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Obituaries

Christopher R. Haitz

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Christopher R. Haitz, age 46, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 1, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born February 1, 1971 in Buffalo, a son of James F. Haitz, Sr. of Batavia and Pamela Maggio Haitz of Rhode Island.

Surviving along with his parents are his brothers; James F Haitz, Jr., Timothy Haitz, Jeffrey Haitz, Craig Haitz and Peter Haitz and several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours. His services will be held on Saturday, December 9th in the Community Room at the South Campus of Northgate Free Methodist Church, 350 Bank Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Vincent J. Meli

By Ronald Konieczny

Vincent J. Meli  of Silver Lake NY, formerly of Oakfield NY, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017 peacefully at his home with his family by his side under the care of Hospice.

Vincent was born in Buffalo, NY on October 4, 1930, a son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Bonifin) Meli. Brother of the late Mary Fulkerson. 

He served his country in the US Navy in 1947  and the US Army during the Korean War.  Mr. Meli along with his wife Carol owned and operated the Edgewood Restaurant in Bergen NY for 20 years He enjoyed cooking and gardening at the restaurant as well as his home at the lake.  He worked hard to make his gardens something he could be proud of and his house on Silver Lake won the home of distinction in 2009 which earned him an award.

Surviving along with his wife Carol (Davis) Meli whom he married May 22, 1976  are his daughter, Penny Meli; two grandsons, Joseph Meli, and Justin Meli; two great grand daughters, Zoey Meli and Fayt Meli; brother, Salvatore (Sam) Meli;  brother in-law, Jim Fulkerson; niece, Diane Fulkerson; brother in-law, Lowell (Eleanor) Davis; sister in-law, Shirley Peters. 

Funeral services will be private for the convenience of the family. Interment will take place in the future Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke NY.

Memorial contributions in Vincent's name may be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center,  601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642 or Homecare & Hospice, 450 N Main St #3, Warsaw, NY 14569. Expressions of condolence maybe 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.

 

ANGELO L. VISCUSO

By Michael Tomaszewski

ANGELO L. VISCUSO ~ Batavia

Age 81, died peacefully Thursday evening November 30, 2017 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born December 27, 1935 in Batavia to the late Louis and Teresa (Pillo) Viscuso also preceded in death by beloved wife Patricia G. (Graham) Viscuso and brother, Louis. 

Mr. Viscuso was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's). A professional drummer who played with Billy Quad & The Ravens along with many area bands. 

Surviving are his loving children, Theresa Viscuso of Houston, TX, Mary Margaret (Mark) Mruczek of Houston, TX and their children, Rachel & Renee, Daniel P. Viscuso of Batavia and his daughter, Nicolette, Patrick Viscuso of Batavia, Joan E. (Norbie) Torres and their daughter, Olivia along with several nieces and nephews. 

Please join the Viscuso family to celebrate Angelo's Mass of Christian Burial 11am Wednesday December 6, 2017 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site), he will be entombed in the Rev. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are Genesee County Animal Shelter/Volunteers for Animals 3837 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

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

JOSEPH J. CHOKA, JR.

By Michael Tomaszewski

JOSEPH J. CHOKA, JR. ~ Bergen

Age 87, avid photographer and owner of Suburban Photo Services in Hilton for many years, died Wednesday evening November 29, 2017 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. He was born December 10, 1929 in Dearborn, MI to the late Joseph J. and Helen (Torque) Choka, Sr. also preceded in death by siblings, Helen Choka, Violet Pickering and Edward Choka

Joe was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict and along with his photo service worked and retired from the Eastman Kodak, Co. He loved boating, fishing and hunting and was a longtime member and past president of the Hilton Lions Club. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 28 years, Sharon (Bogue) Choka of Bergen; children, Ann (Mario) Tufano of Hilton, Joseph J. (Susan) Choka III of Missouri, Lynn Sepor of Orchard Park, Mark (Lisa) Wadd of Pavilion; grandchildren, Tara (Richard) Guck, Tanya Tufano, Mario F. Tufano III, Richard Sepor, Jake Sepor, Rachel Wadd, Joseph J. (Nick) Choka IV, Stacey (Skylar) Choka, Matthew Choka, Jeremiah Choka, Emily Choka, Olivia Choka; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Oren Guck; mother-in-law, Vera Maitland of Eden, NY; brother-in-law Larry Pickering of Michigan; sister-in-law, Elaine Choka of TN along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

The Choka family will be present from 4-8pm on Monday December 4, 2017at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where funeral services will be held 11:00am Tuesday December 5, he will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Joe with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

WALTER A. CARNEY

By Michael Tomaszewski

WALTER A. CARNEY ~ Batavia

Age 50, of Alexander, NY, died Monday evening, November 27, 2017 at United Memorial medical Center. He was born in Batavia, NY on December 18, 1966, a son of the late Roland and Raylene (Gregory) Carney also preceded in death by a nephew, Jamie Carney.

