Obituaries

Elon H. Spink, 101 of Attica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at LeRoy Village Green. He was born June 19, 1921 in Attica to the late Harry and Ida (Roberts) Spink. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Fern (Sherman) Spink, son Patrick O’Hara, brothers, Harlan, David, Thomas Spink and sister Helen Welker.

Elon was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. He actually attended the Bills first Superbowl, Superbowl XXV, in Tampa in 1991. He spent countless hours watching sports. Yankees and Mets games were always on the TV. He also enjoyed watching golf. He was an avid bowler into his seventies.

He is survived by his son Thomas (Margaret Sheelar) Spink of Batavia, daughters, Lucinda Searfoss of Brockport, Susan Brodner of Rochester, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 11:00AM to 1:00PM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Marley Funeral Home LLC., 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A funeral service will be held immediately following at Marley Funeral Home LLC. Elon will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway House, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Robert J. Rembas, JULY 13, 1946 – FEBRUARY 8, 2023, of East Aurora, NY. February 8, 2023. Loving father of Toni Rembas, Kelly (Gary) Seibold, John Rembas and Wendy Kleever; cherished grandfather of Jamie, Andrew, Benjamin, Meredith, Danielle, Cameron, Victoria and Dakota; dear brother of Shirley Nichols, Mary Ann Kirchoff and Annette Morrison. Services will be announced at a later date.

In the care of Wood Funeral Home.

Elizabeth J. Blake, "Betsey", 65, of Attica, passed away on December 18, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital.

Elizabeth was born September 25, 1957 in Batavia, to the late Robert and Mildred (Skotedis) Blake.

Along with her parents, Betsey was predeceased by her sister, Cynthia Ann Blake.  

Betsey was a 1975 graduate of Alexander Central School.  She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and sang for many events in the area.  Being an animal lover, she never turned away a stray and was a caring pet parent to many lucky cats.  Elizabeth worked for the New York State Department of Corrections and retired as Institution Steward at Wende Correctional Facility after 30 years of service.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her sisters, Susan (Alfred) Rosemark, Dorothy Blake, and Patricia Blake.

Calling hours are Saturday, February 18 from 10am to 11am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where her funeral service will be held directly following the calling hours at 11am. She will be laid to rest with a private service in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betsey’s name to the Wyoming County SPCA, PO Box 269, 808 Creek Road, Attica, NY 14011.

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

LeRoy/Pavilion ~ Donald L. Curry, age 67, of Telephone Road, passed away on September 21, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

    

He was born May 24, 1955, to Glen and Margaret Curry.

     Don was retired from Genesee Community College, where he worked in housekeeping.

     He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by a brother and his family and a sister and her family.

     Services are private.

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

Charles Gilmore Samuelson “Gil”, 90 of Akron, NY, went home to Jesus on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

He was born July 31, 1932 in Warren, PA, a son of the late Carl and Violet Gilmore Samuelson.

He attended schools in Warren, PA until he graduated, where he would further his studies at Bryant & Stratton (Buffalo, NY), University of Buffalo and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Gil served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 as an accountant and was in officer training. He was employed as a property accountant for Republic Steel and Director of the City Mission of Niagara Falls.

After graduating from the seminary in 1975, Gil found his passion. He loved his Lord and enjoyed serving him in any capacity from a young boy to adulthood. He held every job a church member could before becoming a pastor.

Gil also enjoyed playing and being a spectator of all sports, including golf, tennis, racquetball, basketball, football, bowling and volleyball. He truly loved his wife, daughters and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he was blessed with and was happiest when he was surrounded by his church and his family.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Elaine Geisthardt Samuelson of Akron. Daughters, Linda Marie (Dale) Phillips of Etowah, NC, Darlene Ruth “Sam” (Herm) Clouse of Akron, NY and Heidi Beth (Cliffton) Baker of Rochester, NY. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Gil was predeceased by his daughter Cheryl Lee Goley of Weatherford, TX.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (February 18th) from 10am-11am at Calvary Baptist Church, 12752 Lewis Rd., Akron, NY. A funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 11am. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Western New York National Cemetery.

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.

 

 

Stafford- Elsie Irene Dool, age 100, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at LeRoy Village Green, surrounded by family.

