Obituaries

Oakfield- Michael Holmes of Oakfield, NY. Michael Holmes passed quietly in his sleep on Friday, December 22nd.

He was born on March, 25, 1955 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Lucille and Thomas Holmes.

He is predeceased by his parents, Lucille and Thomas; his stepson Daniel Bosley; and grandson Darrell Black.

Michael is survived by his wife Mary (Jonathan); his sisters, Marcia Tolman (Holmes), Mary Sue, and brother, Mark; his stepchildren Burnet (Marlene) Black, Laureen Johnson, Karen Soccio, Dorinda (Bill) Foos, Jodie Judd and daughter-in-law, Laura Murray; his nephews Matthew (Anne) and Terence Tolman; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins and good friends.

Upon graduation from high school, Michael served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in September of 1975 from a naval base in Newfoundland, Canada.  Michael worked several places over his lifetime including farm work, truck driving, and spent several years at AC Delco in Rochester, NY from which he retired. Upon retirement he worked part-time at Home Depot and Walmart. Michael enjoyed camping, fishing, Sunday football and spending time with his family.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on Friday, December 29, 2023 at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 401 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral services for Michael will be from 11:30 pm to 12:30 pm on Friday, December 29, 2023, at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 401 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020, with a funeral procession will follow to the Western NY National Cemetery at 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in honor of Michael Holmes to his daughter-in-law’s family due to the hardship placed on them from Daniel Bosley’s recent passing to: https://www.gofundme.com/93gs24-michael-holmes

Pasquale Fenello, 82, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Grand in Batavia. He was born December 2, 1941 in Batavia to the late Frank and Antoinette Fenello. He is preceded in death by siblings, Filomena Marshall, Vito and Frank Fenello Jr, brothers-in-law, Frank Olivieri and Robert Marshall, sister-in-law, Helen Fenello.

Mr. Fenello worked at Denny’s in Geneseo, after he retired he moved back to Batavia. He lived at Washington Towers before going to the Grand.

He is survived by his sister, Lucille Olivieri of Batavia, along with nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.   

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of his Life will be held privately for the family only. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.    

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Activities Fund, 257 State Street, 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.

Attica - Bonnie J. Stockholm, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and dedicated volunteer passed away peacefully on December 21, 2023 at the age of 83.

Bonnie was born on August 31, 1940, in Batavia and attended Attica Central School.  She spent the majority of her career at Metropolitan Life where she and retired as Branch Manager. 
Bonnie became an avid traveler at a young age; independently adventuring to foreign countries around the globe.  She developed a second family of fellow travelers and together, they made their way around the world exploring cultures and history.  While Germany was her love, she made her way through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.  At home, her family relived these moments through photos, stories, and cultural apparel of the nations visited that she always returned with for her nieces and nephews.  

Bonnie was known for her love of Hummels and was a lifelong collector.  She explored the history of Hummels, the artist Sister Berta Hummel, and the history of how WW II impacted the convent and her beloved figurines.  This love took Bonnie to Germany nearly every year to visit the Hummel factory.  She would attend her favorite Christmas Markets and the once a decade Oberammergau Passion Play in Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany.  

While always a volunteer, later in life Bonnie became an unstoppable force that dedicated herself to many causes.  She volunteered for many organizations for over 60 years and considered herself blessed to have the ability to help others. If anyone in her community needed help, whether it be a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or errands to run, she made herself available. Bonnie started volunteering shortly after high school because she always thought it was the right thing to do. She watched both of her parents give to the community, and it sparked her journey.

Bonnie was the Attica Representative to the Wyoming Co. Office for the Aging Advisory Council, and the Treasurer of the Attica Senior Club where she focused much of her time planning trips for the Senior Citizens in her community. Her biggest volunteer endeavor was her work with the Trinity United Methodist Church in Attica, holding many positions within the church and participating on numerous committees. She was a trustee and served on the Finance Committee, spent many hours working on fundraisers within the church to benefit not only the church community, but the town of Attica as a whole.

