Obituaries

ALICE G. MAZUR

Age 94, of Batavia, died peacefully Wednesday December 23, 2015 at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born September 2, 1921 in Depew, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Gonglewski) Gales, also preceded in death by her beloved husband, John F. Mazur, Jr.; sisters, Frances Szelewski, Stella Gales; brothers, Norbert, Stan and Frank Gales; brothers-in-law, Walter and Joseph Mazur; father and mother-in-law, John F. (Katherine) Mazur, Sr.

 

Mrs. Mazur along with her late husband owned and operated Johnny's Bar in Batavia since 1955 and today run by their daughter, Linda. Alice was a longtime member of Ascension Parish, an avid Bills fan, enjoyed Bingo and playing gin rummy. She will be remembered as a wonderful, caring mother and grandmother who always put her family first.

 

She is survived by her loving children; Greg (Jude) Mazur of FL, Linda Mazur of Batavia and James (Annette) Mazur of Batavia; grandchildren, Christine (Tim) Trottier of MD and J.J. Mazur of Batavia; great-grandchildren, Emma, Dylan & Blake; brother, Caesar Gales of Lancaster; sisters-in-law, Helen Boorom of Batavia, Rose (George) Sheelar of Malone, Maryann (Robert) Bowen of Batavia; brother-in-law, Richard (Barbara) Mazur of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

 

The Mazur family will be present from 3-7pm on Monday December 28, 2015 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30am Tuesday December 29 followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart). Memorials can be made to a charity of the donor's choice, Mrs. Mazur will be laid to rest alongside her husband in St. Joseph's cemetery.

 

Please share your memories of Alice with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

 

THE FAMILY OF ALICE G. MAZUR IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK

Phyllis “Mary” Jacuzzo, 84 of Perry passed away peacefully at her home on December 25, 2015. She was born in Leicester, England on November 14, 1931 to the late Cecil (Beatrice Ball) Towers. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph Jacuzzo, brothers Ronald and Reginald Towers, sister Doris Nagle.

Mary was a longtime member of St. Isidore’s Parish in Perry. She was a woman that lived her faith as it permeated through her. She always felt so blessed to have her four beautiful children. Mary was a kind, generous and loving woman that would do anything for her family.

She is survived by her children Joseph (Amy) Jacuzzo of Seneca Falls; Sally (Peter) Sullivan of Satellite Beach, FL; Joanne (James) Knapp of Warsaw; Lisa (John) Wheeler of Perry; sister Patricia Granger of SC; 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday December 29, 2015 from 4 to 8 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. An 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday December 30, 2015 at St. Isidore’s Parish 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Street Light Program (part of Shands Hospital/University of Florida to help terminally ill children) www.streetlight.ufhealth.org . 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.

James R. Roberts, 70, of Bolivar, passed away on December 24, 2015 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.  He was born on August 6, 1945 in Wellsville, NY to Alice (Bates) Roberts and the Late Paul Roberts. 

James was an E-8 Master Sergeant in the United States Army, active for 28 years, also playing in the Army band.  He was a hydro-axe operator for Lewis Tree Service in Henrietta. James was a man of many hobbies, James loved to travel, ski, roller-skate, and enjoyed flying as he had his pilot’s license.  He loved to travel to Nashville, spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and loved throwing parties.  

James is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Tamara) Roberts of Hamlin; his mother Alice (Bates) Roberts of Batavia; Ada Nogueira, his companion for nearly 28 years of Batavia; a  brother Floyd (Christine) Roberts of Warsaw and a sister Pauline (Charles) Griswold of Oakfield; 2 grandchildren,  Jayden and Kade Roberts along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday December 29, 2015 from 1:00-4:00pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:00 noon Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday the 30^th at the Funeral Home.  He will be laid to rest in Bath National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans http://www.dav.org/. 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.

 

Sandra Gayle (Smith) Grant, 62, of Attica left this earth behind early Christmas morning.  She was born on December 17, 1953 in Lafayette, GA.  She joins her daughter Penny Michelle Morris in Heaven. 

She is survived by her husband of 38 years Pastor Robert J. Grant; 4 sons, Alton Carter of Richmond Hill, GA, Robert A. Morris of Huntsville, AL, Andrew and Joshua Morris of Attica, a daughter, Lea Renee (Grant) SIgg of Longmont, CO; a sister Carol Gonzales of Lafayette, GA; 3 brothers Michael Smith of Lafayette, Donny and Jeff Smith of Longmont; 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday December 30, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00PM and Thursday the 31^st from 11:00-11:45AM at New Life Fellowship Church 909 Creek Rd. Attica, NY 14011.  A 12:00 noon Funeral Service will be held on Thursday following the callings hours at the church.  Interment will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans http://www.dav.org/.   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.

