Obituaries

Batavia - Robert H. Wiedrich, 94, of Batavia, an employee in the Food Service Department at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Batavia prior to his retirement in 1989, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Mr. Wiedrich was born March 20, 1924 in Batavia, the son of the late Harry and Isabelle (Greschow) Wiedrich.

He served in Germany during World War II with the U.S. Army, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in action.  He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Veness-Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia and the American Legion Botts-Fioritto Post 576 in LeRoy.

His wife, Elsie H. (Heddon) Wiedrich, died November 10, 2012.  He was the brother of the late Virginia Cheeseman.

Survivors include a sister, Ethel McClurg of LeRoy; 2 sons, Richard (Andrea) Greenaker of Farmington, NM and Edward (Mary) Greenaker of Oneonta; 2 grandchildren, Joshua Greenaker of Portland, OR and Sara (Chris) Bankich of Oneonta; 1 great-grandson, Benjamin Bankich; special niece, Mary Cheeseman, and 9 other nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call on June 19, 2018 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. in Batavia, where services follow at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020.   Burial will be in the Stafford Rural Cemetery in Stafford, NY.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

KATHLEEN ANN WEISS ~ 

Age 48, of Oakfield, died peacefully Saturday March 24, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born September 17, 1969 in Batavia, NY a daughter of Joan (Nagorniak) of Florida and the late Phillip J. Weiss, Jr.                                                                                       

Kathleen lived the majority of her life in Oakfield and attended the ARC Day Program in Elba. Her family is forever grateful for the care she received at both places. 

Surviving along with her mother is a brother, Michael (Dawn) Weiss; sister, Maureen Weiss; nephew, Adam Weiss; niece, Megan Weiss all of Colorado along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Please join Kathleen's family 11am Friday June 15, 2018 to Celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site). She will be laid to rest with her father in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, New York 14020. Following the services all are welcome to join the family at the Dibble Family Center for a luncheon at 4110 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. 

Please share your words of comfort with Kathleen's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF KATHLEEN ANN WEISS WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

 

 

 

Edward Gecewicz, 50, of Lancaster, NY passed away peacefully on June 11, 2018. Eddie was born in Buffalo on April 17, 1968.

Ed graduated from Attica High School. He loved camping and working on race cars.  He was known by many and loved by all and touched the lives of many people in his community and was always willing to help a friend out with his generous acts of servitude and his gracious heart.  We were all blessed to have known Ed. He is blessed to be in heaven and heaven is blessed to have him. 

He is survived by his father; Jerry Gecewicz; mother Pat Haller Garrett; stepfather Ken Garrett; brother Todd Gecewicz; nephew Conner; niece Grace and friend Wendy Bishop. 

A visitation will be held on Friday June 15, 2018 from 2:00 – 5:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.  A 1:00PM Celebration of Eddie’s life will be held on Saturday June 16, 2018 at the Bennington Lanes on Clinton St. in Bennington, NY.

The family of Ed wishes to thank Pastor David Kennedy who provided care for him and support for his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers memorials donations can be made to the Gateway Comfort Home 91 Main St. Attica, NY 14011 or www.gatewayhomeattica.com.  For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Charles F. Charvella, 99, of Batavia passed away on June 10, 2018 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on February 7, 1919 in Batavia to the late Sabastian and Cosima Charvella. In addition to his parents, Charles is predeceased by his wife; Ruth Charvella; son Charles “Skip” Charvella; brothers Joseph, Sam, James and Louis Charvella; sisters Hazel Alessi and Anna Chiavetta.

Charles served his country bravely in the United States Army Veteran during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star during his service. In 1958 Charles purchased a small business named Specialty Distributors on Ellicott St. in Batavia. In 1969 they moved the business to Swan St. and incorporated, then changed the name to Batavia Restaurant Supply in 1981 when they moved to West Main St. where it is currently still operating.

He is survived by his son; Michael P. (Beverly) Charvella of Batavia; daughter-in-law Karen Pompa; grandsons Stefan (Marie), Nathan (Paula) and Christopher (Dana) Charvella; great-grandchildren Ashton, Brady, Morgan, Mila, Vincent and Cora Charvella along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday June 13, 2018 from 4:00-7:00PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday June 14, 2018 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House https://crossroadshouse.com/ PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Stafford - Mrs. Irma M. Altman, 93, of Stafford, passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mrs. Altman was born December 3, 1924 in Sherrill, the daughter of the late Jacob and Estelle Doxtater Miller.

