Obituaries

Maynard J. Schum Jr., 84, of Varysburg passed away on Sunday October 8, 2017 at the Wyoming County Community Nursing Facility in Warsaw. He was born on June 9, 1933 to the late Maynard J. Sr. and Evelyn (Meyers) Schum in Attica. In addition to his parents, Maynard is predeceased by wives Shirley A. Snyder and Marjorie J. Keech-Klier.

Maynard and his father ran a local dairy farm for 30 years. After selling the farm he was employed at Ziegler farms. In his spare time he enjoyed snowmobiling and card parties. In his later years he enjoyed bingo, Yahtzee, and an occasional trip to the casino. He will be remembered as hard working loving family man.

He is survived by his children; Jeffrey (Gail) Schum of Alexander, Steven (Rose) Schum of Darien, Cheryl (Wayne) Kriger of Attica, Janice Youngers of Attica, Debra (Rick) West of Gasport, David Klier of Buffalo, Mike Klier of Batavia and Lisa (Gary) Bender of Batavia; sisters Barbara (Richard) Mazur of Batavia and Nancy (Len) Nowry of FL.; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services for Maynard will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department 2446 Route 20A Varysburg, NY 14167. 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.

 

Berneda E. Morith, 96, passed away Aug. 7, 2017 peacefully at Lake Eustis Health and Rehabilitation Center in Eustis, Fla. She formerly resided at Godfrey’s Pond in Stafford. 

A Memorial service luncheon for Berneda Morith for family and friends will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Dibble Family and Event Center, 4110 West Main St., Batavia.

 

Robert C. “Skip” Welch, 88, of LeRoy, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away on Tuesday October 10, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born November 9, 1928 in Olean, to the late Charles (Margaret Howe) Welch. Mr. Welch is preceded in death by sisters Florence Brinkman, Margie Lorenzini, Mariam Wallen, Jean Dodge, brothers Harry “Mickey” Welch and Charles “Dutch” Welch Jr.

Mr. Welch was a United States Navy Veteran. He was a longtime member of St. Mary of the Angels Basilica in Olean. Skip worked for Nabisco for many years. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, going to their sporting events, plays and musicals.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Marjorie (McGuirl) Welch of LeRoy, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA; children Timothy (Susan) of Stafford; Michael (Cheryl) Welch of Spartanburg, SC; Patricia (Michael) Bryant of Olean; 8 grandchildren, Jamie (Amy) Welch, Timothy Welch II, Shannon, Carrie Welch, Reagan (Paulie) Viele, Mandy Welch, Meaghan (Nathan) Bell, Shaughn Bryant; 7 great-grandchildren Vivian, Keegan Welch, Preston, Domenic Viele, Nadia Welch, Jackson and Benjamin Bell; along with many nieces and nephews.      

Friends are invited to call on Thursday October 12, 2017 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. There will be a 9:00-9:50AM viewing at the church followed by a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial that will be held on Friday October 13, 2017 at St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, 202 South Union St. Olean, NY 14760.  

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

 

 

 

A Funeral Liturgy for Anita Swasey Vachon will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at the chapel of GEORGE FUNERAL HOME with Father Emmanuel Andinam as celebrant.  The family will receive friends from starting at 1:00 p.m. until the service time.  Burial will take place at Park Lawn Cemetery in Beinnington, Vermont at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or to the Hospice Care of South Carolina.

Mrs. Vachon, 88, of Aiken, passed away on Friday, October 06, 2017.  Born in Batavia, NY, she was a daughter of the late Wilson and Ruth Graves Swasey.  She was a Reading Specialist in the public school system in New York and Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Vachon was a communicant of St. Gerard’s Catholic Church.  She enjoyed traveling, doing volunteer work, reading, cross word puzzles, needle work.  She belonged to a scrabble club, was an antique glass collector and enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Vermont.

Surviving are her loving husband of 66 years, Bob Vachon of Aiken; daughters, Karen Lanier (James) of Columbus, Ohio, Barb Bukovinsky (David) of Dayton, Ohio and Marty Davis (Brent) of Greenville, SC; a son, Dave Vachon (Raija) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; a sister, Susan Nicholas (Barney) of Rio Rico, Arizon, 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Vachon was preceded in death by a brother, Wilson Swasey.

