Obituaries

LeRoy - Helen M. Johnson, 96 of LeRoy, formerly of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday (November 8, 2023) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home in LeRoy.

Mrs. Johnson was born April 2, 1927 in Ticonderoga, a daughter of the late Francis and Elsie (Sweet) Hopkins.

Helen graduated from Ticonderoga High School as President of the Class of 1944 and was awarded the Sara G.T. Pell Memorial History Prize. She went on to graduate from the Russell Sage College of Nursing on Sept. 6, 1947 as a 3rd Class United States Nurse Corps. Cadet. She then began her career in nursing at Albany Medical Center and later the Batavia VA Medical Center in 1948, St Jerome's Hospital 1960-69 and finally ending up at Genesee Valley Boces Batavia Site1970 -1986 when she retired.

Helen was an avid Reader, Cribbage player, Bird watcher, she had over 1000 hours as a volunteer at the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge and spent many summers at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor booth in Batavia.  Helen was a sacristan at St Joseph RC Church, and was  a 50 yr member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, serving as Grand Regent 1957-58.  She enjoyed and loved handing out advice to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Helen is the wife of the late Donald R. Johnson who passed away January 5, 2008.

Surviving are her children, William (Chris) Johnson of Skaneateles, Katherine (Lance) Lewin of Carolina Shores, NC,  Ellen (Mark) Audet of Fernandina Beach, FL, Susan (Joe) Marinaccio of Perry, Peter (Leslie) Johnson of Oradell, NJ, and Mark (Brenda) Johnson of LeRoy; a sister, Frances (Late Pat) Arthur of Slingerlands, NY. 16 grandchildren; 22 and a half great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and cousins also survive.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen will be reunited in death with her great-grandson, Tucker Knight and sisters, Carolyn (Late Thomas) Malaney, Jean Hopkins and Barbara (Late Bruce) Francisco and her son-in-law, Rick Mlyniec.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday (November 20, 2023)  from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at St. Mary's Church, 22 Father Jogues Place, Ticonderoga, NY where Helen's Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 noon.  Inurnment will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday (November 26, 2023) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Community at the Greens, 1 West Avenue in LeRoy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020 or Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Randy W. Miller of Churchville, NY – Passed away November 11, 2023, aged 68. Randy is predeceased by parents, Ralph & Rosa Lee Miller; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Miller. He is survived by wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Miller; children, Sean (Hillary) Miller & Justin Miller; grandchildren, Madelyn & Nicholas Miller; siblings, Lloyd Miller, Linda (Allyn) Bernard, Denise (David) Votaw; beloved dog, Sadie; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Randy will be remembered dearly as a loving and generous husband, father, and grandfather. He was an avid fisherman and lifelong sports fan who followed the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and the Buffalo Sabres.

For more information, visit www.walkerbrothersfh.com. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 19th from 1-4PM at Walker Brothers Funeral Home (21 Main St. Churchville, New York 14428). In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations in Randy’s name to Roswell Park (Elm and Carlton Sts. Buffalo, NY 14263).

John Mallaber, 61, of LeRoy, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 10th. He is survived by his beloved wife, Bryce; parents, Ray and Shirley; brother, Mike (Lisa); children, Stephen, Kevin (Casey), Avery (Gunnar) and Roan; grandchildren, Brayden, Chase, Ian, Cooper, and Ridge and many nieces and nephews.  

  John attended Hilton High School and Alfred University, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi. He was an avid Manchester United fan and loved anything soccer, whether coaching, playing, or spectating. He was the Camp Champ, a member of the Magic Circle, loved big bonfires, camping, and especially Yosemite National Park. 

     John was loved by everyone. He was a big and fun personality, who will be so very missed.

     In lieu of flowers please contribute to Yosemite Conservancy (https://yosemite.org/donate) or Sierra Club (www.sierraclub.org).

     The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for John at the LeRoy Country Club on Saturday, November 18th from 2-5pm.

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

Marguerite James Breckenridge, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and neighbor passed from this life on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the age of 97.

She was born on December 7, 1925 to the late Thomas S. James and Lucille James of Batavia.

Marguerite was married to Robert J. Breckenridge of Bethany, NY, where they had a dairy farm. After retirement, the couple moved to Sarasota, FL and raised beef cattle. Later they located to Wylie, TX and then Keller, TX, then finally relocated back to Bethany.

She is predeceased by her husband, Robert J, Breckenridge, sons, Thomas R. Breckenridge and Robert W. Breckenridge and a granddaughter, Heather D. Smith.

