Obituaries

Pauline J. Hensel, 71 of Batavia, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

James D. Woodworth, age 77, of LeRoy, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, January 31, 2024 in the loving arms of his twin daughters.

     James was born January 24, 1947 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Deane and Louise Woodworth.  

   Woody grew up in the small town of Morganville, NY and was a LeRoy HS graduate, Class of 65’. He enlisted in the USAF fall of 67’ and served until the summer of 73’ as an aircraft mechanic. He proudly served his one year tour at Korat Royal Thai AFB, May, 1969 thru May, 1970 as a crew chief working with F-4E Phantom Fighter/Bombers on the fight line. Woody was well known and respected by his community as he serviced so many through his handiwork of plumbing and construction over the years. He was a loving father and a special friend to those closest to him. Always taking great pride in his family and work. He had an outrageous sense of humor, cleverness and attention to detail. Woody was always the life of the party. His pride and joy were his twin daughters (5:59 and 6:01) and his five beautiful grandchildren.

     He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Caroline (Andrew) Costa, Rebecca (Stephen) Saeva; grandchildren Christopher (10), Aiden (8) and Liam Costa (4), Gabrielle (G Pa’s “Queen” 9) and Evan Saeva (7); Sister Susan (Jim) Moore and Step-sister AnnMarie Ellis, nieces Kimberly Dubois, Carrie Pearce and nephew Johnny Gioia.

     He was predeceased by his sister Sherry Louise Woodworth (2010), Step-Mother Elsie M. Woodworth (2014) and step-brother John C. Ellis (2015).

     Graveside Services and Military Honors for Woody will take place on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 AM at the Morganville Cemetery, Morganville Road, Stafford, N.Y.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Woody’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Batavia - Roxanne M. Redden, 58 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (January 3, 2024) at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester.

Ms. Redden was born July 8, 1965 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Leonard and Penny Redden.

Roxanne was a television aficionado and greatly enjoyed watching shows like Gordon Ramsey and Master Chef. The true joy of her life however, was spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Mark Constable, Jr. of Batavia, Christopher Laird of Rochester, and Kayleen Laird of Batavia; grandchildren, Kameron, Khloie, and Karson Laird.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Roxanne's name to the charity of the donor's choice.

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

LeRoy ~ JoAnn C. O’Geen, age 80, formerly of Franklin Avenue, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at the Wyoming County Community Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw.   

  She was born April 1, 1943 in Corning, NY, a daughter of the late Wade and Kathryn Betzer Cotter.

     JoAnn will be remembered as a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She “was always there” when someone needed something.

    She will be sadly missed by her sons, Mark (Sarah) Tomaszewski and Hon. Donald O’Geen (Debra Owens); granddaughters, Conor (Travis) Bleier, Krysta Tomaszewski, Anna O’Geen and Leah O’Geen; sisters, Cathryn (Patrick) McCay and Deborah L. Smith; brother, Thaddeus (Maritas) Cotter; brother-in-law, Mark Giesler, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Philip J. O’Geen; sister, Teresa W. Giesler and brother, Ronald Earl Cotter.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, May 18, from 10 AM ~ 12 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. Interment and graveside prayers will immediately follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with contributions in memory of JoAnn going to Wyoming County Community Skilled Nursing Facility’s “Activities Fund”, 400 N. Main Street, Warsaw, N.Y. 14569.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with JoAnn’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Thomas P. (Tom) Havens, a resident of Brockport, NY, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Hospital. 

Tom was born on May 13, 1944, in Maryland to the late Chester and Kathryn Havens. He spent his early childhood years in New York before moving with his family to the Honey Pot section of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.

After graduating from Nanticoke High School, Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Mansfield College and a master’s degree in education from SUNY Geneseo. A lifelong history enthusiast, he dedicated his career to educating others and taught a variety of history classes at Attica High School from 1966-1993. During his tenure, Tom served as a class advisor, track and field coach (including coaching the 1971 team that was inducted into the Attica Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021), and wrestling coach, earning the affectionate nickname "TH" from his students.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by brother Terrance (Terry) Havens and brothers-in-law Frank Mutrynowski, George Perkins, George Kalweit, and Bernie Panasiewicz.

