Obituaries

Dick passed on peacefully at the VA Medical Center in Batavia on July 17, 2024. Born September 23, 1932 in Lockport, NY, he was the son of William G. and Veronica Ennis Dickenson and stepmother Rowena R Dickenson. He was the brother of Rose D. Mooney of Amherst, NY and Robert P. Dickenson of Nahant, Mass., and the brother of the late Kathryn D. Landrigan, William G. Dickenson Jr., John J. Dickenson, and James B. Dickenson.  Dick gave his time generously to his nieces and nephews. He was the uncle of Daniel Landrigan, Patricia L. Quattrociocci, Kathleen L. Bolin, Maura L. Ruberto, Sheila L. Stoll, Tracey L. Chudzinski, Patrick J. Dickenson, Edward J. Dickenson, William P. Dickenson, Karen D. Robb, Anne D. Koniski, Mark B. Dickenson, Donna M. Simiele, the late James W. Dickenson, Daniel J. Mooney, the late Alberto Mooney, Thomas E. Dickenson, Michael R. Dickenson, Ellen T. Dickenson, and Stephen J. Dickenson.   He was also survived by numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Dick was the first student to be enrolled at the new DeSales High School in Lockport in 1946.  After graduating, he attended Alfred University, majoring in animal husbandry. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, served afterward in the Reserves, and later attended Canisius College. He worked many years for Williams Brothers Department Store and later as a custodian with the Lockport City school district. He was skilled at home remodeling projects and was a great handyman.

Except for brief periods of living in Arizona, Dick was a faithful Western New Yorker.  He was immersed in the history and botany of the area and, to the amazement of his siblings, he seemed to have a photographic memory for facts relating to these areas. He was a curious and enthusiastic learner and demonstrated this in all his various activities.  Dick was a volunteer docent for the Buffalo Zoo and Tifft Farms, and volunteered at the Niagara County Historical Society and the Niagara Discovery Center.  He gave historical tours of Glenwood and Cold Springs cemeteries, road tours of historical spots around Lockport and historical Community Forum interviews airing on LCTV. Dick had extensive knowledge of the history of the Lockport area and served as Lockport City Historian for a time.  He and his late brother Jack hosted a Lockport history talk show on radio station WUSJ.

Dick was physically active and could often be seen riding his bike around Lockport.  In younger years, he was active with the Lockport Ski Club and in later years with the Niagara Canalway annual bike tour. He worked with the Boy Scouts, was active with the Niagara County Democratic Party and served as its president for a time. A highlight of Dick’s life was the summer he spent in Thailand with the family of Duangrat Kathalae, a doctoral nursing student he befriended while she was studying at UB.

Dick will be buried in the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, NY, in a private ceremony. He is predeceased by his dogs, Mitzi and Thor, his cat, Rocky, and his bird, Elvis. 

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.

Orangeville -  71 of Warsaw passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Wyoming Co. Community Hospital.

Mr. Schurr was born January 15, 1953 in Batavia, a son of the late William W. Schurr Sr. and Lorraine (Jerger) Schurr. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Kathy Dominick.

Bill, as he was called by friends and family, was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying mostly bass fishing and deer hunting.  He was a retired officer from Attica Correctional Facility where he worked for 27 years.  He was an extremely hard worker and skilled in many trades.  Bill was also a giving person who would help anyone in need.  Bill loved spending time with his family, especially during holidays and summer picnics.  He was an amazing Poppi to his four grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their sporting and academic events.

He was married for nearly 49 years to Tonigail Marie (Warner) Schurr.  They enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time together with family.  He is also survived by his son Joshua (Sarah) Schurr of Warsaw; his daughter Kelly (Christopher) Pappas of North Tonawanda; sister Karen (Tony) Orlando of North Fort Myers, FL; brother John "Jack" (Brenda) Schurr of Batavia; brother-in-law Michael Dominick of Attica; his grandchildren Tristan, Madalyn, Griffin, and Allison; many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Bill's Celebration of Life will begin with our annual family golf tournament on Saturday, August 3rd at Quiet Times Golf Course in Attica at 8:30am with a reception immediately following.  Please contact the family to RSVP for golf and/or the reception by Saturday, July 27th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of blood or platelets to your preferred blood bank.

Arrangements are being completed by the Robinson and Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 North Main Street in Warsaw.  Online condolences at www.robinsonandhackemer.com.

Marian Ruth Green, age 89 entered into rest on July 5, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.

Marian was the daughter of the late Wilbur C. Green and Mildred R. (Myers) Green born on August 9, 1934 at the family home in Alabama, New York.

