Obituaries

LeRoy ~ L. Edward ‘Ed’ Mooney passed away on March 1st, 2024.  He is survived by his daughters, Erin M. Mooney and Kerry Adams (Christopher Adams); grandson, Matthew Adams and cousin Charlie (Barbara) Maloy.   

   Ed was the son of Leo B. Mooney and Madeline G. Maloy Mooney of LeRoy.  His loving wife of 32 years, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Miggins Mooney passed in 2019. 
     Ed first worked at the Jello before serving in the US Army.  He moved to Rochester to join Kodak and retired as a Fire Department Inspector.  Post Kodak, he enjoyed many years working at the Genesee Country Village and Museum. 
     He will be missed by family and friends, especially those he saw frequently at his favorite breakfast spots. 

     Family and friends are invited to attend his Rite of Christian Burial to be held on Friday, March 8 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.  Interment in Machpelah Cemetery will be private.         

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021    

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Ed's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Patty Baker, of Bergen, NY, passed away on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 at the age of 70. She was born on Saturday, February 27th, 1954 in Rochester, New York.

Patty was a beloved mother to Daniel (Amanda Bieniek) Baker, a cherished grandmother to Karen Baker and Jaime Baker. She is also survived by her cousins, Michelle (Jim) Dykstra of Wyoming and their daughters, Elaina Freeman and Page Freeman, Joy Catino, Amber (Josh) Hutchings and Pat Stein; her nephew, Ken Sage; her companion of 10 years Tom Brew and her loyal four-legged friend Dino.

Patty was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Ruth Stone, her sisters, Loretta "Sam" Sage, Betsy Stone, and Gloria Stein, and her brother Bob Stone.

Patty worked as an assembler at GE MDS, LLC. in Rochester, NY, and later as a home healthcare aide. She enjoyed listening to Dean Martin music, taking trips to the casino, traveling with Tom, playing bingo, and sipping on her coffee.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue Bergen, with her celebration of life following at 12:30 pm, which will be officiated by Rev. Bill Hockey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. Patty will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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

Leona Mae (Dusen) Mileham, 91, went home to be with her loving Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Leona was born in Batavia, New York on July 15, 1932, to the late Earl and Genevieve Dusen.

Leona married the love of her life, Edwin F. Mileham, Sr., on July 28, 1951. Together they raised 6 children on Milestone Farms on Indian Falls Road. Leona is predeceased by her beloved husband Edwin; her son, Pastor Rodney Mileham and son-in-law, Charles (Chip) Nicometi.

Her best moments were when her family surrounded her for their annual “picnics at the pond” and Christmas Eve celebrations. She hosted the Mileham family from Georgia and other out-of-town guests every deer season for many, many years. Leona is also remembered lovingly by her neighbors of many years and dear friends from the Indian Falls Methodist Church where she was a member for over 70 years.

Leona is survived by her children, Edwin F. (LuAnne) Mileham, Jr., Douglas E. Mileham (Liz), daughter-in-law, Patricia Mileham, Eric Mileham, Rebecca Nicometi and Chad (Tina) Mileham. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, with 2 more on the way, and several great, great grandchildren who lovingly remember her wonderful hugs and her Christmas cookies. She is also survived by her sister Jane (Donald) Fitch of Oakfield and brother-in-law, Roger Mileham of Georgia.

The family invites you to join them in celebrating her faith and family legacy at the Indian Falls Methodist, 7908 Allegheny Road, Corfu, NY, where calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Funeral services will be held at the church on Friday, March 8th at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Lois E. Dailey, 93, passed away peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital on March 3, 2024. Lois was born August 5, 1930 in Howard, NY  to the late Howard and Flossie (Newton) Bryan.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Harold Dailey in 1996. Brothers and sisters, Helen (Orland) Higgins, Marvin (Dorothy) Bryan, Eleanor (Robert) Silsby, Margaret (Ken) Burns, Myles (Rose) Bryan, Harold (Betty) Bryan, and Forest (Myra) Bryan. Brother and sisters-in-law Daniel (Ann) Dailey, Dorothy (Nelson) Shevalier, Mary (Bill) Kreitz, William (Grace) Dailey, Patricia (Robert) Young, and Martin (Helen) Dailey.

Lois retired from Batavia City Schools as a Library Clerk at Robert Morris School. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, bowling, traveling and was an avid card player. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and was thankful for new friends at the Greens in LeRoy where she resided for the last 2 years.

