Obituaries

Shirley Davis Barnes Blekkenk – 88 yrs. & 360 days, passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones on June 3, 2019. Born June 8, 1930 at the homestead on Groveland Hill, New York. She was the daughter of Charles and Lois Davis. Married to Philip Barnes on March 26, 1950 who predeceased her. Her second marriage to Carl Blekkenk was Nov. 15,1958.

She was employed by Kodak, Craig Colony at Sonya, Monroe Developmental Center in Rochester, Cape Canaveral Hospital, and Groveland & Livingston Corrections Services. Her hearts desire was to be a nurse and to care for those in need. Her second love was to feed people whom she did through a Food Pantry in Cape Canaveral Florida as well as her catering business Butterfly Bistro and anyone who entered her home.

Surviving are her children Raymond Barnes, Steven (Marian) Barnes, Mary Enos, Michael Blekkenk, Daniel (Ingrid) Blekkenk, many adopted children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Beverly Regatuso, brothers Richard (Cheryl) Davis, & Bernard (Jane) Davis. As well as many loved ones.

Friends will be received from 11:00AM to 1:00PM Thursday (June 6, 2019) at Eaton Watson Funeral Home, 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. A Funeral Service will immediately follow, at 1:00PM, at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Lakeview Cemetery, Groveland, in Livingston County.

To leave a message of condolence please visist www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Juice enjoyed working, especially as an accomplished chef at various restaurants throughout Western New York. He loved to spend time with his family, enjoyed fishing, going to the casino, watching his beloved Buffalo Bills and Boston Red Sox along with enjoying an ice cold PBR or Bud.

Surviving is his loving wife, Sharon (Smith) Belknap of Batavia; children, Tracy (Joe) Spohn of Rochester, Brennan (Tina) Belknap of Rochester, Deanna (Josh) Smith of Basom and Mandee Belknap of Batavia; cherished grandchildren, Brent Spohn, Felicity Bettilyon, Ryland Fotiathis and Tristen Belknap; siblings, Shelly (Joe) Messore, Dale (Bonnie) Belknap, Rodney (Cheri) Belknap, Randy Belknap & Brian (Cindi) Belknap all of Rochester; mother-in-law, Jean Smith of Batavia along with several nieces, nephews great nieces and great nephews.    

The Belknap family will be present from 4 - 8p.m. on Wednesday May 5, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Juice’s Life begin at 8p.m. Memorials in his memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia, New York 14020.

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

THE FAMILY OF CRAIG L. “JUICE” BELKNAP IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

LeRoy ~ Michael R. Paladino Jr., age 43, died heroically on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in the loving presence of his family.

     Michael is survived by his mother, Mary Jo Fay of LeRoy; sister, Macy Paladino of LeRoy; his sons, Anthony and Sonny; daughter, Tea; dear friend, Rebecca Fili and his father, Michael Paladino.  His passing is also greatly mourned by his grandfather, John Fay; his nephew Kyler; his niece, Kaylin and his loving aunts, uncles and cousins, who are all so proud of his unselfish and heroic act.  He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Mamie Fay.

     Friends and family may call on Wednesday, June 5 from 3 - 5:30 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where his Remembrance Service will be held immediately after at 5:30.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family in support of his children.

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

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

He was born September 15, 1971, in Batavia, NY, a son of Ronald and Sharon Kokot Cummings of Corfu.

Bob was a longtime employee and participant in the Genesee Orleans ARC. He enjoyed watching professional wrestling, his favorite tv shows Ice Road Truckers and Highway To Hell. Every Sunday was dedicated to listening to the Country Top 40.  Bob also enjoyed taking short trips away but also loved to just stay in the comfort of his home. The best phrase to describe him would be “Bob loved everybody and everybody loved Bob”. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

He was the grandson of the late Albert Cummings and Michael and Helen Kokot. Nephew of the late Duane Green.

Survivors include his loving parents, Ronald and Sharon Cummings. Grandmother, Irene Cummings. Aunts and uncles, Sylvia (Douglas) Kohorst, Sandy Green, Michael (Laurie) Kokot, Rita Benda, Donald (Pat) Cummings and Marie (Dave) Dylag. Also survived by several cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (June 6th) from 3-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY. A memorial service will be Saturday (June 8th), 10am at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Rd., Medina, NY 14103. PLEASE NOTE NO SERVICES ON FRIDAY. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Corfu.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to a charity of the donor’s preference. 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.

OAKFIELD - Jack Lewis Baxter, 75, of Oakfield, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Jack was born July 6, 1943, in DuBois, PA, a son of the late Milton and Helen Baxter.

He served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam era and when he returned from the service, he became a Lab Technician for Eastman Kodak Co., retiring in 1992.  He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed bowling, and watching sports, but was a great Yankees fan.  He also worked in Customer Service at the Pembroke Service Area. 

