, Tanya Tufano, Mario F. Tufano III, Richard Sepor, Jake Sepor, Rachel Wadd, Joseph J. (Nick) Choka IV, Stacey (Skylar) Choka, Matthew Choka, Jeremiah Choka, Emily Choka, Olivia Choka; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Oren Guck; mother-in-law, Vera Maitland of Eden, NY; brother-in-law Larry Pickering of Michigan; sister-in-law, Elaine Choka of TN along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

The Choka family will be present from 4-8pm on Monday December 4, 2017at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where funeral services will be held 11:00am Tuesday December 5, he will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Joe with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

THE FAMILY OF JOSEPH J. CHOKA, JR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

WALTER A. CARNEY ~ Batavia

Age 50, of Alexander, NY, died Monday evening, November 27, 2017 at United Memorial medical Center. He was born in Batavia, NY on December 18, 1966, a son of the late Roland and Raylene (Gregory) Carney also preceded in death by a nephew, Jamie Carney.

Walt was the owner/operator of Wally Wash in Batavia for many years and most recently was employed by the Batavia City School District. He enjoyed playing the guitar, gardening, woodworking and was known to be a good ole fashioned "Junk Collector." He will be remembered for the great father he was to his son and his sons friends and that he simply was always ready to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his pride and joy, Matthew Carney of Alexander; siblings, David (Elizabeth) Carney of Batavia, Ann (Michael) Wesner of FL and Lee (David) Luo of FL; nieces/nephews, Joshua (Holly) Carney, Holly (Desmond Blackshear) Carney, Gregory (Alicia Hale) Carney, Patrick (Amanda) Carney and Lindsay (Brett Frank) Carney along with 10 great nieces/nephews and many friends. 

The Carney family will be present from 2-4pm on Sunday December 3, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 4pm. He will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu and memorials in his memory are suggested to the family. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Wally with his family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

 

Byron - Judy C. Fiscus, 66, of Byron, died Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at her home in Byron.

Ms. Fiscus was born May 12, 1951 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Myron L. "Bud" and Arloine (Wilson) Beale.

She loved her grandchildren and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan. She had worked as a dietary aid at Lakeside Beikirch Nursing Home.

Survivors include her 5 children, Ami (Rob) LaDuc of Liverpool, Rob (Christine) Fiscus of TX,  Christina Fiscus of Byron, Roni (Roy) Ware of Rochester and Danielle Rozell of Batavia, 12 grandchildren, Dajuandrick, Zyaire, Jerome, Shawna, Siah, Sade, Kamre, Khloe, Katie, Ellie, Jacob and Josef; 2 brothers, Dick (Charlene) Beale of Churchville  and Bobby Beale of LeRoy; 2 sisters, Barb Beale Velte of PA and Deborah Culver of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.  

Services will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Checks may be made payable to Christine Fiscus.  Arrangements are being completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Mae D. Werner, 89, of Attica passed away peacefully on Monday November 27, 2017 at Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home in Perry surrounded by family.  She was born on May 15, 1928 in Buffalo to the late Lawrence and Myrtle (Reigle) Hedger.  In addition to her parents, Mae is predeceased by her loving husband Leo Anthony Werner and son Father Lary Werner.  

Mae worked at Westinghouse in Attica in the payroll department for more than 2 years. She married Leo Werner and raised 9 children. Later Mae managed the family business, where they grew strawberries and Christmas trees. She is best known for her cooking, whether it was a meal for 6 people or 60. She made sure no one went hungry and everything was made with love. Mae will best be remembered for her unconditional love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She truly was the leader, heart and soul of the family and her love only strengthened the ties between us.  

She is survived by her children; Keith (Lee) Werner, Dan (Debbie) Werner, Judy (Jim) Sheehan, Mary (Kevin) Sheehan, Marty (Chris) Werner, Donna (Stan) Willey, Jerry (Nora) Werner, John Werner; grandchildren Anne, Danny, Eric, Nicole, Renée, Larry, Joe, Jason, Megan, Mike, Paul, Josh, Katelyn, Rachel, Moira, Leia, Ciara and Samantha; 11 great-grandchildren

Family and Friends are invited to call on Thursday November 30, 2017 from 2-4PM & 6-8PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday December 1^st at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave, in Attica. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

ANTHONY A. RUFFINO – Age 74, of Elba, died Sunday morning November 26, 2017 at home under the care of his loving wife. He was born February 22, 1943 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Charles T. and Lucie M. (Capella) Ruffino.

Mr. Ruffino was educated at SUNY Brockport receiving a B.S. in 1964. He was awarded a teaching assistant position at the University of North Carolina subsequently receiving a Master of Arts in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Mr. Ruffino was an educator for many years at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, N.Y. from 1970 to 1995. He also taught at Attica Central School and a Summer Pace Program at G.C.C..

Surviving is his beloved wife of 45 years, Sandra T. (Kovarovic) Ruffino of Elba; brother, Charles (Janet) Ruffino of Batavia and sister, Mary Anne (Jim) Sweeney of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews.

The Ruffino family will be present from 4-8pm on Thursday November 30, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where Funeral Services will be held 11:00am Friday December 1. He will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville, NY. Donations should be made out to St. Padre Pio Parish, Elba, NY.

For more information and to share your kind words with Tony’s family please go to www.tomaszewskifh.com or call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

TORI ELIZABETH NIGRO – Age 19, of Alexander, died Friday November 24, 2017 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in West Batavia. She was born September 17, 1998 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of Danielle (John Alberts) Nigro of Alexander and Andy Kochmanski of Darien.

Tori was a graduate of Batavia High School and was attending GCC to earn a degree in Child Psychology, she worked at the Home Depot in Batavia. She enjoyed cosplaying, was active in drama club and always eager to lend a hand, she was a blood donor and a volunteer at Crossroads House. Tori played the guitar, had a wonderful sense of humor, loved her family and was an amazing “Big Sister.”

Surviving along with her parents are her brothers/sisters, Mckenzy Nigro, Kayla & Haylee Diogaurdi, Jasmin Long, Autumn Lang, Izayah & Aivery Alberts, Joseph & Logan Kochmanski; boyfriend, Alex Mott; grandparents, Anthony Nigro, Patricia Diaz, Frederick (late Sheila) Kochmanski; great grandmothers, Norma Hale and Ramona Wery; aunts/uncles, Benjamin Long, Jennifer Gangi, Brianna Hale, Ethan Diaz, Alexandra Wagoner, Taya Boatman, Benjamin (Tammy) Kochmanski, Peter (Jillian) Kochmanski and Frederick M. “Ricky” Kochmanski along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tori’s family will be present from 6-9PM on Thursday November 30, 2017 at the Grace Baptist Church 238 Vine Street Batavia, New York 14020, where a Celebration of Life will be held 10:00AM Friday December 1. She will be laid to rest in Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery in Darien Center, in lieu of flowers memorials in her memory are suggested to the family.

For more information and to share your kind words with the family please go to www.tomaszewskifh.com or call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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