Following her graduation from Akron Central School in 1952, she became an educational secretary in the elementary school of the Akron Central School district until her retirement in 1994. In 1946 Marian along with her parents and her brother became members of the Alabama United Methodist Church. She took an active part in the church and served on many committees. Marian was also a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was president of the Erie County Educational Office Professionals and also an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Alabama Fire Department. Marian loved her home and carried on a tradition started by her mother of decorating their home for all the holidays. Christmas was exceptional.

Marian was predeceased by her dad, in 1972, her mother, in 2003, her only sibling, Charles W. Green in 2013, her sister-in-law, Shirley Green in 2004 and nephew, Mark C. Green in 2023.

She is survived by her niece, Sheri L. Green of Alabama; her nephew, Todd A. (Ginny) Green; great nephew, Nathaniel Green; and great niece, Tiffany Green.

Friends are encouraged to call on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Alabama & Basom Methodist Church located at 1392 Church Street in Alabama, New York where services will immediately follow at 11 am. Marian will be laid to rest in the family plot in the Alabama Cemetery following services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alabama & Basom Methodist Church, 1392 Church Street, Alabama, New York 14013. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettadsanford.com.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home.

John Gerard DelPlato, 71, of Sodus, NY, formerly of Batavia, entered Heaven's land to be with his Lord and Savior for all eternity. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage on July 5, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital with loved ones by his side.  He was born on August 22, 1952, a son of the late Daniel and Mary (Marcello) DelPlato. He is also predeceased by his baby sister; Christine and brother Vincenzo.

He is survived by his sister; Mary E. DelPlato of Batavia; brothers Frank DelPlato of Oneonta, Charley DelPlato (Linda Payne), Daniel, Joseph, Michael (Bridget Barker) DelPlato all of Batavia; Carmen (Debbie Sperring) DelPlato of Williamson; nieces and nephews; James, Anthony, Richard, Sophia, Danielle, Jonathan, Marcella (Alan Quintana) Joseph and Theo, also survived by his godparents; Al and Gloria Sardo of Virginia; along with many cousins.

All through his adult life he had to deal with schizophrenia.  During his youthful years, John excelled at baseball, whether it was youth baseball or high school. His most memorable moment was pitching a no hitter in Little League.  He liked to bowl and participated in the high school drama club.  Every chance he had, he would tell others about Jesus. John was given the gift of songwriting. He expressed his faith through his music. He wrote over a 100 songs.  A CD of some of his Christian songs was made with the help of his nephew Anthony and sold at Roxy’s music store. To honor his memory, consider attending a church service this weekend.

As per John’s wishes, his body was donated to the UB Anatomical Gift program. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Ascension Church at 9:30am. 

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.  Click this link to listen to some of John’s Christian and secular songs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRpnf9kt-d8&list=PL1VMu0z9oTjvcPVzib9zi305ym0TXqsry  

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Elizabeth C. Fodge, "Betty," 94, of LeRoy and formerly of Churchville, passed away on July 13, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Elizabeth was born January 12, 1930 in Rochester, a daughter of the late David and Emma (Trott) Breckler.

Betty loved baseball, playing bingo, embroidering and a good breakfast.  She was a member of the American Legion for 19 years and will be remembered as a caring person.

Surviving are her son, Rick (Julie) Paris; daughter, Robin Essiq; stepdaughter, Ruth (Richard) Fodge; stepson, James (Sheila) Fodge; a sister, Marilyn (Jim) Hamman and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Fodge; stepdaughter, Maureen Fodge; brothers, David (Margaret) Breckler and Robert (Char) Breckler and a sister, Ruth Henhart.

Calling hours are Friday, July 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Ave., Bergen, where services will be held at 1:00 p.m. also on Friday.  She will be laid to rest in Creekside Cemetery, Churchville.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Le Roy Village Green Nursing Home, Attn: Activities Fund, 10 Munson Street, Le Roy, NY 14482 or the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.  

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

Walter (Wally) D. Johnson, age 73, of LeRoy, NY, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Crossroads House in Batavia. 

     After serving with the U.S. Army as a combat medic overseas during the Vietnam war, Wally ran his masonry business for nearly 50 years. 

     In addition to his parents, Robert and Neva Gage Johnson, Wally is predeceased by his son, Matthew and sisters, Marjorie and Marie. 

     He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; son, Eric (Robin), daughter, Jackie; grandchildren, Quinn and Kyle; sister, Judy Zirbes; brother, Fred Johnson and many nieces and nephews. 

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, July 21 from 2 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.

     Memorial contributions in memory of Wally are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021   www.crossroadshouse.com

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

Oakfield - Kenneth L. Haacke, age 78, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Hildebrandt Hospice in Rochester.

He was born on October 20, 1945, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a son of the late Norman and Mae Haacke.

He grew up in Muskego, Wisconsin. After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin on a wrestling scholarship. In 1967, he joined the United States Army attaining the rank of Lieutenant and serving in Vietnam.