Walt was the owner/operator of Wally Wash in Batavia for many years and most recently was employed by the Batavia City School District. He enjoyed playing the guitar, gardening, woodworking and was known to be a good ole fashioned "Junk Collector." He will be remembered for the great father he was to his son and his sons friends and that he simply was always ready to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his pride and joy, Matthew Carney of Alexander; siblings, David (Elizabeth) Carney of Batavia, Ann (Michael) Wesner of FL and Lee (David) Luo of FL; nieces/nephews, Joshua (Holly) Carney, Holly (Desmond Blackshear) Carney, Gregory (Alicia Hale) Carney, Patrick (Amanda) Carney and Lindsay (Brett Frank) Carney along with 10 great nieces/nephews and many friends. 

The Carney family will be present from 2-4pm on Sunday December 3, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 4pm. He will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu and memorials in his memory are suggested to the family. 

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

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

Joy Marie Yousey

By Joshua Smith

Basom - Joy Marie Yousey, 66, of Basom, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at her home.

Joy was born October 21, 1951 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Roy and Eleanor (Woodruff) Klotzbach.

Joy will be remembered for being a wonderful mother, who loved being with her children and grandchildren.  She was a kindergarten teacher at Oakfield - Alabama Central School and attended One Church in Akron.

Survivors include her husband, Randy Yousey of Basom; children, Rachael (Scott) Raba of Rockville, MD, Ruth (Tim) Keen of Apex, NC and Jared (Beth) Yousey of Scipio Center; her grandchildren, Gabriella, Luke, Noah, Seth, Quinn and Harper; two brothers, Peter (Carol) Klotzbach of Buffalo and Thomas (Mary) Klotzbach of Livermore, CA; one sister, Kathy (Richard) Craig of Indian Falls and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at One Church (formerly Akron Free Methodist Church), 6 Scotland Road, Akron, where services will be on Monday at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.com/donate.

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

Arrangements were completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.

 

 

 

Judy C. Fiscus

By Joshua Smith

Byron - Judy C. Fiscus, 66, of Byron, died Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at her home in Byron.

Ms. Fiscus was born May 12, 1951 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Myron L. "Bud" and Arloine (Wilson) Beale.

She loved her grandchildren and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan. She had worked as a dietary aid at Lakeside Beikirch Nursing Home.

Survivors include her 5 children, Ami (Rob) LaDuc of Liverpool, Rob (Christine) Fiscus of TX,  Christina Fiscus of Byron, Roni (Roy) Ware of Rochester and Danielle Rozell of Batavia, 12 grandchildren, Dajuandrick, Zyaire, Jerome, Shawna, Siah, Sade, Kamre, Khloe, Katie, Ellie, Jacob and Josef; 2 brothers, Dick (Charlene) Beale of Churchville  and Bobby Beale of LeRoy; 2 sisters, Barb Beale Velte of PA and Deborah Culver of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.  

Services will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Checks may be made payable to Christine Fiscus.  Arrangements are being completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mae D. Werner

By T.J. Woodward

  Mae D. Werner, 89, of Attica passed away peacefully on Monday November 27, 2017 at Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home in Perry surrounded by family.  She was born on May 15, 1928 in Buffalo to the late Lawrence and Myrtle (Reigle) Hedger.  In addition to her parents, Mae is predeceased by her loving husband Leo Anthony Werner and son Father Lary Werner.  

Mae worked at Westinghouse in Attica in the payroll department for more than 2 years. She married Leo Werner and raised 9 children. Later Mae managed the family business, where they grew strawberries and Christmas trees. She is best known for her cooking, whether it was a meal for 6 people or 60. She made sure no one went hungry and everything was made with love. Mae will best be remembered for her unconditional love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She truly was the leader, heart and soul of the family and her love only strengthened the ties between us.  

She is survived by her children; Keith (Lee) Werner, Dan (Debbie) Werner, Judy (Jim) Sheehan, Mary (Kevin) Sheehan, Marty (Chris) Werner, Donna (Stan) Willey, Jerry (Nora) Werner, John Werner; grandchildren Anne, Danny, Eric, Nicole, Renée, Larry, Joe, Jason, Megan, Mike, Paul, Josh, Katelyn, Rachel, Moira, Leia, Ciara and Samantha; 11 great-grandchildren

Family and Friends are invited to call on Thursday November 30, 2017 from 2-4PM & 6-8PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday December 1st at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave, in Attica. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

ANTHONY A. RUFFINO

By Michael Tomaszewski

ANTHONY A. RUFFINO Age 74, of Elba, died Sunday morning November 26, 2017 at home under the care of his loving wife. He was born February 22, 1943 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Charles T. and Lucie M. (Capella) Ruffino.

