Obituaries

Attica - Judith A. Sawyer, 83 of Attica passed away on Monday, (November 25, 2024) at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Mrs. Sawyer was born December 19, 1940 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Michael and Gladys (Mook) Strobel.

She loved to care for animals, ride horses, and barrel race.

Surviving are her husband, Dean H. Sawyer of Attica; daughter, Sherry (Tom) Colton of Attica; son, Jeff (Mikki) Sawyer of Fort Scott, Kansas; grandchildren, Troy Colton of Attica, Tess Colton of Batavia, and Kendall Colton of Batavia; sisters, Marilyn (David) Siler, Diane (Ken) Standish, and Jeff Stockweather. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (November 29, 2024)  from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica where Judith's funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road, Attica, New York 14011 or Attica Fire Department,11 Water Street, Attica, New York 14011. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Lee A. Brade, 91 of Corfu passed away on November 18, 2024, peacefully at home. Lee was born February 10, 1933, the son of Arthur V. and Florence C. (Miller) Brade.
 
Lee lived his whole life in Corfu. He graduated from Corfu High School in 1952.  He was drafted into the Army and served his country in the Korean War. He was a long time member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church of Corfu.

He worked for many years as a brakeman on the NY CentralRailroad. He was an artist and loved painting and gardening. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and was a staple at Pembroke High School sporting events for many years, often yelling from the stands. He hosted foreign exchange students in his home for many years. He loved to travel and would often visit the students in their home countries.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Florence and brothers, Jerold (Beverly) Brade and Bruce Brade.
He is survived by his sister, Linda (late Beniamino) Ianni of Corfu and several nieces and nephews.
 
There will be no calling hours.
Memorials may be made to Corfu United Presbyterian Church of Corfu, 63 Alleghany Street PO Box 159 Corfu NY 14036.
 
Arrangements were entrusted to the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, 4 Main Street, Corfu NY 14036.

Christine A. Bates, 66, of Grand Island and formerly of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (November 20, 2024) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born October 5, 1958 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Edwin and Mary Ilecki Dylag.

Christine was beloved by all for her strength and perseverance. She was a graduate of Pembroke High School and was a waitress for the Candy Apple Cafe Restaurant in Akron prior to her retirement.  She lived to spoil her grandchildren, especially through baking custom birthday cakes for each grandchild every year.  Christine was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, hoping that this was the year they will win the Super Bowl.

She was predeceased by her husband David L. Bates Jr. and sister Mary Dylag.

Survivors include her children, David (Leslie) Bates of Brockport and Kimberly (Kyle) Hunt of Grand Island. Grandchildren, Eden, Henry and Dylan Bates and Zane Hunt. Siblings, David (Marie) Dylag of Corfu, Susan (Joseph Spurchase) Dylag of Florida, Thomas (Kathleen) Dylag of Williamsville, Theresa (Gary) Frier of Depew and Edwin (Lauren) Dylag of Grand Island. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (November 26th) from 3-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, 818 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203.Expressions of condolence 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.

LeRoy ~ Shirley A. Hogle, age 79, of West Bergen Road, passed away on Tuesday (November 19, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

     She was born August 22, 1945 in Ripley, NY, a daughter of the late Allen and Anna Stanton Seekings. 

    Shirley will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear friend to many.  She was so proud to be a grandmother and great-grandmother. Family gatherings were very special to her and she enjoyed preparing the large meals that came with each get together. Shirley and her husband, Lloyd were also very involved with the LeRoy (Volunteer) Ambulance Service, where they were advisors for the Ambulance Explorer Group for 15 years.  Shirley also served as a medic for many years.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband of 57 years, Lloyd; her children, Julie Missell, Paul Hogle (Ginny King), Scott Hogle and Jason (Sarah) Hogle; her nine grandchildren, Laurie (Farzad), Joseph (Kristie), Ryan, Abby, Jacob, Erika (Robert), Zachary (Tiana), Emily (Zachary) and Lukas; her seven great-grandchildren, Jackson, Landon, Oliver, Adelaide, Aiden, Madison and Maverick, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

     In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her son-in-law, Ralph Missell and sisters, Helen Whitehill and Bertha Annis.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, November 23^rd, 2024 from 3 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Services and interment at the Western NY National Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Shirley are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, 1 Tountas Avenue, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

Rochester - Sally A. Fisher, 82 of Rochester passed away on Wednesday, (November 20, 2024) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Ms. Fisher was born April 25, 1942 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Joseph and Georgia (Morris) Fisher.