Expressions of sympathy for the Vachon family may be left online at www.georgefuneralhomes.com

Theresa M. Bukiewicz, 87 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (October 6, 2017) at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born March 18, 1930, in Alexander, NY, a daughter of the late Stanley and Bertha Kobrzycki Wiktorski.

She was employed by Angelica Health Care prior to her retirement. Theresa was a member of Ascension Parish and its Altar and Rosary Society. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, baking and spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Vincent E. Bukiewicz; daughter, Cynthia Fleck; son, Vincent Carl Bukiewicz and son in-law, Louis Fiorella. She was the sister of the late Stella Adamczyk, Helen Kawacz, Catherine Rzepka, Ignatius Wiktorski, Stephen Wiktorski, Frank Wiktorski and Stanley Wiktorski.

Survivors include her daughter, Christine Fiorella of Batavia. Son, Vincent E. Bukiewicz Jr. of Batavia. Grandchildren, Brian Fiorella, Tracy Thompson, Steve Fleck and Angelica Hackett. Great-grandchildren, Timothy Jr., Tyler, Ethan, Jaelynn, Alliyah and Ezra. Sisters, Sophie Tydelski and Eleanor Kawacz, both of Batavia. Sister in-law, Jennie Wiktorski. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to her Mass of Christian Burial,  Tuesday (October 10^th), 10:00am at Ascension Parish (corner of S. Swan and Sumner Streets). Entombment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family for future distributions. Expressions of condolence 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.

 

 

 

Beverly A. McCarthy, 81, of Corfu, passed away Tuesday (October 3, 2017) at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia.

Beverly was born November 24, 1935 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Harold J. Ball and Eglantine Preble Ball Scott. She was the wife of the late Kevin L. “Stub” McCarthy. She is also predeceased by her stepfather, Donald E. Scott and stepsister Donna Scott Millioto.

Beverly worked for Don Scott Florist, Montgomery Ward and ran McCarthy’s Ceramics with her late husband, Stub. She loved to play cards, especially euchre.

Beverly is survived by her devoted son, Russell L. McCarthy; two grandchildren, Michael J. McCarthy and Heather L. McCarthy; one great grandson, Michael J. McCarthy, Jr.; former daughter-in-law, Marie McCarthy and a stepbrother, David (Marylou) Scott. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

Family and friends may call Saturday, October 7 from 2 to 4 p.m at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, with prayers to follow at 4 p.m. Burial will be immediately following prayers in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter or the Volunteers for Animals in Batavia.

John M. Machala, 81 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning (October 2, 2017) at his residence.

He was born April 18, 1936 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late John and Mary Jacumski Machala. 

John was the owner and operator of Tri-State Scale Installation Co. in Wyoming, NY for over 50 years.  He covered a 9-state area installing tractor trailer and railroad scales. He installed the scales at the Peace Bridge along with several others in this area including the TA in Corfu, one of the first scales at Oatka Milk, Agway along with several other area scales. John was an avid hunter. He traveled to many different places for big game, including British Columbia, Wyoming, Africa among many other places obtaining some extraordinary trophies.  John was also a lifelong member of the NRA. Although, a very opinionated man, any one that knew John loved him and his stories.  John was one of a kind and very unique, he was very caring and generous when it came to all his family and those he cared about.  John was devoted to his wife and loved his family unconditionally and was always there to lend a helping hand.  John will be greatly missed and will always hold a special place in everyone’s heart.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Liz Cordes Machala of Batavia. Daughters, Roxann (Michael) Gabany of Bena, VA and Amy Lynn Machala of Batavia. Grandchildren, Cameron James Smith, Derek John Machala and Wanda Mcsparen. Step-children, James Mech, Joseph (Sally) Mech, Robert Mech and Michael Mech. Also survived by several step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday (October 21st) 10:00am at Resurrection Parish, Ellicott St., Batavia. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax VA 22030 or Volunteers 4 Animals 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

 

 

Kelly Joseph Bartz “Kels”, passed away on September 27, 2017 in North Carolina following a lengthy illness.

He was born October 2, 1975 in Batavia, NY, a son of Irvin Bartz of Batavia and the late Diane Tomaselli Bartz.

Kelly was a member of the former Sacred Heart Church (Ascension Parish, Batavia) and was a former president of the Holy Name Society. He attended school at St. Anthony Elementary, Notre Dame High School and graduated from Batavia High School in 1993. He then received a B.S. Degree from SUNY Brockport.

