Obituaries

  

  Carl Leo Tretter, 90, of Batavia passed away on Friday March 18, 2022 at Premier Genesee Nursing Home. He was born on June 29, 1931 in Elba to the late Mathias W. and Helen (Meyer) Tretter. In addition to his parents, Carl is predeceased by his wives; Virginia Tretter, Beverly Tretter and Irene Tretter; siblings Isabella Rada, Mary Tretter, Paul Tretter, Sister Florence Tretter, Teresa Dehm and Joan Moynihan.

Carl was a very loving father, brother and husband. He was a United States Air Force veteran. Carl was a hardworking man who was highly involved in his five sons’ athletic endeavors. He was a very generous man. He would give the shirt off his back even to a complete stranger if they needed help.  Carl’s great love of family always included the Tretter Christmas parties which was everyone’s favorite each year. Carl always loved to plant a huge vegetable garden. Sometimes he had over 900 tomato plants and welcomed neighbors, friends and family to come and help themselves.

Carl was involved in the farming industry. He loved working with the local farmers. Up before the crack of dawn, he loved checking on the farmers crops. He always felt they were family. Many of those farmers’ families became our family. You could always find Carl at a local diner making the employees laugh. His love for God, people and life was contagious.

He is survived by his 5 sons; David (Mary) Tretter of Greeley, Co., Thomas (Carole) Tretter of Akron, OH., Robert (Susan) Tretter of Batavia, Joseph (Cindy) Tretter of Akron, NY., and William (Margaret) Tretter of Port Orange, FL; 15 grandchildren Tom (Myra) Tretter, Kevin (Alicia) Tretter, Maureen Tretter, Stefanie (Tim) Clark, Justin (Katie) Tretter, Eric Tretter, Jason Tretter, Kyle Tretter, Jonathan (Kristi) Tretter, Alyssa (Vinny) Antinore, Katie (Collin) Belcher, JC (Anna) Tretter, Paige Tretter, Madisen Tretter and Spencer Tretter; 20 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday March 25, 2022 from 3:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 26, 2022 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church) 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia. Carl will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society www.nationalmssociety.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.

  Earl F. DeLong, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2022 at Elderwood of Lakeside in Brockport. He was born August 7, 1932 in LeRoy to the late James F. and Emma (Briether) DeLong Sr. Earl is preceded in death by siblings, Frieda Verhulst, Rita Hawker, James F. DeLong Jr and Doris Morgan. 

Mr. DeLong was a proud Sergeant in the United States Army, he was mainly stationed in Germany. He held numerous jobs throughout his life but most of his career was spent with the New York State Department of Corrections. Earl was a Sergeant at Attica Correctional Facility and retired as a Lieutenant at Albion Correctional Facility in 1989.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Evangeline A. (Steen) DeLong, children, Earl G. (Jennifer) DeLong and Amy S. (Brad) Mosiman, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 2 to 3pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of his Life will follow at 3:00pm at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Machpelah Cemetery, in LeRoy.

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.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.

Batavia - Ellen Southall of Batavia, was born on April 13, 1949 in South Dakota and left this earth on March 21, 2022 due to complications from angio sarcoma which was diagnosed in July 2021. She was a long-term employee of Genesee County and Marathon Insurance.

Survivors include her son, Jeffrey (fiance Laura); grandsons, Harrison and Dominic, and Laura's daughter, Sydney; siblings, Gayle (Reed), Nancy (Jack), Loren (Cindy), Anita (Steven), David, and Lisa (Bill); aunt, Wylla and uncle A.C; cousins, Diane, Denise, and Doreen. Mourning her death are friends forever, Vickie, Jean, Nellie, Audrey, Laurie, George, Pat, Sherry; support friend, Julie; former husband, James; and former daughter-in-law, Samantha; as well as members of the City Church family.

She is predeceased by her parents, Wanda and Allan; 20-year life partner, George Forsyth; her Aunt Darla; and cousin, Larry.

Services were private. To honor Ellen, please say something kind to those who cross your path and beautify this world as she did by planting zinnia and cosmos seeds each year.

Arrangements were 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.

Mary C. VanAlstyne, 100 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (March 18, 2022) at her residence.

She was born in De Funiak Springs, Florida on June 12, 1921, a daughter of the late Maxwell and Edith Gray Calhoun.

She was predeceased by her husband Raymond VanAlstyne, who died March 12, 2000. Sister of the late Arthur Calhoun and Alleda Skinner.

