Obituaries

  Carol A. Aratari, 82 of Holley, passed away on Wednesday March 21, 2018 peacefully at Hospice of Orleans Inc. surrounded by her family. She was born June 5, 1935 in Rochester, to the late Aloysius and Mary (Hayes) Rigard. In addition to her parents, Carol is predeceased by her husband Albert J. Aratari; brother Richard Rigard.

Mrs. Aratari was retired from Kodak. She enjoyed crocheting and bingo.

She is survived by her children Kim (Loren) Parsels of Byron; Deborah Aratari of Greece; Joseph Aratari of Holley; Michael (Lori) Aratari of Batavia; sister Ginny Rigard of OH., sister-in-law Mary Aratari; 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday March 26, 2018 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday March 27, 2018 at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. Batavia, New York 14020. She will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans, Inc. P.O. Box 489 Albion, NY 14411-0489. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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 - Carmen A. DiFilippo, age 80, of Batavia, steward for over 30 years at St. Nicholas Club in Batavia, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Unity Hospital.

Mr. DiFilippo was born April 19, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Frank DiFilippo, Sr. and Assunta DeCelso DiFilippo.

A graduate of Batavia High School, Carmen was a talented baseball player who played semi-professional baseball and was an outstanding bowler. An avid fan of the New York Yankees, he enjoyed watching harness racing, walking his dogs and his lottery tickets. Carmen loved spending time with his beloved family and would always lend a helping hand to anyone. He proudly served his country with the United States Army.

He is survived by his wife of over 44 years, Penny Wilkes DiFilippo; his children,  Kim M. (Jim) Turman, Lori A. (late Kevin Squire) DiFilippo and Richard A. DiFilippo, all of Batavia; his grandchildren, Jamie (Ben Holman) Turman and  Jessica Turman, both of Batavia and Brett and Jeremy Squire, both of North Carolina; his beloved dog, Toby; his grand dogs, Khloe, Cooper and Finn; his brother-in-law, Robert Darch of Batavia; his sisters-in-law, Veronica "Dolly" DiFilippo, Bernice DiFilippo and  Amelia "Millie" DiFilippo, all of Batavia and  Susan DiFilippo of Florida; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Rocco (late Eleanor) DeFilippo, Nicholas, Joseph, Victor, Frank, Jr. and Vincent DiFilippo and Catherine Darch.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Orleans Community Health, 100 Ohio Street, Medina, New York 14103. In the memo line please specify to Lake Plains Dialysis - Batavia.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Carmen’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Clarendon/Batavia - Lewellyn P. "Lew" Glover, 77, of Clarendon, formerly of Batavia, died Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at his home. 

Mr. Glover was born May 6, 1940 in Rochester, the son of the late Charles and Anna (Austin) Glover.

He served with the US Army during the Korean War, was a member of Veness - Strollo VFW Post 1602, a member for over 23 years of the Batavia Elks Club; and member of the LeRoy Loyal Order of Moose.

He is predeceased by his wife, Kathleen A. (Lewis) Glover who died in 2009.

Survivors include two daughters, Lori Nottingham of Medina and Cheryl (Mark) Shuler of Bergen; a son, Brian Glover of NC; a sister, Marlene Chatt of Rochester, a sister-in-law, Margaret Stack of Batavia; 9 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audobon Pkwy West, Amherst, NY  14228.  Arrangements were completed by Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home of Batavia. 

  Thomas R. Rosica of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 20, 2018 at the New York State Veterans Home surrounded by his loving family. He was a resident there for three years. Tom was born in Batavia, to the late Charles (Mary DiAngelo) Rosica, on May 13, 1932. He was the brother of the late Lena (Rosica) Palmer and Sebastian V. Rosica. Also, brother-in-law to the late Paul Palmer, Michael Lovria, Joseph & Noma LoCastro and Ada Rosica.

He was a 1949 graduate of Batavia High School, graduate of Buffalo State Technical School and Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana. Tom served with the United States Army in the Korean War Conflict as a Field Radio Mechanic in Germany from November 16, 1953 to November 15, 1955, as well as an Army Reservist for 8 years. He was employed at Ebling Electric in the TV repair department for many years. He worked at GTE Sylvania in Batavia for 25 years as an Engineer Technical Foreman. After retiring from Sylvania, he was employed at Gershe Electric as a Sales Representative, then at Genesee Community College in the Media Department as a TV Production Media Technician until his final retirement. Tom was also a video recording cameraman at Batavia Downs for 25 years. As a lifelong proud Batavian, he had many interests and was greatly involved in community and religious organizations. Tom was a member of Genesee Radio Amateurs (GRAM), being an Amateur Ham Radio Operator since 1951; his call letters were W2GIR. He held a FCC advanced class license and a 1^st class radio telegraph license. He belonged to the Batavia Lions Club for 20 years, awarded perfect attendance and Lion of the Year. He was a member of Antique Wireless Association, Cablevision Advisory Board, and was a lifetime member of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, where he was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He belonged to the St. Nicholas, Men’s Holy Name and St. Loretta Societies, and was one of the St. Joseph Day Table founders. He served as the program chairman for all of these groups, with many years of enjoyed and informative programs for its members. He was a part of a hot air balloon crew for several years and played in the YMCA Men’s Tennis League. He led a very active and rewarding life; his precious family and friends meant the world to him. Getting together for family gatherings was most special to him.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rosalie (LoCastro) Rosica; his loving children Thomas C. Rosica, MaryAnn (Joseph) Raphael, Victoria (Daniel) Jacques, most precious grandchildren, Jenna, Jared & Andrea Raphael, Megan & Marissa Jacques; sister-in-law Pearl Lovria and brother-in-law Frank LoCastro.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the extraordinary staff at the NYS Veterans Home for the wonderful, loving care Tom received while residing there. Their daily compassion and kindness will never be forgotten.

