Obituaries

Batavia ~ Ronald A. Rodgers, age 75, formerly of Pavilion, passed away Saturday afternoon (May 23, 2020) at Rochester General Hospital.

    

 He was born October 15, 1944 in Warsaw, N.Y., a son of the late Elwin and Alice Fitzsimmons Rodgers.

     Ron will be remembered as a hard working gentleman, who loved the outdoors.  He worked for many years as a hired hand on local farms and then became involved in trucking and transporting cattle and horses.  He eventually went on to establish some of his own businesses, which included cow hoof trimming, lawn mowing and had his own auction business, First Choice Auctions.  He and his wife, Darleen, were parents to many foster children over the years as well.

     He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Darleen Hackett Rodgers; his children, Laurie (Paul) Boulden, Ronald Jr. (Tammie) Rodgers, Lisa Main, Leslie Cusse (Dennis), Judy Riggi, and Martin Rodgers; 18 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joanne Falcone and Carol (Dean) Westcott; special cousin, Norma Geary (Cliff), along with many other cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his daughter, Jody Hint; brother, Elwood “Tiny” Rodgers and brother-in-law, Salvatore “Slim” Falcone.

     Private services will be held at this time for the family with a public service to be announced at a later date.

     Contributions in memory of Ron are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.

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

     Mr. Rodgers and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Corfu - Jerome W. Acquard was born in Buffalo, New York on March 3, 1922, and passed in peace on May 21, 2020, at the age of 98 at his beloved home in Corfu, NY. He is survived by his beloved wife Carol Ann and was the loving father of Bonnalee Acquard and Lucinda Acquard of Houston, John Acquard and Kathleen Zaccaria of Knoxville, and Shelley Acquard-Moore of Corfu. Many grandchildren, great-grand children and great-great grand children as well as nieces, nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by parents John and Mary Hummel Acquard, brother, Stephen Joseph Acquard, sisters Alice Helen Morris and Grace Mae Lyons and son, Thomas Brian Acquard, grandsons Anthony Jerome Moore and Christopher Michael Acquard

He was a World War II veteran and took pride in his service from 1942-1945 receiving the Bronze Star among several other medals of distinction. Jerry participated in numerous Veteran events including a half time memorial at the Buffalo Sabres game, and marching with fellow VA members in area parades and functions. 
Jerry took fashion cues from only one person, his signature every day look was in color coordinating his clothes to match that of Carol. If you saw them out , you always knew them by their matching outfits.
Besides keeping up his beloved little farm, he hung out in his man cave in the barn and rode around on his four-wheeler at break neck speed, somehow never falling off. A few of the many things he loved was the Buffalo Bills, fishing, bowling, golfing on his private golf course, playing pinochle, eating limburger cheese and onion sandwiches, his Precious Moments collection and having his big family and friends over.
May your strong faith in the Lord grant you peace and take you to your heavenly home you were well loved and loved many in return.

Due to Covid-19, no memorial services are allowed. The Patriot Guard Escort will lead a procession from the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu to St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 12:15 pm with a condolence drive by at 1:15 pm after private family services. 
Family is planning to have memorial celebration of life next year Memorial weekend at our home.

OAKFIELD - Elijah Robert Lewis Coombs, 25, of Oakfield, passed away Monday, May 18, 2020, as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Elijah was born September 25, 1994, in Batavia, a son of Linda (Hollabough) Snyder of Oakfield and the late Jonathan Coombs.

Elijah enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and held a deep love of nature and the outdoors.

Along with his mother, Elijah is survived by a brother, Jonathan T.W. Coombs of Oakfield, sisters, Mary M. Snyder of Montana, and Martha R. Snyder of Pavilion.  Several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends also survive.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, services will be private.  Elijah will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery in Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial contribution to the Coombs family.

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

Arrangements for Elijah have been entrusted to the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325

Batavia - William E. Ivison, "Bo", 69, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020, at the Orchard Manor Residential Health Care Facility in Medina.

