Skip to main content

Obituaries

Robert C. Adams

By Joshua Smith

Elba -

A celebration of life for Robert C. Adams will be held from 2 to 4 pm November 24 at the Holiday Inn Express meeting room, 4356 Commerce Drive, Batavia, where relatives and friends are invited to share their stories and memories with the Adams family. Robert C. Adams passed away August 3, 2017 at his home in Odenton, MD after a long battle with cancer.  "Bob" grew up in Elba.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Project Healing Waters, an organization that uses fly fishing in the rehabilitation of wounded veterans (projecthealingwaters.org); or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org).

James Chester Walker

By Joshua Smith

LeRoy - James Chester Walker, 45, of LeRoy, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

James was born April 4, 1972 in Brockport, a son of Rev. Raymond (Virginia) Walker of Stafford and Cordella Walker Purnell of Laurinburg, NC.

James will be remembered as a loving man and a great father.  A veteran, he served with the United States Army.  He received numerous awards for his culinary skills and he was an assistant manager at SUNY Geneseo.

Surviving along with his parents are his fiancée, Torry Washington of LeRoy; children, Tykirah Ellerbe of North Carolina, James Raymond Walker of Kentucky, Danaye Maddox of LeRoy and Della Rose Walker of LeRoy; grandchildren, Tyquez Pittman, Tyneric White and Tykeal Ellerbe; a brother, Raymond D. Walker of Batavia; a niece, Renea Walker of North Carolina; a nephew, Edward Walker of North Carolina and a niece, Courtney Walker of Ohio; a great-niece, Raven Boggan of North Carolina and several cousins, aunts and uncles.  

James is a grandson of the late Chester Purnell, Willie Ruth Purnell, William Walker and Ruth Walker.

Calling hours are Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home 403 East Main St., Batavia.  Services and burial with full military honors will be in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Drive, Amherst, NY 14226, www.diabetes.org or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301, www.dav.org.

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

 

 

 

Mark A. O'Hara

By Joshua Smith

Byron – Formerly of Specnerport, at Age 49, entered into rest Nov. 7, 2017.  Beloved son of the late Maureen O’Hara; dear nephew of Ann (late Donald) Moss and Rev. Eugene O’Hara; also survived by cousins and friends. No prior calling.  Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon on Saturday (Nov. 25, 2017) at St. Monica Church, 831 Genesee St., Rochester.  Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  Memorials to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen.  Please light a candle, share a story, or leave a condolence at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Kenneth Draycott

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Kenneth Draycott, 92, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Kenneth was born July 2, 1925 in England, a son of the late Joseph and Ann (Walters) Draycott.

Kenneth served during World War II with the Royal Naval Commandos.  He is a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Rochester Consistory and a 50 year Master Mason.  He enjoyed reading, especially about history and geography, classical music and traveling, having visited England 13 times.  Kenneth was very active with the Boy Scouts and was also proud to have mastered using his iPad. He was a sales representative at Chemi-Trol Chemical Co. in Gibsonburg, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife, Jane E. (Hall) Draycott, of Batavia, whom he married December 15, 1956; one son, Kenneth J. (Carolyn) Draycott of Auburn; one daughter, Phyllis J. Draycott of Batavia and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kenneth is the brother of the late J. Leslie Draycott.

All service will be private. 

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association of WNY, 5488 Sheridan Drive, #300, Williamsville, NY 14231, www.heart.org or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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

Arrangements were completed by the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

 

CLARENCE J. "PeeWee" DOWNS

By Michael Tomaszewski

CLARENCE J. "PeeWee" DOWNS ~ Elba

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully Thursday afternoon November 16, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born February 9, 1940 in Elba, NY to the late Floyd and Lottie (Johnson) Downs, also preceded in death by his first wife, Linda (Farren) Downs; son, Richard J. Downs, great-grandchildren, Destiny & Jasmine Lowe and Brodi Robinson; siblings, Floyd, Elwood, Robert & Charlotte along with in-laws, Marie (Kenneth) Years and Robert (Pat) Townsend. 

