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Obituaries

V.R. (Jim) DiSalvo

By Joshua Smith

On Thursday, January 26th, 2023, V.R. (Jim) DiSalvo, loving husband and father of five, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at age 85. Jim was born June 19, 1937, in Batavia, NY to the late Salvatore and Mary Kathleen (Miller) DiSalvo. Jim was an avid motorcyclist, businessman, and lover of all things Christmas.

After a tour of duty in the Navy during the mid-'50s, Jim returned home to Western New York, where he excelled professionally in various industries, including the chemicals industry, horse racing, motorcycle racing, and the printing industry. During that time, he also promoted the first-ever WERA Grand National Finals in West Palm Beach, FL, in 1977.

In 1980, Jim made his mark on the printing industry when he founded Applied Business Systems, Inc. with his wife, Connie DiSalvo. ABS would become a leader in Variable Data Digital Printing, as it remains to this day.

In the motorcycle racing world, Jim will be remembered as an accomplished flat tracker and roadracer in his own right, as well as an owner of Team America Gran Prix Racing, a team that won races across the United States and internationally in Europe, and as the manager of his son Jason DiSalvo's professional career in racing.

Jim's love of Christmas was manifested every year at his home on Fargo Road in Stafford, NY. His display included over 150 animated and static lighted figurines and over 1 million lights that would draw thousands of visitors to the property every Christmas season.

Jim is survived by and missed by his wife of 42 years, Connie (Tuttobene) DiSalvo; children Pam DiSalvo of Batavia, Tim DiSalvo of Azusa, CA, Steven (Karen) Samis of LeRoy, Lisa (Dan) Ormsbee of Stafford, and Jason (Bethany) DiSalvo of Stafford. He is forever cherished and remembered by his six grandchildren Ashlee DiSalvo, Katelyn Samis, Stephany Samis, Zach Samis, Romeo DiSalvo, and Romilly DiSalvo; his brothers, the late Ronald (Rose) DiSalvo of Batavia and Samuel (late Vida) DiSalvo of Batavia; and sisters, Florence (Joe) Condidorio of LeRoy and Kitty (late Louie) Severino of Highland Heights, Ohio.

Calling hours are Tuesday (January 31) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Jim's Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday (February 1) at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street in Batavia.  He will be laid to rest with military honors at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 56, Stafford, NY 14143 or to the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Attention: Lori Atari, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Joyce E. Bednarek

By Ronald Konieczny

Joyce E. Bednarek, 90, formerly of Akron, passed away peacefully on Friday (January 27, 2023) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

She was born March 26, 1932 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late George and Pearl Lichtenberger James.

Joyce graduated from Amherst Central School in 1950 and was formerly employed by M&T Bank and Alden Central School. She was also a former postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service in Crittenden, NY. Joyce and late husband Alfred were very active with St. Patrick’s Church and Crittenden Fire Department.

She is survived by her sons, Michael (Suzanne) Bednarek of Jamesville, NY and Martin Bednarek of Williamsville. Grandson, Todd Bednarek of Jamesville, NY. Sisters, June Primrose of Sanborn, Judy Geyer of Akron and Joanne Breton of Alden. Brother John James of Alden. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband Alfred Bednarek who passed away October 22, 2011.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (February 2nd) from 10am-11am at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY, where a funeral service will commence following the visitation at 11am. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Crittenden, NY.

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.

 

 

Samuel Joseph Patri Jr.

By LaVern Falcone

Batavia ~ Samuel Joseph Patri Jr., age 85, passed away at the NYS Veterans Nursing Home on Friday morning, January 27, after a short illness.

     Sam was born in Batavia on September 15, 1937 to the late Samuel Joseph Patri Sr. and Rose Marshall Patri.  He was affectionately named “Babe” by his family because he was the youngest.

   

  Sam attended Batavia City Schools through his Junior high school year.  He then attended his Senior year and graduated from Notre Dame.  He went to work at Sylvania Products until they closed.  During this time, he also enlisted in the Army.  His military service included; one year in the Army National Guard in Batavia; two years active duty in Berlin, Germany; five years in the Army Reserves in Batavia and then four years in the Army National Guard Reserves, Special Forces in W. Virginia.

     He earned an Associates Degree at Genesee Community College and went on to work for the New York State Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer and retired after 21 years of service.  He was awarded a plaque from the State because he never missed a day of work in those 21 years.

     Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Eileen Patri; step-family, Odette (Glenn) McClurg of LeRoy, Robert (Christina) Brydges of LeRoy; grandchildren, Shane McClurg, Tyler McClurg, Austin Brydges and Ella Brydges; nephews, Joseph Fisk of AZ, Michael McCahera of AZ, John McCahera of AZ; Niece, Rita McCahera of FL; cousins, Marilyn Harris, Dean Harris and many other cousins; brothers-in-law, Frank (Nancy) Howard and Lawrence Howard; sisters-in-law, Ethel Stephenson and Dorothy (Randy) Roth.

