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Joan D. (Waclawski) Torcello, 96, beloved wife of the late Ralph F. “Rick” Torcello, died June 1, 2020 at Crest Manor Nursing Home in Fairport, NY.  Mrs. Torcello was born February 8, 1924, a daughter of the late Anthony and Anna Waclawski of Bethany Center & Buffalo, NY.  She was a Business Major graduate in 1941 from Riverside High School in Buffalo and upon graduation, worked first as an aircraft riveter and then as account clerk at Bell Aircraft Corporation. 

During WWII Joan moved to Washington, D.C. to work as an account clerk with the Navy Department and later for the Veteran’s Administration in D.C. and in Buffalo after the war.   She and Rick were married on October 19, 1946 after his discharge from the Naval Armed Guard that year.

Joan continued to be employed over the years in accounting and office management for Roy Porter Produce & Brokerage in Elba for over 12 years.  She retired from the Batavia Holiday Inn in 1986 after 14 years as their bookkeeper and accountant.  Over her lifetime she was a member of the Stafford Planning Board, the Republican Stafford and County Committees, the Byron-Bergen PTA, serving as president, and the Byron Bergen Advisory and Educational Study Committees.

She enjoyed volunteering at the St. Jerome Hospital Gift Shop and the Batavia Senior Center.  She also participated as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Glenn S. Loomis Post #332, Batavia American Legion.  With her husband, she was an avid summer Silver Lake camper and loved showing their antique automobiles at area car shows.  A devout Catholic, she was a member of Ascension Parish/Sacred Heart Church and former member of the Altar & Rosary Society.

She is survived by her four children, Patricia A. (Joseph) Catalina of Valatie, NY; Marcia A. (Joseph) Rice of Pittsburgh, PA; Ronald R. (Mary Cain) Torcello of Churchville, NY; and Robin J. (Stephen) Hodownes of Honeoye Falls, NY; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by sisters Mary Dombrowski, Sophie Adolf, Stella Kawacz, Frances Polec, Julia Slusar, Helen Hunt and Josephine Mager, and by brothers Joseph Waclawski, John Waclawski and Walter Waclawski.

Private services and funeral mass will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mass cards or to a charity of the donor’s choice. 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, NY14020. RONALD KONIEZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Batavia - Edwin W. Schoenthal, 89 of Batavia passed away on Friday, (December 25, 2020) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. Schoenthal was born June 4, 1931 in Alabama, a son of the late Walter and Mabel (Scharlau) Schoenthal.

Edwin graduated from Medina High School in 1949 and worked for many years at the former Genesee County Farm in Bethany. Upon the farm's closure, he began working as a Drill Press Operator at Batavia Metal Products.  A fireman for nearly 70 years, Mr. Schoenthal joined the Bethany Fire Department in 1951 where he was a life member and past chief; he was a life member and past president of the Stafford Fire Department; and a life member, former board member, and past vice president of the Alabama Fire Department where he worked bingo weekly. He received numerous awards over 7 decades in fire service including the Genesee County Fireman of the Year Award in 1968.  He was a member and past president of the Genesee County Chiefs Association; a past member of both the NYS and WNY Volunteer Firemans Associations.

Surviving along with his wife, Sally (Meisner) Schoenthal whom he married March 3, 1955 are his daughter, Judy Sanders of Batavia; grandchildren, Jeremy, Todd, Andy, Jason, and Jessie; brothers, Alan (Leticia) Schoenthal of Texas, and Lester (Janet) Schoenthal of Ontario; a sister, Gloria Lewis of Maryland. Numerous great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Ed is preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Ann Long; and a grandson, Eric Fairbanks.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Edwin's Funeral Service will be held privately for his family, however will be live-streamed via the funeral home's website beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alabama Fire Department, PO Box 798, Basom, NY 14013.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral home will be limited to 25 people throughout the course of visitation. Please be prepared to wait outside. Face coverings and social distancing are required. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

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

Batavia ~ Dawn Marie (Palmer) Piasta, age 67, passed away at home on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

   

  She was born October 8, 1955, in Cuba NY to the late Francis Palmer and Barbara Harter, and later, Don Bradford, her step-father. Dawn was the oldest of six children; Joel, Kit, Carrie, Marge, and Joyce. Dawn is predeceased by her brother, Joel and survived by the rest of the siblings. Dawn had four children whom she is survived by; Bethany Palmer, Michael Piasta, April Palmer and Ceciely Palmer along with two grandchildren; Bianca Gregory and Ava Freeman.

     Dawn enjoyed reading and was an avid gardener, as well as a phenomenal quilter, spending a lot her free time sewing . She loved the outdoors and had a special place in her heart for animals, once saving 4 baby squirrels in her front yard. Dawn also enjoyed cooking and baking, a wonderful talent of hers. She was a resilient woman and cared deeply in her own way for those around her.