Mr. Downs was a self-taught mechanic who could fix anything from a stock car to a pea harvester working up until last year for many area Muckers including, Marky's Wholesale, Big O Farms and Torrey Farms. He enjoyed stock car racing, NASCAR, John Wayne movies and was always available to help someone in need. PeeWee will be remembered as a loving, caring, family man who simply loved to be home, on Thursday afternoon Nov. 16, 2017, Heaven welcomed its "Newest Angel." 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 42 years, Vickie (Townsend) Downs of Elba; loving children, Carl J. & James C. both of Elba and Shawn (Daniel) Hargrave of E. Bethany; siblings, Irving Downs of Barre, Clayton (Violet) Downs of Albion, Kenneth (Ann) Downs of SC, Shirley (late Richard) Pahuta of Barre, Bonnie (Richard) Kingdollar of Barre, Arlene (Kenneth) Frasier of FL, Lois (Scott) Golisano of FL; 7 grandchildren, Krystle (Daniel) Robinson, Mikaela (Brandon) Nicastro, Carl Amesbury, Triton Drock, Garrett Downs, Dina (Joe) Farone & Richard (Abby) Lowe; 7 great-grandchildren, Laela Robinson, Aiden Amesbury, Richard Lowe, Jr., Baylee Mae Lowe, Ariana Bernal, Leo Poldo Bernal & Jayden Johnston; in-laws, Mary (late Jack) Wray, Betty (late Robert) Townsend, Sue (Richard) Buckley, John (Mary Lou) Townsend, Lance (Kathy) Townsend, Michael Townsend, Terry (late Dan) Matter along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

The Downs family will be present from 4 - 8pm on Monday November 20, 2017 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 8pm. He will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the family. 

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

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

 

Colleen R. King

By Billie Owens

Stafford – It is with great sadness that the family of Colleen R. King announces her sudden passing, on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at the age of 45 years. She will be remembered by her children Christopher B. King, Brittany K. Rodon, Anthony (AJ) Armstrong, Cody Kosiorek and her many friends. She was also mother of the late Ashley Rodon.

Colleen was born April 24, 1972, in Batavia, NY. She was the daughter of the late Richard R. (Rip) King and is survived by her mother, Karen Balduf King, and brother Brian S. (Christine) King, of Corfu.

A memorial service in memory of Colleen will be held at noon on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at The Sportsman Coon Club, Hopkins Road, Corfu, for family and friends.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu, NY.

Mrs. Linda M. Mead Engelhardt Royse

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Linda M. Mead Engelhardt Royse, 76, of Batavia, an avid bingo player who loved her family dearly, passed away on died Thursday, November 16, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mrs. Royse was born May 12, 1941, a daughter of the late George and Irene Larmon Mead.

She is predeceased by her husbands, John W. Engelhardt and Ralph L. Royse, Sr.

Survivors include three sons; G. Bill (Joanne) Engelhardt of Batavia, Ralph (Deb) Royse, Jr. of Batavia, and Ward Royse of Batavia: seven daughters; Helen Engelhardt of Batavia, Irene McNutt of Batavia, Linda Royse of Batavia, Annie Royse of Virginia, Ruth (Tom) Gilliatt of Batavia, Malynda (Billy) Blackshere of Batavia and Mabel Ramirez of Batavia; one sister, Mabel (Robert) VanNess of Brighton, 38 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Linda DiMartino Engelhardt; grandson, Andrew Cianfrini, brother, Donald Mead and nephew, Johnny Houch.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street,  Batavia. Her memorial services will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home and will be officiated by Rev. Ken Comer. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

SHIRLEY J. EARL

By Michael Tomaszewski

SHIRLEY J. EARL ~ 90 years old of Batavia, passed away on Friday,11/10/17 at the Batavia Health Care Center.

   Shirley was born and raised in Erie, Pa., and graduated from the Erie Academy High School in 1944. She then moved to Batavia in 1964, where she lived the remainder of her life. Shirley loved to take walks and meet up with friends at local restaurants. Earlier in her life, she loved to ride bicycles throughout the city. Faith was also a big part of her life. She attended Grace Baptist Church when it was located on Bank Street, and most recently at the City Church on Batavia's Main Street.

