Obituaries

Paul L. Kauffman, 74 of Elba passed away on December 27, 2012. He was born June 8, 1938 in Alden to the late Daniel (Levina Miller) Kauffman. Mr. Kauffman loved working on stock cars, woodworking, tinkering in the garage and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He retired from US Chrome in Batavia. Mr. Kauffman is preceded in death by a son Scott Kauffman; brothers Wally, Bill, Tuck, Ray, Walt Kauffman and a sister Bernitha Kauffman.

He is survived by his beloved wife Erma Bieber of Elba; sons James (Cheryl) Bieber of Elba; Roger Bieber of LeRoy; Tim (Nicole) Kauffman of Elba; daughters Jean Reinhardt of Corfu; Debbie (Trahey) Crawford of DE; brother Charlie Kauffman of NC, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will take place 1:00 PM on Monday December 31, 2012 at the Elba Fireman’s Recreation Hall 7143 Oak Orchard Road Elba, NY 14058.   

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Family. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Carolyn Piazza, 88 of Batavia died Monday December 24, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born August 18, 1924 in Batavia to the late Michael (Mary Grace Genco) Gioia. Mrs. Piazza loved cooking, baking, traditions and most of all her family. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Anthony “Tony” Piazza, son Anthony “Skip” Piazza along with her seven brothers and sisters.  

She is survived by her children Michael, Gary (Carmela) both of Batavia; Ricky (Deborah) of Attica; Randy (Dawn) Piazza of Pembroke; Mary Grace Marciniak of Batavia; 9 grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday December 27, 2012 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Friday December 28, 2012 at the New Hope Ministries 8052 Bank St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Mr. Longhine was born in Perry, New York on July 20, 1953 a son of the late Robert and Helen Brogerick Longhine. He worked in Saudi Arabia form many years as a teacher in computers. He enjoyed shooting pool and playing darts. He is preceded in death by a sister Jody Ormsby and brother Robert "JB" Longhine.

He is survived by his wife Anchana Longhine, a sister Kathy (Oliver) Meme of York, PA. along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Friday December 28th from 2-6pm at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. in Perry. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Edward  Kent "Butch" Reading, 94, formerly of Oakfield, NY, passed away on December 21, 2012 in Virginia Beach, VA.  The only child of Nicholas and Alice (Knibbs) Reading, Butch was born July 27,1918 in Fredonia, NY.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Virginia (Cole) Reading who died in 1995.

He is survived by sons David (Ann) of Estero, FL and Thomas (Marianne) of Virginia Beach, VA, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his close companion in later life, Jeannette Morley of Batavia, NY.

Butch graduated from Warren , PA High School where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball.  He attended Franklin andMarshall College in Lancaster, PA.  He was a veteran of World War II having served in the Fourth Army Air Force.

He worked for 37 years for Graham Corp in Batavia, NY and retired in 1980 as Senior Vice President of that manufacturing company.  He was formerly an Elder of the Oakfield Presbyterian Church, was a member of American Legion Post 332 in Batavia,

was on the Board of the Batavia YMCA, was an elected member of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School Board and served as President of the Batavia United Fund.  Butch was a charter member of both the Oakfield Lions Club and the Genesee County Area Prayer Breakfast Committee.

Butch enjoyed fishing for muskie from his cottage on Chautauqua Lake and for walleyed pike in Canada.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed following the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.  He was an accomplished woodworker who was most content when working in his cellar or garage using his lathes and saws.

There will be no viewing hours.  Services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, January 2nd at the Oakfield Community Bible Church,80 Main St., Oakfield, NY.  Burial will be on January 3rd in Oakland Cemetery, Warren, PA.   Memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.  

Arrangements were completed by Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com. 

Diane Susan Warriner, 58 of Stafford passed away peacefully on December 16, 2012 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo following a courageous battle with leukemia. She was born July 16, 1954 in Batavia, to the late Adelbert (Eleanor Bolsei) Ernest. Diane was a graduate of Le Roy High School and SUNY College at Brockport. She was employed by Chapin Manufacturing for over 20 years where she made many lifelong friends. Growing up, Diane spent many happy hours on her Grandpa and Grandma  Bolsei's farm in Pavilion. She loved animals and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Some of her favorite times were spent with family, most especially with her grandson, Addison, whom she loved dearly. Diane will be missed by her family and friends. She is proceded in death by a brother in law Mark Warriner.

She is survived by her husband Edward J. Warriner, son Shane Warriner, daughters Shawna and Kristen Warriner all of Stafford. One grandson Addison Warriner, sisters Lisa (Christopher) Palmer of SC, Julie (Ronald) Radley of Stafford, brothers and sisters in law Frank (Georgia) Warriner of Elba, Mary (James) Pacino of Batavia, Dawn (Dave) Herman of Brockport, Jane Maskell of Byron, Linda (Vito) D’Ambrosio of Hilton and Kathleen (Gary Brown) Miller, Chana Kreutz survive along with many nieces and nephews. 

