Obituaries

Elizabeth A. Hogan, 82 of Buffalo and formerly of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Friday (July 28, 2023) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born February 24, 1941 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Michael F. and Marie C. Merlihan Seereiter. She was the wife of the late Joseph Hogan. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Elizabeth was a math teacher for Bishop Neumann High School in Williamsville for 17 years prior to her retirement. She also served as class advisor and liaison with the Amherst Bee providing news about Neumann students and their activities.  For several years she supervised class scheduling for all students. 

She and her husband were foster parents for over 9 years for about 25 children. She was a secretary for over 30 years for the Wednesday night Bowling League at Transit Lanes.. She enjoyed the results of her husband’s gardening, canning and cooking all produce from their yard. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Hogan of East Aurora. Sisters, Rose (William) Wade of Waltham, MA and Louise Seereiter of Amherst. Grandchildren, Oren Patrick (OP) Clough, Anthony John (AJ) Ferris and Joseph Thomas (JT) Turnbull. Nephews, Michael Wade and David Wade.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (Aug. 2nd) from 3-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial wil be Thursday (Aug. 3rd), 9:30am at Christ The King Church, 30 Lamarck Drive, Amherst, NY 14226.

She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery, Batavia, NY.

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.

Lois N. Dimick, age 88 of LeRoy, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 11 at The Hospice of Western Reserve, Medina, Ohio with her daughter and family members at her side.

     She was born December 25, 1934, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Edmund and Elsie May Schramm (nee Torrey). Lois was preceded in death of her loving husband of over 50 years, Clayton D. Dimick, brother, Lee Schramm, sister, May Schramm (nee Donahue), sister-in-law, Mary Dimick (Papp), brothers-in-law, William (Shirley) Dimick, Richard (Diane) Dimick and Rodney Dimick.

  Lois will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother and dear friend to all. She enjoyed spending time with her daughter, gardening and spending time with Grand Dog, Ginger. For over 60 years she was a member of the Eastern Star-Creekside Chapter 887 (formally the Olive Branch Chapter) in LeRoy, NY, a member of the LeRoy United Methodist Church and she was a member of The LeRoy Garden Club.  Early in Lois’ married life, she worked at Murphy’s Five & Dime store on Main Street and eventually went on to waitress at the Springbrook Inn in Caledonia.

     Lois is survived by her daughter, Terri L. Dimick (nee Campbell), sister-in-law, Sylvia Dimick, along with several nieces, and nephews. 

     A Memorial and Remembrance of Life for Lois will take place on Saturday, August 5 from 11 AM ~ 1 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, with the service commencing at 12:30 PM.  Lois will be reunited and laid to rest with Clayton at the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke.

     In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions can be made to the Eastern Star Creekside Chapter 887 or The Hospice of Western Reserve, 5075 Windfall Road, Medina, Ohio 44256.   

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

Joseph M. Newton, Sr., age 65, of Medina, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023 with his devoted wife, Elaine, by his side at the Ashtabula County Medical Center in Ashtabula, Ohio, following a courageous battle with necrotizing fasciitis.

Born August 30, 1957 in Medina, Joe was a twin son of the late Richard F. and Caroline (Giambatista) Newton, Sr. He was a graduate of Albion High School, Class of 1975. Growing up on his family’s farm, Joe continued his passion for farming throughout his life. He worked for many years for the Alvin Smith Farm in East Shelby, where he eventually retired. Joe was an active member of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Co. for 37 years, where he was currently serving as vice president. He and his family shared a love for racing. Joe also enjoyed hunting, playing cards, trips to the casino and yard-saling with his twin brother, Jim. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his twin brother, James Newton; sister, Toni (James) Dunn; and brother, Richard F. Newton, Jr.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Elaine A. (Schneider) Newton; four children, Joseph M. Newton, Jr., Jonathan (Becky) Newton, Jordyn Newton and Ayriel (Roger) George; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Jared, Jessica, Josephine, Jonathan Jr., Landyn and Myles; stepbrother, Darryl Schultz; stepsister, Gerri Schultz; sister in-law, Dawn Newton; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the East Shelby Vol. Fire Hall, 5021 E. Shelby Rd., Medina, NY 14103. A dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m., all are welcome to join. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Shelby Vol. Fire Co. at the address above. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Batavia - Carl F. Kruger Sr., 91, of Batavia passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Premier Genesee Center in Batavia, NY.