She was born July 6, 1922, in Batavia, NY, the daughter of the late Rollin and Regina Eick.

Elsie was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was an original member of Stafford Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed her quilting group at church, gardening, and being with family. She was a talented artist and a fabulous cook.

In her passing, Elsie is reunited with her loving husband, Henry; daughter, Loretta (Ronald) Edgerton; granddaughter, Mary Casselman; siblings Edward (Ruth) Eick and Andrew Eick.

She is survived by her daughter Linda (Gary) Snell; grandchildren Scott (Christine) Snell, Jason (Lacie) Snell, Rebecca (Paul) McCowen, Jon Edgerton, and Ed Ide; great grandchildren Konnor, Kristopher, Peyton, Bryson, Sarah (Jim), and Amanda; great great grandson Parker; several nieces and nephews; sister in law Elaine.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Memorials in her name may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements for Elsie have been entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, (585) 343-8868.

East Bethany- Ronald "Ron" D. Heywood passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 7, 1934, in Batavia, NY, the son of Donald and Thelma Heywood.

Ron graduated from Pavilion Central School, class of 1953, and married his high school sweetheart. He served our country in the US ARMY, spending 2 years in Amberg, Germany He worked at Jello in Leroy and later retired from O-at-Ka milk products as a Distribution Manager, after 35 years.

Ron was a lifetime member and past trustee of East Bethany Presbyterian Church, served as Cub scout roundtable commissioner for pack 20 in East Bethany. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and trapper. His passion was passing his knowledge and talents to his children and grandchildren. He loved camping and traveling with his RV through all 50 states, half the providences of Canada, and spent the last 20 years in Texas for the winter.

Surviving is his wife, Mary Jane "Mike" Heywood, of 66 years; sons, Douglas (Peggy) Heywood of East Bethany and Richard Heywood of Tennessee; daughters, Bonnie (Kenneth) Morgan of Tennessee and Linda (Randy) Page of Batavia; grandchildren, Sharan (Ron) Demana, Brent (Valerie) Heywood, Joe (Jessica) Hewitt, Patrick O'Connor, Danielle (Tim) Dosch, Shawn McGiveron, Chris (Megan) Page, Amanda (Jason) Krohn, and Ashley (Tony) Fortney; sister, Roberta Carter; brothers, Daniel (Denise) Heywood of Florida and David (Mary Lee) Heywood of Illinois; many nieces, nephews, and 13 great grandkids.

In death Ron is reunited with his parents, Donald and Thelma Heywood; sister, Beverly Emerson, Brother in laws, Gerald Carter and Tom Emerson; Daughter, Kim McGiveron.

Friends may call on Monday, February 13, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 11 am at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054. Burial, along with military honors, will follow in East Bethany Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054, or the New York State Bluebird Society c/o Murial Prianti, Treasurer 5157 Orangeport Road, Brewerton, NY 13029.

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

Bergen - Emma Jean Allyn , 89  of Bergen  passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Jean was born Wednesday, July 12th, 1933, in Lizemores, West Virginia a daughter of the late Vernon and Agnes Nichols.

Jean was raised in Lizemores, WV as a teenager she ventured to Rochester where she met Raymond. They were married in WV, in the holler of Nichols Mountain, at her parents homestead on February 7, 1952. They had a beautiful horse farm in Gates then in Churchville until settling down for life in Bergen. Together they raised three wonderful children. Emma worked as a lithographer and later as an office clerk for Coopervision in Scottsville, NY until her retirement.

She was a member of The Breakfast Club and a volunteer at the local Methodist church. Emma enjoyed bowling, gardening, and golfing. She was an amazing seamstress and had a great sense of humor. 

Surviving is her husband, Raymond Allyn, of Bergen, NY; daughter, Susan Fabretti and her husband, JR, of Byron, NY; brothers, Dick Nichols and Charlie Nichols of Lizemores, WV; great grandchild, Nikolas Fabretti of Rochester, NY.