Sally enjoyed reading and wintering in Florida.

She is survived by her brother, Jay (Vicki Currier) Fisher of Batavia; sister-in-law, Sandra Fisher of Rotonda, Florida; niece, Krista Fisher of Batavia; nephews, Raymond (Mary) Fisher of Rochester, and Adam (Danielle) Fisher of Springfield, Mass.; great-niece, Sara Schodel; great-nephews, Hunter Schodel, Joseph Fisher, Aidan Fisher, and Owen Fisher.

Sally is reunited in death with her parents; twin brother, Richard Fisher; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Fisher.

Honoring Sally's request, a private graveside service will be held in Grand View Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to honor Sally's memory may make a memorial contribution to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. Arrangements were entrusted to Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lee J. Garigen, age 85, of Pike, passed away at Gateway Home on November 18, 2024 following a short illness.

Mr. Garigen was born on Monday, June 26, 1939 in Darien, a son of the late Sherwood and Ruth (Schmelzle) Garigen.

Lee was an undefeated wrestling champion of Alexander High School where he graduated in 1957. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Army. Lee was a hard worker and valued employee all of his life. He started working at 14 on neighboring farms and continued working for the next 71 years. He was a trucker for Dad’s Dog Food in Attica; the owner of Clifford H. Hall Trucking; installed processing systems throughout the country for Lockheed Martin; and most recently was a sales representative at R.S. Maher and Son until his retirement in October of 2024.

He enjoyed golfing, roller skating, yardwork, working, and helping his kids work on their houses. Lee was a craftsman who took pride in his woodworking.  Family was important to Lee and he cherished every member of his family.

Lee was always full of words of wisdom such as, “If I can’t fix it, it doesn’t need fixing” and  “Cold hands, warm heart.” These were just a few of the words of wisdom Lee would leave with the people he met. And because he loved to meet and talk to people, one of his favorite comments about life was, “I’ve never talked to a person I didn’t learn something from.”

Surviving are his children, Lisa (Keith Levanway) Garigen, Dan (Marcela) Garigen, and Beth Garigen; grandchildren, Zachary, Ryan, Cierra, Tess, Eleanor, Joelle, Vivien, Rey, Julia, and Ember; sister, Sherry Garigen; mother of his children, Frannie Beck; brother in law, Chuck Lapp, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death, Lee is reunited with his parents and siblings Allen Garigen and LouAnn Lapp.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to Lee’s calling hours on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street Attica. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made in Lee’s memory to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, NY 14011.

To leave an online condolences please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Christine R. Martz, 75, of Churchville, passed away on November 15, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Christine was born April 21, 1949 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Clarence and Virginia (Robbins) Rogers.

Christine was a member of the Rochester Oratorio Society and the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed playing the piano and watching the Buffalo Bills.  Christine worked at Harris Wilcox, Inc. and the Gillam Grant Community Center in Bergen.

Surviving are her sons, Scott (Melinda) Martz and Kevin (Malissha Blakeman) Martz; granddaughter, Arianna Martz and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Jeffrey Martz and sister, Nancy Cummins.

There are no prior calling hours.  Christine's Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22 at the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Ave., Bergen.  She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen.  

Memorials may be made to Rochester Oratorio Society, https://rossings.org/donate.  

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

Arrangements for Christine were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Ron Moscicki departed his life on November 16, 2024. Born to Stanley and Justine Moscicki on July 14, 1948, in Batavia, NY, Ron was a remarkable leader who walked point on every tour of duty. His commitment to excellence in his life and work impacted the lives of everyone he met. 

He began that influence early. Upon graduating from Batavia High School in 1966, Ron enlisted in the United States Army, 101^st Airborne Ranger Division and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Medal Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. 

