Obituaries

Kenneth E. Wood, 78 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (September 23, 2024) at Crossroads House.

He leaves his wife Loduska “Dusty” Wood; His son Stephen (Denise) Wood of North Carolina; daughter Alicia (Steven) Thiers of Churchville; grandson Zachary Thiers; sister Jean (Dennis) Lutes of North Carolina; step children, Kelly Nails of Virginia, Brian (Bunnie) Passmore of Arizona, Shawn (Tiffany) Passmore of Lima, NY and Erin Penders of Arizona. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and cousins in Elmira, NY and North Carolina. Best friend Tom Ranalli.

Ken was a corrections officer at Attica Correctional Facility prior to his retirement after 50 years. He also worked at Tops Market in Batavia for 45 years. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1964-1966.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (September 30^th) from 10am-12:45pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will follow at 12:45pm. Burial with military honors will be in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be offered to Crossroads House, P. O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

It is with much sadness we announce the passing of Michael T. Parrish, at the age of 58. He was the loving son of Joann (Stephens) Parrish and the late Matthew “Sonny” Parrish. Along with his mother, Mike is survived by his sisters, Suzanne Winkelman and Julianne (Kevin) Burg along with his niece and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and his many close friends that became his family away from home.

Mike graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1984. He went on to attend the Golf Academy of America in Orlando, FL and became a Professional Golf Caddie. He spent his winters in Vero Beach, FL working at Red Stick Golf Club and his summers in Lake Bluff, IL working at Shoreacres Golf Club doing what he loved, carrying a golf bag!

There will be no visitation or funeral services. Instead, we invite you to honor Mike’s memory by doing something that makes you happy: a round of golf, an act of kindness or just finding joy in the simple pleasures.

James Czekala, 75, of Alexander, NY, passed away September 23, 2024 after a brief illness.  He was the son of the late Raymond and Patricia Pinkerton Czekala.   

  Jim was the owner of C & H Welding Supply in Batavia, NY, for many years before building and operating C & H Dyno Service and Dynotech Research.  He loved sharing his passion of tuning engines and making his friends and acquaintances go fast.

     Jim is survived by his loving wife, Michele Murray Czekala; his daughter, Lynne (Max) Feldman of Petersham, MA, and their children, Samuel and Elliott; his son, Martin Czekala of Alexander; sisters, Linda (Wayne) Olson of Ventura, CA and Bonnie Zijic of New York, NY; brothers-in-law, Daniel Marsh of Cotuit, MA, John (Mary) Murray and Timothy (Darcie) Murray of Mumford, NY; mother-in-law, Marguerite Green, and several nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by many close friends and acquaintances.

     In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by his sister, Leslie Marsh.

     There are no calling hours.  A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a future date.

     The family requests no flowers or memorials.

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

Phyllis M. Brasington- Age 84, of Batavia, entered into eternal rest Saturday September 21, 2024, where she joined her beloved husband of 52 years, James Brasington

She was born January 2, 1940 in Wellsville, NY to the late Vernon & Margaret (Moyer) Scoville.

Phyllis was always helping others any way she could. It was only natural that she would becomea nurse. She would go out of her way to assure that those she cared for received the best care possible through her love and compassion. During her life she loved to travel with her husband spending quality time with him, making wonderful memories, and new friends wherever she went.

Phyllis was an amazing crafter, completing many cross-stitch pictures, quilting, crocheting, and knitting blankets, baby clothes, and beautiful doilies. Wherever she lived she would plant flowers to brighten the outside of her house, at times having people stop just to take photos. Family was the most important aspect of her life; she loved them all and was loved by everyone that had the privilege to know her, none more than her family. Phyllis leaves an amazing legacy through all of them.

She is survived by her loving daughters Charlotte (Greg) Crawford of Darien, Rhonda Brasington of Attica, and Michelle (Bill) Smith of Corfu; sisters, Betty (Late Ron) Cornell of Wellsville and sister in law, Maureen Scoville of Batavia; sadly missed by her 8 grandchildren Derrick (Emily) Crawford, Rick Blatt, Deanna (Ed) Redden, Trisha Blatt, Ryan Blatt, Joshua (Kelsey) Farnsworth, Katelyn Gutowski & Samantha Smith; Numerous great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In death Phyllis is reunited with her parents and husband; siblings, Lewis Scoville, Mildred (Late Richard) Hakes, and Sharie (late Gerald) Fox.