There are no prior calling hours. Please join the Rosica family for a Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 PM on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.    

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for distribution to local charities. 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.

M. CAROL LOWE ~ Oakfield 

Age 80, of Oakfield, NY died peacefully Sunday March 18, 2018 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital following a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born December 27, 1937 in Batavia, NY a daughter of the late Audrey and Mildred(Lawton) Oakes also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur "Buzz" Lowe on October 29, 2014, daughter, Diane Lowe and brother, Herb Oakes. 

Carol was a member and very active in earlier years of the Oakfield Presbyterian Church. She was an avid bowler and was the Genesee Valley Women's Association Delegate for many years. Carol enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking and her Silver Sneakers Gang at the YMCA, her greatest joy being her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Surviving are her loving children, Raymond "Buzz" (Deborah) Lowe, Jan (Mark) Colopy and Jo (Jeff) Qamoos all of Oakfield; siblings, Milford (Jean) Oakes of SC, Mildred Irene (late Roger) Anderson; sister-in-law, Fran Oakes of NC; grandchildren, Kellie (Rob) Buchanan, Raymond "Buzzie" (Amanda) Lowe, Sarah Lowe, Ashley Colopy and Jessica Colopy; great-grandchildren, Austin, Laney, Morgan, Nolan, Madison & Bentley; sister-in-law, Nancy Lowe; brother-in-law, Larry NiCastro along with several nieces, nephews and her four legged companion, Abby. 

The Lowe family will be present from 5-8pm on Thursday March 22 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where Funeral Services will take place 11am Friday March 23. In lieu of flowers memorials in her memory are suggested to the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department 20 Albert Street Oakfield, New York 14125 or Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

THE FAMILY OF M. CAROL LOWE IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

Batavia - Cheryl M. Lyons, 52, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at her home in Batavia.

Cheryl was born October 30, 1965 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Cora Lyons.

She is survived by her children: Angel Sumeriski of Buffalo, Morgan Cox, Jr. and Dakota White, both of Batavia; five grandchildren: Ryan Joseph Cox, Michael Sumeriski, II, Chevelle Sumeriski, Cameron Sumeriski and Sophie Mackey; her brother: Nikki Lyons; her sister: Alicia Lyons of Batavia and nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Heavenly Rose Lyons.

Friends may call on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Childhood Cancer Organization, P.O. Box 498, Kensington Maryland 20895-0498.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

  Steven Durfee, age 64, of Bennington passed away on Sunday March 18, 2018 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute surrounded by his family after a 15 year battle against Multiple Myeloma. Steve was born in Warsaw on April 13, 1953 to the late Roger Durfee and Barbara (Motts) Bradt.

Steve retired from Attica Correctional Facility in 2016 as a vocational welding instructor. Previous to that he worked for Monroe Tractor Implement in Batavia and also part time for Land Pro Equipment (Goodridge Farm Supply). He was a member of the Bennington Volunteer Fire Company. Steve enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, golfing and hunting, but especially loved helping his friends and neighbors.  His unfailing positive attitude and selflessness will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years; Mary Jean (Gecewicz); two sons Mickey (Elissa) and Greg (Nicole); granddaughter Sophia; brothers-in-law, sister-in-law; stepmother Jean (Daube) Durfee; sister Julie Durfee; step brothers and sisters from the Daube and Bradt family along with nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday March 23, 2018 from 2:00-7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 24^th at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish 1230 Clinton St
Attica, NY 14011.

Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish at the address above or Bennington Volunteer Fire Company 1353 NY-354, Attica, NY 14011 or the Folsom Trailblazers Snowmobile Club http://www.folsomtrailblazers.org/ P.O. Box 55 Attica, NY 14011. 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.

  Michael G. Shaughnessy, 58 of Perry, passed away on Saturday March 17, 2018 at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo. He was born in Warsaw on April 27, 1959 to Evelyn (Wood) Shaughnessy of Perry and the late Gerald A. Shaughnessy who passed away in 1967.

Michael worked for the Town of Perry as their mechanic. He enjoyed building and driving race cars. He was a well-known race car driver at the Wyoming County International Speedway for many years.

