Obituaries

Corrine R. Becker, age 97 of Corfu, NY; formerly of Akron NY; entered in to rest peacefully at home April 15, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born April 2, 1925, in Buffalo, NY the daughter of the late Emil and Anna Schilling.

Corrine was predeceased by her devoted husband Nelson Becker March 9, 2009, whom she married September 8, 1944; her son and daughter-in-law Gary Becker and Paulette Sheley and her sisters Eleanor Berger and Geralda Smith. They are now reunited eternally.

Corrine is survived by her daughter Sandra (Robert) Ammon; grandchildren Jeffrey Ammon, Shari (Anthony) Salim, Sherry (Josh) Livergood; great-grandchildren Kari Ammon, Samantha Salim, Jenna Salim, and Jackson Livergood; and also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Corrine’s life will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Corfu Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny St., Corfu, NY.  Flowers gratefully declined.  Memorials may be made to the family who will distribute them to local charities.  Arrangements completed by C. B. Beach and Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.  

 

Gordon Diver age 62 of Pembroke passed away at the Premier Nursing Home in Batavia NY the afternoon of Friday January 14 2022.

Gordon was born October 4th 1959 in Batavia NY.  He was married to the late Deborah Exford of Leroy NY who passed in 2013.   

Gordon was raised on the family farm in Pembroke NY with his siblings where he enjoyed riding recreational vehicles and working on them.  He also enjoyed being around the family diner (Dees) lending a helping hand when needed.  

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Sr. in 2008 and Delores Falker Diver in 2014, and a nephew Daniel E. King in 2021.

He is survived by his siblings; sister Linda and Timothy King, along with brother Lawrence Jr. and Kathleen Diver all of Pembroke, and brother Mark and Linda Diver of Erie, Pennsylvania.  Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services for Gordon will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 10 am at Hillside Cemetery, Angling Road. A reception will follow at the Diver residence, 2058 Phelps Road, Basom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

LeRoy ~ Marie Sakellariou, age 84, of West Main Street, passed away early Friday morning (April 22, 2022) at the Woodside Manor Nursing Home in Rochester.

   

  She was born June 12, 1937 in Karitsa, Greece, a daughter of the late Michael and Anthi Georgeton Tountas.

     Marie, who was a longtime LeRoy resident, will be remembered as a beloved mother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She enjoyed working around her home on West Main, tending to her flowers and taking long walks around the village.  She was the owner of Tountas Coffee Shop on Main Street for many years and then went to work for LeRoy Central School, starting in the cafeteria and completing her 30 plus years with them as a bus aide for handicapped students.

     She is survived by her sons, Dean (Stacy) Sakellariou of Virginia and Michael (Michelle) Sakellariou of Mississippi; her brother, Pete Tountas of Arizona and his children, Michael Tountas and Michelle Tountas; her sister, Koula (George) Zotile of Athens, Greece and their children, Anna Zotile and Kousta Zotile, along with many dear friends.

     Family and friends are invited to her funeral service on Monday, April 25 at 11:00 AM at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Avenue, Rochester, NY., with graveside services to immediately follow in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or the LeRoy Ambulance Service.

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

Mr. Edward D. McDonald Sr., 92, of LeRoy, an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, died Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022) at East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw, NY, surrounded by family.

     Ed was born October 19, 1929, the son of the late Louis and Hazel (Pratt) McDonald. He was educated at St. Peter’s School, LeRoy High School (1947) and St. Bonaventure (1951) with a B.A.
     Ed served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1956 and completed his commission as Lieutenant Junior Grade. He served in the Korean War on the USS Casagrande.
     He worked at Lapp, Eaton Yale, Timberjack (Woodstock, Ont.) and Saban until his retirement.
     Ed was a proud LeRoyan, serving as a trustee on the village board, the Jaycees, Boy Scouts and as head of Pop Warner football.
     He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Barbara (Lathan) in 2008 and his grandson, Justin McDonald. He is survived by daughter, Margaret “Meg” (Bill) Wallace and sons, Daniel (Valerie), Paul (Kimberley), Edward Jr. (Samantha) and Michael (Chantal).
     Proud grandfather to Adam (Catherine) and Brent Wallace, Jordan and Sean McDonald, Jade (Colin Carrick) McDonald, Edward III, Zachary, Cory, Tyler (Stephanie), Dylan (Shania), Jasmyne (Randy) McDonnell, Amanda (Donovan) Mulligan and Michael McDonald, and great-grandchildren, Beau, Beck, Carson, Harrison, Paytine, Clarke, Hendrik and Simon.
     Special thanks to the kind and compassionate care over the past two years to Samantha Koons, Molly (Lathan) Peet, Jim and Michele Bonacquisti, Diane Jasczcz and the staff at East Side Nursing Home.
     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Genesee County Office for the Aging and Batavia Veterans Administration.
     Family and friends are invited to Ed’s Rite of Christian Burial to be held on Saturday, June 25 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Warsaw will be private.