 

Oakfield – David “DJ” Beehler, Jr., 37, of Oakfield, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2015.

DJ was born August 2, 1978 in Brockport, the son of Bonnie Fee Beehler of LeRoy and the late David Beehler, Sr.

A past member and captain of the Pavilion Fire Department, DJ was a current member of the Elba Fire Department and was EMT certified. He loved riding his motorcycle and was a member of ABATE of New York Motorcycle Club.

A longtime and well-known DJ in the area, he loved his music, mud-racing and participating in demolition derby’s. He was a member of the Moose Club #1132 in LeRoy.

Above all, DJ loved his family, making those around him laugh and smile. His family will remember him for his selfless giving nature and his playful, mischievous side.

Surviving along with his mother are his children, Aprile and Kodi Beehler, Michael Pfendler and Abigail Russell, all at home; his fiancée, Jennifer Cardinali of Oakfield who he was to marry on October 8, 2016; three sisters, Colleen Sortore of Batavia, Tonya (Jason Raffel) Lichti and Jennifer (John Lyons) Andrews, both of LeRoy; nieces and nephews,  Tyler Andrews, Keegan Sortore, Brianna Sortore, Kayla Lichti, Emma Andrews and Karmyn Lyons and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends.

Friends may call on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home,  403 East Main St., Batavia, where DJ’s fireman’s service will be held at 7 p.m. His services will be held at 10 a.m.  Tuesday at Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine Street, Batavia.  He will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Werner Carl Ziehm, 91 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (December 22, 2015) at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Buffalo.

He was born in Stetin, Germany on January 25, 1924, a son of the late William and Martha Boehme Ziehm.

He was a decorated Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp. during WWII. He was a heavy bomber and was a P.O.W. for one year in Germany after his plane was shot down. Werner received such medals as the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal. He enjoyed Hunting, walking through the woods, fishing, sports, reading history books and gun collecting.

Survivors include his wife, Aileen Sanders Ziehm of Corfu. Daughter, Sonia (Doug) Doktor of Corfu. Grandchildren, Brian Doktor of Corfu and Rebecca Doktor of Charlotte, NC. Great-grandchildren, Jenna and Emily Doktor.

There will be no prior visitation. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family with full military honors in The Old German Cemetery (Indian Falls Cemetery), Indian Falls Road. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County, 8960 Alexander Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of condolence 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.

 

 

 

Pauline Pelton, 89, of Attica passed away Tuesday December 22, 2015 at the Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home. Pauline was born on August 2, 1926, in Batavia to the late Albert (Katherine Moynihan) Kohl. She is preceded in death by her siblings Mary (Joseph) Czapeczka, William Kohl, John (Regina) Kohl, Courtney Kohl and Catherine Kohl

Pauline graduated from Cortland University in 1947 with a degree in Physical Education.  She taught recreation and elementary school PE at a number of area schools.  She taught at Mount Morris early in her career, at Arcade, Bliss and Pike in 1961, at Attica and Alexander schools from 1962 - 1965 and at Oakfield Alabama from 1965 until her retirement in 1981.Pauline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was very generous with everyone she met and loved to make everyone laugh.  She loved games and activity.  She taught swimming, badminton, volleyball, square dancing, the "hokey pokey" and cheerleading.  She took great pride in her family and in everything she did. She was a special person and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Pauline is survived by her husband Leo Pelton of Attica; her children, Jerome (Sharon) of Texas, Sharon (John) of California, Daniel of Stafford, Charles (April) of East Bethany, Andrew (Debra) of Alexander and Nicholas (Holly) of East Bethany; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Martha (Lee) Schrader of Indiana; sister-in-law Clara Kohl of North Java along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and family may call Monday December 28, 2015 from 12-3 PM and 5-7 Pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 11:00 AM Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday December 29, 2015 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Catholic Church, 50 East Avenue Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent's Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020.  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.

Bergen - Clara M. Crowell, 79, of Bergen, NY, an assembler at Bausch & Lomb in Rochester prior to her retirement died Friday, December 18, 2015 at Unity Health System, in Rochester.

Mrs. Crowell was born July 21, 1936 in Hornell, a daughter of the late Sam and Rose (Dennis) Rathbun.

