Obituaries

RICHARD (DICK) FLUKER ~ 79, longtime area farmer died peacefully Thursday morning March 19, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center. Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan (Pervorse) Fluker of Batavia and their children, Jeff (Sandy) Fluker of Bethany, Judy (Doug) Harloff of Oakfield and Randy Fluker of Rochester and their families.

Considering the ongoing Covid-19 epidemic and consultation with the Fluker family, it has been decided to postpone Dick’s visitation and funeral services until such time that family, friend and community interaction is deemed safe.  

Memorials in Dick’s memory are suggested to, Town of Batavia Fire Station #2, Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 N. Street Batavia or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 230 E. Ohio St. Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60611.

MICHAEL AND THE TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL HOME ASK YOU TO CONTINUE TO OFFER YOUR WORDS OF COMFORT AND HOPE TO THE FLUKER FAMILY IN WHAT IS ALREADY A VERY TRYING TIME AT www.tomaszewskifh.com    

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

Corfu -- Terance “Terry” D. Payne, 73, of Corfu, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

There will be no calling hours or services at this time because of the health concerns regarding COVID-19. A complete obituary and services will be published in The Batavia Daily News in the coming months.

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

Alexander -- Vernon G. Rupert, 88 of Alexander, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Premier Genesee Center, Batavia.

Vern was born July 21, 1931 in Batavia, a son of the late George W. and Victoria Williams Rupert. He was the father of the late Vernon James Rupert and brother of the late Roy Rupert and Kenneth Rupert.

On March 22, 2020, Vern would have been a Master Mason for 65 years. He was a very dedicated member. He was appointed Steward of the Batavia Lodge No. 475 in 1961 and was the Master in 1968 and 2004-2008. He was the installing officer from 1971-1977; District Deputy Grand Master of the Genesee-Wyoming District from 1974-1977; District Brotherhood Fund Chairman from 1975-1977; President of Genesee-Wyoming Council of Masonic Activities from 1977-1978; President of the Purple Apron Club 1984-1985 and when the Batavia Lodge merged with the Olive Branch No. 39 in July of 2012, he transferred there. Most recently, in May of 2019, Vern received through the Livingston District, the RW-James W. Lee Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Vern became a member of the Western Star Chapter No. 35 on May 7, 1955 and received Most Excellent Master on June 2, 1955. He was exalted to Degree of Royal Arch Mason on June 16, 1955. Vern became High Priest in 1961 and was the District Deputy high Priest from 1983-1984. He was elected Grand Council of Anointed High Priest (Holy Order of High Priesthood) in 1961; Member of Nundawaga Council No. 92 in May 1962; appointed to the Grand Representative of Georgia in September 2004 and was elected and installed Recorder of the Council May 11, 1998 to the present. Vern received the Order of the Silver Trowel Degree in Ellenville, NY on September 13, 1997. He became a member of Batavia Commandry No. 34 Knights Templar in January 1962 and was the Commander for four years. He received Knight of The York Cross of Honor in Cheektowaga in January 2003. Ken Kohlhagen and Vern took care of the installation teams for the district for the past 10 years.

Vern honorably served in the United States Army from 1952-1954. Vern was on the Village of Alexander Planning Board from 2008 to the present time. He starting working as a Counselor in 2003 for the AARP/IRS Federal and State Income Tax and in 2007 became the ERO, Counselor, and Instructor for the program. He still held these positions in 2020.

Vern is survived by: his beloved wife of 62 years, Anne Elm Rupert; sister-in-laws, Eula Rupert and Daisy Klein; nieces and nephews, Gail (Robert) Stephans, Joyce (Herman) Langford, Bryan (Lou Ann) Rupert, L.J. (Diane) Lang, Ozzie (Pinky) Osborn and Keith Rupert; several great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews also survive.

There a no calling hours or services at this time. A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for July 5, 2020 at the Masonic Temple in Le Roy. More information will be available the closer we get to the date.

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

BATAVIA - Geraldine Casper McMillan, 97, of Batavia passed away on March 18, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. 

She was born May 28, 1922, in Oakfield, NY, the daughter of Joseph and Fannie Casper.

She graduated from Alexander Central High School in 1940 and in 1944 she entered St. Jerome Hospital’s nursing program under the US Cadet Nurse Corp., during World War II. She received her NY Registered Nurse license in 1947.  She spent much of her life caring for others.

She was predeceased by her husband, Duncan, of 42 years whom she met when he was a patient at the VA Hospital in Batavia. He passed away in July of 1992.  They were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia.  She was active in the church as a deacon, a Stephen Minister and the women’s organizations.  She loved her church family.

Her greatest joy was her family.  She never missed an opportunity to attend activities with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and she never missed the yearly Casper family reunion.