After his return from Vietnam, Moscicki began his career as a correction officer at Attica Correctional Facility in 1972.  His leadership skills had him working his way up through the supervisory ranks where he commanded the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT). 

His leadership of the CERT Team gained him the respect of Commissioner Thomas A. Coughlin, III, who appointed him as Captain to head the new corrections initiative, Shock Incarceration, at Monterey SICF in 1987. He served on the task force that designed Shock Incarceration and directed the first training program for staff. He was promoted to Superintendent at Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in August of 1989 and received the Governor's Management Confidential Special Achievement Award in1990. It was Moscicki’s commitment, discipline, and leadership that helped Shock gain its well-deserved reputation as The Best in the Business.

As Supervising Superintendent, he was responsible for the supervision of the largest hub in the department, ensuring consistency of operations and administration of eleven correctional facilities.  Ron served corrections for the State of New York for 44 years, 24 years as Superintendent and Supervising Superintendent, retiring in 2012. 

Ron was blessed to have not one beautiful wife that loved him, but two.  On May 1, 1971, he married Victoria Calarco and was happily married for 44 years until her passing in 2015.  A year later, he married Hilda Echevarria on August 27, 2016.  Ron and Hilda were happily married for 7 years until her passing in 2023. 

Ron is survived by his two children, Ronald Jr. (Brittany) and Michelle Mager (Justin) of Batavia, and stepdaughter Seryna Ancelet of Dunkirk and three wonderful grandchildren. He enjoyed spoiling his granddaughter Addison with anything she wanted and chauffeuring her around town in his Mercedes, and spending quality time with his grandson Clark, taking him to lunch.  He also enjoyed playing and wrestling with his grandson Hudson.  He was known as Grampy and will be deeply missed by these three kids.   He is also survived by two brothers Daniel Moscicki (Linda), David Moscicki (Brenda), and a sister Kim Casilio (David) and predeceased by a brother Gregory Moscicki (Joanne).  

Ron enjoyed cruising around in his Mercedes, vacationing, and sharing his life stories, mainly war stories with family and friends.  He was always best dressed no matter the occasion. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday (Nov. 23^rd), 9:30am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY. Interment and military honors will follow in St. Joseph 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, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Roger J. Ridd, age 58, of Bergen, passed away at his home on November 16, 2024.

Roger was born on Monday, December 27, 1965 in Batavia, a son of late Herbert “Herb” and Josephine (Beedham) Ridd. 

He was a quiet man who enjoyed watching NASCAR, football, and baseball. Roger would love to spend time with his family, kayaking, and always enjoyed a Bud Light.

Surviving is son, Ian (Grace Devalder) Ridd: sister, Robin (Randy) Mitchell: nieces and nephews, Jessica Quaintance, Jodi (Joey) Mitchell, Kyle (Lauren) Mitchell, Bryanna (Zach) Tomporowski, and Randi Lynn (Dominic) Ridd; aunts and uncles, Elaine (Don) McPherson, Ellen (Daryl) Heiby, Joan Ridd, and Nancy Beedham. Roger’s best friends of many years, Walt Crooks and Kelly Quinn.

In death Roger is reunited with his parents and brother, Randy L. Ridd.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner and Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Bergen. Family and friends are invited to Roger’s celebration of life on November 30, 2024 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at the American Legion, 21 N. Lake Ave. Bergen, NY 14416. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth M. Heale (nee Bartz) took her last breath on earth and her first breath in Heaven on November 18, 2024, just short of her 105th birthday. She was born on December 4, 1919 in Batavia, NY the daughter of the late John and Flossie Bartz, both who predecease her. She was one of 13 children and is predeceased by all of her siblings.

Elizabeth was also predeceased by her husband, Kenneth J. Heale, Sr., her three sons, Richard K. Heale, Rev. Gary P. Heale and Kenneth J. Heale, Jr.; her great-grandson, Spencer Heale and her son-in-law, Donald Dixon.

