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Obituaries

Joseph J. Olverd

By Ronald Konieczny
Olverd

Joseph J. Olverd, 77 of Batavia, went home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday (May 16th) passing away unexpectedly at his residence. 

He was born May 12, 1947 in Niagara Falls, NY, a son of the late Philip and Harriet Horton Olverd.

He loved his family dearly and will be sadly missed by his children, Laura (Peter) Koepp of Basom, Rene R. Jaccoud of Batavia, David Olverd of Florida and Eric Olverd of Batavia. Sisters, Phyllis (Jack) Pata of Spencerport and Rosalie Pusateri of Avon. Brother, Philip Olverd Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA. Also survived by seven grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Joe had many talents and hobbies throughout his entire life and was an avid outdoorsman. He was an excellent trumpet player, loved snake hunting & handling, worked at the Buffalo Zoo as a reptile keeper (herpetologist). He enjoyed the art of flint napping making arrowheads and other items. Then also pursued knife making and dabbled in growing bonsai trees. Joe was also featured on the Captain Kangaroo TV show and many other interviews showcasing his talents with snakes and other reptiles.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday (May 21st) at 11am at Mumford Rural Cemetery.

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.

 

 

Gloria A. Fluker

By T.J. Woodward
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Gloria A. Fluker, 72, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024 surrounded by her family at Gateway Home, Attica. She was born June 5, 1951 in Silver Creek, to the late Richard and Audrey (Neubauer) Hancock. She is preceded in death by two siblings, Judy Mezydlo and Norman Hancock. 

Mrs. Fluker retired from PW Minor after 34 years. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she loved being with her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis Fluker of Batavia, son, Thomas (Kim) Fluker of Batavia, brothers, Frank Hancock of Indian Falls, Richard (Barb) Hancock of Batavia, Edward Hancock of Syracuse, grandchildren, Jordan (Hannah) Fluker, Danielle (Alex) Schultz, great-granddaughter, Aurora Fluker, along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 4 to 8pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:00am Celebration of her Life will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011 or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., 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. 

George Leland Hall

By LaVern Falcone

Stafford ~ George Leland Hall, age 92, of Sweetland Road, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

     He was born January 15, 1932 in Rochester, a son of the late George D. and Charlotte Morrison Hall.    

george hall

 George, or as he preferred “Jerry”, will be remembered for his love of family and his devotion to his Christian faith.  He was a very proud veteran of the US Army, where he served in Italy during the Korean Conflict.  After serving his country, George worked at the Jello factory in LeRoy before he embarked on a long career with Rochester General Hospital up until his retirement.

     He will be sadly missed by his children; Deborah Neth, Cheryl (Robert) McGee, Stephen (Jane) Hall, Cindy Saeva (David Zarajczyk), Donald (Mary) Hall and Lorrie (Lewis IV) Mowry; his 18 grandchildren; Christopher (Ashley) Neth, Laura Neth (Shawn), Kevin Neth, Robert Jr. (Cheryl) McGee, Jennifer (Keith) Moore, Jerry McGee, Donald (Amanda) Hall, Joshua George (Tiffany) Hall, Steven (Becky) Saeva, Daniel Saeva, Kimberly (Doug) Wolfanger, Jason Saeva, Jeremy (Christy) Saeva, Jacob Hall, Arlene (Joe) Shaunessy, Mindy (Brandon) Zalewski, Michael (Michele) Mowry and Lindsay (Craig) Cox; his 38 great-grandchildren; Carter, Noah, Cameron, Aubrey, Wesley, Cash, Bella, Johnny, Caleb, Connor, Parker, Maylee, Mikayla, Kennedy, Karrington, Joshua, Austin, Jenna, Gabby, Evan, Daniel, Dominic, Leah, Maddy, Landen, Anna, Emma, Caiden, Charlotte, Emmett, Lucy, Leland, Dean, Izzy, Chandler, Adelynn, Dexter and Lewis; his wife, Wendy, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     George was predeceased by his first wife, Arlene Brandes Hall (1982), son-in-law, John Neth (2012), his three brothers and his loving canine companion, Nicky.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, May 23 from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 24 at 10:00 AM at Mary Immaculate Parish, 5865 Ellicott St. Rd., East Bethany, NY 14054.  Interment with military honors will follow at the Stafford Rural Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions (in memory of his wife, Arlene) are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

George K. Elbel

By T.J. Woodward
e

George K. Elbel, the husband of Norma G. Elbel (Smith) of Le Roy, NY, age 91, passed away on May 16, 2024, due to health complications. 

