Obituaries

Richard “Rick” L. Kriger Jr, 59 of Alexander, passed away peacefully with his loving mother by his side, on Monday afternoon, April 11, 2023 at his home. He was born December 13, 1963 in Batavia to Shirley L. (Cramer) Kriger of Attica and the late Richard L. Kriger Sr. He is preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Kriger Stack.

Rick was in his late 30's when he was diagnosed with Gordon Holmes disease.

Rick graduated with Alexander Central School Class of 1982. He attended Community College of the Finger Lakes in Canandaigua and graduated in 1984 with a degree in Natural Resources Conservation. He attended an additional year to earn his Certificate in Taxidermy in 1985. Rick was proud to be a Boy Scout from the time he joined in Elementary School. He earned the Order of the Arrow designation. He was very fond of Camp Sam Wood in Pike and taught Archery there when he was on summer college break. Rick worked as a Fish Culturist for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at the Randolph Fish Hatchery until he went on disability retirement on January 3, 2005. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially loving the Autumn season because it meant deer hunting would begin soon. Rick loved animals and had many pets during the course of his life including dogs, cats, rabbits, an opossum and even a raccoon at one time. He raised chickens and turkeys. Rick drove to Alaska the summer of 1988 and spent several weeks there.

Along with his mother, he is survived by his sister, Shelly L. (Sean) Sweeney of Orlando, Florida, nephews, Mark J. (Hannah) Ostertag Jr. of Bargersville, Indiana and Sean M. Sweeney Jr, of Orlando, Florida, 2 great-nephews, Micah and Judah Ostertag and 3 great-nieces, Lucy, Emmaline and Eden Ostertag, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Also surviving is his former wife Jennifer Hall- Kriger.

Friends are invited to an 2:00 pm Celebration of Life on Friday, May19th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main St, Attica, NY 14011. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to charities of their choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.  

Daniel Rynkowski, 83 of Victor, NY and formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (April 12, 2023) at F.F. Thompson Memorial Hospital in Canandaigua, NY.

He was born December 31, 1939 in Warsaw, NY, a son of the late Benjamin and Frances Czaja Rynkowski.

Dan was employed by Graham Manufacturing in Batavia prior to his retirement.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Eileen Wierzbicki Rynkowski of Victor. Son Jeffery (Stephanie) Rynkowski of Victor. Grandchildren, Autumn, Felicia, Sarah, Victoria, Agnieszka and Ryno. Brother, Robert Rynkowski of Batavia. Sisters, Irene Thompson of Castile and Sylvia Post of Warsaw. Niece, Patricia Zapparolli of Las Vegas. Also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by a son, Brian Rynkowski. Brother, Alfred Rynkowski and sister in-law, Anita Rynkowski.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. 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.

 

 

Batavia - Jerold A. Brade, 92 of Batavia, passed away on Friday, (April 14, 2023) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Mr. Brade was born July 16, 1930 in Buffalo, a son of the late Arthur and Florence (Miller) Brade.

Jerold served his country honorably with the United States Marines Corps. He was a past member of the First Presbyterian Church of Corfu; and a longtime member and past Grand Master of the Free & Accepted Masons Lodge # 462 in Attica. Mr. Brade was an avid Batavia Muckdogs fan, and loved spending time with his friends and family.

In death, Jerold is reunited with his wife, Beverly (Richardson) Brade; sons Rod and Thomas Brade; and brother, Bruce Brade.

Surviving are his children, Michael (Linda) Brade of Batavia, Rick (Colleen) Brade of Rochester, Kim (Jeff) Bauer of Batavia, Jerold (Lori) Brade of Alexander, and Jaime (Kate) Brade of Batavia; a brother, Lee Brade of Corfu; sister, Linda (late Benny) Ianni of Corfu; daughter-in-law, Patricia Brade of Batavia. 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where a Masonic Service will immediately follow visitation at 7:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service with military honors. Burial in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Free & Accepted Masons Lodge #462, 39 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 or Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Sharon A. Winters, 60 of Buffalo and formerly of Akron, passed away on Thursday (April 13, 2023) at the Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born September 19, 1962 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Edward and Judith Black Wild.

She is survived by her children, Mathew (Melissa) Green of Oakfield, Judy (Richie) Roesch of Akron, Eric (Michele) Wild of Akron, Andrea Breton of Corfu and Molly Wild of Buffalo and all of the “Misfit Kids” she cared for over the years. Sister, Barbara Wild of Buffalo. Brother, Scott Wild of Akron. Also survived by her 12 grandchildren.