Bonnie had no children of her own but has taken many kids under her wing and considers herself a grandma by default.  Bonnie was predeceased by her parents Jack and Dorothy (Wayman) Stockholm, sister Sally Stockholm Cowan, and grandnephew Johnny Miller. Bonnie is survived by her brother John Stockholm and his wife Mary Stockholm of Lehigh Acres, Florida; niece Bonnie (Cowan) Butz of Nazareth Pennsylvania; Susan (Cowan) Saulnier and husband John of Billerica, MA; Lisa (Stockholm) Harrison and husband Aaron of Roanoke, Texas; Jay Stockholm and wife Lyn of Attica NY; Stacy Stockholm of Lehigh Acres, Florida; grandnieces and nephews Ryan O’Connor, Carey Schmidt Tanzola, Katie O’Connor Smith, Tracy Schmidt, Meghan O’Connor, Harley Butz, Aidan Lynn, and Charlie Miller; as well as great-great nephews and niece, Bennett Smith, Keegan O’Connor, and Charlotte Tanzola.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the staff at Wyoming Community Health Systems Skilled Nursing Facility.  Your care and support for Bonnie was monumental for both her and our family.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday (December 27, 2023) from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street in Attica, where Bonnie's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Attica Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or the Stevens Memorial Library, 146 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Arrangements were entrusted to Marley Funeral Home in Attica. Please leave a message of condolence at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Mary J. (Richley) Kocol, age 88, died peacefully on December 20, 2023, with family present. She was the daughter of Henry & Christine Richley. Mary was a passionate gardener, and enjoyed sewing, bird feeding & viewing, reading, puzzles, and family camping trips. She especially enjoyed time with family and hosted several reunions.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Adam of 53 years, sisters Betty Hofmaster, and Barbara (David) Hennig.
Survivors include, children Teresa Pickett, Thomas (Barbara) Kocol, and Ann Marie (Steve) Rodland. Siblings June (David) Pann, Ronald (Priscilla) Richley, Sandy McMullen, and Darrell (Linda) Richley. Grandchildren Jason (Kate Boylan) Pickett, Alanna Snodgrass, Lindsay (Brandon) Comstock, Brandon (Georgia Ann Tretyak) Kocol, Adam (Rachel) Kokot, and Justin Rodland.  9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews also survive.

Family will receive family and friends Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will be at 11a.m. on Thursday, December 28th at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Crittenden, NY.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Pembroke Fire District, PO Box 632 Corfu, NY 14036;  Corfu United Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Attica - Fern M. Schmidt, 90 of Attica, passed away on Wednesday, (December 20, 2023) at her home surrounded by her family under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

Mrs. Schmidt was born May 20, 1933 in Attica, a daughter of the late Herman E. and Fannie (Nelson) Whitcomb.

Fern was a retiree of Attica Correctional Facility and a life long member of the Attica First Baptist Church where she was a Deaconess and organist. She was a member of the Women's Christian Club and enjoyed caring for her family.

Along with her parents, Fern is reunited in death with her husband, George R. Schmidt, Sr.; son, George R. Schmidt, Jr.; and brother, Allen "Rev." Whitcomb.

Surviving are her daughters, Brenda Rosenthal of Edgewater, Florida, and Judy King of Attica; grandchildren, Rachel (Sebastian) Rizza, Gary Hancock, Daniel (Christa) Hancock, Shauna (Brian) Marsceill, and Hunter King. Six great-grandchildren and a cousin, Arnold Sprague of Attica also survive.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held in the spring and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020 or Attica First Baptist Church, 3 Prospect Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Arrangements for Fern were entrusted to the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home. Please leave a message of condolence at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Mildred I. Graff, 95 of Lyndonville and formerly of Akron, passed away peacefully on Friday (December 15, 2023) at the Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina, NY. 

She was born March 11, 1928 in the Town of Newstead, a daughter of the late Daniel and Susan Miller Mast. 

 Mildred grew up and lived in Akron with her late husband Carlton where they raised their four children. She was a full-time homemaker which enabled her to care for her children at home, which she loved so much. Upon Carlton's retirement they relocated to Lyndonville where they would live out the remainder of their lives. She was a longtime member of St. Johns Lutheran Church of Akron and then St. Johns Lutheran Church of Lyndonville. She enjoyed travelling, sewing and crocheting. Millie also enjoyed taking care of her flowers and gardens around her home. 

She was predeceased by her husband Carlton Graff who passed away October 24, 1992 and her sisters, Alice Hendry and Ruth Crane. 

Survivors include her children, Craig (Judy) Graff of Tennessee, Linda (Lawrence) Randall of Medina, Duane Graff of Akron and Keith Graff (Deanna Borden) of Akron. Grandchildren, Karrie, Adam, Coty, Katie, Alex, Erin and Taylor. Sisters, Arlene Wolak of Attica, Mary Penninger of North Carolina, Carol Webster of Akron and Doris Brand of Ohio. Brother, Paul (Candice) Mast of South Carolina. Also survived by several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at a future date to be announced. 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.

Batavia - On December 14th, 2023, Sally J. Schoenthal, 88, of Batavia, New York, passed away at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Batavia.