     Information regarding services will be shared at the discretion of the family. 

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

Batavia - Sally Ann Neider, 76, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Sally was born March 24, 1944, in Galveston, TX, the daughter of the late Samuel and Ruby Dan (Ezzell) Bridges.

Sally was a founding member of Volunteers for Animals and took in strays, whether cats or humans.  She loved to read and was known for sharing her collection of books while home and also at the nursing home.  Sally grew up in a military family and lived around the world.

Survivors include her daughters, Danielle (Thomas) King of Oakfield and Diane Lapp of LeRoy; grandchildren, Angela King of East Bethany, Kyle King of Oakfield, Elizabeth Lapp of LeRoy and Killian Lapp of LeRoy.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Services will be at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Sally's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021, http://www.vol4animals.org/donate or to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate. 

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

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

James M. Gartz, 67 of Darien Center, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia. He was born January 22, 1953 in Rochester, to the late Eugene (Rose Schwann) Gartz. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years Jennifer M. (Schwarz) Gartz in 2019; brother William Gartz, sister Susan Gartz Bewley; sister-in-law Cheryl Gartz.   

Mr. Gartz worked for many years as a Mason, Cement Mason’s Local 111 of WNY in Buffalo. He was a “Jack of all trades” and had a passion for woodworking. James was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time poolside. His family was everything to him, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Gina Napierski of Attica; Annette Smith of Rochester; Joseph (Michelle) Auricchio of East Bethany; Anthony (Cindy) Bykowski of Alexander; Michael (Tanya) Bykowski of Darien; siblings, Steve (Diane) Gartz, Eugene (Bonnie) Gartz, Michael (Wendy) Gartz, Martin Gartz, sister-in-law Melissa Gartz; 13 grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home, Inc. 167 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Ralph M. Torcello, 89, of Batavia, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia after a brief illness.

Born on Sept. 29, 1930 and raised in Batavia, Mr. Torcello was the son of Michael C. Torcello, Sr. and Mary Torcello (Feniello). He grew up on the family farm on Creek Road in Batavia and lived there until his death.

Mr. Torcello graduated from Batavia High School in the late 1940s and was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Buffalo State College with his B.A. in education. He served in the Army following his graduation and after his duty was completed, taught Industrial Arts to high school students in the Letchworth Central School District until his retirement.

Mr. Torcello’s passion was harness racing. During college he worked part time as a security guard at Batavia Downs and that began a lifetime of involvement in the sport that would last almost 70 years. He was an owner, trainer and driver and raced almost entirely in Western New York. 

Mr. Torcello trained and often drove his small stable of horses after getting his license in 1962. During that time he raced campaigners like Gypsy Flash, Gold Piece, Outlaw Collins and Bait The Trap. His last driving win came in 1993 in a lifetime best effort with a trotting mare named Spell Rosie followed by his last training win in 1999 with one of his better horses, What About Bob. His love of the sport spread to many in his family who later owned, trained and drove horses themselves.  

Mr. Torcello was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, Anna Strollo (Michael), Marie Perry (Samuel), Frances, Lawrence (Madeline), Rose, Angeline, Genevieve, Michael Jr. (Patricia) and Marcella, as well as by his nephew, Anthony M. Strollo.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Ann Marie Caste (Paul), of New Jersey, Michael C. Torcello (Lynn) of Delaware and Lawrence Torcello (Katie), of East Bethany, Mary Jo Dumuhosky and Ross Perry, both of Batavia, Michael L. Torcello (Deborah), of Hamburg, Ralph P. Torcello (Diane), of Pavilion and Marirose Ethington (Larry), of East Bethany. He is also survived by numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as his longtime friend, Hiland Clark. 

Mr. Torcello was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Batavia and a former member of the New York State Teachers’ Association and the United States Trotting Association.

There will be a mass in celebration of Mr. Torcello’s life at the Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St. in Batavia on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to United Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Batavia - Clarence Lathan, 86 of Batavia passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center. Surrounded by his loving family.

Clarence was born Saturday, February 20th, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Fred and Mildred (Hirsch) Lathan.

He enjoyed fishing, golf, gun shows, auctions, and spending time with friends and family. 

