Obituaries

Diane Lynn Dykstra, 68 of Oakfield passed away January 7th 2024 at home following a lengthy illness.

Diane was born in Batavia NY to the late Frank and Betty (Snyder) Yanik.

Diane grew up in Oakfield NY and graduated from Notre Dame high school in Batavia. She went back to college later in life to obtain her nursing degree. Diane’s last job before retirement was as a hospice nurse. Diane took pride in helping her patients and their families.

Besides nursing, Diane loved gardening, baking and most of all her family. Her grandkids were the apple of her eye.

Diane is survived by her husband James Dykstra of Oakfield, whom she married August 12 2006, and their faithful German shepherd Ada, daughter Nina (Ryan) Farnsworth of Bergen, son Philip Covey of Bergen, sisters; Rita (Cliff) Plouse of Oakfield, Laura (Al) Annis of Georgia, Linda Luft of Rochester, Mary Beth (David) Duseau of Massachusetts , brothers; John (Mary Kay) Yanik of Geneseo, and Judd (Kathy) Yanik of Batavia. Grandchildren Rider (Joelle) Farnsworth of Brockport and Madison (Rick Hubbard Jr) Farnsworth of Bergen. Her special Maine family. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Diane who was affectionately known as “Mom” to all of her children’s friends will be dearly missed by all.

There will be a celebration of life held on January 27th from 2:30 to 6:30 at the Byron Fire Hall, 6357 Townline Road, Byron NY 14422. Her family is encouraging all in attendance to wear purple in Diane's honor. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Diane’s honor to a hospice of your choice.

Larry Robert Motz, 67, of Oakfield NY, passed away on January 18, 2024. Larry was born on July 11, 1956.

Larry was an avid outdoorsman who found solace and joy in nature. He had a deep love for biking, hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his beloved grandchildren. Larry's passion for the outdoors was evident in the way he lived his life.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Jackie, and their children: Tracy, Brian (Barbara), Lisa (Aaron), and Daniel. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Ryan, Robert, Maeve, Jayden and Liam who brought immense happiness to his life, as well as brothers, Robert (Sharon) and James (Judy) and their families.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Ada, his father, Robert, and his stepfather, Leo. Their memories will forever be treasured by Larry's family.

In accordance with Larry's wishes, no memorial services will be held. His family will honor his memory privately, finding comfort together. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements for Larry are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Bernice Yunker of Elba passed away peacefully at home with family at her side on January 15, 2024 after a long illness. Married to her late husband, Carl Yunker of CY Farms, for 74 years. Born July 26, 1925 in Mineral City, Ohio as Bernice Beisheim, daughter of Ruth Boedeker Beisheim and Arthur Beisheim, a United Church of Christ minister. Bernice’s family moved from Ohio to WNY during WWII where her father pastored a church in Buffalo, NY. Eventually, Bernice studied art at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, and then at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She worked part-time at the DuPont Plant in Rochester as director of graphics to help the war efforts on the home front. Something of a tomboy, during a college summer break, she, her sister, and two girlfriends bicycled from Buffalo around Conesus Lake and back, demonstrating her adventurous spirit!. The following summer, Bernice went home to live with her folks in Bennington, New York, where her father had recently been selected to pastor a small rural church. It is there she met Carl Yunker, a local farmer and member of the church. He was on the selection committee and also involved in their youth ministry. After a 9 month courtship, she and Carl were married at St. John's Evangelical Church, in Dutch Hollow near Attica, on December 7, 1947.

After some exposure to life as a farm wife, Bernice moved with Carl and their two oldest children to Elba, and established a home on the ‘Merriman’ farm on Transit Road and then raised and nurtured their family of seven there. Bernice was the best of moms and also cared for others in the community. She used her creative gift as a visual artist to serve others and honor God. During her 74 years in Elba, Bernice supported Carl, her family and the community with kindness, energy and frankly, a lot of art and art lessons! She often told her children, “Music and art are the frosting on the cake of life!” Bernice was happiest when creating in her ‘Farmer’s Wife Studio’ built by Carl as a true act of his love for her.

Bernice loved life and met her days with energy and determination. Bernice enjoyed countless friendships and always found ways to serve others. Bernice was a faithful member of the Elba Presbyterian Church, the first woman on the Elba Central School Board, an artist of the Genesee Art Council and Batavia Society of Artists, a valuable volunteer for many years at The Arc of Genesee and the Genesee County Nursing Home teaching art lessons, and also volunteered at Hospice of Genesee. She also enjoyed giving private art lessons well into her 80’s.

