Obituaries

Loren E. Wetzel, 84, of Le Roy, NY, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, while surrounded by loved ones.

     He was born on June 17, 1933 to John and Cora (Lortz) Wetzel in Morganville, NY. Loren was the first person in his family to go to college. In 1956, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Loren worked at Graham Manufacturing Co. for his entire career, retiring as an Assistant Manager of Contract Engineering. In all, he gave 46 years of hard work and dedication. Post-retirement, he continued to stay active with Graham by organizing retiree trips and lunches.

     Le Roy was a central part of Loren's life. He was a member of The Rotary Club for over 30 years, serving as president and on the board of directors. He was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, the highest honor from the Rotary, and was made an honorary member of the club in 2013. Loren's passion for the community didn't end there—he was a member of the Water and Sewer Committee, the Town Planning Board, and the Le Roy Historical Society, of which he was especially proud to be involved with the Jell-O Gallery. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Le Roy for 50 years. He wrote thoughtful, heartfelt graces for special occasions of organizations he belonged to and family functions.

     Golfing became a large part of Loren's life after retirement. He developed many friends through this hobby, and he served as president and treasurer of the Le Roy Senior Golf League, which was renamed the Loren Wetzel Senior Golf League in 2014, in his honor.  Loren also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife always attended the grandchildren's plays, concerts, and special events, whether they were in town or five hours away—distance was never an issue.

     Loren lived to make his part of the world a better place. His big, welcoming personality allowed him to make friends everywhere he went—from his hometown to far-off countries. He freely gave all of his love and energy to his family, his friends, and the town of Le Roy.

     Loren is survived by his wife, Janet, of 62 years; his children, Keith Wetzel, Brian Wetzel (Paula), and Lynne Baudanza (John); his seven grandchildren, Sarah (Adam) Wetzel-Strong, Becky Wetzel, Emilie Wetzel, Paige Wetzel, Amy Wetzel, Rachel Baudanza, and Sam Baudanza; a great-grandchild, Henry Strong; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents and ten siblings; Eleanor (Albert) Neubert, Dorothy (John) Kruppa, Kenneth (Annamae) Wetzel, John (Blanche) Wetzel, Richard (Emma) Wetzel, Thelma (Earl) Setterington, Helen (Nathan) Binkley, Robert Wetzel, Charles Wetzel, and Virginia (Harold) Berry.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, April 13 from 5 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. His Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 14 at 11:00 A.M. at the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church, Rts. 5 & 19, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either The Hospice Foundation of WNY, P.O. Box 590, Buffalo, N.Y. 14240-0590 or the LeRoy Historical Society, P.O. Box 176, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482.

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

     Mr. Wetzel and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

 

Corfu - Joseph D. “Joey” Jaszko, III, 56, of Corfu, passed away suddenly on Thursday, (April 5, 2018) at Erie County Medical Center, in Buffalo, a result of injuries sustained at work.

Mr. Jaszko was born June 27, 1961 in Batavia, the son of Joseph, II and Nancy (Chatt) Jaszko of Batavia.

He was a mechanic with Zoladz Construction.  Joey enjoyed bowling, fishing, and spending time with his family.  He will be remembered for his incredibly strong work ethic - be it on the job, at home in the yard, or in the woods.  Joey loved to be outside. 

Along with his parents, Joey is survived by his wife, Dawn (Odachowski) Jaszko of Corfu; children, Kira (Matt) Koch of Oakfield, Jessica (Mike) Rapone of Batavia, Joseph, IV (Lauren) Jaszko of Castile, Madison and Seth Jaszko of Corfu; grandchildren, Benjamin and Ivan Koch, Jason Rapone, Aaliyah, Madilyn, and Joseph, V Jaszko; sisters, Catherine and Lorie Jaszko of Batavia.  His work family at Zoladz Construction along with several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  Joey’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, (April 11, 2018) at St. Padre Pio Parish (St. Cecilia's Church), 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., C/o UMMC, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.com/donate. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Oakfield - Eleanor Latko, 83, of Oakfield, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Eleanor was born April 23, 1934 in Bethany, a daughter of the late George and Mary (Salat) Cupicha.

The most important thing in Eleanor's life are her children, grandchildren and her great-grandson.  She was a devout Roman Catholic who maintained a faithful prayer life and was a member of Saint Padre Pio Parish.  Eleanor enjoyed cooking, canning, baking and orchestrating family reunions.  She was a registered nurse who worked at various hospitals. 

