Obituaries

Batavia - Ronald R. Dingler, 74 of Batavia passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Mr. Dingler was born Saturday, September 4th, 1949 in Binghamton, New York a son of the late William C. Dingler and Grace Dingler.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he was a member of many local sportsmen’s clubs.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest next to his parents in Lynhaven Cemetery,  Lyndonville.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

 

Robert J. Terry Sr., 86 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 24, 2023 at home.

He was born May 28, 1936 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Beulah and Parker Terry Jr.

Robert served his country with the U.S. Marines from 1954-1957. He was employed with the City of Batavia Water Dept. prior to his retirement.

All who were lucky enough to know Bob knew he was genuine, lighthearted, had a heart of gold and was a very giving person. He was the best husband, dad and grandpa there ever was. Anyone who knew our dad knew his sense of humor and the smile he would put on your face.

Survivors include his loving and faithful wife of 63 years, Jeanette Jankowski Terry of Batavia. Loving and grateful children, Robert Terry Jr. of Middlebury, Paula Terry Brown of Batavia, David (Jennifer) Terry of Nixa, Missouri and Beth (Kenneth) Lipinski of Corfu. He was a wonderful grandpa to 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Sister, Jane Terry Scafetta of Vero Beach, Florida.

Funeral service will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Interment with military honors will be in Grandview Cemetery.

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.

 

 

Joanne Irene Feller, 70, of Medina, passed away on March 26, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Joanne was born June 16,1952 in Medina, a daughter of the late Ferdinand and Virginia (Allen) Kopitzki.

Joanne loved being with her family, she was a doting grandmother who was known as Oma by her grandchildren.  She adored her cats, birds, her dog, Gizmo and also loved elephants.  While she worked at the former Super Duper/Jubilee in Medina, Joanne developed a special bond with all of her "kids" that worked with her.  

Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Hebert Feller, Jr. of Medina; children, Yvonne (Jeffery) Freeman of LeRoy, Gretchen (Donald) Carr of Albion, James (Noelle) Feller of Brockport and Carla Feller of Medina; grandchildren, Schuylar Freeman, Teaghan Freeman, Elijah Feller and Madison Feller; a brother, Robert Kopitzki of Holley; sisters, Jean (late William) Taylor of Barker and Sandra Ruth of Greece and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her son, Herbie Feller.

Services for Joanne will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society,www.cancer.org.  

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

Arrangements for Joanne were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Antonia “Annette” Corbelli, 86 of Batavia, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 peacefully at home. She was born November 25, 1936 in Batavia to the late Pasquale and Salvatrice (Tabone) Pullinzi Sr. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Louis A. Corbelli, sister Carmina DiSanto.

Annette was a 1954 graduate of Batavia High School. She retired as a Teacher’s Aide from Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia. Annette was a member of Resurrection Parish and formerly a longtime member of St. Anthony’s Church. Mrs. Corbelli deeply loved her family, was a food enthusiast, loved music and would never say no to shopping. You could find her shopping at any mall, store or Macy’s Lancôme makeup counter.

She is survived by her beloved children David (Julie) Corbelli of Elma, Judith (Dennis) Minnick of Alden, Marianne (James) Richter of Hampshire, IL, brother Anthony Pullinzi of East Bethany, Patrick Pullinzi Jr. of Hilton, four grandsons, Ryan and Alex (Taylor) Corbelli, Reagan and Reese Richter, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 9 to 11:30 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Kenneth E. Hay, 75, of The Villages, FL (formally of Batavia, NY and Ogunquit, ME) passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023.   Ken, as he was known to his friends and family, was born on January, 26, 1948 in Bergen, NY to the late Herbert and Eleanor Hay.  After graduating from Bergen High School he attended The State University of New York at Fredonia for Music and, after graduation, began his career as a high school band instructor. 

Ken, was honored to pass on his love of music to so many youth throughout his 35 year career as an educator and is adored by thousands of students he taught over his 35 year career.   After his retirement from education, Ken was not done with his musical life.  Upon moving to The Villages he was the conductor of The Villages  Orchestra for several years and also played the clarinet in The Bands of The Villages.

In addition to music, Ken was also an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills and rarely missed a game of either team.  He enjoyed socializing through the many avenues offered in the Villages, including The AED Club, of which he was a founding member.  He looked forward to joining his daily “Coffee Club” at Panera at Lake Sumter Landing to start each day.  He also was an avid fisherman and spent many days out on the water.