Family and friends may attend visitation on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at North Darien Bible Church, 9762 Simonds Rd, Corfu, NY 14036. Funeral Services will follow the calling hours. Burial will be on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 4:00 pm in Grand View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to your favorite charities or the Grand View Cemetery Association.

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

East Bethany- Mary Jane (better known as “Mike”) Heywood passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at United Memorial Medical Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

She was born November 11, 1934, in East Bethany, NY, the daughter of the late Bartholomew “Bart “and Jean (McAllister) Dillon. She married her high school sweetheart (Ronald Heywood - deceased) on November 3rd, 1956.

She was an Elder at East Bethany Presbyterian Church and a past Deacon; also, she served as a den mother for Pack 20 in East Bethany. She loves crafts, knitting, crocheting, painting, playing cards, games, and mowing with her John Deere. Mike was an avid Bills fan.

She attended Dist. 9 School in East Bethany, until it was centralized with Pavilion Central school, which she graduated from. Went on to complete graduate degree at the Craig Colony School of Nursing. She worked locally both at St. Jerome’s hospital, the Batavia VA, the DC Children’s Hospital in Maryland, and retired as a High School Nurse from Pavilion Central School.

Mary Jane was a lifetime member of East Bethany Presbyterian Church. She loved camping and traveling with Ron, through all 50 states, most of the providences of Canada, and spent the last 20 years in Texas for the winter.

Surviving is her loving sister Agnes Smith, her sons, Douglas (Peggy) Heywood of East Bethany and Richard Heywood of Tennessee; daughters, Bonnie (Kenneth) Morgan of Tennessee and Linda Page of Batavia; grandchildren, Sharah (Ron) DeMena, Brent (Valerie) Heywood, Joe (Jessica) Hewitt, Patrick O'Connor, Danielle (Tim) Dosch, Shawn McGiveron, Chris (Megan) Page, Amanda (Jason) Krohn, Stacey (Peter) Leicht and Ashley Fortney; sister-in-law, Roberta Carter and brother-in-law, Daniel (Denise) Heywood both of Florida, as well as many nieces, nephews, and 19 great grandchildren.

In death Mary Jane is reunited with her parents; husband Ronald Heywood, daughter Kim McGiveron and son-in-law Randy Page.

Friends may call on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11:00 am at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054. The Burial will be immediately following the service in the East Bethany Cemetery.

Memorials in her name may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 108 Stafford, NY 14143, or the New York State Bluebird Society c/o Murial Prianti, Treasurer 5157 Orangeport Road, Brewerton, NY 13029.

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

Florence Ann Henry Glena born September 25, 1929 in LeRoy NY, has passed on to be with our Lord on September 11, 2024 at St. Johns Home in Rochester NY with her daughter Denise Harter and son in law Howard at her side. She was 94 years old.
Florence was a hard worker all of her life. After retirement she spent much of her time enjoying her grandchildren and helping out with their care. She was a loving mother who was always there when needed.

Florence was born and grew up in LeRoy, NY and moved to Texas in 1978. She lived there for many years and then moved back to New York in 1993. She enjoyed playing yahtzee, cards, and crocheting blankets for everyone. Florence, also crocheted hats of all sizes to donate to cancer patients.

She was the best mother-in-law anyone could ever ask for. Florence also loved going to church and bible study. She never spoke a bad word about anyone and always had a smile on her face.

Florence leaves behind daughters Debra Corsivo husband Micky, Denise Harter and husband Howard, daughter-in-law Rhonda Glena, Grand children John Wood (Kathy), Vickie Wood, Virginia Bellaire (Matthew), Kristy Mccellon (Tim), Michelle Jurs, Joshua Parkhurst, Jennifer Harter, Jennifer Hulon, Michael Corsivo, Rene Glena, Daniel Coe and many great grandchildren.
Florence is predeceased by her husband Robert F Glena, son Robert W. Glena, daughter Barbara Coe and her husband Harvey Coe.
There will be a Celebration of Life for family and close friends in October to accommodate family out of state. Updates will be made soon.

Donna Jesment Licata, 62, died Friday, September 20, 2024, at Crossroads House, surrounded by her lovingfamily.

She was born Sunday, May 6, 1962 in Batavia NY, a daughter of the late Melvin and Angela(Spiotta) Jesment.

Donna lived a life of faith, always believing that God would give her strength. She was a devoted mother first & foremost. She cherished her daughters & embraced every moment with them. Donna loved spoiling her grandchildren.

