Obituaries

Diane C. Smith, 73 of Corfu, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

Diane was born August 1, 1951 to the late Loren Vincent and Naomi (Bernard) Vincent Hale 
(Clarence Hale). Diane was also predeceased by her beloved son, Alan Burfield. 

Diane retired from P.W. Minor Shoe Factory in Batavia and for many years, worked with her sister at Linda’s Diner, waitressing, where she made many friends. She enjoyed bowling, her garden and going to the auction with her brother Danny. The most imprint thing to Diane was spending time with her family. She also loved hitting up the casino!

Diane is survived by her siblings; Linda (Darrell) Richley, Larry (Donna) Vincent, Danny (Debi) Vincent and Jim (Debbie) Hale; her partner of 20 years, John Sobczak; her children, William (Michelle) Smith, Brian (Gina) Smith and Stacy (Brian) Wilt; John's children, Loni (Randy) Fancher and Andy (Christine) Sobczak; grandchildren, Seth Wilt, Samantha Smith, Miranda Wilt, Taylor and Ethan Fancher. Many nieces and nephews also survive along with her loving companion Roscoe.

Family and friends may call Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street Corfu, NY.

Diane will be laid to rest next to her beloved son Alan, on Sunday, September 8th at 11:30 a.m. in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.

Donald J. Best, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (September 2, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

He was born November 12, 1942 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Earl Best and Amelia Sitzman Royal.

Don was employed by Lapp Insulator in LeRoy, NY prior to his retirement. He also tended bar at numerous establishments around Attica, which he enjoyed because he was a great communicator and listener. But Don will be also remembered for the time he volunteered at Crossroads House in Batavia. For over 24 years, he spent so much time and energy helping for such a great cause. He was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Genesee County Independent Living and Office for the Aging. Don could also be seen volunteering at the Genesee County Tourist Booth in Batavia.

Don enjoyed his family and spent the past 17 winters in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he would enjoy time with his wife. He will be surely missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Judi Hopkins Best of Batavia. Son, David (Debra) Best of Attica. Daughter, Sheila Best of Batavia. Grandchildren, Craig, Trever, Richard, Kyle, Juan, Cristiana, Esperanza, Santiago and Anthony. Great-grandchildren, Avery, Austin, Juan Jr., Nyeli and Oakley. Brothers, David (Denise) Best of Tennessee, Robert (Martha) Best of California and Patrick (Darlene) Best of Attica. Brother-in-law, Gary (Lynne) Hopkins of Attica. Sisters-in-law, Doris (late John) Warner of Belfast, Donna (Jim) Zevola of Lake Peekskill, NY, Diane (late Paul) Hendel of Attica, and Joan (Paul) Kulczyk of Batavia.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (Sept. 7^th) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm.

Memorial contributions may be offered to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

Wilbur A. Gray, age 77, of Batavia, passed away on August 5, 2024 at the Batavia VA Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 4, 1947 in Batavia, New York to the late Alfred E. Gray, Sr. and Dorothy Andrews Gray.

Wilbur served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a dedicated member and past commander of the VFW Post No. 1602 and American Legion in Batavia. Wilbur was also a member of the Moose Club of LeRoy and served as the State Bowling Chairman for the VFW for many years. Wintering for many years in Brooksville, Florida, Wilbur loved his family and was a cherished member of the community.

Wilbur is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dawn Worthington Gray; daughters, Michelle Fenstermaker and Sherry (Jeff) Crane; son, Allen Gray; grandchildren, Jamie (Bryan Calmes) McClurg, Brenna Fenstermaker, Carson and Cade Crane; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Kollin; brothers, his twin, David L. Gray and Herbert (Don McCall) Gray; many nieces and nephews including Earl and Robert Benson whom he raised.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Collin Crane, brother Alfred E. Gray, Jr., and sister Virginia Gray Benson.

His family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Wilbur's medical team at the Batavia VA Medical Center for the excellent care provided to him while he resided there for the past 20 months.

There are no prior calling hours. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11 am at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu. Please assemble at the cemetery by 10:45 am.

Wilbur will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

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

Bennington - Kathleen J. Carfley, 86 of Bennington, passed away on Saturday, (August 31, 2024) at Gateway Home Attica in Attica following a lengthy illness.

Kathleen was born August 16, 1938 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lorraine (Kelly) Martin. On November 17, 1956 she married Leonard J. Carfley in Buffalo, NY and have been married 68 years.

