Obituaries

PHILIP A. SKILL

Age 72, of Batavia, former WBTA radio personality, died peacefully Tuesday April 19, 2016 at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. He was born December 3, 1943 in Eggertsville, NY a son of the late Anthony and Dolores (Caterino) Skill, also preceded in death by a brother, John Skill. 

Mr. Skill served our country honorably as a member of the US Air Force who was with the USO in Korea during the Vietnam War. A member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's), he enjoyed their cottage in Canada, gardening and the many trips to Las Vegas that he and his wife made. Phil was one of the area’s top DJ’s remembered fondly for his distinct voice and trademark signoff, “This has been a Skillful Production”. He later worked and retired from Drummer PennySaver in Batavia. 

Surviving is his wife of 45 years, Billie (Hoffman) Skill of Batavia; loving daughters, Jill of Charlotte, NC and Kelly of Brooklyn, NY; siblings, Dolores (Joe) Russo of Rochester, Joan Skill of Williamsville; sister-in-law, Joan Skill of FL and his mother-in-law, Shelagh Hoffman of Batavia. 

The family requests all to join them in celebrating Phil's Mass of Christian Burial 10:00am Monday April 25 Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site). Burial will be at Grand View Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Phil with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

 

Carla J. Wright, 47, of Alexander, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday April 20, 2016 in Attica. She was born on December 29, 1968 in Batavia, NY to Joseph (Diane) L. Bridge of Elba and Joyce E. Smith of Aliquippa, PA.

Carla was a member of the Alexander Fire Department and the Beachhead Veterans Club.  She was a Medic at the Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Association and a Medic at Darien Lake Theme Park.

In addition to her parents she is survived by her daughter; Andrea (Stephen Doty) Kirch of Batavia; son Steven Wright of Alexander;  5 grandchildren; Hannah, Shane and Sabrina Kirch, Elijah and Ivey Doty; sister Gina (Jerry) Delelys and brother Todd (Stacey) Gallup.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Funeral Services will be held privately for the family.  There will be a Celebration of Life at the Alexander Fire Hall at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made 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 Street Attica, New York 14011.

Ethel M. O’Geen, 93, of Brockport, formally of Batavia passed away peacefully on Thursday April 21, 2016 at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Facility in Rochester.  She was born on May 25, 1922 in Hornell, NY to the late Lester and Lena (Northrup) Bailey.  In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Lester O’Geen and 9 siblings.

“Grandma O” loved her music and was quite a dancer.  She rode her bike until she was 79 years young, Independent at heart and a loving soul who now dances with the angels in heaven.

She is survived by her daughter; Gayla (David) Starowitz of Byron; grandchildren Jeffrey Starowitz and Cathy (Michael) Parsons; great grandchildren Nathan and Kelly Parsons, Ruger and Gunner Starowitz along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Funeral Services will be held privately for the family. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County Office for the Aging 2 Bank St. Batavia, NY 14020 or the activities fund @ the Emeritus at Landing of Brockport 90 West Avenue Brockport, NY 14420 or Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center 2652 Ridgeway Ave. Rochester, NY 14626. 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 - Mr. F. Richard Grimes, 89 of Batavia passed away on April 19, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Grimes was born October 11, 1926 in Batavia, the only child of the late Francis A. and Dorothy (Merrill) Grimes.

Dick is survived by his lovi

ng wife, Mary Lou (Reigle) whom he married on May 12, 1956.

Mr. Grimes retired in 1992 after 44 years employed by the Genesee County Highway Department.  It was not far off the 47 1/2 years that his father, the late Francis A. Grimes logged with the city of Batavia Fire Department.

A longtime member of St. Joseph's Church, he was a member of the former Elks Club, Loyal Order of the Moose and St. Nicholas Club.  Dick was a member of Mighty St. Joe's Drum Corp since 1939.  He started playing horn and moved onto the baritone.  He also played with the Legion Corp and Brockport Grenadiers.

Dick served in the Philippine Campaign during World War II with the United States Army.  He was a member of the Veness-Strollo Post No. 1602 Veterans of Foreign War.

Dick had a deep love and passion for Fire Trucks.  Dick amassed a substantial collection of them over the years and took great pride in them.  He always had a story to tell and loved telling them to anyone who would listen.  Dick was a longtime patron of the Pok-A-Dot restaurant visiting on a regular basis.

Other survivors include:  Son, Gregory (Lois) Grimes of Oakfield: Daughters Colleen (Dave) Ronan of St. Cloud, Florida, Kathie (Chris Roberts) Grimes-Goras of Batavia. His grandchildren: Matthew (Molly) of Alexander, LS2(SW) Timothy S. Grimes, MCAS Cherry Point, NC; David (April) Ronan of St. Cloud, Florida, Daniel Ronan of Orlando, Florida, Megan and Nathan Goras of Batavia. His great grandchildren: Mae, Myles, and Maura and another Grimes baby due in early May 2016. Gunner and Gemma Ronan of St.Cloud, Florida.  Several Cousins, Nieces and nephews also survive.

