Obituaries

June Lakin Stuerzebecher, 85, of Cortland formerly of Perry passed away on Friday September 16, 2016 at the Cortland Park Nursing Home where she had been residing for the past 5 weeks while recovering from her third neck surgery. June was born in Perry, NY on August 28, 1931 a daughter of the late Kenneth and Helen (Yencer) Lakin.

June had lived in Cortland, NY for 16 years with her husband. She worked for the former Perry Knitting Mill and was a Food Service Unit Manager at SUNY Geneseo for many years. She enjoyed gardening, working outside as well as knitting and crocheting. She designed a complete renovation of their home in 2006 and helped with repairs to the house from a smoke damaged interior in 2014.

She is survived by her husband of 13 years; Robert (Bob) Stuerzebecher, daughter; Cynthia (Bob) Lacey of Wyoming, NY, son; Kim Zanghi of Syracuse, NY, 6 grandchildren; Jennifer Straub, Colleen Smith, Brenda Lacey Jessica (Matthew) Hume, Richard (Lacey) Lacey and Kathryn (Lendle Tucker) Lacey, 12 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents she is preceded in death by 2 brothers Kenneth and John Lakin.

Family and friends may call from 1:00-2:00PM on Thursday September 22, 2016 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main Street Perry, New York 14530. A 2:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow at the Funeral Home.  She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or visit www.cancer.org. 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.

FRANK J. DiANTONIO

Age 66, of Batavia, died peacefully Saturday evening September 17, 2016 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born June 30, 1950 in Batavia, NY, a son of Concetta (Gravanda) DiAntonio of Batavia and the late George A. DiAntonio.  

Mr. DiAntonio was a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's) and worked for 37 years for the New York State Department of Corrections. 

Surviving along with his mother are his loving sisters, Mary Jo (Rick) Thomas of Batavia, Sharon (Ron) Robbins of Batavia, Georgina (Bob Lawton) Buck of Oakfield and Debra (Robert) Barnard of Batavia along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  

The DiAntonio family invites all to celebrate Frank's Mass of Christian Burial 10:00AM Thursday September 22 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site), he will be laid to rest with his father in St. Joseph's Cemetery, memorials are suggested to Homecare & Hospice, Inc. 

Please share your words of comfort with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

 

THE FAMILY OF FRANK J. DiANTONIO IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

  

 

Batavia ~ Sarah R. Zinni, age 87, formerly of Tracy Avenue, passed away Sunday morning (Sept. 18, 2016) at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

     She was born May 11, 1929 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline Malone O'Geen.

     Mrs. Zinni was very devoted to her family and her faith.  She was a member of the Alter and Rosary Society at St. Anthony's Church in Batavia.  She worked for over 40 years as a waitress at Batavia Downs and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, as well as spending time in casinos.

     She is survived by her sons, John (Christine) Zinni of Fredonia, Robert (Karen) Zinni of Batavia and Richard (Cathy) Zinni of LeRoy; her grandchildren, David, Matthew, Mark, Elizabeth, Sarah, Joseph (Amy), Robert, Mary, Diana and John; her great-grandchildren, Louie and Josie; her siblings, Frank (Rosie) O'Geen of Batavia, Salvatore (Joan) O'Geen, Philip (JoAnn) O'Geen, Joseph (Donna) O'Geen and Connie Cecere, all of LeRoy; along with many nieces and nephews.

     She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Zinni in 1999, her brother, James O'Geen and her sister, Palmina O'Geen.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 4 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy with interment to follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.

     Memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021

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

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

Batavia - Sabrina A. Cassidy, 38, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Highland Hospital.

Sabrina was born January 6, 1978 in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Steven Scandalito of Columbus, Ohio and Shena (Macario “Mac”) Garcia of Columbus, Ohio.

Sabrina loved being home to raise her children and will be remembered by her family as a beautiful, dedicated caring mother. She was eager and excited for the anticipated arrival of her first grandchild.

Surviving along with her parents is her husband, Angelo A.  Cassidy, whom she married October 13, 2007; her children,  Manuel Delrosario, Shena Cassidy  and Ryan Cassidy, all of Batavia; two sisters, Gina Morgan and Stephanie Scandalito, both of Columbus, Ohio; her mother-in-law, Cindy Seppie of LeRoy; grandparents, Ted (Ruth) Cassidy of Pavilion and several aunts and uncles, including Glenn (Delcina) Cassidy of LeRoy. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is the sister of the late Wayne Scandalito, who passed away on March 25, 2013 and granddaughter of the late Dan (Cleo) Davidson.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where her services will follow at 6 p.m. Graveside services will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Sabrina’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

KEVIN WOODHAMS (KYEONGSEOP KIM)

Age 25, of Batavia, died unexpectedly Monday September, 5 2016. He was born January 6, 1991 in Ulsan City, South Korea a son of Jukeun Kim and Youngim Nam of S. Korea. 

