Obituaries

Joseph D. Ritter “Joe”, 67 of Corfu, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday (July 27, 2022) at his residence.

He was born May 4, 1955 in Batavia, a son of the late John Sr. and Helen Dziuba Ritter.

Joe was in the cheese business for most of his life after high school. He was employed for Kutter’s Cheese and then Cabot Creamery prior to his retirement. Joe was a family man who would give the shirt off of his back for anyone. He loved to tinker around on anything and was a fan of Cub Cadet and Ford vehicles. He was a gentle giant who will be missed by so many people who were blessed to have known him.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Szelagiewicz Ritter of Corfu. Daughters, Jill (Greg) Colombo of Williamsville and Janet (James) Stady of Lancaster. Grandchildren, Kyle and Aaron Colombo, Vida and Ayla Stady. Siblings, Robert (Cindy) Ritter of Corfu, Sharon (late Joseph) Koszuta of Akron, Julie (Gary) Fillion of Rochester, John (late Joanne) Ritter of Corfu, Karl (Stephanie) Ritter of Easton, PA and Mark (LaDonna) Ritter of Millbrook, AL. Step-mother, Carol Ritter of Akron. Step-brother, Scott (Brenda) Muir of Avon. Step-sister, Darlene (Bruce) Curtis of Corfu. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may attend visitation on Sunday (July 31^st) from 4-7pm at the C.B. BEACH & SON MORTUARY, INC, 4-6 Main St., Corfu, NY. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 10am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 18 West Main St, Corfu, NY. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Batavia, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE C.B. BEACH & SON MORTUARY, INC., 4-6 MAIN STREET, CORFU, NY 14036.

 

 

Barbara A. Tooley, age 86, of Batavia, passed away peacefully Monday, July 25,2022.

    

Her gentle, soft spoken, big hearted soul was born in Batavia to the late Kenneth and Alida (Needham) Smart of East Pembroke, where she resided all through her school years. Barbara went on graduating from Corfu High School, class of 1954. Several years later working as a Secretary until retirement for the former L. J. Groths & Sons.

     After retirement, she enjoyed spending her time shopping, crafting, quilting/sewing and having lunch with her friends, ("the girls"). Most of all, her biggest pride and joy was her family, which she loved very much.

     She leaves behind many saddened and broken hearts. Her Brother, Robert (Cathy) Smart of Corfu and sister, Vera (Robert) Newton of East Pembroke; Five children: Timothy Tooley of Medina, Jeffery Tooley of Texas, Jonathan (Charlene) Tooley of East Bethany, Ruth (Randy) Carter of Georgia, and David (Celena) Tooley of West Virginia. Nineteen Grandchildren, Twenty Four Great-Grandchildren and many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

     Family and Friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 4 ~7 PM at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. There will be a short church service, Tuesday, August 2,2022, 11:00 AM at The City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia; directly followed by her final resting place at Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.

     Contributions in memory of Barbara are suggested to either St. Jude Children's Hospital or to an animal shelter organization of the donor's choice.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Barbara's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

  Lawrence Lee Rowcliffe, son of Wallace E. Rowcliffe and Gertrude Rowcliffe died on Wednesday the 27th of July 2022, in the Veterans Hospital in Batavia, New York. He married Debra K. Rowcliffe of Oakfield New York on 18 April 1981. He was a loyal husband, they were married for 41 years and he loved her intensely, until his last day of life his final words to her were "I love you, I love you, I love you."

Larry was the fourth child of Wallace and Gertrude.  He is preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Whaley and Betty Cintorino. He is survived by his older sister, Milda Tillotson and his younger brother, Gary Rowcliffe.

He was a father to seven children, Alan Rhodes, Jasen Rowcliffe, Amy Coughlin, Christopher Rhodes, Jerrod Rowcliffe, Brad Rhodes and Joleen Aquina. As a father, he taught us the meaning of hard work and the value of a dollar. He was always the first to put his hook in the water when fishing, and patient enough to help you untangle your line when you had made a mess of things. He had his favorite fishing spots, but we have been sworn under pain of haunting, to not reveal them, so you're on your own.

He loved to be outdoors, trapping, fishing and hunting, but he was at his best at the Sport of Kings talking to complete strangers and enjoying good coffee, with his Veterans group and few remaining friends.

He was very proud of being a Vietnam Veteran, and his time in the service. He was wounded in battle in 1965 and awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery, and a Purple Heart for his sacrifice upon the alter of freedom "Freedom is Never Free". He will be sorely missed by his surviving family and friends.