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

  Kenneth R. Eddy, 87, of Batavia, passed away on April 20, 2022 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on August 6, 1934 in Core, West Virginia to the late Charles and Edith (Statler) Eddy.

He is survived by his loving wife; Natalie (Green) Eddy of Batavia; children John (Mary Jo) Eddy of Elba, Todd (Margurite) Eddy of TN., and Julia (Christopher) Taylor of TN; siblings Kathleen (James) Benson of New Jersey and Kyle (Anna Marie) Eddy of PA; half brothers James E. Eddy of Maryland and Michael J. Eddy of Mt. Morris, PA; 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces of nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Mr. Eddy will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

E. Bethany ~ Jill Elizabeth Spence, DOB: August 20th, 1973, passed away unexpectedly on April 16th, 2022.

   

  Jill is predeceased by, her nephew, Nathaniel Spence, Father, Jefry M Spence, Mother, Jean Donna (Solian) Spence, and Brother, Jefry M. Spence Jr. She is survived by Brother, Edward J. (Wendy) Spence, her boyfriend, James Brough, nieces, Brittany N. Spence, Alyssa R. (John Unger) Franks, Katie Spence, Eryn Spence, Nephew, Bobby (Jenn) Morehead, great-nieces, Danielle Morehead, Taylor Morehead, Great-nephew, Jackson Spence, and sister-in-law, Susan (Ingalls) Spence. She had many aunts, uncles and close cousins. 

     Jill had the nickname Boona as a child and teen years growing up. When she was 2, all she could do was point and say Boona, Boona, Boona, there are a lot of fond memories that were from her childhood.  Her family moved quite a bit while growing up and went to thirteen different schools along, with her brothers Ed, Jefry (Mick) making their own gang. All her extra time was spent with her nieces and great-nephew, spoiling them and taking them for ice cream. She traveled quite a bit with Jim, her boyfriend, and his boys, all over the U.S.  She had many friends and co-workers that she loved. She got along with everyone; she just had that great personality that everyone loved. She loved to knit and buy gifts for everyone. Her favorite thing to do was Amazon. She had two monitors at work, one screen was work, while the other was Amazon, trying to talk her co-workers into deals she'd found and trying to pool their money for even bigger savings. Every year she would bake for her family. During the opening weekend of hunting season, she would cook breakfast for the family while they went hunting. She was immensely proud of her family and let everyone know about it. She will be sadly missed by all. Jill leaves a big shoe print to fill with her passing. She was a wonderful human being. 

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, April 23 from 11 AM ~ 2 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, please give donations to Jack and Eryn Spence for their college fund, c/o Edward Spence, 6835 Knowlesville Rd, Oakfield, NY 14125.

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

Elba - Carl J.  Downs, 59 of Elba passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022 following a lengthy illness.

He was born on July 7, 1962 in Batavia, a son of the late Clarence J. Downs and Linda Farren Downs.

Carl was a gifted mechanic who worked on many local race-cars and four-wheelers. A proud father, he loved spending time with his family.

Surviving are his mother, Vickie L. Downs; his son, Triton (Ashlee Keefer) Drock; his brother, James C. Downs; his sister, Shawn (Daniel) Hargrave; nieces and nephews, Krystle (Daniel) Robinson, Mikaela (Brian) Bentley and Carl (Beth) Amesbury; great-niece, Laela Robinson; his "brother from another mother", Bill Shelhorse, Jr. along with aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is predeceased by his son, Adam Drock and his twin brother, Richard J Downs.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Downs family. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

  Jake “Stepper” Stepp Sundown, age 70, of Summit St. in LeRoy, passed away on Saturday April 16, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center with his loving family around him, after a lengthy illness. Jake was born in Warsaw on August 28, 1951 to the late Patricia Sundown Petrie and the late James McKinley Stepp.

Jake was well known on the music scene, sitting in with many local bands over the years and participating in the yearly Batavia Ramble. His many professions included building water towers, welding, tree trimming and eventually retiring from Moffit Fan in LeRoy. He will be remembered as a great friend who was always willing to help and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his longtime partner; Chris Lucas; daughter Danielle (Julio) Sundown Lopez; son Jharrett (Karli) Sundown; stepdaughter Kelly Lucas; grandsons Manny, Nate, Akeem, Amir, Dylan, Daunte, Jasper and Atticus; step-granddaughters Sydney and Danilee and his canine best friend Jessie AKA PoohBear. Also surviving are his sister Linda (Greg) Ryan; brother Bruce (Jackie) Stepp, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jake was predeceased by his brothers Ronny Stepp of Batavia, Bill Stepp of Tennessee and grandson Gideon Sundown.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the family c/o Danielle Sundown Lopez 5580 Oatka Rd. Warsaw, NY 14569. 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

LeRoy ~ Lewis P. Schmidt, age 70, passed away Wednesday evening (April 13, 2022) at the Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester.