   Shirley was pre-deceased by her parents, John and Edna Anna (Allen) Luther. Also by three brothers:  Charles Luther, John Randolph Luther and Douglas Robert Luther; as well as by one daughter-in-law, Fibi Earl. 

   Surviving relatives are her three children: Kevin (Cathleen) Earl, Kristi (Jim) Earl Houseman, and Kerry Earl; Grandchildren: Renee (Tony) Earl Becker, Amanda Earl, Michael Gilbert, Kathryn (Erik) Merrell, Justin Earl and Jasmin Earl. Shirley is also survived by three Great Grandchildren: Gavin Becker, Julia Merrell and Charlotte Merrell. 

   There will not be any calling hours. In the Spring, a private family celebration will be held in Erie, where burial will take place at that time. If desired, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, at 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17 in Chicago, IL  60601. Additionally, memorials or donations may be sent to the Batavia Health Care Center, 257 State Street, Batavia, NY.  

THE FAMILY OF SHIRLEY J. EARL WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

LANCE W. DERY

By Michael Tomaszewski

LANCE W. DERY ~ Batavia

Age 66, of Batavia, died on Saturday, November 4, 2017. He was born in Batavia, NY on August 18, 1951, son of the late Clifford and Eleanor (Vandebogart) Dery.

Mr. Dery was Marine Corp Veteran of the Vietnam War and worked at Kaufmann Footwear for many years. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and reading.

He is survived by his former wife, Jeanette; his son, Christopher (Jennifer Maxwell) Dery of Basom; daughter, Jill Dery of Hornell; grandchildren, Ashley, Michael & Noah.

At the family's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. 

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

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

 

ERIC R. McWETHY

By Michael Tomaszewski

ERIC R. McWETHY ~ Batavia

Age 21, died unexpectedly Monday evening November 13, 2017 at home. He was born May 15, 1996 in Batavia, NY, a son of Mark and Sheila McWethy of Batavia.   

Eric was formerly employed by the R.A. Haitz Co., he loved the outdoors, especially camping and working with his hands. He enjoyed football and star gazing, Eric although mischievous was a kind, caring soul who had a deep love of his family. 

Surviving along with his parents are siblings, Justine McWethy of Batavia, Michael Miller of Corning, NY, Makaela Dart of Charleston, SC, Kristiana Kitcho of Batavia, Seth Kitcho of Byron, Mathew McWethy of Batavia and Jilliana Gomez of Rochester; paternal grandparents, Gary (Barb) McWethy of Batavia, maternal grandparents, Douglas (Christine) Westcott of Lockport; uncles, Randy (Julie) McWethy & Jason Burke; nephew, Ashton Thornley along with many friends, cousins and his faithful four-legged companion, Brodie. 

The family will be present from 6-8pm on Tuesday November 21 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Remembrance and Sky Lantern release will follow. The family suggest memorials to Eric's GoFundMe account. 

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

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

 

Fred T. Powell D.D.S.

By T.J. Woodward

Fred T. Powell, D.D.S., 84, of Batavia passed away unexpectedly on Thursday November 16, 2017. He was born on October 22, 1933 in Brooklyn NY, the son of the late Frederick and Ethel Powell.

Fred was a graduate of St. John’s University and achieved his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He established his dental practice in Batavia until his retirement in 2011.  Fred loved his family and had a great sense of humor. He was a kind and compassionate man with a gentle soul. He was driven by an intense interest in the state of the world and concern for humanity.