Bernice Yunker (98 in July) is survived by her children Gail (Bruce) Bartlett of Arizona, Craig (Kimberly) Yunker of Elba, Chris (Annette) Yunker of Virginia, Joy (Mark) Mistur of Ohio, and Heidi (Anthony) O’Hara of Elba and her grandchildren: Josiah, Sarah, Rebecca, Cyrus, Christian, Katherine, Caroline, Constance, Otto, Elliot, Evan, Elisabeth, Jacob and Hannah. Bernice is also survived by her great grandchildren: Elsie, Annie, Connor, Jack, Charlotte, Dash, Fields, Keats, Craft, Riley, Maisie, Delia, Tristan, Linnea, Cairo, Alora, Bryant, Clyde, Eve, and Mila. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Carl Yunker; sister, Aurelia Brombacher; brother, Calvin Beisheim.

A memorial service for Bernice Yunker will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Elba, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Elba Presbyterian Church, 24 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058, HomeCare & Hospice of WNY, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Arc GLOW, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 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, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Bergen - Warren Pocock, 81 of Bergen passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.
 

Warren was born Monday, November 30th, 1942 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Robert B. and Lorna (VanSickle) Pocock.
 

He was a member of the Bergen United Methodist Church and served as finance chair for many years, participated in The Grange for over 50 years, took part in 4H, was a member of Genesee County Ag Society and held several positions through his 30 years of volunteering. He enjoyed farming, watching Westerns, and spending time with his family and friends. Warren was a connoisseur of ties, having just the right one for every occasion.
 

Warren graduated from Byron-Bergen Central School, Class of 1961, and was self-employed in dairy farming with his twin brother until retirement.
 

Warren will be remembered by his wife, Anne Pocock; children, Dawn (Ryeder) Dilcher, Heather (Ken) Nenni, and Brian (Laurie) Pocock; stepchildren, Christopher (Lisa) Ace, Michelle (Shane Underwood) Ace, Tammy Ace, and Yvonne (Leon) Wagoner; brothers, Wayne (Nancy) Pocock, Leon (Bonnie) Pocock, Carl (Candy) Pocock, and Merlyn (Marilyn) Pocock; sisters, Marie (David) Aradine and Grace (Eugene) Krenzer; 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, brother in law, William Boatman, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 

In death Warren is reunited with his parents, Robert and Lorna Pocock; sister Mary Jane Boatman and first wife, Sharon (Voorhees) Pocock Oderkirk.
 

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY. Warren's funeral service will be held at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY, on Thursday, January 25th, 2024 at 11:00 am. Burial will be immediately following the funeral services in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY 14416 or Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, 3841 W Main Street Rd, Batavia, NY 14020.
 

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

Irene G. Johncox,101, formerly of Depew, passed away on January 13, 2024 at the Wyoming County  Skilled Nursing Facility.

Irene was born September 27, 1922 in Alexander, a daughter of the late Harold and Joy (Wight) Goodman.

Irene was the oldest of five children and graduated from Alexander Central School in 1940.  She was married in 1941 to the late Clarence (Nibs) Johncox.  They began their lives together living in Buffalo, where she lived on her own while he served in World War II.  After the war they moved to Depew. She was once again on her own after his death in 2005, living in the same home for over 70 years. Irene worked in clerical work for many years, most recently with State Farm Insurance.  Following her retirement she served in many roles as a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Lancaster as well as reading, gardening, traveling and enjoying time with family and friends.

She was beloved by all who met her & cherished especially by her many nieces and nephews who will remember her welcoming smile and positive outlook on life & the blessing she was to each of them.

Surviving are her sister-in-law, Clara Johncox along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence Johncox; sisters, Lillian (Gerald) Bowen, Stella (Robert) Peck, Louise (Kenneth) Post; a brother, Kenneth (Susan) Goodman, nephew Leslie Goodman and nieces Barbara & Rosie Peck & Kate Hanobik.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where her service will be held at 11:00 a.m. also on Thursday.  She will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery, Darien.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 5505 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086.

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

Richard K. Heale, Sr., 83, born August 11, 1940, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday afternoon January 14, 2024, with his wife and daughter by his side.
 
Married to the love of his life, Alice May (Farrington) Heale for over 63 years, they had a special bond like none other, Richard graduated from Avon Central School class of 1958. He retired from Eastman Kodak after working 28 years, 15 years as a Supervisor. After retirement he enjoyed driving school bus for Byron-Bergen Central School for 13 years.
 
He loved his family deeply and was so proud of his 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren. He always enjoyed making people laugh and laughing with them.
 
He was a member of Batavia Assembly of God Church for many years where he taught Sunday School,  was a Commander in the Royal Rangers and a previous Board Member.
 