William was born March 28, 1951, in Batavia, a son of the late Howard and Arlene (Rudd) Ivison.

Bo was a member of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department and the former South Byron Methodist Church.  He enjoyed sports, playing softball and wrestled while in college.  William was a laboratory technician at O-AT-KA Milk Products and was a courier for the Buffalo News.

Survivors include his brother, Kenneth (Carole) Ivison of Union City, PA; sisters, Karen Fuller of The Villages, FL and Jane Ivison of Wyoming and several nieces and nephews.

He is a brother of the late Beverly Ivison. 

Calling hours and funeral services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in William's memory may be made to the Byron Fire Department, PO Box 210, Byron, NY 14422. 

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

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

LeRoy ~ He was born December 30, 1946 and passed away May 20, 2020 with his family present.
    

Born to the late Edwin and Lou (Shepard) Lathan, Ed spent most of his life in the house where he was born and raised for almost 70 years.  He spent 55 years married to the love of his life, Grace Parmelee, whom he married April 3, 1965.
     Graduating from Le Roy in 1965, he took on many jobs to provide for his family, some of the most cherished, was working with his father-in-law, John Parmelee.  He drove truck for many companies, finally retiring from Wegmans, so that he could join the carnival, which he enjoyed working with until December 2019.
     He belonged to the Genesee County Agricultural Society, Inc. where he served as President, as well as many other titles. He was an active member of the Moose and also the Hooks and Ladder.
     He is survived by his wife Grace; children, Margaret (Peggy), John and Dorothy; grandchildren, Michael Lathan, Jeffery Kohorst, Amanda Harvey (Josh Tabor), Alyssa Wood, Benjamin Lathan, and Edwin Lathan; 8 great- grandchildren; sisters, Ann (Joe) Pokorny and Cyndee Freeman; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Uberty, Frances Shirley and Johnette Parmelee; special friends David Clark, Amy Kohorst, and Kevin Jankiewicz, along with many nieces and nephews.  His family is thankful for his friendship with Mike Jensen and Brian Williams.  
     We are happy to say Ed is 'On the Road Again' to meet up with his parents, Edwin and Lou Lathan, his In-Laws, John and Beatrice Parmelee, but especially his namesake and son, Edwin, who passed away in 1994.
     Services will be private at the convenience of the family, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Legion of Le Roy. 

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

     Mr. Lathan and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

LeRoy ~ He was born December 30, 1946 and passed away May 20, 2020 with his family present.
    

Born to the late Edwin and Lou (Shepard) Lathan, Ed spent most of his life in the house where he was born and raised for almost 70 years.  He spent 55 years married to the love of his life, Grace Parmelee, whom he married April 3, 1965.
     Graduating from Le Roy in 1965, he took on many jobs to provide for his family, some of the most cherished, was working with his father-in-law, John Parmelee.  He drove truck for many companies, finally retiring from Wegmans, so that he could join the carnival, which he enjoyed working with until December 2019.
     He belonged to the Genesee County Agricultural Society, Inc. where he served as President, as well as many other titles. He was an active member of the Moose and also the Hooks and Ladder.
     He is survived by his wife Grace; children, Margaret (Peggy), John and Dorothy;
grandchildren, Michael Lathan, Jeffery Kohorst, Amanda Harvey (Josh Tabor), Alyssa Wood, Benjamin Lathan, and Edwin Lathan; 8 great- grandchildren; sisters, Ann (Joe) Pokorny and Cyndee Freeman; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Uberty, Frances Shirley and Johnette Parmelee; special friends David Clark, Amy Kohorst, and Kevin Jankiewicz, along with many nieces and nephews.  His family is thankful for his friendship with Mike Jensen and Brian Williams.  
     We are happy to say Ed is 'On the Road Again' to meet up with his parents, Edwin and Lou Lathan, his In-Laws, John and Beatrice Parmelee, but especially his namesake and son, Edwin, who passed away in 1994.
     Services will be private at the convenience of the family, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Legion of Le Roy. 

