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Obituaries

Rose Marone

By T.J. Woodward

Rose Marone (Gaeta), age 98 of Batavia, NY passed away April 11, 2021. She was born in Batavia on June 30, 1922 to the late Anna and John Gaeta. In addition to her parents, Rose is predeceased by her beloved husband; Angelo "Shieko" Marone; sisters Sarah (Joe) Mangefrida and Marion (Joe) Mancuso, and her brothers Calvin (Dee) Gaeta and Harry Gaeta

She was a graduate of Batavia High School and later served as an Administrative Assistant at Doehler Jarvis.  Rose was especially known for her hospitality and always welcoming friends and family with open arms, fresh brewed coffee, and store bought cookies!

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to express extreme gratitude and thanks for the wonderful loving care given by The Manor House and LeRoy Village Green where Rose spent the last several years of her life.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life to take place this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Le Roy Village Green 10 Munson St. Le Roy, NY 14482. To leave messages 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.

Benay (Benz) Chamberlain

By T.J. Woodward

   
  Benay (Benz) Chamberlain - On April 10, 2021, after a brief decline in health, Benay journeyed home to be with the Lord and to be reunited with her soulmate, Robert (Chamberlain), her mother Esther and brothers Dion and Fred (Benz).

Benay always said of herself “What you see is what you get.” That could not have been more wonderfully true. She was genuine in her interactions with others, never pretentious, and always made an effort to help those in need. She instilled her spirit of generosity into her children and grandchildren thus spreading her humanitarian impact as they carry on her legacy across the country.

Her positivity, humor, wisdom, comfort and sincere friendship will be sadly missed by so many whose lives were touched by her ever helping hands throughout the wonderful eighty years of her life. All who knew her were recipients of her handmade lap blankets, heat packs, scrubbies, and bag holders. She was an avid gardener and believer of all things frugal. Her community will miss her countless hours of volunteerism for numerous organizations including the Elba Historical Society, Crossroads House, Community Action, Genesee County Animal Shelter, the Town of Batavia Fire Department (gardener) and local nursing homes (handmade lap blankets). During the Covid-19 pandemic, Benay sewed 245 face masks as donations to the community.

Prayers for comfort as we mourn the loss of our beloved Benay are appreciated by her children Vanessa, Kelly (Luanne), and Sandra, her grandchildren Elliot Miller, Matthew Chamberlain (Genelle), Sarah Crowley (Scott), Gregg Miller, Corrin Miller (Kevin), Jordan Parker (Adam), great grandchildren Reilee, Carsyn, Jackson, Jamison Chamberlain, nephews Scott (John), Mike (Debbie), Wayne (Sandy), David (Rayne) Benz and Jim Chamberlain, nieces Debbie Chamberlain and Kathy Gardner and her dear friends Anna Fenton (Dave), Cheryl Manz, Mary Iama (Rick), and Phyllis Brassington.

At her request, a private Graveside Service will be held with no calling hours.

Memorial donations can be made in her honor to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. To leave messages 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.

​Edmund ("Sunny") Leon Farr, Jr.

By Lisa Ace


Edmund ("Sunny") Leon Farr, Jr. - Wilson, North Carolina. Edmund was born on August 13, 1935, in Rochester, New York, and passed away at home, in Wilson, North Carolina, on Friday, April 9, 2021, at the age of 85.

Edmund is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Cherry Ann Farr, beloved dog Bella Marie, Daughter Julie Ann (Farr) Goode, Grandsons: Jordan Farr, Timothy Goode Jr., Jason (Melissa) Walters, and Christopher Walters, and 2 great granddaughters, Sisters and Brothers: Barbara Walker (Gary Eddy), Lawrence
“Butch” (Elizabeth) Shaw, Richard (Deborah) Shaw, Diane (late George) Sawdey, George (Cindy) Walker, Eddie (Teddy) Walker, Mary (Bruce) Zollner, and Larry (Lorie) Walker; several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

Edmund is predeceased by: his Father Edmund Farr Sr., Mother Jennie (Keller) Walker, Step-Father Harold Walker Sr., Sister Kathleen (Kurt) Pfeffer, Sister Ella Mae (late Frank) Merrill, Brother Duane (Patty) Shaw, Brother Harold (“Father Edmund”) Walker Jr., and Brother Joe (late Ann) Walker.

