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Obituaries

Mrs. Concetta M. "Connie" DiAntonio

By Joshua Smith

Batavia – Mrs. Concetta M. “Connie” DiAntonio, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born on November 8, 1928, in Batavia, a daughter of the late John J. Gravanda and Marion Gentile Gravanda.

A member of St. Joseph’s Church, Connie was a fan of the New York Yankees, loved trips going to the casino and will be remembered as an amazing cook.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Ronald) Robbins of Batavia, Mary Jo (Rick) Thomas of Batavia, Georgina (Bob Lawton) Buck of Oakfield and Debra (late Robert J.) Barnard of Batavia; grandchildren, Ronald (Kelly) Robbins, II, Renee Robbins-Yonkin, Rick Thomas, Nicholas Thomas, Shannon Smith, Dale A. (Brittany) Buck, Jr., Nicole Chamberlain, Amy (Dave) Tabbi and Robert J. Barnard, II; great-grandchildren, Katherine, Melissa, Madison, Gaberian, Mia, Rikki, Taylor, Jordan, Jaiden, Luca, Dominic and Nicholas; her sister, Irene Lillis of Batavia; brother-in-law, Merle Adams of Batavia; her sisters-in-law, Margaret Gavanda of Batavia and Rose Pastecki of Batavia; along with several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, George A. DiAntonio, her son, Frank J. DiAntonio who passed away on September 17, 2016; her siblings, Catherine Zaccarella, Mary Eckelberger, Ida Spiotta, Philamena Gravanda, Barbara Adams, Nicholas, Fred, Anthony and Vincent Gravanda and John J. Gravante.

There are no prior calling hours. Connie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 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 Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Regina Abdella

By Lisa Ace


UPDATED: Regina Abdella of Batavia, NY, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away on February 13, 2023 at 79 years old. She lived a remarkably full life. She was known for her beautiful smile, large family, and generous spirit. A dedicated care-giver, she received her nursing degree from Catherine McAuley School of Practical Nursing at St. Jerome Hospital, in Batavia NY. She continued as an LPN at St. Jerome’s Hospital until its close and then worked and retired at United Memorial Medical Center after more than 45 years of nursing. 

Throughout her life she volunteered and was a part of many organizations including Crossroads House, Stafford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Aglow, Lion’s Club, The Salvation Army, and a CCD teacher and eucharistic minister at St Peter’s Church in LeRoy, NY and Immaculate Conception in East Bethany, NY.

She was known to call and sing ‘Happy Birthday' to all she met, hand deliver Christmas cookies, sing to her patients, and nurse many homebound elderly. She spent much of her free time with her large Lebanese family, always particularly close with her identical twin sister Mary.

She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Madeline Abdella, twin sister Mary Abdella, sister Anne Teresa Feltham and brother-in-law David Saleh.

She is survived by: Her children—Joseph Palaszynski (Flavia), John Palaszynski, Julie Behlok, and Karen Padron (Lisa); siblings—Raymond Abdella (Jan), brother-in-law Tom Feltham, Larry Abdella, Gerry Abdella (Elaine), Liz Saleh, Tony Abdella (Sheri) and Cathy Hatoum (Sami); eight grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Gina donated her body to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday March 19th from 1:00-2:00pm at The Stafford Firehall, 6153 Main St Stafford NY, 14143. A celebration of life and meal will follow. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 20th at 10:30am at St Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. All are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads House at Batavia NY. https://www.crossroadshouse.com

 

Mr. Dennis J. Hanlon

By Joshua Smith

Dennis J. Hanlon (Duke) passed away on February 15, 2023 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

He is the son of the late John and Helen Hanlon and brother of the late Paul and William Hanlon.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, who he married on May 18, 1974; his children, Kelly (Ryan) Hartz of Kentucky and Adam (Jennifer) Hanlon of Kendall; his grandsons, Brady (and his mom Carrie) and Lincoln; his brothers, Sean Hanlon, Mark (Jackie) Hanlon and Christopher (Noreen) Hanlon; his sister, Mary (Robert) Boland and nieces and nephews.

Dennis loved John Wayne, playing poker, the New York Yankees, reading and studying the stock market. He was recognized everywhere for wearing his headphones and listening to country music. He was so proud of his children and loved his grandsons, Brady and Lincoln, who were his best buddies.