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

     Mr. Lathan and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Francis E. Dyrbala “Frank”, “Whitey”, 87 of Alexander, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (May 20, 2020) at United Memorial Medical Center of a non-Covid related illness.

He was born September 12, 1932 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Michael and Febronia (Caryk) Dyrbala, the youngest of ten children.

Mr. Dyrbala served his country with the U.S. Army from 1950-1953 in Korea and Germany. He was employed through the years with Trojan Industries, P.D. Service of Pavilion, Access Rentals and Skyworks, prior to his retirement. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Darien for several years. Frank was also a member of Local #832-IUOE, lifetime member and past president of Alexander Fire Dept, Town of Alexander Assessor for over 30 years, lifetime member of Genesee Co. Fireman Assoc., WNY volunteer Fire Assoc. and past president of the WNY Fireman Water Drill Association.

He was predeceased by brothers, John, Joseph and Edward Dyrbala and sisters, Mary Ralston, Gladys Babiarz, Julia Dyrbala and Helen Van Buren.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Barbara Kearney Dyrbala. Four children, Mary Hotchkiss, Sharon (Dennis) Brown, Karen (late Kenneth) Taylor and John Dyrbala. Nine grandchildren, Thomas, Adam and Katie Hotchkiss, Sean, Michael and Tyler Brown, Kyle Taylor and Anthony Dyrbala and Victoria Selesky. Also survived by eleven great-grandchildren; brother, Adam Dyrbala and sister, Teresa Bevington.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family with burial in the future WNY National Cemetery.

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.

 

 

Robert N. Litfin, 87 of Akron, NY, passed away peacefully May 20, 2020 in Hospice at Brothers of Mercy Nursing and Rehab Facility.

He was born May 7, 1933 in Akron, NY, a son of the late Frank and Mildred Whiting Litfin.

Bob was employed by Harrison Radiator in Lockport prior to his retirement after 47 years. He was a member of the Akron Fire Company Exempts and the Akron Drum and Bugle Corp. He also enjoyed home improvement projects, gardening, bird watching, spending time with his cats and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Most of all, he loved his family and cherished the time often spent with them along with celebrating holidays, family birthdays and weekend dinners.  He will be dearly missed by his closest family members and friends.

He was the husband of his late wife, Gladys, of 55 years who died February 2, 2011.  He was the brother of the late Stanley, Kenneth and Richard Litfin, Eleanor Kwiatkowski and Lillian Hellert.

Survivors include his daughters, Kathy (Dave) Olson, Jayne (Brian) Perry and son Greg Litfin all of Akron. And daughter Laura (late Paul) Carley. Grandchildren, Brooke and Erik Olson, Jenna Perry, Lauryn and Ian Litfin, Krista, Kendra, Katie and Brendan Lord, McKenna Carley, and Great-granddaughter, Khloe. Also survived by close family friend Kris Beyer Jones of Akron and the wonderful volunteers from Meals on Wheels who became close to Bob over the years.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery, Akron.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 or FeedMore WNY Foundation (Meals on Wheels) 100 James E Casey Drive, Buffalo, NY 14206. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Virginia L. Kadziolka, 98, formerly of Corfu, NY, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2020 at the Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Williamsville.

She was born January 16, 1922 in Buffalo, NY

Virginia was very proud of her family and loved spending time with them. She enjoyed travelling with her friends, and as she grew older, really enjoyed local church suppers and exploring all over Western New York. Virginia enjoyed reading and crocheting, often sharing her afghans with others.    She enjoyed spending time with her sons’ dogs as they snuggled next to her, and as a tribute, if you wish please make a donation to the SPCA in her name. 

She is predeceased by her husband, John Kadziolka Jr.