She is survived by her daughters, June M. Dixon of North Chili, NY and Sandra L. (John) Thompson of Hunt, NY; her daughters-in-law, Alicemay Heale of LeRoy, NY and Anne Heale of Chaffee, NY; 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 30 great-great-grandchildren (plus four more to be born soon); her sisters-in-law; Lauren Bartz, Virginia Gayton and Alice Bartz and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 10 am to 11 am at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. Her celebration of life will immediately follow visitation at 11 am. She will be laid to rest in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield. Donations may be made to Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Her family would like to thank the staff on the Aqua Unit at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility for their wonderful care of their mom during the last few months.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

Caroline M. Gray, 80, of Warsaw and formerly of Batavia, passed away on November 15, 2024 at East Side Living and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw.

Caroline was born June 16, 1944 in Rochester, a daughter of the late James and Dorothy Lougheed.

Caroline enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and visiting Letchworth State Park.

Surviving are her children, Donna Bonczyk of Batavia, Lee (Sharri) Gray of Florida and Caroline (Michael) Nichols of Warsaw; brother, Jim (Nancy) Lougheed of Ohio; sister, Beverly (Charles) Wenzel of Florida; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Gray; son, Alfred Gray, Jr. and her brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Donna Lougheed.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately at Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.  

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

Arrangements for Caroline were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard W. Saville Jr. announce his sudden passing on Sunday November 10. 2024 at the age of 72.

Dick will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 50 years, Cheryl; his daughter, Erin (Jeremy) Martz; his son, Brian (Kaleigh) Saville; and his grandson Josiah.  Also, by his sisters, Melissa Brzozowski of Fredonia, Tricia Saville (Robert Miller) of Sheridan; Holly (Michael) Leone of Watertown; Honorary sister Dee (Phil) Gardner of Bergen; Brother John (Kathy) Saville of St. Petersburg, FL; Sister-in-law Kim (Jim) Briggs of Dunkirk and Brother-in-Law Todd (Diane) of Buffalo; numerous nieces, nephews, his Aunt Edna Saville of Orchard Park, and many cousins, close friends, and former co-workers, as well as his dog, Chester.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Richard W. Saville Sr. and Maud (Slocum) Saville; and sister, Virginia Baumgartner.

Dick graduated from Fredonia Central High School in 1970, and Jamestown Community college in 1972.  He retired after 37 years with LensCrafters where he had been a lab manager and optician.  He was a member of the Ferris Goodrich American Legion (SAL) in Spencerport, an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres and enjoyed a good game of baseball.  Dick’s special interests included classic cars, craft beers, and supporting local musicians. Most of all he loved Jesus and shared his faith (sometimes over a glass of beer).  

He was a good man in the truest sense of the word, selfless, a mentor to those he worked with, quick and clever witted, kind hearted.  He adored his wife, his children, his family, his friends and his coworkers.  His dry sense of humor and smile could fill you with laughter and joy in seconds.

Friends may call on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. Memorials may be made to Homestead for Hope, 2185 Manitou Road, Rochester, New York 14606 or the Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6

James A Baldwin, 84, entered eternal rest on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center. Born on January 9, 1940, in Batavia, NY, he was a son of the late Edward A. and Jane S. (Barnard) Baldwin. A graduate of SUNY Morrisville and a proud onion farmer of the Elba community, he devoted countless hours to his family farm, as well as serving as Mayor of Elba from 1985-1988 and President and Vice President of Western NY Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He proudly served as a member of the Elba Fire Department, as both fire chief and volunteer fireman, and in various roles and capacities in the First Presbyterian Church of Elba. After the sale of his family farm, he worked until his retirement for CY Farms of Elba. Upon retirement, he greatly enjoyed his greatest pastimes, spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as at his camp in Wellsville.

He is predeceased by his wife, Patricia A. Baldwin, who passed away on December 24, 2021, in addition to three infant brothers and his five year old brother, Edward, Jr, son-in-law Dave Shuknecht, and grandchildren Christen L. Baldwin and MSgt. Brian M. Baldwin, USAF.