Dick cherished all of his grandchildren, but he had a special bond with his only Granddaughter Megan. He loved visiting Disney World in Florida to see his favorite princess Snow White.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial, with full military honors, will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Dick’s name to St. Joseph’s School, 2 Summit Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020.

Marvin F. Talbot, 81, of Rochester, formally of Batavia passed away on April 19, 2016 at Unity Hospital in Rochester.  He was born on September 24, 1934 in Batavia to the late Edward and Dorothy (Buchman) Talbot. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his loving wife, Nancy (Mellanthen) Talbot; brothers Bobby and Kenneth Talbot and grandson Douglas Wandtke.

Dad loved playing baseball and bowling when he was younger. He was a United States Marine Corps Veteran who was honorably discharged on November 13, 1961. He loved his family and missed his wife, Nancy after she died in 2013.  He loved spending time with family and friends. He was a kind and caring husband, father and grandfather who was always there to help everyone in his family. He will be missed deeply.

He is survived by his children; Theresa (Bob) Dearcop of Corfu, Kathleen (Cliff) Platek of Batavia, Marvin (Victoria) Talbot of Indianapolis, Lanny Talbot of Rochester, Jeannine (Jody) Balon of Attica; Brothers Melvin, David (Lori) and Harold (Jean) Talbot; sisters Carol (Arnie) Baker, Betty (Ronnie) Groff, Sandra (Howard) Brew and Elanor Kraus; 21grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday April 22, 2016 from 3:00 – 7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday the 23^rd at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Franklyn M. Knapp, 85, of Batavia passed away on Saturday April 16, 2016 at New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. He was born August 3, 1930 in Auburn, New York to late John (Vera Greenizen) Knapp. Mr. Knapp is preceded in death by his beloved wife Noreen M. (Baudendistel) Knapp.

Mr. Knapp served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He worked as a Lab Technician for nearly 50 years retiring from United Memorial Medical Center. Mr. Knapp was a member of the Model Airplane and Model Railroad Club along with being a Gun Club member and also the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his son John Knapp of Batavia; daughters Patricia (Wayne Burgess) Knapp of Marcellus; Barbara Knapp of Auburn and step son David Merritt of Stafford; grandchildren Matthew Hawker, Chelsea and Aaron Holbein; a great-grandchild Austin Hawker and ex-spouse, Aletha Knapp.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday April 29, 2016 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.  He will be laid to rest in Glenside Cemetery, Wolcott, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Batavia Homecare & Hospice 29 Liberty St. 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.

KAREN A. LAMKIN

Age 66, of Batavia, died peacefully Friday afternoon April 15, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital, her family at her side. She was born July 8, 1949 in Batavia, NY, daughter of the late Nicholas and Sara (Bucceri) Church also preceded in death by her husband, Frank Biegas. 

Karen was a member of Resurrection Parish and a self-employed hairdresser for many years. She enjoyed cooking, baking, trips to the casino and was an avid bowler. Karen was an animal lover, especially cats, a sports fan who followed the New Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Her greatest joy was time spent with her husband, children and their families.

Surviving is her husband of 39 years, Richard Lamkin of Batavia; children, Candi Biegas of Batavia and her daughter, Alexis Warfle, Brandi (Joseph Barbato) Lamkin of Batavia and their son, Blake Barbato, Christine (Pete Gravante) Thornley and her children, Matthew Thornley and Christopher (Trish Smith) Thornley, Paul (Christine) Lamkin and their daughter, Rachael (Jessie) Weaver, Richard (Michelle) Lamkin and their children, Raymond (Amy Schmidt) Feldman, Ritchie & Nicholas Lamkin along with 2 great-grandchildren. 

The family will be present from 2-4 & 7-9pm on Tuesday April 19, 2016 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30am Wednesday April 20 followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's Site). Memorials in her memory can be made to the Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 16 Bank Street Batavia, new York 14020. 

Please share your memories of Karen with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

 

 

 

Timothy S. Slate, 61 of Batavia, passed away on Friday April 15, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born December 19, 1954 in Hamilton, New York to Jesse (Patricia Foster) Slate of Attica.

Mr. Slate worked at Agway in Batavia. He served in the United States Army from 1974-1977 and then the Army National Guard from 1977 to 1997. Tim loved rebuilding and working on his custom Harley Davidson. He enjoyed playing guitar and NASCAR.

He is survived by his beloved wife Shirley A. (Higgins) Slate of Batavia; daughter Brooke (Timothy) Eck of Batavia, granddaughter Aeryn Eck; siblings Bonnie (Chuck) Myers of Silver Springs; Karl (Sue) Slate of Batavia; Hope (Ed) Knapp of Alexander, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday April 20, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Military Honors will follow calling hours at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 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.

 

LAWRENCE M. "LARRY" BARONE

Age 90, of Batavia, died Sunday morning April 10, 2016 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born November 16, 1925 in Batavia. He was the last of 11 children of the late Louis and Sara (Coticchio) Barone, also preceded in death by his siblings, Frank, Tony, Dominic, Phillip, James, Peter, Joe, Louis, Florence and Margaret Barone. 

