Obituaries

Batavia - Norma Newton, 94 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, (January 29, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs. Newton was born August 18, 1929 in Medina, a daughter of the late George and Margaret (Stillwell) Goldsmith.

Norma loved Elvis, and was lucky enough to see him in concert as a young woman. She had a very special place in her heart for local Elvis tribute artist Terry Buchwald. She would go to any carnival, fair or lawn fete in the region especially if they had a parade. No one loved a parade better than she did, particularly the marching bands- Mighty St. Joe's and the Alexander Fireman's Band were her favorites.

Norma is survived by her sons, John (Tammy) Newton of Batavia, David Newton of Basom, and Tom (Vicki) Newton of Batavia; grandchildren, Angela Newton, Patrick (Amanda Utley) Newton, Sarah (Dennis Saporito) Newton, Jenna (Kermit Demmer) Newton, Hannah Newton, and Allan Goodell; great-grandchildren, Adeline Newton, Jillian Utley, Tyler Newton, Liam and Luna Saporito, Aimee and Carter Demmer. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with her parents, Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Newton; brother, George Goldsmith; sisters, Muriel Goldsmith, Dorris Buttons, and Joanne Scroger.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (February 9, 2024)  from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial for Norma will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, (February 10, 2024) from Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 211 Eagle Street in Medina.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Medina.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.  

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

Frank Lord, a beloved member of the Batavia community, left this world on January 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Frank was born on June 9, 1965, in Batavia to parents Frank Lord Sr and Barbara (Ferringer) Lord. He spent his formative years in Batavia, where he developed a deep affection for his hometown, sports, and music. His passion for sports and music was unmatched, and he shared his enthusiasm with everyone around him.

While a student at Batavia High School, Frank excelled as both a football and track star. He led his teams to multiple state championships, earning himself a well-deserved spot in the Batavia sports hall of fame. Even after his own athletic career, Frank continued to inspire as a coach for various sports teams, including the Batavia Ramparts and Batavia Youth Football. Through coaching, he instilled in countless young athletes the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Beyond the sports arena, Frank was also an accomplished race car driver and mechanic. He raced at local tracks such as Perry Speedway, Genesee Speedway, and Limerock Speedway, creating unforgettable memories with friends and family in the garage on Pearl Street.

Frank's vibrant personality and infectious laughter lit up any room he entered. He cherished spending time with friends and family, making each person feel valued and important. His open-mindedness and acceptance of people from all walks of life left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
In his later years, Frank enjoyed savoring moments with loved ones over a cup of coffee, attending comic cons, auto shows, and indulging in his hobbies of history, collecting sports cards, playing video games, and spending time with his dear friend, Frankie.

Frank will be deeply missed by his sons, Christopher (Kirrin) Cook of Lockport, Frank Ryan Lord of Warsaw, Nicholas (Taylor) Lord of Batavia, Dylan (Anna) Gossett of North Carolina, and Jessie Ray Lord of Batavia, as well as his grandsons, Jameson, Carson, and Edmund. He is also survived by his sister, Paula (Steve) Kingdollar, brother, Fred (Tammy Ball) Lord, an uncle, Paul (Patti) Lord, an aunt, Mary Pedone, and close family Joanie, Janette, and Paulie, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and enough friends to fill a book with.

Frank is predeceased by his grandparents Frank and Ruth (Smith) Lord, Craig and Elanor (Buckley) Ferringer, parents Frank Sr. and Barbara (Ferringer) Lord, an uncle, Fred Lord, and an aunt, Joanne.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Frank's life on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. at the Polish Falcons of Batavia, 123 South Swan Street, Batavia. Please join us in honoring Frank's memory with casual attire, as he would have preferred. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Niagara Hospice,4675 Sunset Dr Lockport New York 14094. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, 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.

Pauline J. Hensel, 71 of Batavia, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

James D. Woodworth, age 77, of LeRoy, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, January 31, 2024 in the loving arms of his twin daughters.

     James was born January 24, 1947 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Deane and Louise Woodworth.  