He is survived by his 2 daughters: Michelle Lipke of Holley and Erin Shaughnessy of Batavia, mother: Evelyn Shaughnessy of Perry, sister: Kellie (Michael “Scrappy”) Chenaille of Livonia, 2 granddaughters: Hayley and Alyssa Lipke, nephew: Michael Ebner, along with many cousins and friends.

Family and friends may call on Saturday March 24, 2018 from 11:00AM-1:00PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530 where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00PM. He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Wyoming County International Speedway 35 Adrian Rd. 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.

Jennie Wiktorski, 101 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (March 15, 2018) at the Batavia Heath Care Center.

She was born June 25, 1916 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Jacob and Caroline Bugansky Adamczyk.

Jennie and her late husband operated the family farm in Darien and was also employed by Chapins and Kisiel Die Casting prior to her retirement. She was a parishioner of Ascension Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society.

She was the wife of the late Ignatius Wiktorski, who died in 1986 and sister of the late Henry Adamczyk,  Stanley Adamczyk, Helen Luplow and four siblings from Poland, Frank, John, Stefa, and Sofia . Mother in-law of the late Barbara Wiktorski and Frank Ball.

Survivors include her sons, Ronald Wiktorski of Batavia and Daniel Wiktorski of Texas. Daughter, Marcia (Rick) Leaton of Florida. Sister, Eleanor Bialkowski of Batavia.  Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (March 20th) from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Jennie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, 9:00am at Ascension Parish (S. Swan St.). Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The Ascension Parish Rosary Society will recite the rosary on Tuesday, 1:30pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for distribution to her favorite charities or in the form of Mass Offerings. Expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Thomas John "Tommy” Manzella, age 24, of Batavia, NY passed away at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia surrounded by his family. He was born in Newfane, NY on March 8, 1994 to Vincent (Lori) Manzella of Batavia and Julie (Keith) Kuzara of Akron, and was preceded in death by his grandfather John Manzella; uncle Ed Blackford.

Tommy graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School in 2012 and is a 2016 graduate of SUNY Cortland where he majored in fitness & development, and enjoyed spending time in the gym. He was currently working at the United States Gypsum in Oakfield, NY. He enjoyed playing video games, playing with his dog Rocco, spending time with his girlfriend Kiana, best friend Little Chris Manes, and numerous family and friends.

Surviving along with his parents are his girlfriend (Kiana), his three brothers: Andrew of Newfane, NY, Chase (Brianna) of Yuma, Arizona, and Pauly of Batavia, NY; half-brother Dustin; grandmother Joanie Penvose of Middleport, NY; grandparents Robert and Germaine Osborne of Fuquay-Varina, NC; aunt Janet Blackford (Dean) of Adams, NY ; uncle Frank (Libby) Manzella of Clearance, NY; uncle Tony (Diane) of Hamlin, NY; uncle Robert (Cheryl) Osborne of Holly Springs, NC; aunt Maria (Nate) Henson of Fuquay-Varina, NC; uncle Joseph Osborne of Buffalo, NY; and many cousins and friends that loved him dearly. Additionally, he was very close with the Manes Family of Oakfield, NY.

The Manzella family will be present from 2 - 8pm on Wednesday March 21, 2018 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road, Batavia, 14020 where a Celebration of Life Service will take place 11am Thursday March, 22. Luncheon following the service will be announced. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to www.gofundme.com/thomasmanzella. All proceeds will assist with funeral expenses.

Please share your thoughts and memories or Tommy with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF THOMAS JOHN MANZELLA IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Mrs. Kathleen Ann Parker, age 74, of Batavia, NY and more recently of Smyrna, GA passed away surrounded by her loved ones, Sunday March 11, 2018.  Kathy was born October 1, 1943 in Batavia, NY to the late Herman and Frances Gabriel. 

Kathy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, baking cookies and watching her grandchildren.

Kathy is preceded in death by her husband Raymond “Bink” Parker; sisters Irene Bradway Busch and Beatrice Heinman.  She is survived by her daughter Candie and husband Sal Della Penna (Batavia, NY) and her son Daniel and wife Saralee Parker (Smyrna, GA) and their two children Garrett and Haley. Kathy is also survived by her brother in law, Tim Jones, and sister in law Pam Booth and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.  An 11:00AM Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 22^nd at the Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Dean officiating. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tonawanda Indian Baptist Church, 565 Bloomingdale Rd., Basom, NY 14013. 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.

  Susan M. Wesp, 60, a longtime resident of Attica, Cowlesville and Varysburg went to be with the Lord on March 2, 2018 at her home. She was born in Buffalo on January 12, 1958 to the late Willis and Alice (Kruszynski) Wesp.

Sue was retired from Erie County and had a devoted respect for nature and animals, caring for them with a loving heart.

She is survived by a brother, sister, a niece and three nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours or Funeral Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the SPCA will be gratefully appreciated www.wyomingcountyspca.org PO Box 269 Attica, NY 14011.   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.