George, born on June 28, 1932, in Rossiter, PA, led a life of inspiring service to God, country, and state. He began his journey on his family's farm, where he worked diligently until his graduation from Punxsutawney High School in 1949. His dedication to service led him to the U.S. Army's 1st Calvary Division, where he served during and after the Korean conflict.

George's professional journey was marked by dedication and hard work. After serving, he joined the New York State Police, where he made a significant impact. Over his 32-year career, he steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the Major of Troop A, which covers eight Western New York Counties. His commitment to excellence was further demonstrated by earning a Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice and Personnel Management in 1977 from the State University of New York. 

He was preceded in death by his wives, Beatrice L. Elbel (DiCicco), Irene Elbel (Fisher), and Dorothy Elbel (Merkle). He was also preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Alice Elbel, and brothers, Glenn Elbel, Emery Elbel, Gene Elbel, Jay Elbel, and Mary Justice. 

He is survived by his brother, William Elbel of Houston, Texas, one son, George Elbel of Alvin, Texas, and two daughters, Beatrice M. Brantigan of Niagara Falls, NY, and Alyson A. Struwe of Beaver, PA. Surviving are twelve grandchildren, five stepchildren, and many cherished children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren from his since-parting wives. 

George was a lover of nature, a dedicated family man, and a cherished friend to many. He was a devoted member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia, NY, where his faith and community values were nurtured. He was also a lifetime member of the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Former Troopers Association, a testament to his continued commitment to his fellow officers and the community he served. 

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday May 24, 2024 from 2:00-4:00PM & 6:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday the 25th at Emmanuel Baptist Church 190 Oak St. in Batavia. George will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Byron Rescue Squad PO Box 210 Byron, NY 14422 or American Lung Association PO Box 756 Osceola, WI 54020. 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.

John Leslie Mullins

By Lisa Ace
John Mullins

We Have Lost a Cowboy.

The family of John Mullins (89) of Elba NY invites you to his Celebration of Life service at 11am Saturday, May 25, with calling hours 5-8 pm Friday, May 24, at Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020. Burial will be in Western New York National
Cemetery in Corfu, N.Y., at a later date.
John Leslie Mullins was born September 4, 1934, in Antelope County, Nebraska to William and Vida Chase Mullins. He died March 28, 2024, at his son’s home in Fort Myers, Florida, with his family at his side. He graduated from Plainview High, where he was on the 1951 State championship football team. John was also involved with FFA and 4-H and won his first Stetson hat showing his champion hog. John was destined to be a cowboy for life. He owned horses and was wearing cowboy boots in high school and his senior research project was on Appaloosas. When he joined the National Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) as a lifetime member in 1952, he was member #360.

In 1955 he joined the US Army and was a welder with an armored infantry unit in Fort Polk in Louisiana, and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During off duty hours he would get to know the local Appaloosa owners and show their horses. At the 1958 San Antonio Stock Show he won the Championship Appaloosa Stake race on Chief of Fourmile, who was later inducted into the ApHC Hall of Fame. In 1999 Breyer model horse #752, the limited edition of Chief of Fourmile has a picture of John Mullins riding him at that show. After his time in the army he returned to work at the Pitzer Quarter Horse Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska, and started his training career. He bought an Appaloosa mare named Navajo Turquoise of AA and bred her to the Pitzer’s AQHA
stallion, Little Fob, and the resulting foal in 1962 was Little Navajo Joe.

