Obituaries

Bergen - Kara Grace Hall, 25, of Bergen, passed away Monday, May 18, 2020.

She was born November 17, 1994, in Batavia, the daughter of Joel Hall and Karen Sapienza-Hall of Bergen.

Surviving along with her parents are her brother, Ethan Hall; her grandmother; Cathy Hall and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is predeceased by her grandparents; Joseph and Jean Sapienza, Donald Hall, Sr. and her uncles; Donald Sapienza and Eric Hall.

A 2013 graduate from Byron-Bergen Central School, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fredonia State College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master's Degree in industrial engineering from the University of Buffalo. Kara was an avid runner, loved cross country, indoor and outdoor track all through high school and college.  Kara was the light of her family's lives, actively planning how to better everyone's lives.

There will be no prior visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. A public service will be announced at a later date. Donations may be made to the family in care of Karen Sapienza-Hall, P.O. Box 621, Bergen, New York 14416 to distribute to causes loved by Kara. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Kara's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen.

Priscilla E. Royce, 87 of Varysburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2020. She was born in Arcade on November 9, 1932 to the late Charles (Emily Gutzmer) Anderson. She is preceded in death by her husband S. John Royce.

She grew up on a dairy farm and helped with her mother's apple orchard. She worked as a phone operator for a period of time prior to her marriage. Priscilla wed S John Royce in august 1956. Six children soon were born. John's sudden accidental death in 1970 left her to manage the farm and raise the children. She worked a part time job at Eastside Nursing home in the laundry department. After retiring from that position she worked as a aid to the driver transporting disabled children to school. She enjoyed several trips with family to see historical sites. She was involved with church her whole life as a Sunday School teacher, a choir member, and a Bible study leader. She was a strong, giving, and loving woman.

She will be missed by her six children, 10 grandchildren (one grandchild is in heaven with her), many nieces and nephews, and 7 great grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. She will be laid to rest in Johnsonburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Robert D. Smart, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2020 at New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. He was born on December 9, 1930 to the late Clarence (Lillian Perry) Smart. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years Lucille; son Michael, daughter Norma Jean; siblings William, Donald, Norman, Richard, Milford and Gloria.

Mr. Smart is a combat wounded Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict who served between 1952-1954. He was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart, Silver Star, Infantry Combat Badge, along with other medals and ribbons.

After working with his father’s company CJ Smart & Sons Construction, he was elected as Town Highway Superintendent from 1964-1992 for the Town of Batavia. After retirement he and Lucile enjoyed being Texas Snowbirds.

Robert is survived by daughters Susan of Texas, Janice “Jane” of Batavia; son Douglas (Bernadette) Smart of Batavia; daughter-in-law Janet Smart of VA; grandchildren Jennifer (Torrey) Sweet, Erica, Kayla and Jessie Henry; Stephen (Katie) Cotter II, Jeremy Arnold; Douglas Jr., Brandon and Tyler Smart; Riley Malone; 6 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Freida Smart; two brothers-in-law Bob & Bernie, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia, Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Eugene Peters, age 77 of East Bethany, NY was peacefully called home by the Lord - Thursday May 14, 2020.  By his side, were his three daughters Wendy Boni of LeRoy, Carol Stoneham of Pavilion and Karen (Paul) Peters of Caledonia.  No doubt, Gene was embraced and reunited with his predeceased wife of 40 years - Suzanne (Roblee).

Gene was born in Warren, PA to the late Wallace and Vivian Peters.  In addition to his three daughters, he is survived by four grandchildren: Magen Martin, Conney Shull,
Jacob LaPoint and Casey LaPoint… as well as five great grandchildren. Gene was proud of being a self-taught millwright. He was a brilliant maintenance mechanic and could fix almost anything.  His love of cars and pets made him most happy.  He was employed for nineteen years at Sylvania; sixteen years at Eastman Kodak and multiple years at Texas Brine prior to his retirement.

Due to restrictions caused by the pandemic, Gene’s funeral service will be privately held on Thursday, May 21, 2020 (by invitation only) at 1:00 pm.  All are welcome to join the family at his internment/committal immediately following the service at the West Bethany Baptist (Church) Cemetery (corner of West Bethany Road and Brown Road) at
3:00 pm. In honor of Gene’s love of animals, memorials/donations can be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter at:  http://www.vol4animals.org/donate.
Arrangements are being completed by Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home in Warsaw. Online condolences can be shared at www.robinsonandhackemer.com.