Tom is survived by his two children, Brian Havens of Batavia, NY, and Jocelyn (Havens) Sikorski, and granddaughters Paige and Peyton Sikorski of Alexander, NY.  Additionally, he is survived by his longtime partner, Lynda Morrill of Brockport, her children Lawrence (Larry) Richmond, Lisa Richmond, Raelene Richmond, and Daniel Richmond, along with their grandchildren. 

Tom was the second oldest of 13 siblings and is survived by sisters Sandra Mutrynowski (Nanticoke), Patricia Kalweit (Virginia Beach, VA), Kathy Panasiewicz (Larksville), Darla Perkins (Hunlock Creek), Sharon Ostopowicz (Nanticoke), Peggy Ostopowicz (Nanticoke), Debra Havens (Honey Pot), Maureen Honeychurch (Nanticoke), and brothers Mike Havens (Nanticoke), Shawn Havens (Phoenix, AZ), and Kevin Havens (Larksville). He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, whom he cherished. 

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends will gather for celebrations of Tom's life this spring in both New York and Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Attica Athletic Hall of Fame or Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Hospital. 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 VAE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Batavia - Linda A. Reilly, 80, of Batavia, New York, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Mrs. Reilly was born on Friday, April 9th, 1943 in Orangeville, New York, a daughter of the late Donald Glor and Marjorie (Strange) Glor.

After graduating high school, Linda married the late Robert S. Reilly, enjoying 53 years of marriage.

Linda enjoyed gardening, having planted many beautiful flowers. Linda was a loyal, devoted servant of God, demonstrating unwavering faith even in her final days.

Surviving are her children, Kevin (Debra) Reilly of York, and Todd (Deb) Reilly of Albion; grandchildren, Connor, Brady, Sydney and Ty Reilly; and brother, Paul (Rhonda) Glor of South Carolina.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her late beloved husband Robert.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Pavilion ~ Passed away on Tuesday, January 30th with his loving wife, Deborah by his side.    

 He was born to George and Marion Hall on September 29^th, 1943 in Olean NY.

     George lived his life to the fullest and by his own rules.  He worked making prosthetics at the Amputee Treatment Center in Batavia NY, helping people and changing lives.

     George made friends anywhere he went, passed on his words of encouragement and wisdom to all who needed it. He loved with his whole heart and touched many lives.

     George will be remembered and truly missed by his family and friends.

     George is survived by his wife, Deborah J. Hall; daughters Milissa, Michelle and Elizabeth (Daniel) Murphy; grandchildren, Noah T. Poteat, Olivia M. Murphy and Daniel J. Murphy II; siblings; Michael (Terri) Hall, Ellen Guptill and Frank and Ann Capuano; special friends, Michael Love and Phil Thrall, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     As per George's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services.  Instead, please raise a toast in his honor!

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with George’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Norma J. Demmer, “The PurpleLady”, beloved mother and grandmother was born on September 9, 1951 and was taken from us too soon on January 28, 2024.

Born to Esther Mae Demmer and Frank William Demmer in Batavia, NY, she grew up on Columbia Avenue. She was a sister to two brothers, Pete Demmer and the late Lyle Demmer. She is survived by her children, Marcia M. Graves (Robynn), Marcus M. Demmer, Frank W. Demmer II; Grandson Cory R. Graves (Laura) and great-grandson Avery R. Graves; Bridgette Norton (Ninjette) and many dear friends.

Norma was a scholar of Holistic Medicine, Certified Natural Health Professional, Steward for the Church of Latter-Day-Saints, 3^rd degree Black Belt in Isshin-ryu, Genealogical Research Educator, retiree from Verizon and drove school bus for Student Transportation of America.

Norma loved to sew, fish, water ski, horseback riding, studying iridology and everything purple.