Besides his father, Kelly is survived by his wife, Valerie Shotzberger of Morrisville, NC. Three brothers, Michael (John Couri) of Fall River, MA, Eric (Sherrilyn Bowman) and Christian (Celine Dirisio) Bartz of Batavia. Nieces, Taylor (Isai) Cruz of Ocala, FL, Madeleine, Noelle, Leda, Nina and Risa Ann Bartz of Batavia. Father in-law and mother in-law, John and Beth Shotzberger of Germantown, MD. Sister in-law, Michelle Shotzberger and her family of North Carolina. Aunts and Uncles, Roger Irerra of Batavia, George (Maxine Parada) Tomaselli Jr. of Medina, Albert J. (Gerri) Bartz of Cape Coral, FL, Nancy Tomaselli of Batavia, Ronald (Sandy) Bartz of Cape Coral, FL, James (Connie Chatley) Tomaselli of East Pembroke, Georginne Tomaselli (Jack) Majerus of Batavia and Rosemary Graff of Fort Myers, FL. Also survived by several cousins and their families.

He is predeceased by a sister, Risa Helene Bartz; grandparents, George and Helen (Cichocki) Tomaselli Sr., Albert Bartz Sr. and Ruth V. Dutton; aunts, Joann Tomaselli and Carol Irerra and uncles, Samuel Tomaselli and Robert Graff.

Family and friends are invited to share thoughts condolences and fond memories on Saturday, October 14th from 10am-11am at Ascension Parish, where a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Rev. David Glassmire will follow at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, 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.

 

 

Horace H. Wilder, 94 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (October 4, 2017) at his residence.

He was born in Batavia, NY on August 15, 1923, a son of the late Horace and Elsie Bowden Wilder. 

Horace was a Veteran of World War II, having served our country with the U.S. Army Air Corp. He was employed as a die and mold maker for Doehler Jarvis and Elchar Tool Specialists in Batavia prior to his retirement. Horace was proud to be a 60 year member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was a baseball fan and held seasons tickets for the Batavia Muckdogs until 2015. 

He was the loving husband of the late Maude Ella Wilder, who died June 4, 2012 and father of the late Charles Wilder who died on September 21, 2011.  

Survivors include his daughters, Cheryl (Thomas) Hance of Willoughby Hills, OH and Nancy (Barney) Mitchell of Batavia.  Six grandchildren: Frederick (Lisa) Hance, David (Akiko) Hance, Jeffrey (Shannon) Hance, Michael (Gina) Wilder, Melissa (Lorne) Leeds and Samantha Mitchell. Seven great grandchildren: Thomas, Dustin, Travis and Riley Hance, Victoria and Kalifornia Leeds and Brenden and Angel Wilder.  Daughter in law, Kathy Wilder of Sacramento, CA.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Friday (October 6th) from 5-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. Services will be Saturday, 10:00am at the funeral home officiated by Rev. Linda Haight, Pastor of the South Byron United Methodist Church where Horace was a member for many years. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

Contributions may be made in care of the family to the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons Educational Assistance Program. 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.

 

 

Batavia - Nancy J. Casper, 96, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2017 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mrs. Casper was born March 21, 1921 in Alabama, New York a daughter of the late Charles and Zella Ostrander Carroll.

Her husband, Harold Casper, passed away on December 23, 1982.

She is survived by her children, Beverly Garlipp of The Villages, Florida, John Casper of Rochester, Becky (Bernie) Allen of Elba and Charles Casper of Batavia; 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She is the sister of the late Arthur, Roger, Chuck, Albert and Alice Carroll, Ruth Lawrence, Roxy Clapp, Cora O'Dell and Peggy Warboys.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home for their years of love and caring.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in North Pembroke Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Sunshine Fund at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, New York 14482 or to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

 

Rochester - Elaine R. Pratt, 71, of Rochester, died peacefully with her loving family at her side on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, in Rochester. 

Elaine was born November 1, 1945 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Donald and Hyacinth "Heidi" (Wallman) Boyle.

She was a house parent at the New York State School For The Blind, was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencerport and a former member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia.

She is survived by her husband, William S.  Pratt, whom she married November 23, 1963; her grandson, Billy Joel (Ashley) Pratt of TX; 2 great-grandchildren, Aubrey Pratt and Jacob Pratt, both of TX; 2 brothers, Gerald Boyle of Batavia and David Boyle of TX; a sister, Joan (Ayden) Plowe of Rochester; three sisters-in-law, Marilyn Orlando, Jean Barnard and Mary Joan (George) Davis, all of Batavia;  and several nieces and nephews. 

