Obituaries

Age 25, of Batavia, died unexpectedly Monday September, 5 2016. He was born January 6, 1991 in Ulsan City, South Korea a son of Jukeun Kim and Youngim Nam of S. Korea. 

Kevin arrived in the U.S.A. in February and instantly fell in love with America, he enjoyed Starbucks Coffee, McDonalds and Wegmans but always enjoyed his Korean favorites. He enjoyed music, local parks and gazing at the stars in the night sky. 

Surviving along with his parents is his loving husband, James R. Woodhams, III of Batavia and a brother, Gwangseop Kim in S. Korea. 

Family will be present to share fond memories of Kevin with friends from 6-8PM on Monday September 19 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020. Burial will be held privately by the family and memorials in his memory can be made to the family. 

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

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

Mrs. Sondericker graduated from Attica High School in 1960. She then graduated at Catherine McCauley School of Nursing in 1961.  She worked at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia for over 20 years. She also was a substitute nurse at Attica Central School for many years, as well as worked at Dr. William Guthringer for 8 years. Mrs. Sondericker attended Immanuel United Church of Christ in Orangeville and served many roles, but for the past few years has attended the Attica Baptist Church. She was the President of the Attica American Legion Auxiliary and Wyoming County American Legion Auxiliary. She also was the secretary for the Pleasant View Cemetery.

She is survived by her step-daughters; Brenda (Terry) Martin; Laurie (George) Burnison; Monica (Joseph) Kibler; Althea (James) Spencer; Donna (Mark) Kohlhagen; sister Beverly (Stub) Shaw; sister-in-law Helen Gephart; a brother Lester E. Gephart; 16 grandchildren, Paul (ex-wife Tanya) Martin; Beth (Rodney) Reisdorf; Wade (Melinda) Martin; Tina (Michael) Knapp; Susan (J. Scott) Baker; Robert (Hope) Burnison; Brian (Mandi) Burnison; Anthony (Melissa) Kibler; Steven (Tiffany) Kibler; Chad (Melissa) Kibler; Abigail (Jonah) Broughton; Briana (Barry) Ritzenthaler; Jill (Dustin) Brown; Cassie (Nick) Furr; Nicky (Courtney) Kohlhagen and Rachel (Bill) Kelly; 25 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on September 24, 2016 from 10:00AM – 12:00 Noon, with a Memorial Service to immediately follow after at Attica Baptist Church, 3 Prospect Street, Attica, NY 14011. She will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery, 2165 Exchange Street Road, Attica, New York

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Attica Baptist Church and Attica Rescue Squad. 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 St. Attica, New York 14011.

Pavilion - Alan J. “AJ” Hargrave, 55, of Pavilion, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, (September 15, 2016) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mr. Hargrave was born May 3, 1961 in Batavia, a son of Alberta Mae (Pursel) Hargrave of Pavilion and the late Monroe J. Hargrave.

AJ was a fisherman and self-proclaimed “Pizza Connoisseur.”  He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, and enjoyed watching Duck Dynasty and the Red Green Show.  He was an avid fan of “Earl Pitts” and Tradio on WCJW Radio.  Alan always had a helping hand and was able to offer one-liners to anyone.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Karen (Butler) Hargrave; children, Christina and Jarad; step-children, Paula (Ted) Cooper of Brockport, Becky (Greg) Waldron of CO, and Jennifer Kibbe of TX; brothers, John Hargrave of Pavilion, Stanley (Penny) Hargrave of Batavia; sisters, Elizabeth (late Alvin) Thurley of Pavilion, Gail (late Fay) Smith of E. Bethany, Jahn (Robert) Richburg of Warsaw.  Several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also survive.

Alan is preceded in death by a sister, Ramona Hargrave.

Family and Friends may call on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hargrave Residence, 10694 East Road, Pavilion.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, for distribution to various charities.

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

Batavia – Rev. Charles H. Lee, 81, of Batavia, a long time Presbyterian Pastor, passed away Wednesday (September 14, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Rev. Lee was born April 2, 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late H. Howard and Beryl (Moss) Lee.

Rev. Lee earned a Bachelor’s degree from Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA having majored in English; after which, he attended Pittsburgh Seminary, earning a Master’s of Theology in 1960.  Throughout his career, he had six pastorates in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and ending his career in New York.  For 14 years, Rev. Lee hosted a weekly radio ministry, airing every Sunday on WBTA Radio.  He was also a Chaplain at the VA Medical Center in Batavia for a number of years. 

Rev. Lee was a long time member of the Newcomerstown, OH Lodge of the F&AM and was a former member of the Batavia Lions Club.   He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed Muckdogs Baseball while his health allowed.  He also loved to read and complete puzzles.  