In 1962 John made the move to the Acomb’s Farm outside Stafford, New York, to work with their Appaloosas. In 1963 he married Cleo Murphy of Norfolk, Nebraska, and she started her career at the VA hospital in Batavia as a medical technologist. In 1964 they bought property in Elba, New York to begin John’s training and breeding business. At one time they had 44 horses on their farm. He was also an approved Appaloosa judge. It was a joy to John that his twins, Susan and Douglas, both rode and competed in 4-H and Appaloosa shows. John trained Little Navajo Joe and started showing him and won 35 Grand Championships at halter and over 50 High-Point End of Year awards. Little Navajo Joe and John competed in western pleasure, reining, and game classes. With John riding as jockey they also won a flat race out of the gate. John and Little Navajo Joe have been credited with “playing a starring role” in spreading the popularity of the Appaloosas east of the Mississippi River during the 1960s. Little Navajo Joe was inducted into the ApHC Stallion Hall of Fame in 2000.
John taught riding for many years and in some cases several generations in the same family. He was active in the Genesee 4-H horse program by being on the advisory board, judging shows and holding clinics at the farm. In later years he would find a place on the top seat in the bleacher to take pictures of the 4-H horse contestants at the Genesee Co. Fair and then give the pictures to 4-H to view at their end of year program. The last few years, he took pictures from his walker.
John Mullins loved life, his faith as a lifelong Methodist, enjoyed nature, photography, traveled to all of the states and other countries, also collected minerals and gems and liked people. His favorite song was “the Last Cowboy.” John is survived by his wife, Cleo, and his twins, Douglas Mullins and Susan Calandra, grandchildren, Lauren and John Calandra, his sister, Margaret Shoemaker, brother, Jim Mullins, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and a huge list of close friends that made life special every day. He was predeceased in death by brother, Lyle Mullins.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Co. 4-H Horse Program, 420 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020.

John Mullins

In 1955 he joined the US Army and was a welder with an armored infantry unit in Fort Polk in Louisiana, and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During off duty hours he would get to know the local Appaloosa owners and show their horses. At the 1958 San Antonio Stock Show he won the Championship Appaloosa Stake race on Chief of Fourmile, who was later inducted into the ApHC Hall of Fame. In 1999 Breyer model horse #752, the limited edition of Chief of Fourmile has a picture of John Mullins riding him at that show. After his time in the army he returned to work at the Pitzer Quarter Horse Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska, and started his training career. He bought an Appaloosa mare named Navajo Turquoise of AA and bred her to the Pitzer’s AQHA stallion, Little Fob, and the resulting foal in 1962 was Little Navajo Joe.

In 1962 John made the move to the Acomb’s Farm outside Stafford, New York, to work with their Appaloosas. In 1963 he married Cleo Murphy of Norfolk, Nebraska, and she started her career at the VA hospital in Batavia as a medical technologist. In 1964 they bought property in Elba, New York to begin John’s training and breeding business. At one time they had 44 horses on their farm. He was also an approved Appaloosa judge. It was a joy to John that his twins, Susan and Douglas, both rode and competed in 4-H and Appaloosa shows. John trained Little Navajo Joe and started showing him and won 35 Grand Championships at halter and over 50 High-Point End of Year awards. Little Navajo Joe and John competed in western pleasure, reining, and game classes. With John riding as jockey they also won a flat race out of the gate. John and Little Navajo Joe have been credited with “playing a starring role” in spreading the popularity of the Appaloosas east of the Mississippi River during the 1960s. Little Navajo Joe was inducted into the ApHC Stallion Hall of Fame in 2000.

John taught riding for many years and in some cases several generations in the same family. He was active in the Genesee 4-H horse program by being on the advisory board, judging shows and holding clinics at the farm. In later years he would find a place on the top seat in the bleacher to take pictures of the 4-H horse contestants at the Genesee Co. Fair and then give the pictures to 4-H to view at their end of year program. The last few years, he took pictures from his walker.

John Mullins loved life, his faith as a lifelong Methodist, enjoyed nature, photography, traveled to all of the states and other countries, also collected minerals and gems and liked people. His favorite song was “the Last Cowboy.”

John is survived by his wife, Cleo, and his twins, Douglas Mullins and Susan Calandra, grandchildren, Lauren and John Calandra, his sister, Margaret Shoemaker, brother, Jim Mullins, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and a huge list of close friends that made life special every day. He was predeceased in death by brother, Lyle Mullins.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Co. 4-H Horse Program, 420 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020.

Calling hours will be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on May 24th 5-8 PM and May 25th 10-11 AM. His Celebration of Life will also be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on May 25th at 11 AM. The burial will be at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, New York at a later date.

Timothy Wilson

By Joshua Smith

Warsaw - Timothy Wilson, 82 of Warsaw, passed away on Friday, (May 10, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. Wilson was born September 3, 1941 in Rochester, a son of the late Stewart and Anne (Vietch) Wilson.

Tim worked in house keeping at Wyoming County Hospital in Warsaw and was a veteran of the US Army.  