There are no prior calling hours. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11 am at St. Padre Pio - Our Lady of Fatima Worship Site, 65 South Main Street, Elba. He will be laid to rest in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Elba Sports Boosters, P.O. Box 363, Elba, New York 14058 or to the LeRoy Village Green, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, New York 14482. Please include in the memo section "The Sunshine Fund - in memory of Dennis Hanlon". 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.

Matthew J. Goodenbery

By Lisa Ace


It is with great sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Matthew J. Goodenbery, at the age of 58, a Navy veteran from El Paso Texas, formerly of Batavia New York. We are heartbroken to lose someone special who will be deeply missed. Matthew was reunited with his parents, Jim and Irene (Pietrzykowski) Goodenbery, his brother James R. Goodenbery Jr. and his sister Teresa Robinson.

He is survived by his daughters, Kara (Achibe) of San Antonio TX. and Alina of Santa Fe NM. His brothers and sisters, Barb (Mike) Crowley, Mark Goodenbery, Ann Wilson (Steve Bennett), Irene Fuller, Martin Goodenbery, Rose Luce, Bernie Goodenbery, (Mike Owens), Steve Robinson, Jan Goodenbery (Mike Vickner). Nieces, nephews,who loved him dearly, cousins too many to mention, and his coworkers and friends.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE AT THE CONVENIENCE OF THE FAMILY.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO: HSELPASO.ORG / HUMANE SOCIETY OF EL PASO OR VOLUNTEERS FOR ANIMALS OF BATAVIA: VOL4ANIMALS.ORG. MATT CARED DEARLY ABOUT THESE AND THEY MEANT A LOT TO HIM.
 

Barbara A. Guppenberger

By T.J. Woodward

  Barbara A. Guppenberger (90 years old) a long time resident of Batavia passed away following a brief illness, in Spencerport surrounded by family on Tuesday Feb. 14, 2023.

Barbara was born in Batavia on January 3, 1933, a daughter of Mary Zeitz and August Guppenberger. Following her graduation from Batavia High School in 1950 she began her 30 plus years of employment at the New York Telephone company in Batavia, rising to a position of foreman.

She is survived by her brother James (Jean) Guppenberger of Titusville, FL; and predeceased by her sisters: Mary (John) Yunker, Helene (Robert) Beuler, and Lois (John) Gringer as well as her brothers: Francis (Carol) Guppenberger,  Rev. August Guppenberger and Joseph Guppenberger.

She is also survived by a multitude of nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, great-great nieces & nephews and great-great-great nieces & nephews. Over the years Barbara spent her leisure time driving her boat on Conesus Lake, completing paint by number pictures, painting ceramic sculptures and bowling.  She will be greatly missed by all, her gracious and loving devotion to her family continues to be a guiding light for all to follow.

There will be no prior calling hours. Barb will be buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia, NY. The family will hold a Memorial Mass at St. Joseph’s Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the donor’s choice. To leave messages 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.

Marjory Louise Cutaiar

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Marjory Louise Cutaiar, age 65, passed away on February 3, 2023.

     She was born April 21, 1957 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of late George and Marjory Cutaiar.

    

Marge was a 1975 graduate of Churchville-Chili Central School.  She then attended SUNY Morrisville and Monroe Community Colleges.  She was currently employed by GE HealthCare.

     She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and was a season ticket holder for quite a few years.  She enjoyed going to movies, musical theater productions and traveling with her friends.  She talked often of her favorite trip to Italy.

     Marge will be remembered as a loving, caring and gentle person, who will be greatly missed by her family, friends and coworkers.

     In addition to her parents, Marge was predeceased by her brother, George Cutaiar and niece, Danielle Downey.

     She is survived by her siblings, Mal (Anne) Cutaiar of Plattsburgh, Phyllis (Mark) Lavner of Fairport, Emma (Tom) Edwards of Attica and Frank (Alice) Cutaiar of Churchville; many nieces and nephews; dear friends, Ellie and Chuck Lathan and her feline companion, Smudge.

     There will be no prior visitation.  A celebration of Marge’s life will be held at a later date.

     Contributions in memory of Marge may be made to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, N.Y. 14450.