In death Emma is reunited with her parents, Vernon and Agnus Nichols; children, Cheryl Reis and Debra Dutton; grandchildren, Virginia Reis, Emily Reis, and Timothy Reis; siblings, Jack Nichols, Hermon Nichols, William Nichols, Grace Nichols and Mable Nichols.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave, Bergen, NY 14416.  Emma 's Funeral Service will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Mount Rest Cemetery in Bergen, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

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

Richard J. Becker Jr, age 65, of Batavia NY, passed away in his home unexpectedly on January 22, 2023. Rich, as he was known by those close to him, was born on May 16^th, 1957, in the City of Batavia, New York to Richard and Pauline (Wickens) Becker. 

Rich graduated from Batavia High School in 1975, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1978 until 1982, as an Airman 1^st Class (A1C) in the role of Security Specialist.  Richard graduated from GCC in 1988 with an associate degree in General Studies Art and Science.  Rich worked at Genesee Farms for several years until they closed. Richard dedicated much of his time to caring for his elderly father and his aunt, Helen Krantz.  Rich was a very special son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, he was always there for his family anytime they needed him without hesitation or complaint.  Rich was a music connoisseur of all genres ranging from blues and jazz to rock and roll, additionally, he enjoyed classic films, television, and animation.  Rich loved animals, his favorite of which were the many cats he had over the years, he also enjoyed spending much of his free-time visiting flea markets and antique dealers around Western NY as well as assisting his close friend Mary, with her various shops and sales. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Pauline Becker, his aunt, Helen Krantz, and his brother-in-law Kenneth Sovocool. He is survived by his sister Kathryn Sovocool, his nephews, Bryan Bartholomew of Batavia, and Daniel Bartholomew of Scottsville, his great niece and nephew, Aryanna and Jaxon Bartholomew as well as his long-time friend Mary Holmes.  

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. 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.

 

 

Batavia – Henry M. Hough, age 82, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family while under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

He was born on January 22, 1941, in Batavia, a son of the late Elmer and Gladys Wright Hough.

A longtime employee of the Batavia City School District, Henry proudly served his country with the United States Air Force. A devoted and active member of Batavia Assembly of God Church, he enjoyed the Forever Young dinners that were held at church. He loved traveling, especially going on cruises. He will be remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He always kept himself busy working two or three jobs to provide for them.  

Henry is predeceased by his wife, Nancy J. Luthart Hough who passed away on May 29, 2016 and his siblings, Richard Hough, Esther Hough and Douglas A. Hough.

He is survived by his sons, Mark H. (Pamela) Hough of Batavia, James A. (Debra Baker) Hough of Batavia and Matthew J. (Vicki) Hough of Rochester; five grandchildren, Aaron Hough, Brandi and Morgan Hough and Olivia and Faith Hough; two great-grandchildren, Anaya Richardson and Jenna Hough; his siblings, Rosemary Nobles of Batavia, Estelle Howe of Batavia, Donna Hough of Batavia and Paul (Dawn) Hough of Elba; special nephew, Mike Freyburger along with other nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 am at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. Burial, along with military honors, will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia. Memorials in his name may be made to Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To send a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lucia M. Costantino, 89, of Batavia, passed away on February 6, 2023 at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence.

Lucia was born January 6, 1934 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late Dominic and Ida (Comino) Moretti.

Lucia was a member of Ascension Parish and a former deputy clerk for the Town of Batavia.  She enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren.  Lucia will be remembered for being a phenomenal cook.  

Surviving are her husband, Cosmo Costantino; children, Holly (Greg) Sharpe and Peter (Jeri) Costantino; grandchildren, Nicholas Costantino and Natalie Sharpe and several nieces and nephews.  

Lucia is a sister of the late Helen Moretti, Nicholas Moretti, William Moretti, Bernard Moretti, Louis Moretti, Splendora DiSanto, Mary Moretti and Anthony Moretti.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.  She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Mausoleum in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements for Lucia were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

Batavia - John L. Russo, 87 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.

He was born Wednesday, July 3rd, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph Russo and Rose Battaglia Russo.

John attended the Batavia school system and went onto work for The Batavia Times and then along with his sons starting their own business, American Legal & Commercial Printers, Inc.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Brinkman Russo; sons, Douglas (Jodi) and Brian; grandchildren, Bailey & Kieri along with nieces and nephews.  

