Obituaries

  Darrell A. Rivers, 79, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Saturday May 2, 2020 under the care of Hospice Buffalo after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Darrell was born on October 30, 1940 at his home in Canton, NY to the late Allen and Sally Rivers.

Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 60 years; Eleanor Ann (Barnhart) Rivers of Batavia; his five children Martin (Debra) Rivers of Churchville, Kathleen (Timothy) Evens of East Pembroke, Sherry (Christopher) Tacy of Oakfield, Jonathan (Katie) Rivers of Basom and Kimberly (Daniel) Cervone of Batavia; He also leaves behind seven grandchildren who he loved dearly, Brian (Richie) Rivers, Allyssa Kuchler, Taylor Rivers, Krystal Rivers, Danielle Cervone, Zachary Tacy and Mikaela Rivers; three sisters Beverly Corcoran, Cheryl Barber and Lori Forsyth, along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, his is predeceased by four siblings; Arthur Rivers, Carl Rivers, Rita Sanfratello and Barbara Blackmer.

Darrell devoted his life to taking care of his family. He was the owner of Darrell’s Auto Service in West Batavia for over 21 years, which is now owned by his son Jon. He was a Certified Ford Technician and a Mopar Master Technician. He was highly regarded for his work at many local automotive dealerships throughout his career. Darrell enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family. He loved working with his hands and had many different hobbies including photography, painting, gardening, woodworking, restoring and refurbishing furniture and sign making.

Services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Donations may be made in his memory to Hospice Buffalo in care of Hospice Foundation PO Box 590 Buffalo, NY 14240.  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.

Rose A. VanValkenburg, 92, died in her home in Batavia on Sunday, May 3, 2020 with her three children at her bedside.

She was born in Batavia on Oct. 5, 1927 and lived in the same home on East Main St. for the past 70 years. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Russell G. VanValkenburg, who died in 2009. With her husband, Rose co-founded two successful businesses in the 1960s and 1970s, one selling and servicing televisions and another selling the city’s first waterbeds.

For many years, she was a member of the lady’s bowling league at Mancuso Lanes, and was a supporter of the Civil Air Patrol, of which her husband served as a local commander. She was a frequent caregiver to the elderly and supporter of local service clubs.

Rose was known in her neighborhood and around town as a hard worker, tending to her flowers and outside nearly everyday sweeping up the last leave or shoveling the last bit of snow. She continued her snow removal efforts up until this past winter.

In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her parents Ignazio Mortellaro and Carmella (Dorsey), as well as sisters Mary Cassaro, Jenny Stehlar, both of California, and Millie McVay of East Pembroke, and by brothers Casper (Mort) Mortellaro, Frank Mortellaro, both of Batavia.

Survivors include her three children — Donna Nelson (Andy Rogers) of Vermont, Gary (Josie) VanValkenburg of Batavia, and Dennis Jay (Julia Newhouse) of Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Other survivors include eight grandchildren and many great grandchilden, and brothers Tony (Shirley) Mortellaro, Joe Mortellaro and Richard (Kathy) Mortellaro, all of East Pembroke.

A celebration of Rose’s life will take place in Batavia later this year.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, https://crossroadshouse.com/donate/. 

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

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

JOSHUA T. FULLMER, SR. ~ Age 27, of Batavia, passed away Monday afternoon at the Erie County Medical Center from injuries he sustained from a motorcycle accident. He was born in Batavia on December 3, 1992 to Joy A. (McCormack) DellaPenta of Akron and the late Robert C. Fullmer, Sr.

Josh was a wonderful young man who packed a lot of life in his 27 years, some would say he was an “Old Soul”, friends, he had too many to count but Josh always, always had and ear to listen or a hand to lend. He had an unusual love for snakes, his motorcycle and children, he was wonderful with them and they were drawn to him. Josh was employed at HP Hood in Batavia and was a wonderful husband, father, son and brother.