Lois is survived by and very proud of her four sons, Daniel (the late Linda), Donald (Annie), Mark (Lynn), and Scott (Roxy). Grandchildren, Sean (Kristi), Jenna, Andrew (Meghan), Lauren (Mark), Colin (Lindsey), Nicholas (Caylie), Alex, Sydney, Caitlin, Lucas and Austin. As well as 10 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from Noon to 2:00pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 2:00pm Celebration of her life will immediately follow at the Funeral Home on Thursday. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, www.crossroadshouse.com. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 

Ronald C. Welker, 80, of Batavia, NY passed away peacefully after a brief battle with Alzheimer’s on March 2, 2024.  Ronald was born in Batavia, N.Y. in 1943, son of the late Clifford and Olive Welker.  

He was preceded in death by his sister Shirley Barone (Charles).  

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Nancy; daughter Yvonne Peck (Randy) of Batavia; son Pete Welker (Sarah) of Batavia; Grandchildren Bailee Welker of Washington, DC, Taylor Peck of Batavia, and Jordan Welker of Batavia.

Ronald was a 1962 graduate of Batavia High School. Ronald worked at Strong Forge (Batavia Metal Products) for over 30 years, where he worked as a welder, welding instructor, welding manager, and eventually ran the entire plant production until his retirement in 2010.

Ronald enjoyed hunting, fishing, biking, and was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills.  

There will be no calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family.  He will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  

The family would like to thank the caring staff of the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ronald’s name to the schools that all of his grandchildren attended; St. Joseph Regional School 2 Summit St. Batavia, N.Y. 14020 or Notre Dame High School 73 Union St. Batavia, N.Y. 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smtih Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Gloria Abrams, 77 of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (March 2, 2024) at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY.

She was born September 12, 1946 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Homer Abrams and Ruth Printup. She was the sister of the late Guy Gerard Abrams.

Gloria was employed by the New York State Department of Health at the Rochester Psychiatric Center prior to her retirement. She was a member of the Alabama Fire Department where she was an EMT for several years. Gloria was of the Snipe Clan and a member of the Seneca Singers, Six Nations Agricultural Society, Tonawanda Indian Reservation Historical Society and served on the Peter Doctor Memorial Scholarship Committee for a few years. 

Survivors include her aunts; Shirley Snyder, Lenore Abrams and Patricia Abrams. She is also survived by several cousins and friends.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts and fond memories on Thursday (March 7^th) from 11am-2pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Alabama Fire Department. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Thomas Scheuerlein, 85, of Byron passed away on March 1, 2024 at his home. He was born on July 7, 1938 in Rochester to the late Joseph and Margaret (McDonald) Scheuerlein; his wife Patricia (Falcone) Scheuerlein; Grandson Kyle Scheuerlein and Daughter in law Lorraine Scheuerlein. 

He is survived by his sons; Timothy (Julie), Daniel (Debra), James (Mary), Thomas (Angela), David (Jenifer); sister Mary Ellen Morris; 13 Grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren. 

Thomas was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, the Stafford Fire Department and the 3^rd Order of the Mercidarians. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 1:00PM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 9, 2024 at Our Lady of Mercy & St. Brigid 44 Lake St. LeRoy, NY 14482. He will be laid to rest in Morganville Cemetery in Stafford. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to various charities of your choice. For more information call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Jacqueline Becker, 77, of Gates, New York, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.

 Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Blair C. Becker Jr. (“Chuck”) in 2005. She is survived by her son, Brian Becker (Michele) of Rochester, New York; daughter, Susan Kerley of Atlanta, Georgia; beloved grandchildren, Trent Kerley, Megan Becker, Chase Kerley, and Madisen Becker. Jackie is also survived by her special companion of 14 years, John Yonkoski; siblings, Jerry Foster (Carol), James Foster (Sandy), Margie Chaddock; and brother-in-law, Ron Becker (Donna). Jackie had many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends.

 Being a grandmother was Jackie’s greatest joy. She was a creative, beautiful, kind soul with a beaming smile who never met a stranger. An avid crocheter, she often made items for charities and even waitresses at restaurants she frequented.

 Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Walker Brothers Funeral Home (15 West Ave, Spencerport, NY 14559). A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John the Evangelist Church (55 Martha St, Spencerport, NY 14559). 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) in Jackie’s memory.

Carter John Smith passed peacefully in the arms of his loving parents on February 29, 2024 at Golisano Children's Hospital after a courageous battle with HLHS.

     Carter was born to Ashley and Brandon Smith on January 16, 2024.  

   In just 6 weeks with us, Carter was able to touch so many hearts.  He sure knew how to light up his room on 6 South in the Pediatric Cardiac Care Center.  Always doing things on “Carter” time and showing us just how he was feeling with his big expressive eyes.  Loved being read books, watching Moana, wearing his bombas socks, listening to Mommy and Daddy talk to him and falling asleep with his lamb sound machine.

