Obituaries

Carl Arnett, 69, of Medina, New York, passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by his wife and two children.

Mr. Arnett was born on July 26, 1951 in Medina, a son of the late Charles and Jean (Kepner) Arnett. He graduated from Medina High School in 1970, the same year he met his wife, Marge Stawicki. They were married in 1971 and made their home in Medina.

Mr. Arnett worked for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York for 34 years, retiring at the age of 62.

Mr. Arnett and his Jeremy bought a race horse named Give Me Credit and did very well with him at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway, winning many races.

Survivors include his wife, Marge Arnett; daughter, Jenni Arnett; son, Jeremy Arnett; three brothers; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be privately held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Road, Albion, New York 14411 or to the Orleans County Animal Shelter, 4125 Oak Orchard Road, Albion, New York 14411. 

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, New York.

LeRoy ~ Ruth G. Brady Harvie passed away quietly on April 5, 2021 at the LeRoy Village Green Skilled Nursing Facility. She was born October 26, 1924, in Denver, CO.

     Although she originated in Denver, CO, she became a LeRoyan in the 1940's and never looked back – in fact, she was named LeRoyan of the year in 2010 in recognition of her commitment to the community. As scorekeeper for her husband's baseball teams she would overlook errors as she just didn't have the heart to list them all. She was a Girl Scout leader, member of the St. Mark's and St. Joseph's churches, Ladies of Charity, Episcopal Church Women, American Legion Auxiliary, and a charter member of the WWII memorial.  Aside from her family, her pride was running the Smoke Shoppe with her husband, Ross and as one of the original docents for the Jell-O Museum (Our own Jell-O girl!). She was known for her quick wit, generous spirit and occasional poison pen. She had a knack of making each person she met feel special and welcomed. Although she will be sadly missed by family and friends, we will smile when we think of how she made us feel. 

     Thank you to the staff of LeRoy Village Green for taking good care of Ruth since November.

     Visitation will be held at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy on Saturday, April 10 from 12:00 PM (noon) to 2 PM,  followed by an internment at Machpelah Cemetery at 2:30. Due to COVID restrictions, the service will be held prior to calling hours, but will be limited to family members. 

     Feel free to join Ruth's family at a reception at the Botts-Fiorito American Legion beginning at 3:00 PM for refreshments.

     Donations can be made in Ruth’s name to the LeRoy Historical Society or the American Legion.

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

Brenda C. Walsh, 75 of Varysburg, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. Brenda was born in Buffalo, August 18, 1945, daughter of the late Clifford and Viola Glor. She is preceded in death by children Cindy Fugle and Robert Walsh Jr.  

Brenda enjoyed several hobbies and activities, including ceramics, woodworking, and crafts. Her late daughter Cindy and her attended many basket raffles and estate sales where Brenda would collect and repurpose Religious Relics. Always a hard worker, Brenda was employed in a variety of fields. She retired from Motorola and then continued working over the years, always helping others. After her most recent employment in the fabric and crafts department at Warsaw Walmart, Brenda then kept busy rehoming religious memorabilia on eBay.

It is with very heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Brenda; beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. We know she is in Heaven with Cindy and Bobby now.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert J. Walsh, children Robin Walsh and Patrick E. (Jocelyn J. Berg) Walsh, son-in-law Mark Fugle, her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many dear friends and loved ones. 

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

Judith “Judy” A. Murnan, 73, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021.  She was born on October 9 1947 in Batavia, to the late Donald and Ruth (Yager) Luce.  She is preceded in death by her husband Walter John Murnan.

Places of employment to note in Judy’s early career days were Sylvania and Fix Printing.  After she finished her Bachelor’s Degree at SUNY Brockport she went on to be a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at St. Mary’s School in Batavia.  She also worked alongside her husband at Murnan Realty.  Her most recent employment was at HSBC.

She was a long-time member of First Spiritualist Temple of East Aurora, where she served on the board, chaired services, and was a speaker and teacher.  She loved animals and being with nature, especially in the water where you could see her kayaking with family and friends.  She enjoyed the simpler things in life like baking for people, enjoying the sunshine, or a nice cold beer on a hot day.

