Obituaries

Corfu - Douglas C. Kempf, 74 of Corfu, passed away Monday (September 26, 2011) at the home of his sister while under Hospice care.

Doug was born July 11, 1937, in North Pembroke, a son of the late Elmer K. and Emma Brady Kempf.

Doug worked for over 39 years for National Fuel in Batavia. He was a devoted member of Mogadore Chapel, served as a volunteer and fire police with the East Pembroke Fire Department and proudly participated in the Ride for Roswell for seven years.  Doug had a passion for gardening and also enjoyed fishing. He also served in the Coast Guard Reserves for eight years. He was the brother of the late Donald Kempf.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 45 years, Linda (Knapp) Kempf of Corfu; a daughter, Dawn Kempf of Batavia: his sister, Loretta Kempf (Gary) Cain of Corfu: a niece, a nephew and a few cousins also survive.

Family and friends may call Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held thursday at 11 AM at the Mogadore Chapel 8063 North Pembroke Road, Batavia, NY 14020.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church in Doug's memory.

Age 79, of Batavia, was called home peacefully Monday evening September 26, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. He was born May 25, 1932 in Batavia, son of the late Genaro & Antoinette "Lulu" (Penta) Fasano, also preceded in death by brothers Patrick, Angelo & Genaro; sisters Lorraine (late John) Nowaka, Deanne (late John) Muscarella and Marcelene Drage. Mr. Fasano was a United States Army Veteran who served in Germany from 1956-1958 with the 62nd Tank Battalion attached to the 10th Mountain Division, a member of the VFW Post #1602 where he was Post Commander from 68-69. I lifelong member of Ascension Parish he worked 45 years at the Marshall's Newsstand. Jim was active in youth sports as a Minor League Baseball Caoch, participated in softball leagues, one of the founders of Batavia High Schools Touchdown Club, and was a Golden Gloves Champ going undefeated in 13 fights. He was very family, community & politically oriented serving as the Safety Chairman of Jackson School in 1969, Crime Prevention & Transportation Boards, spent many years on the County Republican Committee, ward 6 Republican Chairman for many years and in 1986 received the Citizenship Award from the City of Batavia Firefighters for his work establishing the former Rescue Squad. Jim was a WWII buff and an extremely knowledgeable sports enthusiast. An accomplished family man he lived by the code of God, Country, Family, was extremely proud of his boys and grandchildren and deeply devoted to his wife. He took great pride in his home and his roots to Batavia & Genesee County always giving back to them, never asking for anything in return.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 56 years Joan (Torcello) Fasano of Batavia; 2 sons Jimmy john (Margaret "Maggie") and David (Rachel) both of Batavia; brother Anthony "Butch" (Shirley) Fasano of Batavia and sister Kathleen "Kay" Alianell of Rochester; sisters-in-law Win of New Mexico, Mary & Harriett both of Batavia; 2 grandchildren Benjamin James (Kimberly) Fasano of Elba & Jenna Marie (Kevin) Arroyo of Batavia and their children Addison Marie & Jonah Fasano-Arroyo; brother-in-law William Drage of Ohio along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, great-great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may visit from 3-8 PM Friday September 30, 2011 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York where prayers will be recited 9:15 AM followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Site). Remembrances can be made in the form of floral bouquets and memorials in Jim's memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  For more information or to send flowers please call Michael at (585)343-7500 and condolences online may be sent to mstfd@yahoo.com.

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

Age 81, of Batavia, died peacefully Monday afternoon September 26, 2011 at the New  York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. She was born April 30, 1930 in Batavia, daughter of the late Nicholas & Rose (Syracuse) Martino, also preceded in death by two brothers Anthony & Joseph Martino and sister Grace Biegas. Mrs. Biegasiewicz is a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's) and loved her friends, family, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Mickey enjoyed traveling and shopping.

