Obituaries

Basom - Lee C. Prentice, 82 of Basom, passed away on Monday, (January 2, 2023) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Prentice was born August 29, 1940 in Medina, a son of the late Roy and Joyce (North) Prentice.

Lee was a lifetime member of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department and a social member of the American Legion Post 626 in Basom. He was the owner of Prentice Auto Parts in Basom. Lee enjoyed racing, and took pride in having built many race cars over the years, both for dirt and asphalt tracks. He was an avid bowler, and competed in tournaments in Reno, Las Vegas, and Syracuse.

Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Carol (Scroger) Prentice; children, Russell and Leann Prentice; great-grandchildren, Russell and Justin Muntz; and brothers, Steven and Bruce Prentice.

He is survived by his daughter, Stacy (Ron) Swimline of Basom; grandchildren, Mike (Heather Captain) Swimline of Alabama, and Nicole (Corey Klase) Muntz of Alabama; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Reed, and Blair; sisters, Alair (late Norman) DuBois of Medina, and Valerie Prentice of Texas; sister-in-law, Rita Prentice of North Carolina. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 3 to 8:00 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield, where Lee 's Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Medina.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prentice Family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Charles W. Knapp, age 73, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022 surrounded by his family and friends at United Memorial Medical Center following a brief battle with cancer.

He was born in Batavia, New York on November 7, 1949, a son of the late Clarence and Florence Moore Knapp.

Charlie worked at the Albion Correctional Facility as a corrections officer for 29 years. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman he enjoyed trips to the Adirondack Mountains, Montana, Pennsylvania and anywhere he could be in the woods surrounded by nature. He was a member of the Blue Knights and loved riding his Harley all over the country, especially at Sturgis during Bike Week. He was an active volunteer for the Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Association (Godfrey's Pond) serving on their board of directors.

Charlie touched the lives of many and will be remembered for the love, laughter, and guidance he gave to all.

Survived by his longtime companion, Ann Collins of Batavia; children, Colby (Stephanie) Knapp of Cape Coral, Florida, Jennifer (Bill) Schwartz of Pensacola, Florida, Chelsea (Caleb) Baker of Cape Coral, Florida, Erica (Derek) Armstrong of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Noah Knapp of Fort Myers, Florida, Jake (Bailey) Knapp of Yuma, Arizona along with their mother Grace Sweeney of Ft Myers, Florida, Christin (Justin) Hoffman of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Colby (Maria) Hutchins of San Antonio, Texas; 22 grandchildren; his brother, John (Cathy) Knapp of Albion, and his niece, Shannon Knapp of Albion.

Family and friends may call on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 5 pm to 8 pm at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia where services will be held at 2 pm Saturday. He will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Association, P.O. Box 217, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Charles are under the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

LeRoy ~ Charles R. Steffenilla, age 94, of Pleasant Street, passed away late Friday afternoon (December 30, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

  

   He was born July 29, 1928 in LeRoy, a son of the late Angelo and Mary Tramontana Steffenilla.

     He was predeceased by his siblings; brothers, Anthony, Michael, Samuel, Joseph, Alphonso, Thomas (age 2 years) and Thomas (age 8 days) Steffenilla, along with sisters, Carrie Riggi, Rosie Tuzzeo, Jennie Hale, Fannie Steffenilla, Josephine Thomas, and Agnes Steffenilla.

     Charles, or as most of his family called him, Uncle Chuck, will be remembered as a loving and kind man, who enjoyed being around his family. Chuck owned the Chili Big M grocery store for many years. Upon his retirement, he relished in hosting family and friends every morning for coffee.  He never missed an episode of General Hospital or Wheel of Fortune. He took pleasure in watching the Buffalo Bills, Syracuse Orange, and The Ohio State Buckeyes play football. His nephew, Anthony (Nino) Riggi lived with Chuck for over thirty years, and they often enjoyed heading to casinos with their free time.

     He is survived by his brother, Thomas (Sharon) Steffenilla; special nieces and nephews, Sam Steffenilla, Judy Orlando, John and Mary Riggi, Brenda Walters, Sue and Tom Collier, and Brett and Evie Babcock, along with many other family members and dear friends.