Loving mother of John (Rose) Kadziolka, III of Corfu, NY; Gary (Kimberlee) Kadziolka of Tonawanda, NY.; and James (Lori) Kadziolka of Navarre, Florida. Beloved grandmother to Kimberly Kadziolka, Tracy Sutherland, Russell Kadziolka, Jammie Kadziolka, Jennifer Cherkis, Jennifer Prell, John Prell, Natalie LeSueur, Brandi Carbonie, and Sean Carroll. Also survived by her 12 great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service to celebrate Virginia’s 98 years of life will be held at a later date. 

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ETNRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Stafford ~ Thomas D. Englerth, age 72, of Main Road, passed away Monday morning (May 18, 2020) at Unity Hospital.

    

 He was born July 22, 1947 in Rochester, a son of the late Edward and Agnes Dool Englerth.

     Tom will be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.  He was a hardworking, lifelong farmer and was known to be quite the jokester and story teller.  He had a special laugh that will be dearly missed by many.  Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed collecting matchboxes and license plates. He had a passion for going to local auctions to find things to add to his collections and to meet new people. Tom’s outgoing personality always captured people, leading him to make many friends throughout his life. When he wasn’t farming or auction hunting he loved taking rides with Nancy in his corvette. 

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Nancy Stefaniak Englerth; his sons,  Thomas (Kristen) Englerth Jr. and Todd (Laura) Englerth, both of Stafford; grandchildren, Kari Green, Thomas Alan, Mia Rose, Harper Mae, Nora Rain, Joshua James, Andrew Thomas and Alexa Lee; great-grandchildren, Kylee and Baylee; sister, Gloria (John) Rider of LeRoy; sister-in-law, Beverly Englerth of FL, along with many other sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his siblings, Connie Steedman, Edward Englerth and Marlene Italiano.

     Funeral Services will be held at a later date to be announced.

     Contributions in memory of Tom are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021 or www.crossroadshouse.com .

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

     Mr. Englerth and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Bergen - Kara Grace Hall, 25, of Bergen, passed away Monday, May 18, 2020.

She was born November 17, 1994, in Batavia, the daughter of Joel Hall and Karen Sapienza-Hall of Bergen.

Surviving along with her parents are her brother, Ethan Hall; her grandmother; Cathy Hall and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is predeceased by her grandparents; Joseph and Jean Sapienza, Donald Hall, Sr. and her uncles; Donald Sapienza and Eric Hall.

A 2013 graduate from Byron-Bergen Central School, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fredonia State College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master's Degree in industrial engineering from the University of Buffalo. Kara was an avid runner, loved cross country, indoor and outdoor track all through high school and college.  Kara was the light of her family's lives, actively planning how to better everyone's lives.

There will be no prior visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. A public service will be announced at a later date. Donations may be made to the family in care of Karen Sapienza-Hall, P.O. Box 621, Bergen, New York 14416 to distribute to causes loved by Kara. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Kara's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen.

Priscilla E. Royce, 87 of Varysburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2020. She was born in Arcade on November 9, 1932 to the late Charles (Emily Gutzmer) Anderson. She is preceded in death by her husband S. John Royce.

She grew up on a dairy farm and helped with her mother's apple orchard. She worked as a phone operator for a period of time prior to her marriage. Priscilla wed S John Royce in august 1956. Six children soon were born. John's sudden accidental death in 1970 left her to manage the farm and raise the children. She worked a part time job at Eastside Nursing home in the laundry department. After retiring from that position she worked as a aid to the driver transporting disabled children to school. She enjoyed several trips with family to see historical sites. She was involved with church her whole life as a Sunday School teacher, a choir member, and a Bible study leader. She was a strong, giving, and loving woman.

She will be missed by her six children, 10 grandchildren (one grandchild is in heaven with her), many nieces and nephews, and 7 great grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. She will be laid to rest in Johnsonburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Robert D. Smart, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2020 at New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. He was born on December 9, 1930 to the late Clarence (Lillian Perry) Smart. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years Lucille; son Michael, daughter Norma Jean; siblings William, Donald, Norman, Richard, Milford and Gloria.