Surviving is her beloved husband of 61 years Richard Biegasiewicz Sr. of Batavia; 4 sons Richard (Gail) Jr. of Batavia, Gary (Tina) of Tonawanda, Rodney (Jerry) of Niagara Falls and Nicki of Batavia; dear sister Rose Sharp of Batavia; 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may visit from 3-7 PM Wednesday Sept. 28, 2011 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:00 AM Thursday Sept. 29 followed by a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's Site). Memorials in Mickey's memory are suggested to Resurrection Parish or the New York State Vets Home @ Batavia, burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. For more information or to send flowers please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF CLAUDETTE "MICKEY" BIEGASIEWICZ IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC AT 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Marlin S. Prentice, 91 of Rochester, died September 25, 2011 at the St. John’s Home in Rochester. He was born June 10, 1920 in Warsaw to the late James W. (Grace Bernard) Prentice. Mr. Prentice worked for the New York State Department of Labor for over 20 years. He was a past Elder at the Bergen First Presbyterian Church and in years past he was involved in Stephen Ministries, Odd Fellows. He was a World War II Veteran. Mr. Prentice enjoyed crafts and reading. He is preceded in death by his wife Velma (Dennis) Prentice 2006, brothers Merle, J. Arthur, Alvin Prentice, sisters Marion and Arlene Prentice.
                                                                                                                        
He is survived by son David Prentice of Central Square; daughters Judith (David) Onderdonk of Kendall; Merry (Robert) Hodgson of Medina; Kathleen (Robert) Reynolds of Rochester; foster-sons Darwin (Pamela) Weller of Elba; Darryl Weller of Batavia; sister-in-law Eugenia Prentice of Baldwinsville; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren along with 2 nieces also survive.

Friends are invited to call on Friday September 30, 2011 from 11 AM to 12 Noon at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will take place 12:00 Noon on Friday September 30, 2011 following calling hours at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Warsaw Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Bergen First Presbyterian Church 38 S. Lake Ave Bergen, NY 14416 or to the St. John’s Home 150 Highland Ave. Rochester, NY 14620. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com  or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 

Julie A. Stephens, 54 of Batavia, died September 26, 2011 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born July 24, 1953, in Batavia to the late Henry (Martha Coniber) Stephens. Julie was a homemaker all of her life, she enjoyed her family to the fullest.

She is survived by 2 sister’s Vanessa (James) Andrews of Batavia; Rosine Gray of Bergen; step-father Werner Raisch of Leroy, NY along with 5 nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to a graveside service 11:00 AM on Tuesday October 4, 2011 at the East Bethany Rural Cemetery. Interment will take place in East Bethany Rural Cemetery.

For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

 Victor S. San Fratello, 78 of Batavia, died September 25, 2011 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born October 30, 1932 in Elgin, IL to the late Charles (Laura Blandino)San Fratello. Mr. San Fratello graduated from the University of Buffalo and went to work for General Motors at the Tonawanda Engine Plant as an Industrial Engineer. He was a lifetime member of Ascension Parish-St. Anthony’s Church, member of the Batavia Lion’s Club, and Terry Hills Golf Course. Mr. San Fratello was a Navy Veteran. He was instrumental in starting the Pop Warner Football program in Batavia. Victor loved to play bridge, poker and golf. He is preceded in death by brothers Michael, Jasper, Lawrence, Father Sennen O.F.M, John San Fratello, sisters Mary Colombo, Josephine Siemens, and Grace Curd.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Carol A. (Glenn) San Fratello of Batavia; sons Michael G. (Sarah) of Atlanta, GA; Mark C. (Kimberly) San Fratello of Grafton, MA; daughter Lisa A. (Dr. Richard) McCutcheon of Ithaca; sisters Katherine Gringer of Batavia; Laura J. Bohm of Batavia; 10 grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.
 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday September 28, 2011 from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home 9:00 AM on Thursday September 29, 2011 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 AM at Ascension Parish-St. Anthony’s Church 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.    

Memorials are suggested to the Hospice Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14642 or to the Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.   
 

Louise G. McDuffie, 83, of Batavia, died Sept. 22, 2011 at the New York State Veterans Home, Batavia.

McDuffie was born July 19, 1928 in Tarboro, N.C. to the late William M. Grimmer and the late Mamie L. (Coburn) Grimmer.

McDuffie served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. She retired from Amtrak in Buffalo.

McDuffie is proceeded in death by her bothers Dennis, Cecil, Mack Grimmer; sisters Faye G. Muchow, Mary Catherine, and Lucy.

She is survived by her son Wesley G. McDuffie of Batavia; grandsons Kevin Bowman of FL; Levi McDuffie of Batavia; sister Melba G. Pomante of Tarboro, NC, along with many  nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday October 13, 2011 at the Batavia Assembly of God Church 24 North Spruce St. Batavia, New York 14020.