As always, Marguerite was a loving companion and devoted wife through their marriage of 63 years. She was a caring, guiding and adoring mother to Lynda (Mauro) Gaetano of Austin, TX and Stephen (Joanne) Breckenridge of Bethany. She leaves four granddaughters, Jennifer (Shawn) Covert of LeRoy,NY, Bernadette (Larry) DeLaGarza of Austin, TX, Kristen (Joseph) Magyar of Newburgh,NY, Kimberly (Timothy) D'Amico of Batavia, NY, and a step-grandson, David (Katrinia) Gaetano of Atlanta, GA. She is survived by nine great grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Covert, Santiago and Gabriella DeLaGarza, Isabella, Lukas and Vivian Magyar, Macey D'Amico and Adriana Gaetano, who all made her proud.

In her younger years, she was employed by the First National Bank in Batavia, CL Carr's, Chapin Manufacturing and a Nurse's Aide at St. Jerome's Hospital following World War II as a Gray Lady, which was an extension of the American Red Cross. She was active in the Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club, and an active member for many years in the Cerebral Palsy of NYS organization as well as Home Bureau. She also was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia.

Marguerite was a strong, resilient and thoughtful person who was a talented homemaker, cook and baker. As the wife of a farmer, she would attend cattle auctions and purchase cows for the dairy herd, help with milking or delivering calves later in the day. During the Blizzard of '77 she opened her home providing meals and lodging to stranded motorists on Route 20.

Marguerite leaves a great void in the hearts of those close to her. She will be dearly missed though memories and the love she shared will live on among family, friends and those whose life she touched. Her family would like to extend a sincere thank you to her nurse, Patti Cunningham, and health care aides, Shirley Farley, Mary Merle, and Linda Jackett, as well as friends, Diane Hall, Darleen Peters, Linda Sanders, Kris Kujawski, and Sunshine.

At Marguerite's request, there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in her name to West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Road, East Bethany, New York 14054 or Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, 5253 Old Telephone Road, East Bethany, New York 14054. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Elba - Paul J. Stack, 72 of Elba passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo.

Mr. Stack was born on July 13th, 1951 in Batavia, a son of the late Richard Stack and Doris Schramm Stack Hartwig.

Paul proudly served his country for 20 years with the United States Army retiring as a First Sergeant from Fort Riley, Kansas. He served during both phases of The Gulf War code-named Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Paul was awarded with an Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and Army Good Conduct Medal. Paul volunteered much of his time with Catholic Charities and was a member of the quilting club through the Senior Center where he made many quilts for cancer patients and veterans. An avid fan of the Buffalo Bills he will be remembered by his family for his quick wit and dry sense of humor.

Paul is the husband of Contance D. Stack who passed away on December 26, 2017.

Surviving are his sons, Paul (April) Stack, Jr. of Caledonia and Aaron (Rebecca) Stack of Elba; grandchildren, Trent (Aspen) Stack of Oakfield and Tatym Stack of Rochester; his great-grandchild, Prior Stack; three brothers, Thomas Stack of Batavia, David (Sharon) Stack of Illinois and Michael Stack of Batavia; three sisters, Teresa Stack of Batavia, Janet Ciociola of East Bethany and Marianne Hackett of Batavia along with several niece and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Kelso.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services, with military honors, will be held at the convenience of family. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, 25 Liberty Street, Suite #7, Batavia, New York 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

James R. Ehmann, 74, of Batavia, passed away on November 9, 2023.

He was born September 8, 1949 in Batavia, a son of Robert L. Ehmann and the late Eleanor (Francis) Ehmann.

James was an avid fisherman and car enthusiast.  He enjoyed watching and reading science fiction, especially Star Wars and Star Trek.  James retired from Delphi Automotive in Rochester as a line supervisor.  

Surviving along with his father, are his wife of 52 years, Patricia (Russell) Ehmann; children, Julie (Ken) Henry and Robert (Tricia) Ehmann; grandchildren, Nathan Henry, Noah (Ariana) Henry, Victoria Ehmann and Andrew Ehmann; aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.  James will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741or www.cancer.org.  

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

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Richard M. Stewart Jr., 68 of Batavia, NY passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. 

Richard was born August 26, 1955, in Batavia, New York, the only son of Richard and Rosalina (Camacho) Stewart.  

Richard began his auto technician career in Batavia and worked at many locations throughout his life.  Richards biggest passion was working with automobiles and rebuilding muscle cars. The pursuit of his other passion, flying single engine planes, had begun, but was short lived due to health issues that arose.  In addition, learning about and collecting firearms as well as always making time for friends and hanging out with his buddies were some of his favorite pastimes.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia Mortellaro-Stewart of Batavia. His mother, Rosalina Stewart of Batavia. Children, Richard (Katie) Stewart III of Batavia, New York and Trisha (Russell) Turner of Virginia. Grandchildren, Casper and Jessa Stewart of Batavia, Hayden, Sydney, Chloe, Jackson, Sebastian, and Lexington Turner of Woodbridge, Virginia.