She worked for many years as an office secretary at the Pavilion Central School District and retired from Genesee Community College in 1987, where she worked as a library clerk. At age 63, she graduated from Genesee Community College with her RN Degree. Irma was very proud of this accomplishment and went on to work as an RN at United Memorial Medical Center and The Batavia Nursing Home until the age of 69.

 A member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Stafford, Irma was an avid hunter in her earlier years with her late husband, Carl and traveled extensively, visiting several national parks, numerous trips to the Adirondacks and going on a Disney cruise. She also was a nurse at Wyomoco 4-H Camp in Varysburg and Camp Loyaltown in Hunter. She was a guide for Beaver Meadows in Java and served as an election inspector and Zoning Board Member for the Town of Stafford.

She is predeceased by her husband, Carl E. Altman, who passed away on May 19, 1986.

She is survived by her children, Cathy Pfalzer, Terry Altman and Carl Altman, all of Stafford; three grandchildren,  Crista (Steve) Boldt of Stafford,  Jake Altman of Colorado and Hunter Altman of Florida; and two great-grandchildren, Emily and Alex Boldt, both of Stafford.

She is predeceased by her great-grandson, Evan Carl Boldt who passed away on February 27, 2005.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services will follow visitation immediately at 7 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to  the charity of the donor’s choice.  She will be laid to rest in Stafford Rural Cemetery. 

Passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018, at age 97.  Survived by her children, Richard Reynolds, Donna (late Tom Fischer) Pringle, Gary (Bernie) Reynolds, James (Robin) Reynolds, Sharon (John) Lohman; step-sons, Ken John and Bill (Mari) John; grandchildren, Debra (Wayne) Klieger, Rich (Sue) Pringle, Brandy Reynolds, Brett (Annie) Reynolds, Brian (Catherine) Reynolds, Jay (Felisa) Reynolds and Matthew McGill; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Ethel is predeceased by her husbands, Merton Reynolds and Lee John and is the sister of the late Dorothy Hopson.  There are no prior calling hours and Ethel’s Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Street, Bergen.  A reception will follow the memorial service in the fellowship hall of the church.  Private burial in Mt. Rest Cemetery, Bergen.  Memorials to Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake St., P.O. Box 216, Bergen, NY 14416. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210. 

Treasel Lee Ward-Speck, 81, of Warsaw passed away on June 5, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the Wyoming County Nursing Facility in Warsaw. Tina was born on May 18, 1937 in Lincoln, AR., to the late George and Bertha (Brunback) Waller.

Tina was born and raised in Arkansas, the youngest of 7 children. She was an accomplished vocalist, seamstress and square dancer. In her younger days, Tina played in a country band and was a seamstress for all the folks she square danced with. She worked with the Easter Seal Association and handicapped children, and then later in life was a supervisor at Westwood Pharmaceuticals where she later retired. Tina enjoyed her family, pets, gardening, reading, dancing, music and playing her harmonica in the home she built in Darien Center.

She is survived by her loving son; Kevin Lee (Michelle) Ward of Attica, along with many nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

Robert Joseph Mix, 92, passed away on Wednesday June 6, 2018 at the New York Veterans Home in Batavia. Mr. Mix was born June 5, 1926 in Pavilion, the son of the late Delbert and Merta (Sandels) Mix.  On March 25, 1949, Robert married his beloved wife, Elizabeth Jean Devaney at St. Mary’s Church in Pavilion NY, whom predeceased Bob in 2010.

Bob was a World War II, Marine Veteran and served on the USS Randolph in the Pacific. His military accomplishments included four Service Medals.  After his military career he was employed as a Machinist for many years at Stippit Inc. in Akron NY, where he retired in 1991. 

He is survived by his 5 children; Rosemary Mix of Alexander, Robert (Jaci) Mix Jr. of Warsaw, Jeanie (Scott) Fitzgerald of Conesus, John (Vanessa) Mix of Picayune, MS., and Tom (Jennifer) Mix of Alden. He is also survived by three grandchildren; Kaitlyn (Dan) Istas of Buffalo, Charlie Burgen of Mt. Morris and Mike Burgen of Livonia; Great-Grandson Andrew Istas of Buffalo.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday June 15, 2018 at St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to the New York Veterans Home @ Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Brian D. Rynkowski, 47 of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (June 5, 2018) at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

He was born March 18, 1971 in Batavia, NY, a son of Daniel and Eileen T. Wierzbicki Rynkowski of Batavia.