She is survived by her two sons, Benjamin (Kristine) Heintz, James Heintz, siblings, Donald Luce Jr., Marjorie (Rick) Dorman, Charles Luce, 3 granddaughters, Haley, Hanna, and Emily along with her 4-legged faithful companions Mick, Red, and Kitnen.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 10, 2021, from 3 to 4 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  A 4:00 PM Celebration of Life will immediately follow.  She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

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 Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W Main St. Rd., Batavia, NY 14020.  To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia NY 14020.

Bergen - Shirley  T.  Mowers, 97  of Bergen, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Mowers was born September 1, 1923 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Daniel Rich and Edna Spencer Rich.

A graduate of Elba Central School, Shirley loved to sew and will be remembered as a wonderful seamstress that made hundreds of baby bibs and numerous Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls. She took great pride in sewing sewed teddy bears for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for their first birthday. An excellent baker, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would comment that her cookies were the best around.  An avid baseball fan, she attended numerous Batavia Muckdog baseball games and was a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. She also was a fan of the Miami Dolphins and enjoyed reading books and solving crossword puzzles.

She is the wife of Loren J. Mowers who passed away on December 19, 1998.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail (James) Wride of Bergen; her son, Gary (Joyce) Mowers of Bergen; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; her sister, Doris Boshart of Alden and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Bonnie (late David) Stanton, her grandson, Sam Mowers and her siblings Bertha Stokes, Alice Stokes, Lillian Say, Charles Rich, Ida Raymond, Harold Rich, Celia Chilson, Theodore Rich, Paul Rich, Marian Rich and Raymond Rich.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Mount Rest 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.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.

Mr. O’Neill retired as a master carpenter at Darien Lake Theme Park and truly loved his work. He enjoyed yardwork, putting around the house and his many friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judith A. Wysko of Batavia, son Arthur Poblocki of Depew, daughter Holly (Steve) Prevaux of FL, siblings Ann Smith of Buffalo, Marcy (Tony) Saraceni of Batavia, Edward (Sharon) O’Neill of NC, Francis O’Neill of Batavia, sister-in-law Christine Perry, brother-in-law Gary (Gail) Wysko both of Attica, 7 grandchildren, Nicole, Justin, Evan, Jenna, Steven all of FL; Matthew and Rebecca of Depew, 6 great-grandchildren all in FL, along with many, many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ Gary L. Smith, age 77, of Myrtle Street, passed away Wednesday afternoon (March 31, 2021) at Unity Hospital.

     He was born June 17, 1943 in Warsaw, the son of the late Lawrence and Lois Phillips Smith.

     Gary is survived by his step-children, John E. Jaszko, Kim L. Weatherbee, Gerald F. (Darla) Jaszko and Sherry M. (Brian) Weaver; step-grandchildren, Jason (April) Weatherbee, Sommer (Guy Westermeier) Weatherbee, Melissa (Christopher) Plath, Amanda (Buzzy) Lowe, Curtis (Katie) Weaver and John Jaszko; 8 step-great-grandchildren; special friends, Wendy Paladino, Liz Mills and Jen Garland Wilder.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Beverly J. Smith in 2019 and his step-son, Robert P. Jaszko.

     Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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

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

Buffalo - Michael F. Raczka, 73 of Buffalo passed away on Wednesday, (March 31, 2021) at Orchard Rehab and Nursing Center in Medina.

Mr. Raczka was born December 8, 1947 in Buffalo, a son of the late Frank M. Raczka and Helen S. (Papaj) Raczka.

Michael served honorably with the Air Force. He was a lover of sports, especially baseball; and enjoyed umpiring for little league.

Michael is survived by his sister, Elaine Skotnicki (late Robert) of Wethersfield; brother, Clifford Raczka (Michelle) of Florida; a niece, Lisa Portelli (Michael) of New Hampshire; nephews, Harry, Thomas, and Jeffrey of Florida and several great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.