Joshua is survived by her his loving wife, Deserae (Hall) Fullmer of Batavia, whom he married on November 2, 2019. His cherished children, Joshua T. Fullmer, Jr. and EverlyAnn Fullmer both at home; his beloved mother, Joy (Joseph) DellaPenta, Jr. of Akron; siblings, Robert Fullmer, Mark Fullmer, Justin (Cassandra) McCormack, Jeremy (Kristen) Fullmer, Brittany Fullmer, Amy Shultz and David Shultz, II; maternal grandmother, Sandra Peters of Akron; mother-in-law, CarriAnn (Neil Musshafen) Whitney of Bergen; grandparents, Gary (Sandra) Whitney of Albion along with friends far and wide.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic a Celebration of Joshua’s life for family and friend will be announced at a time & place when it is deemed safe. Memorials in his memory are suggested to the family.

Please share words of comfort with Josh’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JOSHUA T. FULLMER, SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

KATHLEEN M. BARNARD ~ Age 71, of Batavia, died peacefully on Saturday April 25, 2020 at the home of her daughter while under the care of Hospice and her loving family. Kathie was born on October 13, 1948 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Melville and Marcelle (Richards) Bort, she was also preceded in death by a brother, David Bort.

Kathie was an LPN who worked for many her at the Genesee County Nursing Home and was a volunteer at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. She will be remembered as a loving mother, nana and sister.

Kathie is survived by her loving daughters, Lisa (Larry) Dodd of CA and their son, Logan, Jennifer Barnard of Buffalo and Serenity (Sean) Houlihan of Rochester and their children, Annabelle, Gwendolyn & Penelope; brother, Michael (Kathryn) Bort of PA and several dear friends.

Due to the on-going COVID-19 epidemic a Celebration of Kathleen’s Life will take place later. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to a Hospice of the donor’s choice or Volunteers for Animals 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020.

Please share your words of comfort with Kathleen’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF KATHLEEN M. BARNARD IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 – (585)343-7500 

Lorraine F. Thompson, (nee Geitner), of Indian Falls, at the age of 88 passed away on April 27, 2020.
Wife of the late Richard "Dick" Thompson.  Mother of Robert (LaNora) and John (Lori) Thompson.  Sister of Thomas Geitner and the late Virginia "Jean" Meiser and the late James Geitner.  Grandmother of Daniel (Katie) Manges, Dianna (Phillip) Harrison and Bryan, Steven and Owen Thompson.  Great-Grandmother of Ryan and Alaina Manges, Kaelyn Oliver and Brennan Harrison.
She was a housewife, mother and helped on the family farm. She also worked as a housekeeper for the Pembroke Central School. Additionally she was a Town of Pembroke elections inspector for many years. Her hobbies and enjoyment: She and her late husband loved driving and traveling and during retirement Lorraine and Dick made 28 driving trips to California to visit relatives and tour the United States. She had great memories of the church trip she and Dick made to Israel. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an excellent cook and home maker and made sure her son’s were properly taken care of growing up. She enjoyed needle work and was an avid reader. She was very proud of the farmstead and worked with her husband to make sure it was in excellent condition. She enjoyed meeting and visiting with people.

Memorials to Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church and Indian Falls Fire Dept. Services will be announced by BERNHARDT FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 130 Main St.; Akron (716-542-9522).
Please visit www.BERNHARDTFUNERAL.com.

 

Corfu - Audrey J. Doll, 90, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the Harris Hill Nursing Facility where she resided the last 16 months.

She was born in Buffalo, June 7, 1929, a daughter of the late Leo and Jean Meinweiser Johnson. She graduated from Corfu High School and Bryant and Stratton College.

Audrey married Franklin C. Doll on April 1, 1949. In 1958 they began what was to become a 40 year career; building and operating grocery stores in Corfu. It began as a Red & White store where Audrey would deliver groceries to those homebound. In 1973 a larger store was built and operated under the name Super Duper.; later changing to Jubilee Foods. The business was sold in 1998. Audrey and her husband enjoyed snowmobiling, motoring-cycling and traveling in their van across country to visit our National Parks and sites throughout the state of Alaska.

Audrey was baptized at the Corfu Presbyterian Church and has been an active member ever since. She was the official “caller” for the over 100 pie donations needed for the church’s annual turkey supper. Up until her death, she belonged to the Member Care Committee which showcased her compassion for sending people cards and encouraging notes. She was a member of the Corfu Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and made the famous firemen’s chicken BBQ sauce for their fundraisers.

Audrey loved to cook, bake and entertain. Reading, especially cookbooks and embroidery filled her days.