Survivors include his wife, Linda D. (Kowalczyk) Baxter, whom he married October 14, 1967; 3 children, Melissa (Joseph) Sullivan of Albion, Scott (Nancy) Baxter of Batavia and Deborah (Pete) Scheiber of Oakfield; 4 grandchildren, Joseph Sullivan, Stefani (Andrew) Campbell, Dani Baxter and Collin Scheiber and a great-grandchild, A.J. Campbell.          

He was predeceased by his siblings, Harriett, Jim and Neil.

 Friends may call from 5 to 6 pm on Wednesday at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave. in Oakfield, where service will follow at 6 pm.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family for distribution to various charities.   Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Jean was a daughter of the late DeForest and Cecil A. Bush.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Bedient Sr. and her sister, Grace Andrews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jean is survived by her son, Dean Bedient Jr., daughters, Elizabeth (Norman) Wagner, Cynthia (Charlie) Boldt, Linda (Mark) Breen, Deborah (Richard) Wright, Lou Ann (Dennis) Marshall, Marcella (Johnny) Newton; sisters, Virginia Rappleye and Mary Marlatt; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Larry, a graduate of Batavia High School, married Beverly Williams in 1959. Larry and Beverly went on to have two daughters, and three grandsons whom he called his own. Larry, a retired worker for the City of Batavia, accomplished much in his life. His selfless character and work ethic were indomitable and would go on to shape his friends, colleagues, and the stone and motor entrance to Redfield parkway. Most notable in recent years was his role as Santa Claus. He cherished the opportunity to spread his love and laughter to the people of Genesee County during the holidays.

Larry loved to travel, camp, and create unforgettable memories with his family. Always up for adventure, a four-week nine-person cross country roadtrip in a motorhome that sleeps six was not out of the ordinary. He took fashion cues from no one, and delivered us a unique sense of style. Always quick with a joke and helping hand, Larry loved to spend time with his three grandsons. His pastimes included, but were not limited to, Yankees baseball, people watching on the porch, and sharing his sense of humor with you. While raising five children across two generations he would often call out to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and now he has answered that call. Larry redefined the label “Dad” as a Father, Grandfather, but more so as a Best Friend. The family would like to thank the loving staff of the Village Greens for their friendship and support. Larry is survived by his two daughters: Michelle Williams and Laurie Comer, his three boys: Sean Comer, Derek Comer, and Cameron Comer, and his favorite son-in-law, Mark Moscicki.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 2, 2019 from 2 to 6 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 3, 2019 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. The family will receive friends at Saint Mary's reception hall after Mass 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York, 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, New York, 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

Adam enjoyed gaming, watching and playing hockey, watching movies, listening to music and was very active with his children.

He is survived by his mother: Patricia D. Berkes of Gainesville, fiancé: Debbie Gilbert of Perry, 2 daughters: Jadeth Henry of Perry, Mackenzie Waugh of Perry, 2 sons: Wyatte Barrett of Perry, Xavier Carney of Perry, 2 sisters: Brandi (Stephen) Royse of Gainesville, Gabby (Mitchell) Johnston of Winder, GA., 1 brother: Timothy (Moriah) Waugh of Delevan, along with many nieces, a nephew and friends.

Friends are invited to call from 11:30am-12:30pm on Sunday June 2nd at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. A Celebration of Adam’s Life will follow on Sunday June 2nd at the Wyoming Inn 1 S. Academy St. in Wyoming at 1:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 or visit www. afsp.org. To leave a message of condolence please visist www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Bob worked for many years driving truck, it was his life and he enjoyed it. He liked spending free time with CB Radio. Bob’s greatest joy was his family, he was a loving father, devoted husband and cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara (Downey) Cipra, children Paul (Janette) Cipra, Dawn (Gordon) Sprague, sister Larena Gregory all of Batavia; brother Rodney (Erin) Seirson of PA; 6 grandchildren Rachel (Matt) Rentz, Anthony (Kaitlyn) Cipra, Dana (Shelby) Cipra, Sage Hopkins, Katie Amthor, Jolene (Joseph) Bauer; 13 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street, or to HomeCare &Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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 - Robert A. Burke, 86, of Batavia, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home.

Mr. Burke, born August 25, 1932, in New York City, son of the late Robert N. and Marie (Kononchik) Burke.

Corporal Burke proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War earning a Korean Service Medal with 4 stars, United Nations Service Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation with 1 star. He was one of “The Chosin Few”, a survivor of the Battle of Chosin Resevoir, the most violent small unit battle in the history of American warfare. He continued his service as a member of the National Guard for 5 years.

Bob worked tirelessly to provide for his family and give them the best possible life he knew how. He retired from General Motors in Syracuse after 37 years as a Millwright. Throughout his life Bob learned how to build and repair anything and everything, often with nothing more than self-taught skill, determination and hard work. Bob was an accomplished craftsman who took great pride is his wood work. His workshop was his place of peace and comfort.