Survivors include her husband, Richard J.  Latko of Oakfield; her children, Mary B. (Dr. Alex) Kajstura of Ormond Beach, FL, Richard J. (Daisy) Latko, Jr. of Wilmington, NC, Kathleen of Oakfield, Laura M. (Michael) Scarborough of Wyoming and George (Diana) Latko of Scottsville; grandchildren, Nicholas Scarborough, Elijah Latko and Drake Latko; great-grandson, Gunnar T. Scarborough; one brother, George (Joyce) Cupicha of East Bethany; one sister, Mary Carl of Williamsville; several nieces and nephews and her faithful pets, Lady Bear and Bernie.

Eleanor is a sister of the late Stella Radley, Genieve Mikolajczyk, John Cupicha, Andrew Cupicha, Joseph Cupicha, Laura Dembski and Peter Cupicha.   

There are no prior calling hours.  Eleanor’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia's Church, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  She will be laid to rest in St. Cecelia's Cemetery, Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield, NY 14125, Saint Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, NY 14125 or to the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club, Box 52, Oakfield, NY 14125.

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

Arrangements were completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.  

 

  Patrick J. Kopper, 65, of Batavia passed away peacefully on April 4, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 16, 1953 to the late George Kopper and Eileen (Dunn) Kopper of Batavia. In addition to his father, Patrick is predeceased by his brothers; Daniel and Terence Kopper; and nephew Chad Kopper.  

He will be remembered as a simple man who loved hunting, fishing and tinkering around the house. Patrick enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family.

In addition to his mother, Patrick is survived by his loving wife; Carol Merriman of Batavia; daughter Courtney Kopper of Batavia; brother Steven (Michelle) Kopper of East Pembroke; sister Diane (William) Williams of East Bethany along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday April 8, 2018 from 2:00-5:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday April 9^th at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish 8656 Church St. East Pembroke, NY 14056. He will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Maximilian Kolbe Parish 18 West Main St. Corfu, NY 14036.  For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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 - James P. “Phil” Grant, 95, of Batavia, died Monday, April 2, 2018 at his home, in Batavia after a short illness.

Mr. Grant was born April 5, 1922 in Somerset, NY, a son of the late Arthur W. and Marion (Lum) Grant.

He attended Maritime school, earning the rate of Master-Oceans and Great Lakes.  His achievements made him eligible for the rank of Captain.  He sailed the Great Lakes on crews of cargo freighters before and after WWII as well as ocean going ships carrying supplies for troops with the US Merchant Marines during WWII.  He was a Chief Mate on Liberty ships from 1944-1948 and was the youngest 1st Mate in the Merchant Marines during WWII. 

He worked for GTE International and served as a General Foreman in Charge of Production at the GTE Sylvania plant in Batavia and was the superintendent of a 1 million sq. foot manufacturing plant in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria from 1977 to 1980.

Mr. Grant was a former member of the Sertoma Club of Batavia and was an avid reader, bowler in the Sylvania Men's League, golfer and fisherman.  He had his first "Hole in One" at the age of 84.

His wife, of 65 years, Dorothy L. (Lange) Grant, died February 15, 2014.

Survivors include 4 children, Marcia (Byron) Harrington of Norwich, Michael J. Grant (Irma Cumminsky) of Batavia, Marilyn G. Mael of Batavia and Mitchell (Therese) Grant of San Diego, CA; 2 sisters, Patricia Berger of New York City and Jean L. Grant of CA; 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews and his faithful companion Roxy. 

He was the brother of the late Watson Grant.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018 at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, where services will immediately follow a 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Batavia #166, 222 Richmond Ave., Rm 2-102, Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.  Arrangements are being completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Oakfield – MaryLouise (Dimmick) Tonner, 86, passed away on April 2, 2018, with family by her side. She was born February 22, 1932 in Kenmore, New York.  MaryLou was a retired supervisor from Fisher Price Toys.

MaryLou loved animals, especially her birds. She also enjoyed traveling, walking on the beach and spending time with family. Mary Lou had a very kind and generous heart. She was a wonderful mother, best friend to her family and always caring and giving to others. She was very much loved, and will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.  

MaryLou is survived by her seven children, Linda Tonner, Tom Tonner (Rose), Colleen Glanville, Randy Tonner, Peggy Tonner, Mike Tonner and Amy Lavelle. Eight grandchildren, Randy Tonner II, Becky, Shannon, Matthew, Kelly, Amy, Tony and Nick. Eight great grandchildren, Ethan, Anders, Maddox, Kaya, Aaliyah, Madelynn, Jordon and Anthony.

She was predeceased by her beloved grandson, Justin Lavelle, Parents, William and Amy Dimmick, three brothers, Joseph Dimmick, Robert Dimmick, and Richard (Jane) Dimmick and two sisters, Dorothy (Dick) Diehl, and Ruth (Al) Steindel. 

