Obituaries

Elba - Paula J. Welch, 73, passed away on Monday (December 23, 2024) at her home in Elba under the care of her loving family.

Mrs. Welch was born May 22, 1951 in Buffalo, first born daughter of the late Paul V. Craine Jr. and Ruth M. (Hummel) Craine DeFields.

She was a long time employee of GCASA prior to her retirement and was a member of the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Surviving is her husband, Michael J.T. Welch; children, Eric Blachowicz, Scott Reding, and Andrea Reding; step-children, Matthew Welch, and Christopher Pike; grandchildren, Sophia Reding, Maverick, Max, and Arianna Blachowicz, Logan and Dominic Welch; siblings, Alan Craine, Margery Craig, Deborah Blizniak, Jeffrey Hummel, Randolph DeFields, Gregg O'Connor, and Beverly O'Connor.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, (December 28, 2024)  from 1 to 2:00 p.m. at Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Avenue in Bergen where Paula's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. Burial in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.  

Arrangements for Paula were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Stafford ~ Barbara F. Mullen, age 87, of Sweetland Road, passed away Sunday morning (Dec. 22, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.   

  She was born January 10, 1937 in LeRoy, a daughter of the late Ralph and Elsie Stevens Freeman. 

     Barbara will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who was devoted, dependable and faithful to her family.  Barbara’s patience was one of her best virtues in raising four active boys.  In her younger years, she would snowmobile and hunt with the boys as well.  She and her husband, Lester, travelled a lot in their camper for his work, before finally settling in Stafford, where she was a member of the Morganville United Church of Christ and was a life member of the Stafford Ladies Auxiliary.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband of 67 years, Lester Mullen; her sons, Kevin (Nancy) Mullen, Donald (Barbara) Mullen, Brian (Dawn) Mullen and David (Corrine Boyce) Mullen; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Diane Freeman, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, Barb was predeceased by her brothers, Donald and Raymond.

     Barb’s family wish to thank the staff of the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home for their compassionate care during her stay.

     Services will be private at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Barbara are suggested to the Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford, N.Y. 14143.

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

David L. Eaton Sr., age 86, formerly of Batavia, passed away Saturday morning (Dec. 21, 2024) at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw.  

   He was born October 15, 1938 in Batavia, a son of the late Clinton Eugene and Laura Nette Crutchfield Eaton.

     David was known for his love of socializing, whether he was at the Polish Falcons Club in Batavia or the LeRoy Moose Family Center, where he was a lifetime member.  He also enjoyed playing golf and bowling.

     He is survived by his daughters, Brenda (Jay) Osborn, Beth Eaton and Susan (Art) Logsdon; stepson, Vern (Barb) Brooks; grandchildren, Cody Osborn, Chase Osborn, Brenna Osborn, Mario Ramirez, Marco Ramirez, Justin Logsdon, Jacob Logsdon, Kara (Eaton) Zavitz, Breanna Eaton and Jesse Eaton; 17 great-grandchildren, along with his dear friend, Pete Bordner.

     In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his son, David Eaton Jr. and great-grandson, Calvin Johnston.

     There will be no prior visitation or services.

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

Rosemary Carrubba, 97 of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024 Gateway Home in Attica. She was born, July 3, 1927 in Batavia to the late Francis and Maria Orazia (Guggino) Vallone. Mrs. Carrubba is preceded in death by all of her siblings, Mary Vallone, Russell Vallone, Anthony Vallone, Josephine DiTillio, and Anne Carrubba. 

Rosemary began her nursing career at age 37 and continued her dedicated craft for over 40 years. She often worked two shifts in a day, one at the hospital and one at the Nursing Home. Mrs. Carrubba was a caretaker at heart, generous to a fault and would make friends with anyone she came across.

She was a very religious, devoted catholic, longtime member of St. Anthony’s RC Church, and would often barter with saints for a Buffalo Bills win. Rosemary was loved by all but none more than her family, she will be truly missed by anyone who knew her.   

She is survived by her beloved daughters, JoAnne (James) Braden of Franklin, TN, Bernadette (Richard Jr) Pcionek of Elba, nieces and nephews, Mary Grace (Steve) Blossom of LeRoy, Josette (Mike Taheri) Carrubba of Williamsville, Frances (Tom) Wigton of Batavia, Richard (Regina) Carrubba of Jacksonville, FL, JoMarie (Bill) McMullen of Batavia, Tina (Doug Scotchmer) Carrubba of Jamestown, Elizabeth Renz of Batavia, grandson Joseph (Beth) Braden, 4 great-grandchildren, William, Olivia Rose, Andrew and Samuel, Nana to Angela (John) DiRosa, Rhyse, Gianna and Seth, along with many loving great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to a 10:30am Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Ave, Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

Flowers are gratefully declined, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, NY 14011 or to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, PO Box 448, Buffalo, NY 14215. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Suzanne M. Barniak, age 81of Bethany, NY passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on December 20, 2024. She was born in 1943 to the late Lloyd and Marie (Ditzel) White. 