She enjoyed wintering in Sebring FL for many years, was an avid golfer and bowler and enjoyed her grandchildren.  It is said that she will be truly missed and was described a "really good person".

She is predeceased by her husband, Erwin Crowell.

Survivors include 2 daughters Rosemary (Thomas) Anthony of Bergen and Cindy (Tim) Jessop of Churchville; a son-in-law, Randy Taylor of Bergen; 8 grandchildren, Stephanie (Jon) Strange, Shauna, Zachary and Kyle (Bridget) Eichenberger, Steven Crowell, Devin and Trevor Jessop and Ryan (Christie) Flaherty; 8 great-grandchildren,  Tyler and Peyton Strange, Brennan and Layden Maskinis, Maddox Howard, Nixon Eichenberger, Aiden and Alexis Flaherty; a brother, Robert (Carol) Rathbun of Rochester; a brother-in-law, Jerry Blind of Bergen; and special friends, Clyde Thurley, Mitch Eichenberger and Bryan Flaherty.

She was the mother of the late Kathy Tayor and sister of the late Barbara Blind.

Friends may attend services at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Bergen, 38 South Lake Street, Bergen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lupis Foundation of America, P.O. Box 418629, Boston, MA 02241-8629.  Arrangements were completed by H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen. 

Oakfield - Evelyn L. Smith, 97, of Oakfield, former Housekeeper at the NYS School for the Blind, died Monday, December 21, 2015 at her home, in Oakfield.

Mrs. Smith was born January 12, 1918 in Jeannette, PA, a daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Fleming) Lowry.

She had volunteered for over 20 years at the Batavia VA Medical Center and loved crossword puzzles.

Her husband, John T. Smith, died May 13, 1977.

Survivors include a daughter, Marylu (Henry) Stachowski of Oakfield; 2 sons, Thomas Smith of Oakfield and Jack (Norma) Smith of GA; 7 grandchildren, Henry (Merry) Stachowski, Stacey Stachowski, Becky (Brian) Costello, Tommy (Janelle) Smith, Rachell Hill, Scott Smith and Michael Smith; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Thomas Lowry, Mary Houston and Elsie Creech.  

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.  Private burial will be in Cary Cemetery.  Arrangements were completed by Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Batavia - Shirley A. Davis, 71, of Batavia, a housekeeper at several businesses in Batavia, died Thursday, December 17, 2015 at her home. 

Mrs. Davis was born July 15, 1944 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Gordon L. and Cleta E. (Duckworth) Baker.

She is survived by a son, James (Pam) Buszka of New York, NY; her companion, Jeffrey Strong of Batavia; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was the mother of the late Jackie L. Buszka.

Friends may call on Saturday (December 26, 2015) from 10 to 11 a.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St, Batavia, where services will immediately follow at 11 a.m.    Private burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  

Gail Webb Seamans, 83, of Alden, The Man in the Green and White Polka Dot Hat, passed away suddenly Wednesday (December 16, 2015).

Gail was the son of Grace Phelps Seamans and Harley Webb Seamans of East Pembroke.

Gail leaves behind his son, James Harley Seamans of Batavia, grandson Nicholas Webb Seamans of East Pembroke, Hannah Jeanne Seamans of Florida. Gail also leaves behind a fiancé Nan Eutsler of Alden, also James Seamans mother Jeanne Seamans of Batavia. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Gail Seamans was the 4th generation owner of Seamans Hardware in East Pembroke. James Seamans took over ownership in 1997. Even though retired, Gail was still very active in the store up until the day of his passing. He was the last sibling of his generation of 7 brothers and sisters.

Gail was a member of the New York State Retail Hardware Association as well as the National Retail Hardware Association. Gail served on the Board of the Genesee Memorial Hospital. In Gail’s early years he was an Eagle Scout, member of the Lions Club and a member of the East Pembroke Fire Department. Gail was also a graduate of St. Lawrence University.

Gail’s passion for most of his life was Bird Watching and was a member of The Buffalo Ornithological Society as well as many other bird watching clubs.

Gail was a study candidate at the Dent Neurologic Institute for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research.

A Celebration of Life for Gail Seamans will be held at a later date. Memorials in his honor may be made to the East Pembroke Fire Department as well as the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

Darwin F. Almeter Age 89, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family on December 16, 2015.  He was born in the Town of Wales, NY on July 4, 1926 to Henry and Catherine Barvian Almeter. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Ethelbert West Almeter and siblings Donald (Fran) Almeter, Regina Lewis, and youngest brother, Richard.