In death, Richard is reunited with his father, Richard M. Stewart Sr., sisters Wanda (Charles) Draper, Petra (Lee) Angel and Yolanda (Rick) Coughlin.   

There will be no prior calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homecare & Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Kenneth J. Moore, 73, of Elba passed away at home after a courageous battle with cancer with his beloved wife by his side on November 9, 2023. He was born in Indiana, PA on August 14, 1950 to the late James and Helen Moore. Ken is preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law, Howard Austin, Gerald, Richard and Wayne (Sue) Cole.

Mr. Moore was a proud United States Navy Veteran. He retired after many years as Project Manager at Kodak. Ken was an avid outdoorsman; he loved fishing, hunting deer and turkey. He shot a Pope & Young buck in 1994 with his bow. Ken liked working on cars, anything mechanical and going to car shows.

Ken is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cheryl May (Cole) Moore of Elba, siblings, James (Penny) Moore II of Appleton, NY, Helen Austin of Batavia, sisters-in-law, Sharon and Barbara Cole, Susan (David) Mudrzynski of Elba, nieces and nephews, Brian (Kim) Walczak, Jill Hart, Tammy (Mike) Boudreau, James (Amy) Moore III, Jeff (Carrie) Austin, Mike Austin, Jason (Kim) Austin, Rachael (Tom) Fogerty and Alicia (Scott) Cook.

He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery 1254 Indian Falls Rd. in Corfu on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:00AM. Anyone that plans on attending the Service, please arrive promptly at 10:45AM.

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.

Bergen - Hugh F. McCartney, 72 of Bergen passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Mr. McCartney was born Friday, December 8th, 1950 in Batavia, a son of the late Hugh A. and Helen T. (Tomsett) McCartney.

Hugh lived his life in service to others. He joined the Bergen Fire Department in 1969, holding most positions within the department including past fire chief and a member of the Board of Directors for over 30 years. Hugh was an active member of many organizations such as the NYS Fire Chiefs Association, FASNY, Monroe County Fire Chief's Association, and WNY Fireman's Association. He graduated from Byron-Bergen Senior High School and attended Genesee Community College. Hugh worked for Genesee Valley BOCES as a Building and Grounds Foreman in Leicester, Mt. Morris, Geneseo, LeRoy and many other school districts.

Hugh will be remembered by his sister, Christine A. "Chris" McCartney; brother, Dennis M. (Renee') McCartney; niece, Kristy (Scott) Murphy; nephews, Daniel and Jason McCartney; a special cousin, Barbara Bates, many other cousins, and in the life of everyone he ever touched.

In death Hugh will be reunited with his mother, Helen T. McCartney, and father, Hugh A. McCartney.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at The Bergen Fire Station, 10 Hunter St, Bergen, NY 14416.  Hugh's funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at The Bergen Fire Station, 10 Hunter St, Bergen, NY 14416. Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen. Arrangements are under the care and direction of H. E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Bergen, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, NY 14416.

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

Died peacefully at LeRoy Village Green, 10/25/23, age 95. Predeceased by beloved wife, Helen, to whom he was married for 66 years, parents Carl and Emma Freitag, brother-in-law Olaf Gates and son-in-law Richard Zschoche.  Survived by daughters, Melissa Zschoche and Martha (Jeffery) Lansberry; grandchildren, Mark (Sara) Zschoche and Juliana (Donnie) Chamless; sister-in-law Elizabeth Gates; nephews Carl and Duane Gates and niece Donna Gates.

Douglas was a retired accountant who worked for many years at Chapin Manufacturing, U of R, and Bausch and Lomb.  

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on November 18 at Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 S. Lake St., Bergen. Donations may be made to Bergen United Methodist Church, P.O. Box  216, Bergen, NY 14416.  The family wishes to thank the staff of South Street Senior Care and LeRoy Village Green for their loving care in his final years. To leave a condolence, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street, Bergen.

Oakfield- On November 9th, 2023, William “Bill” L. Shamp passed away at his residence in Oakfield, N.Y.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Diane (Maha) Shamp of Oakfield. Also surviving, son Larry Shamp of North Carolina, his son in law Larry Hinz Jr. of Batavia, grandson Joseph (Robin) Hinz, great granddaughter Esme Alice Hinz of Brockport, granddaughter Suzanne Hinz Cole, and great grandsons Charles and Anthony Cole of East Rochester, sisters, Martha Jones of South Carolina, Nelli Grasso and brother Jerry Shamp of Largo Florida.