     Sam is predeceased by his brother, Norfe Patri; sister and brother-in-law, Anna (John) McCahera and his niece, Ann Marie McCahera.

     Sam enjoyed travelling with Mary to the Bahamas and spending time with the family, especially holiday gatherings and picnics. He also enjoyed fishing with his brother, cousins and nephew.  He and Mary loved flower gardening and spending time outdoors.  Through the years, Sam rescued many cats as well.   He will be dearly missed.

     Family and friends are invited to attend Sam’s Rite of Christian Burial on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, N.Y.  He will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Sam are suggested to Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, 3841 West Main St. Rd., Batavia, N.Y. 14020

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

Sharon L. Davis

By T.J. Woodward

Sharon L. Davis, 75 of Attica, passed away on January 20, 2023. She was born in Buffalo on April 13, 1947 to the late Gordon and Alice (Arndt) LeFort. She is preceded in death by her husband, Peter Davis, children, Lezlie Nearhood and Peter Davis II, granddaughter, Racheal Houlihan.

Mrs. Davis retired from Attica Correctional Facility after many years. She was a member of TOPS Group and camped seasonally at Dream Lake for over 20 years. Sharon enjoyed canning, gardening and her cats.

She is survived by children, Tonya (Timothy) Houlihan of Castile, Traci Cooper of Franklin, NC, siblings, Richard (Jackie) LeFort of TN, Linda Mattice of Rochester, Patricia LeFort of Stafford, Rita (Scott) Welker of Attica, Mary (Ronald) Motz of Batavia, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road, Attica, NY 14011. 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.

Sharon A. Fickel

By Lisa Ace


Sharon A. Fickel, 71, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Sharon was born on January 11, 1952, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert and Gert Snell. She was the sister of the late Diane Snell and Robert Snell, Jr., and aunt of the late Justin Snell.

Sharon loved westerns and just spending time with her family. 

Sharon is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Fickel; her sons, John (Candice Wells) Fickel and Kevin (Tiffany Sprague) Fickel; her grandchildren, Mya, Mateo, Madison, Hailey, Mason, Mackenzie and Kameron; great granddaughter, Ay`lanni; her siblings, Beth (Rob) McWilliams, John Snell, Tim (Patti Burleson) Snell, Cathie (Steve) Urciuoli, Patricia (Dale) Wells, Terri (Tim Luttrell) Snell and Dennis (Wendy) Snell. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Family and friends may call Sunday, January 29th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funeral services will be held from the mortuary at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 30th. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Frances C. Marcello

By T.J. Woodward

Frances C. Marcello, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born July 7, 1932 in Batavia, to the late Nicholas and Mary (Trinchera) Colantonio. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years Joseph S. Marcello, son Nicholas Marcello.

Mrs. Marcello loved to cook and bake for her family, especially on holidays, making family traditional Italian recipes. She loved to sew, knit and crochet baby sweaters, hats, scarfs and blankets. She worked at GTE Sylvania and Carr’s Department Store in her younger years.

Frances was a woman of deep faith, saying her daily prayers and rosary. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports.

She is survived by her loving children, Joseph (Denise) Marcello of Hattiesburg, MS, Ava (Ronald) King, Mark (Roni) Marcello, Lori (Robert) Waite, Philip (Kim) Marcello, sister Carmella Ilacqua, all of Batavia, sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Kinne, Carol (Bryce) Casey, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 30, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:30am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. To leave messages 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.

Richard R. (Dick) Ferraro

By Lisa Ace

Richard R. (Dick) Ferraro, July, 7 1937 – January 22, 2023

Son of the late Joseph and Donna (Verbanoff) Ferraro, brother to the late Joseph G. Ferraro, loving husband to the late Judith (Jackson) Ferraro passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the age of 85 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, NY.

Richard was an Engineer by trade. In his younger years he was a well-known musician in the Buffalo, NY area playing the organ with the Burgundy Bishops. Dick loved children, and together with his wife Judith opened their home to many Foster Children throughout the years. He enjoyed amusement parks and roller skating.

Richard leaves behind his Sister Christine D. (Carl) Kustreba, daughters, Kimberly (Scott) Donnelly, Tami (Dennis) Barren, Jennifer ( Antonio) Rivera, and Erycka (Thomas) Kosinski, Sons, Russell J., Richard J. (Cindy), and Paul (Penny), Grandchildren, Nicole, Christian, Chelsey, Seth (Katy), Eric (Olivia), Courtney(Colin), and Paul, many great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Helen(Edward) Zelinski, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friend, “Buddy” a pug mix.