She was the sister of the late Edward Wild Jr.

Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (April 19^th) from 4-6pm at the Tonawanda Indian Baptist Church, 565 Bloomingdale Rd, Basom, NY 14013, where a funeral service will commence at 6pm.

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.

 

 

Laura L. Elam, 71 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday (April 2, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, NY.

She was born October 16, 1951 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late Clarence and Loretta Elam.

Laura was a L.P.N. and also enjoyed reading, cooking and playing bingo.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Steven Copeland of Batavia, Brittani Soles and Joseph Copeland. Sister, Diane Deaton of North Carolina.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Stacey Laurie.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. 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.

 

 

Ha​rold E. Knapp, 85, of Lyndonville NY went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, April 10th, 2023 at his home. Born on November 30 th,1937 in Syracuse NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Rose (Hildreth) Knapp.

Harold moved and attended Attica Central School, and was later employed at General Electric / Black and Decker until they closed. He then went to work at Genesee Community College in the maintenance department. He enjoyed raising and breeding poultry for exhibition, where he showed with-in NYS and beyond. He worked with the youths of 4H for 2-1/2 decades sharing his passion of poultry and showmanship. When not doing 4H shows, you could find him spending time with his lovely wife, and in his garden where he planted a variety of vegetables and flowers. He was an active member of Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church in Medina NY.

He is survived by his children Edward (Hope) Knapp of Alexander, and Donald Knapp of Indiana. James and Robert Vanderwoude, both of Medina, Linda (Henry Azcue) Vanderwoude of Brooklyn, 3 grandsons, Jonathan (Amirose) Knapp of Leroy, Michael (Nicole) Knapp of Batavia, Joshua (Brandy) Knapp of Bethany, granddaughter in-law Shannon Daugherty of North Adams MA, Travis Vanderwoude of Florida, along with 8 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by sisters Mary Nelson, Pat Williams and Joyce Knapp.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial service in Harold's honor at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 13 th, 2023 at the Alabama Full Gospel Church, 5329 Gravel Road Medina, NY 14103. Memorials may be made in Harold's name to the AFGF at the address listed above. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Harold at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

Oakfield - Thomas Graney, 56 of Oakfield passed away on Monday April 10, 2023.

Tom was a long time resident of the Arc GLOW, South Main St. residential home in Oakfield, NY.

He was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed his days at the Arc GLOW day habilitation center. He will be lovingly remembered for his ability to cheer up his friends and caregivers when they needed it most, his attention-seeking antics in the home and for being a good friend.  

Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Anne Graney; and sister Anne Graney.

He is survived by his father, Charles F. Graney and stepmother, Clarice Parrag Graney; siblings, Ted (Jill) Graney, Molly (Michael) George, Becky (Brendan) Harris and Frederick (Jamie) Graney; step-siblings, Christopher (Andrea) Parrag and Ian (Tanya) Parrag; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Tom is also survived by loving friends, caregivers and housemates at the Arc GLOW residential home on South Main in Oakfield and the Day Habilitation Center in Elba.

There are no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to Arc GLOW, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, NY 14020 to support the Mary Anne Graney Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements for Tom were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia. To leave a message of condolence for Tom's family, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Richard L Foster, 87 of Batavia passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Batavia VA Medical Center surrounded by his loving family

Mr. Foster was born Tuesday, July 23rd, 1935 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Elmer and Marian (Hammond) Foster.

He was a lifelong member of The Alexander Fire department and the Grange. Richard enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, trapping, and spending time with friends and family.

Richard graduated from Alexander High School and met the love of his life, Shirley Roll, who he married in 1960. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1960 to 1965. He was a hard worker, running a dairy farm and raising four wonderful children, with his wife Shirley.

Surviving are his children, Vincent (Tammy) Foster of Attica, Denise Foster of Alexander, Dirk (Kelly) Foster of Attica, Cheryl Foster, and her fiancé, Lance Swader, of Darien; 10 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and one on the way. brother Dean (Ann) Foster of North Darien.

In death Richard is reunited with his wife, Shirley; parents, Elmer and Marian Foster; brother, Don Foster; sisters Dorothy (Bill) Hall and Betty (Bob) Hampton.

There will be a celebration of life on May 6,2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 306 E Main St, Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H. E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Batavia VA Hospital, Attn: Volunteer department, 222 Richmond Ave Batavia, NY 14020. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

John Arthur Fox, of Batavia, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the age of 72 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

John was born on December 7, 1950, to the late John William and Margaret Ferne Fox. John is survived by his beloved wife Linda; two daughters, Michelle (Bill) Wagner and Brenda Tracy; three brothers, Jim Fox, Kevin (Karen) Fox and Karl (Dixie) Fox and one sister, Debbie Fox. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces.