Gerald L. “Jerry” Johnson, 83 of Albion, went to Heaven surrounded by his loving family on May 16, 2020. He was born June 16, 1936 in Rochester, to the late C. Glenn (Alice Jones) Johnson.  

Gerald graduated from Charlotte High School and joined the U.S. Army where he served from 1957-1960. He was in the 1^st Army 44^th Battalion; assigned as a guided missile mechanic. He was an initially self-taught guitarist who enjoyed playing standards from the American Song Book. He returned to school at SUNY Brockport to study music under Bud Detar. Over the last few years he especially enjoyed studying jazz under the instruction of Bob Sneider at the Eastman School of Music.

Jerry had several hobbies which included golf, bass fishing, and watching Red Sox baseball. He had a special talent for furniture refinishing. He was especially accomplished in woodworking and enjoyed making fishing lures. Jerry was a friend of Bill W for over 51 years and leaves behind many friends who also enjoyed Bill’s company.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 18 years; daughter Cheryl (Joe) Johnson of Middleport, beloved granddaughter Tiffany (Jarrett) Mock, step-grandson Nicolas Johnson; great-grandchildren Logan and Zoe. In addition he leaves behind his nephew and friend Kenneth (Donna) McCarthy.

There will be no prior calling hours; a Memorial Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. He will be laid to rest in Kenyonville Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at LeRoy Village Green for the excellent and loving care they gave Jerry over the last three weeks.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to LeRoy Village Green Activities Fund, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.   

Kathleen M. Johnson (Conley) age 72, of Batavia, born to the late Robert and Evelyn (Lazeski) Johnson on August 25, 1947 in Batavia passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her beloved family on May 14, 2020.

Kathleen is survived by her beloved son and daughter-in-law; Bryan and Paulette Conley of Batavia, two beautiful granddaughters who she completely adored; Payton Conley (Nick Schiffler) and Samantha Conley; loving sister; Debra (Bill) Churchill, of

Wellington, Florida along with her cherished niece; Katie (Frank) Churchill Knapfel of Palm City, Florida, nephews; Geoff (Samantha) Churchill of Wellington, Florida and Alexander Johnson of Batavia; great nephew; Cole Knapfel of Palm City, Florida and great nieces; Olivia and Clara Knapfel of Palm City, Florida.

Kathleen was a 1965 graduate of Batavia High School.

Kathleen embraced her Polish heritage. She had a passion for cooking and serving great food. Kathleen love to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoyed entertaining and decorating. Affectionately known as Nana she especially enjoyed taking her granddaughters to Florida for adventures and visiting family. Kathleen was an avid antique collector, she enjoyed running her small business and working at Antique world since her retirement from Cablevision / Time Warner Cable where she slayed as a member of management and public affairs for over 25 years.

Per Kathleen's request, there will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service for Kathleen will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Kathleen's name to Home Care & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020 or Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1602, Batavia, New York 14021-which will go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Kathleen’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Reverend Msgr. Edward J. Scanlan, 91, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020, two days short of his 92nd birthday at the St. Joseph's Post Acute Care Center in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Msgr. Scanlan was born in Batavia on May 13, 1928 and was the son of the late Joseph and Mary [Jones) Scanlan.

He attended and graduated from St. Peters Elementary School in Le Roy and Le Roy High School. He received a BS degree while attending Niagara University/ Our Lady of the Angels Seminary at Niagara. Msgr. Scanlan was ordained into the priesthood on May 30, 1953 in Buffalo.

After ordination, he served as assistant pastor of Guardian Angels Parish in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. Following this assignment he became a weekend assistant at St. Cecilia's Parish in Oakfield, N.Y., while also serving as a teacher at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, N.Y., for two years.

His next assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Lucy's Parish in Buffalo and assistant director of the Spanish Speaking Apostolate of Western New York. Later, he was assigned as an assistant pastor at St. Mary's Parish in Batavia during which time he also served as Chaplain at the U.S. Veteran's Hospital in Batavia.