   Woody grew up in the small town of Morganville, NY and was a LeRoy HS graduate, Class of 65’. He enlisted in the USAF fall of 67’ and served until the summer of 73’ as an aircraft mechanic. He proudly served his one year tour at Korat Royal Thai AFB, May, 1969 thru May, 1970 as a crew chief working with F-4E Phantom Fighter/Bombers on the fight line. Woody was well known and respected by his community as he serviced so many through his handiwork of plumbing and construction over the years. He was a loving father and a special friend to those closest to him. Always taking great pride in his family and work. He had an outrageous sense of humor, cleverness and attention to detail. Woody was always the life of the party. His pride and joy were his twin daughters (5:59 and 6:01) and his five beautiful grandchildren.

     He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Caroline (Andrew) Costa, Rebecca (Stephen) Saeva; grandchildren Christopher (10), Aiden (8) and Liam Costa (4), Gabrielle (G Pa’s “Queen” 9) and Evan Saeva (7); Sister Susan (Jim) Moore and Step-sister AnnMarie Ellis, nieces Kimberly Dubois, Carrie Pearce and nephew Johnny Gioia.

     He was predeceased by his sister Sherry Louise Woodworth (2010), Step-Mother Elsie M. Woodworth (2014) and step-brother John C. Ellis (2015).

     Graveside Services and Military Honors for Woody will take place on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 AM at the Morganville Cemetery, Morganville Road, Stafford, N.Y.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Batavia - Roxanne M. Redden, 58 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (January 3, 2024) at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester.

Ms. Redden was born July 8, 1965 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Leonard and Penny Redden.

Roxanne was a television aficionado and greatly enjoyed watching shows like Gordon Ramsey and Master Chef. The true joy of her life however, was spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Mark Constable, Jr. of Batavia, Christopher Laird of Rochester, and Kayleen Laird of Batavia; grandchildren, Kameron, Khloie, and Karson Laird.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Roxanne's name to the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy ~ JoAnn C. O’Geen, age 80, formerly of Franklin Avenue, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at the Wyoming County Community Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw.   

  She was born April 1, 1943 in Corning, NY, a daughter of the late Wade and Kathryn Betzer Cotter.

     JoAnn will be remembered as a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She “was always there” when someone needed something.

    She will be sadly missed by her sons, Mark (Sarah) Tomaszewski and Hon. Donald O’Geen (Debra Owens); granddaughters, Conor (Travis) Bleier, Krysta Tomaszewski, Anna O’Geen and Leah O’Geen; sisters, Cathryn (Patrick) McCay and Deborah L. Smith; brother, Thaddeus (Maritas) Cotter; brother-in-law, Mark Giesler, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Philip J. O’Geen; sister, Teresa W. Giesler and brother, Ronald Earl Cotter.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, May 18, from 10 AM ~ 12 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. Interment and graveside prayers will immediately follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with contributions in memory of JoAnn going to Wyoming County Community Skilled Nursing Facility’s “Activities Fund”, 400 N. Main Street, Warsaw, N.Y. 14569.

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

Thomas P. (Tom) Havens, a resident of Brockport, NY, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Hospital. 

Tom was born on May 13, 1944, in Maryland to the late Chester and Kathryn Havens. He spent his early childhood years in New York before moving with his family to the Honey Pot section of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.

After graduating from Nanticoke High School, Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Mansfield College and a master’s degree in education from SUNY Geneseo. A lifelong history enthusiast, he dedicated his career to educating others and taught a variety of history classes at Attica High School from 1966-1993. During his tenure, Tom served as a class advisor, track and field coach (including coaching the 1971 team that was inducted into the Attica Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021), and wrestling coach, earning the affectionate nickname "TH" from his students.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by brother Terrance (Terry) Havens and brothers-in-law Frank Mutrynowski, George Perkins, George Kalweit, and Bernie Panasiewicz.

Tom is survived by his two children, Brian Havens of Batavia, NY, and Jocelyn (Havens) Sikorski, and granddaughters Paige and Peyton Sikorski of Alexander, NY.  Additionally, he is survived by his longtime partner, Lynda Morrill of Brockport, her children Lawrence (Larry) Richmond, Lisa Richmond, Raelene Richmond, and Daniel Richmond, along with their grandchildren. 

Tom was the second oldest of 13 siblings and is survived by sisters Sandra Mutrynowski (Nanticoke), Patricia Kalweit (Virginia Beach, VA), Kathy Panasiewicz (Larksville), Darla Perkins (Hunlock Creek), Sharon Ostopowicz (Nanticoke), Peggy Ostopowicz (Nanticoke), Debra Havens (Honey Pot), Maureen Honeychurch (Nanticoke), and brothers Mike Havens (Nanticoke), Shawn Havens (Phoenix, AZ), and Kevin Havens (Larksville). He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, whom he cherished. 