Ken, a loving and devoted husband and father, is survived by his wife of 53 years, Melinda (Worden); his daughter Meagan (Matt) Buckley of Batavia, NY.   Ken is predeceased by his sister Carol and survived by her husband, Gary Zimmer, of Brockport, NY and their children Cathy Schillaci (Zimmer) and Brian Zimmer. 

Ken will be dearly missed by his family, friends, students and countless people who were impacted by him throughout his life. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1PM on April 29th, 2023 at The First Presbyterian Church in Batavia, NY; 300 East Main Street.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation in Ken’s name can be made to The First Presbyterian Church in Batavia, NY or directly to the family to help in the establishment of an annual scholarship fund for a Batavia High School graduate pursuing a music related career (c/o Melinda Hay, 1701 Lakewood Drive, The Villages, FL, 32162).

James M. Smith, 57 of Attica, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo. He was born September 23, 1965 in Buffalo to Janet (Nicholson) Smith of Attica and the late Eugene Smith.

Jim was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired from the Attica Central School System and will fondly be remembered as a Renegade.

Along with his mother, he is survived by siblings, Gordon (Roseanne) Smith of Lancaster, Kathleen (Tony) Cangianiello of Deerfield Beach, FL, Andrew (Julie) Smith of Lancaster, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or to a homeless shelter of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Eunice H. Gardner, 92, of Bergen, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at her home.

Eunice was born July 20, 1930 in the town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, New York to the late John and Ada Milleville Mueller.  She graduated from Niagara Falls High School.  On May 17, 1961, she was united in marriage to Harry Gardner, who passed away in November 1989.

Eunice was an active member of St.Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia. She loved serving her Lord in many ways. One of her favorite ways was meeting every Tuesday with her gal pals, where she hand sewed hundreds of quilts for Lutheran World Relief, for well over 30 years.

For many years Eunice was a child care provider, and has stayed in contact with many of them. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. She also enjoyed going out with the Gilliam Grant lunch group, Silver Sneakers, and taking day trips to the Amish Villages and stores.  Along with gardening, Eunice enjoyed putting puzzles together, doing crossword puzzles, adult coloring, baking and going on Facebook. Her greatest joy was spending time at family gatherings enjoying the active great grandchildren and crazy fun of the Saran wrap ball at Christmas.

Her marriage was blessed by two sons, Peter of Bergen and Philip (Dee) also of Bergen: a grandson, Jordan and three granddaughters, Nicole (Angelo) Antonini, Kelly (Steve) Panek and Caitlyn Saville, three great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a brother, Delbert (Gerda) Mueller of Texas; three nieces and one nephew.

Preceded in death by brother, Melvin Mueller and her step mother, Ella Mueller.

Eunice was a kind, loving woman of God and she will be deeply missed.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m.  She will be laid to rest in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in York.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church,  31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

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

Brockport ~ Benjamin John Lathan, age 22, formerly of Bergen, passed away unexpectedly.

    

He was born August 19, 2000 in Batavia, a son of John P. Lathan and Amy Burch Kohorst.

     Ben was a very kind and loving person who would go out of his way to help others. He loved his family and his friends, but most of all he loved being outside, whether it was for hunting or fishing, gathering up his chickens or building a pig stall. But his favorite thing to do was sitting around a bonfire with all of his favorite people around.

     His smile and laughter would brighten up a room no matter where he was.

     He is survived by his father, John Lathan of Bergen; his mother; Amy Burch Kohorst of Stafford; his brother, Jeffrey Kohorst of Piffard, his sister and brother-in-law, Alyssa Wood and Micheal Pinkerton of Stafford, his brother, Edwin Lathan of Stafford; his nieces and nephew, Rylee Wood, Everlee Pinkerton and Weslee Wood of Stafford and nephew, Corby Copani-Kohorst of Florida; his grandparents, Gerald and Elaine Burch of Stafford and Grace and the late Edwin Lathan of LeRoy, along with many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

     Memorials may be made to the family. A Celebration of Ben’s Life will be held soon.

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

Mr. Dennis Francis Brown, 78, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, after a short illness. He passed peacefully with the knowledge that he was greatly loved and adored by his loved ones, and that his loved ones knew how deeply he loved and cared for them as well.

Dennis was born on November 28, 1944 in Newport News, VA to his late and loving parents, Francis and Thelma Brown. He was a brilliant chemist who graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Pharmacy. He worked as a pharmacist throughout most of his life and retired at the age of 74 from Attica Correctional Facility. For the better part of his life he resided in Warsaw NY.