On October 31, 1970 he married the love of his life Mary Ann Groden. They stay married for 53 years, raising their three children.

He retired from the New York State Department of Corrections as a Sergeant. He also owned and operated Rainbow Ridge Game Farm for 30 years.

He loved the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, which he shared with his children and grandchildren. He was in his happy place behind a good bird dog or on a boat with a fishing rod in his hand.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Ann Groden Haacke; sons,Chris (Melissa) Haacke of Oakfield and Jason (Karen) Haacke of Bradenton, Florida; his beautiful granddaughters, Emma, Lily and Madeline.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Kendra Leeann Haacke, who passed away on April 17, 2014, his parents, his brother and his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Please consider memorial donations in his name to the Haxton Memorial Library, 3 North Pearl Street, Oakfield, New York 14125. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

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

Crystal Marie Bouter (Bush), 35, of Batavia passed away suddenly on June, 27, 2024. She was born on February 6, 1989 to Jon and Cindy Bush. 

She will be dearly missed by her parents; brothers Jon Bush Jr. and Cody Bush. 

There will be no prior calling hours and Services for remembering Crystal held at a later date. Family and friends can call 585-993-3900 or 585-483-4130 for more information on her Service. 

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Linda L. Horner, of Corfu, passed away on Saturday July 13, 2024 at the Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Williamsville. She was born on August 29, 1942 in Troy, Pennsylvania to the late Lester and Marian (Reynolds) Robert. In addition to her parents, Linda is predeceased by her husband; Kenneth J. Horner Sr.; son Michael Horner; daughter Sharon Horner; brothers Wayne and Charles Robert.

She is survived by her children; Kenneth (Kim) Horner Jr., Ronnie Haight, David (Erin) Horner, Terry (Steven) Dick, Donna Mileham, Cathy (Richard) Happ and Cheryl Dieterle; significant other Paul George; sister Niesa (late Jerry) Jennings; 22 grandchildren, along with many great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends may call on Thursday July 18, 2024 from 11:00AM-2:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held Friday July 19^th at the Funeral Home. Linda will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donor’s choice. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Donna Maria DeAngelo Fauth, Age 62, passed away on Thursday, July 11th, 2024 due to illness. She was born February 18th, 1962 in Binghamton, NY to Arcadio and Joan DeAngelo.

Donna is survived by her husband Jeff Fauth, daughters Traci Schubert (Chris) and Lindsi Fauth, and granddaughters Addyson and Blayke Schubert.

Donna was a devoted wife mother and grandmother. Donna treasured her granddaughters and embraced every moment with them. All will greatly miss her compassionate personality, witty humor, and undying love and caring for them.

There are no calling hours. Services will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach and Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY

Raymond G. Skaine, 84 of Clarence, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

He was born August 8, 1939 in Monongahela, PA, a son of the late James and Ruth Stamper Skaine.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Sandra Markham Skaine of Clarence. Children, Tracey (Alan) Burns of Missouri, Becky (Chuck) Heller of Minnesota and Lincoln Skaine of Massachusetts. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, July 20^th, 11:00am at the Clarence Global Methodist Church, 10205 Greiner Rd, Clarence, NY.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray's name to Habitat for Humanity of Western, NY.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

William "Bill" P. Morgan passed away on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 in Batavia, NY at the age of 71.

He was born on Friday, August 15th, 1952, in Warsaw, NY, a son of the late William and Mildred (Cummings) Morgan.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and ice fishing. He also had a special interest in classic cars, motorcycles and reading. He was a dedicated New York state employee who worked Maintenance and caretaking at Oak Orchard wildlife management area until his retirement. He was also an active member of the NRA and Big Bucks Club.

Bill was a loving father and grandfather, survived by his children, Melody Morgan, Crystal Mounts, and William "Billy" (Ashley, his favorite daughter in-law) Morgan; 15 grandchildren, Zachari, Nicholas, Jordan, Luke, Ryian, Fayth, Alexander, Steven, John, Travis, Jazmin, Kaydence, Syvanna, Carolynn and Anakin and 6 great grandchildren He had an unbreakable bond with his granddaughter Carolynn that will forever be his BABYGIRL and he will always be her Poppy. He is also survived by his brother, David Morgan; sister, Sandra Martin; close friend, Lora Morgan, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., with a graveside service following at Stafford Rural Cemetery, Stafford NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Bill's honor.

Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. Always remember: to the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may just be the world.

Arrangements for Bill were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co Funeral Home in Batavia.

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

Domenic Garofalo age 83, of Batavia, NY, passed away on July 9, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Domenic was born on January 12, 1941, in Colliano, Italy where he was raised on a farm with his siblings.  He enjoyed his adventurous young years growing up in Italy until he married the love of his life Josephine and then together, they built a life in Batavia with their family and friends. 