She loved to watch all sports on television, especially the Buffalo Bills.  She spent many hours keeping the cookie jar full for her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her own children when they visited.  They were all “cookie monsters.”

She is survived by her three children:  Gordon McMillan of Batavia, Carla (Lynn) Chamberlain of Fillmore and John (Doddie) McMillan of Batavia; her grandchildren:  Crystal (Tim) Nickson, Stewart McMillan, Thomas (Chrissy) McMillan, Duncan McMillan and Ryan Chamberlain; great grandchildren: Bryce, Allison, Ethan Nickson; Keira, Elizabeth, Janessa, Levi and Adelyn McMillan; three step-grandchildren: Christopher (Jill), Bryan (April) and Dan (Emily) Chamberlain and their children; her sister Ruth Hoover of Sun City Center, Florida and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her six sisters: Blanche Warboys, Lola Lutz, Beulah Shaffer, Amy Cummins, Lillian Ridley, and Dorothy Casper and three brothers: Joseph, Harold and Lester Casper.

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held for the immediate family.  A public memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com. Arrangements for Mrs. McMillan have been entrusted to the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.

BATAVIA - Stanley V. Schumann, 83, of Batavia, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Mr. Schumann was born March 1, 1937, in Manhattan, a son of the late Jack and Lee (Bernzweig) Schumann.

Stan was a graduate of Alfred University and C.W. Post University where he earned his Masters Degree.  He was a long time Student Advisor for Genesee-Wyoming BOCES in Batavia.  Mr. Schumann was the President of Temple Emanu-El in Batavia for 37 years and ran the Prostate Support Group locally.  He also enjoyed cars and wintering in Florida with his wife, Paula.

Surviving are his wife, Paula (Rosenbloom) Schumann whom he married July 10, 1960; two sons, Marc Schumann of Los Angeles, CA, and Gary (Ariane) Schumann of the Kingdom of Bahrain; three grandchildren, Sierra, Victoria, and Alexander Schumann; a niece Jennifer (Paul) Connelly of New York City. 

He is preceded in death by a sister, Ilene Connelly.

There will be no visitation.  A public celebration of life will be held at a later date, and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stanley's memory may be made to a cause or charity of the donor's choice.

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

 

  Paul Kenneth Bower, 82 of Bergen, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport surrounded by his loved ones. He was born March 13, 1938 in Oakfield to the late Fred C. (Belle Bissell) Bower. He is preceded in death by a son Tracy Bower, siblings Robert, Donald Bower, Dorothy Zipfill, and Ruth Brown.

Mr. Bower served his country proudly for 23 years in the United States Navy and was a Vietnam Veteran. He enjoyed working on VF-14 Tomcat’s and loved to fly. Paul was very active as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Batavia. He was an avid gardener and bee keeper. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy (Dennis) Bower of Bergen; children Rene (Edgar) Moreno of Miramar, FL; Kevin Bower of Bergen; Steven Bower of Batavia; Nathan (Cortney) Bower of Bergen; brother David (Agnes) Bower of Lowville, NY; 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren survive along with many nieces and nephews.   

There will be no prior calling hours. A private service will be held for the immediate family and a Memorial Service in his church will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia- Charles C. Bradley, Jr., 82, of Batavia, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, at his home.

Mr. Bradley was born December 22, 1937, in Batavia, son of the late Charles C. Bradley, Sr. and Dorothy Borncamp Bradley.

A member of St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia, Charles was an accomplished musician who served as the music director for St. John's Cathedral in Spokane, Washington. He played the organ at various churches in Buffalo, Rochester and Batavia. A 1957 graduate of Batavia High School, he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, MD and received his Master’s Degree in Music from Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.  He was instrumental in beginning "Friends of The Arts" in 2002 to benefit students from the Eastman School of Music. A member at Godfrey's Pond in Batavia and the Batavia Rod & Gun Club, he enjoyed fishing, birdwatching and being on the water.

Survivors include his children; Tara Atwood, Catherine Kodish and Edward Bradley as well as 6 grandchildren; his former spouse; Linda Walls Bradley; his sister; Margaret Bradley Sanford.

There will be no visitation.  Memorial services will be held at a future date at St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia, when the current health recommendations allow for family to travel. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in Charles’ name to the music program at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.                                                     .      

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

  Michael H. Ferris, 57, of Elba passed away on March 16, 2020 at Suzanne’s Comfort Home Care in Perry, NY surrounded by his loved ones. He was born July 13, 1962 in Batavia to the late Frederick “Fritz” Ferris and Patricia (Hartgrove) Ferris. In addition to his parents, Michael is predeceased by his brother; Shawn Ferris and brother-in-law; Wayne Bell.