Mr. Kruger was born Tuesday, March 1st, 1932, in Batavia, New York, a son of the late William C. Kruger and Ida (Butler) Kruger. 

Carl was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the L.L.L. of the church. He was also a member of the Circus Historical Society and the Circus Model Builders. Carl enjoyed woodworking, birdwatching, and especially building circus models. Carl was a proud member of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War, where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the National defense Service Medal. After his time in the military Carl became a Maintenance Foreman for Batavia Metal products until his retirement in 1984.

Carl is survived by his sons Carl F. (Janice) Kruger Jr., of Nappanee, Indiana and Roger (Kathy) Kruger, of Temple, Texas; Daughter in law, Rebecca Kruger, of Batavia, New York. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

In death Carl will be reunited with his parents, William C. Kruger and Ida Kruger; his son Glen C. Kruger who passed away on October 26, 2017; brothers Harold Kruger and Alfred Kruger; grandson, Glen William and his great grandchild Brooke.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 10:00 AM  to 12:00 PM  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. Batavia, NY.  Carl 's funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. Batavia, NY with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.

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

Jamie Leigh Hoca, 41 of Jamestown, NY passed away on July 27, 2023 at UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown, NY.

Jamie is survived by her beloved husband Jonathan and her two children Quintin and Izzabella. She is also survived by her father Harry J. Pask of Batavia, her father-in-law Theodore (Denise) Hoca of Gowanda, several aunts, uncles, siblings, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her mother Joan P. Pask and her mother-in-law Valerie Sue Hoca.

A proud Class of 2000 OACS graduate, Jamie was a shining example of how to live life to its fullest. She enjoyed music, especially boy bands. She cherished interacting with people. Her co-workers and customers became some of her best friends. She greeted everyone with a big smile and a kind heart. Most of all, Jamie loved her husband and her children, they meant everything to her.  

Jamie's family would like to extend special thanks to those who provided support during the past several months: Theodore Hoca, Richard Lawrence, Donna (Al) Bangert, Roxanne (Scott) Ross, Bill (Annie) Lawrence, Michelle Murphy, Michael Pask, Denise (Terry Smith) Pask, and Christopher (Nichole) Hoca.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Roman’s, 59 Main Street, Batavia, on August 12 from 11-3. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made directly to the family. Jonathan Hoca c/o Christopher Hoca, 244 Kinsey Avenue, Kenmore NY 14217

East Bethany - Douglas "Doug" Murray, 79 of East Bethany passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York.

Mr. Murray was born Saturday, July 1st, 1944 in Newark, New York a son of the late Harry Murray and Edith (Brown) Murray. 

Doug was a great driver, an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who is loved and will be missed forever. Those who have had the pleasure of knowing him and being a part of his life will never forget all the amazing moments they have gotten to share with him. We love you grandpa/ Doug.

He enjoyed truck driving, fishing, going to the Genesee Speedway, and spending time with friends and family. He loved working in his vegetable garden and going on trips to the Adirondacks and 1000 Islands.

Doug married the love of his life, Ellen, in 1982. He worked hard to provide for his family as a truck driver for ARG Trucking, for 28 years, until his retirement. Together they raised two wonderful children and shared many blessed memories with them.

Doug will be remembered by his wife, Ellen Murray, of East Bethany; daughter, Shannon Murray of East Bethany; granddaughter, Grace (Joel) Prouty, and his soon to be great grandson; brother, Eugene (late Linda) Murray of Newark and Paul (Alice) Reak of Elba; sister in law Barbara Murray; brother in law, Verne Smallidge and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Doug will be reunited with his daughter, Crystal Murray; parents Harry and Edith Murray; siblings, Alice (Charles) Hughes, Doris (Bernard) Simonse, Elizabeth Smallidge, Gertrude (Chester) Smallidge, Nina (Albert) Van Winkle, Barbara (Robert) Garvey, Marilynn Murray, Clinton Murray, Edith (Butch) Herman and Robert Murray.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. At this time there are no services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity that is close to your heart.

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

Linda Susan Baldwin Potter, 68, died from pancreatic cancer July 16, 2023.  She fought a valiant fight for over three years against this disease. She was a strong woman.