Future assignments included assistant pastorships at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Buffalo, St. Joseph's Parish in Buffalo and St. John the Baptist Parish in Kenmore, N.Y., as well as an assignment to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., before becoming pastor at St. Bartholomew Parish in Buffalo.

In 1975, he became pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Niagara Falls, N.Y., a position he held for 21 years before retiring from active priestly administrative duties.

Msgr. Scanlan is survived by a nephew, John F. [Mary Margaret] Scanlan Jr., a great-niece Beth Ann Scanlan and great-nephews John F. Scanlan III, Timothy Scanlan and Thomas Scanlan. Also surviving is a cousin Dr. Joseph [Kate] Scanlan. He was predeceased by his brother John "Tanky" Scanlan and his sister-in-law, Suzanne Scanlan-Jones.

Due to recent circumstances, funeral services and internment in the Stella Niagara Cemetery will be held privately for the family. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial offerings may be made to the Retired Diocesan Priests Medical Fund c/o the Diocese of Buffalo, 795 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14203.

Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Funeral Chapel, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

  Pauline B. (LaRussa) Fricano, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.  Pauline was born April 28, 1926 in Batavia, NY to the late Anthony and Mary LaRussa. In addition to her parents, Pauline is predeceased by her husband; Michael (2011); son Jerry (2012);  In-laws Fricano; sisters Carmen (Anthony Forti), Angeline (Ralph Frieday); brother Vincent “Brownie” LaRussa and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was a loving and caring mother, wife and beloved friend who had a smile and uplifting words for all the people she met.   She was a graduate of Batavia High School and a retiree of Genesee Community College where she worked for 21 years.  She was also very devoted to her faith as an active member of St. Anthony’s Church on Liberty Street in Batavia where she taught church school and was involved in many committees and activities.  She enjoyed spending time with her large family and many friends on the southside of Batavia. 

She is survived by her sons Michael (Joan Carr), Paul (Vera Olijnyk) and Patrick (Traci Purtell), daughter in-law Cathy Pontillo, thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and her life-long best friend Janet Telga of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.   

Due to current restrictions, traditional services are not possible. Immediate family will attend Pauline’s interment in the St. Joseph Mausoleum on Ellicott Street in Batavia, NY on Wednesday, May 20^th. At 11:30AM friends and family are invited to drive through the St. Joe’s Cemetery at that time.   

The family wishes to thank the hard-working staff of The Brightonian Nursing Home in Rochester and The Gilmartin Funeral Home in Batavia for their tender care and thoughtful service.

Donations in Pauline’s memory can be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020.  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.

Batavia - Joanne M. Wagner, 84, of Batavia, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Rochester General Hospital.

Mrs. Wagner was born June 24, 1935, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Peter and Theresa Schiavone Della Penna.

An employee of the Batavia City School District, Mrs. Wagner studied the bible with her family and had a deep love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren attending numerous sporting events. 

She is survived by her husband, Richard T. Wagner, whom she married November 6, 1954; her children; Richard (Deb) Wagner, Sr. of Batavia, Robin (late Wayne) Bassett of Batavia and Deborah (Ron) Gibson of Batavia;  four grandchildren; Roy Watson, Jr., Sarah (Kevin) Copeland, Rich (Jennifer) Wagner, Jr. and Ashley Gibson; six great-grandchildren; Jayce Wagner, Gavynn Trippany, Kendra Watson, Tyler, Dylan & Letti Copeland; two sisters; Mary Bregg of Medina and Rose Glatz of East Bethany; three sisters-in-law; Betty Pfalk of Clarence, Esther (Richard) Brown of Lockport and Nancy Forbes of Lockport along with several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brothers; Peter, Thomas and Sam Della Penna.

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joanne's memory may be made to American Heart Association, 5488 Sheridan Dr #300, Williamsville, New York 14221 or National Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 678572 Dallas, Texas 75267-8572. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

Edith D. Pappalardo, 93, passed away Tuesday May 12, 2020 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. Edith was born on June 6, 1926 in Oran, Algeria, the daughter of the late Ernest and Amelia (Monedaro) Polo. She is predeceased by her husband Harry Pappalardo, and son in law Vincent D. Bianchi.