He is survived by his loving wife; Antoinette Savio Powell; daughters Leslie (David) Shaw, Donna (Richard Heiser) Powell, Katie Elia and son Fred Powell; stepchildren Denise (Gary) Clark, Lisa (Robert) Santander, Jacquie (Alfred) Buonanno, John (Traci) Savio and Patrick (Michele) Savio; grandchildren Alice, Mary, Emma and Francis Shaw; Frederick Thomas (Brittany Wuester) Powell, Jeanette Elia, Leanna Elia, David and Daniel Long, Shannon (Sean) O’Brien, Gabrielle, Robert John, Michael Santander, Sofia and Christian Buonanno, Johnny, Ava, Charlotte and Aiden Savio, Mary Elizabeth and Dominic Savio; great-grandchildren Lucas, Inara and Olivia.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday November 20, 2017 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday the 21st at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Seafarers International House www.sihnyc.org 123 E. 15th St. NY, NY 10003 or Covenant House 461 8th Ave. NY, NY 10001 or NPR Station WBFO 88.7 news.wbfo.org PO Box 1263 Buffalo, NY 14240-1263. 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.

  

 

Betty J. Luker

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Betty J. Luker, 81, of Batavia, a former Home Health Aide in Batavia, died Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Batavia.

Mrs. Luker was born September 26, 1936 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Frank and Arlene (Schultz) Barber.

She is survived by her husband, George Luker, of Seward, PA; a son, Randy (Lori) White of Batavia; 4 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. 

She was the sister of the late Ronald Barber.  

Friends may call on Monday from 10 - 11 a.m. at H.E. Turner & Co, Inc., 403 East Main St. in Batavia.  Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Mary Anne Campobello

By T.J. Woodward

Mary Anne Campobello, age 96, of Batavia, passed away on November 14, 2017 at the New York State Veterans' Home at Batavia. She was born August 28, 1921 in Geneseo, NY, and grew up in LeRoy, NY.  She was the daughter of the late Louis and Maria (Baglio) Vangalio. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Campobello is predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years Russell Campobello who died in 2006; daughter Joan Swikehardt who died in 1998; brothers John, Tony, Joseph and Samuel Vangalio; sister Kay Antinore

Mary worked in the cafeteria at Batavia High School for 25 years, a job she truly enjoyed as it brought her close to the students, teachers, and her co-workers.  She was well suited to the role as she was a talented cook and baker in her home. Mary was an avid reader, well known to the staff at Richmond Memorial Library, and she also enjoyed gardening.  She loved her family and her greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandson.

Surviving is her son; James (Vicky Davison) Campobello of Alden and her daughter Jean Lynch of West Seneca; grandchildren Matthew, David, and Kristine and great-grandson Nicholas.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately. Mary will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the activities fund at the NYS Veterans Home at Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. 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.

Mrs N. Elizabeth "Betty" Diehl

By Joshua Smith

Batavia – Mrs. N. Elizabeth “Betty” Diehl, age 90, of Batavia, longtime waitress at Mancuso's Restaurant in Batavia, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Diehl was born March 17, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Her husband, James K.  Diehl, passed away on July 29, 1984.

She is survived by her children; Yolanda Bump of Batavia, Joseph (Christe) Visalli, Jr. of Florida and Michael (Jeanette) Diehl of Elba; five grandchildren; Timothy Bump, Jodi (Scott) Williams, James (Ashley) Diehl, Jared (Brandi Hough) Diehl and Kelsey Diehl and several great-grandchildren.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Friends Cove United Church of Christ Cemetery, Bedford.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

 

​Connor M. Callaghan

By Lisa Ace


Connor M. Callaghan of Oakfield, formerly of Middleport passed away at home in Oakfield, NY on Saturday November 11, 2017. Connor was born in Warsaw, NY on July 7,1993, to the parents of Kevin and Sheila Callaghan of Oakfield. Brother of Corey (Diane) Callaghan of Sydney, Australia. Grandson of Linda Callaghan and the late Thomas Callaghan of Appleton, NY. Predeceased by grandparents Floyd and Ruth White of Middleport, NY. Also survived by loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Connor graduated Summa Cum Laude in May from the Albany School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences where he was a member of the Phi Delta Chi Fraternity. Connor always had a book in his hands. He loved animals; especially his dog Patty and his cat Striker. Connor's passion was helping others, whether it was donating blood for the American Red Cross or working at the Capital City Rescue Mission where donations can be made on his behalf www.capitalcityrescuemission.org. Even after Connors passing he continued to give to others through Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation. No prior visitation. Please visit www.rutland-corwin.com to send the family a condolence.

Authentically Local