Darwin was a pillar of the community, and a member of St. Joseph's RC Church of Varysburg. In his early years he built silos and went to work on the P40's at the Curtis Wright Plant in Buffalo, NY.  He started working in the family business, West Service Station, which was owned by Burt West, in 1948 and stayed there for the next 67 years, retiring in 2015 as the owner of the four generation family business. He proudly served in the Army National Guard, Varysburg Fire Department, also served as a member of the Attica Board of Education, and a founding member of the Attica Medical Board.  

He took the most joy in his family, friends and work, but also took pride in restoring antiques, both furniture and automobiles, along with carpentry. He loved the Albuquerque Balloon Festival and the Attica Rodeo and all types of music.

His is survived by his children, Darburt (JoAnn) of East Aurora, NY Richard (Becky) of Hedgesville WV, Vicki (Rick) George-Tillow of Crossville TN.  Becky Patterson, and Scott of Varysburg NY.  Also surviving are 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Barbara Ripstein of Cowlesville NY, and brothers, David (Donna) of Michigan, James (Barbara) and Robert (Bertie) both of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Sunday, December 27th from 2pm - 6pm at Marley Funeral Home, Attica, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 28, 2015 at 10:00am  SSJoachim & Anne Parish, Varysburg, NY.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute www.roswellpark.org. 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.

NICOLA J. MIDKIFF

Age 80, of Batavia, died peacefully Sunday December 20, 2015 at the Batavia VA Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Batavia, NY on April 24, 1935, to the late Samuel and Mary (Aquino) Copani, also preceded in death by her husband, Lon Midkiff, Jr. in 2011; sisters, Mary Fasano and Sandy Orr.

Mrs. Midkiff was a United States Army Veteran having served from 1953-1955, she was a longtime member of Ascension Parish. Nicki will be remembered as a wonderful wife, sister, grandmother and a "great" stay at home mom for her two boys.

Surviving are her beloved sons, Michael (Susan Connell) Midkiff of Whitesboro, NY and Mark (Valerie) Midkiff of Simpsonville, SC; brothers, Jack (Carol) Copani and Carmen (Sandy) Copani both of Batavia; sisters, Grace (James) Deni of Batavia and Josephine Burke of TN; grandchildren, Mitchell, Connor, Gianna & Aiden Midkiff; sisters-in-law, Janice Burns and Shirley Carr; brother-in-law, Sheryl Midkiff along with several nieces and nephews.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be held privately by the family. She will be entombed with her husband in the Father T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery with full military honors and in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

 

Margaret R. Clark, 98, of Batavia passed away Sunday December 20, 2015 at Garden View Senior Care in LeRoy. She was born June 17, 1917 in Gouverneur to the late William (Bernice Williams) Reynolds.

Margaret worked for Motorola in Elma. She was involved in church activities at the Arcade United Methodist Church. Margaret was a loving mother and was totally devoted to her sons and grandsons.

She is survived by her children Robert (Diane) Clark of Batavia, Larry Clark of Culpeper, VA.; brothers William Reynolds of Richville, Welby Reynolds of Gouverneur sisters Elaine Gruneisen and Jean Reynolds both of Gouverneur; 3 grandsons Paul (Fiancé Debbie Gramza) Clark, Paul Clark, Eric Clark along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Arcade United Methodist Church 212 Main Street Arcade, New York 14009. 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.

Carol Ann Schultz, 76 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Saturday (December 19, 2015) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville.

She was born October 2, 1939 in Akron, NY, daughter of the late Wilfred and Arletta Corbet Snell.

Carol was a bus aide for Akron Central School prior to her retirement. She enjoyed gardening and landscaping around her home. She also loved her family dearly, enjoyed spending time with them and will be missed by all who knew her.

Carol was predeceased by her husband Jack H. Schultz, who died in 1996.

Survivors include her children, Kathy (Rodney) Plowe of Java Center, Deborah (Albert) Graham of Corfu and Scott (Brenda) Schultz of Akron. Grandchildren, Lindsay Comstock, Brandon Kocol, Taylor Plowe, Joshua and Ryan Graham and Tyler and Garrett Schultz. Great-grandchildren, Peyton, Jaxson and Ethan. Brothers, Donald (Bonnie) Snell of Akron and Merle Snell of Florida. Sisters, Geraldine (Gene) Schuler and Sandy (James) Stuart, both of Akron. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (Dec. 21st) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. A funeral service will be Tuesday, 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of the donors preference. 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.