There will be no calling hours or funeral services.

Rodney J. Herdegen

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Rodney J. Herdegen, 74 of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, (January 24, 2023) at his home in Batavia.

Mr. Herdegen was born January 20, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late Kenneth and Marjorie (Pashong) Herdegen.

Rod is the husband of Pamela J. (Beswick) Herdegen of Batavia. They met in middle school and became friends. In 8th grade, they went on one date - to the movies. In her yearbook, Rod wrote, "Pam, I wish you the best of luck in the world. You deserve to best. Don't forget all the fun we had, especially in the 7th and 8th grade. Be good and I hope I see you after graduation. Love ya, Rod."

He went one way, and Pam another. They both married other people and both had two children. A decade later at their high school reunion, they both showed up divorced. Pam moved to Florida with Rod in 1979. The two were married December 24, 1979 and the rest is history.

Rodney served his country honorably with the Air Force during Vietnam, was an avid Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and Batavia Muckdogs fan. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Rhonda (Dennis) Fox of Pembroke, and Kenneth (Marie) Heredegen of Apopka, Florida; step-children, Stacey Daprizio of Batavia, and Stephanie (Pete) D'Alba of Stafford; grandchildren, Edward and Alex Grosskopf, Kayla and Lyssa Herdegen, Peyton and Katlyn Daprizio, Bryce and Baylee D'Alba; great-grandchildren, Tallulah, Violet, Zachariah, and Rowena; brother, Dwayne "Butch" (Janet) Herdegen of Stafford; a sister, Roberta (late Don) Barlow of South Carolina.

Rod's funeral service was held privately. He was laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.  

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

V.R. Jim DiSalvo

By Joshua Smith

V.R. Jim DiSalvo, 85, of Stafford, passed away on Thursday January 26, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.  His full obituary will be published on Monday.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Lillian M. Martin

By Joshua Smith

Lillian M. Martin, age 92, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 23, 2023 at WakeMed Hospital in Cary, North Carolina.

She was born March 7, 1930, in S. Alabama, NY , a daughter of the late Charles Frederick Fitzsimmons and Dora Agnes Hitchcock.  She graduated from Oakfield Alabama High School in 1947.  She was a seamstress at Melton Shirt Factory and a homemaker.

Lillian is predeceased by her husband, John Philip Martin; and her siblings Hazel Fitzsimmons, Robert Fitzsimmons, Elmer Fitzsimmons and Nellie
Graziaplena.

Surviving are her children, Cherie (Gary) Kazda of Jenks, Oklahoma and Cindy (Daniel) Lallo of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Kim Kazda of Highland Village,  Texas, Vickie  Lease of  Jenks,  Oklahoma, Lisa (Franmir) Ramirez of Jenks, Oklahoma, Katie Lallo of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina and Joshua Lallo of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; five great-grandchildren; her sister Freda Klotzbach of Kenmore; many nieces and nephews.

She loved her family and attending church.  She loved to travel.  She visited all 50 states including making it to the very last one she needed to visit by going on a cruise to Alaska with her daughters in 2019.  She also visited several foreign countries and lived in Germany with her husband during his service in the army.  She enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills play and loved to play bingo.  She was very proud of her Irish Heritage.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Jordan Oaks Retirement Community and Home Instead for their kindness while Lillian lived there.  They would often comment what a sweet, funny lady she was.

She will be laid to rest in Reed Cemetery.  A Memorial Service will be planned for late summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Shepherds Church, 6051 Tryon Rd, Cary, North Carolina 27518 or Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.

To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements for Lillian were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.

Steven J. Mancuso Haitz

By Ronald Konieczny

Steven J. Mancuso Haitz, 38 of Rochester, passed away on Thursday (January 19, 2023).

He was born April 8, 1984, a son of Mary Haitz Konarski.

Steven graduated from SUNY Canton and then graduated from SUNY Geneseo. He loved to cook and enjoyed hunting, fishing and nature. His favorite times were spending it with family who loved him dearly.

He was predeceased by his father Steven Mancuso and brother Marc Mancuso Haitz.

He is survived by his mother, Mary (John) Konarski of Batavia and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

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.

 

 

Lyndia L. Mobley

By T.J. Woodward

Lyndia L. Mobley, 67, of Batavia passed away on January 3, 2023 at the Ashtabula Medical Center in Ohio. She was born on October 12, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Wade and Philomena (Iannaccone) Mobley. She is also predeceased by her brother; Paul Minardi.

Lyndia is survived by her loving son; Paul Mobley of Batavia.