Sally was born in Attica on July 25, 1935, a daughter of the late Donald Meisner and Erma (late Robert) Pozvary Meisner Sheehan. She married Edwin Schoenthal in 1955 and worked as a telephone operator for New York Telephone in Batavia.

Sally attended Batavia United Methodist Church, and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary in Stafford and Bethany Fire Departments. She was an avid organ player for churches in Batavia, Stafford, and Morganville, even playing while in the nursing home. She also loved bingo, and adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, being greatly involved in their lives.

Sally is survived by her daughter, Judy Sanders (Fairbanks) Luster of Batavia; grandchildren, Jeremy Fairbanks, Jessie (Kelly) Thater, Todd (Mary) Fairbanks, Andy (Wendy) Thater, and Jason Long; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas (late Connie) Meisner of Attica; and sister-in-law, Gloria (late Edward) Lewis.

In addition to her parents, Sally is predeceased by her daughter, Deborah Ann (late Edward) Long; grandson, Eric Fairbanks; brothers, Jack Meisner, Robert (late Joyce) Meisner, and Richard Meisner.

Family and friends may call on Monday, December 18, at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., where Sally's funeral service will immediately follow. Burial at Reed Cemetery in Oakfield will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stafford United Methodist Church at 6134 Main Street, PO Box 819, Stafford, NY 14143, and to the Activities fund at Premier Genesee (c/o Julie Paradiwski) at 278 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Mary Jameson Maser, 92 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at LeRoy Village Green. She was born April 10, 1931 in Huddersfield, England, to the late Jack and Winifred (Rogers) Jameson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Maser, sisters, Nellie Watkins, Peggy Holder and Renee Brownhill.

Mrs. Maser worked for many years as a Certified Nurses Assistant at Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia. 

Mary is survived by her beloved children, Matthew (Charlotte) Maser, Jennifer (John) Ott, Christopher (Kyle) Maser, Melissa Moore, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. “Keep calm and carry on, tally ho.”  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Marilyn M. Britton, 95 of Bennington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 9, 2023 at Gateway Home in Attica. She was born July 7, 1928 in North Tonawanda to the late Harold and Inez (Burtch) Scott. She is preceded in death by husband, Ralph Schuld and husband George Britton, son Randy Schuld.

Mrs. Britton worked for many years at Dr. H. Subramanian’s office in Buffalo. Her joys in life were family, sewing, reading, crocheting and travel. Mrs. Britton enjoyed making items and donating them to Angel Action and Buffalo City Mission.

She is survived by her beloved children, Diane (Robert) Franczak of Myrtle Beach, SC, Karen (Peter) Haen of Depew, Wende (David) Reiner of Bennington, daughter-in-law, Vincenza Schuld of Parish, NY; siblings, Dean (Cheryl) Scott of Sonoma, CA, Richard (the late Kathy) Scott of Weeki Wachee, FL, Barbara (Jeffrey) Manning of Lewiston, NY, Sue (Ted) Frake of Winston Salem, NC, 10 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway House, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or to Bennington Rescue Squad, 1353 Route 354, Attica, NY 14011. 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.

Mary “Nani” Barone, 96 of Batavia, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, December 11, 2023. She was born December 18, 1926 in Batavia, to the late Salvatore and Concetta (Parrinella) Zito. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Barone, daughter, Maryann Barone, siblings, Harry, Frank, Emmanuel, John, Joseph and Anthony Zito, Josephine Paladino and Anna Amato.

Mrs. Barone worked for many years as a Beautician and a Lunch Aide at John Kennedy Elementary and Batavia High School. She was a woman of great faith, volunteering at St. Anthony’s Church, CCD Teaching Award winner, President of the Lawn Fete, member of Altar & Rosary Society, St. Michael’s Society and Paulo Busti Cultural Foundation.

Mrs. Barone was an avid reader, loved ceramics, crocheting and slot machines. She loved family dinners on Sunday’s and her family will miss her famous cannoli’s. Her granddaughter Izzabella Barone took great care of her.

Mary is survived by her beloved children, Sandra (Thomas) Natoli of Plainfield, IL, James L. (the late Marie) Barone of Las Vegas, Pamela (Abraham) Martinez of Batavia, Joseph (Rhonda) Barone of Batavia, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 4 to 8pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:00am on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the Funeral Home, followed by a 9:30am Mass of Christian Burial, Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott St, Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

John M. Pauly (82) of Elba, NY went to be with his Savior on December 8, 2023. His wife of 61 years, Martha (Ville) was at his side. 