There are no services. Timothy will be laid to rest beside his parents in White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tim's name may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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.

Joseph D. Summers Jr.

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Joseph D. Summers Jr., age 36, of Myrtle Street, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

     He was born June 29, 1987 in Batavia, a son of Joseph D. Summers Sr. and Rebecca Wiatrowski Kruger.   

Joe Summers Jr.

  Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.  He loved his children above all things and was known for his “dad” jokes and long stories. He worked at HP Hood in Batavia and enjoyed being outdoors, whether he was playing golf, hunting or fishing.

     He will be sadly missed by his wife, Kasondra Hubbard; his children, Aiden Summers, Wyatt Summers, Jesse Hubbard, Jackson Hubbard and Charlene Hubbard; his parents, Joseph (Colleen) Summers Sr. and Rebecca Kruger (Michael Barringer); siblings, Matthew (Jamielynn) Summers, Noah (Kristina) Summers and Elysia Summers; mother in law, Judy Mills; brother in law, Kodey Mills, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, May 19 from 1 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.

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

Charles Winston "Wimpy" Dunlevy

By Ronald Konieczny
Dunlevy

Charles Winston "Wimpy" Dunlevy, age 92 of Batavia, NY (formerly Scottdale, PA and Vero Beach, FL) passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2024. 

Charles was born December 16, 1931, in Newell, West Virginia, youngest son of Edward and Frances (Wagner) Dunlevy. 

He was predeceased by his older brother Lee Dunlevy of Ligonier, PA, and his sister Frances (Sissie) Rehanek, of Myrtle Beach, SC. 

Wimpy graduated from Scottdale HS where he earned 11 letters in 4 sports.  He signed a professional baseball contract with the New York Giants at the age of 17. Instead of minor league baseball he opted to join the Navy stationed at CINCLANTFLT HQ in Norfolk, VA where during his 4 Navy years he continued to play baseball, football, and basketball, also honing his skills as a tournament-level pool player. Playing baseball, he was noticed by a pro scout who put him in touch with Ace Parker from Duke University.  He was offered a scholarship and played there from 1955–1959, where he was Captain in 1959. This initiated his love for Duke and all things Duke through the years.

Moving back to Scottdale he was a lifelong member of Trinity UMC, a little league umpire, and did personnel screening for the Scottdale Police department among his civic activities. Chuck retired in 1989 from Robertshaw Controls in New Stanton after 25 years as Industrial Relations Manager, going immediately to the same position at Elliott Company in Jeanette, PA for 4 more years before his retirement in 1993. Retirement days were spent mainly on the golf course at Pleasant Valley Country Club, with winters in Florida until he and Pat moved to Vero Beach permanently in 2013. They loved their home and life in Vero and spent 15 years there before moving to Batavia, NY.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia Moser Dunlevy; sons Ray (Debbie) of Batavia, NY; Phil (Jeanne) of Marlton, NJ; and Doug (Wendy) of Sarasota, FL, his sister Gladys Sorace of Scottdale, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He will be missed by his grandchildren Nicole (Noah) Kiehle, of Millersville, MD; Monica (Andy) Lang of Batavia, NY; Margo (Jeffrey) Sadowski of Hilton, NY; Alexander (Brittany) Dunlevy of Leesburg, Virginia; Olivia Dunlevy of Marlton, NJ; and Ava Dunlevy of Sarasota, FL. Chuck loved nothing better than to be in the middle of the energy from his 8 great-grandchildren; Nora and Micah Kiehle; Annalise, Holden, Winston, and Edith Lang; Graham and Rory Sadowski. 

He had a zest for people and life, enjoyed a good conversation and loved to use his sharp memory to tell stories of his younger days. 

Viewing will be at Graft-Jacquillard Funeral Home, 303 Pittsburgh Street, Scottdale, PA  15683 on Friday, May 24th from 4pm to 8pm with services on Saturday, May 25th at 11 am at Trinity Methodist Church, 501 Mulberry Street in Scottdale. Interment will be in the Scottdale Cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to Trinity Methodist Church.  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.

 

 

Mark L. Frongetta

By T.J. Woodward
mlf

Mark L. Frongetta, 54, of Batavia, passed away on May 11, 2024. He was born September 5, 1969 in Batavia to Robert Frongetta of Batavia and the late Carol (Natolie) Frongetta. 