     At his request, there will be no public visitation or services. He will be laid to rest privately at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P O Box 56, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Charles’ family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Bethany - Norma L. Bower, 93 of East Bethany went to be with our Lord on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Norma was born Tuesday, January 22nd, 1929 in Batavia, NY a daughter of the late William A. and Laura (Wood) Phillips. She graduated from Pavilion High School and married the love of her life, Robert Bower on March 21, 1953 at East Bethany Presbyterian Church.

She was a lifelong member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, where she was an organist for many years. Norma was tax collector for the town of Bethany for over 44 years and was an active member in the Marine Corps League, American Legion Auxiliary #332, and National Rural Carriers Auxiliary and Provident Guild. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and watching the Muckdogs play.

She is survived by children, Robert (Susan) Bower of Rush, Kathleen (Rev. Edwin) Blair of VA, Douglas (Dawn) Bower of Albion, Calvin (Ruth) Bower of Canadice and Daniel (Anne) Bower of Tupper Lake, 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In death Norma is reunited with her husband  Robert B. Bower and her parents William A. and Laura Phillips.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 5th, 2023  from 4:00 pm  to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main Street Batavia, NY. Norma 's funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 6th, 2023 at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road East Bethany, NY.  Burial will be in East Bethany Rural Cemetery in East Bethany.

Emerald Rose Green, born August 22, 2022, of Buffalo, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2022. Emerald was the light and joy of her parents Kevin Green II and Mollie R. Harding and her brother Kevin Green III.

Emerald’s life was filled with love and happiness and she will always be remembered for her sweetness and her ability to melt hearts.

In addition to her parents and brother, Emerald is survived by her grandparents Phillip P. Heale, Joanna Harding, Lisa Hanley and the late Kevin Green, Sr., great-grandparents Janice R. Heale, Paul B. Heale, Edward and Darlene Harding, Lawrence and Patricia Hanley, aunts and uncles Brook Garrett, Loden Garrett, Honesty Green, Destiny Green, Lorenzo Vazgus and the late Tyana Green, great-aunt Karen Orasco and many other cousins, friends and loved ones.

Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott St, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Jeanette Burgel, 91, of Basom, NY passed away at United Memorial Medical Center, Wednesday, December 28, 2022.
Her husband William passed in June of 2020.

She is survived by her only child Claranne Burgel of Batavia, her four grandchildren Rhiannon Hawley (Brooks) of Batavia,  Jonathan Burgel of Basom, Jacob Burgel of Batavia and Jesse Russell of Basom. She is also survived by her five great grandchildren Ayla, Troy and Quinn of Batavia and Kaylee and William of Basom. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorials and donations may be made to the family in her honor. 

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Robert D. “Bob” Eschenlauer, 59, of Batavia passed away on December 29, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on January 24, 1963 to Donald Eschenlauer and the late Yvonne (Mulvihill) Eschenlauer.

In addition to his father, Bob is survived by his wife of 41 years; Theresa “Momma” (Ammirati) Eschenlauer and all of his children; Crystal (Eschenlauer) and Mark Gutman, Patricia “Pattie” (Eschenlauer) and Thomas De Salvo, Jessica Eschenlauer, Brian Eschenlauer, Robert “Robbie” Eschenlauer, Sophia Eschenlauer and Nicole Saeli, his grandchildren; Brianna Gutman, Luke Gutman, Cristian De Salvo, Gracie Eschenlauer, Aubrey Eschenlauer, and Layla Saeli, his beloved dog; Spider, grandpuppy; Blew, his siblings; Ronald (Luann) Eschenlauer, Donald (Rita) Eschenlauer, Dawn Yarington and Robin (Walt Hale) Eschenlauer, and many nieces and nephews.   

Bob loved the Miami Dolphins, video games, music, snowmobiling, gardening, being outside barefoot in nature and hanging out with his friends. Those closest to him, you know who you are.

Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or Services. He wouldn’t want anyone to fuss. There will be a Celebration of Life party outside in the summer, place, date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Robert G. Haynes, 93, of Attica passed away on December 30, 2022. He was born September 27, 1929 in Norwich, NY to the late G. Arthur Haynes and Lucile (Torrey) Haynes. He is predeceased by his wife Betty (Abendschein) Haynes in 2009.