Mary was a 1939 graduate of Corfu High School and then went on to graduate from the Rochester Business Institute. She was employed by the Genesee County Welfare Office and Genesee County Auto Bureau, Eaton Yale and Towne and finally Genesee Community College where she would eventually retire from. While at Eaton, she served as Editor of “Trojan News Letter” which led to association with the Niagara Frontier Editors Association as Secretary and President. She also served as District Vice President of the American Association of Industrial Editors. Mary received national recognition from this organization for year round support of “The United Fund”, leading to her induction in the 1972 edition of “Who’s Who of American Women”. She was one of the original members of The Genesee Area Genealogists Organization and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia.

Survivors include daughters, Dorine (Russell) Morgan of Denver, CO and Barbara (Thomas) Mruczek of Batavia. Son, Robert VanAlstyne of Batavia. Grandchildren, Derek (Nicole) Morgan, Keith (Phillina) Morgan, Eric (Katie) Mruczek, Stephanie Mruczek and Alexandra Mruczek. Also survived by six great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (March 26^th) from 2-5pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY,  where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 5pm.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Grandview Cemetery

Memorial contributions may be offered to the Richmond Memorial Library. Expression 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.

 

 

James (Jim) Edwin Woodruff passed away on December 15th at his home in Batavia surrounded by his loving family and nursing staff.

Jim's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 11:00 a.m. at the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road in Batavia.

  Nancy Jane Duncan, a longtime resident of Batavia, passed on March 15, 2022 at the age of 80.  She was born on July 19, 1941 in Binghamton to the late Raymond and Helen (Owczaryk) Durr. In addition to her parents, Nancy is predeceased by her daughters; Christyne Ray (Browne) and Susan Browne

Nancy was a loving wife, a mother of 4 and a friend to many. She loved her dogs, plants, knitting, crafts and was an avid reader and collector. 

Nancy is survived by her husband; Edward Duncan; her sons Michael Browne of San Diego, CA and David Browne of Rochester NY; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

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

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her life can make a donation to the Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 W Main Street Rd, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

  Kim M. Knauss, 64, of Byron passed away peacefully on Sunday March 13, 2022 at her home. She was born on December 23, 1957 in Batavia to the late Herbert and Gloria (Miller) Scroger. In addition to her parents, Kim is predeceased by her sisters; Toni Scott and Peggy McBride.

She is survived by her husband; Dean Knauss of Byron; daughters Joy (Chris) Barberio and Tara Hodgins; brother Herbie (Pudgie) Scroger; sisters Tina (Bob) Kehlenbeck and Tammy (Dave) Culver, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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

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.

John Brian Thompson, 70 of Batavia and formerly of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Sunday (march 13, 2022) at the Batavia V. A. Medical Center.

He was born December 11, 1951 in Buffalo, a son of the late Walter and Agnes Sears Thompson.

John was a Veteran of the Vietnam War and served his country from 1971-1972.

He is survived by a brother, Mitchell Thompson, close cousins, Kenneth Junevic, Evelyn Nowacki, cousins and close friends.

 A private funeral service with military honors will be held at the Western New York National Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

  Dale E. Stiles Sr., 75, of Batavia passed away on March 16, 2022 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania on May 18, 1946 to the late Daniel and Dolly (King) Stiles. In addition to his parents, Dale is predeceased by his siblings William Stiles, Frank (Lucille) Stiles, Lowry Stiles, Ione Johnson and Patricia Neth.

Dale worked for Batavia City Schools for many years. He was everyone’s favorite uncle, all-time pitcher and all-time quarterback. Above all else, he loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his loving wife Beverly (Horch) Stiles of Batavia; children Julie (Jon) Robinson of Alden, Dale Stiles Jr. of Batavia, Daniel (Lori) Stiles of Corfu and Dawn Stiles of Batavia; siblings Sylvia (James) Marble of Nunda, James Stiles of Pavilion, Donna (Ronald) Johnson of Batavia and Lori (Greg) Baldwin of Holley; sister-in-laws Nancy Stiles and Donna Stiles, Patricia (Charles) Dingman, Marion Dupont, Elaine Horch, Rosemary Fitzwater, Elaine Klatt and and brother-in-laws Tom Neth and Brian Horch; grandchildren Amanda (Robert) Rickner, Jacob (Katherine) Stiles, Megan Stiles, Chayce Stiles and Luke Rindell; great-grandchildren Alizon Rickner, Zavannah Rickner and Mara Stiles, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Graveside Service will be held on Saturday April 2, 2022 at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia, where Dale will be laid to rest.  