She was born August 7, 1954 in Albion, New York, the eldest daughter of Harold Leon Baldwin and Elizabeth “Betty” Irene Manes Baldwin.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Cindi Lear.

Surviving are her two daughters, Nicole Watson, with son in law of 31 years Ernie Watson; and Julie Potter with partner, Ian Fundling; her two grandchildren, Douglas and Rachel Watson; brother Michael Baldwin and niece Stephanie McGuire. Along with many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

She graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central High School in Oakfield, New York, class of 1972 and then married her high school sweetheart Robert Louis Potter “Bob” on September 2, 1972. They have two children, Nicole Marie born in Batavia, New York and Julie born in Humble, Texas. Linda moved with her husband, and Nicole, to Texas in 1977. She was very instrumental in bringing computers & learning software into the schools in the 80’s along with the D.A.R.E. program. Linda and Bob later divorced in 1996.

Linda pursued a degree in Math and Accounting while attending San Jacinto College North and University of Houston from 1982-1986. Her ideas continued in the corporate world with new technologies and process flow reductions.  Later, she earned an Executive MBA from Rice University in 2013. Linda retired from Powell Electrical Systems, Inc. after 16 years of dedicated service in March of this year. Her coworkers and employees described her as a loyal, hardworking, kind, wonderful coworker/boss that made everyone feel appreciated.

Linda has been very active volunteering and holding leadership roles in various organizations:
•    Girl Scout Troop – Neighborhood Coordinator 3 years, Leader 6 years, member 17 years
•    She is a lifetime member of the HLSR and Corral club, Volunteer on the Main club, Scholarship, Steer and Wine Competition committees. She was also 2015 Rookie of the Year for the Wine Competition committee.
•     She has also been very active on two krewes for Mardi Gras serving as Queen in 2011 for Z Krewe as well as president, vice-president and chaired committees. She also was 2003 Queen for Krewe du Lac.  
•    Seabrook Music Festival underwriting committee
•    API CIMIS Common Industry Material Identification Standards Committee
•    American Cancer Society Silver Dollar Ball – Past Chairman, Underwriting and Props committees as well as previously serving on the Bay Area American Cancer Society Board. She also volunteered at the American Cancer Society Deke Slayton Golf Tournament.
•    Member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America
•    Past United Way Finance Committee member
•    2013 and 2014 Organizer of Rice University Offshore Fishing event
•    2015 Organizer for Sea Isle Neighborhood Christmas Caroling event
•    2017 SuperBowl volunteer
•    2019 Inducted into the Oakfield Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame for her extensive volunteering 
•    Head of Annual Christmas Toy Drive at Powell Electrical where she won the Power of One Award in 2022 for her support through the Star of Hope and Salvation Army

Linda loved to travel visiting several places in Central America including Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica. She hiked in the Pico Bonito Rain Forest in Honduras and traveled by boat to many small islands off the coast of Honduras. She stayed at a primitive room on Garifuna Island in the Cayo Cochinos in Honduras, surrounded by beautiful prestige water and scenery. One year she hiked the Great Wall of China probably on one of the coldest days they ever had and rang in the New Year in Shanghai. She was a world traveler visiting Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, England, Spain, China, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Liechtenstein, France, Principality de Monaco, Austria, Morocco, The Holy Lands, Italy, Sicily, Bahamas, along with various cities throughout America. Linda has a beach house on the west end of Galveston in Sea Isle where she enjoyed swimming, fishing, boating and golf cart riding.

She had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest with her passions for working, learning, traveling, theater, and music, as well as an avid Houston Teams sports fan. She had a big and generous heart and was always helping her friends and family, and others through her extensive volunteering. She was loved by many and will be sincerely missed by more.

Celebrations of Life to be held on July 29, 2023 at 2-A-Days Sports Bar, 10555 Pearland Parkway G, Houston, TX 77089 from 2pm-5pm, as well as in Galveston, TX, date, time, and location TBD.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday (August 6, 2023) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St. in Batavia, where Linda's funeral service will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. on what would have been her 69th birthday. Burial will follow in Cary Cemetery in Oakfield. A celebration of Linda's life will be held at the Generation Center, 15 Center St. in Batavia from 1 to 4p.m. also on Monday. We request everyone come in bright colors, ready to celebrate as she wanted us to celebrate her life!