Audrey was predeceased by her husband Frank in 2005 and a grandson Matthew Schmigel in 2001.

Audrey is survived by her children, Andrew (Linda) Doll of Rochester, Scott Doll of Rome, NY and Dawn Doll of Corfu whom she lived with for five years prior to entering a nursing home. She was “Gramma” to her grandchildren, Brian (Brigid) Doll, Kimberly (Doug) Bohnel, Angela Doll, Katie (Brad) Doll/Bisbing, Joshua (Genevieve) Doll, Brandon (Sara) Doll and Audralee (Maximillian) Doll/Falkowski and Seven great-grandchildren with three more due this spring.
Audrey’s brother Merwin (Janice) Johnson survives along with their children, Pat Amidon and Rick (Debra) Johnson. Audrey considered Sophie Bouchet (Gerard) Audouin of Bordeaux, France, an AFS student who lived with her in 1973, a part of her family as well.

Those desiring to make memorial contributions may make them to Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY or to the Corfu Library, 7 Maple Ave., Corfu, NY 14036.

A private burial service will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu with a memorial service planned for a later date when people can again gather and partake in her favorite question she often asked of her customers, “Could you use a hug today?”

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

On Friday April 24th, after a long battle with heart failure Maxwell Jessop passed at the age of 15.  Max was born in Batavia on August 20th, 2004 and was a student at the New York State School for the Blind.  Those who knew Max will remember him for his mischievous nature, his passion for food, and his love for swimming, skiing and bouncing.  Without ever saying a word, he taught everyone he met what it meant to truly love. Max never complained about the burdens he

carried throughout his life.  He lived his life without rules or judgment, and if he could help it - without clothes.  His magnetic nature changed the lives of anyone who was fortunate enough to know him.   

Max will reunite in heaven with his Granka (Janet Jessop), Grandma J., his Donnie, and finally meet his grandpa Mike.

Max will be dearly missed here on Earth by his parents Sean and Shannon (Murphy) Jessop,  his sister Ryan Jessop, his best friends Aunt Shawna and Roberta Drescher, his Nani (Susan Murphy), grandfather (John Jessop), his friends at the Blind School, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Max’s name to the New York State School for the Blind, Attention Marie Cone, 2A Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Max's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Pavilion ~ Brian H. Elliott, age 63, of St. Mary’s Street, passed away Friday afternoon (April 24, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in the loving presence of his family.

    

 He was born October 26, 1956 in Batavia, a son of Clifford H. Elliott Jr. and the late Shirley Johnston Elliott.

     Brian will be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.  He loved to spend time with and entertain his nieces and nephews at family functions.  He was a dedicated life time member of the Pavilion Fire Department, where he was a past chief and past chairman of the Pavilion Board of Fire Commissioners.  He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Syracuse Orange basketball.  He enjoyed hunting and taking long rides on his Spyder with Nancy and their very special friends, Lynne and DR Roblee.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife of almost 43 years, Nancy Twichell Elliott; his son and daughter-in-law, Eric (Belle) Elliott; father, Clifford Elliott Jr. (Joyce Herold); his siblings, Karen (Gordon) Almeter, Debra (Brian) Bly, Joyce (David) Zaremski, David Elliott, Janet Elliott and Suzanne (Michael) Herold, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     A public memorial mass and celebration of Brian’s life will be held at a later date to be announced.  He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Pavilion at the convenience of his family.

     Contributions in memory of Brian are suggested to the Pavilion Fire Department, P. O. Box 156, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525.

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

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

  Mary Jane Marino, 87, from the Town of Batavia and of Albion passed away peacefully on April 23, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 14, 1933 in Elba to the late Harry and Beulah (Hicks) Cosway. In addition to her parents, Mary Jane is predeceased by a daughter Joanne Marino-Perry; her siblings Frank and Robert Cosway, Grace Pahuta, Beatrice Hatch and Dorothy Merkle-Elbel.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 ½ years; Joseph Marino of Albion; children James (Susan) Marino of Spencerport, Jon Marino of Virgina, Janelle (Gene) Flammger of Albion, Son-in-law, Clair Perry of Akron; 7 grandchildren, Nicole, Matthew, Dan, Christopher, Jennifer, Joe, Jolene and one special great-grandchild, Brianna, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was a Secretary of Administration at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia. Her love of travel took her to many places around the world and to all but three states in the USA. She loved to play games, garden, sew, quilt and was well known for her chocolate chip cookies and themed decorated birthday cakes. She had a kind and generous heart who was always there to help anyone. She was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

There will be no prior calling hours and a Celebration of Mary Jane’s life will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Akron.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St Jude www.stjude.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    

Orchard Park/Batavia - Eleanor F. Found, 95, of Orchard Park and formerly of Batavia, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2020, at her daughter's home in Orchard Park.

