Obituaries

Kendall – Sara G. Merle (Pastor Sara) went gracefully home to her Lord and Savior on August 1, 2024, at the age of 71 after a lengthy illness. She went peacefully, surrounded by her family in the house she built with her husband.  Born July 21, 1953, in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late Chalmers and Jesse Gilbert. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Douglas C. Merle; her children, Nathan (Kristin) Merle, Kristen (Dwight) Hess, and Katie (Nolan) Flores; her grandchildren, Allison & Mason Merle, Rebekah, Raymond, & Ruth Hess, and Levi & Claire Flores; and her brother, Jim (Sandy) Gilbert.   

Sara led a God-centered life starting as a Christian Education Director. While raising her three children, she felt called to go to Seminary. After graduating from The United Theological Seminary, she became ordained in the United Methodist Church. She had the opportunity to share the Word of God while shepherding the congregations at the United Methodist Churches in North Gainesville, Covington, Knowlesville, Millville, and retiring from Kendall. In retirement, she also spread the Word of God at Carlton and Holley UMC’s. While serving these churches, she was well known for leading the congregations in singing while enthusiastically playing the guitar. She never missed an opportunity to get people involved, which led many to a stronger spiritual awakening.   

Sara lived a very active life and enjoyed many hobbies over the years including kayaking, fishing, camping, pottery, woodworking, and many different athletic activities. She competed in many events from marathons to Iron Girls, but her proudest achievement was kayaking the “90-miler” in the Adirondack Canoe Classic Race 13 years in a row (over 1,170 miles paddled). She was known to convince members of the church to join in her water adventures as the “Pit Crew” who could be seen outfitted in their “Paddling Pastors” team shirts. When not racing in her kayak, you could find Sara on the water with a fishing pole out at the many campsites in the Adirondacks. On many of their camping trips, Sara shared her passion for the outdoors with her friends, children, and grandchildren. Sara was also a talented potter and woodworker who often made creations for the altar, and gifts for her church members.  

Sara’s family was the center of her world. She shared her competitive spirit by joining her children in their various athletic events from swimming, to biking, to running. She loved being “Grammy” to her seven grandchildren whom she enjoyed babysitting over the years. She had the great honor of baptizing each of them in their respective churches.  

Sara was a true Fisher of Men. With our earthly sadness, there is great heavenly joy. She touched many lives while here on earth and will be missed by all who knew her.   

Please join us in celebrating her life on Sunday, August 18th from 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm at the Hilton United Methodist Church, 21 West Ave, Hilton, NY 14468, where her Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 19th at 11 am. 

To honor Sara’s love of youth ministries, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:  Tyrand Cooperative Ministries, Inc. , P.O. Box 365, ​Mill Creek, WV  26280 
(304) 335-2788 www.tyrandcoop.org  

Robert Dean Haggett, born May 19, 1937, passed away peacefully August 4, 2024 surrounded by loved ones in Batavia, New York.   

Bob “Bobo” was the son of the late Charles and Doris Haggett of Bath, Maine and husband to the late Lucie Haggett of Brunswick, Maine.

He is survived by his brother William Haggett and sister-in-law Sally Haggett of Bath, Maine; his son, Jeffrey Haggett and daughter-in-law, Lynn Haggett of Urbandale, Iowa, his daughter, Jane Paladino and son-in-law David Paladino of Batavia, New York, and daughter Julie Conley and son-in-law Thomas Conley of Burlington, Massachusetts. Bob was the proud grandfather to Charles, Benton, Grayson, Danny, Bo, and Sarah.  He is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. For Bob, “family is everything!”

Bob received his elementary and secondary education in the Bath School District. “Morse High, Morse High, Ra-Ra-Ra!”  There, he was a 3-season athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball and served on student council and yearbook committee.  He played a vital role in class reunions and was always so proud of his hometown.  He attended Colby College, following in his brother’s footsteps and graduated with a degree in Economics.  Bob and Lucie (Philippon) were married in 1960 after being set up on a blind date by mutual friends. Bob joined the U.S. Army, trained in Arizona and was stationed later in Heidelberg, Germany, joined by Lucie.  Neither one of them was ever afraid of a new adventure.  

Bob’s role in the Personnel Department of the US Army led to a lifelong career in Human Resources.  He worked numerous manufacturing companies during his career:  Oxford Papermill in Rumford, Maine, and Manchester, New Hampshire, Mead Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton Industries in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and Special Metals, in New Hartford, New York.  His passion was union negotiations and training.  During his retirement years along the Saco River in Biddeford, Maine, Bob was a substitute teacher and donned the nicknames “Grandpa Kickball” in PE class and “Mr. Charmin” while monitoring the restrooms.   

With every re-location, Bob and Lucie dove deep into the social scene and established lasting friendships.  They both enjoyed playing bridge, tennis, golf, cross-country skiing, and honoring cocktail hour daily. Bob also was involved in numerous clubs and committees like the local Rotary and Elks Clubs, enjoying the roll of Grand Poo-Bah a couple of years.  