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

LeRoy - Robert L. Boyce, age 88, passed away early Wednesday morning (July 26, 2023), after a period of declining health. 

Bob, a native of Hamburg, NY, graduated from Hamburg High School. Upon completion of high school, he joined the Army and served in Korea, after which he was honorably discharged. He then continued his education at The University of Buffalo.

Bob came to LeRoy with his family in 1968 to join the Ernest Townsend & Son Insurance Agency, now known as Tompkins Insurance. Bob immediately became active in the community by first joining the LeRoy Jaycees. He continued his community service with the LeRoy Rotary Club, where he was active for almost 50 years and served as president in 1975. The R.E.A. Milne Scholarship arm of the Rotary was of special interest to him. He was a Paul Harris fellow. 

He was president of the Genesee Community College Foundation for three years, was appointed a trustee of GCC by the Genesee County Legislature in 2014, and served as vice-chairman on the Le Roy Republican Committee. Bob also served as a trustee of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.

Bob was a member of the board of the LeRoy Ambulance Service for 27 years and served as president for 13 of them. One of his goals for the ambulance organization was to make sure it continued to be a viable service in the LeRoy community with quality pre-hospital care.

Bob has been honored by several organizations for his community service, including the Genesee County Health and Humanitarian Award (2014), Botts-Fiorito Post #576 LeRoyan of the Year (2018), Boys Scouts Distinguished Service award (2019), and the Alpha Medal of Service award at GCC Foundation (2020).

Bob’s favorite times were spent with family and friends, freely dispensing advice on the best new car deals. He was also an avid Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan and was recently recognized by both teams as a 50-year Season Ticket Holder. 

Bob will be missed by his wife of 61 years, Beth, his daughters Ann (Alan) Nordyke and Tracey (Jim) Carter, and son David (Irena) Boyce. His 8 grandchildren, Laura Nordyke Boland, Andrew Nordyke, Megan Boyce, Ryan Boyce, Emily Carter, Madelyn Carter, Gil Katz, Ella Katz and 2 great-grandchildren will also miss their loving “Poppie”. He was predeceased by his parents, Stuart and Esther Boyce and his brother, Jerry. 

Friends and family are all welcome to his Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 4th, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St. in Le Roy. Immediately following the Mass will be a reception and light lunch at the Parish Center (former Holy Family School). All are invited to attend either or both.

Flowers gratefully declined. Donations kindly suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, Le Roy NY 14482; GCC Foundation, 1 College Rd, Batavia NY 14020; and Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake Street, Le Roy NY, 14482.

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

Pittsford - William Bosseler, 75 of Pittsford  passed away on Sunday, (July 2, 2023) at his home.

Mr. Bosseler was born April 25, 1948 in Batavia, a son of the late George and Victorine (Neamon) Bosseler.

He worked as the director of admissions at Bryant & Stratton College prior to his retirement.  

Bill was a member of the Batavia High School Football Hall Fame and the Section V Football Hall of Fame and is under consideration for induction into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame for football. He was a High School All American for football and was given the key to the City of Batavia on Bill Bosseler Day in 1966. In college, Bill was a member of the football team at Miami University.  Bill was also an exceptional baseball player as a catcher for the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion post in Batavia and the Batavia High Blue Devils baseball team.  Bill lettered 4 years in high school for both football and baseball. He was a coach of the Batavia Titans Semi-pro football team which won the 1998 championship.

Bill is the husband of the late Jeanette (Bouquin) Bosseler.

Bill is survived by his children, Amey, Matthew, and Carolyn; step-children, Sandra (Paul), Patricia (TJ), Raymond (Michelle), and Thomas; sister, Laura. Several grandchildren also survive.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service for Bill on Tuesday (August 1, 2023) at Westside Memorial Gardens, 60 Stryker Road in Scottsville at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BCSD Foundation, Inc., 260 State Street, Batavia, NY 14020. The memorial will be used towards supporting BCSD athletes in William Bosseler‘s honor.

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

Richard R. “Dick” Tracy, 89 of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 with the love of his life by his side at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born January 28, 1934 in Batavia, to the late James and Margaret (Rogers) Tracy. He is preceded in death by siblings, James, Jean, William and John; brother-in-law, Frank Spiotta. 
 