Edmund lived most of his life in Rochester, New York, and moved to Batavia, New York, in 2012, where he met and eventually married his loving wife, Cherry. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and he and Cherry made the decision to relocate together to Wilson, North Carolina, in 2019, to be closer to his daughter and 2 grandsons living there. Edmund was a member of Ever Present Church in Batavia, New York, and he volunteered at Care-A-Van Ministries in Batavia, New York, during the years that he lived there in the City of Batavia. Prior to his current marriage to Cherry, Edmund was previously married to Shirley (Berglund) Davis, the mother of his daughter, and also was married to and shared many years together with the late Zillah (Sally) Hockenberry-Farr, who passed away in 2012. He was also an important part of the lives of Zillah’s children, the late Raymond Hockenberry, Jr., the late, Susan (late Jack) Walters, and the late John Hockenberry, and grandchildren, Jason and Christopher Walters.

Edmund was known by all who knew him for his sense of humor and jokes. He was always laughing and smiling. No one was a stranger to him. He was also known for always being positive and having a good attitude in all circumstances. He was kind hearted and always giving to others and always lifting a helping hand. He loved his wife and his family. He loved kids and he loved animals, particularly dogs. He loved to cook and bake, and he was a hard worker. To know Edmund was to love him.

In lieu of floral arrangements, donations can be made to Care-A-Van Ministries, Batavia, New York and/or All Babies Cherished, Batavia New York. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 2:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, New York.

Karen E. Parks

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Karen E. Parks, age 72, of North Road, passed away early Monday morning (April 12, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

    

 She was born August 6, 1948 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Harley and Ann Cooper Ingalls.

     Karen was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, who cherished time spent with her family, especially “her babies” – grandchildren.  She enjoyed travelling to Kentucky to visit family, doing puzzles, crocheting and rooting for the NY Yankees.

     She is survived by her daughters, Sandy Parks (Chris James) and Stephanie Parks; grandchildren, Jeffrey James and Bethani James; sister, Alice Ingalls; in-laws, Franklin Parks (Karen Faulds), Jean (Roger) DeVinney, June Elliott and Dorothy Parks, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Alfred L. Parks (2018) and in-laws, Stanley Parks, Keith Parks, Karen Parks and Russell Elliott.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, April 16 from 3 - 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, where her Service of Remembrance will be held at 5:00 PM. (Funeral home capacity is limited to 50% and face masks are required) 

     In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to either the Boy Scouts of America (https://donations.scouting.org/)   or the Wounded Warriors (www.AmericanWarriorFestival.com)   

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mrs. Parks' family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Shirley Ann Boyce

By Joshua Smith

Elba - Shirley Ann  Boyce, age 80, of Elba  passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 12, 2021 at her home.

Mrs. Boyce was born on April 14, 1940, in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Nelson Kipfer and Anna Lee Logsdon Kipfer.

Shirley was a rural United States Postal Carrier in Elba for 30 years. A devoted mother and grandmother, she always put her family first. She loved hosting a big Christmas Eve Party every year for her family.  Shirley enjoyed attending her great-grandchildren's' sporting events and loved animals of all kinds. She enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels in her yard and relaxing in the sun and watching her flowers grow.

Shirley is the wife of Irel Dean Boyce who passed away on October 16, 2020.

Surviving are her daughter; Marcy (Nicholas) Colantonio of Stafford; two sons; Scott (Michelle) Boyce of Churchville and Christian Boyce of Elba; her granddaughter; Rita (Sam) Vigiano of Elba; great-grandson, Mason Vigiano of Elba; step-granddaughter; Teresa (Ronald) Tobolski of Oakfield; step-great-grandchildren; Jordyn, Kara and Hunter Tobolski of Oakfield; step-grandchildren; Jordan Croston of Churchville and Krysta (Eric) Nardone of West Henrietta and nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her sister, Betty Lou Lichti.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Martin Charles Will

By T.J. Woodward

Martin Charles Will “Marty”, of Florida, passed away at his home on January 10, 2021. He was born on December 6, 1953 in Batavia to Junamae Will Qutermous of Batavia and the late John V. Will. Marty was predeceased by his sister; Christine Will and stepfather; Paul Qutermous.

Marty was a skilled carpenter. He lived in the Fort Lauderdale area for over 40 years. He was very meticulous about his home, garden and restoring his car.

He is survived by his mother, a daughter Stacey Paterson of Powderly, KY., a son Jake Magnus of Indiana; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers Richard E. Will of Pinellas Park, FL. and Jeffrey A. Will of Chandler, AZ.; 5 step sisters and one step brother, an aunt and several cousins.