During World War II she met the love of her life, Harry Pappalardo who was stationed in North Africa during the war. They married November 15, 1943. After 3 months of marriage, Harry was sent back to America. 10 months later, Edith came over to the United States on a warship with 9 other war brides. She became a US Citizen in 1949. Edith and Harry spent 21 beautiful years together before his passing. Edith was an excellent mother and grandmother, and loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved working on a wide variety of crafting projects, and was especially known for her beautiful knitted items. Many babies throughout the years have gone home from the hospital in an outfit made with love from Edith.

Edith is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Bianchi and her son Ronald (Suzanne) Pappalardo, grandchildren Rhonda (Richard) Nolt, Vincent (Hootch) Bianchi, Aaron Pappalardo, Brandon (Amanda) Pappalardo, and great grandchildren Bianca and Nicholas Nolt, Evan, Kyle, Abbie, and Mason Pappalardo.

We would like to say a special thank you to all the nurses and staff at the New York State Veterans home in Batavia, for all the special care and kindness you showed Edith through the years of her stay.

Due to the on-going COVID 19 Epidemic the family will privately celebrate Edith’s Mass of Christian Burial and Graveside Service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Ellicott Street, Batavia.

Memorial contributions in Edith’s memory may be made to the New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Francis James Griffin, 74 of Batavia, passed away Tuesday (May 12, 2020) at the Buffalo V.A. Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born October 5, 1945 in Albany, NY and worked several years for the U.S. Railroad. Mr. Griffin was a Veteran of the U.S. Army having served his country from 1963 to 1965.

He was predeceased by his son James E. Griffin who died March 8, 2011.

Survivors include his former wife, Doreen E. Griffin of Batavia and close friends.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family with burial in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

 

 

Andrea (LaPort) Sawtell, of Corfu, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Cherished daughter of Sharon (Bill) Pagels of Corfu, NY and David (Ruth Anne) LaPort of Rio Rico, Arizona. Beloved sister of Michelle (Dan) Wojewoda, Sue Doll, Terry (Kurt) Neibacher, Robert LaPort, Kathryn Cleveland, Rick (Alma) Pagels, Kate (Steve) LaPort and Kim Olivadoti Martin.  Niece of Roger (Judy) LaPort and Mary (Bill) Robinson. Also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her wonderful laugh will always echo in our hearts.

A celebration of Andrea’s life will be held at a future time. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu.

ROBERT J. VALVO, SR. - age 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 9, 2020. He was born in Buffalo, NY on November 4, 1932. Robert was preceded in death and awaited in heaven by his parents Joseph and Petrina (Borzilleri) Valvo, brother Michael Valvo, brother-in-law Richard Manuel, and grandson Sarantis Tsirtsakis.

Robert grew up in Fredonia, NY. He graduated from Fredonia High School in 1952. He excelled at Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track, and later was a Charter Inductee of the Fredonia High School Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in July 2001. Following high school, he attended Michigan State University on a football scholarship. Later, Robert served his country honorably from November 1953 to October 1955 in the US Army in the 6^th Infantry Regiment stationed at Templehauf Air Force Base in Berlin, Germany.

Robert had an admirable 40-year career at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, now known as National Grid. He began his career as a lineman in Fredonia, later transferring to Batavia as a Safety Director. After serving as a Line Department Supervisor, he retired as Superintendent of Transmission and Distribution of the entire Genesee Region, where he was highly respected by his employees. Following his retirement with Niagara Mohawk, he delivered flowers for his loving daughter-in-law, Sherry Valvo, at Floral Fantasies for many years.

Robert was an active member of the Fredonia Beaver Club, St. Nick’s Club, Notre Dame Prayer Group, Stafford Country Club, and The Cursillo Movement. He was a trustee of St. Anthony’s Church, and a volunteer at the Fredonia Fire Department.