She enjoyed working in her flower garden. She had a knack for picking and placing flowers to create the most beautiful garden. Donna & John loved sitting on their deck enjoying the peaceful feeling the garden gave them. Spending time with family and friends is what made Donna happy. Memories of dinners out with her girlfriends and fifteen years of Christmas Cookie Exchanges with her “Cookie Girls” will be cherished by all.

Donna will be remembered by her fiancé, and true love, John Demler. She will be sadly missed by her beloved daughters; Andrea Licata, Jenna (James “America”) Ellis and Ashley (Patrick) Flaherty. She will live on in her cherished grandchildren; Johnathan Licata, Maverick McCollum, Kiley & Grayson Flaherty, Everett Ellis and soon to be granddaughter Lenore Dennis. Donna is survived by her dear siblings, Richard, Linda (Evan) Laganis and Paula (Andy Labell) Sullivan.

Donna will be remembered by John’s children, Helen, Jacob, Zachary, Isaiah and Naomi, and her nieces and nephew, whom she cared for very much.

Along with her parents, Donna is predeceased by a brother, David Jesment.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 11:00 am to 2:00pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield NY. Donna’s funeral service will be held at 2 pm, immediately following calling hours. Burial will be in Cary Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for Donna will be held after the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 665 Elm St, Buffalo, NY 14203.

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

Pavilion ~ Ruth V. Cassidy, age 86, of South Lake Road, passed away Saturday evening (Sept. 21, 2024) in the loving care of her family.

     She was born February 22, 1938 in Groveland, NY, a daughter of the late Vern and Gertrude Rawligh Carney.   

  Ruth will be remembered in the surrounding communities for her loving support of her husband, Ted and his love of scrapping.  She and Ted could be seen traveling back and forth to the various scrap yards in the area.  Ruth also had another love, and that was her love for her family.  She was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and aunt.  She enjoyed crocheting, painting her arts and crafts and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.

     She will be sadly missed by her children, Cynthia Seppe of LeRoy, Irene (Randy) Clark of Depew, Glenn (Delcina) Cassidy of Wyoming and Donald (Barb) Cassidy of Pavilion; her sister, Edna Mae Galton; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, canine companion, Buddy, along with several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Ted, her children, Shirley and Theodore Jr. and her siblings, Eva Maufu, Shirley Gambino, Irene Fee, Dorothy Lou Perkins and Clare Carney.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, September 28 from 10 AM ~ 12:30 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her Service of Remembrance will be held at 12:30.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Pavilion.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kidney Foundation of WNY, 4444 Bryant and Stratton Way, Williamsville, NY 14221

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

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James R. Earll on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, at the age of 80. James was born on January 11th, 1944, in Batavia, and was a longtime resident of Batavia before making his home in Fort Myers, Florida.

James is survived by his loving wife, Pamela J. Earll of Fort Myers, whom he married on June 22, 1968, his sons, Christopher J. (Dottie) Earll, Mark J. (Katharine) Earll, and his cherished grandson, Maxwell Earll. He was predeceased by his parents, Doris and Richard H. Earll.

A 1961 graduate of Batavia High School, James went on to further his studies at Erie Community College. His professional life was marked by his role as a supervisor at the Lee County Electrical Company in North Fort Myers, Florida. Prior to that, he held a similar position at the former Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation. Jim had a vast knowledge of electricity working in all three phases during his career.

James very proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard from 1962 to 1966. During his service, he was awarded the First Good Conduct Award, Expert Pistol Shot Medal and Expert Rifleman Medal.

A man of strong faith and community ties, James was a former member of Batavia First Presbyterian Church. His life was guided by his unwavering commitment to family, friends, and country.

Friends may call on Friday from 12:30 pm to 2 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 2 pm.  He will be laid to rest with military honors in Stafford Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in his name to the USO, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677 or to your favorite charity. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jim's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

In this time of sorrow, the family finds comfort in the many cherished memories James created throughout his full and impactful life. May he forever rest in peace.

Hilton ~ Roger J. Dills, was a kindhearted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  He left this world on September 20, 2024 at the age of 86.

    He was born to Henry and Clara Dills on November 10, 1937 in Batavia, NY.  

  Roger was married to Eunice (Sage) for 61 years until her death in 2022.  Roger and Eunice raised their family in Wyoming, NY and moved to Hilton, NY to be closer to family.  They were snowbirds for many years and met great friends along the way.

    Roger loved his family, restoring John Deere tractors and showing them off at parades and other tractor events. He retired from B.R. DeWitt Inc. / Genesee-LeRoy Stone Corporation after 30 years of service.