A private celebration of life will be scheduled for family and friends. Donations in honor of MaryLou can be sent to Oakfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, New York.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

LeRoy - Betty J. Norton, 93, of LeRoy, formerly of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, (April 3, 2018) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility, in LeRoy.

Mrs. Norton was born July 13, 1924 in Batavia, a daughter of the late William and Nina (Van Duser) Hammond.

Betty was a long time member of the West Bethany Baptist Church.  She was very active with church activities and greatly enjoyed spending time volunteering at United Memorial Medical Center.  She lived in Florida for 25 years before returning to Batavia after the death of her late husband, George Norton who passed away on January 11, 2003.

She is survived by her sons, Bruce (Cathy) Norton of Hereford, AZ, Brian (Carol) Norton of Kissimmee, FL and G. Jesse (Michele) Norton of the Bahamas; grandchildren, David (Rachel) Norton of Sierra Vista, AZ, Christopher Norton of Portage, WI, Rene (Mike) Holstien of Batavia, Jason Moneau of Batavia, James (Stephanie) Norton of Melbourne, FL, Elizabeth (Rick) Johnson of Batavia, Amanda (Chris) Cross of Elba, Michelle Reiner of Bennington, and Daniel (Jessica) Norton of Batavia; great-grandchildren, Daphne and Vera Norton of AZ, Kyle, Erin, and Megan Kelley of NY, Conner Moneau of NY, Shawna, Adrianna and Dallas Norton of FL, Hailey and Ashley Johnson of NY, Ethan and Emily Cross of NY.

 Betty is preceded in death a daughter, Cheryl and a sister, Minnie Housenecht.  

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1120 South Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620.  Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery.  Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

  William G. Kappus, age 66, of East Pembroke passed away suddenly on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 with his loving wife by his side and into the loving arms of his Lord Jesus Christ. Born and raised on the family dairy farm in Eden, NY, Bill was the son of the late John and Ethel Kappus.

After graduation he attended Cornell University from 1969 to 1973 and was hired by the Farm Credit Association in Watertown. In 1978, Bill was hired by Farm Credit East in Batavia where he became the Branch Manager until his retirement on April 1, 2013. Bill served his community in so many ways. He was the Pembroke Town Supervisor for three years, Chairman of the Genesee County Republican Committee, a member of the Genesee County Water Resources Agency, Chairman of the Friends of Farm Credit-ALF Committee, among other community endeavors. Most of all, Bill was a true farm boy at heart who enjoyed working on the family farm in Eden whenever possible. His greatest love was for his children and his grandson William Ronan. Bill was the best husband and dear friend to Nanette for over 40 years.

Bill is survived by his loving wife; Nanette L. (Downey) Kappus; son Brandon William (Dr. Ashley) Kappus of Sterling, VA., grandson William Ronan Kappus; daughter Meghan Brooke Kappus of New York City; son Shayne Logan (Capt. Karen USMC) Kappus of Baltimore, MD.; Also survived by Daniel (Jessica) Hubbell and their sons Landon and Gavin of Lancaster; brothers John (Kathy) and Kenneth (Patricia) Kappus of Eden; several brothers and sisters-in-law and loving friends, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins; his dog, King Tut who was his sidekick and faithful companion.

There will be no prior calling hours at Bill’s request. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Friday April 6, 2018 at the Northgate Free Methodist Church – North Campus 8160 Bank St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020.

Memorials, if desired, may be made in Bill’s name to the Friends of Farm Credit – Mr. Greg Melnick (Treasurer) 140 Leyden Rd. Greenfield, MA 01301 or any Rescue Animal Association for his love of all living things. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

Sherman T. Gregoire, 91, of Batavia passed away peacefully at home with the comfort of his wife by his side on March 31, 2018. He was born in Getzville, NY on November 16, 1926 to the late Sherman F. and Sydonia (Dorywalski) Gregoire.  In addition to his parents, Sherman is predeceased by his children; Debbie and Cliff; brothers Mark, Giles, Tony, Bruce and Gary; sister Dolly.

Sherman was a United States Army Veteran serving during WWII with the Air Corps in the Aleutian Islands. After his military service, he went on to work at Bell Air Craft and then retired from DuPont in Buffalo in 1988. Sherman loved hunting, camping and anything that involved being outdoors. He enjoyed cookies and dark chocolate, cutting out coupons for his friends and granddaughters, but above all else spending time with family and friends. He will be missed by all.