Dennis is survived by his younger sisters, Marilynn Palotti (Dave) and Judith Barber (Sig). He had 3 loving daughters, Sara Bell (Logan), Jill Jackson (Chad) and Emily Brown. He had 4 adoring grandchildren, Jett, Bella, Gunner and Kathryn, and 5 nieces and nephews. Not to mention countless friends and other extended family members who thought the world of him.

Being the outdoorsman that he was, Dennis had a love and true passion for hunting, fly fishing, target shooting, camping and golfing in particular. It gave him great pleasure to pass his knowledge on to others and there are a lot of great hunters, sharp shooters and fly fisherman out there now, thanks to him. He loved fly tying, reading and was a fabulous cook. He enjoyed classical music and later in life even became a country music fan. He was a member of the Wyoming Conservation Association where he spent a lot of his time in his final years target shooting with his fellow “Range Rats”.

In the weeks preceding his passing and during the time after, his family has received an outpouring of loving thoughts. Dennis was clearly admired and respected by anyone who knew him. Many have called him “a legend”, “quick witted”, “a genius”, “had the best dry sense of humor”, “genuine”, “compassionate”, “protective”, “unique”, “generous”, “a mentor”, “a phenomenal father”, “a proud grandpa”, and the list goes on and on. Though he had many accomplishments and wonderful qualities about him, Dennis will be forever known as a great and proud dad and grandfather who loved his children unconditionally. Those were the roles he truly embraced the most. As we mourn the loss of a great man, know that Dennis would want everyone to celebrate him and carry out his legacy by living our best life possible. He always did one thing every day that brought him happiness and encouraged others to do so as well.

A memorial service will be held in or near Warsaw, NY at a date to be determined. Loved ones will be contacted through family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wyoming Conservation Association in his honor. The secretary contact and address is: Jack Plowe at 8813 Lovers Lane Rd, Corfu, NY 14036

Batavia - Tyler P. Schroeder, 31 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, (March 22, 2023) at his home.

Tyler was born January 23, 1992 in Batavia, a son of Kevin (Myra) Schroeder of Warsaw and Kimberly (Thomas) Mikolajczyk of Oakfield.

Tyler was a skilled, passionate, and creative glass blower and was looking forward to starting his own business. He was an adventurer who loved to travel and snowboard.

Surviving along with his parents are his siblings, Alyssa (Chris) Macomber of LeRoy, Morgan (Ryan Worthington) Mikolajczyk of Hilton, Austin Schroeder of Texas, Jesse Claud of Warsaw, Devon Schroeder of Buffalo, Skylar Claud of Vermont, Matthew Schroeder of Elba, and Emilee Schroeder of Warsaw; he was uncle to Kree Macomber, Kailynn Worthington, and Atreus Macomber; paternal grandmother, Suzanne Schroeder of Batavia; maternal grandparents, Pat and Sharon LaFarnara of Oakfield. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

In death, Tyler is reunited with his grandparents, Brian Schroeder, and Frank and Barbara Mikolajczyk.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield, where Tyler's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 6:00 p.m. Burial in St. Cecilia's Cemetery in Oakfield will be private.

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

Ed Layton, 82, of Corfu, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 19, 2022, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Edward was born December 2, 1940, in Franklin, New Jersey. He graduated from Newton High School in 1959 and studied horticulture at Alfred Sate Tech, Alfred, NY. He went to work in the flower business and for many years, had owned his own shop, Flowers by Edward in Newton, New Jersey.