Michael 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, (April 7th, 2021) from St. Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue in Oakfield.  Burial with military honors will be in Union Park Cemetery in Wethersfield Springs.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northpointe Council, which provides high-quality, person-centered prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery to those affected by alcoholism, substance use disorders, and other addictions. Their address is: 800 Main Street, Suite 2A, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.

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

LeRoy ~ Daniel S. Gangi, age 63, of Myrtle Street, passed away Wednesday morning (March 31, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     Dan will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.  He was very devoted and passionate about his Catholic Faith.  Dan was proud to say that he had visited and attended mass at all the catholic churches within the Buffalo and Rochester Dioceses.  With his love for traveling, Dan would drive to Montreal and Quebec, where he would visit all the cathedrals and basilicas.  Dan was also a dedicated 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as a past Grand Knight.  Dan also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

     He is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine Naples Gangi; his children, Jennifer Gangi of Batavia and Daniel Gangi Jr. of Oakfield; step-children, Cheryl Kirshgessner and David Winling of LeRoy; grandchildren, Kalista, Owen, Arianna, Aaron, Tyler, Zachary, Anthony, Alyssa and Nikolas; step-grandson, Chandler; his siblings, Nancy Robords of Dansville, Thomas (Sandra) Gangi of Alliance, OH, Joan (Quentin) Call of Stafford, Paul (Norma) Gangi of Dansville, Mary Margaret (John) Scanlan of Bergen, Steven Gangi of Elba and Judy (David) Warner of LeRoy; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, April 5, from 4 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 6 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  (Funeral home and Church occupancy will be limited to 50% capacity during the course of visitation / mass and face masks are required.)    

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

Mr. King was born June 12, 1963 in Batavia, a son of the late Edward King Jr.  and Sharon (McEwen) Hillabush.

Mike attended City Church in Batavia and enjoyed antique cars, muscle cars, and racing. He was a lover of music and was always up to something mischievous. A man of quick wit, Mike was able to insert a joke into most any situation.

Surviving are his step-daughter, Angela Parker of Florida and her children, Todd Brelsford and Meryssa Parker; a brother, Mark Collier of Batavia; an Aunt, Joyce (Gordon) Cowell of Batavia; Uncles, Tim (Linda) King of Corfu, and Tim (Cindy) McEwen of Texas. Mike is also survived by dear friends, Tammy and DJ Tuller of Florida.  And many cousins.
 
He is preceded in death by Aunts, Nancy Mendez and Dorothy Rodriguez.

There will be no visitation. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held on Saturday (April 24, 2021) at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 114 Liberty Street in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or online at heart.org.  

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the church will be limited to 50% capacity. Face coverings and social distancing will be required. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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

He was born May 11, 1940 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late William Hill and Delphine Blackchief Jones.

Mr. Hill was employed with Iron Workers Local 5 prior to his retirement. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving his country from 1958-1965. He was a passionate Buffalo Bills fan and was a member of the Beaver Clan.

Survivors include his partner in life, Kathy Melissa Smith of Basom. Brothers, Loren Jones and Darwin (Janet) Hill, both of Basom. Sister, Audrey Hill of Rochester. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Murray Hill, Carrie Cory, Hiram Jones and Kathleen Hill.

Family and friends may gather to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (April 2^nd) from 3-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY. A funeral service will be held Saturday, 2pm at the funeral home.

Covid-19 protocol will be observed for the visitation and funeral services at the funeral home.

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

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Nina Rhoades, 82 of Darien, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021. She was born December 22, 1938 in Lackawanna NY, to the late David (Isabelle Major) Kirkby.

Nina was a strong woman with many interests. She loved church, gardening, cooking, canning, practical jokes, nursing and helping others. She belonged to Eastern Star in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She served many positions but she was very proud of being Worthy Matron in 1999 and 2005. When Nina moved to Attica, she immediately joined the First Presbyterian Church and was passionate about everything that she did. She always had kind words, a shoulder to cry on and was the best person to go to for advice. Nina was always up for a joke and had a laugh and smile that lit up. Nina was married to John Wendell Rhoades in 1961, he later passed in 2005.