She is survived by her loving husband of over 60 years, Joseph Barniak, son Kenneth Barniak, daughter Vicki (Philip Quatrano) Barniak, brother Lawrence (Peggy) White, and several nieces and nephews.

Suzanne was a 1962 graduate of Alfred State University and enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting and collecting antiques. She was known for her delicious pies and pickles.

Friends are invited to call on Monday December 23, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00AM Graveside Service will be held on Friday December 27^th at Reed Cemetery in Oakfield. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Fire Dept. 10510 Bethany Center Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Batavia - Susan Petry, 64 of Batavia passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at her home in Batavia.

Susan was born August 25, 1960 in Buffalo, New York a daughter of the late Joseph and Geraldine (Milewski) Conklin.

Susan grew up in Darien and graduated from Alexander High School. She moved to Batavia after marrying John Petry Jr. Susan enjoyed bowling but loved traveling to seeher grandkids play in various sports.

Surviving are her children, John Petry, III and Daniel Petry; grandchildren, Julia Petry and John (L.J.) Petry IV; siblings, Joe (Linda) Conklin, Jerry (Ellen) Conklin, Bruce Conklin, William (Mary) Conklin and Marsha (David) Pagel; step-siblings, Donna (Maureen) Banicky, Mary (Greg) Wellick and John (Christine) Peters.

In death Susan is reunited with her parents, her husband John; sister-in-law, Debbie; step-siblings, Kenneth Peters, Shirly Squires and Eva Houston.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (December 27, 2024)  from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia where a funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will occur at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Pink Fund, PO Box 607 Southfield, Michigan 48037. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mary Lou Grimes, 91 of Batavia, passed  away peacefully at her home, after a brief illness on Monday, December 16th, 2024,surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Lou was born on July 6, 1933, in Pavilion to the late Otto and Gertrude Reigle. Mary  Lou lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service.

A 1951 graduate of Batavia High School, Mary Lou dedicated over 40 years of her life as an X-Ray Transcriptionist at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia.

Mary Lou was an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Batavia, where she was a devoted member of the Sodality and she was also sacristan. She found joy in playing bingo, sitting on the porch with neighbors and friends, and her spirited love for sports endeared her to many. As a devoted follower of the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Syracuse, Notre Dame, and Duke Universities, her passion for college football and basketball was well-known among friends and family. Her infectious laughter, caring spirit, and loving presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Francis R. "Dick" Grimes whom she married on May 12, 1956, her son Gregory A. Grimes, and her brothers Raymond (Mary) Reigle, James Reigle, and Lawlor "Mike" (Mary Ann) Reigle.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her daughters, Colleen (David) Ronan of St. Cloud, FL and Kathie (Chris Roberts) Grimes-Goras of Batavia; her daughter-in-law Lois Grimes of Oakfield; she was a beloved nana to her six grandchildren, Matthew (Molly) Grimes, of Alexander, Timothy (Kaitlyn) Grimes, of Fort Eustis, Va,David (April) Ronan, of St.Cloud, FL, Daniel (Megan) Ronan, of Port Orange, FL, Megan and Nathan Goras, of Batavia,and her many great-grandchildren, Mae, Myles, Maura, Millie Jane Grimes "her little angel from Heaven", Emmylou Grimes, Gunner and Gemma Ronan, and Charlotte and Liam Ronan. A sister-In-law Joann Reigle of Dallas, TX and her cousin Ronald Shirley of Rochester. Her loving legacy also includes Dash, her loyal four-legged companion. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. As well as her Friday breakfast and dinner crew.  

Friends and family may call to honor Mary Lou’s life will be held at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, on Friday, December 27th, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held  on Saturday, December 28th, 2024, at 9:30 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, NY 14020, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in Mary Lou’s loving memory.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Terrance “Terry” Speed, age 67, of Byron, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital on December 18, 2024.

Terry was born on Saturday, January 5, 1957 in Batavia, a son of late Jack and Donna (Caward) Speed.