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends will gather for celebrations of Tom's life this spring in both New York and Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Attica Athletic Hall of Fame or Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong 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 VAE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Batavia - Linda A. Reilly, 80, of Batavia, New York, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Mrs. Reilly was born on Friday, April 9th, 1943 in Orangeville, New York, a daughter of the late Donald Glor and Marjorie (Strange) Glor.

After graduating high school, Linda married the late Robert S. Reilly, enjoying 53 years of marriage.

Linda enjoyed gardening, having planted many beautiful flowers. Linda was a loyal, devoted servant of God, demonstrating unwavering faith even in her final days.

Surviving are her children, Kevin (Debra) Reilly of York, and Todd (Deb) Reilly of Albion; grandchildren, Connor, Brady, Sydney and Ty Reilly; and brother, Paul (Rhonda) Glor of South Carolina.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her late beloved husband Robert.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Pavilion ~ Passed away on Tuesday, January 30th with his loving wife, Deborah by his side.    

 He was born to George and Marion Hall on September 29^th, 1943 in Olean NY.

     George lived his life to the fullest and by his own rules.  He worked making prosthetics at the Amputee Treatment Center in Batavia NY, helping people and changing lives.

     George made friends anywhere he went, passed on his words of encouragement and wisdom to all who needed it. He loved with his whole heart and touched many lives.

     George will be remembered and truly missed by his family and friends.

     George is survived by his wife, Deborah J. Hall; daughters Milissa, Michelle and Elizabeth (Daniel) Murphy; grandchildren, Noah T. Poteat, Olivia M. Murphy and Daniel J. Murphy II; siblings; Michael (Terri) Hall, Ellen Guptill and Frank and Ann Capuano; special friends, Michael Love and Phil Thrall, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     As per George's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services.  Instead, please raise a toast in his honor!

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

Norma J. Demmer, “The PurpleLady”, beloved mother and grandmother was born on September 9, 1951 and was taken from us too soon on January 28, 2024.

Born to Esther Mae Demmer and Frank William Demmer in Batavia, NY, she grew up on Columbia Avenue. She was a sister to two brothers, Pete Demmer and the late Lyle Demmer. She is survived by her children, Marcia M. Graves (Robynn), Marcus M. Demmer, Frank W. Demmer II; Grandson Cory R. Graves (Laura) and great-grandson Avery R. Graves; Bridgette Norton (Ninjette) and many dear friends.

Norma was a scholar of Holistic Medicine, Certified Natural Health Professional, Steward for the Church of Latter-Day-Saints, 3^rd degree Black Belt in Isshin-ryu, Genealogical Research Educator, retiree from Verizon and drove school bus for Student Transportation of America.

Norma loved to sew, fish, water ski, horseback riding, studying iridology and everything purple.

There is so much that happened between the dates she lived and there is simply no way we could possibly reiterate the life Norma led in a single paragraph. Norma would light up a room when she walked in and empowered all those she encountered to be a better version of themselves through faith, family and good health.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 1:00pm at the Church of Latter-Day Saints, 601 North Street, Batavia, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Collamer-Jones Karate School. 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.

Barbara A. Amico, 82 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born September 12, 1941 in Rochester, to the late Samuel and Katherine (Zelazny) Sallome. She is predeceased by a son, Mark Amico. 

Mrs. Amico retired from Pembroke Gift Company. She was a member of Batavia Twirlers square dancing club. Mrs. Amico was very passionate about her family. 

She is survived by sons, Richard and Joseph Amico both of Batavia, daughter-in-law, Corinne Amico of Lockport, brother, Samuel (Mary Jane) Sallome of Bataiva, 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty St. Ste 6, 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.  

Agnes Marie Nelson, 87, died on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Mrs. Nelson was born on September 2, 1936 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Marguerite Fitzgerald
McDivitt and the late John Fitzgerald. 

Agnes was a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church and retired Accounts Receivable
Clerk for Genesee County. Her last 2 years she resided in Clarence, NY at the Brothers of Mercy Campus but was a resident of Corfu, NY for over six decades. She graduated from Corfu High School in 1954, where she won the DAR Good Citizen Award for 1954, was a member of the Four
Leaf Clover 4H Club and was the cherry pie baking champion of Genesee County when she was 16 years old.