Brian was a graduate of Batavia High School and Genesee Community College. He was formerly employed by Value Home Center in Batavia.

Surviving besides his parents is his longtime companion, Lauren C. Baer of Niagara Falls. Brother, Jeffery (Stephanie) Rynkowski of Victor. Nieces, Autumn, Victoria and Nyka Rynkowski. Nephew, J. Ryno Rynkowski. Uncle, Robert Rynkowski of Batavia. Aunts, Irene Thompson of Castile and Sylvia Post of Warsaw. Laurens parents, Dennis and Nancy Baer of Wheatfield.

There will be no prior visitation. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

For those desiring, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 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.

Arlene M. Leaton, 94, of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Arlene was born November 26, 1923 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Arthur and Carol (Belger) Kibler.

A lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Batavia, Arlene enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing bridge, crocheting and baking.  She was a telephone operator at New York Telephone in Batavia.

Survivors include her children, Richard (Marcia) Leaton of Batavia, Ronald Leaton of St. Simons, GA, Susan (Larry) Aiello of Conover, NC and Thomas (Judith) Leaton of Liverpool; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Lomazzo of Garden City, MI and several nieces and nephews.

Arlene is the wife of the late Edwin E. Leaton, mother of the late Kibbie Leaton and sister of the late Rita Newton and Marjorie Davis.  

There are no prior calling hours.  Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia.  Arlene will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

William “Bill” Lee Hagen, 80 of Stafford, NY passed away on June 5th at his home in Stafford. He was born Aug. 21, 1937 in Batavia to the late Lester and Hazel (Tooley) Hagen. He was also preceded in death by his son James (Jimmy) Lee Hagen.

Bill attended Oakfield-Alabama High School and for 18 years worked for the Texaco Oil Co. on the NYS Thruway. During this time he was drafted and served in the US Army from 1961-1963 while stationed at Kitzingen, Germany. Later Bill worked for the NYS DOT and then went on his own as a self-employed carpenter until retirement in 2000. He is a member of the VFW 1602, Batavia, Army Historic Foundation, Arlington, Va. and the Eldred WWII Museum, Eldred, Pa. He is also a member and Trustee of the Stafford United Methodist Church where he led the renovation of the church over many years that significantly upgraded the facility including building a new addition for handicapped access. He enjoyed traveling to see his sons overseas in Europe and Japan as well as stateside during their time in the military. He also enjoyed visiting old Army friends and working with his hands.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laura (Grehlinger) Hagen, sons Timothy (Dawn) Hagen, Alexander and Terry (Bianca) Hagen, Dumfries, VA. He has two granddaughters Emmeline (Emmie) Hagen and Evelyn (Evie) Hagen and one grandson James (Jimmy) Hagen, both of Dumfries, VA. Also surviving are a sister Sally Robins, Fairport, brother Allen (Leota) Hagen, Oakfield, brother-in-law Allan (Jane) Grehlinger, Basom, and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sat, June 16 at 3pm at the Stafford United Methodist Church, 6134 Main St., Stafford, NY, 14143 followed by a reception. Bill will be laid to rest in Stafford Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to VFW Post 1602, 25 Edwards St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

East Bethany - Our beloved husband and father, Merritt S. Holly, passed away on June 4, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital ICU cardiac unit after struggling for years with heart failure.

Merritt was born December 15, 1947 in Batavia, a son of the late Clark Holly and Catherine Blanchard Holly.

A 1966 graduate of Pavilion Central School, Merritt excelled as a multi-sport athlete playing basketball and baseball at a high level and worked at Lapp Insulator in LeRoy for over 35 years. He always loved life and his family, his church, music and all sports. He served for several years as an Elder at East Bethany Presbyterian Church and was also on the worship and music committee. He coached his kids through many years of sports - as a coach and a fan. He adored his grandchildren, loving to play and provide "no discipline". They filled his life with love.

Anybody who knew Merritt, knew he harassed and teased everyone. His enthusiasm and positivity for life was inspiring.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Goodman Holly, whom he married May 29, 1971; his children, Merritt C. (Kellie) Holly of LeRoy and Megan C. (Adam) Logsdon of Pavilion; his six grandchildren, Merritt Curtis Holly and Harper Holly, Greysen Logsdon, twins; Bentley Logsdon and Eleanor Logsdon; and Augustus Logsdon; his brother, William (Judy) Holly of LeRoy; several nieces, nephews, cousins including Tom (Jane) Holly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and many dear friends.