An 11:00AM Graveside Service will be held on Friday April 16, 2021 at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. To leave messages 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.

Gary J. Milbrand

By T.J. Woodward

Gary J. Milbrand, 65 of Attica, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 from Covid-19. He was born February 16, 1956 in Williamsville, NY to the late John (Rosemary) Milbrand and the late Patricia Hoppel Milbrand.

Gary retired from General Motors and the US Navy. He enjoyed life in general including time with family and friends, traveling and camping.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand; Father and mother-in-law, Richard and Kathleen Shaw of Batavia, Children; Justen (Amy) Milbrand of Getzville, Jessica Milbrand of Depew and Jennifer Milbrand of Depew. Step children; Tim (Rachel) Almeter of S. Byron, Eric (Alexandria) Almeter of Batavia, His grandchildren, Hailey and Aiden Milbrand of Getzville and Evelyn, Eleanor and Newton Almeter of S. Byron. His brother Glenn (Cheryl) Milbrand of N. Tonawanda and sister Erika Milbrand of N. Tonawanda.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, April 19, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. He will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery.

The Funeral Home will be restricted to 50% of its normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 331 Alberta Drive #106, Buffalo, NY 14226. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, Inc. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Mrs. Mary Lucille Yunker

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Mrs. Mary  Lucille  Yunker, age 85 of Oakfield,  passed away peacefully on Friday, April 9, 2021 at Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness.

Mrs. Yunker was born March 25, 1936 in Medina, a daughter of the late Edward John DePalma and Marian Elizabeth Dujenski DePalma.

She worked as a telephone operator and bank teller before becoming a full-time wife and mother, which was her true calling and greatest joy.  She always put her family first.

A member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield, she was a lover of all animals. She enjoyed feeding the birds, squirrels and cats that would visit her home and took delight in tending to her flowers.  She loved dancing with Richard (especially the polka), and listening to Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.

Surviving are Richard D. Yunker whom she married on October 19, 1963; two daughters, Kathleen (David) Yoder of Corfu and Kristin Yunker of Oakfield; her grandchildren, Matthew and Anna Yoder of Corfu; her brother, Edward "Butch" DePalma of Summerfield, Florida; her sister, Elizabeth (Duane) Quintern of Summerfield, Florida; brother-in-law, Donald (Joyce) Yunker of Oakfield, sisters-in-law, Joan Schrauth of Maryland, Irene Yunker of Batavia and Bonnie Yunker of Florida, and several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a future date at St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia's Cemetery.  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.burdettandsanford.com.

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

Mary A. Ferrara

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Mary A. Ferrara, age 89, of West Bergen Road, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday evening (April 6, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

    

 She was born December 27, 1931 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Joseph and Carrie Licata Cordaro.

     Mary will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, who was devoted to her family and her faith.  She provided a welcoming home for family and friends in the traditional Italian customs which included plenty of great food and good times. Nothing gave her more pleasure than being surrounded by her family. The highlight of every year was her magnificent Christmas dinner of pasta, sauce and meatballs, her famous stuffed shells, and her beloved Christmas cookies, especially the soft white biscotti, which everyone asked for on special occasions as well. She kept a sparkling clean home, she enjoyed poetry, cooking and baking, gardening, and watching “her story”, General Hospital, every day.

     She is survived by her children, Louis (Franceen) Ferrara, Karen (Douglas) Haskin and Daniel Ferrara; her grandchildren, Ashley Ferrara, Rachel Haskin, Mary Grace Ferrara and Daniel Ferrara; her great-grandchildren, Brently, Nash and Nova; all of whom she simply adored. Her siblings, Ann (late Dominic) D’Pasquale, Betty (late Joseph) Merica, Margaret (late Jim) Gravanda, Rachel (late David) Abbott, Theresa (late Daryl) Hamler, Rito (Leslie) Cordaro and Joann Yamonaco, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     Mary was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Louis V. Ferrara; and her siblings, Samuel (Rose) Cordaro, Joseph (Marietta) Cordaro and Charles (Carole) Cordaro.

            The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Strong Memorial Hospital that provided such great care for her. We will miss her for the rest of our days.

     Family and friends are invited to her Rite of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 17 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.

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

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

Janice M. Kalicki

By Ronald Konieczny

Janice M. Kalicki, 94 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 6th, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

She was born April 22nd, 1926 in Batavia NY, a daughter of the late Edgar and Oloween Burbee Domm.