Kevin arrived in the U.S.A. in February and instantly fell in love with America, he enjoyed Starbucks Coffee, McDonalds and Wegmans but always enjoyed his Korean favorites. He enjoyed music, local parks and gazing at the stars in the night sky. 

Surviving along with his parents is his loving husband, James R. Woodhams, III of Batavia and a brother, Gwangseop Kim in S. Korea. 

Family will be present to share fond memories of Kevin with friends from 6-8PM on Monday September 19 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020. Burial will be held privately by the family and memorials in his memory can be made to the family. 

Please share your memories of Kevin with his family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF KEVIN WOODHAMS IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

 

  Patricia A. Sondericker, 74, of Attica passed away on Wednesday September 7, 2016. She was born September 22, 1941 in Attica Center on Cascade Road, in the house where she was raised to the late Lester and Carol (Nichols) Gephart. Mrs. Sondericker is preceded in death by her husband, Richard M. Sondericker; a brother William Gephart; two sisters Virginia Joy and Doris Sondericker; brother-in-law Ainsworth (Doris) Sondericker; sister-in-law Geraldine (Ellsowrth) Merkel; father and mother-in-law William (Edna) Sondericker; and a granddaughter, Jody Burnison.

Mrs. Sondericker graduated from Attica High School in 1960. She then graduated at Catherine McCauley School of Nursing in 1961.  She worked at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia for over 20 years. She also was a substitute nurse at Attica Central School for many years, as well as worked at Dr. William Guthringer for 8 years. Mrs. Sondericker attended Immanuel United Church of Christ in Orangeville and served many roles, but for the past few years has attended the Attica Baptist Church. She was the President of the Attica American Legion Auxiliary and Wyoming County American Legion Auxiliary. She also was the secretary for the Pleasant View Cemetery.

She is survived by her step-daughters; Brenda (Terry) Martin; Laurie (George) Burnison; Monica (Joseph) Kibler; Althea (James) Spencer; Donna (Mark) Kohlhagen; sister Beverly (Stub) Shaw; sister-in-law Helen Gephart; a brother Lester E. Gephart; 16 grandchildren, Paul (ex-wife Tanya) Martin; Beth (Rodney) Reisdorf; Wade (Melinda) Martin; Tina (Michael) Knapp; Susan (J. Scott) Baker; Robert (Hope) Burnison; Brian (Mandi) Burnison; Anthony (Melissa) Kibler; Steven (Tiffany) Kibler; Chad (Melissa) Kibler; Abigail (Jonah) Broughton; Briana (Barry) Ritzenthaler; Jill (Dustin) Brown; Cassie (Nick) Furr; Nicky (Courtney) Kohlhagen and Rachel (Bill) Kelly; 25 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call on September 24, 2016 from 10:00AM – 12:00 Noon, with a Memorial Service to immediately follow after at Attica Baptist Church, 3 Prospect Street, Attica, NY 14011. She will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery, 2165 Exchange Street Road, Attica, New York

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Attica Baptist Church and Attica Rescue Squad. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main St. Attica, New York 14011.

Pavilion - Alan J. “AJ” Hargrave, 55, of Pavilion, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, (September 15, 2016) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mr. Hargrave was born May 3, 1961 in Batavia, a son of Alberta Mae (Pursel) Hargrave of Pavilion and the late Monroe J. Hargrave.

AJ was a fisherman and self-proclaimed “Pizza Connoisseur.”  He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, and enjoyed watching Duck Dynasty and the Red Green Show.  He was an avid fan of “Earl Pitts” and Tradio on WCJW Radio.  Alan always had a helping hand and was able to offer one-liners to anyone.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Karen (Butler) Hargrave; children, Christina and Jarad; step-children, Paula (Ted) Cooper of Brockport, Becky (Greg) Waldron of CO, and Jennifer Kibbe of TX; brothers, John Hargrave of Pavilion, Stanley (Penny) Hargrave of Batavia; sisters, Elizabeth (late Alvin) Thurley of Pavilion, Gail (late Fay) Smith of E. Bethany, Jahn (Robert) Richburg of Warsaw.  Several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also survive.

Alan is preceded in death by a sister, Ramona Hargrave.

Family and Friends may call on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hargrave Residence, 10694 East Road, Pavilion.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, for distribution to various charities.

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

Batavia – Rev. Charles H. Lee, 81, of Batavia, a long time Presbyterian Pastor, passed away Wednesday (September 14, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester.

Rev. Lee was born April 2, 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late H. Howard and Beryl (Moss) Lee.

Rev. Lee earned a Bachelor’s degree from Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA having majored in English; after which, he attended Pittsburgh Seminary, earning a Master’s of Theology in 1960.  Throughout his career, he had six pastorates in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and ending his career in New York.  For 14 years, Rev. Lee hosted a weekly radio ministry, airing every Sunday on WBTA Radio.  He was also a Chaplain at the VA Medical Center in Batavia for a number of years. 