Mark was an exceptional Truck Driver, he could drive anything. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish. 

Along with his father, he is survived by Erica (Brewster) Frongetta, the light of his life, his daughter Sophia Frongetta, brother Michael (Lancy) Frongetta, one niece and two nephews all of Batavia.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, 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. 

Vincent "Vinny" James Giammarva

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Vincent “Vinny” James Giammarva, age 62, of North Street, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (May 9, 2024) on the NYS Thruway.

Vince was born March 22, 1962 in Rochester, son of the late Carl Giammarva and Margaret “Faye” Crawford. 

vinny giammarva

    He was a devoted husband, adoring and patient father, loyal friend, cherished brother and memorable brother-in-law, fun-loving and supportive uncle, and loving grandfather. His affection for his grandchildren was undeniable. They brought out the best in him and brought him true, genuine joy. Their “Papa” set the standard for being a grandparent that cannot be met or replaced.

Vince dedicated almost 20 years working for the NYS Thruway Authority where he was revered by his co-workers as being dependable, diligent, and joyful. 

Vinny had a passion for many things in life like “wrenching” and riding his motorcycle, traveling with family and friends, experiencing music in all its’ forms, enjoying a cigar in good company, and sharing his infectious laugh with anyone who was willing to accept his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patty A. (Steen) Giammarva; children, Alex (Sirie) Giammarva, Kaleigh (Jordan) Fahnestock; grandchildren, McKinley, Monroe, and Lincoln Fahnestock; siblings, Adele Barone, Cheryl (Larry) Parker, Mike (Ruth) DeVay, Carl Giammarva, Carla (Mac) Ewell, and Donny Giammarva; in-laws, Tom and Lisa Steen, Terrie Lamendola, Donna and Tom Gates and several loved nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends may call on Friday from 3-7 p.m. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the American Legion, 53 W Main Street, LeRoy.

Memorials are suggested to: Sophie’s Giving Tree, 3581 Seneca Turnpike, Canastota, NY 13032.   https://sophiesgivingtree.org

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

Mr. Wayne John Grefrath

By Joshua Smith
Batavian

Wayne John Grefrath age 84, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the New York State Veterans Home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Batavia January 7,1940, the son of the late John D. and Marion Hickox Grefrath of Alexander.

He grew up on a small farm on Alexander Road and attended Alexander Central school where he was active in FFA and all things musical. He graduated in 1957 and went on to Alfred State College where he sang with many choral groups. He graduated in 1959.

On October 14, 1961 he married the late Deanna Wilson Grefrath who passed away November 12, 2000. They resided for many years on Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia where Wayne was known for his large garden, especially his sweet corn.

A proud Army Veteran he served at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC as a chaplain's assistant. He was honorably discharged in 1966 with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class.

He was employed at Graham Corporation for 37 years retiring in 2003 as a senior estimator. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he held nearly every elected and appointed position. he taught Sunday school and Bible Class and sang in the choir for many years. He served on the board of education at Oakfield Alabama Central School for 15 years, the last two as President. He was a member and past president of the Graham Retirees and past member and president of the former Batavia Sertoma Club.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sharon Shadbolt Grefrath, whom he married on October 26, 2002; two daughters, Cheryl (James) Allein and Susan (Don) Herman both of Attica; one son Scott (Casandra) Grefrath of Cheektowaga; five grandchildren, Abby, Alyssa, and Braden Allein, Isaac Herman and Wilson Grefrath. Also surviving are his three step daughters, Kelly (Bill) Shafer of Michigan, Kristine (Robert) Beck of Colorado, and Karin Westfield of Los Angeles, California. Also eleven step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren; his brother, Warren (late Grace) Grefrath of Alexander and nieces and nephews survive.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia. He will be laid to rest in Hartland Central Cemetery, Gasport. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020 or Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

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

Gerald L. Berry

By Joshua Smith
Gerald L. Berry

Gerald L. Berry, 69, of Byron, passed away on May 6, 2024 at his home.

Gerald was born August 31, 1954 in Batavia, a son of the late Frederick and Johanna (VanWyngaarden) Berry.