He was an adventurous man, had a strong work ethic, and loved his family. Terry was a motorcycle and dirt bike enthusiast; he enjoyed racing, trail riding and enduro. He was a member of the Crusaders Club in his younger years. Terry went out and saw the world from working as a bartender, logger, and many other careers, until settling down and running Speed's Plumbing and Heating. He loved boats and sailed half across the world on Forbes’ boat out of Morocco. Terry was an amazing wrestler in high school, and almost made it to the Olympics. As a father he supported his son in Boy Scouts for many years. It was once said, “ Whatever Terry does, he does it well”.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, of 43 years, Dawn Speed; son, Taylor (Jordan) Speed; Brother, Larry (Bobbie “Barb”) Speed; Nephew, Dakota (McKenzie) Speed; Niece, Bridget (Chris) Cichocki, their children, Anna and Christopher; Sister-In-Law, Deborah Culver; and many friends he has made over the years.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner and Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Bergen. Family and friends are invited to Calling Hours on December 23, 2024 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at the H.E. Turner and Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave. Bergen, NY 14416. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In Lieu of flower donation may be made at Boy Scout troop 6031- 38 S Lake Ave Bergen NY 14416.

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

Patricia M. Surdyke, 69, of Bergen, passed away on December 15, 2024 at her home.

Patricia was born December 1, 1955 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Edmund and Rita (McAdam) Sullivan.

Patricia enjoyed gardening, camping and the casino.  Above all else, she loved being with her family.  

Surviving are her husband, Keith Surdyke; two sons, Scott Surdyke and Matthew Surdyke; grandchildren, Arianna, Cameron, Sophia and Samuel; a sister, Maureen (George) Hlibiczuk and nieces and nephews.

Predeceased in death by her brother, Edmund Sullivan and a sister, Katie Sullivan Aldrich.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Sage Pavilion, 62 South Lake Ave., Bergen. 
        
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.  

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

Arrangements for Patricia were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Dorothy M Sanfratello, 89 of Alexander passed away peacefully on Wednesday (December 18, 2024) under the loving care at Crossroads House in Batavia. Mrs. Sanfratello was born on July 13, 1935, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Frank and Josephine (Hoffman) Hinz.

Dorothy was well known for the beautiful wedding and birthday cakes she made for many years, worked at Alexander Central School in the Elementary Cafeteria and was well known as the “the Lunch Lady”, P W Minors Shoe Factory, and Darien Lake Theme Park. She greatly enjoyed crocheting, doing crafts, spending time with her family, making her famous Delaware Dumplings and her Christmas Cookies, but truly enjoyed spoiling the grandchildren. 

Along with her parents, Dorothy is reunited with her husband Anthony who passed 6/27/2007 and son Thomas Anthony who passed 3/10/2024; brothers William, Larry, Frank Jr., and sister Patricia

She is survived by her children, Jacqueline (Patrick) Coffey of Attica and their children, Nathan (Laurel) Coffey of Attica and Samantha Coffey of Attica and Michelle (Joel) Panasiewicz of Pavilion, and their children, Justin (Teresa) Panasiewicz of Elba, Jordan (Sydney) Panasiewicz of Greece, Rachel (Edward Sharp) Diehl of Elba and John (Kelly) Diehl of Ohio, grandchildren, Ian (Brittany Hicks) Sanfratello of Alexander, Kyla Sanfratello of Batavia and Alexis Sanfratello of Oakfield and four great grandchildren Jillian, Jace, Jolene and Bryce Panasiewicz. Sister Ruthann Hinz of Alexander.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will be held at Gilmartin Funeral Home on Monday December 23, 2024 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021 or to the Alexander Fire Department PO Box 336 Alexander, New York 14005. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Randy M. Sackett, 64, of Stafford, passed away on December 13, 2024.

Randy was born May 6, 1960 in Watertown, a son of the late Wayne and Beatrice (Tharrett) Sackett.

Randy enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and camping; motorcycles, cars, listening to music and watching Westerns. He will be remembered as a  loving father, son, brother, friend and papa to his fur grandbabies.

Surviving are his step-mother, Letha (Taylor) Sackett; children, Aimie (Philippe Martin) Sackett and Josh (Cate Pfuntner) Sackett; sisters, Sandra (Wesley) Baun, Betty (late Anthony) Carey, Marjorie (late Bruce) Riley, Lisa Taylor and Tonya Buzzell; his special friend, Cindy Hubler and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his brother, James Shene; three sisters, Bonnie Straight, Susan Booth and Paula Robas.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donors choice.  