Burial will be private.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Care-A-Van Ministries, Inc. P.O. Box 1611 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260.

GILMARTIN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION COMPANY, INC., 329-333 WEST MAIN ST., BATAVIA, NY 14020, PHONE 343-8260, FAX 345-1327, www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com

Michael A. Fricano, 85, passed away Sept. 22, 2011 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

He was born on Aug. 5, 1926 in Batavia, New York, to the late Joseph and Concetta (Boncinello) Fricano.

Mr. Fricano attended Batavia High School and a became journeyman printer working for the Democrat & Chronicle/Times Union newspaper. He was a member of Ascension Parish -- St. Anthony’s Church, the Holy Name Society, Our Lady of Loreto Society and life member of the former St. Nicholas Club.

Mr. Fricano was a World War II veteran and member of the VFW. He loved to golf and recorded a hole-in-one, and he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish.

He is preceded in death by brothers Anthony, Sam and Joseph Fricano; and sisters Rose Patri and Carrie Germaine.

He is survived by his loving wife Pauline B. (LaRussa) Fricano; sons Michael J. (Joan), of Amherst; Gerald A. (Catherine) of Fairport; Paul V. (Vera) of North Chili; Patrick J. (Theresa) Fricano of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law Katherine Fricano of Lockport; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 329-333 W. Main St. in Batavia.

Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9 a.m. on Monday September 26, 2011 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Ascension Parish -- St. Anthony’s Church, 122 Liberty St., Batavia.

Entombment will take place at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020 or to St. Anthony’s Church, 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020.

For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit
www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 585-343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Batavia resident Ronald P. “Grazo” Grazioplena, age 62, passed away on Sept. 21, 2011 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Batavia on Nov. 14, 1948, son of the late Mario H. and Mary E. (Rossi) Grazioplena.

Mr. Grazioplena was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He had his Captain's License and owned Surfari Charters, guiding fishing trips on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. 'Grazo'
was a long-time member of the Oakfield Rod and Gun Club, and Ducks Unlimited.

He is survived by: his sister Mary Ann Grazioplena, of Rochester; aunt Elaine Grazioplene, of Chili; close friend Scott Offhaus, of Batavia; along with many cousins.

Friends are invited to call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, located at 329-333 W. Main St. in Batavia.

Prayers will be recited 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011 at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish -- St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott
St., Batavia.

Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.

For more information or to sign the online guest registry, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260).

Arrangements completed by the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 W. Main St., Batavia, New York 14020.

Janice (Taylor) Morris, 64, of LeRoy died Tuesday (September 20, 2011) at her residence surrounded by her family after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Jamestown, NY on April 18, 1947 and was a graduate of LeRoy High School.

Janice is survived by her former husband, LaVerne Morris Sr. Her children, Julie (Pat) Melady, Shannon (Tammy) Cleveland, Dixie (Glen) Myers and LaVerne "Jake" Morris Jr. A stepdaughter, Tabitha (Daniel) Brainard. Sisters, Barbara Farrell, Anita Foster and Cathy Taylor. Sixteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation will be Thursday (9/22/11) from 4 - 6 PM at the Church of Latter Day Saints, 601 North St., Batavia where services will follow.

Those desiring may make memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Kidney Foundation. Flowers will be accepted at the family residence, 18 Genesee St., Apt. 5C. LeRoy, NY.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC., 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.

Elba - Mrs. Eleanor J. Shuknecht, 79, of Elba, school teacher in the Elba Central School District until her retirement in 1988, died Monday, September 19, 2011 at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Shuknecht was born November 26, 1931 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late Charles and Ruth Lewis Sharp.

She was a member of Elba United Methodist Church and a 1953 graduate of Brockport State College. She was a member of the Genesee County Retired Teacher's Association, New York State Retired Teacher's Association and Western New York Draft Horse Association. She enjoyed bowling, bingo and knitting.

Her husband, LaVerne J. Shuknecht, died in 1988.