 

Rev. Lee was a long time member of the Newcomerstown, OH Lodge of the F&AM and was a former member of the Batavia Lions Club.   He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed Muckdogs Baseball while his health allowed.  He also loved to read and complete puzzles.  

He is survived by his wife, Janet (Schmults) Lee, whom he married December 21, 1957.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth May Lee.

There will be no prior visitation.  Family and friends are invited to attend a Masonic Service on Monday (September 19, 2016) at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, 300 East Main St., where Rev. Lee’s Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Dr. Roula Alkhouri will officiate.  Private burial will be in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

FRANK BATTAGLIA

Age 62, of Mt. Vernon, KY, formerly of Oakfield, NY died peacefully Monday September 12, 2016 at Baptist Health-Richmond. He was born September 22, 1953 in Batavia, NY a son of the late Charles and Mary Lou (Versaggi) Battaglia. 

Mr. Battaglia was a former member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield and worked for many years as a teacher at the Attica Correctional Facility. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed country music. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 26 years, Loretta (Reese) Battaglia of KY; son, Timothy (Michelle) Battaglia of Batavia and their children, Anthony, Isabella and Jacob; son, Frank (Larissa) Battaglia, Jr. of FL along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The Battaglia family will be present from 6-7PM on Friday September 16 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020, where funeral services will begin at 7PM, with a dinner immediately following at the Dibble Family Family Center. Memorials in his memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice and burial will be held privately by the family. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Frank with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

 

 Oakfield - Florence W. Bruno, 94, of Oakfield, passed away Monday, (September 12, 2016) at the New York State Veterans Home, in Batavia.

Mrs. Bruno was born January 5, 1922 in Williamson, a daughter of the late Charles and Myrtle (Edmonds) Wilbor.

Florence was a member of the former Presbyterian Church in Oakfield.  She enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting, and gardening.  Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family.

She is the wife of the late Oliver J. Bruno, who passed away in 2013.

Surviving are her children, Sally (late David) Ross of Oakfield, Susan (Jan) Witkowski of Batavia, Stephen (Laura Feather) Bruno of Durham, NC, Peggy (late Carlos) Storti of Brazil, and Holly Wilson of Geneseo; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Phylis Wilbor of Ontario.

Mrs. Bruno is preceded in death by her brother, Jay Wilbor; and sister, Janet (late Lyle) Warner.

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Mrs. Bruno generously donated her body to the University of Rochester Medical School.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New York State Veterans Home - Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Basom - Evelyn M. (Swimline) Vella, 82, of Basom, a former owner of Batavia Motel in Batavia, died Monday, September 12, 2016 at her home.

Mrs. Vella was born October 3, 1933 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Celia (Mindwiser).

She was a graduate of Corfu High School and enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, boating and traveling.  She was a great traveler and visited casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.  She loved watching her children and grand-children at all of their activities. 

She was predeceased by 3 husbands, Glenn Swimline, Howard Hamilton and Donald Vella, her son, John Swimline and her grandson Kyle.

Survivors include 4 sons, Thomas (Vicki) Swimline of Corfu, Robert M. (Elizabeth) Swimline of IN, Ronald (Stacy) Swimline of Basom, and David (Lisa) Swimline of Batavia, a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Swimline of PA; 13 grandchildren, Joshua, Cory, Aaron, Eric, Jarod, Kevin, Annie, Rian, Michael, Nicole, Cody, Dakota, and Reagan; and 4 great-grandchildren, Annabel, Weston, Colton and Jenell.

There are no prior calling hours.  Services will be at the convenience of the family.  Memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements were completed by Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.  

 

Adrian“Art”Westdorp, 87, was born May 7, 1929.

Better Every Day is what Art always said, that was his way of telling himself to stay healthy, it was also his way of telling us he was one day closer to where he so desired to be, in the presence of the Lord, which happened to Art on August 23, 2016, with all of his children surrounding him, it was a sad day for us but the best day for him.

He was predeceased by his 3 brothers and 2 sisters from Holland and Australia.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Mary Abdella of Batavia; children, Casey (Hope), Caroline (Fred) and Annette all of St. Catherine, Ontario and Sharon (Carl) of Texas; step-children, Ralph (Stacy), Vinnie, Angela, John (Melanie), Paul (Robin), Maria (Robbie) and Mark. Each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren had a special place in his heart, they called him Papa.

Art belonged to Norte Dame prayer group, Senior Citizens group, YMCA, Salvation Army work core. He loved being a Eucharistic Minister, exercising, picking grape leaves and the Buffalo Sabres. His generosity continues as he donated his body to the University of Buffalo.

There will be a Memorial Mass at Resurrection Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia on September 17 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow in the downstairs fellowship hall of the church.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Art’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia, (585) 343-8868.