Kathy was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Bennington and worked for many years for NYS Correctional Facility as a Horticulture Vocational Instructor and for the Buffalo Board of Education. She was a beekeeper, enjoyed riding her horse Mr. C, and raising her chickens on her hobby farm. Kathy and Leonard spent many winters in Florida as snowbirds. Most of all, Kathy cherished every moment spent with her husband Leonard and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Leonard J. Carfley, Jr. of Bennington; children, Audrey (Paul) Weber of Genesee Falls, Leonard J. Carfley, III of Brighton, Helen Jennings of Attica, and Karen (Paul) Bohn of Lancaster, Ohio; grandchildren, Jeffery (Nicole) Matteson of Albion, Christopher (Maegan) Matteson of Lancaster, Marc Matteson of Perry, Kevin Carfley of New York City, Andrew Carfley of Brighton, Tara (Nick Morris) Jennings of Tennessee, David (Katie) Jennings of Attica, Nicholas (Amanda) Jennings of Stafford, Ethan Jennings of Attica, and Ryan (Erica Vuocolo) Bohn of Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Chelsey, Luke, Easton, Peyton, Cash, Tripp, Diem, Everly and Kolton; sister, Diana Hammer of Alden.

In addition to her parents, Kathy is preceded in death by her sister, Rosemary (late James) Schaffer of Florida, and an infant grandson Michael Matteson.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (September 6, 2024)  from 4:00  to 8:00 pm  at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday (September 7, 2024) at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish (St. Vincent Worship Site), 50 East Avenue in Attica. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Elba - Corabelle Grace Wright, 81 of Elba passed away on Sunday, (September 1, 2024) at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Mrs. Wright was born January 21, 1943 in Elba, a daughter of the late Willard and Ida (Skellon) Johnson.

Cora was a member of the Elba United Methodist Church. She was a 20-year member of the Elba Fire Department and a lifelong member of the fire department Ladies' Auxiliary. In her free time she was an avid bingo player, enjoyed shopping, socializing, and generally being on the go.

Cora is survived by her husband, Robert Wright; son, Charles (Angela Bartz) Wright all of Elba; sister, Fern (Mick) Norway of Elba; sister-in-law, Jennifer Johnson of Florida.

In addition to her parents, Cora is preceded in death by her brother, Bill Johnson; sister, Evelyn (Late Ronald) Showler.

Family and friends are invited to attend Cora's Celebration of Life on Saturday (September 7, 2024) beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Robert and Cora's Residence in Elba. A private graveside service will be held in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.

Arrangements are being completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Randy G. Cook, age 68, died peacefully at home with his loving wife of 44 years, Peggy. He was born in 1956 in Hartford City, Indiana. 

Randy was the youngest of 3 children. He studied music at Ball State University with his beautiful tenor voice being his major instrument. While in Indiana, he worked as a Vet Tech and EMT. In 1980, he married Peggy (Margaret) Brundage after a whirlwind courtship. It was literally love at 1^st sight for both. 

They moved to WNY in 1983 after which Randy worked in various human services jobs; child care aide, retreat assistant at the Abbey of Genesee, CNA Aide at the Genesee County NH, and Instructors Aide at Genesee ARC. In retirement he became the “Overnight Guy” at Santino’s Pizzeria. Randy loved hiking, camping, music, books and animals. He leaves behind his companion cat “Tina”.

In addition to his wife, Randy is survived by his sisters; Gaylene (Larry) Holloway of Indiana, Naneen (Robert) Randolph of Kentucky; brothers in law Peter (Joan) Brundage, John (Elvira, his special “outlaw”) Brundage, David Brundage and a tribe of loving nieces and nephews who remember him for his “Zen Like” calm, sense of humor and wit. 

Family and friends are invited to share stories about Randy on Wednesday September 4, 2024 from 5:00-7:00PM at Godfrey’s Pond Clubhouse 7925 Godfrey’s Pond Rd. Bergen, NY 14416. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 W. Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Donald (Butch) John Donnelly, 79 of Bergen passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by family on Saturday, August 31st at Strong Memorial Hospital.  He was born to parents George Donnelly and Gladys Wells in Batavia, NY on July 10, 1945.

Butch was a 1963 graduate of Pavilion Central School where he played football and baseball.  He was a Spec 4 in the United States Army serving from November 1965 – November 1967 and was stationed in Germany for one of those years. 

He retired from Eastman Kodak of Rochester NY in 1998 where he worked as a QC Inspector and in Weights and Measures for many years.  He also worked at Stainless Steel Brakes in Clarence, NY prior to his retirement.

Butch was a dedicated volunteer fireman for the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department for several years.  He had previously volunteered through Catholic Charities and was fond of his time providing companionship for senior citizens.  Butch enjoyed being a member of the Sackett-Merrill-White American Legion of Bergen, NY.  

