Obituaries

Robert J. Graham Jr., age 99 of Hunt, New York passed away on Monday January 13, 2020 at the NYS Veterans Home at Batavia. He was born in Leicester, New York on January 12, 1921, a son to the late Robert John and Eloise Goodwin (Horton) Graham Sr. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife Gladys Ellen (McBride) Graham who passed away in 2013, a sister and her husband: Erestine (George) Cox.

Robert was a 1928 graduate of Perry High School. He served with the US Army Air Corp during WWII. Robert was a farmer his entire life owning Oxbow Farms in Hunt. He was a member of the Portageville Baptist Church, Farm Bureau of Livingston County. He was active in the 71st squadron Fighter Group through the US Air force. He enjoyed playing euchre and bridge with friends, reading, restoring antique tractors, working on his sawmill at the farm, was a history buff particularly in WWII, and spending time with his family and lifelong friends.

He is survived by 3 daughters: Pemba (Dwight) Harder of Castile, Kathryn (Stephen) Lewis of Hunt, Christina (David) Vanderbosch of Prattsburgh, 1 son: Rodney (Linda) Graham of Hunt, a brother: Gerald (Madeline) Graham of Perry, 17 grandchildren: Janet (Kary) Lewis Forth, Jeremy (Barbara) Harder, Molly (Peter) Vanderbosch Sauder, Jessie (Kelvin) Vanderbosch Slayton, Erin (Jonathan) Vanderbosch Slayton, Robert Graham (Juanita) Vanderbosch, Hannah (Nathan) Vanderbosch Charles, Asa Vanderbosch, Mary Ellen (Phillip) Vanderbosch Nissley, Jabob, Jerusha and Laura Vanderbosch, Eloise (Kyriakos) Graham Kyriakou, Caitlin Graham, Rebecca (Ari) WolfeCooperman, Emily (Daniel) Wolfe Schulz and Matthew (Krista) Wolfe, 24 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Monday January 20th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday January 21^st at 11:00AM at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Portageville Baptist Church 6668 Pike St, Portageville, NY 14536 or to the Nunda Volunteer Ambulance PO Box 652 Nunda, NY 14517. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Linda A. Draper, age 70, of Perry NY passed away on Sunday January 12, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Warsaw, NY on August 14, 1949, a daughter to the late Roy and Wilma (Burr) Austen.

Linda was a graduate of York Central School and Bryant and Stratton in Rochester. Linda worked for the former Champion Products in Perry, H&R Block in Perry and sold jewelry for Accessories Associates Inc. in Rhode Island. She was a former member of the Warsaw Moose Lodge. She enjoyed photography, knitting, crocheting, sewing and painting ceramics.

She is survived by 2 sons: Dariel (Cindy) Draper of Perry, James (Jill) Draper of Orchard Park, brother: Ronald (Deb) Austen of Manassas, VA., 4 grandchildren: Donovan Draper, Jennifer (Bill) Wilson, Stacey Beagle and James Becker, great grandchildren: Devon and Tyler Wilson, Ethan and Emma Beagle, niece: Katie (Calvin) Edson and nephew: Timothy Austen. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death a sister: Carol Austen.

Family and friends may call 1:00-3:00PM on Sunday January 19, 2020 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. A 3:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Leicester Cemetery in Leicester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation 636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3A Short Hills, NJ 07078 or visit www.christopherreeve.org to donate. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

 

 

  Lucy T. Orologio, 86 of Perry, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville. She was born April 7, 1933 in Hornell to the late Malvina Schiavi. She is preceded in death by her beloved son Jack Orologio and her sister Mary Kiefer.

Lucy worked for many years in the business office at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, NY. Family was everything to her, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

She is survived by her children Cindy (Norm) Carney of Palmetto, FL; Coleen (Bob) Wiggins of Hornell; Cathy (Joe) Van Remmen of Perry; Vinny (Jill) Orologio of Fairport; grandchildren Chris Carney, Brett (Jess) Carney, Melissa Wiggins, Erin (Steve) Shinebarger, Brittni (Derek) Kwiecien, Samantha, Bree, Vincent, Bella, Sophia Orologio; great-grandchildren Wyatt, Colton, Bennett, Gianna, Carson, Preston and Elliana; along with several close relatives, including her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There are no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 18, 2020 at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph's Church) 71 Leicester Street
Perry, NY 14530. She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Meals on wheels/office of the aging 8 Perry Ave. Warsaw, NY 14569 or to Dementia Society of America www.dementiasociety.org. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

MARIE R. SHOEMAKER ~ Age 83, of West Barre, died peacefully Saturday January 11, 2020 at her home. She was born August 28, 1936 in Buffalo, NY to the late Norman and Loretta (Koch) Axford; also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willis H. Shoemaker, Jr. in 2014 and her brother, Richard N. Axford.