He is predeceased by his siblings, Nunzio Russo, Francis Alfieri and Theresa Russo.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 10th from 2 to 4 pm at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia (Please use School Street Entrance). Private burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in John's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Buffalo - Colleen C.  Smith, 63 of Buffalo, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family under the care of Hospice Buffalo.

Colleen was born Thursday, July 9th, 1959 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late James Little, Sr. and Audrey Ashburn Little.

A graduate from the Pembroke Central School District, Colleen was a machinist for 20 years at Ever Fab, Inc. in East Aurora. She truly loved her work and was proud of her accomplishments while working at Ever Fab. A die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills, she loved shopping especially for purses.

Colleen is predeceased by her husband, Robert M. Smith and her sister, Michelle Robb.

Surviving are her children, Eric (Alissa) Towne of Grantville, Pennsylvania and Lacey (Michael) Ruth  of Alamogordo, New Mexico; six grandchildren, Justice Towne, Jadeyn and Connor Goras, Bailey, Ethan and Elijah Towne; her sister, Dawn Mango of Batavia; her brother, James (Rolinda) Little, Jr. of Charleston, South Carolina. along with nieces and nephews.

Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the health care workers and friends who were involved with Colleen’s care during her illness.

There are no prior calling hours. Private graveside services will be held in Hillside Cemetery, Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation, P.O Box 590, Buffalo, NY 14240-0590. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Shane D. O’Brien, 48 of Alden, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Williamsville Suburban Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing. He was born August 2, 1974 in Warsaw to Michelle (Mosicki) O’Brien of Warsaw and Robert O’Brien of Henrietta.

Despite being a quadriplegic life continued for Shane and he got the most out of it. He loved playing Rugby for the WNY Wreckers, ATV’s, boating and driving. Shane was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Along with his parents he is survived by his children, Dylan O’Brien of Tarrytown, NY, Kaydra O’Brien of Warsaw, siblings, Robert of CA, Clint O’Brien of Warsaw, Katy (John) Day of Wyoming, NY, niece Cassandra O’Brien of Warsaw, along with several other nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 5 to 7pm at Mt. Morris VFW, 3 Elm Street, Mt. Morris, NY 14510.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to WNY Wreckers Rugby Team, www.wnywreckers.com C/O David Sprout, 1222 Waterbrook Crossing, Webster, NY 14580. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.  

Francis M. Buckenmeyer, 92 of Alexander, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 3, 2023 at LeRoy Village Green. He was born April 30, 1930 in Alexander to the late Charles and Margaret (Gilhooly) Buckenmeyer. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan (Hanley) Buckenmeyer, daughter Meg Buckenmeyer, son-in-law Bill Franz, all nine of his siblings, Elizabeth Buckenmeyer, Charles (Vie) Buckenmeyer, Mary (Larry) Falkowski, Catherine (Paul) Raines, George Buckenmeyer, Dorothy (Eddie) Moynihan, Lucy (Jim) Moag, Margie Hofmann, Bernie Buckenmeyer.

Mr. Buckenmeyer was a lifelong farmer and widely respected Cattle Dealer across Western New York. He was a family man that loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Buckenmeyer always had gum for any kids he may have run into. He was known for his one liners and used to say “If you can’t laugh at your own jokes, no one else will”.

Francis was an elite athlete of his time; he held the 220-yard track record at Alexander High School for 25 years. He was inducted into the Alexander Athletic Hall of Fame, he played football, basketball and track at SUNY Brockport. Francis was a life long member of the Alexander Fire Department. Mr. Buckenmeyer enjoyed playing golf and cards for most of his life.

He is survived by his son Michael (Debby) Buckenmeyer of Attica, daughters, Patty (Tom) Moynihan of Alexander, Susan Franz of Attica, Barbara (Jeep) Quinn of Alexander, Lori (Richard) Miller of Alexander, sisters-in-law, Geri Buckenmeyer, Dorothy Buckenmeyer, brother-in-law Jim Hofmann, 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Alexander Fire Hall 10505 Main St, Alexander, NY 14005.

A special thanks to LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home for their many years of care for our dad.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alexander Fire Department, P.O. Box 336 Alexander, NY 14005. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.