Of upmost importance in Bob’s life was his family.  His wife, children, and grandchildren were the reason for life.  Bob had a knack for writing poems for special events, which always had rhyming stanzas and occasionally involved the entire crowd singing along.  Not only was he a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan, but he was a fierce competitor from cribbage to horseshoes.  As he aged and found himself on the sidelines, he was sure to have badminton set up to cheer on his grandchildren.  It made him giddy to create scavenger hunts and watch his children prepare for cycling events. “How far did you go today? I think you had some gas left!”  Bob always made connections with family members, friends, and even strangers. There was a special place in his heart for true Mainers but could always find a way to connect with all.  Bob was loving, was loved, and will always have a place in our hearts.  

There will be no calling hours or funeral service.

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

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

Deborah Ann (Stoeckl) Feneran was born on February 15, 1951, in Buffalo, New York.  She graduated from the E. J. Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Radiologic Technology after graduating from Cleveland Hill High School (Cheektowaga, NY).  She had a long and fulfilling career as a licensed radiological imaging technician.   Sadly, Deborah passed away from complications of cancer on August 2, 2024.  

   Deborah was a loving wife and mother who touched the hearts of all those whom she met.  Her hobbies included photography, calligraphy, arts & crafts, charity work, and gardening.  Deborah was actively involved with the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.   She loved caring for her husband, children and grandchildren.  She was always there to offer love, support, guidance and encouragement.

     Deborah is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd A. Stoeckl and Arline L. (Dulak) Stoeckl and her brother, Paul J. Stoeckl. Deborah is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Richard J. Feneran; her children, James R. Feneran; daughter, Rebecca M. (Feneran) Ford; and her grandchildren, Elijah Ford and Noah Ford; her sisters, Linda M. (Michael) Kennedy and Judith L. (Richard) Bohrer; her sisters-in-law, Patricia Stoeckl, Patricia (Feneran) Navas and Mary (Feneran) Brady; brother-in-law, Thomas Feneran; nephew, David C. Navas and niece, Cheryl L. Navas.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, August 15 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Street Rd, Le Roy, NY.  A Celebration of Deborah’s life will be held at a future date to be announced.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the LeRoy American Legion Women’s Auxiliary or the American Cancer Society.

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

Attica - Alethia S. Keiper, 55 of Attica passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, (August 1, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mrs. Keiper was born October 30, 1968 in Warsaw, a daughter of Wesley (Joan) Spring of East Bethany and the late Dolores (Biehl) Spring.

She loved family, Christmas, baking, Hallmark movies, and most importantly the annual family vacation to Ocean City, New Jersey. You could always count on her being at a family event spending time with her great nieces and nephews. She’ll always be remembered for her huge heart, hard work, and how she would always put her needs aside to make sure others were taken care of first. Her life was focused on spreading love and showing the Christmas Spirit no matter what time of year it was.

Surviving along with her father, is her husband, Allen S. Keiper, Jr. of Attica; sons, Jordan (Sabrina) Keiper of Attica, and Aaron (Lexie Hyjek) Keiper of Medina; sisters, Linda (late David) Jackett of Bethany, Denise Welter of Attica, Peggy (Douglas) Heywood of East Bethany, Cindy (Douglas) Flint of Warsaw, Lisa (Jeff) Leach of Batavia, Sheri (Paul) Miller of Alexander, and Angelique (late Timothy) Spring of Attica; mother-in-law, Nancy (late Allen Sr.) Keiper of Brighton; brother-in-law, James (Lora) Keiper of Attica. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death Alethia is reunited with her mother; daughter, Jamie Lee Keiper; brothers, Bruce (late Katie) Spring, and Brian Spring; niece, Crystal Spring.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (August 9, 2024) from 4 to 8:00 pm at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Alethia's Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday at  Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street in Attica. A private burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Operation Christmas Child at www.samaritanspurse.org. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Lynn (Wiltse) Bateman announces her passing on August 3, 2024 at the age of 73, after a lengthy battle with Waldenstrom’s Lymphoma. 

Lynn was born in Batavia, NY.  She spent her early childhood in East Pembroke and South Byron.  She was a 1969 graduate of Byron-Bergen High School.  Lynn loved playing guitar and spoke fondly of her time playing and singing in a select high school choral group named The Difference. Lynn worked as a human resource manager for John H. Harland Company, until they closed their Rochester area plant.  And, in 1998, she fulfilled a dream of renovating, owning and operating Oatka Creek Bed and Breakfast (LeRoy, NY). 

Lynn looked forward to summer Sundays at the Avon Flea Market, selling antiques.  She loved entertaining family at her Silver Lake cottage.  But, most of all, attending and supporting all of her grandchildren’s activities. 

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Craig Bateman.  Her three daughters – Jennifer (Greg) DiQuattro, Hilary (Lee) Woodring and Jill Bateman (Dan Bacon). Her sister Kay Harmon and brother Leigh (Dawn) Hennig and sister-in-law Lisa Hennig. Grandchildren Ben, Olivia, Joshua, Craig, Cole and Jaxson.  Brother-in-law Noel (Sally) Bateman and sisters-in-law Carol Bateman and Kay (John) Tegelaar.  And, many beloved nieces and nephews. 