Janice began her working career as a telephone switchboard operator and quickly moved up to the position of supervisor. More recently she was well-known for her 20 years of volunteer work at My Sister's Closet which was part of the YWCA, overseeing the jewelry display and donations. She received recognition from President George W. Bush for her many years of selfless volunteer work. She always enjoyed shopping for antiques and spent many years attending auctions.  She was a devoted mother and wife, a talented seamstress and loved to cook and bake pies and other treats for her family and friends. In later years she became known as "the crossword queen" as she was a whiz at solving crossword puzzles. She enjoyed many meals at Settlers and Sport of Kings, local diners where everyone knew her and she would browse the newspapers for the puzzles.

She was predeceased by her husband, Theodore Kalicki, son Eric Kalicki, daughter Laurie  Kalicki, siblings Jack Domm from Houston Texas, Joyce Motz of Batavia New York, and Joanne Gerhardt of Auburndale Florida.

Survivors include her daughters Candace Bullock and Beth Gregory, both of Colorado, grandson Christopher Bullock and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (April 24th) from 11am-12pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a memorial service will follow at 12pm. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Expressions of condolence may be 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.

 

 

Joyce Ann Roby

By Ronald Konieczny

Joyce Ann Roby, 85 of Batavia and formerly of Lima, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (April 7, 2021) at her residence.

She was born December 19, 1935 in London, Ohio, a daughter of the late Maxwell and Edith Knedler Snyder.

Joyce loved to sing in her church choir at New Creation Lutheran Church and was a member of the Sweet Adeline's group. She was a beautiful painter and loved to paint woodworking her husband would build for her.  She loved spending time with family and friends to whom she was devoted to.

She was known for her silly sense of humor and was an avid dominos player.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Charles E. Roby of Batavia. Children, Stephen (Doveina) Roby of London, OH, Deborah (Steven) Alloway of Huntsville, OH, David (Jennifer) Roby of Bluffton, OH and Janine (David) Fagnan of Batavia. Sister, Brenda Smith of London, OH. Also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a sister, Edna Mae Baum and brother, Leroy Snyder.

Services will be held in Ohio at a later date and time to be announced.

Expressions of sympathy may be 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.

 

 

Roberta I. (Horgan) Graney

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Roberta I. (Horgan) Graney, age 75, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2021 in the presence of her loving family.

   

  She was born August 23, 1945 in Batavia, N.Y., the daughter of the late W. Sidney Horgan Sr. and Naomi Fletcher Graham Horgan.

     Roberta was a 1964 graduate of LeRoy High School.  She was very close with many classmates, and continued their friendship by meeting for lunch or dinner just to keep in touch.  She was very athletic and participated in cheerleading and loved to play softball.

     Roberta worked for many local professionals and businesses to include, Dr. Hall, DDS, Dr. Das, MD, BOK Industry, LeRoy Plastics and Rite Aid in LeRoy, where she was the first cashier to be employed there.

     She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary unit 576 in LeRoy and served one year as president.

     She is survived by her husband of 52 years, John J. “Chip” Graney; her sons, Sean (Robertta) Graney and their children, Lauren and Margaret of Stafford; Patrick Graney (Leah McNair) and her children, Faryn and Nevin of St. Petersburg, FL; her sister, Catherine (Carl Sr.) Hyde, her brother, Wm. Sidney (Linda) Horgan Jr.; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Alan) Graham; cousins, Jane (Gary) Larson and her son John, Dorothy Fletcher, along with 5 sisters-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Donald J. Graham.

     Roberta felt her greatest accomplishment was raising their two sons to be good men with a great sense of humor.

     Per her wishes, there will be no prior calling hours.  A Celebration of Roberta’s Life will be held at a future date.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the LeRoy American Legion Post 576, 53 W. Main Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

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

Henry Stefanski

By Ronald Konieczny

Henry Stefanski, 74 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (April 6, 2021) at the Grand Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Batavia.

He was born June 7, 1946 in Munich, Germany, a son of the late Henryk and Marianna Kwiecinska Stefanski.

For over 25 years, Henry Stefanski performed professionally with some of Poland's most prominent jazz bands, including Prowizorka Jazz Band, The Old Timers, and Swing Session. An accomplished banjo and electric/acoustic guitar player, Mr. Stefanski's music has been featured on Polish radio and television.

With his groups, Mr. Stefanski recorded many albums, with one record obtaining gold status -- Poland's first gold Jazz record. Along with teaching at jazz workshops, and performing in various venues across Europe and Asia, Mr. Stefanski performed at Warsaw's Congress Hall, and at the Warsaw National Philharmonic.

