Obituaries

EAST BETHANY - J. Daniel "Dan" Galliford, Sr., 93, of East Bethany, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020, at United Memorial Hospital in Batavia.

Mr. Galliford was born August 20, 1926, in Bethany, a son of the late Thomas and Lorene Rafter Galliford.

He was a General Foreman for Genesee County Highway Department where he worked for 39 years.  Dan also enjoyed operating his farm for 50 years. He was a member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church since 1951, where he served as a Trustee and Treasurer. He was a member of the Bethany Fire Department from 1948 to 1964 where he was the Fire Chief from 1949 to 1952.  He was a board member and Past President of the East Bethany Cemetery Association and member of the Bethany Republican Committee for 15 years. Dan was a family man and he loved Clara, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Clara (Raymond) Galliford, with whom he recently shared a 75th wedding anniversary. They were married on November 10, 1944.  Also surviving are 4 children, James Galliford, Jr. of Batavia, Linda (Gerry) Fry, Jean George, and Douglas (Judy) Galliford all of East Bethany; a sister Florence Speed of Batavia; 10 grandchildren, James Daniel (Kirsten) Galliford, III, Laurie (Donald) Fox, Julie Fry, Melissa (Allen) Iovannisci, Sarah (Tim) Lemley, Stacey (David) George Macdonald, Michael (Kristen) George, Debbie (Frank) Drazen, Brian (Becca) Galliford and Mary (Steve) Skoczylas; 21 greatgrandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

He was the brother of the late Isabel Mitterling, Evelena McGee, Mary Lambert, Mabel Hilken and Ruth Reamer, George Galliford, Thomas Galliford and Herbert Galliford, Sr.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, NY 14054.  A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at United Memorial Medical Center ICU, the staff at LeRoy Village Green Rehabilitation and Cindy Saeva at South Street Senior Care for their care and kindness throughout Dan's illness. 

Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Ruth A. Rupp, 88, of Batavia, formerly of Darien, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020, at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing, Batavia.

Ruth was born September 4, 1931, in Kenmore, a daughter of the late Joseph, Sr., and Marion Goldthwaite Hare. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years and the love of her life, Alton Rupp, and her daughter-in-law, Carol Rupp. She was the sister of the late Joseph Hare, Jr., Philip Hare, Marie Marohn, Betty Boyd and Verna Walker.

Ruth was a loving mother, sister, aunt and grandmother, who loved her grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Ronald (Margie) Rupp of Darien, Rick (Barbara) Rupp of Kingsland, Georgia, Jeffrey (Amina) Rupp of Alexander; a daughter, Suzanne Hare of Batavia; sisters, Delores Shisler, Lorraine Hayes and Sandra Stewart. Ruth is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date when it is safe for family and friends to gather once again. Private burial with the family will be held in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

LeRoy ~ Mary Jane Hellerman, age 75, of Genesee Street, passed away at home on Friday (May 8, 2020).

     Mary Jane will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear friend, who was devoted to her family.  She just cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed listening to country music and working on her puzzles.

     She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Theresa (Clarence) Hubbard of LeRoy, Lisa (Clark) Abbey of LeRoy, Mary Barber of Victor and Anne Herzog of LeRoy; her grandchildren, Tara (Doug) Stella, Erik Hellerman, Alexis Hellerman, Alyssa Herzog, Ariel Barber, Travis Hubbard and Jenna Hubbard; her great-grandchildren, Brynley, Isaac and Adalyn Stella and Nathan Hellerman; very dear friend, Sandy Dempsey, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Hellerman and her siblings, Lena LaRocco, Josephine Muoio and Joseph LaRocco.

     Interment in St. Francis Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

     Contributions in memory of Mary Jane are suggested to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA  02241-7005.

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

     Mrs. Hellerman and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy. 585-768-2400

Mike was an amazing husband of 46 years but loved for 50 years by his wife Darlynne (Conlin). Beloved father of Jennifer (Patrick) Hammond of Attica; Michelle (Timothy) Bell of Attica; Michael (Meredith) Weber of Attica and Brandon (Rachel) Weber of Orangeville. Cherished grandfather to Kaylynne Bell, Hope Bell, Willow Weber and Ryan Snyder. Also a Grandson Daniel Patrick Hammond who was waiting for him in heaven. He is also preceded in death by his brother Charles Weber and his parents James and Patricia (Cunningham) Weber.

Mike also leaves behind his brother James (Diane) Weber, sister Eileen Godfrey and brother Bradley (Amy) Weber, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces and nephews.