Mr. Ruffino was educated at SUNY Brockport receiving a B.S. in 1964. He was awarded a teaching assistant position at the University of North Carolina subsequently receiving a Master of Arts in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Mr. Ruffino was an educator for many years at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, N.Y. from 1970 to 1995. He also taught at Attica Central School and a Summer Pace Program at G.C.C..

Surviving is his beloved wife of 45 years, Sandra T. (Kovarovic) Ruffino of Elba; brother, Charles (Janet) Ruffino of Batavia and sister, Mary Anne (Jim) Sweeney of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews.

The Ruffino family will be present from 4-8pm on Thursday November 30, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where Funeral Services will be held 11:00am Friday December 1. He will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville, NY. Donations should be made out to St. Padre Pio Parish, Elba, NY.

For more information and to share your kind words with Tony’s family please go to www.tomaszewskifh.com or call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

TORI ELIZABETH NIGRO

By Michael Tomaszewski

TORI ELIZABETH NIGRO Age 19, of Alexander, died Friday November 24, 2017 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in West Batavia. She was born September 17, 1998 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of Danielle (John Alberts) Nigro of Alexander and Andy Kochmanski of Darien.

Tori was a graduate of Batavia High School and was attending GCC to earn a degree in Child Psychology, she worked at the Home Depot in Batavia. She enjoyed cosplaying, was active in drama club and always eager to lend a hand, she was a blood donor and a volunteer at Crossroads House. Tori played the guitar, had a wonderful sense of humor, loved her family and was an amazing “Big Sister.”

Surviving along with her parents are her brothers/sisters, Mckenzy Nigro, Kayla & Haylee Diogaurdi, Jasmin Long, Autumn Lang, Izayah & Aivery Alberts, Joseph & Logan Kochmanski; boyfriend, Alex Mott; grandparents, Anthony Nigro, Patricia Diaz, Frederick (late Sheila) Kochmanski; great grandmothers, Norma Hale and Ramona Wery; aunts/uncles, Benjamin Long, Jennifer Gangi, Brianna Hale, Ethan Diaz, Alexandra Wagoner, Taya Boatman, Benjamin (Tammy) Kochmanski, Peter (Jillian) Kochmanski and Frederick M. “Ricky” Kochmanski along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tori’s family will be present from 6-9PM on Thursday November 30, 2017 at the Grace Baptist Church 238 Vine Street Batavia, New York 14020, where a Celebration of Life will be held 10:00AM Friday December 1. She will be laid to rest in Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery in Darien Center, in lieu of flowers memorials in her memory are suggested to the family.

For more information and to share your kind words with the family please go to www.tomaszewskifh.com or call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Mrs. Lorraine I. "Lori" Sloat

By Joshua Smith

Loveland, Colorado -Lorraine I. “Lori” Sloat, age 95, of Loveland, Colorado passed away on November 23, 2017 at Seven Oaks Memory Care in Loveland.

Lorraine was born on March 22, 1922, in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Fred Otto and Irene Siebert Pletzker.

Her interests were always her family, traveling, playing cards/games and her church.

She married Warren F. “Bus” Sloat, former owner of Sloat Tire Shop in August, 1940.  He passed away on December 24, 1994. 

She is survived by her children; Ronald W. (Clare) Sloat of Bergen, James F. (Francine) Sloat of Loveland, Colorado and Susan I. Mead of Denver, Colorado; 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Lorraine was preceded in death by her siblings, Shirley Pletzker and Fred C. Pletzker.

Friends may call on Thursday, November 30th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, December 1st at 11 a.m. at the funeral home followed by burial in Grand View Cemetery. The service will be conducted by her grandson, Rob Hayes of Bath. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Halcyon Hospice & Palliative Care, P.O. Box 177, Mead, Colorado  80542-0177.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Alfred I. Francis

By T.J. Woodward

  Alfred I. Francis, 90, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Friday November 24, 2017 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. He was born on December 19, 1926 in Niagara Falls, NY and the son of the late Rosario and Abigail (Fieldhouse) DeFrancesco and stepfather LaVerne Hall. In addition to his parents, Alfred is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Murphy) Francis in 2006. He was the brother of the late Russell DeFrancesco and Joyce Zess

A World War II Veteran, he joined the United States Navy as a Seaman First Class at the age of 18 serving on several vessels including the USS LCT Flotilla 6 and USS Wyandot (AKA 92). He earned the Asiatic-Pacific, American Theater, and Victory medals. After the war, Alfred move to Batavia and worked at Batavia Veterans Hospital, GTE Sylvania, and Falcone Electric. He was a long-time member of St. Anthony’s Church.

