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Robert W. Mullen

By Joshua Smith

Stafford - Robert W. Mullen, 86, of Stafford, went home to be with his Savior on Thursday, (December 27, 2018) at The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Batavia, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Mullen was born January 26, 1932 in Batavia, a son of the late Earl W. and Terresa (Wooster) Mullen.

Easily recognizable by his trademark Stetson Cowboy Hat, Robert was a long-time member of Northgate Free Methodist Church, and recently was attending Roanoke Community Church in Stafford where he was active as the music director. 

Mr. Mullen was proud of the community in which he lived and spent most of his life living on the Mullen Family Farm in Stafford.

Bob was a farmer.  He and Helen spent three years living in Arizona where he worked as a ranch hand and the two owned a small milk store, the Ro-Kay Dairy.

When an injury prevented him from physically performing farm work, he began coursework at Roberts Wesleyan College.  After obtaining a degree in social work, Robert became a teacher with BOCES and taught special education in several school districts in Monroe County until transferring into the Churchville-Chili Schools where he retired after 22 years in 1994. 

Following his retirement, he took a part time position with BOCES of Genesee County teaching the GED Course at the Genesee Co. Jail where he had an exceptional pass rate.  This was largely due to his unique experiential style of teaching that allowed students to connect with the material in a real-world sense rather than purely hypothetical.  He retired from this position at the age of 80 after 18 years.

A proud but humble man, Bob's passions were farming, horses, and children.  He would often stop to give any child he encountered a quarter and say hello.  He was a 65+ year 4-H Leader and was instrumental in developing the 4-H Tractor and Machine Safety Program in Genesee County.  He was a long time member of the Genesee Co. Fair Board, the Stafford Grange #416, Genesee Pomona Grange #10, as well as the NYS and National Grange.  He served as a Junior Leader with the Stafford Grange. 

He was a longtime volunteer with the Salvation Army and together with Helen was proud to have been a sponsor of a child through International Childcare Ministries for many years.  He was active with the former Genesee Co. Churches United Jail Ministry.  For many years he served as the Stafford Historian and Zoning Officer and was active with the Genesee Co. Senior Foundation.

Due in no small part to all of his associations, volunteer work, and dedication to his community, it is no surprise that Bob was honored as Geneseean of the Year in 2006 by the Genesee Co. Chamber of Commerce. 

He is survived by his wife, Helen H. (Hunt) Mullen, whom he married July 12, 1953; a daughter, Jacqueline (Eladio Montalvo) Mullen of Puerto Rico; sons, Robert W. (Regina) Mullen, II of Stafford, and Richard (Debbie) Spink of CA; brothers, Theodore (late Jane) Mullen of Freeville, and Lester (Barbara) Mullen of Stafford; a sister, Nancy (James) Clarq of Phelps; a brother-in-law, Herbert (Bunnie) Call of LeRoy; sisters-in-law, Gari Mullen of NM, and Dodie Mullen of Australia.  11 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Bob is preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Jaselis Camacho; brothers, Earl William, Roy, and John Mullen; sisters, Zelda Sipher, Louise Phelps, Lyla Stephens, Eleanor McCrumb, Arlene Call, Mary Ann Mullen, and Ruth Mullen.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 10 to 1 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia, where Robert’s Funeral Service will immediately follow calling at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Tractor Certification Program, 420 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will take place in Morganville Cemetery, Stafford.

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

Mrs. Virginia R. Mullen

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Virginia R. Mullen, 86, of Oakfield, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Mullen was born September 10, 1931 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Anson and Helen Rowcliffe Speed.

A graduate of Elba Central School, Mrs. Mullen regularly attended services at East Shelby Community Bible Church. She enjoyed knitting and reading. Her greatest joy was being with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth  M.  Mullen, who passed away on September 16, 2015. They were married on June 14, 1952.

She is survived by her children, Stephen (Crystal Hawley) Mullen of Batavia, Deborah (Alan) Dennis  and John (Lisa) Mullen, both of Oakfield; three sisters, Lucille (late William) Schultz and Beverly (Jack) Hillabush, both  of Elba and Jeanette (late Gerry) Grazioplene of Batavia; her sister-in-law, Nancy Speed of Elba; ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brother, Roger I. Speed.

Virginia’s family wishes to extend their most sincere thank you to the Emergency Room doctors and nurses and the nurses on the 2nd floor at United Memorial Medical Center for the comfort and care which was provided to their mother.

