Obituaries

Batavia - John Anthony Riley, 76, of Batavia passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at his home in Batavia, New York.

John was born on March 4th, 1947 in Albany, New York a son of the late John Henry and Margaret (Stapf) Riley.

John graduated from Ravena-Coeymens-Selkirk High School as a member of the class of 1965, from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1969 (where he was a member of Alpha Zeta Fraternity), and received his EMBA from the University at Buffalo in 1997.

Early on, he was a farm manager at Deep Acres Farm in Kinderhook, NY, worked at
Lawnel Farms in York, NY, was in partnership at St. John Farms in Oakfield, NY, and established Irish Mist Farms in Batavia, which he ran from 1978 until 1994. In addition to his farming career, John worked at Godwin Pumps, with Dean Schaal Enterprises, at Bob’s Tree Service, Bailey Electric, Terminex, and ended his formal working life at My-T Acres Farm in Batavia. Following his “retirement” he began growing and selling Poppa Riley’s Popcorn, and more recently, the flowers that he so generously shared with the community.

John was a longtime member of the Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, a member of the finance committee, and a past President of the local Farm Bureau. He was an avid supporter of the YMCA and the Cornell Cooperative Extension. John could often be found swimming at the YMCA; he absolutely loved being in the water. He loved spending time with his family, was a hard worker and a great provider.

John is survived by his wife, Marcia (Hemenway) Riley, whom he married in 1970; children, John C. (Jessica) Riley and Kate J. Riley; grandchildren, John Davis Riley, Campbell Riley, Alexis Pape, Becca Pape, and Libby Pape; siblings, Joseph Riley and Mary (Rob) Maier; nephew, Ian (Martina) Maier; sister-in-law, Lynne Whetzel; nieces, Susan Whetzel (Torin Block) and Karen Whetzel (Anton Burkett).

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Rd, Corfu, NY 14036. John's funeral service will be held immediately following visitation at the same location. Burial will be in Batavia Cemetery at a later date. In honor of John, the family requests no formal floral arrangements, but they know he would be pleased to see what your gardens have grown; if you’re so inclined, bring a small bouquet from home to share.

Memorials may be made to Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Rd, Corfu, NY 14036.

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

Varysburg- Kathryn Everett Brent of Varysburg passed suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday evening, September 9, 2023.

Kathy was born August 3, 1973 the beloved daughter of Kathryn and Gerald VonLangen.

Kathy graduated Attica High School in 1991 and married Greg in 1995. She owned and ran Attica Family Salon from 1998 until 2016 before transitioning into a teacher’s aide /assistant role at Attica and then Warsaw schools. Kathy had a lifelong love of children, and passion for all things family. She loved to travel with her family, cook, participate in 5k track events, and root for the Buffalo Bills. Kathy’s compassion and charity were well known by all that had the privilege of spending time with her, and her impact on the lives of those she spent time with will continue on.

Beloved wife of Gregory Brent; loving mother of Heather and Dante Brent; daughter of Kathy and Jerry VonLangen; sister of Jason and Carrie (Staba) Everett; niece to Pat and Joe Rizzo, she will be dearly missed.
 

Family and friends may call on Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N Main St, Warsaw, NY 14569. Funeral services will be at the Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home at 10:00 am on Monday, September 18, 2023. She will be laid to rest in Pleasant View Cemetery, Orangeville.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home, Attica.To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Pavilion / Wyoming ~ J. Randolph “Randy” Starr, age 73, of Starr Road, passed away early Sunday morning (Sept. 10, 2023) at Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home in Perry.

     He was born December 12, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late George and Isabelle Rudgers Starr.

  Randy, better known as “Gump” to his grandsons, was a 1971 graduate of Alfred State College. He was a lifelong farmer and the 5^th generation Starr to run the same farm, which was in the family for over 200 years.  He will be remembered for his work ethic, his love for his family and his enjoyment of antique tractors.  Randy was also the caretaker for the Pavilion Cemetery for many years.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Cindy Wellman Starr; his children, Christopher Starr and Sarah (Timothy) Kingdon; grandchildren, Evan and Collin Kingdon; sisters-in-law, Debbie Starr, Ann (Duane) Stehlar; special friends, Judd (Janet) Ewell, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, Randy was predeceased by his brothers, James, William and Michael.

     Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Randy’s Life Service to be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1:00 PM at the Pavilion United Methodist Church, 11115 E. Park St., Pavilion, N.Y.  Interment will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pavilion Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 11, Pavilion, NY 14525 or Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home, 167 N. Main St., Perry, NY 14530. www.suzannescomfortcare.org/donate

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

Betty Schuler Coughlin, passed away on September 5, 2023 at home at the good ole age of 101.

