Obituaries

Danene Hennessey, born on November 10, 1970, passed away on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024 in Batavia, NY. She is survived by her loving husband, Bruno Hennessey, her beloved son, Alex Hennessey, and her cherished Aunt, Rahel Sherman.

Danene enjoyed nature, she loved listening to birdsong. Most of all she loved her husband and son dearly, and adored her Aunt Rahel. She was a wonderful and kind woman, and she will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Justice for Children advocacy center, located at 304 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements for her memorial service will be handled by H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time. Danene will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

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

BASOM – Donald R. Parker, 87, of Judge Road Basom, passed away on June 3, 2024 at the  LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.  

He was born April 9, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Delos and Leona Siebert Parker.  

Donald enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandsons and great grandchildren.  His life was spent working on the family farm, he was the 6th generation, and collecting John Deere tractors.  

He is predeceased by his wife, Gertrude.  He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Rob) Greene and grandchildren Benjamin (Katrin) – great grandsons, Skyler and Jaxson, Andrew (MacKenzie) - great granddaughter, Charlotte and great grandson, Carter; his brother, Gerald Parker; sisters, Evelyn Green, Norma Meyer, and Gloria Parker; brother-in-law, Richard George; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sisters-in-law and husband, Jane (Bernard) Buttons, Sandra George, Donna Parker; and  brothers-in-law, Harold Green, Donald Meyer.  

Calling hours are Tuesday, June 11, 6:00-8:00pm at Burdett and Sandford Funeral Home, 11 Maple St, Oakfield.  A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 9:30am at St Padre Pio Parish, Elba site. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield.

Thank you for all the kindness, outstanding care, compassion and family love he received from the staff at Leroy Village Green.  He spent almost 10 years residing there while battling Parkinson’s disease.  He always received the best attention and care anyone could hope for.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Alabama Fire Department, Judge Road, Oakfield, NY.

Your memories and condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Michael Stanley Blachowicz, 93, of Alden, passed away at home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Michael was born October 2, 1930, in Buffalo, son of the late Edward and the late Victoria Slominski Blachowicz.

Predeceased by his wife of 67 years: Ruby M Blachowicz (née Kaczmarek), and son Carl Blachowicz (Debra), he is survived by Jilianne (Kenneth) Allen of Salinas CA, Rosalyn Blachowicz of Darien, Michael J (Judy) Blachowicz of Rochester, Eric (Donna) Blachowicz of Batavia, Adam (D’Ann) Blachowicz of Zebulon NC, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by brothers Leon Blachowicz (Paula) of Sacramento CA, James (Camille) Blachowicz of Evanston IL, and nieces and nephews.

Michael would say his electronics career started in 1937 when a repairman fixed the family radio.  Shortly after graduating high school he opened an electronics repair shop and, within a couple of years, enlisted in the US Navy with duties as a Radio Mechanic – furthering his knowledge of electronics.  After his honorable discharge, he continued his career in electrical engineering at Sylvania Electric where he held positions in engineering, plant management, and engineering management and, after leaving Sylvania, eventually attained the position of Vice President at an electronics company in Alabama before finally retiring.

After retiring, his interest in the nautical was rekindled, where he designed and built a cabin cruiser and, shortly after, moved to North Carolina so he could sail her on the river in his back yard.  Eventually moving back to NY, he reconnected with his fellow servicemen at the Howard W. Gilmore Association, where he held the position of Secretary for three years.

Besides nautical and electronics, he enjoyed woodworking as well as playing music.  He loved family gatherings and hearing what everyone was up to.  He was a loving husband, father, and brother, and will be missed by all.

There are no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  Memorials can be made in Michael’s memory to the USS Howard W. Gilmore Memorial Association.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in Mike’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Sharon Marie Franclemont (née Merz), born on August 17, 1949, in Buffalo, NY, passed away peacefully at her home on June 3, 2024. Sharon lived a life full of love, service, and adventure.

Sharon married the love of her life, Richard D. Franclemont, on October 19, 1968. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared over five decades of cherished memories. She was the beloved daughter of Paul Merz and Shirley Yox, and stepdaughter of Therese Trottier. Sharon was a devoted sister to Deborah (Grahn) and Pamela (Blood), and she is now reunited in heaven with her predeceased brother, Steven.

A nurturing mother, Sharon is survived by her son Richard P. (Jill) and her daughter Renee. She is also reunited with her predeceased daughter, Amy Jane. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Austin, Dakota, Alynn, Aidan, Montana, Sawyer, and Adeline, who brought her immense joy and pride.