Marie worked for 30 years as a corporate secretary in Buffalo until 1979 when she married the love of her life and moved to West Barre. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, her extended family of all creatures great and small (except mosquitos). Marie was always cheering for the Buffalo Bills, attending harness horse racing and doing family genealogy   

Surviving is her loving son, Grant (Heather) Shoemaker of Medina; grandchildren, Riley, Kayla, Maya, Jennifer, Cody and Ayden; several nieces, nephews, cousins and her pet friends, Lacey, Peach & Tigger.

The Shoemaker family will be present from 11a.m. – 2p.m. on Friday January 17, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Marie’s Life will begin at 2p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials in her memory can be made to any PAWS location or please consider planting a tree in her memory as Marie always tried to grow love throughout her life.

Please share words of comfort with Marie’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

 

SUSAN E. MONTREAL ~ Age 62, of Pavilion, died Wednesday January 8, 2020 at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Batavia. She was born in Buffalo, NY on September 17, 1957 to the late William and Thelma (Wood) Letson.

Sue worked for many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home for many years. She enjoyed cooking, baking, collecting snowmen and her four-legged friends, Coco & Moomoo.

Surviving is her loving companion of 20 years, Donald Hale of Pavilion; children, Michael (Corinne) Padilla of Rochester, Christopher Padilla of Chafee, NY and Elizabeth Padilla of Batavia; sister, Carol Montreal of Batavia; brother, Thomas Montreal of Pembroke; aunts; Roberta Baker and Beatrice McCulley both of FL and uncle, Wayne (Karen) Wood of Alabama.

Sue’s family will be present from 2p.m. – 6p.m. at the Hope Center of LeRoy 42 Main Street LeRoy, New York 14482 on Saturday January 18, 2020 where a Service of Remembrance will begin at 3p.m. Memorials in her memory can be made to the Hope Center of LeRoy.

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

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

 

 

MICHAEL F. WRIGHT ~ Age 76, Holley, peacefully 12/5/19. Preceded by parents, Boyd and Berneice Wright.

Michael received his BS in Oceanography from Texas A&M and his Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University in New York City.

Michael was a well-respected and notable therapist who impacted many people throughout Western New York during his tenure.

At his request funeral services held privately, memorials a charity of the donor’s choice.

Words of comfort can be shared at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF MICHAEL F. WRIGHT WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC

4120 W. Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020.

Sarah E. Hoeppner, age 74 of Perry, NY passed away on Sunday January 12, 2020 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Warsaw, NY on May, 15 1945 a daughter to the late Merle F. and Norma (James) Petherick. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by a brother: James Petherick who passed away in 2016.

Sarah was a 1963 graduate of Warsaw Central High School. She was a teacher’s aide at Perry High School for over 25 years retiring in 2007. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Warsaw. Sarah was an artist who worked with many different mediums. She often had her work showcased at the Wyoming County Arts Council in Perry, Shoen Place in Pittford, International Art Acquisitions in Rochester and Go Art in Batavia. She and her family enjoyed putting up their annual Halloween displays that attracted hundreds of visitors each Halloween. She enjoyed quiet times with Max and her two dogs Jaisey and Jingles at their camp in Wethersfield.

She is survived by her husband Max whom she married on July 10, 1965; daughter Tracy (Douglas) Hoeppner-Russell of Perry along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pluta Cancer Center 125 Red Creek Dr. Rochester, New York 14623 or to the Wyoming County Arts Council 31 South Main St. Perry, New York 14530.  For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Keith A. Countermine, 66, of Attica, passed away on January 10, 2020 with his family by his side. He was born on February 24, 1953 in Albany, NY to the late Irving and the late Ruth (Hanlon) Countermine. Keith was preceded in death by his grandson, Ian Solberg-Countermine and his sister Cindi Lehnert.