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

George F. Cunningham was a lifetime resident of Bergen, New York, and passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2022.

He was born June 20, 1936, at 45 Rochester Street, Bergen, a son of the late Morris and Monica Cunningham. 

George served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He worked at the Genesee County Sherriff’s Department.  George then spent the remainder of his working years at the Eastman Kodak Company as a Supervisor of Security for 26 years.   The employees that worked for George respected him and always said he had a work ethic like no other. 

George was a member of St. Brigid Church, American Legion Post 575 in Bergen and a life member of the Bergen Fire Department where he served as President for several years. 

George joins his wife – the love of his life – Marjorie Bates Cunningham in heaven who passed away on January 12, 2022.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Crosier (Chuck Bailey); son, Lewis (Linda) Cunningham; grandchildren Michael Crosier (Lexi); Stacey Crosier Cody (Chris Cody) and his great grandchildren whom he adored, Mckenzie and Cayden; and several nieces and nephews. 

George is predeceased by his sister, Ann (Robert) Murphy, and brothers, Jack and Robert Cunningham. 

Friends may call Monday, March 21^st from 3 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 22^nd at 11 a.m. at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen.  Private burial, with military honors, will be held at Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Legion Post 575, P.O. Box 207, Bergen, NY 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in George’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Sandra L. Tabone of Rochester, New York, passed away on, March 13, 2022 at the age of 79. 

Predeceased by her husband, Charles F. Tabone; parents, Francis Vonada and Juvenilia Carlton, Tilloson and Genevieve Gear Gay; brothers, Robert Vonada, James (Tom) Collins, Richard Gay; sister, Constance Gautieri; sisters in law, Jeanette DiSanto and Delores Tabone.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Tabone; son, Michael Tabone; partner, Joseph Sasso; siblings, Margaret Lipphardt, Linda (Joe) Southern, Ruthann (Maynard) Swanson, Eric (Barbara) Reamer, Gail (Richard) Montgomery, Vicki (Gary) McKeirnan; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends. 

Family will receive friends Monday, March 21st from 4-8PM, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Avenue. 

Private interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Batavia, NY, Tuesday, March 22nd at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to American Cancer Society or Camp Good Days in Sandra's memory. 

Douglas W. Heslor of Sun City Center, Florida. At age 79, Douglas passed away on March 12, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Hospital South. He was born to the late Arthur & Lena Heslor.

Doug & his wife, Patricia relocated to Sun City Center Florida in 2017 from Alabama NY. Doug had a love for hunting & fishing and loved the outdoors. While living in Alabama, NY he took great pride in teaching his grandchildren how to hunt & fish. A lot of great memories were made over the years taking the grandchildren hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his children: Tami (Larry) Burbules of East Pembroke, Pam (Mark) Talbot of Riverview, Florida, Randy Heslor of Alabama, NY. Grandchildren:
Craig (Rachael) Burbules, Tracy (Mathew) Stegeman, Heather (Cash Wilcox-Fiancé) Burbules, Jordan (Jennifer Chinnici) Talbot, Randy Heslor. Great Grandchildren: Cameron, Addison & Tanner Stegeman
Doug was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Heslor whom he married on July 15, 1961.

There will be no calling hours or service. He will be laid to rest in the Alabama Cemetery.

 

 
Darrell M. Green, 81, of East Shelby, entered into rest on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at his home.

Mr. Green was born on March 6, 1941 in Batavia, NY one of three sons of the late Frederick W. and Marjorie V. (VanCleef) Green. He graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School in the class of 1959. He went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Blenny from 1959-1963. On April 30, 1960 he married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Millie Baker. Mr. Green was employed for over 30 years at National Fuel Gas in Batavia and retired in 1996. He also worked for many years alongside his wife picking seasonal crops for her uncle. He was an active member for over 50 years of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Co., where he held several officer positions over the years. He was a parishioner of the West Barre United Methodist Church. Mr. Green was a member of the Hiram G. Luhman Post #626, American Legion in Alabama Center and was also a mason belonging to Towpath Lodge #1193, F&AM. He and his wife, Millie, were avid campers and enjoyed many years wintering in Florida.

Preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Millie Green on November 21, 2018; and his two brothers, Harold Green and Kenneth Green.
Survivors include his two children, Susan (Lynn Tomasino) Green of Medina and Michael (Leslie) Green of Plattsburgh; three grandchildren, Curtis Foss, Cassidy Oliver and Trent Green; sisters in-law, Evelyn Green and Linda Green; several nieces and nephews; and his feline companion, Sam who will miss him dearly.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 16th from 4-7:00pm at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His funeral service with military honors will be held on Thursday, March 17th at 10am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Millville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, PO Box 684, Medina, NY 14103, East Shelby Vol. Fire Co., 5021 E. Shelby Rd., Medina or to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY 14411. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Sharon A. Pfaff, age 70, of LeRoy, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon (March 11, 2022), at home surrounded by her loving family.