Butch enjoyed afternoons on his swing with his faithful companion, his dog Cody.  He was a devoted lifelong member of the Catholic Church.  He enjoyed spending time with his wife, sons and grandchildren.  He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports.  He coached his sons in soccer in their youth.  He was a softball umpire for Eastman Kodak softball league for 10 years.  After retirement he enjoyed his weekly coffee group with friends.  He loved fishing, golfing and spending time outdoors doing yardwork.  He so loved his once-a-year visits from his godson Calvin Zito, of Idaho.

Butch is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Diane Marie (Hunt) Donnelly.  He is also survived by his children Brian (Robin) Donnelly and Wayne (Dawn) Donnelly.  In addition, Butch is survived by his 6 grandchildren Nicole Donnelly, Hannah Donnelly, Jack Donnelly and Samantha Donnelly, Elizabeth Donnelly & Alexander Donnelly.   He is also survived by his brother Robert Donnelly and niece Mary (Bob) Diaz and several other nieces and nephews. 

He is predeceased by his parents and siblings Eileen Muoio, Elsie Buckman, Eleanor Fisher, Norma Bernard, and June Zito.

There are no prior calling hours. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11 am at St. Brigid’s Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. His celebration of life will follow Mass at the Sage Pavilion, 62 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, at 12:30 p.m.  He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.
 

Donald R. Mills, age 68, of Pavilion, passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2024.  He was born on December 12, 1955, in Batavia. 

     Don was an avid farmer.  He was born and raised on the farm, and it is where he loved to be.  He enjoyed being outside, doing farm work and taking care of the cows.  Don shared his passion for showing cows in 4H with his children when they were younger. Don was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed without asking for anything in return.  He was a long time Bills fan and enjoyed watching the games.  

   He was surrounded by 17 Grandchildren whom he supported and loved. When Don was not farming, you could find him teaching farm skills, going to football games or even a dance recital.   He was very devoted to his grandchildren.  

     He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Mills; his father, Richard Mills; his son, Jeffrey (April) Mills; daughter, Kimberly (David) Gross, and his stepchildren, Angela (Steven) Kazmierczak, Mark (Meg) Lafferty, Edward (Caroline) Lafferty and Brian (Tanya) Lafferty.  Don is also survived by his sister, Cindy (Wayne) Wood and his niece, Alex Wood and nephew, Ty Wood and other family members with whom he enjoyed spending time with. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Joan Mills.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday, September 3 from 3 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held at 5 PM.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be provided directly to the family for future contribution to the Genesee County 4H “Beef Club” in memory of Don.

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

Mary Grace Paradise (nee Odessa), beloved daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, at the age of 69.

Born on December 8, 1954, Mary was the daughter of James Odessa and Josephine Scibetta.

In 1977, she married her high school sweetheart, Samuel Paradise, Jr. Together, they raised two children: Melinda and Daniel. Mary was a devoted mother who always put her family first, creating a warm and loving home filled with laughter and the aroma of her famous cookies.

Mary's nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family. She was a proud grandmother to three grandchildren: Dominic, Josephine, and Robert. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she made it her mission to never miss one of their dance recitals.

Those who knew Mary will remember her for her warm smile, her infectious laugh, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued. Her wisdom, compassion, and strength were an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary is survived by her husband of 47 years, Sam; her children Melinda Hedenberg (Sam) and Dan Paradise (Krysty); and her grandchildren, Dominic, Josephine, and Robert. She is preceded by her parents, James and Josephine Odessa and her beloved aunt, Betty Scibetta.

Calling hours will take place on Monday, September 2 from 2-4 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main St. Batavia. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Maximillian Kolbe, 8656 Church St., East Pembroke, followed by interment at Saint Joseph Mausoleum, Ellicott Street, Batavia and a celebration of life at Batavia’s Original, 500 East Main St., Batavia. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lipson Cancer Institute at rrhgive.org. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

William A. Gick, 92, of Le Roy, formerly of East Bethany, passed away on August 24, 2024 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on June 30, 1932 in Corry, PA to the late Grant and Hazel (Ives) Gick.

He is survived by his beloved wife; Audrey (Leskiw) Gick; daughter Carol Gick-Rauber of Pavilion; son David Gick of Buffalo; brother Alan (Kay) Gick of Erie, PA; sister Linda Meinberg of MN; 3 grandchildren Geoffrey (Katherine) Rauber, Christen Rauber and Matthew Rauber; 3 great-grandchildren Gavin, Levi and Penelope; and nephew Dr. Eric (Christina) Meinberg of MN.