Mr. Barone served our country honorably as a member of the U.S. Army during World War II. A devote catholic he was a lifelong member and usher of Ascension Parish (former St. Anthony's), where his parents were 1 of the 10 founding families of the parish. He was a member of the first graduating class of the former St. Anthony's School. Larry worked for 33 years at Dohler-Jarvis and in security at Batavia Downs, he was an avid bowler, New York Yankees fan and enjoyed the horses at OTB. He had a love for dancing, singing and was even known to do some karaoke, but his greatest joy was his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Angeline (Calandra) Barone of Batavia; children, Frank (Teri) of Corfu and his children, Christopher and Jennie Barone; Suzan (Vincent) Pellegrino of Stafford and their children, Vincent Pellegrino, Nicholas (Erin) Pellegrino, Angelina (Matthew) Pellegrino-Wolff, Karen (Joshua Secondo) Pellegrino; Tina (Mark) Adams of Batavia and their children, Benjamin and Gloria Adams; great-grandchildren, Mira, Antonio, Dominic, Mikalina, Carmelena and Lorenzo; sisters-in-law, Josephine and Mary Barone both of Batavia, Mary Mogavero of Derby and Pat Calandra of Orchard Park along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews and great-great nieces/nephews. 

The family will be present on Wednesday April 13, 2016 from 4 - 8PM at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited at 9:30AM Thursday April 14 followed by a mass of Christian Burial 10:00AM at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site). Entombment will be in the Father T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery along with Military Honors and memorials in his memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Larry with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

James N. Grodem died unexpectedly, April 8, 2016, age 24; beloved son of Peter and Robin (nee Bish) Grodem; loving brother of Samantha Grodem; cherished grandson of Charles and Dorothy (nee Kula) Bish and Jane (nee Sugg) and the late Thomas Grodem; James will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.

The family will be present on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8440 Main St. (near Harris Hill Road), Buffalo, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m.. Interment to immediately follow in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. Friends invited.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in James's memory to the Genesee County Mental Health Services at 5130 E. Main Street Road, Suite 2, Batavia, New York 14020. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

 

 Edwin F. Helak, 68, of Attica passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday April 7, 2016. He was born on March 31, 1948 in Buffalo to the late Florian and Joan (Kisiel) Helak.

Edwin was a member of the US Marine Corps and a retired Corrections officer of 30 years from Attica Correctional Facility. He was a graduate of Depew High School in 1965.  He was very active in the community along with serving as President of AYA Baseball as well as a youth baseball coach for over 10 years.  He was an avid golfer, hunter, gardener, and loved being outdoors. 

 Ed is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years Barbara A. (Slawatycki) Helak of Attica; a son Mark (Melissa) Helak of Lancaster; brother Paul (Dolly) Helak of Attica; sisters Margaret (Eugene) Weiss of Cheektowaga and Barbara Dobies of West Seneca; brother in law Ronald (Debbie) Slawatycki of Cheektowaga and sister in law Joanne Kirsch of Alexander along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday April 11, 2016 from 4:00 – 8:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday the 12^th at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. Attica, NY 14011. He will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Stevens Library 146 Main St. Attica. 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 Street Attica, New York 14011. 

THOMAS S. MITCHELL, SR.

Age 89, of Elba, died Wednesday evening April 6, 2016 at home with his family by his side. He was born June 6, 1926 in Astoria, Queens. An only child, he was raised by his mother, the late Emma (Rhind), also preceded in death by dear cousins, Charlotte (Ray) Buckhaults. 

Mr. Mitchell served our country as a member of the U.S. Army in the 94th Infantry during World War II, and as a member of the Constabulary, which was a post-war security force in the U.S. Occupation Zone of West Germany and Austria. He had a lifelong passion for learning, and to that end he pursued numerous hobbies. In his thirties he learned to fly. He held both single engine land and glider ratings. He was a member of the Long Island Soaring Society. A lifelong member of the EAA and a founding member of Gaines Valley Aviation/Airport in Gaines, NY. In years past he spent most Sundays at the East Bethany Airport visiting and flying with other local pilots. He also played guitar and his family has fond memories of Mom serenading the family with old country standards by Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams while Dad played guitar. A passionate Buffalo Bills fan he followed the team closely and never missed a game. His other interests included being a licensed ham radio operator, call sign K2PUL and even taking piano lessons later in life. Professionally he installed and serviced printing presses for Heidelberg Eastern, Inc. for over 40 years as a member of IAM machinists union local #434. However, most importantly, he was the beloved patriarch of his family who will be remembered as a caring and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. 

Surviving is his partner in marriage for 48 years, Grace (Furman) Mitchell of Elba; his children, Anna (David Lee) Fenton of Batavia, Thomas Mitchell, MD (Cynthia Mitchell, PA) of NC and Elaine (Scott) Say of Oakfield; grandchildren, Monique, Matthew, Tayler, Madison, Lukas, Isaac, Zachary and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Aidan and Alaska-Vela; sister-in-law, Lavina (Joseph) Elek.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The family will be present on Sunday April 10, 2016 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will be held 1:00pm Monday April 11. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery with full military honors and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Tom with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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