Ed is predeceased by his parents Charles and Helen Branham Layton; sister-in-laws'  Alison Gordon Miller Walton, Karen Gordon Zambito, Carol Morely Gordon and brother-in-laws’ Richard Washer and Paul Walton.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen Gordon Layton; his sons Gregory Edward (Karyn) Layton of Rockaway, New Jersey, Brett (Heather) Layton of Wilmington, North Carolina, Matthew Layton of Corfu, and daughter, Kara Beth (Steven) Layton Kljajic of Toronto, Canada. Ed had a special relationship with his younger brother, Everett (Leigh Anne) of Indianapolis, Indiana and his, “big sister” Shirley Washer of New Castle, Delaware. Ed is survived by his brother-in-laws’, Wally Gordon of Penn Yann, New York, Mark (Jean) Gordon of Selkirk, New York and Aunt Edie Layton Bale of Newton, New Jersey. He was the proud grandfather “Poppy”  of Gordon “Mitch” (Abby) Layton, Aaron Layton, Zachary Edward Layton, Isabel Layton, Emma Evelyn Kljajic and Ava Kljajic. Poppy (Dad) had a special relationship with each of his children and also each beloved grandchild. Ed is survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ed, ”Big Ed”, “Chief”, was an easy going, non-judgmental, fun loving, kind soul. He loved his family, his many dear friends, fishing, horseshoes, golf, all sports, TV, country music and playing cards, all with a bit of mischief! His dog Charlie was very special to him.He enjoyed the outdoors, flowers, gardens and mowing his lawn. Ed loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish and spent time in Canada, Keuka Lake, Wallenpaupack and the Outer Banks enjoying his pipe, his family, friends and fishing! He always had time to be a listener and liked to tinker and solve mechanical problems. Ed will be so very missed by many.

Services will be held at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu, NY at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. Family will greet friends from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036 or Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church, 1 Yellow Frame Rd., Fredon Township, NJ 07860.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church, Newton, NJ, later in the spring.

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

East Pembroke - Margery Louise Bartholf, 75, daughter of Wilbur and Adelle (Scroger) Bartholf, died on March 22, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital of complications of diabetes.

Margery was born on July 9, 1947 in Batavia. She attended Oakfield-Alabama School, graduating in 1965 with a Regents Scholarship in Nursing. She continued her education at the Wyoming County Community Hospital School of Nursing (in conjunction with the University of Buffalo), graduating with her RN Degree in 1968. She was then hired by the (then) Genesee Memorial Hospital, working the night shift on the geriatric ward. She decided to spread her wings a bit and went with a friend from nursing school to a position at Encinitas Hospital near Camp Pendelton, California. She worked there for a few years until she experienced an earthquake during one of her shifts. That was enough to bring her back to New York. Margie then worked as office nurse for Dr. Egeli for a few years and finally ended up working for many years at Summit Physical Therapy on Chandler Avenue in Batavia.

Margie loved to travel, enjoying bus tours and cruises with family and friends. She was active in her church (St. Paul Lutheran) and also in the American Legion Auxiliary #332. She enjoyed bowling (once appearing on "Bowling with the Stars" with her mother), reading a good book, and working a crossword puzzle. Her favorite activty however was counted cross stitch, the more involved the piece, the better. She loved the challenge and the intricacy of a good piece of handwork.

Margery is predeceased by her parents and by their infant son, Wilbur M. Bartholf, Jr., her longtime companion, Herbert Genagon, and many cousins on both sides of the family.

She is survived by brothers, Lawrence W. (Linda) Bartholf of Ellenville, New York, and David P. Bartholf of East Pembroke; and by a sister, Mary Ann (Jim) Neider of Stafford. Nieces, a nephew, great-nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday (March 31, 2023) from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Street in Batavia, where Margie's memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. The church is handicap accessible. Private burial will be held in Byron Cemetery in Byron. Flowers are gratefully declined but memorials may be made in Margery's name to St. Paul Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Basom - Andrew  K. Merkel, 38 of Basom  passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Andy was born Thursday, June 21st, 1984 in Batavia, a son of Kelly and Susan (Grower) Merkel of Basom.

Andy graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School and went on to obtain his associates degree from Genesee Community College in 2004. He married the love of his life, Kelly Moden, on December 6, 2008. Together they had 3 wonderful children who were the light of his life. Andy worked for Mercy EMS from 2009 to 2015 as an EMT-B. He served the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since October 1, 2011.  In addition to his regular duties as an Emergency Services Dispatcher, Andy was a Communications Training Officer and a board member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Employee Association. 

He was a baseball coach for the Oakfield-Alabama Little League program and a longstanding member of the Alabama Fire Department. Outside of serving his community, he spent his time operating Wings Cupped Retriever Services, his dog training company, that started as a hobby and grew into a thriving business. He also enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, camping, and music.

He was a devoted family man and a great friend. He loved spending time with his wife and 3 young children, attending their sporting and music events. Andy was a Jack of all trades with a larger than life personality who always told it as it was. He contributed valuable guidance and tremendous support over many years to anyone who crossed his path.