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday December 20, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc.;  329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 
 

Bergen - Edward James Ireland, 52, of Bergen, an employee of General Motors Corp. in Rochester, prior to his retirement in 2007, died Thursday, December 13, 2012 while under Palliative Care at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Mr. Ireland was born February 24, 1960 in Batavia, the son of James R. and Marlene (Maher) Ireland of Bergen.

He graduated from Byron Bergen High School, was a member of St. Brigid’s Church, its Holy Name Society and UAW Local 1097. He enjoyed bowling, golf and was active in his children’s sporting events. 

Along with his parents, he is survived by 3 children, Katie Ireland of Bergen, James Ireland of Greece and Beth Ireland of Buffalo; 2 sisters, Patricia (Kenneth) Stulik of VA and Christine (Ronald) Brown of OH; longtime friend, Phyllis Cologgi of Rochester; several nieces and nephews. 

He was the former husband of the late Patricia Brasser Ireland. 

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake St. Bergen, His Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. Memorials may be made to Palliative Care Program at University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 687, Rochester, NY 14642 or to St. Brigid’s Church, P.O. Box 219, Bergen, NY 14416. Burial will be in Stone Church Cemetery, Bergen.

Harold J. Newton, Jr., 51, of Batavia, died Thursday (December 13, 2012) at his residence.

He was born in Rochester, NY on December 27, 1960, son of the late Harold J. Newton and Jean LaPiana King of Batavia.

Besides his mother, survivors include two brothers, Daniel King of Batavia and James King of Florida.  Sister, Donna (Pat) Shandorf of PA. Sister in-law, Donna Woodworth of Batavia.  Also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was the brother of the late Michael King and David King.

Private services will be at the convenience of the family.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Hilda B. Shaw, 90 of Batavia, died Thursday December 13, 2012 at the Genesee County Nursing Home, Batavia. She was born August 1, 1922 in Brant Lake, NY to the late Elwin (Grace Pasco) Bennett. Mrs. Shaw was a Registered Nurse and worked for many years at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard E. Shaw in 1981 and a sister Ruth Parker.  

She is survived by her children Gerald Shaw Sr. of Watervliet, NY daughter Marilyn (James) Brian of Batavia; sisters Edna (Donald) Sipp of Lake George and Barbara Mein of Glens Falls; 5 grandchildren Gerald (Melissa) Shaw Jr., Tricia (Geneo) Savocca, Jaclyn Brian, Heather (Richard) Bryant, Heidi Bogue; 9 great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday December 18, 2012 at the Calvary Reformed Church 10 Church St. Hagaman, NY 12086. Interment will take place in Hagaman Cemetery, Hagaman.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Calvary Reformed Church P.O. Box 548 Hagaman, NY 12086. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

BATAVIA — Kathleen Ann (Geise) Allen, 72, passed away Tuesday (Dec. 11, 2012), rejoining her love of 50 years, Lyle who left us just four months ago.

Kathy leaves behind, her daughters Michele (Wayne) Gilbert, Kristen (Daniel) Frey, and herson, Jeffrey (Darla) Allen. She was also the proud grandmother of Sara Gilbert, Eric Gilbert, Michael Allen, Kaitlyn Allen, and Zachary Frey. Three brothers and two sisters also mourn her passing Kenneth (Beverly) Geise, Harold “Red” (Marge) Geise, and William (Linda) Geise , Bernice (Bill) Schlosser, and Roberta (Harold) Edwards. Surviving as well are her brother-in-law and sister-in-law George “Bud” (Nita) Allen.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents Clarence and Katherine Geise of Alleghany.

Kathy worked at the former Scotch Game Call in Elba and retired from UMMC as a Medical Transcriptionist. She was one of those rare individuals who actually enjoyed housework and was a meticulous gardener. She found a love and knack for Bingo while residing at The Manor House in Batavia and at the Pines in Machias where she spent her final days.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm Friday at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave. Oakfield, where services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the website established on Kathy’s behalf to help find a cure for the disease that took her too soon. http://act.alz.org/goto/kathy. Burial will be at the St Cecelia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.  Please light a candle, share a story, or leave a condolence at www.burdettandsanford.com. 

Mrs. Koepf was born in Uvalde Texas 90 years ago to the late James and Gladys Noah Stroman. She was a sewing teacher for Sears Roebuck in Buffalo prior to her retirement and a member of the Lancaster Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy L. Koepf, brother Hulen Stroman and sister Mildred Raybon.

Gladys is survived by two sons Michael Koepf of Lancaster, Donald (Corrine) Koepf of Corfu, 2 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday December 15, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Lancaster Presbyterian Church, 5461 Broadway Street, Lancaster, NY 14086.
Buial will take place in Acacia Park Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to NYS Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Lancaster Presbyterian Church. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260 with any questions. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

DeBary, Florida – Dorothy M. Culling a resident of DeBary, Fl and former resident of Batavia, NY passed away Friday December 7, 2012 at the DeBary Manor Nursing Home.