    Roger is survived by his children; Sandra (Steven) Houseknecht, David (Sandi) Dills and Brenda (Joell) Davies. He was “Papa” to his grandchildren; Lauren (Daniel) Fenton, Mitchell (Samantha) Davies, Shane (Olivia) Houseknecht and Shawn (Kayla) Houseknecht.  He was “Papa Papa” to his great-granddaughters, Elliott and Cameron Fenton and Vivian Houseknecht. He is also survived by Eunice’s family; Shirley Jeffres, Wayne (Joan) Sage and Mary Sage, along with many nieces and nephews.

    In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Joyce Fraser and brother, Edwin Dills.

     Family and friends may attend his Celebration of Life on Friday, Sept. 27 from 1 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt.19), LeRoy.

    Memorial contributions are suggested to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, NY 14626

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

Candice Starkweather, 71 of Newfane, passed away peacefully on Saturday (September 21, 2024) at the Newfane Rehab and Health Care Center.

She was born June 4, 1953 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Edward and Mary Kruszczynski.

Candice prized education and the furtherment of knowledge. She raised and trained race horses and was an artistic individual. She enjoyed her cats and will be missed by those who knew her.

She was the wife of the late Robert G. Starkweather who died in 2018.

Survivors include her sons, Robert (Julie) Starkweather of Tonawanda and Nikolai Starkweather of Middleport. Grandchildren, Elizabeth, Samantha, Enola and Maeve. Brother, Edward Kruszczynski.

Funeral Services will be Thursday (September 26th), 4:00pm, followed by visitation from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY.

She will be laid to rest in the Skinnerville Cemetery in Amherst, NY.

Memorial contributions in her name may be offered to the University at Buffalo Neurosurgery (UBNS) https://www.ubns.com/donation/. 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.

Roger N. Brewer, 85 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born November 16, 1938 in Akron, NY, a son of the late Norman and Evelyn (Kaderli) Brewer.

Roger was employed by H & M Foundations for many years before his family moved to Williamsburg, VA and then Ponchatoula, LA where Roger commuted to Texas to work in the oil fields for Circle Bar Drilling Company.  Roger (and his family) returned home to Akron in 1985 and finished up his career with Northeast Caissons as a welder prior to his retirement. In addition to his full-time employment, Roger and Doris had antique stores in Virginia and Louisiana.  Roger was an avid trapshooter; his team having taken first place in 1970 in the NYS championship shoot.  When he wasn’t working, hunting or spending time with family, Roger could be seen at local garage sales, auctions and the flea market.  After retirement, Roger kept busy spending time with friends at the local coffee spots. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was the husband of the late Doris (Lutz) Brewer, father of the late Roger N. Brewer Jr. and brother of the late Dorwin Brewer, Arlene Thornhill, Beulah Call and Carol Patel.

Survivors include his son, Roger C. (Sue) Brewer of Akron. Grandchildren, Matt (Alex) Brewer and Mallory (John Taggart) Brewer of Akron. Great-grandchildren, Cameron and Lucas Brewer. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 4 – 7 PM at J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY 14001.  Burial will be private.

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.

Bernice Eleanor Wight, “Bernie”, age 87, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024. She was born April 11, 1937 to Eleanor and Arthur Greiner. She was born and raised in her hometown of Darien, NY. 

She has been a resident of Melbourne, FL since February of 2024, coming from Bergen, NY where she lived for many years (although she was a snowbird traveling between their Florida homes in Singer Island and later, Palm Beach Gardens back to Bergen annually). Before that she lived in and raised her daughter in Spencerport, NY for several decades. She graduated from Alexander High School in 1955. She has been married to Loren Wight for more than 65 years, since December 13, 1958.

She was predeceased by her brother Robert Greiner; brother Donald Greiner; sister Gloria Charles; and her parents Arthur and Eleanor Greiner. She is survived by her husband, Loren Wight; brother Norman Greiner; daughter Diana (married to Patrick) Caldwell; granddaughter Cassandra “Cassie” (married to William Aaron) Caldwell. She is also survived by various nieces and nephews.

After graduating high school in 1955, Bernie worked for approximately a year as a telephone operator in Darien. After that she attended Comptometer (mechanical calculator) School in Buffalo, NY driving herself to school every day from Darien. She got a job in Buffalo after Comptometer school. Then she worked for approximately 10 years for Consolidated Vacuum in Rochester, NY. She worked for two years for BOCES. Then she worked for KODAK for about 10 more years until retirement in the late 1980’s.