Sharon's passion for helping others was evident in her dedicated service to the Corfu Fire Department for many years. She extended her care and compassion into her professional life as a nurse and later as an educator, teaching future nurses at BOCES. Her impact on the community and the lives she touched through her work will be long remembered.

An avid traveler, Sharon loved exploring the country in her RV with her husband Rick and their beloved dogs, Zoe and Zeke. These adventures brought her happiness and countless stories to share.

In honor of Sharon's life, the family invites friends and loved ones to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 15th, at 2 PM in her daughter’s backyard at 9093 Alleghany Rd. There will be food, beverages, and plenty of opportunities to share stories, laughs, and especially hugs. All who knew Sharon are welcome to join in remembering her remarkable life.

Sharon’s spirit of generosity, love, and warmth will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Betty A. Weatherbee, 97, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (June 5, 2024) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia, NY.

She was born December 15, 1926, in Darien Center, NY, a daughter of the late Merton Asa Peck and Anna Van Buren Peck.

Betty was very proud to be the very first night supervisor of the Pembroke Thruway Restaurant when it opened in 1956.

She is survived by her daughters, Beverly Morgan and Sue (Fred) Wolfe, a son-in-law, Edward Moore, 6 grandchildren: Lisa, Bryan, Jason, Buffy, Erik and Scott, and ten great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Floyd “Spike” Weatherbee, her sister Irma Hamilton and her daughter, Cindy Moore.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (June 10^th) from 11am-1pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm. Burial will follow in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, 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, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Stacy R Bechtold, 45, formerly of Batavia, NY unexpectedly passed away  June 3rd in Cape Coral, Fl. Stacy was born in Batavia New York in 1978 to her parents Ronald and Sandra Bartz. She graduated from Elba Central School. Stacy worked many years as a CNA in which she lovingly cared for her patients. She was a loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Stacy will be remembered as a genuine person full of life, laughter, and compassion for others who loved her children more than anything. Stacy was survived by her long time partner John McIntyre, daughters Adrienne, Gabrielle, and Mackenzie Bechtold. Her parents Sandra and Ronald Bartz, sister Tonya (Jeremy) Frank, and two nieces Mia and Tess Frank. Family will have a private celebration of life in the near future to honor her. Please visithttps://www.fullermetz.com/tributes/Stacy-Bechtold to share a condolence or memory.

Elizabeth "Betty" Van Nest, 82, passed away on June 3, 2024 after a long battle with myasthenia gravis.

Betty was born in Trenton, New Jersey on November 19, 1942 to Nicholas and Elizabeth Stilwell.  She was married to her late husband, George, on June 27, 1964 and enjoyed a fifty-six year marriage until his passing in 2021.

Betty taught elementary school in Batavia, New York for twenty-six years.  As a long-term member of St. Paul Lutheran Church she also taught Sunday school for many years.  

She was very active in the community, serving in various roles at St. Paul Lutheran Church, and was a member of Lutheran Women's Missionary League and on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross. Betty also served as Budget Ambassador for Batavia City Schools and was part of the Genesee County Retired Teachers' Association.  

Betty loved visiting the ocean along the Jersey Shore at Long Beach Island with family.  She also enjoyed camping in the 1000 Islands and Letchworth each year with family and friends.  She attended many of her grandchildrens' soccer, track, cross country and hockey events.  

Betty is survived by her brother Nicholas Stillwell of Trenton, New Jersey; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Kenneth Van Nest of Robbinsville, New Jersey.   Her surviving children, and grandchildren are Betsey (Chris, Alison and Laura) and George (Veronica, Jordan and Tyler).  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews in the Stilwell and Van Nest families.

She is predeceased by her sister Nancy Breyer.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, June 7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia NY.  Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday June 8 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or St. Paul  School.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

Herbert W. Ridd, 95, of Bergen, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at his home.

Herbert was born February 20, 1929 in Batavia, a son of the late William and Florence (Wilcox) Ridd.

Herbert served in the Army in Germany during the Korean War. He has been a proud member of the Botts-Florito American legion Post 576 for 71 years. For many years Herbert worked at Gates Albert in Chili, New York where he was a machinist. Herb loved horse races, playing quick draw and having a cold beer while watching NASCAR and football.