Surviving along with his parents are his wife, Kelly Merkel of Basom; his children, Kaylee, Kaiya, and Finian Merkel of Basom; his brother, Cory (Melissa) Merkel of Greece; his grandmother, Onolee Grower of Batavia; his mother-in-law, Kimberly Moden of Basom; his brother-in-law, Matthew (Jennifer) Moden of Basom; his best friend, Chris Stratheam of Byron; his two amazing dogs, Roy and Sully along with aunts, uncles and cousins.  

In death Andy is reunited with his grandparents, Charles Grower, Margaret Merkel, and Edwin Merkel and his father-in-law, Dennis Moden.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, March 26th, 2023  from 2:00 pm  to 6:00 pm at Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Rd, Basom, NY 14013, where Andrew's funeral service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Ducks Unlimited, 219 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or Oakfield-Alabama Little League P.O. Box 44 Oakfield, New York 14125.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Sharon Ann Waldron Venuto passed away at United Memorial Medical Center after a short illness on March 20, 2023.

She was born in Batavia March 26, 1945 a daughter of the late John and Ethel Mathes Waldron and was raised and grew up in Elba.

She is also predeceased by her brother John K. Waldron, her daughter, Angela Venuto, her granddaughter, Jacklyn Silker and her partner, Kenneth Kozuch.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri (Tom) Kavanagh of Stafford; her son John L. Venuto, Jr. (Christine) of East Bethany; grandchildren, Alex, Fallanne, Nickol, Zach, Emily, Mckayla and Brittany; great-grandchildren, Austin, Hayleigh, Kyler, Joel, Jake, Brooks, Quinn, Everett and Bailey.

Sharon had an immense love for her family like most matriarchs. She also loved bargains, garage sales and haggling over whatever she wanted or even really didn't want just because it brought her immense joy. We will forever laugh about the great paper plate debate.

She was fierce and fought for all the right things. She was never afraid to say the hard truths and follow the path that needed to be taken even when the road was rough. And those roads taken were often rough as she always made the choice to do the right thing. She always said doing the right thing would often be the harder choice, but that's what mattered the most. Our mom was tough and loving and all rolled up into one feisty, stubborn, opinionated, strong, supportive, kind, crazy little spitfire of a woman.

There was never a time where she backed down from any challenge when she knew it was the right thing for her kids, grandkids or great-grandkids. It was everyone else's needs above her own. She was our protector, our safe place, our voice and our backbone. She taught us loyalty and confidence in facing the world, all while maintaining kindness and compassion. We were held together by her strong will and determination. She was a great mom.

She may not have been perfect, but she was ours. She was tough as nails. Her friend Greg always said she had more grit than John Wayne. She raised her children to be strong, independent and kind human beings. She changed lived for the better and saved many others because she made it so. Even as she fought to stay with us, she defied the odds and diagnosis. She wasn't done until SHE said she was. That was our mom.

Mom will be missed so much and we will never fill the empty space left by her passing but the lives she touched are better because she was in them. Forever in our thoughts, forever in our hearts We love you.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Kenneth John Kozuch passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 under the care of the New York Sate Veteran's Home.

He was born on January 24, 1949 in Buffalo, a son of the late John and Agnes Malinowski Kozuch. Ken is also predeceased by his partner, Sharon A. Venuto who passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023.

Ken is survived by his step-daughter, Sherri (Tom) Kavanagh of Stafford; his step-son, John L. Venuto, Jr. (Christine) of East Bethany along with many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his cousins, Sandy Kwiatopwski and Michaline Collins.

Ken was a decorated Vietnam Era Veteran who was wounded in Danang in 1969. He was an incredibly humble man, simple in his needs as well as kind and generous with his time and caring.  He was a man of few words but get him started on racing or muscle cars and that was something that he could go on about for hours.

He had a love of wolves, CB radios, tinkering with things and watching Gunsmoke reruns. Most of all he loved being on the pit crew for V-Force racing through many years with John. He would polish and clean the car just before it went out to get dirty. It was one of his favorite things to do again and again every night of the week. He took so much pride in that crew and being with John in the winners circle meant everything to him. There were very few nights you would not find him in the stands or in the pits cheering and giving advice on the turns.

Ken loved his family and we were grateful that he had been a part of our lives for so many years. His presence was at every function and daily talks where he would call to say nothing other than hello. He wasn't gushing sentiments every day but he always made sure we all knew we were his.

He rarely complained about anything and always ended every conversation with "Have a nice day." As his final day became shorter we sat telling him how loved he was and thanking him for always being there for us. He said he did his best and to "Now go and have a good day." Those were his final words to us that will forever be in our hearts because it was so him. We will miss you pops.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.