Dick proudly served for 4 years in the United States Air Force. After returning home, he worked as a Meat Cutter and retired from Marchese Bells / Loblaws in Batavia. along with working in other butcher shops. Dick absolutely loved the Buffalo Bills, he was a Sabres fan and avid golfer, both playing and watching. He will be remembered as the sweetest, kindest, gentlest and honest man his beloved wife Fran has ever known, he truly was “one in a million”.
 

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Frances (Spiotta) Tracy of Batavia, daughter, Alisa Tracy of Batavia, sisters, Judy D’Angelo of Avon, Marge Goodwin of LeRoy, sister-in-law, Susan Spiotta of Batavia, along with several nieces and nephews. 
 

All are invited to call on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 11am to 12 Noon at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow. He will be Entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia. 
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to the ARC, 64 Walnut St, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.
 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Anna Marie Burakowski (Alexander, NY), who passed away on July 24, 2023 due to complications from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, July 29 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM followed by a funeral service, both held in Wendel & Loecher Inc. at 27 Aurora Street, Lancaster, NY 14086.

Anna was born on May 26, 1952 to Alfred and Florence (Fronchowiak) Lewandowski in Buffalo, NY. She attended Canisius College earning bachelor of science degrees in biology and biochemistry, igniting a passion for all things science. In 1975 she married her husband, Joseph Burakowski, also of Buffalo, with whom she had four children - Sarah, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Katharine Burakowski.

Throughout her 71 years, Anna was known to have a curious and inquisitive mind, which she exercised as a research scientist studying infectious diseases, then as a biology teacher in the Buffalo City School District, and eventually as an agriculture specialist for Customs and Border Protection with Homeland Security. She was a life-long learner and earned two master’s degrees - one in molecular biology and one in education. When she wasn’t working, she was still a scientist at her core, constantly learning about the wildlife and plants around her. She was never one to sit back and watch and her intellectual curiosity and love of animals led her to travel as far as Namibia to help care for cheetahs.  

Anna was a creative and adventurous baker, who rarely made anything the same way twice.  She was a talented seamstress, and she adored gardening with the simple joy of watching her flowers bloom. Since she was a kid she enjoyed going to the movies and was always up for watching something new, especially if it involved a superhero.

Anna’s greatest joy in life came from building a family with Joe. She loved her children deeply and did all that she could to provide them with opportunities to thrive.  She was a scouting parent, went on class field trips, supported the marching band, and did everything mothers who love their children do. Anna most valued education and was elected as the president of the Alexander Central School Board of Education in the 1990s. She loved being a part of her kid’s college searches, traveling across the country to visit school after school. Anna had a fierce moral code and raised her children to have the same, while being compassionate to others.  She rounded out her family by always having at least one dog, who she lavished with love and affection. 

Anna requested that in lieu of flowers and cards, you consider donating to a charity near and dear to your heart or your local animal shelter

Thomas H. “Woody” Woodruff was relieved from his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and reunited with his memories on July 21, 2023 at age 72. Born in LeRoy, New York to the late Keith and Margaret (Bradley) Woodruff, as the youngest child with something to prove and grit to spare, Tom was a stand-out in football and the most feared hitter on the baseball field at LeRoy Central. He went on to earn a degree from Hobart College and terrorize opponents as their defensive tackle. While diligently studying at Hobart, he made his greatest commitment to his wife of over 52 years, Susan (MacPherson) Woodruff of Batavia and expanded their family with the addition of their pride and joy, Bryan. Both are equally responsible for his hair greying prematurely. 

He went on to receive his Masters in Secondary Education from St. Bonaventure in 1975. A history buff, Tom began his career as a social studies teacher with Olean City School District and Morrisville Eaton Central, then transferred to Oakfield-Alabama, where he spent twenty years between teaching, heading up the social studies department and imparting his sense of fairness as Dean of Students. Tom left a lasting legacy at OA with the creation of innovative programs for students in social studies. His final eight years prior to retirement were spent as Principal of Cal-Mum High School where he imprinted himself as an exceptional leader among his administrative colleagues within Genesee Valley BOCES. 