In his retired years Bob enjoyed traveling with his wife. They enjoyed seeing the country and participating in craft shows where they displayed their wood working and quilts together.

In his final years Bob was blessed to be in the care of the wonderful and dedicated staff of the New York State Veteran’s Home in Batavia New York. Bob’s family is forever grateful for the care and love  provided during Bob’s time there. The caregivers, nurses and staff are amazing people doing amazing things every day for our country’s Veterans

Bob is survived by his children; Noel Burke of Milford, CT, Michael Burke of Baldwinsville, NY,  Thomas Burke of Rochester, NY, Linda Velasco of Chalfont, PA, David (Joanne) Burke of Churchville, NY, James Burke of Pasadena, TX and Kathy (Michael) Wrixon of Carrollton, GA; 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. 

There will be no prior visitation. Mr. & Mrs. Burke will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert’s name may be made to the activities fund at the New York State Veteran's Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

STAFFORD - Paulene M. Canty, 89, of Stafford, formerly of Batavia, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Paulene was born September 29, 1929, in Batavia, the daughter of the late Carl M. and Florene A. (Gann) Merkel.

She was a Dental Hygienist for Robert Gallagher, D.D.S.in Batavia for 24 years, prior to her retirement in 1972.  She attended SUNY Geneseo and the Eastman Dental Dispensary.  A Lifetime Presbyterian, she was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Churches in Oakfield, Batavia and presently in LeRoy.  She served several terms as an Ordained Elder at the Batavia 1st Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir for over 20 years. She was a member of the Stafford Country Club since 1967 and was an avid golfer. 

Survivors include her husband, James D. Canty, whom she married on June 7, 1980; 2 nephews, Mark & Lee Rodemacker and a cousin, Joan (William) Wescott.  She was predeceased by her first husband, George T. Patterson who died in 1976, her brother, Richard Merkel and her sister Ruth Hoppe.

There will be no visitation. Services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the 1st Presbyterian Church of LeRoy with Rev. David Pepper officiating. . In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paulene's memory may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021; crossroadshouse.com/donate.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery.  Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

What does it mean to live a full life? I think it means to be able to touch and reach as many people as possible all while managing to find the time to have as many things touch and reach yourself. I think that Rosemary did that. She managed for the most part to do things most people dream about. She traveled the world, she raised children, she enjoyed the finer things that life had to offer. She golfed around the world, something I will always be jealous of. She found love, showed it and received it. As well as passed down knowledge that was given to her.

My grandmother once told me, until you can look in the mirror and love who you see, then you won’t be capable of giving that gift to someone else. And I always appreciated that lesson. She was full of joy and love and when she looked into that mirror every morning while she got done up, I know she loved and was thankful for who she was. Because her children, myself, and my children know she loved us. She will be missed by many, but forgotten by none! We love you Rosemary! Here’s to you! Cheers!

Rosemary is survived by her beloved children Ann Watts of Batavia; Allen (Stephanie) Watts of Pittsburg, KS; sister Geraldine (Jim) Wilkerson of Roseville, CA; 6 grandchildren Zach Watts, Taylor Tompkins, Nicholas Gaudy, Wade, Ian and Ivery Watts; 2 great-grandchildren Jaslynne and Carson Watts; niece Kim (Greg) Twilling.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Cancer Society www.cancer.org. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Lori was a 1977 graduate of Notre Dame High School, delivered Meals on Wheels and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving along with her father are her loving daughters, Brooke (Ronald Tombari) Brightenfield and Kristen (Joseph Dux) Brightenfield all of Pavilion; cherished granddaughter, Jade Tombari; sister, Marcia (Gary Moore) Weber of Albion and Linda (Jeff) Hyde of Corfu; sister-in-law, Mary (Bud) Ulander of E. Pembroke along with several nieces and nephews.

Lori’s family will be present from 5-7p.m. on Thursday May 30, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will begin at 7p.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband in Grand View Cemetery and the family requests memorials to a charity of their choice.

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

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

Loretta worked for many years and retired from Rochester Products, General Motors in Rochester.  She was a past member of the Red Hatter’s. She loved cooking, crafting, gardening and flowers. Loretta enjoyed the outdoors, being at the lake and loved to swim. She had strong faith, and will forever be remembered as the first person to support her family and that she was an amazing mom that would help her family in any way she could.

She is survived by her children; Daniel (Ellen) Brooks of Elba, Donna Harmon of FL., and Delores “Dolly” Dyer of Batavia; siblings Joyce Harezga of Batavia, Benny Waldron of Darien, Christine Moore of GA., Jimmy Waldron of Utica, Margaret Gilcrest of FL.; 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 31, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday June 1^st at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North St. in Batavia or the Genesee County SPCA http://www.vol4animals.org/. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave 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.