He graduated from high school in 1947 from the Ross Street High School in Batavia. Robert was a part of the Korean War where he served as a paratrooper with 13 jumps. He worked for Ford Motor Co, Lockheed aircraft in California, and retired from O&K Trojan in 1990. He held offices in Citizens Lodge #309, IOOF and Masonic Lodge #462 in Attica.

Robert is survived by his sister Ruby (Ronald) DeMay of Greenville, TN, sons William, Larry Haynes of Florida, step children David (Diane) Van Valkenburg of Attica, Cathie (late Dennis) Turton of West Seneca, Peggy (William) Simons of Attica, Violet (Arthur) Allen of Seneca Falls, and many nieces, nephews, grand and great grandchildren.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Attica Rescue Squad at 11 Water Street, Attica, NY 14011 or the New York State Veterans Home at 220 Richmond Ave, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Stafford, N.Y. ~ Joan Blyth, age 88, of Horseshoe Lake Road, passed away early Friday morning (December 30, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital.     

 

   She was born May 11, 1934 in Bethlehem, PA, a daughter of the late James and Helen Johnson Blyth.

     Joan will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, who was very proud of her World War II research work.  She, along with a historian, researched the “B-29 Bomb Group”, which ultimately brought many veterans and their families together.  Joan worked for the Princeton Theological Seminary for many years as a secretary.  She had a love for all animals, especially wolves and was an avid reader.

     She is survived by her daughters, Donna L. Voorhees and Tracey L Collins (Ken); son, John M. Stahl (Diane); grandchildren, Christopher J. Voorhees (Chelsea), Travis A. Voorhees (Maria), Sarah C. Cliff and Heather M. Kasprzak; great-granddaughters, Rileigh E. Voorhees and Athena S. Voorhees, along with her feline companion, Fred.

     A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a future date in New Jersey.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Lollypop Farm or Lakota Wolf Preserve.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Joan’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Murray “Mickey” W. Morrow III, of Batavia passed away December 25, 2022 at UMMC. Mickey was born July 18, 1951 in Batavia, NY to Murray and Donna Morrow, one of eight siblings.  Mickey was pre-deceased by his father, Murray, his brother, Danny, and his hunting buddy Uncle John.  Mickey is survived by his mother Donna Morrow, his loving wife Diane Morrow, his children Kristen Saeva of LeRoy, Karrie Morrow of Batavia, Kati Morrow (Dustin Bulbuena) of Pavilion, Kyle Morrow (Rachael Blackshear) of Stafford, 13 grandchildren (two of which, Jayden and Sinciera lived with him and Diane for years) and step daughters Jennifer Blaszak and Katie (Scott) Neff.

Mickey was a large man, both in stature and heart, and his family was blessed to live under the umbrella of his bigger than life personality.  His humor and strength were only surpassed by his tenacity to love…and love us he did.  From a young age his children felt the love and protection of the man who would be their rock for the duration of their lives.  He went on to be that same force in the lives of his grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to teach them how to live life to the fullest.  He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and just be outside.  His children often shared in these activities with him, in the early years just so they could spend more time with their Dad, in their later years because they truly shared in the love of the outdoors that he instilled in them.

Mickey graduated from Batavia High School and lived nearly his entire life in Batavia. Far reaching beyond his immediate family, he was a respected man in his community.  He had a lengthy career working for the Town of Batavia Water Department where he was valued for his knowledge and experience.  While Mickey was a man’s man through and through, it should be noted that there are those who thought his culinary skills exceeded his hunting skills, particularly his bread pudding and strawberry jam.  He never met a stranger and was always ready to help those in need of his support.  Mickey was truly one of the good guys.

In the last years of his life, Mickey fought a battle with cancer that he endured with the same strength that he lived his life with.  He was a strong man who didn’t want the end of his life to be overshadowed with his sickness and we can attest that he kept us all laughing until the end.  His wife, his children, his mother, his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews (who secretly call him their favorite uncle), and his many cousins are left with a hole in their lives because he was always so large for them.   