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

Patricia Michael

By T.J. Woodward

Patricia A. Michael, 88 of Cowlesville, passed away passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday February 14, 2023 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. She was born August 26, 1934 in Carbon, WV to the late Ralph (Bertha) Foster. She is preceded in death by several of her siblings.

Mrs. Michael enjoyed gardening, crocheting and baking, especially her award-winning apple pie. She also enjoyed playing her harmonica, loved listening to country music, and her favorite was Loretta Lynn “Coal Miner’s Daughter”.

She is survived by her beloved husband Robert P. Michael, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Cowlesville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility Activities Fund, 400 N. Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. 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.

David Shuknecht

By Joshua Smith

Elba- David Shuknecht, 54, of Elba, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born Tuesday, March 26th, 1968 in Batavia, a son of the late Leonard L. Shuknecht and Jean Howard Shuknecht.

A graduate of Elba Central School, Dave worked at LeChase Construction as an operator and then superintendent for fifteen years, and was a member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 158. He then started Professional Drainage Systems, LLC. with his wife and sons in 2015. He prided himself on a strong work ethic. Dave enjoyed hunting, camping, four-wheeling, and spending time with his family and friends. Dave was a life-long lover of racing and worked with and sponsored Vigneri’s racing team. 

Surviving are his wife, Peggy Baldwin Shuknecht of Elba; his sons, Brian (Elizabeth) Shuknecht of Elba and Daniel (Katelyn Cooper) Shuknecht of LeRoy; his grandsons, Wesley and Waylon Shuknecht; his sisters, Sandra (Phillip Hoo) Shuknecht of Elba and Gail (Michael) Gawlak of North Collins, along with his niece Sarah Gawlak. 

Family and friends are invited to call on February 19th from 2pm to 6pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. David’s funeral services will be held at 10 am on February 20th at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Paul T. Knechtges

By Joshua Smith

Churchville - Paul  T.  Knechtges, 83 of Churchville passed away on Monday, (February 13, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Knechtges was born December 3, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan a son of the late John P. and Mary Lorraine (MacKay) Knechtges.

Paul discovered his passion for baseball at a young age in the Motor City. He pursued it passionately and relentlessly throughout his playing days and eventually became a professional left-handed relief pitcher in the best, deepest organization of the 60s, the Baltimore Orioles, where he made a name for himself and contributed to several championship clubs.

After his baseball career, PK, as he often went by, dedicated his life to serving others in various roles. He worked at Highland Hospital, Hill Heating, The Episcopal Church Home, and Gates-Chili Central School District. However, he found himself drawn back to his first love.  This time coaching kids.  He was the first non-teacher at Gates-Chili to crossover from District Administration to be Pitching Coach for the Varsity Baseball team.

Additionally, Paul was also an active member of the community, devoting much of his time to the Churchville Lions, Churchville Youth Association, and St. Christopher's Golf League. He was known for his kind heart, unwavering dedication, sense of humor and smile. He was a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church.

Those who knew him remember Paul as a kind and caring person who made a lasting impact on them and others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, provide great advice and a shoulder to lean on.

Surviving are his wife, M. Diane (Dodge) Knechtges of Churchville; son, John P. Knechtges, II of Chili; and a brother, John C. Knechtges of Clawson, Michigan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue in Bergen. Paul 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, (February 18, 2023) from St. Pius X Church, 3010 Chili Avenue, in Rochester.  Burial will be in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Churchville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various charities. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Carol A. Stevens

By T.J. Woodward

Carol A. Stevens, 74 of Perry, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. She was born March 24, 1948 in Fillmore, to the late Dennis and Nicolas (Smith) Beals. She is preceded in death by her son Ronald Stevens Jr., brothers, Tom, Donald, Denny Beals, Jack and Dick Crawford, sister Debra Bollinger.

Mrs. Stevens retired from Archway Cookies. She was an avid cross-stitcher and bowler.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ronald A. Stevens of Perry, daughter, Nicolas “Nicole” (Richard) Telesco of Germany, daughter-in-law, Kassidy Stevens of Perry, sister, Irene Shevlin of FL, grandchildren, Chloe, Deacon, Andrew and Cameron, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, NY 14530. A 1:00pm Celebration of her Life will immediately follow calling hours on Saturday. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to Castile Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 338, Castile, NY 14427. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Elon H. Spink

By T.J. Woodward

Elon H. Spink, 101 of Attica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at LeRoy Village Green. He was born June 19, 1921 in Attica to the late Harry and Ida (Roberts) Spink. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Fern (Sherman) Spink, son Patrick O’Hara, brothers, Harlan, David, Thomas Spink and sister Helen Welker.