Surviving are his loving daughter, Robin (Randy) Mitchell and son, Roger Ridd, both of Bergen; grandchildren, Jessica Quaintance, Kyle (Lauren) Mitchell, Jodi (Joey) Mitchell, Ian (Grace) Ridd, Bryana (Zack) Tomporowski and Randy Lynn (Dominic) Ridd; great grandchildren, Jaidyn, Jordyn and Jaxyn Quaintance, Tyler, Carter, Alexis and Dominic Shanley, Jayce Tomporowski and Mason Ball; sisters, Elaine (Don) McPherson of California and Ellen (Daryl) Heiby of Perry; sister-in-laws, Nancy Beedham and Joan Ridd; special caregiver, Pam Parton; many nieces and nephews also survive.

In death Herbert is reunited with his parents; loving wife, Josephine; brother, Pete Ridd; son, Randy L. Ridd and grandson-in-law, Joshua Quaintance.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Sage Pavilion, 62 South Lake Ave., Bergen.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Herbert's memory to the Bergen Fire Department, 10 Hunter St. P.O. Box 428 Bergen, New York 14416.

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

Charles Blake of Batavia, NY, passed away on May 20, 2024 in Rochester, NY from a massive stroke.

Charles was born in Girdletree, Maryland to Daymon and Mable on September 24, 1959. He was a 1977 graduate of Snow Hill High School in which he was a star athlete. Charles entered the military soon thereafter and served in the United States Marine Corps where he was awarded The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and rifle expert badge.  After his honorable discharge, Charles owned and operated a long distance trucking company for several years. An avid historian, Charles enjoyed sports of all kinds, great music, vehicles, and grilling with a cold drink in hand.

His parents, Daymon E. Blake, Sr. and Mable Johnson precede him in death along with his siblings: Barbara Williamson, Patsy Blake, Shirley Borden, Daymon Blake, Jr., Benjamin Blake, Donald Blake, and George Schoolfield, Jr.

Charles is survived by his loving partner and caretaker Yvonne Wolcott, sons Carlos (Carmen) Williams, Bryant Williams, and Lakeisha (Jonathan Smalls, Jr.) Davis; siblings Ruth A. Copes, Francis Schoolfield; five grandchildren Chloe, Chase, Carlie, Kaidence and Ariannah and a host of nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

The family of Charles wishes to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to The Department of Veteran Affairs and the skilled care team of Strong Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Burial will take place Friday, June 14, 2024 at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Maryland.

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

Pavilion ~ David E. O'Neill, age 83, passed away on June 2, 2024 at WCCH surrounded by his loving family.

     He was born March 13, 1941 in Batavia, a son of the late Edmund and Rose King O’Neill.  

   David will be remembered for his love of family and being a hard worker.  He was an electrician and member of IBEW, Local 86 in Rochester for 63 years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, riding his motorcycle, hunting and fishing.

     He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 59 years, Donna Vaughn O’Neill; his children, Dawn O’Neill of York, NY, Leonard (Linda) O’Neill of Wyoming, NY, Scott O’Neill of East Bethany, NY and Shelley (Ronald) Thompson of Bethany, NY; grandchildren, Teresa O’Neill, Codey (Ashli) O’Neill, Joey (Maddie) O’Neill, Josh (Lindsay) O’Neill, Connor Thompson and Kristen Thompson; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Patrick and Henry O’Neill; sister, Donna (Wally) Vail of OR, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

     He was predeceased by his sister, Grace (William) Hyback; brother, Edmund (Patricia) O’Neill and brother-in-law, Harold Vaughn.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 9 from 1 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where a Service of Remembrance will be held at 4:00 PM.  Everyone is invited to a Celebration of David’s Life to be held at 5:00 PM at the LeRoy American Legion, 53 W. Main St., LeRoy.

     Burial will be private at the Pavilion Cemetery.

     Memorials are suggested to either the Pavilion Fire Dept., P. O. Box 156, Pavilion, NY 14525 or to the Pavilion Cemetery, P. O. Box 11, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525

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

Cosmo J. Costantino, 93, of Batavia, passed away on May 31, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Cosmo was born February 22, 1931 in Batavia, a son of the late Cosmo L. and Carrie (Paulvino) Costantino.

Cosmo was a member of the former St. Nick's Club and the Genesee County YMCA.  He enjoyed bowling, watching football,exercising and loved a gathering of friends and family.  Cosmo is a veteran having served with the United States Navy and was a heavy equipment operator with V.J. Gautieri Construction.

Surviving are his children, Holly (Greg) Sharpe and Peter (Jeri) Costantino; grandchildren, Nicholas Costantino and Natalie Sharpe and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife, Lucia M. Costantino and brothers and sisters, Vincent, Anthony, Joseph, Charles and Salvatore Costantino and Mary Lou Torcello, Betty Jane Costantino, Elaine Mogavero and Rose Smith.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County YMCA, Attention: Rachael Hale, 209 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Arrangements for Cosmo were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

Williamson, NY ~ Ruth Mary Dries Gracie Tusch, age 95, passed away at home on Thursday (May 30, 2024) in the loving presence of her family.