He is predeceased by his sister, Sharon Holly.

Friends may call on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Memorial services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany.  He will be laid to rest in East Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in his name to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, New York14054. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

ADAM WADE PITCHER ~ Batavia

"We've come a long, long way together,

Through the hard times and the good

I have to celebrate you, baby,

I have to praise you like I should."

                                       Fatboy Slim- 1998

Age 49, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning May 26, 2018 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Buffalo, NY, November 24, 1968 to William and Cheryl (Kingsley) Pitcher of Batavia. Adam began his journey through this world as a life force to be reckoned with, a unique soul, he was confident and creative and fearless, artistic, passionate and perceptive. He was unabashedly, brazenly and only exactly and ever himself. Everyone knew Adam, and no one could forget him.

Adam was a 1987 graduate of Batavia High School and attended Alfred State College, he was a tremendous athlete, gifted in baseball and basketball throughout his youth, high school and beyond. Adam was a free spirit with a naturally creative mind. His philosophical approach and innate skill made him an outstanding musician and performer. He was the "The Bass Player" in many bands including Neo-York Preservatives, Sanduleak, Sapien, Junk, OZ Willis and Empty Grave and filled in for Pavilion Natural Grass and the Pitcher Family Band.

He was passionate about all his chosen endeavors, none could compete with his love for his children. He was extraordinarily proud of them. He will be remembered by them as loyal, loving, lighthearted and thoughtful. His son, Addison Ray, referred by Adam as Bobbo, B, Big B, Eddie B, and inexplicably, Chauncey, would be inspired by Adam's wide interest in music, from the Grateful Dead, to Bluegrass, Old Blues musicians to German Speed Metal and everything in between. Adam's children, Addison and Mica Leah "LeeLee" would be inspired by his athleticism, becoming motivated and competitive athletes themselves.

Joseph Campbell in speaking of the Hero's Journey, said, "Follow your bliss and don't be afraid,  doors will open where you don't know they were going to be." Adam's unique and fearless approach to life, seizing the moment and hearing him say, "I feel more like myself now than before I got here." There will never be another Adam Pitcher, the one, the only will be dearly missed now and forever.

Adam's talents were widespread from cooking at several area restaurants over the years to installing fiber optic cable for White Knight Communications. 

Along with his mother and father Adam is survived by his beautiful children, Mica Leah and Addison Ray both of Batavia; the children's mother, Susan Hoak of Batavia; siblings, Timothy Pitcher of Buffalo and Molly Smith of Batavia along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Please join the family from 5-8pm for a Celebration of Adam's Life on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Ri-Dan's Brewery & Sports Park 3755 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to his children to further their education. 

Please share your words of comfort with Adam's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF ADAM W. PITCHER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

JAMES L. ENGLE ~ 

Age 76, of Batavia, died peacefully Sunday March 25, 2018 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. He was born February 16, 1942 in Kane, PA a son of the late Ira Stanley and Lucille (Pierotti) Engle also preceded in death by his twin brother, Robert Lee Engle.                                                                  

Mr. Engle served honorably in the United States Navy from 1962-1964 and worked for Trico for over 30 years. Jim was a selfless man always looking to assist someone in need and was an avid outdoorsman, although having no children of his own Jim took in his nieces and nephews and loved them unconditionally. 

Surviving is his brother, William (Dorothea) Engle of Akron, NY along with several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held privately by the family and he will be laid to rest in St. Callistus Cemetery in Kane, PA, memorials in his memory are suggested to Mercy Flight 100 Amherst Villa Road Buffalo, New York 14225. 

Please share your words of comfort with Jim's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF JAMES L. ENGLE WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

Raymond L Kiley, 77 of Perry, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2018. He was born in Warsaw, to the late Chester (Irene Gibbs) Kiley. He is preceded in death by brother John Keel.

Ray enjoyed collecting sap, making maple syrup, fishing and cutting wood. He attended services at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center. Ray was a man that loved to work and was still working for Donald G. Butler Construction in Perry.

He is survived by his children Joyce Wilson of Las Vegas, NV; Christine (Ken) Gilbert of Pavilion; Denise (Patrick) McIntyre of Perry; Daniel (Wendy) Kiley of Perry; sisters Mary White and Cheryl Keaton both of Florida; 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530. A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held on Friday June 8, 2018 at 4:00 PM at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church, 7205 Perry Center Road, Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.