Domenic started as a bottle washer at Batavia Wine Cellar and quickly advance to head of maintenance.  Moving on he started his own mason block company and then advanced to a very successful general contractor paving business.  He was very mechanically inclined and could fix or build just about anything. He was very proud of the successful business he started, after coming to America. He was a passionate man, who worked hard until he retired. He loved going to auctions. He loved working around his property and after his wife passed, he loved spending time with his cat, Diego

Domenic was predeceased by his parents Carmine and Rosa and his other “special” parents Antonietta and Emilio and his beloved wife Josephine.

Domenic is survived by his son Michael (Amy) Garofalo and his two other children, also by his brothers Francesco (Gerardina), Angelo and Ottavio (Giovanna) in Italy, sister Pierina (Tony) in Canada, along with his grandsons Joseph (Jimmy) Howes-Garofalo and Jacob (Ayla) Howes-Garofalo and several other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. 

Visitation will be held Thursday July 18, 2024, at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. A short Celebration of Life ceremony will follow immediately. Domenic will be laid to rest 10:00am on Friday July 19, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

The family would like to thank all the healthcare providers, friends and the community for their support and care during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Emily H. Vandersteur, 87, of Pennsville, NJ passed away on December 14, 2023. Emily was preceded in death by her husband Pieter Vandersteur and 12 older siblings. She is survived by her children, Keith L. Vandersteur (Margaret), Derek A. Vandersteur (Rachael): her grandchildren, Tricia (Mike) Youngers, Meghan (Mike) Palvino, Noelle (Daniel) Silva, Jared Vandersteur; her great-grandchildren Jovie Youngers, Leo Palvino, Camie Youngers, Niko Palvino; and her sister, Betty Trim. 

Shortly after meeting her first husband, Pieter Vandersteur, at Cornell University while working in food service, they were married. Keith was born in 1961 and Derek in 1968. They lived in several cities throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York as Pieter pursued his career in restaurant management, however he came down with Multiple Sclerosis. A few years after Pieter’s untimely death in 1971, she met and married George Forsyth in 1974. They lived on a dairy farm in Oakfield, NY while the boys grew up. She enjoyed mowing the lawn, cooking Sunday dinners for the family, gardening, bowling, ceramics, golfing, Hutchinson family reunions, traveling to Hawaii and Florida and faithfully attended the Oakfield United Methodist Church. Emily and George were divorced in 1984. Emily returned to working in the food service industry, and did so for the next 23 years. She moved to central Florida in 1993 to escape the snow and ice and to be closer to two of her siblings and niece. She worked at the Tropicana plant in food service. While living at Terra Ceia manor trailer park in Palmetto, Florida she enjoyed playing dominos and Rumikub, crocheting, making chocolates, serving food at the First Baptist Church in Palmetto and playing bingo with friends.

In 2016, Emily fell and broke her kneecap, thereby requiring a walker to get around after that. She subsequently moved north to be near family, living in New York for a short time before moving to a senior apartment complex in Carney’s Point, NJ. Emily enjoyed doing word searches, coloring, attending Calvary Baptist Church, watching baseball, and attending various school athletic events and stage productions that her grandchildren participated in. During the last 3 years she lived at Golden/Autumn Lakes Nursing Home in Mannington, NJ as she needed extra help in managing her Alzheimer's disease.

A graveside burial is planned to be held on July 13, 2024 at Acacia Park Cemetery in North Tonawanda, NY, where her ashes will be placed beside her first husband, Pieter Vandersteur. Please join the family for a celebration of life for Emily that will be held in Oakfield, NY at the Oakfield United Methodist Church on July 13, 2024, starting at 3:00pm with a brief service at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Basom - Jacob R. Ward, 45 of Basom, passed away on Sunday, (July 7, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness.

Jake was born August 1, 1978 in Batavia, a son of the late Robert Ward and Bonnie Wilson.

Jacob was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle. He loved hunting, camping, fishing, tinkering with anything he could get his hands on, and spending time with his faithful canine companions. He would say that his favorite child was his dog Oreo.

Surviving are his wife, Cassandra (Gilliatt) Ward of Basom; daughters, Elizabeth Ward of Basom, and Bailie Ward of Batavia; sisters, Sara Ward of Natural Bridge, Virginia, Olivia (Michael) Lamar of Gasport, and Hannah Gimlin of LeRoy; nephew, Isaac Guiste of LeRoy.

In death Jacob is reunited with his parents; brother, Lucas Gimlin; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Family and friends are invited to Jake's Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 21, 2024) from 1 to 4 p.m. at Genesee County Park, 11095 Bethany Center Road, Pavilion E-1. Please dress casually. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.

Arrangements for Jake were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.