Before a liver transplant over 22 years ago, Mike gave up farming and he followed his love of woodworking and began designing and building custom kitchens. Building his own cabinets. He left a legacy behind of possibly 100 beautiful kitchens and bathrooms. Developing close friendships with those he worked for.

Mike was a kind, compassionate man who was loved by all who met him. He will be so missed but we are so thankful he is with his Lord in his perfect healthy body.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be announced at a later date when it’s safe to gather together.   

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Attica Volunteer Fire Department, 11 Water Street, Attica, New York 14011 or to Connect Life www.connectlife.org. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Stephen Michael Ditzel, age 29, passed April 17, 2020 in West Pueblo, Colo. Stephen was born Sept.26, 1990 in the City of Batavia, NY, and was a graduate of Batavia High School.

He leaves behind his mother Mary Ditzel, father William Ditzel, sisters Christine and Tina Ditzel, nephews Willie, Malcolm, Brody, Malik and Marshall and nieces Christine, Brooke, Faith and Paralee. 

Stephen was a free spirit who loved to travel and spend time exploring the natural world, a passion that led him to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He enjoyed creating music, studying botany and horticulture, exercising and watching documentaries.

For several years he resided in the small town of Crestone, Colo., nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Range, where he pursued his love of exploration and desire to meet new people who shared his interests and aspirations. 

Stephen will be missed dearly by his family and friends who recall his humble, kind and compassionate demeanor and willingness to lend a helping hand.

His family encourages all to honor and remember his life in every mountain they climb, every trail they walk, every smile they offer to a stranger, every hand they reach out to shake, and every unknown road they choose to travel. 

A procession to honor Stephen will take place Sunday, May 17 at 1 p.m. beginning on North Lyon Street in the City of Batavia and ending at the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany.

David R. Scott, 77, died unexpectedly at his home on May 2, 2020. He was born in Batavia, NY to Donald J. Scott and Marie (Miller) Scott.

David grew up in Corfu, NY. He graduated from Corfu High School in Corfu, NY in 1960. After high school, he attended college at Alfred State where he received a degree in Floriculture. He joined the National Guard of New York in 1964 and served for 6 years.

David was the fourth-generation owner of Scott’s Florist and Garden Center until he sold it in 2006, after 113 years in business. His great-grandfather, William Scott, started the business after being a gardener for the Queen of England. William also designed gardens for the Pan-American Exposition.

Just as the other men in his family before him, David was known for his green thumb, his incredibly strong work ethic and his love of plants, trees and flowers. He could recall the genus and species of all plants and love to quiz others on them, especially his wife and daughter. David grew the majority of the plants for Darien Lake for over two decades. He continued doing landscaping, cemetery pots and chopping wood until his death. He also served many years on the Evergreen Hill Cemetery Association in Corfu, NY and the Corfu Area Business Association.

David was preceded in death by his parents Donald Scott and Marie (Miller) Scott, and his sister Donna (Scott) Millioto.

David is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou (Boloski) Scott; his daughter Ann Marie (Anthony) Hackett; his beloved granddaughters Alexandra, Ariana and Ava; his brother-in-law Charles Millioto; nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives. 

David met his wife Mary Lou while she was working at Scott’s Florist. Their first date was fishing, of course. They were happily married for 45 years. David was an incredibly loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who tried to help everyone he knew using his wealth of knowledge.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved the outdoors. His talents included chain saw carving, raising koi, scenic painting and helping his friends and family every way he could. Dave has taught so many people how to fish through the years.

Affectionately known as “Pa,” his love for his granddaughters was great and he loved to watch them play, work alongside him in the garden, and watching them at their sporting and music events.

A memorial service will be held at a later time in the summer.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to CompassCare, 1230 Eggert Road, Buffalo, NY 14226, www.compasscarecommunity.com/donate. Gifts can be designated as "In Memory of David R. Scott" either in the memo line on the check or in the notes section online. Condolences may be left on David R. Scott’s online guest book at http://memorial.yourtribute.com/David-R-Scott

Mr. Rung was born July 9, 1927, in Buffalo, a son of the late Raymond and Louisa (McMahon) Rung.

Richard served his country honorably with the Coast Guard and earned an Associates Degree from the University of Buffalo.  He worked for many years at M & T Bank in Batavia.  Mr. Rung was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry.  He was also a member of Kiwanis Club where he was a Past President and Past Lieutenant Governor.  Additionally, Richard was a member of the Olive Branch #39 Free and Accepted Masons in Le Roy and was a dedicated advisor for the International Order of Rainbow Girls.  During his banking career, he served on many boards and committies of community organizations. 