He is survived by his children; John Francis of Las Vegas, Ronald (Sheila) Francis of Syracuse, Fred (Joan) Francis of Florida, Mark (Cindy) Francis of Batavia, Michael Francis (Mary Palmer) of Buffalo, Mary (Phil) Henry of Denver and Gail (Mark) Schnabl of Chili; 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed golf, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching the “Bills” with family, going to Cuse games, and being a loyal 4:00 Pok-A-Dot coffee clutcher for many years.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a 12:00PM noon Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday December 2, 2017 at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. Batavia, NY 14020. Entombment with full Military Honors will be at St. Joseph Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the “Alfred & Patricia Francis” Scholarship Fund, Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

Gordon Kilner

By Joshua Smith

Gordon Kilner, 70, of Batavia passed away at his home on Thursday, November 23, 2017. 

Gordon was born in Batavia, on September 16, 1947 to the late Charles and Lorraine (Billings) Kilner.  He is predeceased in death by his wife Sharon Kilner who passed away in 1996. 

Gordon graduated from Batavia High School in 1965 and was employed by Eastman Kodak for 32 years.  He was a hardworking, loving and devoted family man who enjoyed the outdoors and giving of his time to help others.

He is survived by his daughter Kimberly (Stephen) Gloskowski of Batavia, sons Daniel (Christy) Kilner of Batavia and Steven (Karie) Kilner of Rochester.  Brothers Donald (Lorraine) Kilner of Arizona and Rodney (Mona) Kilner of Batavia.  Six grandchildren Alexandra and Kristen Gloskowski, Jeslene Beach and Shaylene Kilner, Ryan and Alyssa Kilner.  Two great-grandchildren Emma Kilner, Kaylee Beach along with several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours.  A Celebration Of Life service will be held privately for the family. Gordon will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family for distribution to Gordon’s favorite organizations.

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

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

 

 

NORM A. MONACHINO

By Michael Tomaszewski

NORM A. MONACHINO ~ Elba

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully Thursday afternoon November 23, 2017 at home under the care of Hospice and his loving family. He was born March 11, 1932 in Elba, NY to the late Sam and Clara (Palermo) Monachino, also preceded in death by siblings, Sam, Jr., James, Paul, Philippa, Rose Tambe and Pauline Rizzardi. 

A longtime member of St. Padre Pio Parish, Norm owned and operated Monachino's Repair Shop for many years in Elba which is now run by his son, Sam. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening and hunting, an avid bowler, he enjoyed casino's and an annual trip to Las Vegas with the "boys." Norm loved to be around people and none more important than family who he always put first and will be sadly missed by his four legged companions, Baby, Buzzy & LuLu. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 25 years, Cathy (Dumbleton) Monachino of Elba; loving children, Sam (Yvonne) Monachino of Elba, Scot Monachino of Batavia and Vicky Klein of Batavia; step-children, Rocco (Melissa) Pellegrino of Albion, Jamie (Sam) Sallome of Batavia and Melinda (Scott) Hartman of Oakfield; brother, Joseph (Lanor) Monachino of Elba; 7 grandchildren, Erin, Maggie Grace, Sam, Emman, Cady, Haylee & Adriana; sisters-in-law, Ida of Batavia and Jine of Kansas along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

The Monachino family invites you to join them in celebrating Norm's Mass of Christian Burial 11am Thursday November 30, 2017 at St. Padre Pio Parish (Elba Site), he will be entombed in the Rev. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum in St. Joseph's Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

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

 

Margaret M. Preston

By Billie Owens

From Batavia Downs:


Avon, NY --- Western New York horsewoman Margaret M. Preston died on November 22, 2017. She was 92. 

Preston was born October 31, 1926, the daughter of the late William and Marie (Cleary) Preston. She is survived by her sister Maureen Kingston; nieces and nephew Maura (Emil) Kostraba, John (Beth) Kingston, Sheila Kingston (Wes Clements), Andrea (Jon) Bailey; several great nieces and great nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother-in-law David Kingston. 

Ms. Preston was an avid horsewoman who raced harness horses for many years. She bred and owned several Standardbred race horses in addition to training and driving them. Her last win in the sulky came with trotter Serious Fan at the Palmyra Fair in a New York County Fair stakes in 2009 at the age 84.

Ms. Preston was a member of the United States Trotting Association and the Western New York Harness Horseman’s Association.

Besides racing horses, Ms. Preston was retired from the Dundee Central School District as a Librarian Media Specialist.

Family and friends are invited to call Sunday (Nov. 26) from 4-7 p.m. at the Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home Inc. 350 Genesee St, Avon, NY. Her Funeral Mass will be held Monday (Nov. 27) at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, Avon, NY followed by interment at St. Agnes Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Agnes Cemetery, 96 Prospect Street Avon, NY 14414, or St. Rose Cemetery P.O. Box 8A Lima, NY 14485.

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