Michael was a lifetime fan of various motorsports, especially the dirt tracks around WNY and was an avid fisherman. He spent most of his life working hard, starting at the age of 12 on the muck lands of Elba. Michael continued to work at a local manufacturing plant, Kaufmanns Footwear in Batavia where he specialized in sewing machine mechanics and programming. Most recently, he spent the last 15 years working at Fieldtex Products in Rochester as a Production Operations Supervisor. He continued to work while fighting cancer right to the end, but most of all Michael was a committed father, loyal friend and an amazing grandfather who will be greatly missed.  

Surviving are his four children; Ryan (Ngun) Ferris of Rochester, Chantel (John) Richenberg of Stafford, Leanna (Eric) Ferris of Batavia and Matthew Ferris of Pavilion; grandchildren Aislyn, Henry, Ada and Isla; sisters Sandra Bell of Batavia and Lynn (Craig) Hilchey of Plattsburgh; nieces and nephews Chris Hilchey and Nikki Hilchey of Plattsburgh, Jon (Angel) Bell, Jacob Bell, Devon (Brittany) Ferris and Joshua Ferris of Batavia; loving aunt Cherry Hobbs of LeRoy and uncle Ed Hartgrove of Florida.  

There will be no prior calling hours. Michael will be buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba and Services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory can be made to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

ALBION - Marjorie Keppler, 63, of Albion, formerly of Batavia, passed away Thursday, (March 12, 2020), at home.

Miss Keppler was born February 8, 1957, in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Charles E. and Marjorie F. (Forrestel) Keppler.

Marjorie loved to work in the kitchen.  She enjoyed listening to music and was fascinated by chains.

She is survived by her brothers, Charles E. (Patricia) Keppler of Akron, William R.(Susan) Keppler of Medina, Peter R. (Cheryl) Keppler of Medina, and Philip D. (Dawn) Keppler of Medina; sisters, Mary V. Herbert of Medina, and Martha C. (Paul) Jansen of St. Albans VT; a sister-in-law Kathy Keppler of Medina.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with her parents, Marjorie is preceded in death by a brother, Richard D. Keppler.

There will be no visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be scheduled for a later date, and will be announced.  Burial will be in St. Stephens Cemetery, Middleport. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marjorie's memory may be made to Arc of Genesee Orleans County, Attn: Community Relations, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, New York 14020..

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

  Brian E. Westfall, 52, of Batavia passed away on Friday March 13, 2020. He was born on October 16, 1967 in Rochester to the late Ronald and Carol (Gruner) Westfall.

Brian worked for many years at Eastern Molding in Batavia before he became ill.

He is survived by his son; Brandon Westfall of Bergen; siblings Sharon Herdtner of Batavia, Daniel (Laura) Westfall of Batavia, Brenda (Art) Lupe of Schenectady and Dennis Westfall of Hilton, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Funeral Services will be private.

For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia - Beverly A. Grice, 85, of Batavia, passed away Monday, March 16, 2020, surrounded by her loving family at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mrs. Grice was born September 21, 1934, in Batavia, daughter of the late Leon Hiscutt and Mildred Morrell Hiscutt.

Her husband, Robert F. Grice, passed away on February 27, 2005.

She is survived by her children; Susan (Mark Walkowski) Schuh of Cheektowaga, Steven (Lisa) Grice of Batavia and Jane (Kris) Petote of Bergen; five grandchildren; Brian (Gina) Buckley of Tonawanda, Carissa Schuh of Cheektowaga, Alex (Randi Zakes) Grice of North Chili, Casey (Ashley Bordenet) Grice of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Jacob Petote of Washington D.C.; four great-grandchildren; Evan, Gwen, Jenna and Gianna; her sister; Audrey (late Richard) Sheelar of Batavia.  She is also by her two dear friends; Carmen Ilacqua and Jean Nichols along with several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brother, David Hiscutt.

A longtime employee of The Daily News in Batavia, she was a member of St. Joseph's Church. A movie fanatic and Elvis fan, she always saw the good in everyone she met and put their needs ahead of her own. A devoted "Granny" to her grandchildren, she would often remark that her children were "her whole world". She will also be missed by her four-legged "babies", Luke, Lacie and Penny.

Her family wants to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the nurses and nurses aides on the 2nd floor at UMMC.

Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Thursday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will follow visitation. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for her immediate family at St. Joseph's Church. She will be entombed in St. Joseph's Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Beverly's memory may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Beverly's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Rochester ~ Brendan D. "Mick" Spillane, age 52, formerly of LeRoy, passed away at home on Saturday afternoon (March 14, 2020) in the loving presence of his family.

    

He was born January 19, 1968 in Batavia, a son of Ursula Drayo Spillane and the late Donald E. Spillane.