There will be no prior calling hours and Funeral Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  To leave a 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.

Berney V. Staats, age 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning (July 27, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

   

  He was born May 20, 1936, in Albany, New York, son of the late Willard and Lillian Staats. After attending Ravena Coeymans High School, where he was President of the Student Council, in 1954, he entered the United States Air Force and served overseas in England during the Korean War. He married Joan F. Henry in 1962, and they spent 59 loving, caring years together. Berney was active in the Stafford Fire Department and the American Legion, and served as Commander of the Batavia American Legion post.

     A devoted father and grandfather who nurtured his daughters’ interests in music and theater, and attended all of his grandsons’ baseball, football, and basketball games, Berney was also an avid reader, Yankees and Bills fan, golf and social media enthusiast, carpenter, gardener, and nature lover.

     He will be sadly missed by his daughters Marian Staats (Thomas Bowen) and Cindy (Steven) Dumbleton; grandsons Steven and Joshua Dumbleton; sister-in-law Agnes Bohl; and brother James Staats.

     Berney’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the Palliative Care Center at Strong Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care of their father and grandfather.

     Family and friends are invited to his Rite of Christian Burial which will be held on Monday, August 1st at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. Interment with military honors will follow in Morganville Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or Strong Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Center.

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

Batavia - David R.  Kuehl, 56 of Batavia passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

He was born Tuesday, December 7th, 1965 in Batavia, a son of the late Charles J. Kuehl Sr. and Joyce M. Hyde Kuehl.

A 1985 graduate of Batavia High School, he was a member of the Polish Falcons Nest No. 493 in Batavia and loved the Buffalo Bills, NASCAR and Lynyrd Skynyrd.  His family wishes to offer their sincere thanks and gratitude to his “family” at Kelly’s Holland Inn for their years of friendship and support shown to Dave.

He is survived by his siblings, Lorene (Randy) Wilford, Charles J. (Christine) Kuehl, Jr., Dennis (Yvonne) Kuehl and Cynthia Pike; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

There are no prior visiting hours. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 6th, 2022 at West Bethany Cemetery, 4334 Brown Road, East Bethany. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Batavia - Esther S. Carmel, 87 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, (July 25, 2022) at her home in Batavia.

Mrs. Carmel was born November 26, 1934 in Perry, a daughter of the late Joseph and Marian (Hottois) Goodie.

Esther was a member of the Alexander Central School Class of 1953. She loved and enjoyed being with her family and friends. She enjoyed crocheting, westerns, cooking shows, camping, and traveling to Canada with her late husband, Andre; and meeting with her classmates for breakfast at Sport of Kings.

Esther is the wife of the late Andre Carmel who passed away October 22, 2016.

Surviving are her children, Laura Cunningham of Attica, Carol Robinson of Batavia, and Jeff (Kim) Bauer of Batavia; several grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; a brother, Elmo Goodie. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Preceded in death by a son, Douglas A. Bauer (d. 2019); granddaughter, Cassandra Robinson (d. 1985); siblings, Myrtie Nieder, Julia Dzierzanowski, Estella Mae Byers, Mary Ellen Campbell, Joseph Goodie, John, Goodie, and Leo Goodie.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday  from 10 to 11:00 am at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Esther's Funeral Service will be held immediately following visitation. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beachhead Veterans Club, 3188 Broadway Road, Alexander, New York 14005 or Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Leonard P. Bochynski, 89 of Rochester, formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (July 26, 2022) at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester.

He was born October 27, 1932 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Peter and Pelagia Marlinski Bochynski.

Leonard served his country with the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, where he was stationed in Germany. He was a New York State Trooper for 21 years and then employed by Rochester Liquor Company for 19 years prior to his retirement. When he retired in 1994, he and his wife spent their winters in Sabastian, Florida. Over the years, he remodeled homes, made furniture, and helped his kids in making items for their own homes. He enjoyed reading, movies, playing sudoku and crossword puzzles. He and his wife also loved to dance and travel. Leonard was a thoughtful person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 39 years, Mary Lou Francis Bochynski of Rochester. Children, Margaret (Chris) Paul, Beth (Steve) McKenna, Martha (Jim) Tucker, John Bochynski, Lisa Seifert and James (Heidi) U’Ren Sr.. Seven grandchildren, Danny, Katy, Max, Jake, Anthony, Michael, and James. Four great-grandchildren, Ellie, Nolan, Colin and Mae. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Alice Bejerski.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (July 29^th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. Burial with military honors will be in the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hildebrandt hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626. 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.

 

 

Batavia - Rev. Douglas A. Knorr, 68 of Batavia, passed away on Friday, (April 8, 2022) at his home in Batavia.

Rev. Knorr was born July 25, 1953 in Rochester, a son of the late Arlene (late Albert) Knorr Keys.

Doug was a veteran of the US Army and was very proud to have become an ordained minister in 2018. Enjoyed grilling and was an avid Buffalo Sabres and Bills fan. He adored his cats and could often be found passing time playing his PlayStation.

Surviving are his daughters, Bethann (Michael) Mogenhan of Brockport, and Louise Whitlock of Maryland; his grandson, Jonathon Mogenhan; and family friend, Denise Osswald

Family and Friends may call on Thursday (July 28, 2022) from 11 a.m. to 12 noon the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Doug's memorial service will immediately follow visitation. Burial will be in Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a veterans' charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Conesus ~ Marie A. Cross, age 73, of Turkey Hill Road, passed away Monday morning (July 25, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of her family.

    She was born March 9, 1949 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles and Eleanor Dries Cummings.

 

  Marie lived a life of faith and love, dedicated to her husband and family. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and dear friend to many.  She loved family gatherings and brought a quiet warmth and positive presence everywhere she went. Her passion for sewing, baking, gardening, and cooking grew from the joy her mother and grandmothers found in these activities. She continued the thread of learning by lovingly teaching these skills to each of her own children and grandchildren. 

    She will be sadly missed by her devoted husband of 53 years, Gary; her 7 children and their families, Michelle (Christopher Flood) Beyer, Gary A. Cross, Renee (Mark) Hopkins, Brenda (Jim) Bell, Sarah (Brett) Orr,  Ellen (Scott Laubenheimer) Cross, and Laura (Matthew) Dumuhosky; grandchildren Kristiana, Felicia, Jacob (Jennifer), Gabrielle, Ethan, Tyler, Charlie, Elijah, Shane (fiancé, Kaitlin), Seth (Tori), Hannah, TJ, Noah, Emma, Drake, Clyde, Taylor, Abigail, Estelle, and Lenore; great grandchildren Lanson and Roselyn; brothers, Charles (Julie) Cummings and William Cummings; sisters, Joan (Wayne) Sovocool and Mary (Michael) Griffith, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends are invited to Marie's Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Friday, July 29 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.  Private interment in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Marie's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

LeRoy ~ We mournfully announce the passing of John Robert Leach, 61, on July 24, 2022 after a hard-fought battle with diabetes related complications.  John was the beloved son of the late Otis and Lucy Leach (Toliver).

   

  John was born February 18, 1961 and graduated from Pavilion Central School in 1980.

     While John never married, he lived a full and vibrant life with many friends. His sisters, Luanne and Deborah and brothers, Edward and Otis, meant more to him than words can describe. John was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR fan.

     Family and friends are invited to John's Memorial Service to be held on Friday, July 29 at 11:00 AM at the Second Baptist Church located at 73 Myrtle Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.  A repast will be held at the American Legion located at 53 W. Main Street, LeRoy, NY 14482 immediately following the memorial service.  All are welcome.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's name to the LeRoy Pantry and Help Fund, 48 Main Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

Mark L. Cooley, 69, of Batavia, passed away on July 25, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mark was born July 3, 1953, in Batavia, a son of the late Edward and Audrey (Ponivas) Cooley.

Mark was a welder for 45 years at Graham Manufacturing in Batavia.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and hunting.

Surviving are his wife, Debra Cooley of Batavia; his daughters, Kristal Jackson of Rochester and Amy (Kevin) Singleton of Myrtle Beach, SC; grandchildren, Jordan, Justyce, Malachi and Jadyn; brothers, Peter (Claudia) Cooley of LeRoy and Paul (Sharon) Cooley of Greece, NY and several nieces and nephews

There are no prior calling hours.  Mark's funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 30 at Stafford Rural Cemetery, 8971 Transit Road in Stafford.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cooley family.  

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

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

LeRoy ~ Joan E. Smith, age 86, passed away Saturday evening (July 23, 2022) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

   

  She was born July 7, 1936 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late Sam and Edna Kenward Quible.

