Skip to main content

Obituaries

David Wise

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - David Wise, 64 of Bergen passed away on Tuesday, (February 1, 2022) at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Wise was born February 22, 1957.

There will be no visitation or services. He will be laid to rest in privately in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia. Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Virginia E. Laskey

By Ronald Konieczny

Virginia E. (Black) Laskey, 80, born November 15, 1941 in Clyde, PA and who lived in Elba, NY since 1967, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at her residence.

She was the daughter of the late Leonard E. Black and Florence E. Crawford Black of Indian Falls, NY, formerly of New Florence and Blairsville, PA.

She was known as “Ginger” to family and many of her friends and acquaintances and was a singer around the area for many years in the late 1960’s thru the 1990’s in local Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music. She sang at the monthly jam sessions at Bennington Lanes and at the Brockport monthly get-togethers. She also made one appearance at a jamboree at North Fork Park in Warsaw. She was also known around areas of Southern PA at Bluegrass Jam Sessions and local jamborees.

When she started working at Honeywell Braukmann, her boss started calling her “Ginny” and the name stuck through her years at Honeywell (where she became Assembly Dept. Supervisor), Kistner Concrete in E. Pembroke and the V.A. Medical Center in Batavia. In addition to her singing, Mrs. Laskey loved deer hunting and fishing. She also loved “creating” greeting cards for her family and friends on her computer after she retired from the V.A. in 2005.

She is survived by her stepson, Jesse Laskey of San Diego, CA and her “adopted” daughter, Marcy Prentice (Bruce). “Adopted” Grandsons, Bruce III, Jordan (Ratana and daughter Lily) and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, James Laskey Jr and was a sister of the late Raymond Black of Indian Falls, Betty Redilla of Blairsville, PA, Jean Henderson of New Florence, PA and Lenora Durham of Oakfield and Batavia.

Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Sunday (March 13th) from 1-4pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 4pm.

Burial will be in Indian Falls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. 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.

 

 

Harvey Sidney Bartz Sr.

By T.J. Woodward

  Mr. Harvey Sidney Bartz, Sr., 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born September 16, 1931; son of the late John and Flossie (Harvey) Bartz. He was the husband of the late Mildred (Alwardt) Bartz. Harvey is preceded in death by brothers, William, Albert, John, Robert, Francis, Henry Bartz, and half brother James Heale; sisters, Viola Hale, Mable Bartz, Bertha Gage, Julia Wallace, a daughter-in-law, Donna Bartz and brother-in-law Brett McGraw.

Harvey worked at E.N. Rowell Company as a Printing Press Operator for thirty nine years, also worked at Oatka Milk for 15 years before retiring in 1994 and was a part-time Custodian at Alexander United Methodist Church, being a member of this church for many years. He was also President of Alexander Happy Agers. Harvey and wife Lauren were directors of Vacation Bible Adventure for nine years.

He was noted for his work ethic, taking wonderful care of his wife, loved taking care of the Lord’s House at Alexander Methodist Church and enjoyed working in the flower beds and riding his John Deere “convertible” tractor while keeping the yard looking beautiful. He loved his family and will certainly be missed by them.

Surviving is his wife, Lauren (McGraw) Bartz of Batavia; children, Constance Spring of WI, Thomas (Betty) Bartz of Alexander, Harvey “Skip” (Nancy) Bartz Jr. of Alexander, Catherine (Richard) Maniace of FL, Deborah (Ronald) Spink of Batavia, Arnold (Brenda) Bartz of Batavia, Rev. John Bartz of FL, step-daughter, Amy (David) Wagner of TX, along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; sister Elizabeth Heale, four sisters-in-law, Ruth McVay, Linda McGraw, Alice Bartz and Virginia Gayton, along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours or Services. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main St., Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011

Rita Marie O'Connor

By LaVern Falcone

Rita Marie O’Connor passed away on March 9, 2022 at her home in LeRoy, NY in the presence of her loving family.

  

   Rita was born on September 29, 1934 in LeRoy, the youngest of nine children of the late Louis and Josephine Palumbo Butera.

     Rita is survived by her daughter, Beth (Mike) Coleman and grandson, Michael of Yulee, FL and her son, Timothy (Lee Ann) O’Connor and grandsons, Thomas, John and Mark, of Boca Raton, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.

     She was predeceased by her husband and one true love, Thomas J. O’Connor and siblings, Peter, Catal, Ignatius and Frank Butera, all of Pittston, PA, Mary (Louis) Frank, Leona (John) Mancuso, and Theresa Butera, all of LeRoy, NY and Charles (Meta) Butera of Livonia, NY.