He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors but his favorite pass time was spending his time with all his family, and rooting on his favorite teams the Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees.
 
Richard was a devoted son of the Late Kenneth J Heale Sr. and Elizabeth (Bartz) Heale at 104 years old is still with us.
 
Surviving are his beloved Wife: Alice May (Farrington) Heale, Sons: Richard (Cindy) K Heale Jr , Randall (Barbara) Heale, Rodney (Debra) Heale, His favorite daughter: Cheryl (Heale) Filio.
Grandchildren: Benjamin (Robin) Heale, Randall (Jessie) Heale II, Melissa (Shawn) Fleming, Jessica (Chris) Wilke, Nathaniel Heale, Jordan (Jamie) Filio, Angelo Heale,  Dominic (Jamie Englerth) Filio, Anthony Filio. Great Grandchildren: Kadilyn, Blake, and Bryce Heale, Joseph and Elijah Wilke, Callie and Weston Heale, Sophia Heale. Sister’s: June Dixon, Sandra (John) Thompson. Brother in Law Richard Cervo, Sister in Laws: Ann Heale, Ruth Capeci, Karen Schwab. As well as many other family members.
 
Predeceased by, His father: Kenneth J Heale Sr, Brothers: Gary P Heale, Kenneth J Heale Jr. , Father & Mother In-Law: Lowell S Farrington, M. Martha (Darbee) Farrington, Sister in Law: Carol Cervo and Brother in Laws: Pasquelino Capeci, Donald Dixon.
 
Special thanks to Richard’s caregivers: Howard Hotze, Teresa Lyke and Carrie Mullen for their wonderful care while Richard was home.
 
We cannot thank the staff at the LeRoy Village Green enough for all the love, support and care given to Richard during his short stay there.
 
A private viewing at C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. in Corfu and private burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Darien. A memorial service for all will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, starting at 11am with a luncheon following at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 N. Spruce Street, Batavia, New York.

David John Futter, 65 of Batavia, formerly of LeRoy, lost his courageous battle with cancer on January 17, 2024 at his home.

David was predeceased by his parents, Martha (Fitzsimmons) and Walter Futter. His brother, Timothy Futter and his beloved grandfather Papper Fitzsimmons.

He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Vickie (Long) Futter. His children, Samantha Futter of Batavia, Kimberly Chatt of Batavia, Devon (Arianna) Chatt of Oakfield. Grandchildren, Ava, Gabrielle, Alahna, Aliah and Riley. Sister-in-law, Rachelle Futter. Nieces, Brandy, Rebecca, Nicole and Danielle. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Judy Long. Brothers-in-law, Bobby (JoAnne) Long, Jeff (Beckey) Long. Sisters-in-law, Bunnie Long, Cheryl (Mark) Stenger, Doreen (John) Borgal. “Best Bud”, Nan Olejniczak and many nieces and nephews.

David was employed at Angelica Textiles for 25 years. He enjoyed bowling for many years, going to local racetracks and NASCAR races, mowing lawns and watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts and fond memories at a Celebration of Life for Dave on Saturday (January 20^th) from 1-3pm at the St. Mary’s Church Hall (Lower level), 18 Ellicott Ave., Batavia, NY. 

Because of Dave’s love for the Buffalo Bills, the family asks all attending to please wear Buffalo Bills attire.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 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.

Pavilion N.Y. - David A. Nesbitt 67 passed away peacefully on January 15th at the Gateway Home after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

David was born on December 12, 1956, to Nan and the late Harold Nesbitt of Batavia N.Y.

David is survived by his mother, Nan; girlfriend Marsha Hoskins, a brother Thomas (Melanie) Nesbitt and a nephew Connor Nesbitt.

David (nicknamed Nez) graduated from Byron-Bergen Central school in 1975.  He loved sports and was on the B.B.C.S., soccer, basketball and golf teams.  In the spring of 1975, he culminated his high school sports career by playing on the New York State Section 5 Championship golf team. David was inducted into the B.B.C.S. Sports hall of fame in 2011.

He was also an accomplished bowler with many 300 games, and a high series of 846.  David had many league and tournament wins in the Batavia Bowling Association and traveled the country for many years bowling in the ABC National Tournament with fellow bowlers from the area. He was inducted into the Batavia Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2002

David was an Eagle Scout (Troop 1 Batavia) and was active in 4-H as a youngster.

He loved the Buffalo Bills and had season tickets for many years.  David was quite the sports card and autograph collector, and his collection took up many rooms in his home.

He enjoyed his many friendships and loved to make people laugh. David volunteered for as many activities as he could for Genesee Cancer Assistance in Batavia where he made many new friends.