There were no prior calling hours or Services. Lyndia was laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.

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

Barbara E. Fenstermaker

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Barbara E. Fenstermaker, age 77, of Selden Road, passed away Tuesday afternoon (January 24, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, surrounded by her loving family.

     She was born November 28, 1945 in Brookville, PA, a daughter of the late Everett and Katherine Dickey Thrush.

     Barb will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family.  She was the matriarch, who loved to entertain and host family get togethers.  Whenever possible, she would follow all her family’s activities, including her grandchildren’s sporting events.  Barb was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband of 58 years, James “Jim” Fenstermaker; her children, Brent Fenstermaker, Barry (Margy) Fenstermaker and Amy (Bryan) Geedy; grandchildren, Travis Fenstermaker (Brooklyn), Tyler (Montana) Fenstermaker, Trent Fenstermaker, Brenna Fenstermaker, Samantha Fenstermaker (Zack), Hope Fenstermaker, Brittany (Brandon) Maines and Jacob (Abbey) Geedy; great-grandchildren, Ivan and Claire; sister, Diana (David) Plucknette, along with many nieces and nephews.

     At Barb’s request, there will be no prior calling hours or services.

     Memorial contributions in memory of Barb are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105

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

Thomas J. Clark

By Lisa Ace


Thomas J. Clark, 82, of Bradenton, FL passed away at his home Sunday morning January 22, after a long illness.

Tom, born on March 7, 1940, was from Stafford, NY where he grew up on the Clark family farm with his parents Edward and Grace, and his sisters Julia, Martha, and Mary. 

Tom attended Notre Dame high school where he played football, basketball, and baseball.
Tom attended John Carroll University and was a member of the Marine ROTC. He served for 6 years. After college he worked for Niagara Mohawk as a lineman and then began a 41-year career with the railroad as an electronics technician with the signal department. He retired from CSX in 2002.

Tom married Peggy on October 22, 1966. They were married for 56 years. They raised their three children, Mark, Colleen, and Kevin, in Stafford next door to Tom’s childhood home.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors, was a trap shooter and an avid hunter. His enjoyment of the outdoors was only surpassed by his love for his family. His support, and sense of humor will be remembered and cherished by his family and friends.
Tom is survived by his wife Peggy (Margaret Wickens), his children – Mark Clark of Niskayuna, NY, Colleen Clark-Apelanz (Ildefonso) of Nassau, NY, and Kevin Clark (Pariss) of Bradenton, FL, his sisters - Julia Weideman of Orchard Park, NY, and Mary Moses of Whitesett, NC, his grandchildren - Tina Collins (Jeff), Michael Pace, Jack and Mia Clark, Emily and Abigail Clark, Ildecito Apelanz, his 4 step great-grandchildren - Aidan, Avery, Anna and Aubren Collins and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Edward and Grace Kenna Clark, his sister Martha Clark and his Great Grandson Emmett Collins.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at Brown and Sons Funeral Homes and Cremator 604 43rd Street West Bradenton, Florida 34209. 10 am – 11 am – calling hour 11 am- Memorial Service.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in New York.

Donations can be made in memory of Thomas Clark and sent to: Tidewell Foundation 3550 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239 OR Notre Dame High School 73 Union Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Pamela J. (Granzow) Boyer

By T.J. Woodward

  Pamela J. (Granzow) Boyer, 63, of Medina passed away on January 24, 2023. She was born in Newfane, NY on August 10, 1959 to the late Richard W. and Bertha M. (Brown) Granzow. In addition to her parents, Pam is predeceased by a brother; Ronald Granzow

She is survived by her husband of 48 years Robert F. Boyer Jr.; Sons Robert (Tina) F. Boyer III, Kyle Boyer (Carrie Smith); and daughter Lisa Boyer; 5 grandchildren and 3 Great- Grandchildren; sisters Kathy Billings, Jacquie (Dennis) Bennett; brothers Russell (Marybeth) Granzow, Harry (Margie) Granzow; she is also survived by her Aunt and Uncle and many cousins who she who truly loved her very much!

Pam was a very strong, loving, and compassionate woman with no easy pass. She would give the shirt off her back and would welcome anyone into her home to console and love anyone in need with no judgement, even at her own cost. Becoming a mom and wife at the age of 15yrs old, she was set up to fail.  She may not have done everything right, but in the end she had more babies and love to go around and was a dedicated wife, despite all the odds. Any kids that came to her house loved her and always called her Aunt Pam. She loved them all. Anyone who went to her house loved her cause she always made them feel at home and loved. She had a very loving/caring heart. Over all, Pamela J. Boyer was the perfect imperfection of her own humility, and she will be forever loved!

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the local SPCA https://www.vol4animals.org/. 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.

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