She was the mother of the late Timothy W. Pratt and sister-in-law of the late Margaret Wescott.  

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial in Grand View Cemetery will also be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Ave., Rochester, NY 14626.  Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

The Villages, Florida - Mr. Richard Bret “Dick” Yaw, age 82, longtime Batavia resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 under the care of Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, Florida following a brief illness.

Mr. Yaw was born November 18, 1934 in West Seneca, the son of the late Charles Yaw and Ruth Woodard Yaw.

Dick is preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Mary Patricia Yaw in 1996.

Surviving are his loving wife of 62 years, Maryann "Mame" Yaw; his loving children,  Kathleen Yaw of Aledo, Illinois, Todd (Amy) Yaw of Maitland, Florida and Margaret (James) Fasano of Batavia; six grandchildren, Douglas (Holly) Lamkin, Nathan Lamkin, Bret (Elizabeth) Yaw, Chelsea Yaw, Benjamin (Kimberly) Fasano and Jenna (Kevin) Arroyo; six great-grandchildren, Sydney, Cooper and Harper Lamkin, Addison and Jonah Arroyo and William Fasano; two sisters,  Carol (Richard) Smith of Lakeland, Florida and Charlene (Monroe) Kuhlkin of Spencerport; along with several nieces and nephews.

A graduate of West Seneca High School in 1952 and Erie Community College in 1954, Dick and his family moved to Batavia in 1963 when he took a position with Graham Manufacturing. He would eventually leave the company to pursue other interests in metallurgy and after many successful years in the field, he retired from Q.I.S. in 2006.

A diehard Buffalo Bills fan, Dick enjoyed many seasons alongside his "crew" from the "fan van" and had continued hope for a winning season until the end. An avid golfer, Dick was a lifelong member of Stafford Country Club where he served as the club president during the late '80's. Dick also enjoyed bowling, fishing with his family in Quebec and baseball. A lover of "his" New York Yankees, he was a standout third baseman while in college. A longtime member of St. Mary's Church, Dick was active in his community serving as a city councilman in the late 1970's, coaching little league and was a supporter of the YMCA.

A true lover of life, Dick will be remembered for the immense joy he had in spending time with his family and friends, his infectious smile and his generous, kind spirit.

There are no prior visiting hours. Dick’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

 

Merle R. Cowie Sr., age 87, of Sun City, AZ. and Perry, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 26, 2017 at his home in Sun City, AZ. Merle was born in Perry, NY on April 26, 1930 a son to the late Thomas and Anna (Kirchgraber) Cowie. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by brothers: Leslie, Thomas and Robert Cowie, son-in-law: Herschel Hilley and former wife/mother of his children: Vivian Atkins.

He was a 1947 graduate of Perry Central High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corp at age 17 and was a decorated Korean War Veteran. Merle returned to Perry where many of his professions/accomplishments were to occur. He was a member of the Perry Center Volunteer Fire Department (age16). Crop and dairy farmer, custom crop harvesting, bulldozing (he loved building ponds), carpenter, pilot, crop-duster and was a member of the American Legion and Civil Air Patrol. Upon retiring, Merle spent time residing in both New York and Arizona, taking advantage of the best weather. His many hobbies included hunting, flying, painting, watching Buffalo Bills football, restoring Farmall tractors, building jigsaw puzzles and being a general prankster.

He is survived by his 5 children: Merle (Sassy) Cowie Jr. of Byhalia, MS., Merleen Hilley of Punta Gorda, FL., Marleen (Steve) Cowie-Smith of Perry, Marty (Linda) Cowie of Phoenix, AZ.,  Michelle (Tony) Dukes of Pittsford; a sister Anna Page of Perry; brother Philip (Barb) Cowie of Perry, former wife/mother of his children: Marge (Hance) Cowie of Warsaw, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may call from 4-7:30 pm on Tuesday October 10, 2017 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.  A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday October 11th at 4:30pm at the First Congregational Church 7205 Perry Center Rd. in Perry Center. He will be laid to rest in the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Perry Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Perry Center Fire Department P.O. Box 204 Perry, NY 14530 or to the First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, NY 14530. 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