Gerald is a veteran, having served with the United States Marines.  He enjoyed fishing, model rockets, watching NASCAR and was a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Surviving are his wife, Cynthia (Bobzin) Berry; children, Sara Marro, Amanda (Jillian) Hess and Robert (Danyelle) Fritsch; bonus daughter, Valerie Rigling; brother, Richard (Angela) VanWyngaarden; sister, Diane Cole; sisters-in-law, Dianna Turner, Deborah (Stepen) Myers and Shelley (Thomas) Johnston; brothers-in-law, Ralph Bobzin and Darryl Bobzin; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Phyllis Bobzin.  

There are no prior calling hours.  Gerald's Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 11 at The Bridge, 243 South Swan Street, Batavia.    

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 207 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/support-us.  

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

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

Mary Janet Lazarony

By Ronald Konieczny
Lazarony

Mary Janet Lazarony, 88, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2024, in Orange City, Florida. 

Born in Fredonia, New York, on July 31, 1935, she was the daughter of Horace and Winnifred (Doyle) Lazarony. 

She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Joseph Lazarony, John Lazarony Sr., and Horace Lazarony Jr. 

A graduate of Batavia High School, she held a bachelor’s of science degree in physiotherapy from Ithaca College (1957) as well as a master’s in education from SUNY Brockport (1965). She taught elementary school in Batavia City Schools for 23 years, until her retirement in 1990. After 12 years living in Deltona, Florida, where she was a volunteer at the local library, she returned to Batavia, where she enjoyed playing bridge and visiting with friends and family.

She is survived by several cousins, eleven nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (May 18th) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a service will commence at 1pm.

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.

 

 

Donald Milliman

By Joshua Smith
Milliman

Donald Frank Milliman passed away on Monday, April 29th, 2024 at the age of 71. He was a resident of Batavia, NY.

Donald was born on Tuesday, May 6th, 1952. He was a graduate of Pembroke High School and served his country as part of the United States Air Force. He dedicated his career as a custodial worker at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

Donald was a beloved father to, Amanda (William) Crandall, Ashley Milliman, and Justin (Melissa) Hackett; six grandchildren, Madelyn Hackett, Matthew Burns, Jaxyn Milliman, Kolbi Crandall, Jaxyn Crandall, and Tobias Crandall; brothers, Floyd (Lilly) Milliman and Stephen (Sharon) Milliman; friend and partner in crime, Alice Chapell, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Grace Milliman; Brother, William Cole, and sisters, Wilma Ikeler and Barb Rynkowski.

Donald was actively involved in the community as a member of the Lions Club and a part of Tim Hortons Club. He volunteered at the VA Hospital and the Muck dogs Games. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, carnivals, chicken BBQ's, vacationing, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Muck dogs games.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours for Donald on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY. Interments will take place on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 10:00 am at Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donald's memory to the Batavia VA Hospital. He will forever be remembered for his dedication to his community and his love for his family. Rest in peace, Donald.

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

Jane Teresa (Sojda) Burns

By Ronald Konieczny
Burns

On May 1st, 2024, Jane Teresa Sojda Burns journeyed peacefully home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ and to be reunited with her beloved husband, John “Jack” Burns, her mother Helen, father John Sojda Sr., five brothers, Valentine, Julian, Richard, Gerald, and John Sojda, Jr., and her two sisters, Mary Stan, and Dorothy George. 

She is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl A. Graham and Luanne (Kelly) Chamberlain, four grandchildren Renee (Michael) Francavilla, Shane Graham, Samantha Goldrich, and Mikaela Goldrich, two great-grandchildren, Alexis (Nick) Collins and Dominic Francavilla, and two great-great-grandchildren, Anderson Jane Collins, and Michael Graham Collins. She also leaves behind nearly 30 nieces and nephews, who were very special to her and with whom she spoke frequently.

Jane was born on June 17, 1931. She was friendly and positive in her interactions with everyone, from family and friends to hospital staff and the strangers. She instilled her spirit of friendliness and generosity into her children, grandchildren and extended family, thus spreading her humanitarian impact, as they carry on her legacy across the country.

Her positivity, humor, smile, and laugh were genuine and brought comfort to conversations to everyone with whom she interacted, and will be sadly missed by so many whose lives were touched by her kindness throughout her wonderful ninety-two years of her life. She was an avid knitter and puzzler, and many who knew her were recipients of her handmade knitted blankets and puzzles.

Friends may call Monday, June 17th from 10:30am to 11:30am at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where services will commence at 11:15am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 17th at 12 noon at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s 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 AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

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