He is survived by his wife, Janet (Schmults) Lee, whom he married December 21, 1957.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth May Lee.

There will be no prior visitation.  Family and friends are invited to attend a Masonic Service on Monday (September 19, 2016) at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, 300 East Main St., where Rev. Lee’s Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Dr. Roula Alkhouri will officiate.  Private burial will be in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Age 62, of Mt. Vernon, KY, formerly of Oakfield, NY died peacefully Monday September 12, 2016 at Baptist Health-Richmond. He was born September 22, 1953 in Batavia, NY a son of the late Charles and Mary Lou (Versaggi) Battaglia. 

Mr. Battaglia was a former member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield and worked for many years as a teacher at the Attica Correctional Facility. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed country music. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 26 years, Loretta (Reese) Battaglia of KY; son, Timothy (Michelle) Battaglia of Batavia and their children, Anthony, Isabella and Jacob; son, Frank (Larissa) Battaglia, Jr. of FL along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The Battaglia family will be present from 6-7PM on Friday September 16 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020, where funeral services will begin at 7PM, with a dinner immediately following at the Dibble Family Family Center. Memorials in his memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice and burial will be held privately by the family. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Frank with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

 Oakfield - Florence W. Bruno, 94, of Oakfield, passed away Monday, (September 12, 2016) at the New York State Veterans Home, in Batavia.

Mrs. Bruno was born January 5, 1922 in Williamson, a daughter of the late Charles and Myrtle (Edmonds) Wilbor.

Florence was a member of the former Presbyterian Church in Oakfield.  She enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting, and gardening.  Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family.

She is the wife of the late Oliver J. Bruno, who passed away in 2013.

Surviving are her children, Sally (late David) Ross of Oakfield, Susan (Jan) Witkowski of Batavia, Stephen (Laura Feather) Bruno of Durham, NC, Peggy (late Carlos) Storti of Brazil, and Holly Wilson of Geneseo; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Phylis Wilbor of Ontario.

Mrs. Bruno is preceded in death by her brother, Jay Wilbor; and sister, Janet (late Lyle) Warner.

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Mrs. Bruno generously donated her body to the University of Rochester Medical School.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New York State Veterans Home - Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Basom - Evelyn M. (Swimline) Vella, 82, of Basom, a former owner of Batavia Motel in Batavia, died Monday, September 12, 2016 at her home.

Mrs. Vella was born October 3, 1933 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Celia (Mindwiser).

She was a graduate of Corfu High School and enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, boating and traveling.  She was a great traveler and visited casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.  She loved watching her children and grand-children at all of their activities. 

She was predeceased by 3 husbands, Glenn Swimline, Howard Hamilton and Donald Vella, her son, John Swimline and her grandson Kyle.

Survivors include 4 sons, Thomas (Vicki) Swimline of Corfu, Robert M. (Elizabeth) Swimline of IN, Ronald (Stacy) Swimline of Basom, and David (Lisa) Swimline of Batavia, a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Swimline of PA; 13 grandchildren, Joshua, Cory, Aaron, Eric, Jarod, Kevin, Annie, Rian, Michael, Nicole, Cody, Dakota, and Reagan; and 4 great-grandchildren, Annabel, Weston, Colton and Jenell.

There are no prior calling hours.  Services will be at the convenience of the family.  Memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements were completed by Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.  

Adrian“Art”Westdorp, 87, was born May 7, 1929.

Better Every Day is what Art always said, that was his way of telling himself to stay healthy, it was also his way of telling us he was one day closer to where he so desired to be, in the presence of the Lord, which happened to Art on August 23, 2016, with all of his children surrounding him, it was a sad day for us but the best day for him.

He was predeceased by his 3 brothers and 2 sisters from Holland and Australia.

Art belonged to Norte Dame prayer group, Senior Citizens group, YMCA, Salvation Army work core. He loved being a Eucharistic Minister, exercising, picking grape leaves and the Buffalo Sabres. His generosity continues as he donated his body to the University of Buffalo.

There will be a Memorial Mass at Resurrection Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia on September 17 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow in the downstairs fellowship hall of the church.

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

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Janet was a 1952 graduate of Alexander Central School, which is where she met Bill, and they were married on September, 18 1954. She was retired factory worker and housekeeper for many years in the Batavia area.  Janet was also involved in her community, being a lifetime member of Alexander United Methodist Church, participating in many church functions. She was also a member of Hobby Club and a Girl Scout leader. She enjoyed camping with her husband, baking, gardening, card playing and just spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband D. William “Bill” Kelsey, 5 children; Bruce (Amy) Kelsey of Alexander, Sharon (John) Riley of Alexander, Linda (Michael) Brade of Batavia, Diane (Steven) Kujawski of Batavia and Michele Papke (Mark Fitch) of Dale, NY. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many brothers and sisters in-law along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday September 12, 2016 from 4:00-7:00PM and Tuesday September 13^th from 9:45-10:45AM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will immediately follow at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Alexander Cemetery, Railroad Street in Alexander, New York.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alexander United Methodist Church 10540 Main St. Alexander, NY 14005 or Alexander Ambulance 10505 Main St. Alexander, NY 14005. 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 St. Attica, New York 14011.