     She was born September 12, 1928 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Andrew and Estelle Myers Dries.

     Ruth was a graduate of Bergen High School and RIT. She worked for many years in LeRoy, starting at the Jello Factory, Lapp Insulator and LeRoy Machine.  She eventually went on to a long career with Xerox, retiring as a supervisor.

     She is survived by her son, David (Connie) Gracie; daughter, Suzanne (Frank) Chardeen; brothers, Alfred Dries and Andrew (Mary) Dries; step-son, Gerard Tusch, along with many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

     Services and Interment in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy will be private.

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

Pavilion ~ Virginia “Ginny” K. Gepfert, age 83, of Junction Road, passed away Thursday afternoon (May 30, 2024) at Rochester General Hospital.

     She was born December 12, 1940 in Albany, NY, a daughter of the late Raymond and Katherine Dooley Dudley.  

   Ginny will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many.  Her love of teaching and her involvement in her church and community was overwhelming. She was instrumental in starting the Pavilion Nursery School in 1974; was a Cub Scout den mother; a member of the Perry School Teacher’s Association and was a working member of the Genesee Country Museum.  Ginny’s strong faith was evident, being a 55 year member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the ECW, St. Mark’s Vestry and was the superintendent of the Sunday school program.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband and best friend of 58 years, Donald E. Gepfert; son, Mark Dudley (Melinda) Gepfert; daughter-in-law, Amy Marie Gepfert; grandchildren, Logan E. D. Gepfert, William C. E. Gepfert, Sophie Grace Gepfert and Lucy Faith Gepfert, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Ginny was predeceased by her son, David E. Gepfert and brothers-in-law, Garry (Sherie) Gepfert and Henry J. (Barbara) Gepfert.

     Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Ginny’s Life on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ginny are suggested to:

St. Mark’s Church - David Gepfert Memorial, LeRoy, NY

Machpelah Cemetery Association,  LeRoy, NY

Genesee Cancer Assistance, Batavia, NY  www.geneseecancerassistance.org

Crossroads House, Batavia, NY  www.crossroadshouse.com 

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

Barbara Ann Schlonski - Born May 17, 1946 and passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024. 

     She was the daughter of the late Charles E. and Helen Birge and was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Schlonski.    

  Barbara will always be remembered for her big heart. She was loved so much by anyone who met her. She will sadly missed by her children, Donald (Kris), Michael (Julie), Jamie, Debbie, and Scott; her grandchildren, Joey, Kaylin, Amber, Alexis, Linsey, Matthew, Jasmine, Autumn, and Rayne and great-grandchildren, Ryann, Ella, Atlas, Charlieann, Noah, Flora and Walter. Barbara also leaves behind her sister, Mary Birge and niece, Brenda (Tom) Zdrojewski. 

     Barbara danced on the Eddie Meath show in the 1960's. She also was in the beauty pageant at the Genesee County Fair and did volunteer work at United Memorial Hospital. She and her husband were owners and operators of Texaco Town in Pavilion for over 10 years. 

    Family and friends may call on Monday, June 10 from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.

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

Roger J. Irrera, 77 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (May 29, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

He was born July 11, 1946 in Batavia, a son of the late Anthony A. Irrera Sr. and Michelina Fraterrigo Irrera.

Roger was a life-long resident of Batavia and was employed by Kisiel Die Casting, Elchar Tool Specialists and was a driver for B-Line Bus Service in Batavia prior to his retirement. He was a longtime member of St. Anthony’s/Ascension Parish, where he enjoyed working at bingo and the church lawn fete. Roger always enjoyed a good pizza and baked goods. Most of all he will be remembered as a loving grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carol Bartz Irrera and brother, Anthony Irrera Jr.

Survivors include his beloved sister, Michelle (Michael) McNally of Batavia. Sister in-law, Lillian Irrera of Batavia. Children, Tamara (Richard) Everhart of Brockport and Sheryl (Michael) Smigelski of Batavia. Brothers in-law, Irvin (late Diane) Bartz of Batavia, Albert (Geraldine) Bartz of Batavia and Ronald (Sandra) Bartz of Batavia. Sister in-law, Rosemary (late Robert) Graff of Geneseo. Also survived by nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Roger has graciously donated his body to the University of Rochester. Funeral 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.