A true music lover and gifted singer, John could often be found performing solos at church’s and singing the National Anthem for baseball games. John also loved to play competitive Scrabble and was at one time a state ranked player. He also enjoyed genealogy, WWE wrestling, The 3 Stooges and above all else, spending time with his family and friends.

After having worked for over 38 as a toll taker for the NYS Thruway, John prided himself on never forgetting a face. He would often astound frequent patrons by not only recognizing them, but also recalling dates and times when he met them.

While John will be sadly missed on earth, his loved ones take comfort in knowing he is now singing harmony with the angel choir and cracking puns with the saints.

Family and friends may call on Sunday, April 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, New York. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 E. Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in East Bethany Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the First Baptist Church of Batavia. 

Lydia Torres, formally of Medina entered rest on April 9, 2023. Mrs. Torres was born in Guatemala on August 16,1936 to the late Damien Soria and Sofia Doering.

In early 1980's, Lydia emigrated to the United States to be with family and friends. In 1989 she married Justo Torres. She attended the Alabama Full Gospel church for many years until she returned to Guatemala. She enjoyed working at the Medina Shirt Factory as a seamstress. She found much joy in cooking for family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Justo Torres.

Left to cherish her memory, her daughter Mirna Castrillo and her children who all reside in Guatemala. Locally, she has several nephews and their significant others. Hans Soria (Diane), Cedrik Soria (Karen) and Walter Soria (Maribel ). As well as her niece Nataly Soria.

A Funeral will be held in Guatemala at the cemetery Flores on April 11, 2023.

Richard B. Nichols, "Dick," 81, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Gateway House in Attica.

Richard was born July 28, 1941, in Batavia, a son of the late R. Dayton and Gladys (Sheffer) Nichols.

Dick was a firefighter for the City of Batavia for 31 years.  He loved motorcycles and raced them into his 60's.  He enjoyed rollerskating, camping and was a Cub Scout leader.

Surviving are his wife, Helen Nichols of Batavia; sons, Rodney B. (Nancy) Nichols of Rochester, Edward B. (Julie) Nichols of Batavia, Ken (Mary) Nichols of Bergen and Ronald D. (Jennifer) Nichols of Niagara Falls;  grandchildren, Emma, Erin, Connlan, Caleb, Abby and Logan; his sister, Gloria Helfeldt of Hurst, TX and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his half-brothers, Robert Cheeseman and Warren Cheeseman and his nephew, Bobby Cheeseman.  

Richard's Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Stafford United Methodist Church,6134 Main Road in Stafford.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011, www.gatewayhomeattica.org.  

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Richard were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Judith A. Piscitello, 70, Dowling Park, FL passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband; Charles Joseph Piscitello.

Mrs. Piscitello is survived by her step-son; Dominic Robert Piscitello (Tracy); sisters Carol Fife (Joseph), Barb Shepherd (Michael); brothers David Ingram (Karen), Richard Ingram; grandchildren JoAnna Pang (Christopher), Emily McCullorgh (Ron), Dominic Piscitello (Sarah), Paige Piscitello; great-grandchildren Adeline, Abigail, Henry, Samuel, Madelyn, Elijah, Dominic, Guiliana, Giselle; several nieces & nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours as Services will be held at the Village Church in Advent Christian Village in Florida. Judith will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.

To leave an online 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.

LeRoy ~ Donald L. Freeman, age 88, of Gilbert Street, passed away at home unexpectedly on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

   

  He was born October 21, 1934 in Wyoming, N.Y., a son of the late Ralph and Elsie Stevens Freeman.

     Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and dear friend to many.  He served proudly in the Army National Guard.  He was a 69 year member of the Stafford Fire Dept., a charter member of the exempts, and a member of the Western New York Fire Police Association.  He was also very involved with the Stafford Carnival corvette raffle ticket sales.  Don was a retiree of Lapp Insulator Company, providing them with 42 years of dedicated service.  He was also a avid Buffalo Bills fan.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Diane Scott Freeman; his sons, Jeffery (Yvonne) Freeman and Todd (Rachel) Freeman; grandchildren, Ashley (Gary), Zachary, Schuyler, Teaghan, Noah and Thomas; great-grandchildren, Bruce, Max and Nora; sister, Barbara (Lester) Mullen, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Raymond (Joyce) Freeman.

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

     Memorials may be made to Don’s family.  Your memories and condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.