He was a graduate of Letchworth Central School. He was a contract hauler for over 25 years, owning Hamilton Oil Co. in Castile before selling it a couple years ago. He was a member of the Oakland Lodge #379 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Castile, a former member of the Castile Fire Department and the New York State Holstein Association. He was a former President and coach of the Letchworth Little League and a coach for youth basketball. He enjoyed driving his tractor in area tractor pulls, raising and showing dairy cows, camping with his family and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.

He is survived by his wife: Paula (Johannes) Hamilton, 2 sons: Bryce and Ryan Hamilton both at home, mother: Judy (Roger) Goodenow of Castile, step-mother: Ellen Hamilton of Gowanda, Inlaws: Robert (Gail) Johannes of Hermitage, sister: Sharon (Randy) Boyd of Castile, brother: John (Georgeann) Hamilton of Bliss, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Saturday September 10, 2016 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Funeral services will be held on Sunday September 11th at 1:00pm at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Castile Rescue Squad P.O. Box 228 Castile, New York 14427 or to the Castile Fire Department P.O. Box 98 Castile, New York 14427. 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.

Kristi Nicole Ellis, 32, of Strykersville passed away at her home on Thursday, September 1, 2016. She was born March 19, 1984. She is the loving daughter of Sissy (Florence) Yott and Steven Ellis.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:30 AM Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Johnsonburg Cemetery on Centerline Road in Johnsonburg, New York. Lunch will follow at the Holy Family Community Hall, 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice. 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 St. Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - How do we paint a picture of a life of 99 years and 16 days? Here is a quick sketch.

Max Wilson Mason, Jr. was born in Batavia in 1917 into a family talented in arts and business acumen. His grandfather F.E. Mason started a small company which designed and manufactured foil labels.

Max's uncle, Roy M. Mason and his father Max W .Mason, Sr. worked there as did Max and his brother‐in‐law John Bertrand and later, John's sons: John and Jim. Max Jr. had the business sense: keeping orderly books, meticulous records and friendly dealings with all. Max, Sr, Roy and sister, Nina Mason Booth created beautiful oil and watercolor paintings which Max, Jr. greatly admired.

Max graduated from Colgate University where he earned with a B.A. in Economics. During WWII, he was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Force stationed in New Guinea where they built landing strips for the Allies.

In 1949, he married an Elba girl, Jane Bonney. They would have celebrated 67 remarkable years of marriage in October, full years enjoying outdoor activities of golf at Stafford Country Club, Sanibel Island vacations, cross country skiing, fishing in Florida and Keuka Lake and bird watching. Besides Jane, family and friends were top on Max's list. In later years, he was often found outside on the property tending to ski trails, watching birds or by the fire with Jane doing his crossword puzzles.

Besides Max Sr., Roy and Nina, Max was predeceased by his mother Alice C. Mason and sister Constance M. Bertrand (Connie).

Survivors include his beloved wife Jane, his daughter, Suzanne (Suzie) Mason Salo (Glenn P. Salo) from Pittsburgh, Pa and his son, Marc Preston Mason (Lisa Bartlett) from Keuka Lake, NY, his grandsons Marc Edward Salo and Scott Mason Salo from Pittsburgh, Pa, also his nieces and nephews: John Bertrand (Victoria Bertrand), Alison Bertrand, James Bertrand (Joann Bertrand), Elizabeth Stratton (Jim), Beau Stratton (Carol), Holly Dill and several great nieces and nephews. Many fabulous neighbors and friends from all over will miss him.

Max died peacefully at home in his chair with his family by his side September 7, 2016. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Friends may call on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co, Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lynn A. Taylor, 74 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (September 5, 2016) at Genesee County Nursing Home.

He was born August 8, 1942, in Batavia, a son of the late Harry and Martha Moulton Taylor.

Mr. Taylor was employed by Abbershien Farms in North Java prior to his retirement. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing blue grass music and also enjoyed crocheting, crafts and woodworking.

Survivors include his wife, Josephine Penkszyk-Taylor of Batavia. His children, including Amy (Archill Jr.) Snell of Elba and Paul Burch of Elba. Brother, Neal (Linda) Taylor of Fredonia. Also survived by grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Gary Taylor.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (Sept 12^th) from 2-3pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 3pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. 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.