    After completing training at Bryant and Stratton College, Rita worked at the Edith Hartwell Clinic and then as a bookkeeper for the Rochester Telephone Company for 17 years and then as an interpreter for the Genesee Country Village & Museum for 26 years, a role which brought her great enjoyment.

     Rita was a generous woman with a beautiful soul, who devoted her life to the care of her family.  Her grandsons became her reason for living and they adored her in return.

     Her final years were made so much more meaningful by the incredible care and love she received from her aides – Molly, Martha, Danielle, Michelle, Olivia, Cheryl and Sharon, who became a second family to her and filled her days with untold kindness.

     She will be remembered as a woman with an unlimited capacity to love her family and friends and for her ability to add joy to those whose lives she touched.  For this, and so much more, she will be dearly missed.

     Rita was a devout Catholic and a woman who possessed throughout her life, an enduring faith in God.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, March 25 from 4 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 26 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  A reception will follow Rita's mass and burial.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY 14511 (585) 294-8253.  http://www.gcv.org/give-join/give-now/

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

Gerald A. Shea

By Joshua Smith

Gerald A. Shea, 79, of Batavia, passed away on March 4, 2022 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Gerald was born August 30, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late Howard and Elizabeth (Bloor) Shea.

Surviving are his brothers William (late Marie) Shea of Bethany, Robert (Mary) Shea of Victor, Francis (Linda) Shea of Mt. Morris, John (Linda) Shea of Arvada, CO, Patrick (Vickie) Shea of Surprise, AZ; a sister, Ruth (David) Hodgins of Alexander and several nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Cudney.   

Services will be held at a later date.  Gerald will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society,www.cancer.org.  

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

Arrangements for Gerald were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

John E. Novak

By Lisa Ace


 

Today we express our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and students of John E. Novak, age 85, of Mansfield, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at home with family by his side. Jack was a one-of-a-kind educator and mentor, who saw the potential in all of his students and strived to make school fun for his "kids." Full obituary and service details below:

John E. Novak, age 85, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at home with family by his side. He married Jane (Glor) Novak on August 31, 1957, sharing nearly 65 years of marriage together. Born September 7, 1936, in Dannemora, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Evertts) Novak.
Enhancing the minds and spirits of every student he had was Jack’s greatest passion throughout his entire life and career in education. He took great pride in every teaching position he held, beginning his career in Attica and Alexander, NY, then retiring as Principal from Warren L. Miller Elementary, after 27 years (1966-1993), and lastly, supervised student teachers for 10 years at Elmira College. Jack had a special heart and caring spirit, always helping others in need through actions such as continuously promoting and implementing advantages for students with disabilities before it was required. His Warren L. Miller “kids” were like his own, no matter how much time passed, he knew them all by name when seen in public and made them feel special. Jack’s goal was to make school fun for his “kids” by supporting football Fridays, arts week, poster contests, plays, music events and assemblies. 

Jack obtained his education from the Attica High School, class of 1954, Brockport State College, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and Buffalo State, where he received his master's degree. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mansfield, Attica Masonic Lodge #462-F&A.M., Mansfield Rotary and Mansfield Men’s Chorus. He also served on the Board of Directors for North Penn Comprehensive Health Services, First Citizens National Bank, Guthrie Healthcare, and the Green Home. A few other notable examples of Jack’s incredible list of community service and involvement would include serving on the Girl Scouts Council, as member of both the Helen Lutes Foundation and Marsha K. Mase Foundation and co-directing the Mansfield University gifted camp for several years, alongside Dr. John Heaps. Jack was also recognized as the 1995 Mansfield Citizen of the Year and inducted into the Attica Central School Hall of Fame in 2012.
Above all, Jack’s loving wife, Jane, and entire family were most important to him, whether he was fossil hunting with his kids, trout fishing in Asaph, spending time at Waneta Lake or hosting an outing at Buckhorn Camp in the Adirondacks. Additionally, he had a hobby of writing books about his family and friends, and the expeditions they took together. In recent years, he has been interested in his family’s genealogy and has done a respectable job in that research, with assistance from his family. Jack’s one-of-a-kind spirit, based in education and generosity, will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jane G. Novak; daughters, Jill Wood (John Jasensky), Jody (Doug) Thomas, Jenny (Lynn) Kilmer; grandchildren, Heather (Dan) Ream, Chris (Amy) Wood, Tyler Wood (Hazel Cummings), Laura (Luke) Straniere, Erin (Andy) Trant, Kreslynn Kilmer, and Kaelynn Kilmer; great grandchildren, Emma, Aidan, Colton, Levi, Cole, Barrett, Cory, Avery, Allie, Wyatt and Jack; sister, JoAnn (Roger) Triftshauser; several nieces & nephews; and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Deborah Novak; in-laws, Ellie & Elaine Glor, Catherine & Thomas Hare, Lester Glor, and Brenda Gassman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Maynard & Marjorie Glor.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider supporting Jack’s love of community service by donating to the John E. Novak Scholarship Fund at First Citizens Community Bank, 15 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933.