Friends may call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road, Medina, where services will immediately follow visitation at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Virginia’s name may be made to East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road, Medina, New York 14103. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements for Virginia have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Lucy M. Pullen

By Ronald Konieczny

Lucy M. Pullen, 37 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (January 16, 2018) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born January 21, 1980 in Warsaw, a daughter of Steven and Constance Kline Pullen of Batavia.

Lucy volunteered for Hands and Hearts of Warsaw. She enjoyed genealogy, cooking crocheting and singing. She had the type of personality that would just call a random family member or friend to brighten their day.  Lucy will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Surviving besides her parents, is her sister, Sandra (Terry) Rawleigh of Auburn, NY. Brothers, James Pullen and William Pullen, both of Batavia. Niece, Madelynn Rawleigh. Nephew, Alexander Rawleigh. Grandmother, Jean Kline of Batavia. Aunts and uncles, Julie Grant of Texas, Robert Pullen of Kentucky, Janice Palumbos of Utah, Debra Pendergast of Fairport, Donald Kline of Indiana, Hannah Kline of Perry, Maxine Young of Batavia, Barbara Laubacker of Strykersville, Robert Kline of Canada, Patricia Wheeler of Perry and Lilian Hashimoto of Brazil. Also survived by several cousins.

She is predeceased by her grandparents, Kenneth and Dorothy Cox and Albert and Margaret Kline. Aunt, Deborah Hackbarth and uncle and godfather, David Kline.

Friends may call Sunday (Jan. 21st) from 2-4pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA., where a Remembrance Service will commence at 4pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Peers Helping Peers, 27 W Buffalo St, Warsaw, NY 14569. Expressions of condolence 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.

Keith Goodwin

By Joshua Smith

Byron - Keith Goodwin, age 66, of Byron, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

Mr. Goodwin was born November 3, 1951 in Batavia, the son of the late Orville Goodwin and Rita Wasiewaleski Goodwin. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Kathie Mulhall.

An avid hunter, fisherman and fan of horse racing, Keith was a member of the United States Trotting Association. He and his wife, Karen, are the longtime proprietors of Goodwin Farm in Byron where they have boarded race horses. Keith was a trainer and driver for many years. He was a hard working man who appreciated the simple things in life; family and friends. He lived his life doing ordinary things, extraordinarily well.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Karen A. Mullen Goodwin, whom he married September 29, 1984; his daughter, Christine (Tim) Baker of Hilton; his grandson, Jaxon Baker of Hilton; brothers-in-law, Ron (Renee) Mullen of Oakfield and Larry Mulhall of Florida; sisters-in-law, Alice (Dan) Dollinger of Spencerport and Nancy Anderson of Arkansas; several nieces and nephews including Katrina (Salvy) Urso of Florida and Phillip Reiss of Florida. Keith is also survived by his stepmother, Marjorie Goodwin and many cousins.

Funeral services for Keith will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, followed by burial in Byron Cemetery. Immediately following burial, family cordially invites all to a Celebration of Keith’s Life at the Byron Fire Hall, 6357 Townline Road from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.  If you are unable to attend funeral services, please join the family in celebrating his life at the fire hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Keith's name to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York 14263. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Keith’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

William D. Phelps

By Joshua Smith

Avoca/Oakfield - William D. Phelps, 70, of Avoca, formerly of Oakfield, passed away suddenly Wednesday, (September 19, 2018) at his home, in Avoca.

Mr. Phelps was born July 31, 1948 in Batavia, a son of the late Virgil E. and Louise E. (Mullen) Phelps.

He attended Oakfield-Alabama school as graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1966.  He went on to graduate from Cornell University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1970.  He was a member of the AGR fraternity and a 40 year member of the Free & Accepted Masons. 

He felt bonded to the land, and spent his entire career on Virgil E. Phelps & Sons Farms first at Judge Road in Oakfield and later in Avoca.  He served as the bookkeeper in both locations. 

Surviving is his sister, Judy (Walt) Stevenson of Madison, WI, and brothers, Donald Phelps of Riviera, FL, and Neil (Teresa) Phelps of Caledonia.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.    

There will be no visitation.  Family and Friends are invited to attend Bill’s Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday (September 26, 2018) at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Allegany Road, Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.  Bill will be laid to rest beside his parents in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Law and Order: Pair of DWI arrests announced

By Howard B. Owens

Shawn Michael Walburn, 45, of East Main Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with: DWI; driving while ability impaired with alcohol; driving without a vehicle inspection; and speeding. Walburn was stopped at 3:07 a.m. Sunday on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Ryan Brent Callison, 41, of 14th Street, Zimmerman

Williamsville man killed after BMW collides with Bethany ambulance on Route 63

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators have yet to determine why a 2015 BMW driven by 61-year-old Syed L. Rahman, of Williamsville, crossed the center line and crashed into an ambulance from the Bethany Fire Department on Route 63 just before midnight Saturday.