His favorite saying was by a motivational speaker by the name of Josh Shipp:  You either get bitter or you get better, it's that simple. You either take what has been dealt to you and allow it to make you a better person, or you allow it to tear you down.  The choice does not belong to fate..............it belongs to you.

David retired from Batavia Restaurant Supply in 2018 where he had been employed for more than 30 years.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  David’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street.  David will be laid to rest at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials Genesee Cancer Assistance, 207 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/support-us or Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011, www.gatewayhomeattica.org.

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

Ann G. Straight “Van”

Newark—Ann G. Straight, 89, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at her home.

Friends may call from 4-7 PM on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home, 127 East Miller St. in Newark. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Michael Church, 401 S. Main St. Newark, NY. Burial will be in Newark Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials in her name may be made to: St. Michael Church, 401 S. Main St., Newark, NY 14513.

Ann was born in Mexico, ME, on October 10, 1934, the daughter of the late Albert and Rose Richard Gallant. For years, Ann, was a secretary at Kilpatrick & Cody Law Firm in DC. She married Wally Straight and raised three children in Honeoye Falls, NY. Ann was a communicant of St. Michael Church in Newark and a Mercy Associate at the Sisters of Mercy. She was a superb cook. 

Mrs. Straight is survived by a son Greg (Trish) Straight of Trenton, TX; two daughters Rev. Pamela (Wesley) Klotzbach of Basom, NY and Judy (Randy) Bouwens of Newark; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; a brother Joseph Albert Gallant; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of sixty-three years Wallace Straight in 2016; a grandson Brian Bouwens; two brothers Melvin and Francis Gallant. 
www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com

Laura Carney, daughter of the late Earle and Adda McColl Farrand, passed away January 15, 2024 at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Carney, daughter, Marcia Baxter and grandson, Jack Carney.  She was the sister of the late Alice Uhly Connor, the late sisters in law, Arlene Driscoll and Barbara Carney and brothers in law, Robert Carney and Walter Bailor.

    Surviving are her beloved five children; son in law, Bill Baxter, their children, Michelle Baxter and Cortney (Mat) Sanfilippo; daughter, Donna (Fern) Thompson and her children, Jamee (Denis) Naujokas and Mark (Cindy) Thompson; son, Norman (Cindy) Carney and his two sons, Christopher (Hema) Carney and Brett (Jessica) Carney; son, Richard Carney and his children, Jennifer Carney and Tyler (Estefania) Carney; son, Bruce (Lisa) Carney and his children, Elias Carney and Emily Carney; son, Donald (Mary) Carney and his children, Elizabeth (RJ) Mills, Ashley (David) Clark, Stefanie Carney, Joe Carney, Christine (Adam) Zuch and Becky Cowell.  Laura has twenty seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  She is survived by niece and nephew, Barbara and David Uhly of Virginia, as well as several other nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are sisters in law, Mary Louise Bailor and Shirley Carney, brothers in law, William Carney and Harold (Josie) Carney.

    Laura was a 1944 graduate of LeRoy High and graduate of Rochester Business Institute with a Medical Secretarial Degree and later Accredited Records Technician (ART) Degree.  She retired after many years from the Medical Records Department at the former Genesee Memorial Hospital in Batavia.

    Following her retirement, she was a volunteer at United Way and Red Cross and worked at Lovey Day Care.  Laura was a Life Member (confirmed in 1940), past Deacon and teacher of the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed her involvement with the Linwood Grange, Linwood Friendly Club, Poplar Corners Home and Garden Club, Pavilion Young at Heart Group, LeRoy Historical Society and the Essex Vermont Historical Group.

    She loved children and any activities concerning children.  Laura was a former 4-H leader, Girl Scout Leader, AFS parent to Ecuadorian student (Gonzalo), Fresh Air mom to Rosie and MaryAnn of the Bronx, Mom to Frank Shea and host to French Agricultural Students, Michel and Vincente.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed daily crossword puzzles and loved Genealogy.

    A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 20th at 11:00 AM.

    Memorials may be made to the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church, 7 Clay Street, LeRoy 14482 or United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020

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

Martha M. Spinnegan, 75, of Batavia passed away peacefully Friday January 12, 2023 at UMMC Hospice. 

She was born January 1, 1949 in Batavia, NY and was the first baby in the county for that year. She was the daughter of Francis “Hogan” and Eva (Townsend) Moran. 