Eleanor was born May 14, 1924, in Wheeling, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Glenn and Grace (Giffen) Ferguson.

Eleanor was a long time teacher’s aide for the Batavia City School District. She also served in many volunteer capacities including the snack shop at Genesee Memorial Hospital, Meals on Wheels, Literacy Volunteers, and many church ministries at First Presbyterian Church. Eleanor was instrumental in helping many young children begin their lives in a way that set them on a course of becoming all they could be. She loved being involved with her family’s activities, and delighted in spending time at the Chautauqua Institute and their family cabin in Quebec each summer. Eleanor was beloved by many for her helping spirit and always caring for the needs of the people around her.

Survivors include her children, Marilyn Found of Orchard Park, Ernest Found, Jr. of Iowa City, IA and Grace (Mark) Hedges of Hamburg; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Eleanor is predeceased by her husband, Ernest Murray Found, Sr., son, Daniel Found, granddaughter, Caroline Found, daughter-in-law, Ellyn Found and brothers, Richard Ferguson, Robert Ferguson and James Ferguson.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

Memorial contributions in Eleanor's memory may be made to Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

Robert Bruce Mertens, 85 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (April 22, 2020) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

He was born June 9, 1934, a son of the late George and Mary Johnson Mertens.

Bruce as he was known by so many people was the owner of Merts Wholesale Auto Parts in Akron.  Bruce had served his country with the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.  He was a longtime member of the Akron Newstead Rotary Club and was also a member of the American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and was an avid history buff.

He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Mertens and son, Michael Mertens.

Surviving are his children, Robert (Patti) Mertens of Buffalo, Deborah (Michael) Kiel of Cheektowaga, Todd (Laurie Ann) Mertens of Cheektowaga and Patricia (late Walter) Sherron of Richmond, VA. Daughter in-law, Ginny Mertens of Arizona. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at a later date due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Interment will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in Akron.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

 

 

OAKFIELD - Michael Sabatino, age 78, went to his eternal home on April 21, 2020. He was born in Batavia on January 31, 1942, the son of the late Frank and Patricia (Lipani) Sabatino. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Frank Sabatino Jr.

Mike was an active member of the Batavia Assembly of God church for over 35 years. He was a lively character that loved telling everyone he met about the love of Jesus. He had a heart for the imprisoned and served many years ministering to those in the Genesee County Jail as well as Attica State Prison.

Mike also served as the ASA softball commissioner in the area, organizing softball leagues throughout the county for over 35 years; and he also would never give up an opportunity to tell you about his love for horseracing.

He is survived by his wife, Christy, and children Michael (Deanna) of Palmetto, FL, Wendy (Jason) of Bradenton, FL, Jeremy (Rachael) of Oakfield, and Caleb (Alycia) of Attica; as well as ten grandchildren,one great‐grandchild, and one nephew.

Due to COVID‐19, a memorial service honoring Mike’s life will be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 N. Spruce St., Batavia,NY 14020. 

Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Corfu -- Shirley M. (Glidden) Schmigel, 92, of Corfu, passed away Monday, April 20, 2020 at Premier Genesee Center, Batavia, NY.

Shirley was born May 15, 1927, a daughter of the late Maurice and Ethel (Peters) Glidden. She was the sister of the late Ellen Brockway and grandmother of the late Matthew Schmigel.

Shirley had a lifelong passion for gardening and will be remembered for her fruit and vegetable roadside stand that she famously operated for many years. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and making arts and crafts.

Shirley is survived by four children, Sandi Daily, Duane Schmigel, Cathy Kingdon and Deborah (Gary) Starowicz; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours and services will be held privately. She will be lain to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shirley’s honor may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu.