Obituaries

Richard Howard Hilken 87, of Alexander, passed away peacefully on April 30th, 2022, at Premier Genesee Nursing Home, surrounded by his family. Born in Batavia, New York on March 19th, 1935, he was the only son of Howard Hilken & Mabel (Galliford) Hilken. He attended & graduated Alexander Central School & was a lifelong resident of Genesee County. Richard was employed at Batavia Metal Products, as a machinist for 40 years, until his retirement. Richard was a talented percussionist. In high school, he played percussion in the Alexander High School Marching Band & later enjoyed playing the drums in a local Rock-n-Roll band. He performed concerts, playing his drums for many years, spreading joy & entertainment to the people, in establishments throughout Genesee County. Richard was a remarkable father/grandfather; unselfishly devoted to his children & grandchildren. He was a hard worker, a great provider, kind, thoughtful, caring, polite, a true gentleman, intelligent, humorous & a loving family man. His hobbies/interests included watching old classic movies & TV shows & enjoyed listening to classical music & Dixieland jazz. He loved spending time with his children & grandchildren, frequently dining out at local restaurant's, his favorite being Miss Batavia Diner. During his later years, he grew a fondness for all animals & enjoyed the company of his cats & dogs. He regularly donated to animal charities. He will be forever loved, forever missed & forever remembered. Richard is survived by his sister Nancy (Hilken) Sustic, daughter Dawn (Peter Niemann) Hilken & son Frederick (Vicki Matlack) Hilken, grandsons Christian Hilken & Alexander Hilken, nieces & nephews, cousins, as well as Vincent Sotir & Lia Sotir, siblings of Christian & Alexander. Services will be held at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, New York. Family & friends are invited to call on Friday, May 6th 2022 between 2 & 4 p.m. After which, a service will be held & he will then be laid to rest at Grand View Cemetery. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to your local animal shelter or ASPCA.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Barbara A. Ettinger, 81 of Batavia, joined her family with Jesus on Friday, April 29, 2022.

She was born August 15, 1940 in Jamaica, NY, a daughter of the late Frederick and Hazel Hansen Miller.

Barbara retired from the Genesee County Cooperative Extension where she was secretary, and was a longtime member of Northgate Free Methodist Church. Known as "Grandma Barb", she will be remembered fondly for the many generations she loved caring for while running the church nursery program. Some of Barb's favorites included cardinals, old hymns, the Hallmark channel and couponing.  She loved sending cards for every occasion. 

Survivors include her daughters, Talee Kehlenbeck of Batavia, Anissa (Brad) Miller of Perry, and Katina (Chad) Miller of LeRoy. Grandchildren, Ezekiel (Amanda DiStefano) Kehlenbeck, AJ Kehlenbeck, Tyler Kehlenbeck, and MacKenzie (Lance) Scarafia.  Caleb, Levi, Madelynn and Hannah Miller. Sydney, Greta, and Jude Miller. Great grandchildren, Emma Kehlenbeck, Riley and Wyatt Scarafia and Kenna Kehlenbeck. Sisters, Ellen (Philip) Harris, Sue (Bob) Tice and Phyllis (Jim) Braden. Also nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by a brother, Timothy Miller.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to Odosagih Bible Conference, 3204 Hazelmere Ave. Machias NY 14101. 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 - Kathryn M. DeRose, 69 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at LeRoy Village Residential Health Care Facility.

She was born Monday, October 12th, 1952 in Tonawanda, New York a daughter of the late Richard Berkemeyer and Mary Henry Berkemeyer.

A longtime private home health aide, she was a voracious reader.

Surviving are her husband of 45 years, Michael A. DeRose of Batavia; her daughter, Rachel (Joseph) Calvano of Allen, Texas; her grandchildren, Nicholas Calvano, Jack Calvano and Alexandra Calvano; her brother, Rick Berkemeyer of Buffalo; her sister, Barbara (Michael) Jewel of California; her mother-in-law, Ann DeRose of Holley; several nieces, nephews and cousins including Samuel (Mary Grace) Paradise, Jr. of Batavia survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 6th, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, May 7^th, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the DeRose Family. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mathew F. Roman Jr, 77 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Saturday (April 30, 2022) at Gateway Home in Attica, NY, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 18, 1945 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Mathew Sr. and Mary Jaskolka Roman.

Mathew was employed by American Axle in Buffalo for several years prior to his retirement. He was a jack of all trades and passed on those traits to his children. He enjoyed fishing, camping and loved his family dearly. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Frances Zolnowski Roman. Daughters, Michele (Clovis) Phillips, Cherie Bender and Genevieve Roman. Grandchildren, Jessica, Cassandra, Joshua, Bobbie Jo, Mason, Jacob, Haley and Riley. Five great-grandchildren. Sisters, Marjorie Dejames and Sally Maund. Brother, Frank Roman and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Catherine Chapman.

Family and friends may call on Thursday (May 5th) from 1-3pm & 6-8pm at the C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4-6 Main St., Corfu, NY 14036.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011.

Byron ~ Steven James Grapensteter, age 71, of Byron-Holley Rd., passed away Sunday afternoon (May 1, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

   

  He was born December 22, 1950 in Rochester, a son of the late Jack and Claire Rauscher Grapensteter.

     Steven will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.  He was a proud "Paw" to his grandchildren, who simply cherished him.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted "high school sweetheart" of 48 years, Sandy DuBois Grapensteter; sons, Steven (Amanda) Grapensteter and James Grapensteter; daughter, Virginia (Joseph) Kapelke; grandchildren, Blake, Aiden, Logan and Lucas Grapensteter, Joseph Jr. and Jonathan Kapelke, Mackenzie, Madison and Maryann Grapensteter; brothers, Kevin Grapensteter and Scott Grapensteter, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 4 from 4 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 5 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in the North Byron Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

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

Patricia M. Piacente, 85 of Varysburg, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. She was born January 11, 1937 in Buffalo to the late LeRoy and Mildred (Biemler) Linkner. She is preceded in death by her brother LeRoy Linkner.

Patricia was a longtime member of Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish in Varysburg. She served as Eucharistic Minister, was part of the Altar and Rosary Society and took communion to parishioners in nursing homes. Mrs. Piacente enjoyed doing arts and crafts in her younger years.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Frank Piacente of Varysburg, sons, Frederick (Susan) Papke of Strykersville, Thomas Papke of Buffalo and Edward (Sandy) Papke of Dale; 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 4 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, 2311 Rt 98, Varysburg, NY 14167. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Varysburg Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Margaret A. Reitzel, 89, of Attica, passed away on April 28, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Margaret was born June 8, 1932 in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Elmer and Alice (Weatherwax) Bagg.

She enjoyed gardening and cooking.  

Surviving are her children, Jean Reitzel of Rochester, Floyd Reitzel of Attica, Morris Reitzel of Covington, PA and Steven Reitzel of Odenton, MD; a brother; William Bagg of Albion and several nieces and nephews.   

Preceded in death by her husband, Frank Reitzel and sister, June Donner.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Margaret's funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. also on Friday.  Burial will be in Brainard Cemetery in Attica.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stevens Memorial Community Library, 146 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.  

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

Anthony E. D’Aurizio “Tony”, 84, of Batavia, NY, passed away on April 30, 2022, after a long illness.

Anthony was born on April 18, 1938, to Nicholas and Teresa (Tiberio) D’Aurizio in Batavia, NY. After graduating from Batavia High School in 1956, he joined the United States Army in 1957 serving as Company Clerk, Specialist 4^th Class stationed in Southern France.

In 1959, Anthony met Constance Ann Pagano they married in 1961 and went on to have 3 children, Anthony M. (Kathryn) D’Aurizio Jr. of Huntersville, NC, Lisa Marie D’Aurizio Pullinzi of Batavia, NY, and Laura Ann (Andy) Pedro of Batavia, NY.

Anthony worked in food service for 36 years as a department manager, retiring from Tops Supermarket; additionally he worked at Batavia Downs for 32 years. He retired from both jobs in 2002. Anthony was a lifetime parishioner of St. Anthony’s Parish and now Ascension Parish, a member of St. Nicholas Social Club, where he served as Executive Chair and Vice President for a term. Anthony enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching his grandchildren participate in their athletic and scholastic activities; mainly he cherished spending time with his family. He was a great storyteller and spent countless hours telling his grandchildren about the “Old Days”. Anthony will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was devoted to family.

Anthony is survived by his wife of 61 years Constance, 3 children, Anthony (Kathryn) D’Aurizio Jr., Lisa Pullinzi, Laura (Andy) Pedro; 8 grandchildren Devin (David) D’Aurizio Gilbert, Anthony L. (Stacey) D’Aurizio, Joseph, Vincent and Melissa Pedro, Constance and Siena Pullinzi, Nia (Ryan) Shepard, 7 great grandchildren Olivia and Vincent Gilbert, Kenzie and Anthony L. D’Aurizio lV, Liliana, Samantha, Wyatt Shepard. He was the of brother Frank (Jennie) D’Aurizio along with many nieces and nephews. Anthony was also predeceased by his sister Mary (Alex) Neubert and brother Nicholas (Robin) D’Aurizio.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 9 to 10:15 AM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest with Military Honor’s at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. 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.

Joseph J. Lang, Sr., 78, of Batavia passed away on Sunday March 20, 2022 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Batavia.  

He was born on September 25, 1943, the son of Joseph and Clara Lang.

Joe was the loving husband of the late Pamela (Winkstern) Lang; father to the late Jackie, the late Jeffery (Tina), the late Joseph (Bonnie) and Jayme (late Dara); grandfather to Katelynn, Sky, Storm, Kylee, Kalob and Autumn.  

Joe loved the outdoors, gardening and hunting. He will be sadly missed by many.  

A Celebration of Life will take place this summer.

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

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

  Gregory L. Bruggman, 46, of Batavia, born May 18, 1975 with Spina Bifida at Genesee Memorial Hospital.  He was immediately transferred to Children’s Hospital in Buffalo for surgery. Greg passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was predeceased by his dad William “Bill” Bruggman and a brother John Joseph Bruggman, who died in 1966, also born with Spina Bifida.

He lived his life to the fullest, on his terms, never letting his disability stop or slow him down. Greg graduated from Alexander Central School. He worked at Kmart, Walmart, Independent Living and ARC Workshop. In May of 2015, he received a “Friends of ILGR Award”. He was a great advocate and supporter of Independent Living and people with disabilities. He had been a member of St. Vincent’s Church in Attica.

Greg lived on his own, in his apartment, in Batavia for over 20 years. A few years ago he had a wheelchair fire that destroyed it (Scott DeSmit interviewed him for the Daily then) but after a month of renovations he was back. Everyone would see him wheeling around town, at Batavia Downs or the ball game. Greg had been a great fan and booster of the Muckdogs for years and already had his season tickets for this summer.

Greg is survived by his mom Connie (Williams) Bruggman, brother Scott, sister Beth Anne (Michael) Matney, brothers Thomas and Michael (Courtney Treese) Bruggman. His nieces and nephews Christopher (Joyce Garcia Alberty) Guzman, Brandon (Theresa Thomas) Williams, Ryan Williams and Chris Matney, Brandi (Joe Tedesco) and De Anna (Dereck Shaw) Bruggman, John and Jack Bruggman;  great-uncle to Landon and Paisley Williams, Aspen Shaw and Anacaona Guzman and many great aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service will be held in July at the family cottage in Java Lake. The family would like to thank all of his friends who have helped Greg have a very happy and adventurous life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greater Rochester Spina Bifida Association, P.O. Box 3, Fairport NY 14450. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Marguerite P. Goff, age 88, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mrs. Goff was born Monday, July 24th, 1933 in Middleport, a daughter of the late Cecil W. Park and Katherine G. Gavigan Park.

A member of The Elba Elegants and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Elba Fire Department, Marguerite will be remembered by all as a caring friend to everyone she met.  She was a proud and loving mother and grandmother.

Marguerite is the wife of Robert A. Goff who passed away January 16, 2015, mother of the late Lorie C. Goff who passed away on July 29, 2020, Stephen R. Goff who passed away on March 9, 2021 and James A. Goff who passed away on June 11, 2021 and sister of the late John Oakes and Raymond Oakes.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Ellen Goff  of Oakfield; son-in-law,  Greg Frielinghaus of Rochester; granddaughters,  Jessica (Keith) Kertman  of Palmyra and  Elizabeth Goff of Oakfield; great-granddaughter, Cali Kertman of Palmyra; her sister, Betty Monagan of Batavia and nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 30th, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where a brief prayer service will follow at 3 pm. She will be laid to rest in Mount Albion Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Louis M. “Rusty” Breton Jr, 53, of Alexander, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2022 after a battle with ALS, a battle he fought courageously in his faith and always with a smile. Rusty’s love for life didn’t come to an end with his death. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his memory by living their lives to the fullest, like he did every single day.

He was born on August 23, 1968 in Batavia, to Louis M. Breton Sr. of Batavia and Sharon (Murphy) Breton of Alexander.

Rusty was an avid outdoorsman, contractor and family man. The simplest pleasures in life brought great happiness to Rusty. He was happiest enjoying a quiet evening on his back porch with his family which was his greatest pride. Rusty always had a heart to help and was the first one to volunteer. He’d help anyone in any way he could, including a complete stranger. Rusty loved to spend every moment laughing with family and friends. His love for his family, friends and life is impossible to put into words or summarize in one paragraph.

He is survived by his loving wife; Judith D. (Norton) Breton of Alexander, children; Louis M. “Bucky” Breton III of Darien, Sydney (Aaron) Ertel, Alexis Breton and Cole Breton all of Alexander, siblings; Annette Stephens, Susan Feldman both of Alexander, James (Marla) Breton of Churchville, Jason Breton of Alexander; along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 3 to 7 PM at Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at Grace Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Road, Batavia, NY 14020 or to the ALS Association Upstate NY Chapter 135 Old Cove Rd. Suite 213, Liverpool, NY 13090. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Sharon L. Hills, age 75, of Baneberry, Tennessee; formerly of Alexander, New York, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 24, 2022, surrounded by family. Sharon was born in Warsaw, New York to the late Harold and Vivian (Muir) Hills.

Sharon is survived by her very dear friend and soulmate, Sonya Mohney of Baneberry, Tennessee; brother, Ric (Jane) Hills of Norwalk, Ohio; dear nieces, Roxanne (Dale) Neel of Norwalk, Ohio and Laura Hills of Amherst, New York, and favorite niece-in-law, Joni Sandles; dear nephews, Drew Hills, of Buffalo, New York and Joshua Hills of Ashland, Ohio; many great nieces, great nephews, and great great nieces and nephew; sister-in- law, Nancy Hills Miller; and many dear close friends.

Sharon was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Sandles; brother, Ronald Hills, sister- in-law, Jean Hills; niece, Regen Hills; and great niece, Amy Haynes. She lost her dear nephew, Larry Sandles of Baneberry on April 20, 2022.

Sharon taught at Warsaw Central School for 33 years. She was awarded the 2016 Inductee as “Special Contributor”. She guided Warsaw female athletics from the “classic” era through Title IX and into what is now known as present day athletics. She was an amazing coach from 1967-1976 and served as the only coach for every team and every level in the women’s athletic program, which included field hockey, soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, track, cheerleading, bowling, and badminton. Sharon wanted to remind the summer softball team that she “Did not bobble the ball and God knows it!” She was humbled by the comfort and support her former students showered on her during her final illness.

To our hundreds of prayer warriors, family, and friends for their endless outpouring of love, cards, messages, phone calls, and gifts, thank you. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Bill Santora Student Athlete Scholarship Fund; c/o Warsaw Boosters, P. O. Box 393, Warsaw, NY 14569, Genesee County Animal Shelter, West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020, or Amedisys Hospice Care, 1423 West Morris Blvd., Ste 6, Morristown, TN 37813.

A Memorial Service may be planned for later in the year. Farrar Funeral Home in White Pine (865) 674-244. www.farrarfuneralhome.com

Olga Steininger, 101 of LeRoy, formerly of Troy, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at LeRoy Village Green. She was born February 27, 1921 in Troy to the late Afton and Bessie Bodnaryk. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Edward A. Steininger; siblings, Peter, Eva and Elizabeth.  

Mrs. Steininger is survived by her sons, James (Ollie Allen) Steininger of Melbourne, FL and William (Joan Bird) Steininger of Batavia; special niece, Joyce (Dexter) O’Brien of Southwick, MA, along with many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held privately for the family. She will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. 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.