Elon was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. He actually attended the Bills first Superbowl, Superbowl XXV, in Tampa in 1991. He spent countless hours watching sports. Yankees and Mets games were always on the TV. He also enjoyed watching golf. He was an avid bowler into his seventies.

He is survived by his son Thomas (Margaret Sheelar) Spink of Batavia, daughters, Lucinda Searfoss of Brockport, Susan Brodner of Rochester, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 11:00AM to 1:00PM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Marley Funeral Home LLC., 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A funeral service will be held immediately following at Marley Funeral Home LLC. Elon will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway House, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. 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.

Robert J. Rembas

By Lisa Ace


Robert J. Rembas, JULY 13, 1946 – FEBRUARY 8, 2023, of East Aurora, NY. February 8, 2023. Loving father of Toni Rembas, Kelly (Gary) Seibold, John Rembas and Wendy Kleever; cherished grandfather of Jamie, Andrew, Benjamin, Meredith, Danielle, Cameron, Victoria and Dakota; dear brother of Shirley Nichols, Mary Ann Kirchoff and Annette Morrison. Services will be announced at a later date.

In the care of Wood Funeral Home.

Elizabeth J. Blake, "Betsey"

By Joshua Smith

Elizabeth J. Blake, "Betsey", 65, of Attica, passed away on December 18, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital.

Elizabeth was born September 25, 1957 in Batavia, to the late Robert and Mildred (Skotedis) Blake.

Along with her parents, Betsey was predeceased by her sister, Cynthia Ann Blake.  

Betsey was a 1975 graduate of Alexander Central School.  She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and sang for many events in the area.  Being an animal lover, she never turned away a stray and was a caring pet parent to many lucky cats.  Elizabeth worked for the New York State Department of Corrections and retired as Institution Steward at Wende Correctional Facility after 30 years of service.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her sisters, Susan (Alfred) Rosemark, Dorothy Blake, and Patricia Blake.

Calling hours are Saturday, February 18 from 10am to 11am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where her funeral service will be held directly following the calling hours at 11am. She will be laid to rest with a private service in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betsey’s name to the Wyoming County SPCA, PO Box 269, 808 Creek Road, Attica, NY 14011.

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

Donald L. Curry

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy/Pavilion ~ Donald L. Curry, age 67, of Telephone Road, passed away on September 21, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

    

He was born May 24, 1955, to Glen and Margaret Curry.

     Don was retired from Genesee Community College, where he worked in housekeeping.

     He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by a brother and his family and a sister and her family.

     Services are private.

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

Charles Gilmore Samuelson "Gil"

By Ronald Konieczny

Charles Gilmore Samuelson “Gil”, 90 of Akron, NY, went home to Jesus on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

He was born July 31, 1932 in Warren, PA, a son of the late Carl and Violet Gilmore Samuelson.

He attended schools in Warren, PA until he graduated, where he would further his studies at Bryant & Stratton (Buffalo, NY), University of Buffalo and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Gil served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 as an accountant and was in officer training. He was employed as a property accountant for Republic Steel and Director of the City Mission of Niagara Falls.

After graduating from the seminary in 1975, Gil found his passion. He loved his Lord and enjoyed serving him in any capacity from a young boy to adulthood. He held every job a church member could before becoming a pastor.

Gil also enjoyed playing and being a spectator of all sports, including golf, tennis, racquetball, basketball, football, bowling and volleyball. He truly loved his wife, daughters and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he was blessed with and was happiest when he was surrounded by his church and his family.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Elaine Geisthardt Samuelson of Akron. Daughters, Linda Marie (Dale) Phillips of Etowah, NC, Darlene Ruth “Sam” (Herm) Clouse of Akron, NY and Heidi Beth (Cliffton) Baker of Rochester, NY. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Gil was predeceased by his daughter Cheryl Lee Goley of Weatherford, TX.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (February 18th) from 10am-11am at Calvary Baptist Church, 12752 Lewis Rd., Akron, NY. A funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 11am. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Western New York National 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, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

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