She is survived by two sons, Elton G. (Colleen) Shuknecht and Lynn T. (Bonnie) Shuknecht, both of Elba; a step-son, Lee N. (Joan) Shuknecht of Elba; five grandchildren, Christopher Shuknecht,  Katherine Shuknecht, Alex Shuknecht,  Eric Shuknecht, and Adam Shuknecht; four step-grandchildren,  Troy Shuknecht,  Dale Shuknecht,  Marc Shuknecht Wendy Shuknecht; two brothers,  Clayton (Helen) Sharp of Oakfield and Willard (Jean) Sharp of Gerradstown, West Virginia; a sister-in-law, Eva Sharp of Byron; seven step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Edward Sharp, Mary Louise Ives and Elizabeth Shuknecht and sister-in-law of the late Doris Sharp.

Friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba United Methodist Church, 8 Chapel Street, Elba, New York 14058.  Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Doris M. Nonnengard, 91, of Batavia, died Friday (September 16, 2011) at United Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.

She was born in Batavia on April 14, 1920, the daughter of the late John and Laura Long Nonnengard.

Doris was employed as a clerk at the former Coca Cola Bottling Company in Batavia prior to her retirement and was a member of St. James Episcopal Church.

She is survived by her cousins, William “Bill” and Betty Long of TX, Donald Hoyt of Seneca Falls, Alan Hoyt of LeRoy, NY, Barbara and Mats Bruce, Eric, Nicole and Kevin Bruce, Beth and Gregory Craig, Ryan and Austin Craig all of TX.  Friends, Margery Bridge, Dan and Eileen Wiatrowski all of Batavia.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service, 12pm, Tuesday (September 20th), at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Interment will follow in Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy.

Expressions of condolence may be made at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Ronald Konieczny II, director and proprietor.

Batavia - Mrs. Mary Kathryn O'Geen, 46, of Batavia, died Thursday(September 15, 2011) at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.

Mrs. O'Geen was born May 13, 1965 in Batavia, a daughter of James Heveron of East Pembroke and the late Mary Ann (Tehan) Heveron.

Mrs. O’Geen, a graduate of Notre Dame High School and Genesee Community College, was a member of Resurrection Parish and a registered nurse at United Memorial Medical Center. She was an extremely kind and giving person who found fulfillment in helping and caring for others.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed baking and decorating cakes, especially for the children in the family.

Survivors include her loving husband, Fran O’Geen of Batavia; a son, Nicholas O’Geen of Batavia; three sisters, Eileen (Thomas) Boncore of Hamburg, Beth (Michael) Reimer of Batavia and Maureen (Thomas) Notaro of Lancaster; nieces and nephews, Julianna Boncore, Dominic Boncore, Morgan Reimer, Lauren Reimer, Aiden Reimer, Camden Reimer and Adriana Notaro; uncles and aunts, Bruce and Jeanette Tehan of Batavia, Bradley and Sheila Rogers of Batavia and Brian and Ann Heveron of Massachusetts; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis and Chip O’Geen of LeRoy.  Mrs. O’Geen is also survived by her many loving cousins.

She is predeceased by her grandparents, Frank and Kathryn Tehan and James and Mary Heveron; her brother, James and her sister Sheila.

Family and friends may call on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Mary’s mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Entombment will be in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia. Memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

JOSEPH S. GALLINE ~ Age 83, of Oakfield, died peacefully Wednesday morning September 14, 2011 at home surrounded by his family.

He was born July 28, 1928 in Rush Run, Ohio, son of the late Frank & Josephine (Barilla) Galline, also preceded in death by two sisters Mary Benedetti and Jennie Nesbit.

Mr. Galline is a longtime member of St. Padre Pio Parish and was retired from Comstock Foods. He loved his trips to the casino, having gone for the last time just two weeks ago. He most enjoyed family gatherings and time spent with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 63 years Minnie (Versaggi) Galline of Oakfield; son Frank Galline of Buffalo and daughter Sandy (Sean) Downing of Oakfield; sisters Teresa Velletta, Frances Cupler, Margaret Balduf all of Batavia, Josephine (Donald) Palone of Oakfield and Julia (Melvin) Drake of Appleton, NY; 2 grandchildren Christopher (Johnnie Lynn) Puccio of FL & Lori (Donald) Wray of Oakfield; 5 great-grandchildren Brittny, Ryan, Livia, Emma & Neile along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews & cousins.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM Friday Sept. 16, 2011 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York where prayers 9:15 AM Saturday Sept. 17 will be followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Padre Pio Parish (Oakfield Site). Memorials in Joseph’s memory are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice, burial will be in the Church Cemetery. For more information or to send flowers please call Michael at (585) 343-7500.

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