Family and friend are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, March 10, 2022, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., at Wilston Funeral Home, 130 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933. Jack’s memorial service will be held privately at the convenience of his family, and a celebration of his life may be held and announced at a later date, www.wilstonfh.com.

Mr. Ronald B. Sackett

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - Ronald B. Sackett, 83 of Bergen passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Ron was born Monday, January 2nd, 1939 in Brockport, a son of the late Burton Sackett and Mildred Reynolds Sackett.

A member of the Hesperus Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons in Bergen for 55 years, Ron was a lifetime member of the Merrill-Sackett-White American Legion Post #575 where he served as commander twice and Bergen Fire Department where he served as Fire Chief three times. A lifetime member of the Bergen Rod & Gun Club he was an original member of the Genesee County  Joint Veterans Council. An avid fisherman and hunter, he loved being with his dogs. A United States Marine Corps veteran, he proudly served his country from 1956-1959.

Ronald is the husband of Gale Y. Sackett who passed away on September 2, 2002.

Surviving are his brothers, Bruce Sackett of Kalispell, Montana and Roger (Barbara) Sackett of Connersville, Indiana; step-children, John (Diane) Prince, Jr. of North Carolina, Scott Prince of Hamlin and Karen (Beryl) Noble of Batavia; seven grandchildren, special friends, Cynthia Mattoon of Bergen and Mimi Brown of Byron; and nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Valerie R. Spencer.

There are no prior visiting hours.  Masonic services will begin at 1 pm on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at the Bergen Fire Department, 10 Hunter Street, Bergen. Memorial services for Ron will immediately follow the masonic service. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416 or the Merrill-Sackett-White American Legion Post #575, P.O. Box 207, Bergen, New York 14416.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mr. James R. Hinkson "Hink"

By Joshua Smith

East Bethany - James R. Hinkson, "Hink", age 68, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 while on hospice at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Hink as born on September 22, 1953, in Batavia, NY to the late Robert and Margaret Schug Hinkson.

Hink worked as an inside salesman for 40 years at Calibrated Charts in Batavia, New York and GotToGo Electric in LeRoy, New York. Hink was a member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department and was a diehard Cleveland sports fan, including the Indians, Cavaliers and yes even his beloved Browns. In his free time, you could find him playing golf, skiing, camping with his family and friends, enjoying the outdoors while maintaining the upkeep of his yard with his wife, taking walks with his family and Golden Retrievers, attending his kid's sporting events, school functions and even dance recitals and competitions, spending time with his three grandkids, playing basketball or working out at the YMCA and enjoying the simplicity of life. Hink was easy going and the kind of guy you'd want to be around.

A man of few words but he was always ready to make people laugh with his witty humor and one liners. Hink had an ability to always see the good in every situation no matter what. He was known of his genuine kindness and gentle demeanor. Everyone loved his company. Hink didn't let much upset him and he lived by the motto of "you can't always get what you want" by the Rolling Stones. Hink was a husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather and friend and an irreplaceable one at that. His kindness and caring heart will be carried through all that knew him. He was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 32 years, Glenna; son, Jesse (Sara) of Brooklyn, NY; daughters, Alyssa (Patrick) Murphy of Colonie, NY and Kaleigh (Jamie Scherer) at home; grandchildren, Connor James, Finn Joseph and Nora Janet Murphy. He is also survived by his brother, David of Batavia, NY, sister, Patty Ellen (James) Welch of Phoenix, Az.; nephew, Michael (Kelley) Welch of Savannah, Ga.; nieces, Katie (Michael Szymanski Welch and Kasey (David Petrosky) Welch, both of Phoenix, Az., sister-in-law, Beth (late Stephen) Hooker of Wyoming, NY; step-nieces, Kristin Luxon of Dansville, NY (her sons Daniel and Allen) and Nicole (Jon) Parkhurst (their children Nora, Matthew and Joseph) of East Bethany, NY; his aunt, Josie (late James) Schug of Ithaca, NY and several cousins.

He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Margaret (Schug) Hinkson, his in-laws, Glen and Huletta (Darch) Lambien and many aunts and uncles.

