Obituaries

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

Dial by your location
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

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.

Lawrence D. Waala, 86, of Lancaster, passed peacefully among family on May 25, 2021.  Larry was born on September 20, 1934 in Wautoma, Wisconsin, son of the late Sherman Waala and the late Hazel (Lovdahl) Waala.  He is predeceased by his son, Larry Scott Waala, his brother George Waala, his sister Marie (Waala) George, his brother Sherman H. Waala, and twin brother Loren Waala, who recently passed away in December 2020.

Larry was a decorated U.S. Army Veteran, retiring as a Major after over 21 active years in the service. He enlisted in the Army at age 17 and later went on to become an officer after being selected to and graduating from Officer’s Candidate School in Fort Benning, GA. He traveled the world, and then some; in the 1960s, he served in Thailand and Vietnam as a military advisor.  He later served two tours of active duty including ground and airborne combat in the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart, when he took shrapnel from mortar fire.  Larry also received numerous combat medals for his heroism and many military achievements.  He was stationed at times in Oahu, Hawaii, Fort Myer in Virginia, and Fort Knox in Kentucky, among other posts. After retiring from the Army, he owned and operated numerous businesses in Tennessee and New York, including the Boar’s Head Inn bar/restaurant, a restaurant manufacturing and supply business, and an auto sales business in Oakfield.

Larry was a talented artist, musician, carpenter, bricklayer, and salesman.  He could draw, paint, sculpt, and build just about anything, in fact, the Boar’s Head Inn boasted a large, bronze boar’s head above the doorway that he sculpted himself!  He also spent many years farming and renovating his 100-year-old farmhouse in Tennessee.  Larry taught himself to play guitar and piano by ear, and coached and managed his kids’ sports teams for a number of years.  Larry was an avid Buffalo Bills season ticket holder and enjoyed tailgating and attending games with family.  In his later years, he enjoyed RV living with his loyal dog, Phoebe, and the freedom to visit his children across the country, as well as traveling to Mexico, Spain, and Costa Rica.  He was always the life of the party, always the charmer, and always the jokester.  Even in his final years, he greeted you with a smile and usually had some jokes to boot.

Larry is survived by his son, Michael (Yvette) Waala of San Antonio, TX, his daughter, Sandi (Steve) Coker of Carrollton, TX, his son Joseph Waala of Philadelphia, PA, his son, James Waala of Lancaster, and his daughter, Catherine (Philip) Toal of Brunswick, OH, his granddaughter, Mindy Waala of San Antonio, TX, his grandson Michael (Mindy) Waala of San Antonio, TX, his grandson, Robert Lewis of Carrollton, TX, his granddaughter Sadie Waala of Buffalo, his granddaughter, Maggie Waala of Bethlehem, PA, his grandson Alex Waala, his granddaughter Juliette Toal, and his granddaughter Victoria Waala, as well as his great-grandsons, Kaelen Waala and Gavin Waala, and great-granddaughter, Aurora Bell Waala.

Friends may call on Sunday June 20 from 2 to 4 with a funeral service to follow at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 are being accepted.   Burial service will take place at Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke on Tuesday, June 22nd at 11 am. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

LeRoy ~ Shelly E. Steffenilla, age 73, of Monroe Court, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday morning, June 9, 2021.

     She was born October 4, 1947 in Dover, Ohio, a daughter of the late Francis and Jane Lab Heisler.

     Shelly will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.  She worked at Bausch & Lomb in Rochester for many years prior to her retirement.

     She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Samuel; her daughter, Susan (Tom) Collier; grandchildren, Mark (Alexandrea Zoccali) Steffenilla, Karl (Stefanie Callari) Steffenilla, Evelyn Babcock and Brett Babcock; siblings, Walter Heisler, Cheryl Riggi, Stuart (Jeannie) Heisler, David Heisler, Norman (DiAnna) Heisler and Celeste (Raymond) Strzelecki, along with many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

     Shelly was predeceased by her son, Mark in 2009 and her brothers, Richard, Mark and Edward.

     Family and friends are invited to her Rite of Christian Burial on Tuesday, June 15 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy, with interment to follow in Machpelah Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, N.Y.  14482

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

     Mrs. Steffenilla and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

LeRoy ~ Patricia A. Roth, age 82, of East Avenue, passed away Monday evening (June 7, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

   

  She was born December 30, 1938 in LeRoy.

     Pat was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and dear friend to many.  She faithfully attended and supported her son's and grandsons' many sporting events.  Pat enjoyed playing cards, dominos, watching sports and the occasional trip to the casino.

     She will be sadly missed by her son, Steven (Kristin Weber) Roth; grandsons, Kyler and Jaxen; special aunt, Virginia Bennetti; in-laws, Joan (Richard) Newcomb, Gary (Lynn Croft) Roth and Jerry (Nancy) Roth; dear friend, Kathleen "Pudge" Steen, beloved cat, Sammy, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     In addition to her father, Raymond Bennetti, she was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Kermit C. Roth Jr. and her brother and sister-in-law, Raymond (Beverly) Bennetti Jr.

     Family and friends are invited to her Rite of Christian Burial to be held on Friday, June 18 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment in St. Francis Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Palliative Care Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center or the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

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

     Mrs. Roth and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

  Ralph F Esten Jr., 40, of Oakfield, NY passed away June 8, 2021 after a long courageous battle of Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. He was born June 11, 1980 in Batavia to Ralph F Esten Sr. and the late Laurie B (Easterbrook) Esten. Husband to Michelle (Kastelic) Esten. Father & Father in law to Matt & Amanda Kastelic. Grandfather (Dayta) to Lukas Kastelic.

Ralphie was a long time employee at Santino’s pizzeria in Oakfield, where he became a constant face for the community. Those either knew him as Ralphie or Reddog. Being a graduate of OA he continued to support the high school sports teams each and every year. As he battled with his cancer he found a special bond with these teams and also with the elementary kids. The entire OA community loved finding ways to lift his spirits on difficult days. The family and Ralphie were grateful for this community support.

Ralphie enjoyed many things in life. He had his bowling family, enjoyed fishing with his extended family, watching the Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Yankees with his grandmother. His two biggest sports passions were the Buffalo Bills and the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars. His Bills football crew always made sure he was at the games with having 18 years worth of season tickets. He would take special trips to Eldora with his father and to the Outlaw Finals in Charlotte with his older sister, along with other race tracks with friends and family. He always enjoyed family dinners, whether with his in-laws or with his youngest sister and her kids. Everyone was part of his family, you didn’t have to be blood related.

He is survived by his wife Michelle and his father Ralph. Son Matt and daughter-in-law Amanda, grandson Lukas all of Oakfield. Sisters, Danielle and Melissa both of Oakfield. Nieces & nephews, Jena, Amelia, Ella, Jordan, Mihlani, Shawn, Jocelynn, Brianna, Brooklyn, Chris, Zaneta, Peyton, Aliyah, Chelsy, Charlie, Cayson, Cody, Kaleigh. Father-in-law Edward Kastelic Jr & mother-in-law Kathy Kastelic. Sister and brother-in-law Candy and Chris Manes. Brother and sister-in-law Edward Kastelic III and Carie Kastelic. Grandfather Edward Kastelic Sr. Grandmother Harriet Esten. A very special aunt, Carol Esten. Many aunts, uncles and cousins. His very special Buffalo Bills family.

He is preceded in death by his mother Laurie B (Easterbrook) Esten. Cousin/brother Jason Paul Esten. Grandfathers Roger C Esten and Clare J Easterbrook. Grandmother Mary Arlene (Scroger) Bailey, Great-Grandmother Clare Brevadiene Easterbrook. Uncle Mark A Newton.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday June 14, 2021 from 4:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home and Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia NY 14020. Ralphie‘s Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, June 15^th at 11:00AM at The City Church 210 E. Main St. Batavia NY 14020.

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

Dolores (Strollo) Bielec, 88, Corfu resident passed away June 9, 2021 of natural causes with her family by her side. Dee was born on February 5, 1933, in Batavia, NY to Modesto and Frances (Fenello) Strollo. 

She is survived by her husband, David Bielec of 57 years. Her daughters Julie (Pacsuta) Bielec and husband John of Confluence, PA. Justine (Staebell) Bielec and Dan of Pembroke. Jane (Toledo) Bielec and Danny of Roswell, GA.

She is also survived by her brother Larry Strollo and sister Carol Strollo, both of Batavia, NY. She was predeceased by her brother William and wife Faye Strollo and brother P. Michael Strollo. 

She has five grandchildren. Zachary and Carley Staebell, Nicolette and Mia Toledo and John (JJ) Pacsuta. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Dee graduated from Canisius College in 1954 with her degree as a registered nurse. She was employed by St. Jerome’s hospital and taught at McAuley’s school of practical nursing. Later she had a long career in nursing for a local physician in Corfu, NY, with Dr. Sydney McLouth, where she became part of the community and a friend to all. 

Dee was active in her community of the Village of Corfu as a part Trustee and was an active member of her parish. 

Her hobbies included reading, traveling and spending time with her family. 

Calling hours will be Friday, June 11th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main St., Corfu, NY.  The funeral mass will be at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church 18 West Main Street,  Corfu, NY at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 12th. Interment will follow the mass at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Batavia – George B. Van Nest, age 81, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 under the care of his family and HomeCare & Hospice.

George was born November 4, 1939, in Trenton, New Jersey to the late David S. and Alice (Bitner) Van Nest.  He was also preceded in death by an older brother, David F. Van Nest.

George served in the United States Navy out of Mayport, Florida.   He served primarily on the USS Shangri-La (CV-38) as a jet mechanic and plane captain. He served during the US Naval blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He later worked for Mettler Instrument Company for over 30 years. This job brought him to Batavia.  He worked on intricate scales used in hospitals and quality control laboratories as a service technician, later becoming a regional service manager.  When he retired from that position, he worked for the City of Batavia for 10 years in the Bureau of Water and Waste Water.

Spending time with family and friends was special to him.  George enjoyed camping in his vintage Winnebago motor home and enjoyed staying at the Thousand Islands and Letchworth State Park with his family and friends for many years.   He camped with the Winnebago at Watkins Glen International to share the race with his son and members of the family.  He loved being outdoors and working on his classic vehicles.  He rode his Harley motorcycle for many years and had fun with the people he met at Stan's Harley Davidson.  His choice of transportation and fun for many years was his bicycle.  He especially loved riding it at the Jersey Shore on Long Beach Island for other family vacations and for doing a road clean-up frequently on the highway where he lived.    

George was friendly, and always willing to serve however possible.  He was continually "fixing things" and loved the challenge of a repair job and often was the first to offer assistance.  He was a long time member of the BPOE Elks Lodge in Batavia; the Genesee County Chapter of (HOG) Harley Owners Group and the YMCA.  For many years he served the Lord at St. Paul Lutheran Church in several roles including usher and communion assistant.  

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth “Betty” (Stilwell) Van Nest and their two loving children and spouses:  George S. (Veronica) Van Nest of Clarence, NY and Betsey (Christopher) Reigle of Hilton, NY  and their four grandchildren: Alison E. Reigle, Laura A. Reigle; Jordan E. Van Nest and Tyler N. Van Nest. He is also survived by one brother, Kenneth J. (Janet) Van Nest of Trenton, NJ; and one brother-in-law, Nicholas Stilwell of Trenton, NJ and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 17th, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His funeral service will be held on Friday, June 18th at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran School, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Maria T. Marzano, 72, of Palm Coast, Florida, formerly of Oakfield passed away on June 6, 2021 at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach. She was born in Batavia on June 25, 1948 to the late Thomas (Rose Monachino) Tambe. She is also preceded in death by a sister; Roseanne Tambe.

Mrs. Marzano was the “Maria” in Tony & Maria’s Pizzeria in Oakfield. She retired as head of the language department at Alexander Central School and was an adjunct professor at Daytona State College. Maria was former President of Women’s AGLOW.

She is survived by her husband; Samuel Marzano of Palm Coast, FL; beloved sons James (MaryAnn) Distaffen of Wilmington, NC, Anthony (Deann) Distaffen II of Rochester, Thomas (Mayra) Distaffen of Kissimmee, FL; siblings Lib (the late Debbie) Tambe of FL, Sam (Jean) Tambe of Oakfield, Tom (Nancy) Tambe of Lancaster, Carol (Jim) Mangino of Bliss, Lucy (Brad) Hudson of TN, Paul (Christy) Tambe of TN; 4 grandchildren Nicole Lougheed, Stephanie, Isabella and Michael Distaffen, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday June 16, 2021 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Maria will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.

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 ~ Molly K. Lindke, age 47 of Cedar Street, passed away Tuesday evening (June 8, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, comfortably with her family at her side.

  

   She was born July 9, 1973 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert and Margaret Baker FitzSimmons.

     Molly loved her children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending all of their various sporting events.  She enjoyed scrapbooking, yard sales and was obsessed with collecting anything associated with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

     Molly is survived by her husband of 19 years, Benjamin; her children, Cassy (Gregory) Malcomb, Zachary FitzSimmons and Cody FitzSimmons; her grandchildren, Danielle, Kendall, Greyson, Madalynn and Savannah; her sisters, Mary (Daniel) Sprung and Stacey (Glenn) Bush; niece, Nicole (Tom) Brown and their son, Cory; nephew, Cameron Bush; mother-in-law, Jean Lindke,  along with many in-laws and dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her father-in-law, Gerry Lindke.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, June 11 from 2 ~ 4 and 6 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy. (Facemasks must be worn for visitation).  Her Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 12 at 11 AM at The Living Waters Church, 30 Main St., LeRoy, with interment to follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

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