She raised her four children until she started work at school where she was a teacher’s aide at Elba Central School for many years. Her students lovingly called her “Mrs. Betty” and often wore pink, her favorite color. She's perhaps most well known to “older” folks by one of her favorite sayings “Put your head down on the cot please!” Rest time was serious business and repeat offenders were dealt with accordingly.

She is predeceased by her husband, William Coughlin, who was a World War II Veteran serving in Okinawa. Her family always found it interesting that her birthday was Pearl Harbor Day. She is the daughter of the late Rolland and Evelyn Schuler and sister of the late Rolland Schuler and Janet Hensel.

She is survived by her daughters, Christine (late Dennis) Hanlon and Nancy (Peter) Harrington; sons, Peter Coughlin and William Coughlin; her sister, Cora Ann Richenberg; grandchildren, Megan (Joshua) Unger, Kristin (Christopher) Witty, Janelle (Joshua) Rinker, Kelly (Ryan) Hartz and Adam (Jennifer) Hanlon; great-grandchildren; Keelin, Ella, Max, Evelyn, Caroline, Cedella, Brady and Lincoln along with several nieces and nephews.

She was an avid dog lover. Her latest and favorite “Andy” passed away several months ago. They were inseparable friends and were usually found lying end to end on the couch. He would follow her everywhere to make sure she had no "mishaps" along the way.

When she was still able, she prided herself by dressing to attend all appointments. The various office staff would just shake their heads in awe when she entered the rooms or offices. All outfits were prepared the night before so there was no room for error.

There are no prior calling hours. A private service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Elba Presbyterian Church, 24 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058 towards their Sunday School Program or to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main 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 have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Robert Laverne Kruger, 81, of Corfu entered into God’s Kingdom, Tuesday, September 5, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born November 20, 1941, to the late Laverne and Marian (Etzold) Kruger.

Bob was a loving husband, brother, father, uncle, grandpa and Gpa who is survived by his wife, Juanita; son Michael, daughter Sherry (Andrew) Reeb, son Jeffery; grandchildren Alyssa (Trevor) Spiotta, Emilee (Michael) Harasimowicz, and Matthew; one and a half great grandchildren Brooks Spiotta and one arriving soon; brother, David(Andrea); sister, Shirley (Thomas)Williamson; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a special member of the family Deidre (Scott) Fitzgerald.  His memory will live on forever with his family who will miss him dearly. 

Bob graduated from Corfu High School and wore many hats throughout his lifetime. First and foremost he loved and was dedicated to being a farmer. He also worked for the Town of Pembroke and after retirement worked as a sub cleaner for Pembroke CSD. Bob was an active member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church including being an elder and “scramblin’ Bob” at church breakfasts.

To know Bob was to know a hard working and generous man full of charisma. Bob was extremely proud of his family and loved them deeply.  He was a man of many stories and could talk to anyone about anything. Most often found in jeans and a flannel, his presence will be greatly missed.  

Calling hours will be held at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu on Sunday, September 10, from 4 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 11, at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159 Corfu, New York 14036.

Nikki Leigh Stonebraker, 34, was taken away from those she loved on August 10, 2023 in a tragic auto accident on her way home from work. She born on August 17, 1988 in Batavia.

Nikki had four children that she loved with her all heart and soul; Rashad L., Javarius-Gus, Devaughn H. and DaMona R; Her father Donald Stonebraker and her mother Brenda Houseknecht will forever cherish the time they had with her, along with her brother Justin Houseknecht and Deanna Meyers. Henry Banks and Nikki were working hard to raise the children. 

She had been employed at Flying J in Pembroke where she found an extended family and thrived. Nikki made everyone feel welcomed and happy. Her coworkers loved her and will miss her dearly, along with many family and friends. 

Nikki had overcome many adversities throughout her life, but she always had a determined fighting spirit. She fought hard to always be the top dog not an underdog. Perhaps some of that came from being part of the Seneca Tuscarora tribe. 

A Private Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.

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 - Gary D. Mowers, 77, of Bergen, New York, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester on Friday, September 1, 2023.

Gary was born on November 10, 1945, in Batavia, New York, a son of the late Loren J. Mowers and Shirley (Rich) Mowers. After attending college, Gary worked as a parts room clerk at Bonduelle in Bergen, New York. His employment at Bonduelle, as well as his involvement at Brockport Cold Storage and Sodoma Farms, demonstrated his interest in agriculture and giving back to the community. Having done noble service in the Army, Gary was also a member of the Sackett Merrill White Post in Bergen, New York.

Gary's love for literature and history shone through his enjoyment of reading and writing, as well as his love for antiques and vinyl records. He demonstrated an excellent work ethic in whatever he did, enjoying work and the rewards it brought. He was also a wonderful grandfather, cherishing time with his beloved grandchildren.