Friends may call on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the H.E Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Hink's funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis by going online at http://www.themiamiproject.org. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Mary E. "Johnnie" Wilford

By Joshua Smith

Elba - Mary E. "Johnnie" Wilford, age 89, passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at The Friendly Home in Rochester.

She was born on August 8, 1932 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Edward L. Hottois and Bessie Johnson Hottois.  Mary grew up in North Bergen and graduated from South Byron High School.  She worked as an accountant at Batavia Times Publishing Co., Peterson Drug Company, and R&W Trucking and Excavating before her retirement. On May 26, 1951, Mary married the love of her life, Eugene “Bink” Wilford.

Always referring to herself as a “country girl”, Mary learned to drive a tractor before a car!  In their retirement, the pair loved to camp and travel, visiting 49 of the states.  Their dog, Lori Lee, was never far behind.  Especially if there were treats involved.  Mary loved to be outdoors and was known for her green thumb.  She possessed the rare gift of bringing light and life into every room she entered.  From hosting family holidays to making sure to speak to every person at her granddaughter (Lisa Freeman)’s wedding.  And then “borrowing” their drinks.

 Mary touched many lives through her charity work and volunteering.  She was a member for 70 years of the Elba First Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and Deacon.  Her love of baking, cooking, and fellowship was shown in her participation in church bake sales, pot luck dinners, and the annual Turkey Supper every November, always sharing her famous “sweet rolls” with friends and family. 
 
She was a natural born caregiver, spending many years volunteering with Crossroads House, Genesee Co. Hospice Foundation, Catholic Charities Home Visitation Program, and the Genesee County Senior Center.
 
She is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Eugene J. "Bink" Wilford, who passed away on December 12, 2004, her sister, Priscilla (late Frederick) Facer, and two brothers, Edward P. (late Mabel) Hottois and David L. Hottois.

 She is survived by her children, Debra (Derek) Reiss, Randy (Lorene) Wilford and Cindy (Scott) Freeman; grandchildren, Robert Reiss, Erika Reiss, Stephanie (Shawn) Eadie, Adam (Lexy) Wilford, Cody (Kari) Wilford, Lisa (Christina) Freeman and Christopher (Melissa) Freeman; four great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild; her sister, Dorothy (Floyd) Smith of Fremont, California, and several nieces and nephews.
 
Friends may call on Wednesday, March 9th, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street. Memorial services will immediately follow visitation at 6:30 pm. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bernadette R. Mills

By LaVern Falcone

Bernadette R. Mills, 76 of LeRoy, NY passed away on March 1, 2022 after an 8 month battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a blood cancer.

   

  Bernadette was born on August 25,1945 to Mary and Constance Sawczyk in Niagara Falls, NY. After she graduated from Madonna High School in 1963, she went on to study at Niagara University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She had a 40 year career as a RN in hospitals, a professor at Genesee Community College, doctor’s offices, and finally again at GCC where she ran the nursing lab, helping students master their nursing skills.

     Bernadette enjoyed helping people, reading, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

     Bernadette is predeceased by her parents, Mary and Constance, her siblings, Sylvia Svitak, Elizabeth Sawczyk and Anthony Sawczyk, as well as her grandson, Zachary Frey and son-in-law, Todd Wojtalewski. She is survived by her husband, M. David Mills, her sister, Constance Molinaro, her daughter, Lauren Wojtalewski (fiancé, James), her step children, Sylvia Karn (Ronald), Lisa Frey (partner, Steve), Thomas Mills (Renee), and Jonathan Mills, as well as her grandchildren, Joshua, Benjamin, Alissa, Stacey, and Charles.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 12 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her Service of Remembrance will be held at 4:00 PM.  Friends are invited to join the family for a reception at The LeRoyan at Mercy Grove, 7758 E Main St, LeRoy, NY 14482 immediately following services.

     In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Golisano Children’s Hospital, 300 East River Road, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627

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

Norman J. Kehl

By T.J. Woodward

  Norman J. Kehl, 83, of Sheldon, passed away on March 2, 2022 at Wyoming County Nursing Facility after a long illness. He was born June 5, 1938 in Sheldon, NY, son of the late Peter J. & Catherine (Fugle). 

He is survived by his wife Carol M. (Minkel) of 63 years, five children, Jeffrey (Nancy), Randall (Marcia), Jason (Melissa), Bryan (Linda) and Julie (Thomas) Jeziorski, twelve grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was brother to the late Robert Kehl (Violet).  He is survived by a brother and sister, Donald (Peggy) Kehl and Joan (John) George.