He is the husband of Bette (Lubs) Rung of East Bethany.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Mary (Joseph) Fox of Blasdell, Jeanne (late Craig) Shore of Kansas, Barbara (Tom) Garrett of Colorado, Richard (Cindra) Rung of Ohio, William Rung of Iowa, and Deborah Graff of Conesus.  Several grandchildren including a special grandson, Spencer Graff; great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Richard is preceded in death by his siblings, Raymond and Robert Rung, and Mary Lou Peoples.

Visitation and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date and will be announced.  A private graveside service will be held in Grand View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

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.

OAKFIELD - Edna A. Vazquez, 71, of Oakfield, passed away Thursday, (May 7, 2020), at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs. Vazquez was born December 19, 1948, in Gowanda, a daughter of the late Harvey and Anna (Hans) Osterstuck.

Edna was a former member of St. Padre Pio Parish, enjoyed crafts, flowers, and feeding the birds.  She cherished time spent with family and will be remembered as an exceptional cook.

She is survived by her husband, Eudocio Vazquez; children, Anna (Joseph) Salone of Rochester, Connie (Russell Blumer) King of Batavia, and Mary Davis of Batavia; step-children, Sarah Kreutz of Byron, Ashley Kreutz of Byron, and Adam Kreutz of Batavia; a brother, Burton (Kathy) Osterstuck of Collins; a sister, Cathy (George) Tebo of OH.  21 grandchildren along with several great-grandchildren also survive.

Edna is preceded in death by siblings, Harvey and Anthony Osterstuck.

A private Graveside Service will be held in St. Cecelia's Cemetery, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edna's memory may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or online at www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.

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.

Joseph Figliulo, 77, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2020 in St. Augustine, FL. He was born in Batavia, NY on April 5, 1943. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Judy Figliulo.
 
Joe was a 1960 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia, New York. He was a fine bowler and a member of the successful King James Hotel bowling team. After receiving an Associates Degree in Business from the Bryant and Stratton Business College in Buffalo, NY he worked for United Horse Transporters and also as a pari-mutuel clerk at Batavia Downs. He became the Race Secretary of Batavia Downs and later Scarborough Downs, Scarborough, ME and was a member of the American Harness Racing Secretaries Association.
 
He was the son of Patsy Figliulo of Los Angeles, CA and was raised by his mother, Josephine Figliulo in Batavia, NY. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children: Joe Figliulo of Pittsburgh, PA; Jennifer Vona and her husband Tony, of Albany, NY and his grandchildren Andrew, Benjamin and Nicholas; Jamie Figliulo and his wife Elizabeth of Rye, NH and Jason Figliulo of Rye, NH.
 
Due to the current pandemic, traditional funeral services will not be offered. The family will hold a small private memorial service in New Hampshire in the future.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Association, https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html.
 
St Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

LeRoy ~ Anita Gilbert Harris died peacefully at her home on Monday, May 4, 2020. She was born September 11, 1921 in New York City, daughter of the late Harold A. and Anita Brener Gilbert. She was predeceased by her husband, William Howell Harris, Sr. and her daughter, Susan Genevieve Harris Sullivan. Anita is survived by daughter, Sally (Al) Lindsley, son, William (Elizabeth Graney) Harris, daughter, Anita Ellen Harris, and son-in-law, Michael Sullivan; 11 grandchildren, Matthew (Lisa), Mark (Katie), and Peter (Liz) Sullivan; Katharine (Clint) Robert, Daniel (Denise), and Nathanael (Susan) Edmund; William W. (Sada), John (Neha), Alexander (Lisa), and Mary Elizabeth Harris (Chapin Guthrie), and Adam (McKenzie) Stogsdill, 20 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, whom she adored.

     Mrs. Harris graduated from Nottingham High School, Syracuse, NY, attended Syracuse University, University of Rochester earning her bachelor’s degree from SUNY-Geneseo and master’s degree from SUNY-Empire State College. For many years, she was a chemistry teacher at Pittsford Sutherland and Pittsford Mendon High Schools ending her career as an educator at Genesee Community College.

     As a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, she served for many years on the altar guild and as a Sunday School teacher. She enjoyed knitting, bridge, and gardening, but most of all, the company of her family.