There is so much that happened between the dates she lived and there is simply no way we could possibly reiterate the life Norma led in a single paragraph. Norma would light up a room when she walked in and empowered all those she encountered to be a better version of themselves through faith, family and good health.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 1:00pm at the Church of Latter-Day Saints, 601 North Street, Batavia, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Collamer-Jones Karate School. 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.

Barbara A. Amico, 82 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born September 12, 1941 in Rochester, to the late Samuel and Katherine (Zelazny) Sallome. She is predeceased by a son, Mark Amico. 

Mrs. Amico retired from Pembroke Gift Company. She was a member of Batavia Twirlers square dancing club. Mrs. Amico was very passionate about her family. 

She is survived by sons, Richard and Joseph Amico both of Batavia, daughter-in-law, Corinne Amico of Lockport, brother, Samuel (Mary Jane) Sallome of Bataiva, 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held privately for the family. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty St. Ste 6, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Agnes Marie Nelson, 87, died on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Mrs. Nelson was born on September 2, 1936 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Marguerite Fitzgerald
McDivitt and the late John Fitzgerald. 

Agnes was a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church and retired Accounts Receivable
Clerk for Genesee County. Her last 2 years she resided in Clarence, NY at the Brothers of Mercy Campus but was a resident of Corfu, NY for over six decades. She graduated from Corfu High School in 1954, where she won the DAR Good Citizen Award for 1954, was a member of the Four
Leaf Clover 4H Club and was the cherry pie baking champion of Genesee County when she was 16 years old.

She is survived by her husband Donald A. Nelson, whom she was married to for 68 years. She is predeceased by her brother John Fitzgerald and her two sister, Shirley Winters and Kathy Sobczak.

Surviving are her three daughters, Christine (Scot) Nelson-Tuttle of Alden, NY; Cheryl (Joe) Wolf of
Brewster, NY and Laurie Ramsey of Cheektowga, NY; five grandchildren, Joshua (Naomi) Ramsey of Milton, FL, Ryan (Haley) Tuttle of Bliss, NY, Patrick (Casey) Tuttle of Alden, NY, Kellen Wolf and Jillian Wolf of Brewster, NY and two great granddaughters, Rhea Ramsey and Allie Ramsey of Milton, FL. Agnes was the sister of Jane (Ray) Ehrmentraut of Churchville, NY, Mike (Debbie) McDivitt of Hilton, NY and DeEtta (Frank) Silvestro of Clarence, NY. She is also survived by many 
nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY 14056. Brunch will immediately follow at
the church hall directly across from the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that all memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished c/o St. Maximilian Kolbe Church 18 West Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036.

Batavia - Thomas "TJ" Wolcott, 39 of Batavia passed away on Friday, January 25, 2024 at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York.

TJ was born Thursday, March 29th, 1984 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Kim Wolcott and Yvonne (Welsh) Wolcott. 

He enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking, and working on cars. He loved to tell jokes and spend time with his family. TJ was often nicknamed "Dozer", because of his ability to fall asleep anywhere.

He will be remembered by his children, Joseph Wolcott and Khloe Wolcott; mother, Yvonne Wolcott; siblings, Anthony (Kathrine) Wolcott and Casandra (Michael) Kinne; nephews, Trey Wolcott, Devon Wolcott, Tucker Moore, Eric Moore, and in the lives of everyone who has known him.

In death TJ is reunited with his father, Kim Wolcott, and brother, Andrew Wolcott. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith funeral home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. 

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

Florence V. Pontillo, 94 of Batavia passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born March 18, 1929 in Batavia to the late James and Florence (Falkowski) Sformo. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Frank “Windy” Pontillo and second Charles Poteat, siblings, Genevieve (George) Jacobs, Helen (Peter) deJongh, James (Lena) Sformo, Larry (Linda) Sformo and Alice Sformo.  

Flo worked as a beautician, learning her trade at Viola’s Beauty Shop in Batavia. She began working at Gilmartin Funeral Home when it opened in 1955 and stayed for three generations of Funeral Director’s retiring after 60 plus years. Flo was past President of VFW Post 1602 Ladies Auxiliary. She loved to travel, go to the casino, spend time with her family and will be remembered for her fantastic sense of humor.