Bill was predeceased in death by his parents, Elise Keidle and Everett Shamp; brothers, Ronald (Bev) Shamp and Adelbert (Carolyn) Shamp; son, Paul Shamp; daughter, Patricia Shamp Hinz and daughter in law, Carolyn Shamp.

Bill served in the N.Y. National Guard of the Batavia Armory for 9 years. He was a proud Army Reservist for 16 years. Bill served as a First Responder and was head of Fire Police for the Oakfield Fire Dept for 49 years. Bill retired from the Town of Oakfield Highway Dept. after over 30 years of service.

Friends and family are invited to call on November 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford funeral home,11 Maple Ave, Oakfield, N.Y. where Bill’s funeral and committal service will immediately follow the calling hours. The family has invited everyone to a luncheon following the committal service at the Oakfield Fire Department, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Oakfield Fire Department, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield, N.Y. 14125.

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

Thomas E. Preston, 82 of Batavia, passed away on November 9, 2023 at LeRoy Village Green. He was born in Warsaw on November 30, 1940 to the late Dr. Willard D. and Ruth (Meisner) Preston. Tom is predeceased by his siblings, Willard D. Preston III, John Preston and Mary Ann Preston.

Mr. Preston worked at Mancuso Motors for many years and then retired from LeRoy Motors. He was a baptized member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia. Tom loved working on cars and racing cars.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy L. (Bernard) Preston of Batavia, sister-in-law, Mary Ann Preston of Batavia, brother-in-law, Rev David (Ruth) Bernard of Wayland, along with many nieces, nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately, he will be laid to rest in Batavia Cemetery.

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.

Scott M. Gates, 63, of Batavia passed away on November 2, 2023. He was born in Warsaw on December 4, 1959 to the late John Gates and Georgette (Cousineau) Gates of Leroy. In addition to his father, Scott is predeceased by sisters; Deborah McGinnis and Peggy Sullivan.

Scott was skilled at many things. He was a metal fabricator/ welder by trade for many years. He also enjoyed fishing, crosswords and home remodeling.

In addition to his mother, Scott is survived by his daughter; Katelynn (Alex) Kelleher; sisters Linda Vallance and Sharon (Dan Crawford) Gates; brothers Patrick (Susan Grimsley) Gates and Christopher (Marj Doty) Gates; grandchildren Fiona and Jack Kelleher, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately. 

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

James “Grandpa” Crandall, age 79, passed away peacefully at the Buffalo VA on November 6, 2023.   

  He was the youngest of 2 sons born on June 21, 1944 to Francis and Doris Crandall of Alma, NY.

     He is survived by 4 children: Tammy (James) Gleber of Carmel, IN; Kimberly (Michael) Myers of Pavilion, NY; Bradley Crandall of Hornell, NY; and Kelly (Jeff) Kanaley of LeRoy, NY.  He leaves behind six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. 

     Jim was a proud veteran of the Vietnam  War, he was a founding member of the R.A.M.C., and he was employed by and later retired from the LeRoy Machine Shop. He worked hard and played hard and made many friendships with lots of laughs along the way. 

     His favorite hobbies included riding motorcycles, eating M&M’s, smoking cigars and watching westerns. 

     Your bike may be parked, but your spirit will always be on the road. 

     Ride In Peace❤️

    Services will be private at the convenience of Jim’s family.

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

Katherine Tice - (1948-2023) was born January 3, 1948 in Lackawanna, NY to parents Edwin and Dorothy Rammacher. After a long courageous battle she passed away peacefully at home on All Saint’s Day, November 5,
2023 surrounded by family. 

Kathy graduated from Letchworth High School in 1966 with honors. While in high school she was very active in Latin Club, FHA, Chorus, was a student monitor and on the bowling
team. She spent the majority of her career in the restaurant business starting as a waitress and working her way up to management. Kathy was very involved in her church Trinity Lutheran in Medina
volunteering many hours. She had a love for all the beauty God created including her cats, the many flowers, plants and birds she tended to. She also had a passion for quilting and camping.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 56 years, Rowland, brother Joe (Diane) of Castile, daughter Lisa (Todd) of Albion, son David (Amanda) of Seminole, Florida, grandchildren Luke, Slade (Maylee), Emma,
Nick (Rachel), Brittany (Lauren), Wyatt (Brandy), Sarah (Michael) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her parents and sister Virginia Traufler.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, November 19, 2023, 1:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1212 West Avenue, Medina, NY 14103.