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

Arrangements for Randy were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Varysburg - George C. Laird, 71 of Varysburg, son of the late Hurlburt D. and Eleanora M. Laird, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday (December 17, 2024) after a brief illness at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Laird; his two sons, Peter (Summer) Laird, and Christopher (Heather) Laird; his brother, Terry (Candy) Laird; step-brothers, John (Karen) Laird, Randall Laird, and Timothy Laird; four grandchildren, Jeremiah, Gwen, Julia, and Elliot; three step-grandchildren, Jay, Aiden, and Ryan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

George was a New York State Corrections officer, retiring from Wyoming Correctional in Attica after 21 years of service in 2013. Her previously had worked for Wine Merchants, LTD in Depew, Fisher Price Toys in East Aurora, and Laird Brothers Cleaners in Varysburg.

George enjoyed spending time with family. When he was able, he loved playing guitar and singing; and played in several local bands over the years. He also enjoyed the outdoors including hunting, fishing, golfing, and shooting. He loved to cheer on the Buffalo Bills. George also loved watching TV, especially westerns and Star Trek (Live long and prosper! Beam me up, Scotty! Make it so!).

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday (December 23, 2024) from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica where George's funeral service will be held immediately following visitation at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Varysburg Cemetery in Varysburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Batavia - Robert J. Dercqu, Jr., 68 of Batavia passed away on Thursday, (December 12, 2024) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Dercqu was born March 25, 1956 in Pennsylvania a son of the late Robert J. Dercqu Sr. and Helen (Gaurch) Dercqu.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Anna Martell; sons, Peter Dercqu, and Robert J. Dercqu, III; grandchildren, Faith Dercqu, Johnathan Schroth, Rpbert J. Dercqu, IV, and Aleighsha Dercqu; great-grandchildren, Emery and Amari-onna; sister, Susan Moy.

Along with his parents, Robert is preceded in death by a daughter, Amanda Nicholson; and a granddaughter, Autumn Dercqu.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Attica - Frances M. Meisner, 83 of Attica passed away on Monday, (December 16, 2024) at home under the loving care of hospice and her family.

Mrs. Meisner was born July 16, 1941 in Batavia, New York a daughter of the late Joseph and Clarabelle (Stoll) Lenton.

Frances was a long-time active parishioner of SS. Joachim & Anne Parish (St. Vincent's Church) in Attica and an active member of the Catholic Daughters. She greatly enjoyed time spent with her family, especially taking pleasure in spoiling her grandkids.

She is survived her children, Jeffrey (Erin) Meisner of West Newberry, Mass., Heather Galusha of Memphis, Tenn., Kellie (John Ammerman) Meisner of Batavia, and Russell (Jennifer) Meisner of Gates; grandchildren, Emily, Caden, Caleb, Sarah, Emma, Eva, Anna, Julia (Mike), Ryan, Leah (Eric), Kira (Jerod), Kinley, and Kennedy; great-granddaughter, Hailey; sisters, Caroline (late Milton) Unger of Batavia, Penny (Hank) Steves of Alexander, and Judy (Dave) Beitz of Attica. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with her parents, Frances is reunited in death with her husband, William Meisner; brother, Donald Lenton; sisters, Virginia Kozen, and Shirley (late Gordon) Mallette.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica.  Frances' Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, (December 21, 2024) from SS. Joachim & Anne (St. Vincent Worship Site), 50 East Avenue in Attica.  Burial will be in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to University of Rochester Hospice.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Batavia - Donald E. Eschenlauer, 89 of Batavia, passed away on December 11, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Donald was born September 13, 1935 in Buffalo to the late Frank and Marion (Reitmier) Eschenlauer.

Donald worked for 50+ years at Try-Lock Roofing, and also worked for many years as an engineer for the South Buffalo Railway. He always enjoyed cooking, and could make a delicious meal with just about anything.

In addition to his parents, Donald is predeceased by his brothers Frank, twin brother Ronald, Robert, and Dennis. He was also predeceased by his sons, Donald A. and Robert D. Eschenlauer; and a granddaughter, Heather Yarington.

Donald is survived by his son, Ronald L. (LouAnn) Eschenlauer; daughters, Robin Eschenlauer and Dawn Yarington; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear friend and caregiver, Chrissy Legg.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Donald's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday (December 21, 2024) at 10:30 a.m. from SS. Joachim & Anne Parish (St. Vincent's Church), 50 East Avenue in Attica. Burial will be in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make memorials to the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Marley Funeral Home in Attica. Online condolences at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.