Bernie has always been a very social person, holding neighborhood parties and brunches. She would often make massive amounts of blueberry pancakes for large gatherings of friends and family. She loved playing cards with friends and family, especially 4 and 6 handed euchre. She enjoyed playing tennis and frequently swam in their pool in Spencerport or in the ocean off Singer Island. She was chosen Queen of her senior ball in 1955. She was a majorette leading the Alexander Fireman’s Band in parades in Alexander, NY in the mid 1950’s. She has been and will always be a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother to her family.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Wednesday October 2, 2024 from 11:00AM – 12:30PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 12:30PM Memorial Service will immediately follow at the Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander, NY.

Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York, 14020.  Please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com for online condolences. 

Kenneth R. Duge, 63, of Batavia passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born in Buffalo on September 30, 1960, to the late Roger and Jean (Gethicker) Duge.

Ken began his career at National Grid, formerly Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, in 1979, following in the footsteps of his father, Roger.  Throughout his 42-year tenure at National Grid, Ken had many roles including Meter Reader, Electrical Maintenance at CR Huntley Generation Station in Tonawanda, and Electrical Designer in the Planning Department, Buffalo and finally Batavia, retiring in 2021.  Ken truly valued his position at National Grid and was grateful for the lifelong friendships that were created.  He was well respected by his friends and colleagues for his intuitive and thorough design approach.  Ken was honored to share his skills by mentoring the next generation of new hired electrical planners.  Following his retirement, Ken also worked as an Electrical Designer for TRC Environmental and as a Damage Assessor during weather storm events for North Line Utilities.  

Ken was kind, witty, original, honest, and a gifted observer.  He had a very quiet demeanor, almost Zenlike, so his presence always made others feel comfortable and at ease.  Ken had a very unique way of speaking that was both concise yet comprehensive (“Kenisms”) and usually gave him an opportunity to use his expansive vocabulary.  When Ken talked, you listened because it was usually something of importance!  Ken had a passion for nature, food, travel, golfing (spending time with the Thursday Night Golf Buddies), health & fitness, and running (spending time with his “Scrambled Legs and Achin’” Running Friends).    

Ken is survived by his beloved wife Maura Stack-Duge of Batavia; children Kenneth Duge, of Portland, Maine and Kristopher Duge of Amherst; brother Robert (Paula) Duge of Rochester and nephews Roger and Ryan Duge and families; sister Suzanne Sessamen and niece Samantha (Jeremy) Sessamen; bonus children Matthew (Sarah) Cattarin, Sara (Brett) Cattarin and newborn granddaughter Lennon Rose Hancock, and Rachel (Shawn) Cattarin; and the Stack Family. 

In keeping with Ken’s wishes there will be no visitation or Funeral Service.  Instead, we invite you to honor Ken’s memory by doing something that makes you happy: an act of kindness, enjoying a favorite pastime, or simply taking a moment to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.  Let Ken’s spirit inspire you to find joy in everyday moments. 

Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York, 14020.  Please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com for online condolences. 

Bennington - Samuel J. Wilczak, 80 of Bennington, passed away on Wednesday, (September 18, 2024) at his home under the care of HomeCare & Hospice and his loving family.

Mr. Wilczak was born January 5, 1944 in Buffalo, a son of the late John and Casimira (Wikarski) Wilczak.

Sam was a steamfitter at Worthington Compressors for 25 years until it closed in 1987.  He then partnered with his childhood friend, Ron Monnin, at Ron and Sam's Auto Service in Depew, NY until his retirement.  His hobby of working on cars grew into building several award winning custom cars featured in several national magazines.  He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brother-in-law and matchmaker, Bob Rozeski, and going to many out of town car shows with friends.  Sam especially looked forward to an afternoon beer with friends in his garage.

Samuel is survived by his loving wife, Joan (Rozeski) Wilczak of Bennington; children, Virginia (Michael) Cave of Rocky River, Ohio, Cynthia (Joseph) Savitt of Baltimore, Maryland, and David (Amy) Wilczak of Bennington; brother-in-law, Robert (Wendy) Rozeski of Orchard Park. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with his parents, Sam is preceded in death by his brother, John (late Helen); sisters, Loretta (late Teddy), Helen (late Jimmy), Rose (late Frank), Barbara (late Joseph) and Stella (late Leo).

A celebration of life is being planned for the future and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences may be shared at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.