Mr. Stefanski worked with several renowned musicians including Sandy Brown, Buck Clayton, "Wild" Bill Davison, Joe Newman, Albert Nicolas, and Bob Wilber. After emigrating from Poland in 1989, he continued to play with several bands around the United States and Canada. When not immersed in music, Mr. Stefanski also enjoyed cooking, board/card games, spending time with family, and spending time outdoors.

Survivors include his wife, Eva Zajfert Stefanski of Batavia. Daughter, Monika (Daniel) Luhn of Chicago, IL. Son, Peter Stefanski of Batavia. Also survived by a step-granddaughter, Samantha Luhn.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (April 12th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 11am at Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott Street. Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

John F. Rider

By LaVern Falcone

Le Roy - John F. Rider passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Strong Memorial Hospital on April 6, 2021 at the age of 82, as a result of injuries from a fall. He was born on November 5, 1938 in Batavia, NY.

  John is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Rita Rider, his infant daughter, Amy and grandson, Jeffery Rider.

 

 John served two years in the United States Army as a tank mechanic, after which he started his own contracting business, building many of the homes on Linwood Road and other local commercial buildings, notably the log style Batavia Country Club.  He then moved on to selling real estate for many years as the Owner/Broker of John F. Rider Real Estate in Le Roy, NY.  While running his real estate business, he also served as Le Roy Town Justice, was on the Board of Directors of the Pavilion State Bank and the Genesee Country Bank.  John was a founding member of the Le Roy Business Council and Le Roy Ambulance, where he served as treasurer for many years.  He served on the Le Roy Town Board, was a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of The Hooks and Our Lady of Mercy Parish.

  John cared deeply for his community and was always willing to do whatever he could to make it a better place to live.  His generosity and kindness went without saying. 

  John had a passion for the outdoors and trees, planting hundreds of seedlings around his farm every year, sharing them always with friends and family or anyone who might want a tree for their yard. 

  Nothing was more dear to John than his family. He loved them all deeply and couldn't be more proud of them. He was always there to support them, never missing an event of any kind that any one of them would be participating in.  He will be deeply missed by everyone, but none more than his family who adored him.

  John is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of  61 years, Gloria (Englerth) Rider, daughters, Beth (Paul) Hiscutt, Barbara (Howard) Hotze, Martha Butzbach and son, Steven Rider (Amy).  He is survived by his grandchildren, Chad Pieri (Jacquelyn), Joshua Hotze (Dee), Zachary Hotze (Courtney), Sara Butzbach, Courtney Butzbach (Shawn), his great-grandsons, Tyler Rider and Luke Rider as well as his siblings, Mary (David) Fee, Phil (late Linda) Rider  and Jeanne (Ray) Ianita and many dear friends.  John is also survived by his special feline friend, Rusty Rider.

  The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Strong Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care they provided during John's stay.

  A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 13 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.

  In lieu of flowers, a Le Roy High School scholarship will be created in honor of John.  This will be presented to a Senior who embodies the dedicated work ethic, selflessness and kindness that he exhibited each and every day of his life. Donations for this scholarship can be mailed to Martha Butzbach, c/o Le Roy Central School Disrict, 2-6 Trigon Park, Le Roy, NY 14482.

  Donations can also be made in John's name to The Open Door Mission, 156 North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14608.  https://opendoormission.com/give-give

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with John's Family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Rider and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Cheryl A. Pelczynski

By T.J. Woodward

Cheryl A. Pelczynski, 63 of Varysburg, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at home. She was born on September 2, 1957 in Buffalo, NY to the late Edward (Irene Lamonski) Pelczynski. She is also preceded in death by her brother Ronald and Sister Sueann Pelczynski.

Cheryl Pelczynski and Michael Gehring shared a lifelong partnership. She was a devoted mother and nana to her three daughters and three grandchildren.

She is survived by her three daughters; Lynette (Matthew) Regan of Amherst, Rachelle (Michael VanLew) Dunbar of Varysburg, Shaina (Adam) Drake of Amherst; her grandchildren, Dorr Dunbar, Liam and Aubrey Regan; Her devoted lifelong partner Michael Gehring; Sister Darlene (Jerry) Ryan, Lindsey (Dennis) Powers, and Brother David Pelczynski, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 4 to 8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A 12:00 Noon Graveside Service will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Forest Hill Cemetery, Route 98, Attica.

The Funeral Home will be restricted to 50% of its normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg NY 14167. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, Inc. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

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