She is survived by her husband Donald A. Nelson, whom she was married to for 68 years. She is predeceased by her brother John Fitzgerald and her two sister, Shirley Winters and Kathy Sobczak.

Surviving are her three daughters, Christine (Scot) Nelson-Tuttle of Alden, NY; Cheryl (Joe) Wolf of
Brewster, NY and Laurie Ramsey of Cheektowga, NY; five grandchildren, Joshua (Naomi) Ramsey of Milton, FL, Ryan (Haley) Tuttle of Bliss, NY, Patrick (Casey) Tuttle of Alden, NY, Kellen Wolf and Jillian Wolf of Brewster, NY and two great granddaughters, Rhea Ramsey and Allie Ramsey of Milton, FL. Agnes was the sister of Jane (Ray) Ehrmentraut of Churchville, NY, Mike (Debbie) McDivitt of Hilton, NY and DeEtta (Frank) Silvestro of Clarence, NY. She is also survived by many 
nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY 14056. Brunch will immediately follow at
the church hall directly across from the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that all memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished c/o St. Maximilian Kolbe Church 18 West Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036.

Batavia - Thomas "TJ" Wolcott, 39 of Batavia passed away on Friday, January 25, 2024 at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York.

TJ was born Thursday, March 29th, 1984 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Kim Wolcott and Yvonne (Welsh) Wolcott. 

He enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking, and working on cars. He loved to tell jokes and spend time with his family. TJ was often nicknamed "Dozer", because of his ability to fall asleep anywhere.

He will be remembered by his children, Joseph Wolcott and Khloe Wolcott; mother, Yvonne Wolcott; siblings, Anthony (Kathrine) Wolcott and Casandra (Michael) Kinne; nephews, Trey Wolcott, Devon Wolcott, Tucker Moore, Eric Moore, and in the lives of everyone who has known him.

In death TJ is reunited with his father, Kim Wolcott, and brother, Andrew Wolcott. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith funeral home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. 

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

Florence V. Pontillo, 94 of Batavia passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born March 18, 1929 in Batavia to the late James and Florence (Falkowski) Sformo. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Frank “Windy” Pontillo and second Charles Poteat, siblings, Genevieve (George) Jacobs, Helen (Peter) deJongh, James (Lena) Sformo, Larry (Linda) Sformo and Alice Sformo.  

Flo worked as a beautician, learning her trade at Viola’s Beauty Shop in Batavia. She began working at Gilmartin Funeral Home when it opened in 1955 and stayed for three generations of Funeral Director’s retiring after 60 plus years. Flo was past President of VFW Post 1602 Ladies Auxiliary. She loved to travel, go to the casino, spend time with her family and will be remembered for her fantastic sense of humor.

She is survived by her son Michael “Goose” (Deborah) Pontillo of Batavia, grandsons, Frank (Lola) Pontillo of Liberty Hill, TX; Vincent (Brooke) Pontillo of Batavia, four great-grandchildren, Angelina, Serena, Benjamin and Nina, sisters, Lorraine (Karl) Dilcher, Marcy (Fran) Wiecher, Rosemary (Walter) Christian, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Ronald J. Snyder Sr, 87, of Elba, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024 at NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia. He was born July 18, 1936 in Alabama, NY to the late Charles J. and Marjorie (Spencer) Snyder. He is preceded in death by a son Gerald Snyder and four siblings, Betty, Vera, Bob and Gene.

Mr. Snyder was a proud United States Army Veteran. He was a self-employed truck driver after driving for Ragu Foods for over 20 years. In his younger years he enjoyed square dancing and was a member of Batavia Twirlers. Mr. Snyder loved camping, and watching sports especially football and hockey.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Luella (Hough) Snyder of Elba, children, Ronald (JoAnn) Snyder Jr of Elba, Brenda (the late Tim) Kelso of Spartanburg, SC; James (Diane) Snyder of Elba, Marylou Porter of Brockton, Raymond (Kelly) Snyder of Batavia, Richard (Chris) Snyder of Batavia, Thomas (Tammy) Snyder of Lyndonville, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. He will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.    

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia, Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.