   

  He was born May 5, 1951 in South Byron, NY, the son of the late Mathias and Eva Colby Schmidt.

     Lewis will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, who was devoted to following all of his grandchildren’s sports and school activities.  He was a deputy sheriff with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department from 1973 – 1984, leaving to accept a position as the Genesee County Emergency Management Coordinator, a position he held until he retired in 1995.  As the County Emergency Management Coordinator, Lewis was instrumental in initiating the County’s 911 system as well as the Mobile Haz-Mat Unit.  During his retirement years, he enjoyed woodworking, especially making bird feeders, and collecting model trains.

     He will be sadly missed by his wife of 47 years, Susan Ely Schmidt; his children, Mathew (Nicole) Schmidt, Kristen Rund and Kelly (Paul) Marcarian; grandchildren, Luke Marcarian, Nathan Marcarian, Madison Rund, Jack Rund, Ava Schmidt, Gianna Schmidt and Mathew Schmidt; his in-laws, David (Brenda) Ely, Nancy (Denis) Berwanger and Robert (Fatima) Ely; very dear friends, Mike and Gail Lathan and Peggy and Dan Carr,  along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, April 22 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 11:00 AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., LeRoy.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorial contributions suggested to Monroe Community Hospital Foundation or U of R Hospice Care.

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

Robert L. Buckel, 68 of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. He was born May 12, 1953 in Batavia to the late Richard and Leona (Stroh) Buckel. He is preceded in death by two brothers, David and Peter Buckel.

Bob was an extremely hard working man, he always put the needs of others in front of his own. He enjoyed the simple things in life, trucks, working with wood and helping out. Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Alice (Bartz) Buckel; children, Sherrity (Jonathan) DiSanto, Don (Leah) Buckel, Scott Buckel and Brandon (Rachel) Buckel all of Batavia; brothers, James (Carol) Buckel of Nunda and Kenneth (Sharon) Buckel of Florida; 8 grandchildren, Donna, Rylee, Jevan, Emily, Kady, Joshua, Jayce and Benjamin; two great-grandchildren, Casey and Levi; along with many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday April 22, at 11am, Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities. To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Batavia - Bonnie  M.  Wilson, 65 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, (April 16, 2022) at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Facility in Rochester.

Ms. Wilson was born January 16, 1957 in Batavia, a daughter of the late W. Odell Sr. and Ann (Grice) Wilson.

Bonnie was a member of City Church in Batavia, and faithfully attended Bible studies. She enjoyed crafting, particularly sewing and crocheting, and spending time with her adoring grandchildren.

Surviving are her children, Jacob (Cassie) Ward of Alabama, Sara Ward of Texas, Olivia (Mike) Lamar of Gasport, and Hannah Gimlin of LeRoy; grandchildren, Elizabeth Ward, Bailie Ward, and Isaac Guiste; brothers, Winford (Betty) Wilson Jr. of Florida, Brian (Therese) Wilson of Florida, Kenneth Wilson of Batavia, John (Lovelyn) Wilson of Minnesota, Dale (Morgan) Wilson of South Carolina, William Wilson of North Carolina, and Paul Wilson of North Carolina; sisters, Ellen Wilson of LeRoy, and Amy (Jon) Squires of Stafford; dear friends, Jenna Bischoff, and Nicole Bischoff-Smith; several friends and extended family also survive.

She is preceded in death by an infant son, Lucas Gimlin.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4-8 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  Bonnie 's Funeral Service will be held at 11 am on Saturday (April 23, 2022) from City Church. 210 East Main Street in Batavia.  Burial in St.  Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

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

George N. Mindish ( formerly of S. Byron, NY) passed away peacefully on April 6, 2022 in Deltona, Florida. Predeceased by his devoted wife Kathryn E. Thayer Mindish April 16, 2017, whom he married August 17, 1985. They are now reunited eternally.

George was born on February 2, 1937 in Buffalo, NY, the eldest child of the late George and Marian Stiffler Mindish.