Left to carry on his legacy are his children, Amy (Sam) Mooney of Oakfield, Greg (Lori) Baldwin of Holley, Peggy (the late Dave) Shuknecht of Elba, and James A. (Bonnie) Baldwin, Jr. of Elba; grandchildren, Rene (Sam) Brade, Sarah and Corey (Carissa Howard) Mooney, Gregory Baldwin, Jr., Elizabeth (the late Brian) Baldwin, Brian D. (Elizabeth) Shuknecht, Daniel L. (fiancé Katelyn Cooper) Shuknecht, Hannah R. and Joshua E. Baldwin; great grandchildren, Todd, Makenzie, Hunter, Brandon, Emma, Colin, Wesley, Maximus, Waylon, and Declan, and special four-legged friend, Ollie Baldwin.

Friends and family are invited to call from 10-12 on Wednesday, November 20th at H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY with funeral services to immediately follow at 12 pm. A committal service will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery, 8 Maple Ave., Elba, as well as a reception and celebration of life at the Elba Firemen’s Recreation Hall, 7143 Oak Orchard Road, Elba, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, NY 14058.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Silver Creek - Kenneth I. Tomms, 91 of Silver Creek, formerly of Attica, passed away on Monday, (November 11, 2024) at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk.

Mr. Tomms was born May 8, 1933 in Attica, a son of the late Harold and Jeanette (Cook) Tomms.

Ken worked for 40+ years at Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna. He enjoyed motorcycling, politics, and was an avid Buffalo Sabres and Bills fan. Mr. Tomms was a history buff and loved animals. Most of all, Ken enjoyed being near the water. He cherished time spent boating and fishing.

Ken is survived by a nieces, Lori (Rob) Rich of Colden, and Dawn Dunn of Attica; a nephew, Robert (Toni) Cook of Midland, Michigan; several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is reunited in death with his parents, wives, Patricia Tomms and Rose Marie Tomms; a brother, Robert (late Marilyn) Cook; nephew, David Cook; great-nephew, Matthew Rich.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, (November 19, 2024)  from 1 to 2:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica, where his funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Animal Friends of Wyoming County, 4380 Route 19, Silver Springs, NY 14550.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Florian R. Czaja, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (November 14, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

He was born May 10, 1934 in Batavia, a son of the late Walter Czaja and Stella Czaja Pigula.

Florian graduated from the Batavia Vocational Trade School in 1953 and went on to receive his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a Mechanical Engineer at Eastman Kodak for 40 years and Mutual Clerk at Batavia Downs for 45 years until his retirement. During his retirement, he was employed as Maintenance Supervisor at College Village (GCC) for over 10 years.

He was a member of the Polish Falcons of America Nest 493, lifelong and active member of Ascension Parish, where he served as Trustee for 10 years. He was a member and past president of the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society where he was the recipient of the Annual Holy Name Man of the Year Award for outstanding service to the Church and Community; awarded by the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society in 1967. Florian was also the chairman of the Sacred Heart Church Lawn Fete (20 years) and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joan Hokula Czaja. Children, Janice (Frank) Keatley of Himrod, NY, Jeanette (Michael) Diehl of Elba and Jacqueline (Mark) McDonald of Griffin, GA. Grandchildren, Lynn (Gregory) Spinelli, Gregory (Gabriella) VanBuren, James (Ashley) Diehl, Kenneth (Kaleigh) Hagen, Kelsey Diehl, Mark McDonald Jr., Jennifer (Adam) Pakiela, Brad (Donna) Keatley and Nicole (Matthew) Gajewski. Great-grandchildren, Jacoby, Samantha and Jameson Spinelli, Grey VanBuren, Evelyn and Michael Diehl and Bryson Diehl. Sister, Barbara (Alex) Guiliani. In-laws, Frank Hokula and Mary Ann (Richard) Harmor, Jr.. Also survived by several step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews

He was predeceased by his grandson, Jared Diehl; Siblings, Blanche (Donald) Konarski, Stanley (Florence) Czaja and Paul Czaja.

Family and friends may call on Sunday (Nov. 17^th) from 2-5pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 9:30am at Ascension Parish, South Swan St, Batavia. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Ascension Parish St. Vincent DePaul Society. 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.