Keith retired from the Attica Correctional facility in 2007 after 28 years of service. He was a member of St Joachim & Anne RC Church. He was a member of the Attica Lions Club, Republican Chairman for Town of Attica, the Attica Fire Department, Attica Masonic Lodge 462, and Royal Arch Masons & Cryptic Masons, and Knights of Columbus 3^rd Degree. Keith was previously on the Attica Town Board of Assessment review. He was previously an Assistant JV Football Coach for the Attica High School.

Keith is survived by his loving wife, Dawn (Salty) Countermine; children, Kevin (Ruth) Countermine of Darien Center, Kyle (Karen) Countermine of Ocala, Fl, and Ken (Melissa) Countermine of Attica; brothers, Jeff (Jeanne) Countermine of Altamont, NY and Ed (Leonard) Countermine of Rensselaer, NY; 13 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on January 25, 2020 at Sts Joachim & Anne RC Church, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family. For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011

 

 

Ralph M. Torcello, 89, of Batavia, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia after a brief illness.

Born on Sept. 29, 1930 and raised in Batavia, Mr. Torcello was the son of Michael C. Torcello, Sr. and Mary Torcello (Feniello). He grew up on the family farm on Creek Road in Batavia and lived there until his death.

Mr. Torcello graduated from Batavia High School in the late 1940s and was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Buffalo State College with his B.A. in education. He served in the Army following his graduation and after his duty was completed, taught Industrial Arts to high school students in the Letchworth Central School District until his retirement.

Mr. Torcello’s passion was harness racing. During college he worked part time as a security guard at Batavia Downs and that began a lifetime of involvement in the sport that would last almost 70 years. He was an owner, trainer and driver and raced almost entirely in Western New York. 

Mr. Torcello trained and often drove his small stable of horses after getting his license in 1962. During that time he raced campaigners like Gypsy Flash, Gold Piece, Outlaw Collins and Bait The Trap. His last driving win came in 1993 in a lifetime best effort with a trotting mare named Spell Rosie followed by his last training win in 1999 with one of his better horses, What About Bob. His love of the sport spread to many in his family who later owned, trained and drove horses themselves.  

Mr. Torcello was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, Anna Strollo (Michael), Marie Perry (Samuel), Frances, Lawrence (Madeline), Rose, Angeline, Genevieve, Michael Jr. (Patricia) and Marcella, as well as by his nephew, Anthony M. Strollo.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Ann Marie Caste (Paul), of New Jersey, Michael C. Torcello (Lynn) of Delaware and Lawrence Torcello (Katie), of East Bethany, Mary Jo Dumuhosky and Ross Perry, both of Batavia, Michael L. Torcello (Deborah), of Hamburg, Ralph P. Torcello (Diane), of Pavilion and Marirose Ethington (Larry), of East Bethany. He is also survived by numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as his longtime friend, Hiland Clark. 

Mr. Torcello was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Batavia and a former member of the New York State Teachers’ Association and the United States Trotting Association.

There will be a mass in celebration of Mr. Torcello’s life at the Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St. in Batavia on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to United Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Donald G. Butler, age 84, passed away on Thursday January 9, 2020 at Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home in Perry.  He was born in Warsaw, NY on July 24, 1935 a son to the late Gordon H. and Eva P. (Hilflicker) Butler.

Don was a 1954 graduate of Perry Central School. Don was the owner/ operator of Donald G. Butler Construction and Sunny Knoll Farms in Perry.  He took over the family farm at the age of 19 after the passing of his father. Don ran the farm from 40 head of cattle to a very successful robotic dairy farm today operated by his sons. He started Donald G. Butler Construction in 1973. He was a former owner of the Perry Raceway in Perry.  He served as chairman of the Board of Assessors for the Town of Perry for 16 years, served on the Town of Perry Zoning Board in which he helped in writing the new zoning laws and was the Town of Perry Highway Superintendent for 10 years.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center, Silver Lake Country Club, a member of the Perry Grange for over 60 years, Upstate Niagara Co-op and a very active member of the Perry Rotary Club starting in 1965. In his lifetime he attended over 80 years of the Perry Rotary show whether watching or participating in it. He was the director of the Perry Rotary show since 1969 as well as participating in many acts for over 50 years, even when his mobility was limited.  He organized many trips where a large participation of the Perry Rotarians were in attendance at the District conference.   He served as President of the Perry Rotary Foundation for 19 years and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship award in 1988, 2006 and 2010. In Donald’s spare time he enjoyed golfing with his friends, organizing yearly golfing trips, even after he had to give up golf do to his health. He enjoyed traveling to Florida during the winter with his wife and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife: Joann E. (Irwin) Butler whom he married on March 9, 1955, 3 sons: Scott (Bethany) Butler, Eric (Michelle) Butler and Jason (Angela) Butler all of Perry, 6 grandchildren: Kayla (Anthony Dell’Anno) Butler, Christian (Devon) Butler, Audrey, Zane, Lucas and Emma Grace Butler, 1 great grandchild: Julian , Siblings: Carol (C. Arnold “Arnie”)Wilson, Jack (Nancy) Butler both of Perry, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends may call from 2-6pm on Sunday January 12th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 13^t at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center at 4pm. Don will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