George is survived by his loving daughters Louise ( Ralph) Breitenborn of Bergen N.Y. , Robin (Leon) Brill of Buellton, California. Stepsons Joseph Booher of Massachusetts and Jason Booher of Florida ( and his children.) Grandchildren also include Ciara (Keith Vincent ) Dixon , Brett (April) Blair , Ian ( Grace) Ridd . Jaimen (Jason) Sfetko, Bethany (Jorge) Brill Cuevas, Jordan (Carli) Brill and Micah ( Nicole) Brill. Also numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sisters Marian (Max) Knisely and Sharon Moranski both of Las Vegas, Nevada. Brother in law Gary Moranski predeceased George.

Adopted family include Joseph and Patti Bellantonio and children, (Brandon and Nikole Peace) who gave incredible care and unlimited love. To which the family is deeply grateful.

Always a hard worker , George began a paper route in his teens. Often to buy the latest clothing trends . He worked at Pratt and Lambert in Buffalo. Also Hall’s Bakery delivering baked goods and as a janitor for the Bergen school for 2 years. Then began an extensive career at G.M. Rochester products for over 30 years.

He enjoyed a vast array of hobbies including hunting, scuba diving, shrimping and ice fishing. After retiring he and Kathy moved to Florida in the early 1990’s enjoying the change in scenery and warm weather.

Louise and her Dad shared a hobby which created a special bond as a child. Digging for old bottles in local dump sites. Even finding a rare “Byron Acid Springs “ bottle. Robin will miss her weekly phone calls with her Dad, which began with “what are you calling again for?” But typically lasted over half an hour.

George’s faith was important to him. He (and his wife ) attended Trinity Church of Deltona for many years. He was a loyal friend who was generous to many . He will be remembered for his quick wit, perfect pitch whistling (lol) and well-groomed lawn. His favorite saying/ song was “Bad To The Bone.” He had a presence “larger than life” and will be greatly missed.

  Richard J. Owczarzak of Attica passed away on April 13^th, 2022. He was born on June 1^st, 1946 in Batavia, NY to the late Andrew and Mary (Podwika) Owczarzak. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his brother Donald Owczarzak.

Richard was a former employee of Lapp Insulator in Leroy and the Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia. He proudly served in the United States Air Force.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and playing cards.

He is survived by his sister Dolores (Russel) Wackenheim of Attica; sister-in-law Judy Owczarzak  of Attica, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great niece and nephews, cousins and dear friend Linda Beck.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Mr. Meleca was born in Batavia, New York in 1936. He was raised by his parents, Joseph and Maria Cristina (Bagetta) Meleca of Siderno Superiore, Reggio Calabria, Italy. He graduated from Batavia High School in 1954. Upon graduation he attended The University of Buffalo, NY for a short time. He then pursued a career in barbering and worked with his brother Carl Meleca who operated Carl’s Barbershop on West Main Street in Batavia. They worked together for seventeen years.

On November 19, 1957, he enlisted in the New York National Guard and served in the 27th Armored Division. He was transferred to Battery “D” 102nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion where he served until completing his enlistment on November 18, 1960. He was Honorably Discharged at the rank of Specialist “4.”

Mr. Meleca married Sheila Brown of Batavia, NY in 1958. They had and are survived by, their three daughters, Marisa (Flinn) Hackett and their son Evan Hackett of Pittsford, NY, Maryellen (Christine Graziano) Meleca of Victor, NY, and Maria Meleca and her son Ian Kirk who reside in Frisco, Texas.

In 1972 he joined the Ditzel Agency as a real estate sales associate. In 1974, upon obtaining his Brokers license, he opened Meleca Realty which he operated until 1984 on West Main Street in Batavia. At that time, he moved to Columbus Ohio and was hired by the Newtown Development Group where he worked for seven years before leaving to work as an independent Broker under Meleca Realty. He continued his real estate and development consulting business until retiring in 2015.

In 1995 Mr. Meleca married Terry L. Trimble of Columbus, OH. She passed away on June 9th, 2020. He is survived by her daughter, Erika (John) Schorejs and their sons Jackson and Jeffrey Schorejs, her son, Jason (Meghan) Cromley and their two children Will and Mallory Cromley.

He is also survived by his brother Ben (Jeanne) Meleca, several nephews, nieces, grand nieces and nephews; six grandchildren; and several cousins of Siderno, Reggio Calabria Italy. In addition to being predeceased by his wife, Terry, he is predeceased by his sisters Frances Martino, Josephine Meleca, and Olga Meleca; his brothers Frank Meleca and Carl Meleca of Batavia, NY.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11:00am at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Entombment, with military honors, will follow at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Kobacker House, c/o: Ohio Health Hospice, 3430 OhioHealth Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio 43202.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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.

Services are being planned for late July 2022 and will be announced.  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.