She is survived by her son Michael “Goose” (Deborah) Pontillo of Batavia, grandsons, Frank (Lola) Pontillo of Liberty Hill, TX; Vincent (Brooke) Pontillo of Batavia, four great-grandchildren, Angelina, Serena, Benjamin and Nina, sisters, Lorraine (Karl) Dilcher, Marcy (Fran) Wiecher, Rosemary (Walter) Christian, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Ronald J. Snyder Sr, 87, of Elba, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024 at NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia. He was born July 18, 1936 in Alabama, NY to the late Charles J. and Marjorie (Spencer) Snyder. He is preceded in death by a son Gerald Snyder and four siblings, Betty, Vera, Bob and Gene.

Mr. Snyder was a proud United States Army Veteran. He was a self-employed truck driver after driving for Ragu Foods for over 20 years. In his younger years he enjoyed square dancing and was a member of Batavia Twirlers. Mr. Snyder loved camping, and watching sports especially football and hockey.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Luella (Hough) Snyder of Elba, children, Ronald (JoAnn) Snyder Jr of Elba, Brenda (the late Tim) Kelso of Spartanburg, SC; James (Diane) Snyder of Elba, Marylou Porter of Brockton, Raymond (Kelly) Snyder of Batavia, Richard (Chris) Snyder of Batavia, Thomas (Tammy) Snyder of Lyndonville, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. He will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.    

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia, Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

William H. Gillam Jr, 87 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Premier Genesee in Batavia. He was born February 26, 1936 in Batavia to the late William Sr and Helen (Hulbert) Gillam. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia (Oxencis) Gillam, daughter, Anne Marie Gillam Twichell and brother Gerald Gillam.

Mr. Gillam worked for 22 years at GTE Sylvania and after it’s closing he worked at Chapin Manufacturing. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved fishing, cross country skiing and hunting. Mr. Gillam was enjoyed sports and rooting for the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees and Syracuse Orangeman. He was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia.

He is survived by sons, William (Doris) Gillam of Chesterfield, MI, James (Annette) Gillam of Batavia, Keith (Lucia) Gillam of East Bethany, sister, Anne Ireland, brother Irving Gillam both of Batavia; four grandchildren, Robert Twichell, Elizabeth (Michael) Lerma, William Gillam IV and Brett Gillam; along with many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 1:00pm Celebration of his Life will immediately follow on Saturday at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Elba - Sherman C. Horton, 98 a lifelong resident of Elba, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. Since the summer of 2022 Sherm had lived at the Manor House, Main Street, Batavia.

Mr. Horton was born June 29,1925 in Batavia, the oldest child of the late Sherman R. and Geraldine (Hankinson) Horton.

Sherm was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Force. He was a lifetime member of the Elba Fire Department and had a life-long love affair with antique cars.

Prior to his retirement, Sherman owned and operated the Sherm Horton Insurance Agency, Main Street, Batavia.  He and Gloria enjoyed a second home in Winter Haven, Florida for over 30 years. Sherm was known far and wide as a “people person.”  He enjoyed a good conversation anytime with a friend or a grandchild or whomever had a few minutes to chat. He was a great encourager and not shy about sharing his love for Jesus.

Surviving are his sons, Lon (late Patricia) Horton of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Todd (Kathleen) Horton of Riga, Jonathan (Ellen) Horton of Springville; daughter-in-law, Michelle Horton of Brockport, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren with another on the way.

Sherm was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria J. (Owellen) Horton; son, S. Bradford Horton; his three siblings and their spouses, Lorne (Nancy) Horton, Maxine (L. Arthur) Gubb, and Beverly (Jack) Schirmer.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00-11:00 am Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.  A memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harvest Christian Fellowship, 560 East Ave., Albion, New York 14411 or CARENET of Greater Orleans, PO Box 229, Albion, New York 14411

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