Surviving are Gary's wife, Joyce (Phelps) Mowers; daughters, Sarah Ramirez of Perry, and Jessica Mowers of Bergen; grandchildren, Ruben Ramirez and William Cedeno; sister, Gail (James) Wride of Bergen. He will be missed by all.

Gary was predeceased by his son, Samuel Mowers; and sister Bonnie (late Dave) Stanton.

Friends and family may call on Saturday, September 9, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the H.E. Turner Funeral Home on 51 South Lake Avenue in Bergen. Gary will be laid to rest at Western New York National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization of choice in memory of Gary.

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

James F.  Cardinali, 75, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital on Sunday, September 3, 2023 in the loving presence of his family.

Jim was born in Batavia on July 29th, 1948, the son of Joseph S. Cardinali and Jennie Galline Cardinali.

Jim graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School in 1966. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. He retired from Graham Manufacturing in Batavia. In his years before retirement, he could be found at his bowling league or on the golf course. He even joined the Oakfield Fire Department as a social member for a few years. After retirement he spent his days attending his grandkids sporting events, going to the casino, enjoying his morning coffee and breakfast outings with his friends and many hours tending to his yard. But spending time with his family was Jim’s true passion in life.  

Surviving are his daughter, Jennifer (Tim Hoffarth) Cardinali of Oakfield; grandchildren, Michael (Aprile Beehler) Pfendler of Elba and Abby Russell  of Oakfield; great-grandson,  Jason Pfendler of Elba; his brother,  Joseph "Sonny" (Late Sharyn) Cardinali of Florida; brother-in-law, Jim Beverly of Oakfield; nieces and nephews, Paula Hood, Christopher (Rick) Cardinali, Christine (Kevin) Fischer, Kerry (David) Beitz, Kelly (Benjamin) Whitmore and Richard (Mary) Turi along with several great-nieces and great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends survive.

He is predeceased by his sister, Yvonne Beverly.

Family and friends may call on Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 3 pm. He will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, NY 14125. 

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

Patricia J. Fussell ~ January 21, 1947 to September 1, 2023.              .

     Pat was predeceased by her parents James and Grace (Sexsenian) Cameron and survived by her husband, E. R. Fussell of Le Roy; her daughters, Salena L. Sandford (Michael) Staub of Decatur, GA and Heather Sandford of Ithaca; her sister, Kathleen (Richard) Isaman of North Chili; step children, Elizabeth (Anthony) Racine of El Paso, TX, Robert (Stacey) Fussell and Anna (Kristian) Sorensen of Le Roy and step grandchildren, Carter and Alison Racine, Kayla and Lola Fussell and Samantha, Elizabeth and Sophia Sorensen.  

     Pat graduated from Madison High School in Rochester and GCC in Batavia.

     She was an excellent vocalist. A few of the many groups she sang with were: principal singer for the St. Mark’s Episcopal choir in Le Roy for over 40 years, the Emmaus Moravian Church choir on St. John, Virgin Islands, Wyoming County singers, Genesee Chorale, and Mercury Opera where she sang solos at the Eastman Theater in Rochester before thousands. She was an avid knitter, who was a member of various knitting groups. She also sat on the Woodward Memorial Library Board for 10 years and was a founder of the Le Roy Farmer’s Market. She, also worked for many years as a court reporter in many local courts in local counties.

     Above all, she described herself as a “Home Body” whose greatest pleasures came from decorating her house for each holiday season, making mittens, sweaters and other such items for children and grandchildren and cooking - primarily Armenian delicacies.

     While she did not win the title of Miss New York, she was chosen to compete in that contest and did so at the Nevele Country Club in the Catskills.

     She fought a courageous battle with brain cancer for well over four years, that ultimately and tragically took her life.

     She will be greatly missed.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, September 15 from 4 ~ 7 PM at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Street Road, Le Roy. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 East Main St., Le Roy.

     In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Le Roy Ambulance Service, P. O Box 56, Le Roy or St. Mark’s Church, Le Roy.

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

OAKFIELD – Doreen A. Johns, 71, of Oakfield passed away on Saturday (September 2, 2023) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. 

Ms. Johns was born October 23, 1951 in Batavia, a daughter of Wilbur Easton of Oakfield and the late Julia (Mikolajczyk) Easton.

Doreen was a long time faithful parishioner of St. Padre Pio Parish – St. Cecilia’s Church in Oakfield. She enjoyed traveling with friends, knitting Christmas stockings and blankets, and teaching children. Most of all she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. 

Surviving along with her father are her children, Robert (Kathy) Johns of Stafford, Juliette Hyatt of Oregon, and Lynnette (Mike) Morris of Oakfield; grandchildren, Nash and Peyton Johns, Lucas and Derrick Hyatt, and Garrett Morris; brothers, Gerald (Bernadette) Easton of Alabama, and John (Kim) Easton of Akron; sister, Marianne (Rich) Cupler of Pavilion. The father of her children, Howard Johns of Batavia along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Doreen is preceded in death by her nephew, Eric Easton.