William spent his entire adult life in service to his country, the United States of America.  On his 17th birthday, he joined the U.S. Air Force on active duty, and went on to serve as a Communications Specialist in Japan from 1949 to 1952.  He then joined the Air Force Reserve in 1954, serving as Communications Specialist, 1st Sergeant and Superintendent until 1976 and then as Disaster Preparedness Manager for the Western District of NY until 1992.  Upon his retirement from the Air Force Reserve, he joined the New York State Guard, where he served until 2000, retiring as Lt Colonel and having served as the Commander of the 107th NYG Air Group at Niagara Falls, NY. 

He worked at the Social Security office as a Supervisor in the Batavia office and retired in 1989, with over 30 years. William served on the Town of Bethany Planning Board, Old Town Hall committee, Flood Plan Committee and Wind Energy Committee, also was a Town of Bethany Councilman '98 to '08 and Deputy Supervisor '08 - '13. He was a 60 year member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, State of NY and a Member of the American Legion and member of NARFE association, along with the Founder of the Neighborhood Watch Association in his neighborhood in the 1980’s.  

Friends and family are invited to call on Wednesday September 4, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30AM Funeral Service will be held on Thursday the 5^th at the Funeral Home. Mr. Gick will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Dept. 5253 Old Telephone Rd. PO Box 68 East Bethany, NY 14054-0068 or the DAV Dept. of New York https://www.davny.org/.  To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Batavia, N.Y. 

     Everything about Brian Downing Phillips was larger than life. When he walked into a room, he filled it up. Not because he routinely had to fold his 6’6” frame to fit into spaces, but because everything about Brian was big. He had the biggest and best laugh, deep from his core, infectious and warm, a huge, beautiful smile and a heart – that was greater than all his attributes combined. While he was quick to laugh, he also was quiet and introspective. It makes sense that when he was younger, he loved to write poetry. He was funny and smart, generous and kind. So much so, that Brian will continue to help others with the gift of sight having donated his eyes. After a brief illness, Brian died on August 22. He was 65. 

    Brian loved to wander, to get in his car and drive the open road. He was eternally curious, attentive and interested. He loved basketball, football and baseball —especially The Bills and The Blue Jays. Mostly though, he loved his family, his wife, Bonnie, his best friend and younger sister, Karen, his second Mom, Bev Kuras, his daughter, Dakota, his step-children, Breanne Thornton-Harer (Andrew), Erik Thornton (Danielle), Keyrsten Wilde (Chris) and Austin Oklevitch, his step grandchildren, Allyson, Logan, Lathan and Lanah Thornton-Harer, Imogen and Ellerie Thornton and Milo Wilde-Wilson, his nephew, Daniel Gilbert, his many cousins and countless friends. And of course, his dogs, Charms and Chezlee and his ragdoll cat, Deja, who he loved dearly.

     After graduating Liverpool High School, Brian went on to become a star basketball player at Canisius College. He then held a variety of different jobs; he excelled at them all. He channeled his love of basketball into being a coach at Gloria J. Parks Community Center. He was a bouncer at Park Meadow and a salesperson at Raymour and Flanigan. But the job he loved most, was being the legendary bartender at PJ Bottoms.

     Brian is predeceased by his beloved parents, Marvin and Ida Phillips. 

     In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either his surviving spouse, Bonnie Phillips or to Connect Life, Western New York’s only community blood bank and federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization. 

     A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.

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

Larry D. Canale, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in LeRoy, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.

Born on Nov. 18, 1932, in Westfield, N.Y., Larry was the youngest of seven children. He studied at Utica College before joining the U.S. Army during the Korean War. 

   Larry was a highly regarded manager in the W.T. Grant retail chain. He began as a stockboy in the mid-1950s and quickly entered the company’s management trainee program. As an assistant manager in Williamsville, N.Y., he met the love of his life, Mildred (Wilcocks) Canale, who would become his wife of 66 years. He went on to manage Grant stores in various locations in New York State, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. 

After leaving Grants, he and Mildred opened a Ben Franklin variety store in LeRoy, operating the family business from 1976 through 1994. He later went to work as a top sales representative at Rochester-based Castle, known for its car-care products. 

Larry was active in community service, spending time as a youth-league baseball and basketball coach and volunteering for fund-raising responsibilities for the LeRoy Ambulance. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church, later renamed Our Lady of Mercy, and was very involved in the fundraising and operations for the church as well as Holy Family School and Notre Dame in Batavia. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Rotary Club of LeRoy. For years, he loved golfing in LeRoy’s senior leagues. But his biggest joy was spending time with his family.