     Mickey’s education started in LeRoy, where he attended Holy Family School and became a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia.  He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at New York University, New York and then proudly earned his Master of Arts degree in philosophy at The Graduate Faculty at The New School for Research, New York.  He was a scholarship recipient from the Wolfson Center for National Affairs at the World Policy Institute for his writing on social and political theory.

     Mick became the CEO, publishing consultant, editor and writer of his own company, Turn of Phrase Editorial Services.  He was a senior production editor for Harper Collins and Taylor and Francis Books, Inc.,  as well as an editor for many other notable editorial companies.

     In addition to his love of writing, Mick had a passion for gourmet cooking and creating new and exciting dishes.

     He will be enormously missed by his mother, Ursula Spillane of LeRoy; his loving companion of 14 years, Johanna Buran of Rochester; his sisters, Shannon Spillane (Thomas Welsh) of Annapolis, MD and Shawn (Joseph) Siconolfi of Rochester; nephews, Nicholas Vincent and Tyler Siconolfi; special uncle, William Klinkbeil of LeRoy; special cousins, Vicki (David) Clark, Kevin (Barbara) Klinkbeil and Kristopher (Catherine) Kliinkbeil, along with many other relatives and dear friends. He was predeceased by father, Donald in 2012 and his aunt, Rachel Klinkbeil in 2019.

    The services originally scheduled for March 21 for Mr. Spillane have been postponed until a later date to be announce.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library, 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604 or the Maplewood Community Library, 1111 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14613.

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

 

LeRoy ~ Rebecca B. Makosy, age 86, passed away early Saturday morning (March 14, 2020) at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw, in the loving presence of her family.

    

 She was born July 29, 1933 in Apollo, PA, a daughter of the late Harry and Mae Bush Foy.

     Rebecca will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, who had a deep devotion to her faith.  She enjoyed doing puzzles and traveling, and was a retiree of General Motors, where she worked for 30 years.

     She is survived by her children; Charles (Carla) Makosy of TX, Sandra (Allen) Sellhorst of LeRoy, Stephen (Robin) Makosy of W. Seneca and Anna Mae (John) Yingling of Clarence; five grandchildren, Amy Sellhorst, Heather Sellhorst, Sarah Makosy, Benjamin Makosy and Kaylee Makosy; great-grandson, Aiden Dyer; siblings, Leona (late Donald) Farmer of TN and Donald (Marilyn) Foy of OH, along with many nieces and nephews.

     She was predeceased by her husband, George Makosy in 1990.

     Local visitation and services will be private for immediate family only at this time. A public memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.  Mrs. Makosy will be laid to rest at Holy Ascension of Christ Cemetery, Colver, PA on Friday, March 20 at 1:00 P.M.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the WCCHS Activity Dept., Attn: Sue Winiecki, 400 N. Main Street, Warsaw, N.Y. 14569.

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

Paulette B. Zambito-Bird, 70, of Elba passed away on March 13, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born on September 26, 1949 in Batavia to the late Charles Zambito Jr. and Alta Calarco of Elba. In addition to her father, Paulette is predeceased by her sister; Lynn Hoffman.

Paulette was an avid New York Yankees and Giants fan. She loved her nieces and nephews so much and spoiled them whenever she could.

In addition to her mom, she is survived by her husband; Brian Bird of Elba; siblings Mary Zambito of Elba, Alta (Mark) Giuliano of Ft. Myers, FL., Charles (Patricia) Zambito of Elba; Rocco (Linda) Zambito of Elba; Anne (John) Lexer of East Rochester, Joseph (Kelly) Zambito of Punta Gorda, FL.; brother-in-law Paul Hoffman of Batavia; along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for immediately family only at St. Padre Pio Parish in Elba. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jordyn Torrey Augello Memorial Foundation 27 S. Main St. Elba, NY 14058. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

 

 

 

  Lucia S. Nogueira, 82, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.  Lucia was born in 1938 in Salvador City, Brazil, the oldest daughter of the late Francisco (Silveria DeJesus) Nogueira. She is preceded in death by her sister; Aida Nogueira.

Lucia was a nun in Brazil and traveled to Spain and then to the US where she resided in LeRoy in 1958. She became a United States citizen in 1963 and lived in Batavia for 62 years. Lucia enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading books and traveling with her family. She retired from St. Jerome’s hospital, where she worked for 41 years.

She is survived by her sisters Tereza Nogueira; Lueza (Richard) Dunn; Laurentina Rosa of Batavia; brother Edwardo (Ruth) Nogueira; niece Lorie Nogueira of Oakfield, along with family living in Brazil.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday March 19, 2020 from 1:00-2:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 2:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.  Lucia will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation 127 North St. in Batavia. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.