Clarence graduated from Alexander High school in 1955 and later married the love of his life, Judy Bortle, on May 28, 1971. He worked for many local farms and as a diesel mechanic for many years, finally retiring from Jones mechanical in Caledonia.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Judy Lathan; children, Calvin Lathan, Ron (Tammy) Lathan of Silver Lake, Kathy Lathan of Virginia, Stan (Lisa) Mosher of LeRoy, Colleen (Tim) Miller of Fillmore, and Karen (Jim) Perry of Corfu; 10 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In death Clarence is reunited with his parents, Fred and Mildred Lathan; siblings, Lloyd Lathan, Norman Lathan, and Dorothy Staba.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. Clarence's funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Batavia.  Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

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

  Nancy A. Boss, 84 of Attica, passed away peacefully June 1, 2020 at Friendly Home in Rochester.  She was born in Batavia, on September 29, 1935 to the late Burton (Dorothy Waite) Lewis. She is preceded in death by a sister Patricia Treat and brother-in-law Clarence Rich.

Mrs. Boss worked for many years at George King Boss Insurance Agency. She was a member of Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Attica and the Attica Golf Club. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her beloved husband Ivan “Ike” Boss of Attica; children Brenda (Thomas) Parkes of Victor; Richard (Cheryl) Norton of Murphy, NC; Randall (Tilma) Norton of Palm Bay, FL; step-children Michelle (Michael) Perkins of Pavilion; Philip Boss of East Bethany; Luanne (Neil) Jacobs of Batavia; sister Sara Rich of Sebastian, FL; brother-in-law Norman Treat of Auburndale, FL; 15 grandchildren, 18 grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours, a Graveside Service will be held for the immediate family. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Friendly Senior Living for the amazing care they gave Nancy over the years.

The family requests that donations be made to Friendly Home (in memo line Lee Place in memory of Nancy Boss), 3156 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - LaVerne E. "Turk" Francis, age 87, of Batavia, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Turk was born May 8, 1932, in Cuba, son of the late Norman Francis, Sr. and the late Marjorie Banker Francis.

A member of the Genesee Country Church, Turk faithfully served as a greeter of the church and as head usher for over 30 years. He enjoyed traveling with Nancy, was proud of his antique tractor collection and loved to wash and detail his car. He proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Manhardt Francis. The two were married August 23, 1952. Also surviving are his daughter, Lynda (Daniel) Lyons of Oakfield; three grandchildren, Jessica (late Derrick) Baity of New York City, Colleen (Paul) Kowtun of North Tonawanda and Kyle Lyons of Oakfield; three great-grandchildren, Elijiah Jones, Mason Baity and Parker Kowtun; three sisters-in-law, Elaine Francis of South Carolina, Irene Francis of Texas and Barb (late Dave) Conn of East Bethany along with several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Sharon L. Francis who passed away on August 31, 2009 and his brothers, Herbert Francis, Norman Francis, Jr., Walter Francis and Melvin Francis.

Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street Road, Oakfield, where funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Turk's name to the Al Sigl Foundation, Inc., 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, New York 14620 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. He will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia.

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

Batavia - Jean G. Hume, 93, of Batavia, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Jean was born April 9, 1926, in Albion, daughter of the late Roy Derr Gillette and the late Beulah Achilles Gillette. A native of Albion, she was a graduate from Albion High School, class of 1942. She was active in the high school productions of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. In addition, she was a member of the Albion United Methodist Church, where she participated in church choirs and Sunday School activities. Jean always kept in touch with her family and friends from Albion.

Jean married James H. Hume in 1951 and moved to the Hume Farm on Creek Road. They celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on April 1, 2013. Jean is also predeceased by her son, Joel Hume on June 30, 2019 and her sister, Carol Seagar Hunt.

An active member of the Batavia community, she was an active member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church since 1952. Jean was a member of the McNabb Class, Ingraham Class, Women's Morning Worship Circles, served as the treasurer of the church and was responsible for the memorial fund of the church.

Jean was also an integral part of United Memorial Medical Center; the former Genesee Memorial Hospital. Jean was a member and past president of the Hospital League, volunteered in the snack shop and was later employed part-time as the hospital historian and public relations director where she worked until she was 80 years old.

Jean was known for her organizational skills which she acquired from the Rochester Business Institute. She also loved to take photographs which had to have names and dates on the back side. Her most important job was raising her five children with her husband, Jim.

Survivors include her children; Jeff (Theresa) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Judd Hume of Portland, Maine, Jack (Sarah) Hume of Silver Spring, Maryland and Jill (Kevin) Bailey of Canandaigua; five grandchildren; Meghann Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Nicholas (Jessica) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Emily Hume of Meherrin, Virginia; Shaunna (John) Bailey Stith of Ventura, California and Merritt J. Bailey of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two great-grandchildren; Nathan Reeves and MacKenzie Jean Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; two nephews, John (Linda) Hume of Batavia and Roger (Mary) Hume of Batavia as well as five great-great-nieces.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her memorial service will be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church at a later date. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Batavia, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or UMMC Hospital League Foundation, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jean's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.