There will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend Doreen’s Celebration of Life Mass on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish – St. Cecilia’s Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Doreen donated her body to UB Medical School therefore burial will be in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or St. Padre Pio Parish. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com. 

Alexander J. Sczepanski passed away peacefully at his home in Bennington on August 31, 2023 at the age of 88. Alexander was born in Bennington on May 25, 1935 to the late Leo and Sophia (Muniak)

Sczepanski. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Jane F. Meyer Sczepanski, his brothers, Vincent (Genevieve) Sczepanski, Albert (Dorothy) Sczepanski, his sister, Florence (Vernon) Rennicks, his grandson, Jeremy Sczepanski, and his step-grandson Dean Cullinan.

Mr. Sczepanski is survived by his children, Dennis (Ellie) Sczepanski of Bergen, Mark (Kathy) of Lancaster, Jeffrey (Arlene) Sczepanski of Corfu, Kevin (Helen) Sczepanski of Texas, and Kimberly (Steven) Palmer of Arkansas. As well as his nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial, if desired, may be made to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program at 225 Farber Hall, Buffalo, NY 14414-3000.

There will be no calling hours. Arrangements will be at the convenience of the family.

Lisa Marie Boxler, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023 in her home surrounded by her family and close friends. She was born on October 2, 1963 in Zanesville, Ohio, to Carol Hathaway of Varysburg and the late Ernest Ray of McConnelsville. Lisa was the granddaughter of the late Bradford and Faye Cunningham and Luciel Bean Luce.

Lisa worked at Boxler Dairy Farm, picking up machine parts and always making sure the trucks and tractors never ran out of fuel. She was also known to bring back milkshakes for the guys.

Lisa loved Ohio, animals, traveling, hunting, fishing, cooking (especially her special chicken), camping, taking trips to the casino, playing dice, cards, going out for enchiladas and spending time with her family and friends. She was a very welcoming person and loved to be around people. Strangers became friends and friends quickly became family.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Boxler, daughter, Laken (Joe) Urtel, sons, Bradford Boxler and Gregory Boxler, mother, Carol Hathaway, stepfather, Darryl Hathaway, brother, Richard (Tammy) Ray, sisters, Lori (Keith) Helm, Krystal (Scotty) Sergeant, grandson, Talon George, granddaughters, Sicilia Urtel and Brielle Boxler, as well as cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She will be loved and missed by so many.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 3 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, 2311 Route 98, Varysburg, NY 14167. She will be laid to rest St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Varysburg.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Charlotte House, 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113 or to Varysburg Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Batavia – Thomas L. Russell, age 78, of Francis Rd, passed away Saturday evening (Sept. 2) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

He was born November 11, 1944 in Buffalo, a son of the late Lester & Dorothy Hyde Russell.

Tom will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother and uncle, who loved, cared for and doted on his family with every fiber of his being.  His humor brought a smile to anyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.  He enjoyed taking care of his lawn and gardening with his wife, helping out with whatever was needed at his daughter’s dance studio, shopping, spending time with his grandchildren, and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 53 years, Nadine Waite Russell; children, Thomas M. Russell and Kristin (Chad) Alquist; grandchildren, Devin Tyczka, Drake Tyczka, Gunnar Alquist, Tanner Alquist, Addison Alquist; siblings, Bev (late Patrick) Mooney, Judith (late Maurice) Atkins, Bruce (late Cheryl) Russell, Patricia (James) Ehmann, Edward (Pamela) Russell; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, September 9 from 9:30-11:00 A.M at West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Rd, East Bethany with a service to immediately follow at 11 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or to West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Road, East Bethany, New York 14054. 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.

LeRoy ~ Michael J. Spadacino, age 85, of East Avenue, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

   He was born September 20, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Anthony and Laura Ruffino Spadacino.

     Mike will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, who cherished his grandchildren.  He was a proud US Army veteran, enjoyed gardening and was an avid sports fan, especially with the Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees.

     He is survived by his children, Michael (Julianna) Spadacino of FL, Annemarie (Mark) Brower of Rochester and Mark Spadacino of FL; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Bo) Bell, Michael Roney, Merchon (Ryan) Hargrave, Samantha Brower, Monica Brower and Alexandria Scheible; great-grandchild, Rowan Hargrave; sisters, Mary Rose Spadacino and Sharon Spadacino, both of FL; brothers-in-law, Allen Ruge and A. Edward O’Geen, along with many nieces and nephews. 

     He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth O’Geen Spadacino in 2013 and sister, Patricia Ruge.

     Family and friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. Private interment will follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Notre Dame Sports Boosters, 73 Union Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020

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