(In lieu of flowers) Memorial contributions may be made to the Perry Rotary Club P.O. Box 103 Perry, New York 14530, Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530 or to the First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

 

LeRoy ~ Mary M. Porter (nee Mooney), age 87, passed away on January 9th, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia after a short illness.

    

 Mary was born on November 24, 1932 in Medina, NY to her late parents, Joseph and Marie Mooney. She married Harry Porter in 1953. The Porters lived in LeRoy, where Harry worked at the local Jell-O plant until its closing and retired from Eastman Kodak.

     Mary was a stay-at-home Mom, an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church in LeRoy, and a member of the LeRoy/Stafford Friendship Club.

     Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) and John Garner of LeRoy, NY; her daughter and son-in-law, Michele (Micki) and David Shaughnessy of Mt. Morris, NY; her son, John (Jack) Porter of Cartersville, GA; her son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Sharon Porter of LeRoy, NY; her sisters-in-law, Barbara Sanderson and Lorraine Maloy and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

     She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her sister, Joanne Wegman; her brothers, Regis and Jack Mooney and her grandson, Ryan Porter.

      Family and friends may call on Monday, January 13th from 3 ~ 7 P.M. (Rosary Recitation at 6:45 P.M.) at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd., LeRoy.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14th at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary's life.  

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the LeRoy Pantry & Help Fund Inc., 48 Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482

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

BATAVIA - Shirley M. Pashong, 89, of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, (January 7, 2020), at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation following a brief illness.

Mrs. Pashong was born July 6, 1930, in Batavia, a daughter of the late William, Sr. and Helen (Colby) Kirkpatrick.

Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

She is the wife of the late Melvern "Mel" Pashong who passed away in 2014.

Surviving are her children, Bonnie (Dennis) Dugan and Randy (Pamela) Pashong both of Batavia; grandchildren, Kate (Michael) Whitcomb of Fairport, Joshua Pashong of Batavia, and Rachel Pashong of Lockport; great-grandchildren, Andrew and Zachary Whitcomb; brother-in-law, Ronald (June) Pashong of Stafford; sisters-in-law, Shirley (late William) Krause of Byron, and Lou Kirkpatrick of Batavia.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Shirley is preceded in death by her siblings, Vivian (late Alan) Taber, Viola (late Alton) Schuler, William Kirkpatrick, Jr., and Lucille (late George) Derck; brother-in-law Douglas Pashong.

In keeping with Shirley's wishes there will be no visitation.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.  She will laid to rest beside Mel in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Hiram W. Jones, of Basom, passed suddenly on Friday, January 3, 2020. He was born in Alabama, New York on March 26,1948 to the late Timothy and Delphine (Blackchief) Jones.

Hiram was a member of the Beaver Clan and a 1966 graduate of Alexander High School. Upon graduating from high school, he honorably served our country in the United States Army. Hiram was a huge lover of the outdoors and could often be found walking or taking long bike rides as far away as Clarence and Batavia. He especially enjoyed fishing.

Hiram had ten brothers and sisters and is survived by, Darwyn (Janette) Hill, Malcom Hill,  Audrey Hill and Loren Jones. Many nieces and nephews also survive Hiram. He is predeceased by brothers and sisters:  Phyllis Abrams, Cathleen Hill, William “Flip” Hill, Murray Hill, John Paul Jones and Carrie Cory.

Friends may call Wednesday, January 8th, from 12 to 2 PM at the Tonawanda Indian Baptist Church, 565 Bloomingdale Road, Basom, NY where a Funeral Service will take place at 2 PM. Arrangements were made by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. To share memories and condolences with Hiram's familyplease visit rossakron.com.