John was born to Anthony and Carol Pauly on March 26, 1941 in Buffalo, NY. He worked for many years at his family's business, West Metal Works as a sheet metal worker. He was an avid boater and enjoyed both boat racing and recreational boating throughout his life. 

John had three children, Lynne, Debby and Kelli, along with grandchildren Jo, Lindsey, Micah, Travis, Jonathan, Mary, Amber, Claudia, Jules and Kindrah. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Ginny and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Bob. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 2:00PM Memorial Service will be held Sunday, December 17th at the First Baptist Church of Elba 31 South Main St. Elba, NY 14058. 

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

Cowlesville - Edward  A.  Boskat, of Cowlesville, passed away suddenly in his sleep on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the age of 78 at The Cloister's in Warsaw, New York.

Edward was born May 25, 1945, the only son of the late Fred and Nora (Abbey) Boskat. He was raised and lived at the same home in Cowlesville, NY his entire life, with the exception of his military service during the Vietnam War. His job in the military was to repair and maintain helicopters that were used by the Armed Forces. After his military service he worked many years at the Westinghouse Foundry in Attica, NY.

His passion was his "Junk Yard on the Hill." He collected cars, trucks, and parts, old, new and everything in-between. Everyone knew you could get a good deal, fair price, and if he liked you maybe something free.  

Surviving are his sisters, Dorothy Bosket, Lottie (Frank) Beam; brother-in-law, Paul Kopp; nieces and nephews, Noreen Wolkiewicz, Jeff Kolz, Marty Kolz, Scott Kolz, Chuck Kolz, Corey Kolz, Tim Kopp, Laurie Quinones, Daryl Beam, Shannon Beam, Jay Beam, Kimberly Kraft; 22 great nieces and nephews; 7 great great nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he is predeceased by his sisters, Grace (the late Charles) Kolz and Eathel Kopp.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, December 16th from 10 am - 12 pm at Robinson And Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main St., Warsaw where Edward's funeral service with military honors will take place immediately following at 12 pm.  Private burial will be in Cowlesville Cemetery in Cowlesville.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 0523, 146 N Main St Warsaw, NY 14569-1124 or the Veterans Association of America, Inc., P.O. Box 309 Audubon Station, New York, New York 10032-0309.

Arrangements are being completed by Marley Funeral Home, Attica, NY. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

LeRoy ~ Irene B. Walters, age 95, of Summit Street Road, passed away peacefully at home early Thursday morning (December 7, 2023) in the loving presence of her family.  

   Irene was born in Cazenovia, NY on December 22, 1927, the daughter of Ernest and Ruth (Weber) Blowers.

     On April 24, 1946, Irene was married to Royal G. Walters.  They lived and worked on their family farm together for 49 years, and she continued until her passing.  Irene and Roy were married for 49 years and had 4 children.

     She is survived by Robert (Ann) Walters and Ronald (Gale) Walters; grandchildren, Brian (Brenda), William (Brandi), David, Jennifer (William) Hollebrandt and Danielle  Titus; great-grandchildren, Allyson, Kimberly, Henry Walters and Walter Hollebrandt, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

     Irene was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Ruth Blowers and (step-mother) Florence Blowers, a son, Richard and daughter, Barbara J. Titus.

     Irene attended RBI and worked at Pavilion Livestock Market and in later years, she worked at Baker Greenhouses.  She worked alongside Roy in all aspects of farming and cared for her family, home and garden.

     Irene was involved in many organizations including Post Card Club, LeRoy Historical Society, Farm Bureau, 50 year member of Pavilion Grange and 40 year member of LeRoy American Legion Auxiliary.

     Irene was interested in sewing, needlework, leather tooling and many other crafts.

     She was LeRoy’s Town Historian for more than 25 years and enjoyed doing presentations on Jello and LeRoy history.

     The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Irene’s loving and caring aides.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where her funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 11:00 AM.  Private interment will be held in Machpelah Cemetery.

    Contributions in memory of Irene are suggested to either the LeRoy Historical Society or the JELL-O Gallery Museum.

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

Ronald R. Hawker, 69 of Waterloo, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born in Batavia, January 25, 1954 to Pearl (Volino) Eley of Batavia and the late Raymond Hawker. He is preceded in death his brother Reginald Hawker and step-father Raymond Eley.

Ronald worked as a Tree Trimmer. He will be remembered as a very helpful man, helping his community and neighbors whenever he could.

Along with his mother Pearl, he is survived by his children, Raymond and Carrie, sister, Linda (Ken) Catino, along with several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.   

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Heart Association www.heart.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.z