After graduating from Notre Dame High School in Batavia she went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Rosary Hill College and then a Masters of Library Science from SUNY Geneseo. Martha was the director of the Richmond Memorial Library for 34 years. She was an active member in many community organizations such as Rotary Club of Batavia, The Jerome Foundation, and Go Art. She also earned several accolades such as the Paul Harris Fellow, Zonta Women of the Year, and the YWCA Fabulous Female. 

Her family and friends are what mattered the most to Martha. 

She married the love of her life, George, in 1972. They had a daughter Sarah Ruth in 1973. They welcomed a son in law Ryan in 2006, their grandson Camden in 2007 and grandson Griffin in 2010. Together, they made wonderful memories filled with laughter and love with their extended family and friends including scat games at 4 Fairmont, The Spinnegan Occasional Golf Tournament, and too many happy hours to count. It is her smile, laugh, and warmth that she will be remembered for most.

 Martha is survived by her husband George. Her daughter, Sarah (Ryan) Toni of North Carolina. Her grandsons, Camden and Griffin Toni of North Carolina. Her brothers, Tom and Jerry Moran of Batavia. Her sister, Patricia (Dan) Bence of Maine. Her brother and sister in laws, J. David (Bernie) Spinnegan of West Seneca and Robert (Sandy) Spinnegan of Rochester. Her nieces, Megan (Lee) Bahas of Clarence, Gretchen Bence of Penn Yan, and Katrina (Eric) Rutherford of Maine. Her nephews, Michael Moran of Washington DC, Danny (Ashley) Davis of Las Vegas, and Jason and Aaron (Falynn) Spinnegan both of West Seneca.

Calling hours will be Thursday January 18 from 3:00 -7:00 at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at  10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia on Friday January 19th. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library, Jerome Foundation, or the United Memorial Medical Foundation. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Louis J. Marchese, 94 of Batavia, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Batavia, to the late Felix and Antoinette (Parrinello) Marchese. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph, Samuel and Anthony Marchese, Rose Antinore, Marie Tiberio and Catherine Cianfrini; brothers-in-law, Frank, James Jr and Samuel Capuano. 

Mr. Marchese was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired from Coca-Cola in Rochester. Louis loved to dance, cook, exercise and gamble, especially playing cards. He enjoyed his time with family and friends. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years; Joan (Capuano) Marchese, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to 9:30am Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visitww.gilmartinfuneralhome.com Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 west Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Michael A. Napolitano, 30 of Florida, passed away  Monday, January 8, 2024.

He was born April 15, 1993, a son of Michael Napolitano and Angelina Petrucelli.

Surviving besides his parents are his grandparents, Joseph and Kathy Napolitano and Gail Gerritz. Siblings, Sophia and Raymond; stepsiblings, Antonina and Donte. Michaels twin boys, Lucha and Noha. Also survived by several cousins, aunts and uncles that will miss him.

He was predeceased by his grandfahter, Richard Petrucelli.

He lived many years in Yonkers and Eastchester, NY then finally moving to Florida where he worked for many years at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Mike helped so many and people loved his kindness and smile. He enjoyed working out at the gym and fishing.

Funeral services will be privately held in Eastchester, NY.

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020.

Donald E. Burke, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Unity Hospital surrounded by his children.

He was born on August 24, 1935 in Rochester a son of the late George Burke and Lucille Helmbold Burke.

Don earned his Master’s in Social Work degree from SUNY Buffalo and ultimately retired as the Executive Director of the Mary Cariola Children’s Center in Rochester after 20 years of service. A longtime parishioner of St. Brigid Church in Bergen, he was active in many of their ministries and served as a trustee to the church for many years.  Don was also instrumental in the formation of the church's bereavement ministry. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play.  After retirement Don travelled extensively with his late wife, Pat.  The greatest joy in his life were his children and grandchildren.  He was a frequent babysitter and then spectator at all athletic and extra-curricular activities of his grandchildren.  Don loved to cook and entertain and was very well known for the many parties he and Pat enjoyed hosting.

His wife, Pat M. Lawlor Burke, passed away on May 13, 2023.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Cindy) Burke of Bergen, Brian (Cary) Burke of Canandaigua and Kevin (Gina) Burke of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Lauren and Madison Burke, Genna, Mason and Cole Burke and Valarie (Sam) Grow; his brother, David (Stephanie) Burke of Bergen; sisters, Kathleen (Langton) Bentley of Rochester, Patricia (John) Swapceinski of Bergen and Peggy (late Jim) Ammann of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his grandsons, Edward (Teddy) Burke and Tyler Burke.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 3 pm to 6 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 am at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. He will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. Brigid's Bereavement Ministry, c/o Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, New York 14482. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

**AT THE REQUEST OF THE BURKE FAMILY, PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME IN VISITING HOURS**