    

Sharon was predeceased by her mother, Virginia Culbertson, father, Dwight Culbertson, father-in-law, Herbert Pfaff and brother-in-law, Gregory Pfaff.

     Survived by her beloved husband, Jeffrey Pfaff; daughters, Shannon Hutchinson and Colleen Hutchinson; grandchildren, Alex Cardenas (Ashley Van Buren), Caleb Maviki, Gage Cowgill, Robert Myers and Sophia Sobieraj; great-grandchildren, Aryahah Cardenas, Abel Cardenas; mother-in-law, Donna Pfaff; brothers and sisters-in-laws Sue Pfaff, Daniel Pfaff (Sally), Doug Pfaff (Lorie) and Kate Pfaff-Bater (Paul).
     Sharon will be remembered as a woman with a beautiful soul, showing generosity and love to all who knew her. She was also a lover of all of God’s creatures, big and small.
     She was also a faithful and devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. She was a loving and dedicated nurse, having retired from the Batavia Veteran Hospital.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, March 18 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where Sharon’s Service of Remembrance will be held at 7:00 PM.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Lollypop Farm (https://www.lollypop.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/) or Wilmot Cancer Center (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cancer-institute/giving.aspx).

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

Walter Wilkins, of Akron, NY. Born to Joseph Henry Wilkins and Margaret Butterbaugh Wilkins on June 10, 1935, in Pittsburgh, PA. Died March 11, 2022.

Walt re-located to Akron, NY in 1953 searching for employment. It has been said that Akron has never been the same since he arrived.

He found work in the gypsum mines of Western New York. In the mines while working for Georgia Pacific he set off dynamite, hauled gypsum and worked “on top” manufacturing wall board.

Walt also found employment at several of Akron’s taverns, working part time as a bartender and manager. After the gypsum plant closed and several of the taverns went out of business, he drove truck, did lawn care and spent fifteen years as a school bus driver for the Akron School District from where he retired.

His passion was singing, he knew and sang the words to countless country music and other genres of music.

Affectionately known as “The Birdman” he was a fun-loving carefree man. He was quick with a joke and a smile. A master euchre player. He served his community as a volunteer fireman. During his time as an Akron fireman, he fought some of Akron’s most historical fires. He was also the captain of their bowling team and a star softball pitcher, playing the game for well over fifty years. He was the lead bugler for the Akron Fire Company marching band. He also sky dived and rode a classic full-dress Indian motorcycle.   

As a youth he lived in both the city Pittsburgh in southside flats and the little town of Bellwood, PA on a dirt road named Kerbaugh. He attended Bellwood-Antis School District where he said he would go to school to eat his lunch. His school memories included playing football for the school’s team, traveling central PA to play ball. His love for the game continued all his life as a Buffalo Bills fan who would organize bus excursions to the Bills games for the fire company and friends.

He was an avid reader. His favorite book being the Bible that he read cover to cover nineteen times. Bible verses that he frequented were John 8:7 and Matthew 7:1.

He leaves behind a sister, Virginia Wilkins Pfahler of Pinecroft, PA. Sister in law Rose Zamaris Wilkins of Fallentimber, PA. Children, Walter “Craig” Wilkins (Sandra), Chris Wilkins (Suzanne), Terry Wilkins (Robyn), Christan Heidi Anderson, Fallon Wilkins Kumro (Darren), Joseph Wilkins. Nineteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Predeceased are siblings, Joseph Wilkins, Paul Wilkins, Benjamin Franklin Wilkins, Rosella Margaret Wilkins Moceika, Fred Wilkins, Raymond D Wilkins. And a great grandchild Angelina Peluso.

Walter Wilkins will return to his boyhood home of Bellwood PA and be buried near his mother in Logan Valley Cemetery, a football field is distance away from, and within sight of his alma mater.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and memories on Friday (March 18^th) from 11am-2pm and 5-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. A memorial service will be held Saturday, 11am at High Point Church, 1163 Main Rd., Corfu, NY, followed by a luncheon at the church. Main meal will be provided and bringing a side dish or dessert is encouraged.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Akron Fire Company, 1 Main St, Akron, NY 14001. 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.