He is survived by his loving wife; Lorena (Cipra) Gregoire of Batavia; children Thomas (Peggy) Gregoire, Guy (Susan) Gregoire, Cynthia (George) Wells, Scott (fiancé Debbie) Gregoire, Darryl (Raquel) Gregoire; 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday April 6, 2018 from 11:00AM-12:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:00 noon Memorial Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. Sherman will be laid to rest privately in Hillside Cemetery in E. Pembroke.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

LINDA L. VALLESE ~ Batavia 

Age 65, of Batavia, NY went peacefully home to the Lord on Wednesday evening March 28, 2018 at Rochester General Hospital. She was born July 3, 1952 in Corfu, NY a daughter of the late Andrew and Evelyn (Tompkins) Corcoran and was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Talbot and Burton Corcoran.                                                                                                                                              Linda was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish, she enjoyed gardening, knitting and painting. The last ten years with her illness confining her to a wheelchair never broke her spirit or the love for her husband, children and grandchildren. 

Surviving is her beloved husband of 46 years, Gary Vallese of Batavia; loving children, Michael (Karen) Vallese of Leroy, Jennifer (John) Suchy of Coxsackie, NY, Joseph (Elizabeth) Vallese of Oakfield, Mary (Seth) Leavitt of Las Vegas and John (Kimberly) Vallese of Punxsutawney, PA; cherished grandchildren, Allison & Nicholas Vallese, Hanna & Laila Suchy, Anthony & Andrew Vallese, Elias, Luca & Gabrielle Vallese; siblings, James (Jane) Corcoran of E. Pembroke, Janet (Lewis) Grasso of Batavia, Edward (Beverly) Corcoran of Batavia; sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Thomas) McMahon of NH and Carol (late Donald) Vallese of Rochester along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The Vallese family will be present from 4-8pm Wednesday April 4, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30am Thursday April 5 followed by a 10am Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's Site). She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery and contributions in her memory can be made to the National MS Society P.O. Box 4527 New York, NY 10163. 

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

THE FAMILY OF LINDA L. VALLESE IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

Batavia - Alice Z. Grady, age 78, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Batavia Health Care Center, LLC.

Mrs. Grady was born March 25, 1940 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles Richmond, Sr. and Eleanor Wright Richmond.

A graduate of Batavia High School, she was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia, Mrs. Grady was an avid bowler who enjoyed watching sports, especially NASCAR. She was a longtime season ticket holder with the Batavia Muckdogs. Mrs. Grady was the assistant cook for the Batavia City School District for 15 years  where she retired in 2010 and worked in the cafeteria at the former Genesee Memorial Hospital from 1958-1972.

Her husband, Karl E.  Grady, passed away on March 19, 1996.

She is survived by her four daughters, Phyllis Blumer of Attica,  Karen (Jeffrey) Tauscher of Basom,  Karla Grady of Alexander and Kristi (Dan Gilbert) Grady of La Plata, Maryland; seven grandchildren, Skylair and Richard Blumer, Alicia and Cameron Tauscher and Kyle, Christopher and Nicholas Bump; her brother, Charles (Sandra) Richmond, Jr. of Elba; her sister-in-law, Ann Grady of Byron, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces.

She is predeceased by her sister, Roxanne Farrington.

Alice's family would like to thank Dr. Kunle Odnsi and his staff at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Dr. Shoukri Wisa and the staff at Lipson Cancer Center for their years of care and dedication shown to Alice.

Friends may call on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at  Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street, Batavia,  where services will immediately follow visitation at 3 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., C/O UMMC, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. She will be laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander. Arrangements by H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Covington/Pavilion ~ Thomas N. Wilson, age 77, of Perry Rd., was called home to the Lord on Thursday, March 22, 2018, after a short, but valiant battle with cancer.

    

A well known musician on the “country scene” for many years, “Tom” was a Viet Nam veteran of the US Navy, a devoted member of the Covington United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the Pavilion Fire Dept., president of the Genesee County Fire Police Association, vice commander of the American Legion McKelton Post #350 in Perry, NY and a former member of the LeRoy Moose.  He was a friend to all he knew, touching many lives along the way.

     He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Marian A. Wilson; his children, Harold “Woody” Wilson (Trichelle), Lynn Wilson, Timothy Wilson (Judy), Traci Wilson (Brian Castrachino), Thomas V. Wilson, Tiffany R. Wilson; step-children, Wesley Coufal, Melissa Coufal, Rebecca Robinson, Timothy Ruffin, Roger Fredricks, Linda Baker (Kester), Daniel Kemp (Lisa) and Gina Kemp-Mancuso (Tony); 29 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Joyce) Wilson of Wayland and a host of nieces and nephews.

     He was predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Lena (Inscho) Wilson, a son, Thomas S. Wilson, step-daughter, Heather Coufal, sister, Betty Wray and brothers, Harold and Ted Wilson.

     The family will be present to receive friends from 11 AM – 12 PM on Saturday, April 7 at the Pavilion Fire Hall, Route 19, Pavilion, where a memorial service with military honors will immediately follow.  A luncheon will be served following services.

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

     Mr. Wilson and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400