     Joan was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, who will be remembered as a fabulous cook and for her love of gardening, especially caring for her roses.  She enjoyed traveling, knitting and making porcelain dolls, along with the clothing for each one.  Joan was employed for US Gypsum and involved in 4 H, the Cooperative Extension and she along with her husband, Trent, were foster parents to many infants throughout the 1960's and 1970's.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband of almost 68 years, Trent Smith; her children, Susan (Edward) Walf, Lori (Roger) Bischoff, Michele (Brian) Stricker and John C. Smith; grandchildren, Kristen (Andrew) Ganshaw, Andrew (Deborah) Walf, Adam (Alicia) Bischoff, Hope (Andrew) Aguado, Paige (Michael) Stasko, Steven Beach, Jordan (Jeslene) Beach; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara (Ron) Mayback and Brenda (Tim) Jeffs, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

    In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, LaVerne Quible and Ronald Quible.

     Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Joan's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Byron- Carol Grace (nee: Mooney) Stamp, age 83 of Byron, died Monday July 25, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her children. A devoted wife & mother of 7, grandmother of 15, & great-grandmother to 1, she was passionate about spending time with her family more than anything.  Carol was the adored anchor to her extended family, staying connected was always her goal. She was a valued member of the Byron Presbyterian Church.  Being a strong woman of faith, she was a Prayer Warrior for anyone in need, always putting others before herself. Carol was a retired home-health care aide, where she found her calling in serving elders with the Genesee Orleans Homemakers Inc.  She then came out of retirement to share her expertise of child care by working with infants at a local daycare center.  In her “spare time,” she also enjoyed gardening, music, multiple pets, and her dear neighbors.

Devoted mother of Mitchell (Michele) Stamp, Michael (Diane) Stamp, Lori J. (Keith) Pafk, Brian (Dawn) Stamp, Lisa J. (Michael) Warner, Darin Stamp, Lanette Janene “Jeanie” (Todd) Sloat, and a dear friend and caregiver, Susan Carpenter; beloved grandmother of Jayme (Nick) Martell, Erin, Sean, Adrienne, Paul (Brittany), Leah (James Halsey) and Billirich Stamp; Neil (Zoe Whitehurst) and Kyle (Jessica Hall) Pafk; Michael, Matthew (Sammy) and William (Olivia Nucetelli) Warner; Jordan and Lacey J. (Dave Stishan) Sloat, Larisa J. (Matthew) Chiverton; loving great-grandmother of Maci Sue Martell; dear sister of Jerald (Sue) Mooney; sister-in-law of Florence Mooney, and aunt to many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Carol is predeceased by her husband, Nelson N. Stamp, who died January 2, 2013; her parents, William H. and Pearl E. Mooney; her brothers, William (Deloris “Pete”), Richard “Jack,” (Irma) Edmund (Geraldine), Fredrick, and Jerome Mooney; and a daughter-in-law, Deborah Stamp.

Friends and family may call Friday from 5-8 PM at the H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. 403 East Main Street, Batavia. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 11AM at the Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main Street, Byron, NY 14422, with the Rev. James Renfrew, officiating. A light reception will follow services in the church fellowship hall which is handicap accessible. Burial will be private in the North Byron Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Byron Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 206, Byron, New York 14422. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Johanna F. Anthony, 95, of Batavia passed away peacefully on July 19, 2022. She was born in Mainstockheim, Germany on April 15, 1927 to the late Heinrich and Elizabeth (Spiegel) Goller. In addition to her parents, Johanna is predeceased by her husband; Theodore Anthony, along with 9 siblings.

She is survived by her niece; Diane (David) Horning; 6 great nieces and nephews and 5 great-great nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held for immediate family.

To leave a 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.

Elba - Rick W.  Rohan, 63 passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022 after a short and arduous battle with cancer.

Rick was born March 10, 1959 in Batavia, a son of the late Herbert Rohan and Martha Forman Rohan.

He will be missed by his wife, Carolyn “Carrie” DeMare Rohan whom he married on February 2, 1991; his children who were his pride and joy, Alicia C. (Ben Cherry) Rohan of Otego and Connor C. (Lily Kaufman) Rohan of Buffalo;  his siblings, Nancy (David) Steele, Denis (Janet) Rohan and Dona Tetter; brothers-in-law, Joe DeMare, Tony (Cathy) DeMare, Frank (Sue) DeMare, Daniel (Nadeen) DeMare; sisters-in-law, Rosanne DeMare and Mary (Dan) DeMare and  his mother-in-law, Josephine DeMare. Rick had many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins, including Mary Forman, who was near and dear to Rick.

Rick was a hardworking, loving family man. Everything he did was done with his family in mind. Hardships he endured were met with levity and a sense of humor up until his final days. Rick was a true friend to all.

Rick will be laid to rest privately with his family in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.  Rick’s Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, August 21st, 2022 at the Elba Fire Department Recreation Hall, 7143 Oak Orchard Road on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 1 pm to 7 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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