Larry is survived by his wife Mildred (Wilcocks) Canale of LeRoy and their six children, Dawn Canale of Batavia, N.Y., Larry Canale Jr. of Clinton, Mass., Kelly Carlie (George) of Limerock, N.Y., Lori Canale-Powers (Dave) of LeRoy, N.Y., Anne Canale-Gravanda (Jim) of LeRoy, N.Y., and Jeffrey Canale of LeRoy, N.Y. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

His Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church in LeRoy on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. A private burial will follow next week at Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Larry are suggested to either LeRoy Ambulance Service, 1 Tountas Avenue, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482 or All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020.

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

William (Bill) H. Bowen, 87, of Attica, passed away on August 26, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.

William was born October 10, 1936 at home in Oakfield. A son of the late Claude and Anna (Dool) Bowen.

Bill will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He loved playing euchre, poker, fishing, fixing things, had his own lawnmower shop, making things with wood, and the Pike Fair. He served in the Army and National Guard, was a member of the American Legion of Leroy, drove a school bus for many years, and was a sergeant at Attica Correctional Facility for 30 years. He was an active member of Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish of Attica.

Bill married the love of his life, Alice L. (Verba) on June 15, 1963. They were married for 61 years. Also surviving are his children, Jennifer Bowen, Betsy Bowen (David Janes), William (Amy) Bowen; sister, Rita Rivers; brother-in-law, James Royce; sisters-in-law, Sue (Ron) Sloan, Nancy Gamazo and Carol Hapanowich; grandchildren, Jeffery (Chelsea), Alex, Kelsey, Eddie, Kara, Cassidy, Owen, Anna, Jaclyn,and Ryan; great grandchildren, Hunter, Rylan, and Ollie; Goddaughter, Ann Marie Rivers, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be reunited with his brothers, Kenneth, Robert, Christopher (Dick) Bowen; sisters, Claudia Harloff and Donna Royce; brothers-in-law, William Harloff, Stephen Rivers, David Chandler, and Carlos Gamazo; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Bowen and Lillian Bowen, nephew Michael Bowen and in laws John and Theresa Verba.

There are no prior calling hours. Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial held at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Avenue, Attica, on Friday, August 30 at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow. Family and Friends are invited to a reception at William & Amy Bowen’s house immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Attica Fire Department,11 Water Street, Attica NY 14011 or Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Avenue, Attica, NY 14011.

Condolences for the Bowen family may be made at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements for William were entrusted to the Marley Funeral Home, Attica, (585) 591-1212.

Oakfield - Eugene F. Beach, 98, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born January 6, 1926 in Albion, a son of the late Herbert Beach, Sr. and Lucy Kaniecka Beach.

A longtime member of Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, he proudly served his country during World War II with the United States Navy. An avid gardener, he enjoyed growing his gladiolas and giving them away to local churches and delivering them to family members, friends and neighbors and anyone who wanted them . Along with his late wife Caroline and their late daughter Sandy they enjoyed traveling and taking extensive vacations.

His wife, Caroline A. Halat Beach, passed away on July 13, 2019. They celebrated 67 years of marriage together.

He is survived by his siblings, Kenneth (Donna) Beach of Albion, Donald Beach of North Carolina, Constance Decker of Webster and Marcia Behnke of Brockport. Longtime family friend of Dan and Anna Pruski of Oakfield and their children, Justina and Derek; sister-in-law, Patricia Beach of Albion, brother-in-law, Fred Budynski of Rochester and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Sandy Beach who passed away on May 21, 1993 and his siblings, Arthur Beach, Felicia Budynski, Mary Jane Nenni, Shirley Manzella, Dorothy Beach, Robert Beach and Herbert Beach, Jr.

Friends and family may call on Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Patrick O'Keefe on Friday at 11:30 am at St. Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. Please consider memorials in his name in the form of Mass Intentions. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Jean T. King, 86 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at her residence while under the loving care of her family.

She was born August 28, 1937 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lucy LaPiana.

Jean enjoyed crossword puzzles, word search games, Skrippo and playing bingo. Most of all she enjoyed her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her daughter, Donna Shandorf of PA. Sons, Daniel King of Batavia and James King Jr. of Florida. Daughter in-law, Donna Woodworth of Batavia. Also survived by 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, James King Sr. and her sons, Harold King, David King and Michael King.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday (August 28^th), 2:00pm at St. Francis Cemetery, Exchange Street, LeRoy, NY.

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.