Nina is survived by her children; John Wendell (Karen) Rhoades II, Christopher Lee (Sharon) Rhoades, Karen (Gabor) Bertalan. She is also survived by seven loving grandchildren, seven great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 17, 2021 The First Presbyterian Church of Attica, 115 Main St. Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, East Aurora, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to The First Presbyterian Church of Attica 115 Main St. Attica, NY 14011. Please adhere to the current Covid 19 regulations. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Mr. Campbell was born December 15, 1932 in Madison, Wisconsin a son of the late Dr. Ralph Emerson Campbell and Helen Wheeler Campbell.

Emerson was a member of the Batavia First Presbyterian Church since 1964 and served as an elder, a deacon, and a trustee. He sang in the choir and helped with all kinds of mission projects. He loved Bible Study and was always reading books about faith. He put his faith into action through service and kindness. He was always there to help and to serve. The church was his family.

Emerson was a pharmacist at the Batavia VA Medical Center and kept up his certification, even after retirement. Mr. Campbell volunteered for over 20 years at the VA and was honored with an award in 2016 denoting 18,325 hours of volunteer service. He loved his country and felt that his service at the VA was a part of that.

He traveled the world, literally. He was very proud of the fact that he had been to every continent. He went on bicycling tours all over the world. Mr. Campbell lived each summer at Godfreys Pond and loved swimming, hiking, and playing basketball. He lived a very simple lifestyle and focused on enjoying nature, God’s creation, and serving others. He loved good food and always appreciated the variety of restaurants in our area.

Emerson was a prime example of how the Lord can work through an ordinary person, and in so doing, make that person extraordinary.

There will be no visitation. Emerson 's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, (April 6th, 2021) from Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street in Batavia. The community is invited and encouraged to attend if able, however COVID-19 restrictions will be in place. The service will also be live-streamed via the funeral home's website.  Burial will be in the Campbell Family Plot in Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday, April 9, 2021.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia was honored to care for Emerson. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Gwen, better known to everyone as Mema, was a very caring, loving, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and most of all, a friend. She was a busy body, spending the majority of her time looking out and providing for those she cared about. She enjoyed being surrounded by family the best. A shining light to anyone who met her.

She is survived by children James (Cindy) Williams of GA, Don Williams of Batavia, Bob Williams of Batavia, Kim Williams (Howard) of Batavia, Karen Williams (Timmy) of NC, Scott Williams (Stephanie) of Batavia. Two brothers John (Carol) Kabel, and Tim (Becky) Kabel. Three sisters, Sharon Kilby, Sandy (Ray) Mickey, and Judy Clark. 15 Grandchildren, 27 Great-Grandchildren and many, many nieces and nephews whom she adored greatly.

Along with her parents, father Fredrick Kabel, and mother Marie Marks-Kabel, Gwen is predeceased by her siblings Robert Kabel, Mary Jane Metcalf, Shirley Dunlap, Richard Kabel, James Kabel, Nancy Kabel, Elaine Hoffman and Thomas Kabel.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 1, 2021 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  

The Funeral Home and Church 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 church. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

He was born July 13, 1988 in Rochester, NY, a son of Richard and Brenda Lang Lavrincik of Attica.

Jake was a graduate of Attica High School where he played basketball. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jake was a funny, goofy guy with an awesome sense of humor, and enjoyed making people laugh. He also loved trying to help anyone when they needed it. Most of all he adored his children with all his heart and will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

He is survived by his parents, Richard and Brenda Lang Lavrincik of Attica. Children, Caleb and Peyton Lavrincik. Brother, Josh (Sarah) Lavrincik. Also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Jerome Lang Sr., William and Nancy Sage and Karol and Dorothy Lavrincik. Uncle, Howard Lang and Aunt, Daryl Ann Cofran

Family and friends may gather to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (April 1^st) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A private funeral will be held at the convenience of the family.

The funeral home will be limited to 50% capacity and all visitors will be required to wear a face covering and follow Covid-19 protocol.

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.