     He will be unbelievably missed and cherished by not only his parents, but also his grandparents; John and Lorie Fix and Rick and Nancy Smith; his uncle and aunt, Dylan Fix and Jessica Preston; his uncle, Ryan Smith and great-grandmother, Rita DiFrancisco, along with many great aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, who may have never had a chance to meet Carter, but whose love was felt everyday.

     Ashley and Brandon, along with their families would like to thank the amazing nurses and doctors of the Pediatric Cardiac Care Center at Golisano Children's Hospital who cared for Carter as if he was their own.

     Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 5 from 3 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. Carter will be laid to rest privately at St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carter’s name to Golisano Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Cardiac Care Center, 300 East River Road, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627 or Zoey’s Light, 35 Rochelle Drive, Churchville, NY 14428

     Condolences may be shared with Carter’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.  

Bradley (Brad) Crandall, age 56, passed away peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital on February 22, 2024.

     He was one of four children, born on October 17, 1967.   

  Brad is survived by his mother, Nancy (Jim) Thomas; sisters, Tammy (Jim) Gleber, Kim (Mike) Myers and Kelly (Jeff) Kanaley; step brother, Mark (Kristy) Thomas, along with several nieces and nephews.

     He was predeceased by his father, Jim Crandall.

     Brad’s interests included playing the drums, the Philadelphia Eagles and collecting KISS memorabilia.

     He died as he lived…on his own terms.

     Services are private at the convenience of the family.

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

Edward J. LaValley, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Crossroads House in Batavia. He was born October 17, 1934 in Bronx, NY to the late Edward C. and Mildred M. (Fagan) LaValley. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice A. (Genagon) LaValley (1999) and his son, Edward P. LaValley (1987). 

Mr. LaValley was a proud United States Navy Veteran, serving from 1951 to 1955. He enlisted in the Navy at 17, did his NTC in San Diego, served on the USS Leonard F. Mason DD-852 and at US NAVREC STA, Long Beach, CA. Ed went on to serve his community in the Batavia Police Department from 1956 to 1990 and as Batavia Yard Waste Station Attendant from 1990 to December of 2023. He was member of the American Legion and the VFW in Batavia, he was a competitive target shooter and he enjoyed golfing and fishing. 

He is survived by his loving daughter, Jeanne Marie (Greg) Steele of Batavia; his lady friend, Pauline E. Walker of Batavia, her children, Paula (Dennis) Hanson of Honeoye Falls, Patti (Richard Donk) Darch of Waterport, William (Pamela) Reed of Byron, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. 

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Crossroads House. “Dad your room is ready.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. 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. 

Martin D. Coffta, 68, went off on his last road trip, surrounded by his loving family on Feb. 29, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. 

A bright light and true adventurer he never shied away from a challenge and was an intrepid traveler. Marty visited 49 of the 50 states – sadly Hawaii missed out - and did a cross-country tour of Canada. He sometimes, went on foot, sometimes pedaled his beloved Takara 10-speed, sometimes hopped a train, and sometimes flew by as a blur on his BMW motorcycle. In the last years of his life, his preferred vehicle was his beloved 1997 Dodge Ram camper van, Belle. The Takara took him 840 miles on a scenic tour of the coast of California. His feet helped him hitchhike from Western New York to Seattle, and his BMW and van covered countless miles from Maine to New Orleans; Akron, NY, to Arizona and everywhere in between. 

Marty was born on June 17, 1955, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Leonard and the late Emma Coffta. He was a 1973 graduate of Akron Central Schools and attended Erie Community College, where he studied electronics. Marty was the go-to mechanic at several places throughout his life including Darien Lake, Fisher Price, Eastman Kodak, Webster Plastics and Xerox. In between those gigs he showed off his fishing skills working on a trawler in Alaska. He also spent time working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, stuffing himself with oyster po’boys and enjoying the New Orleans nightlife.

Marty traveled light and loved hard, making friends, and creating memories wherever he went. He had a passion for live music and attended hundreds of concerts and shows in his lifetime. His wicked sense of humor stayed with him until the end. Marty truly loved nothing more than being able to make the people he loved laugh. In the last six years he fulfilled two lifelong dreams:  traveling to the Isle of Man to see the world-famous Tourist Trophy Motorcycle Race in 2019; and finding the perfect houseboat in the perfect spot on the Wolf River, near Partridge Lake in beautiful Fremont, Wis. He was a beloved fixture at Anchor Point Marina, where he mowed the lawn and was the center of the Marina’s summer social scene.