Norman lived in Sheldon, NY his entire life.  He was a third generation dairy farmer as well as a maple syrup producing enthusiast.  He was a lifelong member of the Sheldon Fire Department and St. Cecilia’s/St. John Neumann parish. He was an avid volunteer for the American Red Cross and served on many disaster assignments over his 30 year career. He was involved in 4-H, FFA, Wyoming County Fair and volunteered at Excalibur Leisure Skills. He also was involved in and traveled to Eastern European countries through the VOCA (Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance) and AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation) where he worked with farmers to farmers aid programs teaching farmers how to improve agricultural best practices. Along with his involvement with many volunteer organizations, he was employed as a part time truck driver for various companies.

Family and friends are invited to call from 10:00-11:00AM on Saturday March 12, 2022 at St. John Neumann Church, 991 Centerline Rd. Sheldon, NY. An 11:00AM Catholic Mass will immediately follow visitation at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County American Red Cross, 109 Main St., Batavia NY, St. John Neumann Church, 3854 Main St. Strykersville, NY and Gateway Home, 91 Main St. Attica NY. To leave thoughts or condolences please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Patricia E. Parness

By Joshua Smith

Patricia E. Parness, 86, of Batavia, passed away on February 25, 2022 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw.

Patricia was born September 8, 1935 in Darien, a daughter of the late Earl and Laura (Patroni) Amidon.

A member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, Patricia enjoyed gardening, horseback riding, music, spending time with her family and talking with her sisters on the phone.   She worked in building management at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

Surviving are grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) Parness, Glenn Jr. (Jackie) Parness and Maryann (George) Martinez; long time friend William Pfalzer and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Parness; stepsons, Glenn and Gregory Parness; sisters, Norma McClurg, Thelma Crittenden, Lois Kelly and Ramona Kelly and her brother, Douglas Amidon.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 10 from 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Patricia's funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. also on Thursday.  She will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road, Corfu, NY 14036 or to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, www.roswellpark.org.  

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

William L. "Wild Bill" Herrington

By Joshua Smith

William L. "Wild Bill" Herrington, 83, of Byron, passed away on February 20, 2022 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

William was born September 8, 1938 in Portville, a son of the late Edward and Auta (Cline) Herrington.

After his retirement, he enjoyed gold panning.  William loved John Deere tractors.

Surviving are three step-children, Ellen Boyce, Douglas Coveny and Charles Coveny; a marriage to Doris Bater that ended in divorce; brother, Robert Herrington; a sister, Shirley Nelson and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his brother, Burton Herrington.

William's Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 at the Byron Hotel, 6874 Route 237 in Byron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Red Cross, www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html.

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

Arrangements for William were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Mary (Betty) Elizabeth Barsuk

By Joshua Smith

Mary (Betty) Elizabeth Barsuk, 95, of Batavia passed away at her home Wednesday evening.

Mary, daughter of Charles and Isabella Sivret, was born in Tupper Lake, NY and lived most her life in Batavia.  

She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Joseph Barsuk, her brother, Dr. Alexander Sivret and sons Robert Fowler and James Fowler.

She is survived by her sister Gertrude (Henry) Gorski, sons Joseph Barsuk Jr, David Barsuk and Harry Barsuk, daughters Myra Pecchio, Cheryl (Luciano) Perez, Ann (David) Kehrer, Doreen Barsuk and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary Unit 49.

Family and Friends are invited to attend Mary's Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 9:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street in Batavia. Burial will be at a later date in Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.

Arrangements for Mary were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. To leave a message of condolence, share a story, or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Leslie W. Ames

By Lisa Ace


Hilton - Leslie W. Ames passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the age of 77. He is survived by his children, Deborah (Leo) Starowitz, Rebecca Ames and Jeff (Erica Jacobs) Ames; his daughter-in-law, Christy Ames; his sister, Nancy Chapman; his grandchildren, Daniel and Timothy Starowitz, Joshua (Kaitlyn) Harris, Clark, Liam and Ethan Ames; his great-grandchildren, Braiden and Braxton; his former wife, Sue (Mason) Ames; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by predeceased by his parents, John Ames and Eunice (Goodliff) Ames, and his sisters, Ann Kelsey and Carole Zeigler. 

Les graduated from Elba High School in 1962 and from Alfred State University in 1964. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1965-1971. He moved to Hilton in 1974.  Les was a Foreman for Dover Elevators for many years, as well as helping with the family car dealership.  He enjoyed hunting, being at camp in the Adirondacks and spending time with his friends, family and grandchildren. 

A private Graveside Service will be held in North Byron Cemetery at the convenience of the family. 

Contributions can be made in memory of Leslie to a charity of your choice.

Authentically Local