More often than not, his lessons were most memorably received on a playing field than in the classroom, where he was known as “Coach” to countless players while doing his best to make each a worth adversary. Balanced in temperament and so much bigger of a man than his stature portrayed, Coach Woodruff poured himself into each and every one of his roles as Olean varsity football assistant and wrestling coach; Morrisville’s athletic director, head football coach, and assistant baseball coach; as assistant football coach and offensive coordinator at SUNY Brockport for 11 years; as Oakfield-Alabama’s head football and JV baseball coach; and as assistant football coach with Batavia City Schools, Rush Henrietta, Williamsville South and Notre Dame. While his favorite school colors may have evolved from time to time, his loyalties and long-lasting friendships remained, and he relished visiting his old haunts to check in on those he knowingly or unknowingly mentored along the way. 

The pride Tom felt as father, teacher, and coach took on a new level seeing his two grandchildren Marguerite and George Woodruff of Batavia grow and excel as exceptional student athletes in their own regard. In addition to his beloved grandchildren and wife, his memory will live on through his daughter-in-law Gail Tenney, siblings Joan (Archie) Cappotelli, Robert Woodruff, James (Bonnie) Woodruff, and brother-in-law William (Denise) MacPherson, as well as many adored cousins, nieces and nephews and life-long friends. In death, Tom is reunited with his beloved son, his parents, and sister-in-law Sharon Woodruff.

The phone calls, messages, and visits Tom received from family, friends, colleagues, and former students during the final stages of his life were no doubt a great source of peace and comfort to him. 

All are invited to call on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 4-8 pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, August 1^st at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the LeRoy Oatka Knights Sports Hall of Fame at PO Box 100, LeRoy, NY 14482, or the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Inc., PO Box 267, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Philip A. Johnson, 63, of Batavia passed away on Friday July 21, 2023 at Strong Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Batavia on October 16, 1959 to the late J. Robin and Geraldine (Eyre) Johnson. 

Phil is survived by the love of his life; fiancé Cheryl Murray Ditzel of Batavia; children Emmaline (Billy) White of Warsaw, Nicole Johnson of Batavia and Austin Johnson of Batavia;  sister Molly (Scott) Johnson  of Danville, VA; grandchildren Micah White, Conlan Johnson and Shayley Johnson. 

Phil loved football, his favorite team was Vikings and he also liked the Bills. He enjoyed camping at Godfrey’s Pond. He occasionally hunted deer. He loved to jam out to Rush, Bob Segar and Kid Rock as loud as possible. Phil loved to garden and cook and was a very blunt and honest person, but when he loved something he loved it passionately.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to WNY Mercy Flight 100 Amherst Villa Rd. Buffalo, NY 14225 or the Kidney Foundation of WNY 4444 Bryant & Stratton Way Williamsville, NY 14221. 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.

Jean P. Dominesey, 87 of Sheldon NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, July 23, 2023. She was born July 22, 1936 in Salamanca, to the late James and Edna (Reed) Parks. Jean is preceded in death by her beloved husband Earl, and her two siblings, June Halloran and Joan Nannen, and a grandson, Brent Schum.

She is survived by her children, Lawrence (Lorraine) Dominesey of Arcade, Jodie (Tom) Wareham of Corfu, Andrew (Catherine) Dominesey of Mansfield, MA, Elizabeth (Thomas) Ball of East Aurora, Susan (Ray Smith) Dominesey-Schum of Sheldon, 10 grandchildren, Aaron, Jeremy (Brittnie), Amanda, Elaina (Tyler), Anna (Jake), Kurt (Hannah), Cassandra (Kortney), Suzanna (Jake), Grant, Courtney, 5 great-grandchildren, Tessa, Riley, Blake, Denver Ruth, and Theodore, along with many nieces and nephews.

Jean was a lifelong educator and teacher. She was a principal at Genesee Wyoming BOCES when she retired. Jean loved her family, flowers, gardening, and life on the farm. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Per Jean’s request, her immediate family will be celebrating her life privately. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Ellicottville NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Action for Wyoming County, 6470 Rt. 20A, Suite 1, Perry, NY 14530.
To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Frances Lynne Dinelli, 78 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Friday (July 21, 2023) at Hospice Buffalo in Cheektowaga, NY.

She was born December 22, 1944 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Franklin and Jean Fletcher Golpl.

She was a loan officer for CCS Federal Credit Union in Clarence prior to her retirement. She enjoyed to cross stitch and was a life long resident of the Akron area.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Dinelli of Akron. Daughter, Paulette (Eric Krauss) Dinelli of Royalton. Son, Bryan Dinelli of Akron. Also survived by brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of 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, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.