Rahman was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Don Coleman.

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Five questions for board of education candidates: Alexander Central School

By Mike Pettinella

The Batavian has reached out to school board candidates in Genesee County to get their answers to five questions prior to voting on June 9.

Candidates for a spot on the Alexander Central School District Board of Education (in alphabetical order) are Christopher Mullen and Diane Steel.

One position is

Law and Order: For third time, man accused of pulling fire alarm at DePaul

By Howard B. Owens
      Jonathan Balaz

Jonathan P. Balaz, 41, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 2nd. Balaz is accused of pulling the fire alarm at DePaul Properties, 555 E. Main St., Batavia, at 4:37 p.m. Friday when there was no fire or another emergency. (

Eugene A. "Geno" Jankowski

By Ronald Konieczny

Eugene A. "Geno" Jankowski, Sr., 84 of Batavia and recently Elba, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday (June 14, 2018) at United Memorial Medical Center, one day shy of his 85th birthday.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Amelia "Molly" Jankowski after almost 60 years of marriage. 

He was born June 15, 1933 in Batavia, a son of the late Frank and Jennie Brzeczkowski Jankowski.

Geno was dedicated to his wife and his 5 children, as well as his grand and great- grandchildren, often mentioning how much his family meant to him.  He and Molly were snowbirds for many years, spending winters in Largo, Florida and summers at Silver Lake in Perry, NY.  His sense of humor was a trait that drew people in.

He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing.  He was also a lover of all sporting events and spent many of his younger days coaching baseball as well as watching his children and grandchildren engage in their individual sports.

He was a diehard Buffalo Bills fan who hoped every year for a Super Bowl win, and was a season ticket holder for many years.  He passed on that love (and heartache) of the Bills to many of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a member of Ascension Parish in Batavia and St. Joseph's Church in Largo, where he was an usher.

He was employed for almost 50 years as a Chief Draftsman at Graham Manufacturing prior to his retirement and took up a job in Largo at a golf course during the winter.

He was a Korean war era veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955,   and traveled throughout Europe before coming home and marrying his wife.

Geno was a loving father and husband and will be missed but never forgotten.

Eugene is survived by his five children, Eugene (Leanne) Jankowski Jr. of Batavia, Sandra (John) Wojtaszczyk of Elba, Donald (Jeni) Jankowski of Marana, AZ , Mary Klein and Daniel Jankowski of Batavia. Grandchildren, Bryan Jankowski, Jennifer (Josh) Price, Dr. Julie  Thomas, Lisa Wojtaszczyk, Matthew (Danielle) Wojtaszczyk, Nathaniel Mullen, Marissa Klein, Arielle Arsenault, Kristen Klein, Jessica and Blake Jankowski. Great-grandchildren, Austin, Ella and Gina Price, Dawson, David, Annabella and Deacon Wojtaszczyk, David III and Alexander Thomas. He was also fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews and his sisters and brother, Rita Byrne, Jeanette (Robert) Terry and John (Marilyn) Jankowski.

He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

The family will celebrate Eugene’s life during a Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan and Sumner) on Friday, June 22nd at 9:30am.  Burial and full military honors will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his honor be made to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org). 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.

 

 

Hochul reviews the State of the State during visit to GCC

By Howard B. Owens

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul was in Batavia at Genesee Community College today to review Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State speech.

After cheering the Buffalo Bills and talking a bit about how well Batavia and Genesee County are doing, Hochul highlighted key elements of the speech, which outlines some of

Batavia High celebrates graduates with mini ceremonies

By Steve Ognibene

(Pictured above are slats of wood engraved by BHS teacher Bob Mullen from the gym floor that is being replaced currently. Each graduate received one today.)

A ceremony at Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium was originally planned for the Batavia High School Class of  2020, but with many changes to the

Pete Welker named Officer of the Year for Sheriff's Office

By Howard B. Owens

Investigator Pete Welker, a longtime member of the Local Drug Task Force, was named Officer of the Year by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office during an awards ceremony and luncheon today.

Senior Corrections Officer Kevin D. Wolff received the Distinguished Service Award.

Press release:

Officer of the Year Award –

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