Mrs. Culling was born in Buffalo, NY on October 18, 1930, a daughter of Frank E. and Grace H. Tiede.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Bruce N. Culling, son Larry (Nancy) Culling of Ft. Myers, Fl., daughter Vicki (Wayne) Palmer of Pavilion, grandsons Eric Culling of Fort Myers, Fl, Kyle (Nicole) Palmer of Pavilion, granddaughters Kara (Kevin) Hall of Ft. Myers, Kimberly (Chris) DuBois of Rochester, great grandchildren Erica, Blake and Brianna Palmer, Hailey DuBois and Kaylynn Hall. Mrs. Culling is also survived by two brothers Richard Tiede of LeRoy, and Roger Tiede of Connecticut and two sisters in law Mary (Raymond) Tiede of Batavia and Marlene (David Tiede) Beausoleil of  Cottonwood,  Arizona and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents and brothers Frank Tiede, Jr, David Tiede, and Raymond Tiede and sister in law Louise (Richard) Tiede.

Dorothy was employed in bookkeeping and secretarial positions at a number of  organizations in Batavia and Sanford, Fl.

Friends may call from 3 to 7 pm Wednesday, December 12, at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Thursday, December 13 at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Paul's Lutheran Church, Batavia; Lutheran Church of Providence, Deltona, Florida; or American Syringomyelia Alliance Project, Inc.; P.O. Box 1586; Longview, Tx.  75606-1586. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Age 70, a lifelong Genesee County resident and teacher for over 30 years at Oakfield-Alabama Central School, died peacefully Thursday December 6, 2012 at his home in Maine. He was born February 11, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late John & Anna (Gabbey) Fenton.

Joseph was a math teacher and a member of the American Association of Woodturners. He was an active member of Team Rafiki, a group of volunteers who work with nonprofit organizations to help improve living conditions in Africa. He had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying fishing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing, he and his family also worked together in many aspects of farming over the years. Joe had a special bond with his grandchildren, of whom he was so very proud and was happiest when around a body of water, especially the ocean.

Surviving is his former wife of 50 years, Liz (Kohorst) Fenton; beloved daughter, Sandy (Scott) Baubie and their children, Kayla & Kendall; loving sons, Paul (Gail) Fenton and their children, Krysta & Kelsey all of Batavia, Randy (Denise) Fenton and their children, Bobby, Brian & Sara of Hamburg, NY; brothers, John "Jack" (Pat) Fenton, Joel (Marilyn) Fenton and sister, Joan (Warren) Clark all of Corfu; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 1-3 & 6-9 PM on Wednesday December 12, 2012 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will take place 11:00 AM Thursday December 13. In lieu of flowers memorials in Joseph's memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Clyde - Leo Edward Odell, 92, of Clyde, formerly of Alabama, passed away Wednesday, (December 5, 2012) at the VA Medical Center, in Syracuse.

Mr. Odell was born October 1, 1920 in Alabama, a son of the late Allie and Hattie (Pattison) Odell.

Leo served his country honorably with the Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He loved to go to church and was a member of the Christ Community Church in Clyde and a longtime member of the Genesee Country Church in Oakfield.

He was an Alabama Town Councilman for 20 plus years. Leo was also a member of the Oddfellow and Rebekah lodge, a lifetime member of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Dept., and the American Legion. He greatly loved animals and enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. Leo will be remembered for his smile.

He is the husband of the late Betty (Schlagenhauf) Odell.

Mr. Odell is survived by his son, David (Rebecca) Odell of Clyde, grandsons, Andrew (Chriss) Odell of Maryland, NY, Judson (fiance Ioana Radoi) Odell of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Zachary (Marcy) Odell of Honeoye Falls. A brother, Richard (Duella) Odell of Akron, and 6 great-grandchildren also survive.

Along with his wife, Leo is preceded in death by a brother, Alvin (late Cora) Odell.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Leo’s Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Genesee Country Church, Drake Street, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christ Community Church Building Fund, 27 West Genesee Street Clyde, NY 14433. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu at a later date. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Corfu - Edward J. Alexander, 75, of Corfu, passed away Monday (December 3, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia.

Eddie was born March 3, 1937, in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Charles and Wanda Wonsikowski Alexander. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1955 -1958. Eddie resided in North Carolina for over 20 years and worked for Owens Illinois as a Supervisor. He was also a consultant for the company, working in China and Venezuela during the 1980's. Eddie moved back to Corfu in 2007 after the death of his beloved wife, Claudia Wittman Alexander. He was the brother of the late Jack F. Alexander.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Jacqueline (Donald) Bates of Corfu; two grandchildren, Shannon Bates-Stout and Alexander J. Bates; two great-grandchildren, Maddox A. A. Stout and Harper J. J. Stout; a brother, Robert (Gerry) Alexander of Indian Falls and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Saturday from the mortuary at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. Memorials may be made to the Evergreen Hill Cemetery, 108 East main St., Corfu, NY 14036.