Through it all, he never lost touch with his beloved family, including his children Megan (Todd) Dennis and Matt (Brittany) Coffta; grandchildren Maddison and Mason Dennis and Bryn Coffta; his cherished brother Jim (Chris) Coffta; sisters Michelle (Randy) Hollander and Kathy (John) Coffta Sims; and his niece Amy (Ed) Collver. In his last days, he finally won the Collver-Coffta Sorry Tournament – besting his favorite great niece Hannah Collver in an epic showdown.

Marty is also survived by his sister Suzanne (Robert) Webster; and brothers Joseph (Darlene) Coffta and Jeffrey (Stephanie) Coffta; many nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  In addition to his mother, he was predeceased by his sister Carol Ann (Steve) Hill and nephew Kevin Coffta. 

There will be no calling hours. A private Memorial Service and epic party, featuring a playlist Marty created just for the occasion, will be held in his honor this spring. 

Marty’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice of Western New York, with a special thank you to his wonderful nurse Lex and his favorite social worker Maria. Please consider a donation in his name to this amazing organization – which brought great comfort to all in his final days. 

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Vincent Edward Speed age 85, of Homosassa FL, passed away on February 24th 2024. Vincent was born in Batavia, NY to the late Harold K. and Eunice M. Speed. He graduated from Oakfield HS in 1956, later graduating from the U. of Toledo earning 2 Engineering degrees.  He married wife Barbara Pioterek and returned to NYS where he worked for 15 yrs at Xerox in Engineering, Manufacturing and Distribution. He earned his MBA at RIT, where he later taught. After becoming a New Product Manufacturing Start-up Specialist, he moved to San Diego in 1983 to direct the manufacturing technical support for production of test equipment for the B-1B bomber at General Dynamics. In 1984, he married Edith Slebiota and worked for 12 additional companies around the country directing engineering and operations until his retirement from GM in 2002.  After retirement he moved to Florida and in 2014 found his final loving companions Bonnie Graves and Baxter.

He was predeceased by his sister Arlene Henderson and brothers Richard and Donald. He is survived by his children Kenneth and wife Deborah of NY; Terry and wife Kathleen of VA and Diana Caccamise of NY. He also leaves 3 grandchildren and a sister-in-law.  

Friends may call on Friday, March 8th from 11 am to 12 pm at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Services will immediately follow at 12 pm with burial at the SPEED family plot at Daws Corners Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a memory or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Maureen Kirby, 85, of Attica NY, passed away peacefully on February 28th, 2024 at Gateway Home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 25, 1938, daughter of the late Gerald & Mary (Kirsch) Sennott.

She was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Sennott.

Maureen is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Robert Kirby; children, Gregory Kirby of Mt Laurel NJ, Stephen (Jennifer Texter) Kirby of Amherst NY, Brian (Dr. Lori Bowman) Kirby of Orchard Park NY. She was a proud Grandmother to Alex, Tori, Emma, Chloe & Mari Kirby and Great Grandmother to Braxton Kirby. Maureen is also survived by many loving nieces & nephews.

Maureen was the Valedictorian of the class of 1956 at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, graduated from Rochester Business Institute and attended Genesee Community College. She worked at Sylvania GTE in the Government Aerospace Research Division before staying home to raise her children.
Maureen also worked at the US Post Office in Attica and Alexander NY before retiring in 1996.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. funeral Home, 403 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Maureen’s mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Joachim and Anne Catholic Church 50 East Ave Attica NY 14011. Burial will be at a later date in St. Vincent's Cemetery, Attica, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Maureen’s memory to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street Attica NY 14011 and Sts. Joachim and Anne Catholic Church 50 East Ave Attica NY 14011.

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

Corfu – Mildred VanZile, 75 of Corfu passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mildred was born on April 1, 1948 in Johnson City, Tennessee, a daughter of the late James Tolley and Minnie (Gladys) Eckridge. 

She enjoyed her dog, Peyton, anything that was purple, crafts, and watching Dr. Pol and Madea. Mildred retired from 76 Truck Stop where she worked as a cook until retiring.

Mildred will be remembered by her daughter, Constance Schirmer; grandchildren, Joshua Olowski, Nichole Rodriguez and Cheyenne Staats; great grandchildren, Annalise Rodríguez and Lamont Rodriguez; Siblings, Paul Tolley and Theodore “Teddy” Tolley; companion, Anthony “Tony” Jack, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Mildred will be reunited with her, parents, James Tolley and Minnie Eckridge, and her sister, Barbara Tolley.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner Funeral Home, Batavia. As per the families wishes there will be no services. Burial will at the convenience of the family at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu, NY.

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