Family and friends may call Friday January 6, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests 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 in Mickey's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  James H. Peters, age 82, of Perry, passed away Sunday December 25, 2022 at the LeRoy Village Green where he had been residing. He was born in Franklinville, NY on March 26, 1940 a son to the late Ralph B. and Florence M. (Beach) Peters. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a son: Jerry Peters who passed away in 2021

Jim was a bus driver for the Wyoming County Transit where he was known as driver #1. He was a former volunteer for the Pike Fire Department, and former Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed trapping, hunting snowmobiling, crafting, playing cards and board games and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.

He survived by his companion of 36 years Andrea L. MacGonegal of LeRoy, 4 daughters: Lisa (Scott) Falkner of LeRoy, Judith (Robert) Wilson of Frenchburg, Kentucky, Ahrena Dean of Florida, Michele Garman of Webster, 2 sons: James B. Peters Sr. of Attica, James R. (Angela) Peters of Warsaw, his beloved pet dog: Toby, brother John Peters of Wisconsin, Grandchildren James B. Peters Jr., Bethany E. Peters, Abigail M. Peters, Joshua M. Peters, Shanna R. (Dave) Nieman, Kevin E. (Ashley) MacGonegal, Courtney L. MacGonegal, Robert (Wendy) Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Walter (Kashen) Wilson along with many other grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Friday December 30th at the Perry Fireman’s Building located in the Perry Village Park in Perry from 12-4PM.

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.

Michael P. Beedham, 64, of Attica passed away on December 28, 2022. He was born October 18, 1958 in Batavia, to the late George E. Beedham and Marilyn Sprague Beedham. He is predeceased by his step son Zachary Pope and brother Kevin Beedham.

He joined the U.S. Army, worked for Chapins, Adesa and Attica Bus Service.

He always had funny jokes and a winning smile following him around. He loved football, the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. Mike was always active, bowling, golfing, baseball, fishing, and hunting with his pal Bob. Drag racing or wrestling on TV was a great pass time towards the end.

Michael is survived by his wife Janice, children Meridith, Hailey, James, brothers Dennis (Dayle) Beedham, Brian (Cindy) Beedham and his grandchildren, Vivian, Violet and Landon.

There will be no prior calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Shirley Brei came to the end of her journey here on earth this day of December 24. 2022 at the age of 83. She was born in Attica, NY to Robert and Gladys Kirby, raised in Attica and graduated from Batavia Notre Dame High School and Mercy School of Nursing in Buffalo, NY. She started her career as a Registered Nurse at Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo and after marrying and moving to Rochester, she held nursing positions at Genesee Hospital, Brockport’s Lakeside Memorial Hospital, and the Fairport Baptist Home, along with several private duty assignments. She ended her career as a full-time nurse in the Apheresis Unit of the American Red Cross.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sisters, Ada Kennerson, Irene Eagan, Mary Janes and brother, Edward A. Kirby. Surviving her is her loving husband of 60 years, Thomas E. Brei, her daughter, Teri (Robert) Weir, three sons: Timothy (Gerilynn) Brei, Douglas (Lisa) Brei and Jeffrey (Tammy) Brei, along with seven grandchildren: Timothy, Avery, Thomas, Magdalena and McKinley Brei, and Erica and Elaina Weir. Also surviving are her brother Robert (Maureen) Kirby and in-laws Mary (Ronald) Merle, Leanne (Richard) Preston and Elizabeth Brei, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Most important in her life was Tom, their many get-togethers with her close-knit family, and the special relationships that she had with all of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed wintering in Florida, making jewelry, playing golf, and traveling throughout the USA.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Jan. 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, January 4 at 11:15 a.m. at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Avenue, Fairport, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name will be greatly appreciated by Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Batavia - Louise Condello, age 65, of Batavia passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness.

Louise was born Sunday, April 14th, 1957 in Batavia, daughter of the late Frank Condello and Rose (Talone) Condello. 

Louise was a faithful member of Resurrection Parish. She was an avid bowler and loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills.  Louise graduated from Batavia High School in 1975.  After graduation she was an office employee at the former Jubilee Foods and Super Duper in Batavia for many years.

Louise is survived by her cousins in the Condello, Talone and DiSalvo families.  

There are no prior visiting hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Monday, January 2nd, 2023 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Mausoleum, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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