Mr. Smart is a combat wounded Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict who served between 1952-1954. He was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart, Silver Star, Infantry Combat Badge, along with other medals and ribbons.

After working with his father’s company CJ Smart & Sons Construction, he was elected as Town Highway Superintendent from 1964-1992 for the Town of Batavia. After retirement he and Lucile enjoyed being Texas Snowbirds.

Robert is survived by daughters Susan of Texas, Janice “Jane” of Batavia; son Douglas (Bernadette) Smart of Batavia; daughter-in-law Janet Smart of VA; grandchildren Jennifer (Torrey) Sweet, Erica, Kayla and Jessie Henry; Stephen (Katie) Cotter II, Jeremy Arnold; Douglas Jr., Brandon and Tyler Smart; Riley Malone; 6 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Freida Smart; two brothers-in-law Bob & Bernie, along with many nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia, Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Eugene Peters, age 77 of East Bethany, NY was peacefully called home by the Lord - Thursday May 14, 2020.  By his side, were his three daughters Wendy Boni of LeRoy, Carol Stoneham of Pavilion and Karen (Paul) Peters of Caledonia.  No doubt, Gene was embraced and reunited with his predeceased wife of 40 years - Suzanne (Roblee).

Gene was born in Warren, PA to the late Wallace and Vivian Peters.  In addition to his three daughters, he is survived by four grandchildren: Magen Martin, Conney Shull,
Jacob LaPoint and Casey LaPoint… as well as five great grandchildren. Gene was proud of being a self-taught millwright. He was a brilliant maintenance mechanic and could fix almost anything.  His love of cars and pets made him most happy.  He was employed for nineteen years at Sylvania; sixteen years at Eastman Kodak and multiple years at Texas Brine prior to his retirement.

Due to restrictions caused by the pandemic, Gene’s funeral service will be privately held on Thursday, May 21, 2020 (by invitation only) at 1:00 pm.  All are welcome to join the family at his internment/committal immediately following the service at the West Bethany Baptist (Church) Cemetery (corner of West Bethany Road and Brown Road) at
3:00 pm. In honor of Gene’s love of animals, memorials/donations can be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter at:  http://www.vol4animals.org/donate.
Arrangements are being completed by Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home in Warsaw. Online condolences can be shared at www.robinsonandhackemer.com.

Gerald L. “Jerry” Johnson, 83 of Albion, went to Heaven surrounded by his loving family on May 16, 2020. He was born June 16, 1936 in Rochester, to the late C. Glenn (Alice Jones) Johnson.  

Gerald graduated from Charlotte High School and joined the U.S. Army where he served from 1957-1960. He was in the 1^st Army 44^th Battalion; assigned as a guided missile mechanic. He was an initially self-taught guitarist who enjoyed playing standards from the American Song Book. He returned to school at SUNY Brockport to study music under Bud Detar. Over the last few years he especially enjoyed studying jazz under the instruction of Bob Sneider at the Eastman School of Music.

Jerry had several hobbies which included golf, bass fishing, and watching Red Sox baseball. He had a special talent for furniture refinishing. He was especially accomplished in woodworking and enjoyed making fishing lures. Jerry was a friend of Bill W for over 51 years and leaves behind many friends who also enjoyed Bill’s company.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 18 years; daughter Cheryl (Joe) Johnson of Middleport, beloved granddaughter Tiffany (Jarrett) Mock, step-grandson Nicolas Johnson; great-grandchildren Logan and Zoe. In addition he leaves behind his nephew and friend Kenneth (Donna) McCarthy.

There will be no prior calling hours; a Memorial Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. He will be laid to rest in Kenyonville Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at LeRoy Village Green for the excellent and loving care they gave Jerry over the last three weeks.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to LeRoy Village Green Activities Fund, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.