Robert was completely devoted to his family. Robert loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and found great joy in spending time with them. Family, faith, and friends were his life. He had the ability to light up the room with his smile and treated everyone with respect. Robert lived his life to the fullest. He faced the end of his life with great pride and immense courage. He touched the lives of so many, and his legacy lives on through his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine (Giambrone) Valvo, following 66 years of marriage. He is also survived by his 4 loving children: daughter Sally (Michael) Dorigo of Batavia; son Robert J. “Bob” (Sherry) Valvo, Jr. of Batavia; daughter Susan (James) Kelly of Connecticut; and daughter Michelle (Scott Mase) Schlossel of Batavia.

Affectionately known as “Papa,” he is also survived by 7 cherished grandchildren: Sarah Tsirtsakis; Jennifer (Nicholas) Parisi; Samantha Valvo; Courtney (Joey) Baker; Joseph Schlossel; Morgan (Nicholas Napierski) Schlossel; and Caitlin Kelly. He is further survived by 9 great grandchildren: Nikolaos, Alexandros, Kaliope, and Kalomira Tsirtsakis; Gianna and Aria Parisi; and Amelia, Knox, and Paxten Baker. He is further survived by sister Sally Manuel of California along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Due to the on-going Covid-19 Epidemic the Valvo family will privately Celebrate Bob’s Mass of Christian Burial and entombment in the Rev. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia, NY 14020 in Robert’s honor.

TO ALL FAMILY, EXTENDED FAMILY & FRIEND: BOB’S MASS, COMMITTAL AND MILITARY HONORS WILL BE BROADCAST ON THE FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE www.tomaszewskifh.com BEGINNING AT 3PM WEDNESDAY MAY 20.

 

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

Patricia M. Preston, age 82, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2020 after a brief battle with the Covid-19 virus. She was born August 30, 1937 in Batavia, New York to Cecil and Helen Wujick Moscicki. She married her husband of almost 60 years, Willard D. Preston III, in November of 1958, who preceded her in death in 2018.

Patricia was a member of the first graduation class of Notre Dame High School in Batavia, and a graduate of Rochester Business Institute. Patricia retired from the Genesee County Sherriff’s office where she worked as payroll coordinator for many years.

Patricia loved to spend time with her family. She especially enjoyed her family’s visits to The Villages, FL, where she and Willard spent much of their retirement. She loved golf cart rides and dancing in The Village Square with her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to join her family for a trip to the beach, or amusement park.

Patricia is survived by her brother, Robert Moscicki of Leesburg, FL; her three children Sharon (Alan) Porch of Bluffton, SC;  Linda (Michael) Bushart of Webster, NY; and Duane (Pamela) Preston of Batavia, NY; and nine grandchildren Mallory Porch, Mackenzie Porch, Caitlyn Porch, Christian Bushart, Aaron Bushart, Rachel Bushart, Kyler Preston, Evan Preston and Julia Preston. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

There are no prior calling hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on  Monday, June 29 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION). She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Ellicott Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 4955 N Bailey Ave #217, Amherst, New York 14226. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

BERNIE E. HANLEY ~ Age 84, of Batavia, died peacefully on Thursday evening May 7, 2020 at the home of his daughter while under the care of Hospice and his loving family. Bernie was born on February 9, 1936 in Fulton, NY, a son of the late Laurence and Mary (Welch) Hanley.

Bernie was a graduate of Batavia High School; he served his country honorably with the US Army during the Korean War and was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s). He was well known in the harness horse racing circuit as an owner/trainer for many years although most would remember Bernie and his wife Mary Ann as the owners and operators of Hanley’s Restaurant just across the street from Batavia Downs. As their golden years approached, they moved South to enjoy the sun for close to thirty years before moving back to Batavia to be closer to family. While in Florida Bernie was a member of the Deland Amvets Post #13 and the Deland Elks Lodge #1463 along with the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 in Batavia. He will be remembered as a hard-working man who loved his family deeply.  

Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Ann (Musshafen) Hanley of Batavia; children, Patrick (Carol) Hanley of Alabama, Elsie (Greg) Lee of Batavia and Dr. Greg (Angela) Hanley of Tennessee; brother, Larry (Mary) Hanley of Akron; 10 cherished grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Due to the on-going COVID-19 epidemic Bernie’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions in his memory are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice 26 Liberty Street Batavia, New York 14020 or at http://www.homecare-hospice.org

Please share your words of comfort with Bernie’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF BERNIE E. HANLEY IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 – (585)343-7500