     There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 East Main Street, LeRoy, New York 14482 or LeRoy Historical Society, PO Box 176, 23 East Main Street, LeRoy, New York 14482 www.leroyhistoricalsociety.org 

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

     Mrs. Harris and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Mrs. Freeman was a ray sunshine to everyone around her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  

Mrs. Freeman is survived by her children Holly (Toni) Linderman of Ischua, NY; Gerry (Cathy) Freeman of Attica; grandson Craig (Sarah) Freeman of Richmond, TX; step-grandchildren Kris (Rachel) Linderman of Olean; Jessica Weeden of Dayton; Stephen (Rachel) Sovocool of Attica; Phillip (Jackie) Sovocool of Waynesville, MO; 13 great-grandchildren, siblings Herman (Gertie) Deuel of Wyoming; Ruth (Jim) Meyers of Honeoye Falls; Elaine Radford of Florida; Linda (Bill) Thompson of Pavilion; Dorothy (Roy) Spoily of Alden. Her good friends Jeff (Beth) Powell and Dianne Boatfield; sisters-in-law Maybel Deuel and Suzanne Freeman.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Salvation Army of Batavia, 529 E. Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Genesee County Aging Services, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.    

Former Vice President of Operations at Batavia Downs, James P. Samberg, passed away on Wednesday (Apr. 29) at the age of 85.  

Mr. Samberg;was born in 1935 in Detroit, Mich., where he attended Precious Blood Catholic School and Catholic Central High School. He went on to graduate from St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto with a degree in Theology and Writing. He taught English and history for a year at his alma mater, Catholic Central HS and then at Aquinas Institute. 

In 1983 Mr. Samberg transitioned careers and came to Batavia Downs as their Director of Publicity. His leadership in the organization eventually moved him to overseeing the entire plant as vice-president of operations, a position he held until the tracks initial closure in 1997. In 1998 Mr. Samberg reached out to Western Regional Off Track Betting (WROTB) with a proposal to sell the track to them and was eventually able to consummate a deal that year. The track reopened under its new ownership in 2002.

It was the efforts of Mr. Samberg to move Batavia Downs forward that gave the shuttered track a new life under the guidance of the WROTB and that interaction eventually turned out to be financially beneficial to the residents of 15 Western New York counties (that include the cities of Buffalo and Rochester) by returning more than $220 million in revenues generated by the now modern and thriving racing and gaming venue to the taxpayers of those municipalities over the last 18 years.

Mr. Samberg was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who loved life and everyone he knew. He was well respected by all the horsemen who raced at Batavia Downs during his tenure and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Mr. Samberg was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Martha Samberg; loving wife, Barbara P. Samberg; son, Michael P. McDonald. He is survived by his children, Martha Smith, Mark (Jacqueline) McDonald, Margo McDonald and Meghan McDonald (Scott Boone); 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Carl L. Samberg; sister, Suzanne (Ronald) Marmol; sister-in-law, Donna Warner; several nieces and nephews; and special friend of the family, Bonnie Jones.

A Memorial Mass at St. Ann's Home will be scheduled at a later date due to the current situation. Interment at Holy Sepulchre was held privately. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or to the Sisters of Mercy. To share a memory of James please visit www.giltnerfuneralhomes.com.

-- By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

In the town of Bergen where everyone knew his name, Papa Chark was a legend. Known for his happy-go-lucky style and irreverent sense of humor, Chark connected easily with others because of his love for life.  Throughout his lifetime, he wore many different hats. He was a farmer, a milkman, a salesman, a state worker, a glass shop owner, a basketball coach, a father-figure to many, and the beloved patriarch of the Charcholla family.  He was an iconic softball pitcher, a softball umpire, and a soccer referee. His funny antics made him a fan-favorite. He instilled his strong work ethic and love for sports and athletics in his three sons who in turn passed it on to their families. He was ever-present at his grand-children’s sporting events, where once again, he became a fan-favorite.    He provided unconditional love, acceptance, understanding, and had a warm and welcoming heart.  His legacy and memories will always be cherished, and undoubtedly, he will always be remembered as the “life of the party”. 

The family is grateful to the staff of Leroy Village Greens for their outstanding care of our Papa Chark for the past two years.

There will be no visitation.  Services will be held privately for the family.  Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in RobRoy's memory may be made to Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters, 6917 West Bergen Road, Bergen, New York 14416.

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, 51 S. Lake St., Bergen.

Thomas will be remembered for his love of soccer, hiking, video games and especially music. He loved to spend time with family and friends and will be dearly missed.

In addition to his mother, Thomas is survived by his siblings; Alicia (Steven) Fitzsimmons of Oakfield; Christina (Jamon) Freak of New Zealand; Brandi Hayes Barnett of Collinsville, IL; Caitlin (Jacob) Fronczek of Tonawanda; special cousin Shelby (Brandon) Falker of Akron; 6 nieces and nephews Kaleb, Quinn, Collin, Tyler, Alex and Savannah.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held at a later date. Thomas will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.