In death, Lynn is reunited with her mother Naomi Martin, brother Brad Hennig, mother-in-law Dora Jones and brothers-in-law Ronald Harmon and Dean Bateman.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 9^th at H.E. Turner and Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave. Bergen, NY from 4 pm to 7 pm. Her funeral service will also be at H.E. Turner Funeral Home on Saturday, August 10^th at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:  The Community Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, 6 North Main Street, Perry, NY 14530.  Lynn frequently donated bags of food to their pantry. Or to James P. Wilmont Cancer Center, Box 704 Rochester, NY 14642.

The family wishes to thank Lynn’s medical team at Wilmot Cancer Center for 17 years of treatment.  The palliative care team at Strong Memorial Hospital for their compassionate comfort and care.  And sincere thanks also to family, friends and her Silver Lake community, for all of the love and encouragement during her health journey.

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

Bennington - Dante M. Caselli, Sr., 95 of Bennington, formerly of Hamburg, passed away peacefully on Friday (August 2, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

He was born January 20, 1929 in Buffalo, a son of the late Nazzareno and Albina (Catalina) Caselli. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Pauline "Kitty" (Cott) Caselli; sisters Viola Dybowski and Irene Hoffman.

Mr. Caselli owned and operated South Park Nursery in Hamburg with is late wife.

He is survived by his children, Dante M. (Connie) Caselli, Jr., Deena (late John) Mack, and Darrel (Cindy) Caselli; sister-in-law, Connie (late Richard) Bochenek. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be no visitation and services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bennington Vol. Fire Company, 1353 Clinton Street Road, Attica, New York 14011.

Arrangements were completed by the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences may be shared at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Attica - Kenneth R. Lounsberry, 68, of Attica, passed away on Wednesday, (July 31, 2024) at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Mr. Lounsberry was born February 4, 1956 in Port Huron, Michigan a son of the late Robert and Catherine (Sullivan) Lounsberry.

Ken was a gifted carpenter, enjoyed woodworking, playing solitaire, and grilling. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his granddaughter.

Surviving are his children, Tamara Klapel of Toledo, Washington and Clayton (Courtney) Lounsberry of Batavia; grandchildren, Ainsley-Joyce, Dayton, and Lilly; sister, Denise Lounsberry-Saunders of Ontario, Canada; aunt, Kay VanNostrand of Medina; two brothers-in-law, Richard Wokia of Attica and Jack (Kathy) Wokia of Bethany. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death, Ken is reunited with his parents; wife, Cherylynn (VanNostrand) Lounsberry; son, Jackson Lounsberry; brothers, James and William Lounsberry.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica, where Kenneth's memorial service will immediately follow visitation at 6:00 p.m. Burial will military honors will be in Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Fire Department of a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Marion M. (Dusel) Cummings, 92, of Corfu, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green.

She was born February 2, 1932 in Buffalo to the late Appolonia Dusel Bruch and Charles Dusel. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Arthur A. Cummings. She was the youngest is six children and is preceded in death by brothers Gerald Dusel, Charles Dusel and Joseph Dusel and two sisters Virginia DeMuth and Bernice Pagano. Also preceding her in death was her daughter Terry Merritt Collins, grandson Jordan Terkel, son-in-law William “Bill” Waldon and great grandchildren, Wyatt, Jackson and Harper Speak.

Marion is survived by daughters, Barbara (Jay) Terkel of Corfu, Carol Waldon of New Hampshire and Lori (Paul) Embt of Pavilion, 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Marion is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Marion spent all of her life as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She also worked part-time for a short period at the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Batavia. Marion enjoyed attending church and taking trips with her husband. The family would like to thank the staff of LeRoy Village Green that took such loving care of Marion and our family during this time.

There will be a celebration of life for the family at a later date. Marion will be laid to rest at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu, along side her forever love Arthur. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or LeRoy Village Green Sunshine Fund or Activities Fund, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Barbara C. Lowder, 92 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born December 12, 1931 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Julius and Helen Bow Chiuppi.

Barbara was employed by Sylvania in Batavia and Litton Electronics in Mesa, Arizona prior to her retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved to travel, making trips to the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii, and twice to Italy & Europe. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children, David (Rosann) Lowder, Diane Price, Dennis Lowder, Dawn (Daniel) Baker and Daryl (Cindy) Lowder. Also survived by grandchildren, Adam (Nicole) Lowder, Jason Lowder, Amy, Stephanie, Klarissa and Nathaniel Price, Joshua Butera, Justin Lowder, Tony Lowder, Jeremy Robinson, Joshua Lowder and Tara (Greg) Johnson; 17 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was the wife of the late William Lowder and mother of the late Douglas Lowder.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (August 14^th) from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, where a memorial service will commence at 3:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Dr #320, Buffalo, NY 14221. 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.

Batavia~ Donna Mae Muehlig, age 76 passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon July 29, 2024, after battling a lengthy illness. She was born in Batavia, NY on October 22,1947, a daughter of the late Philip and Louise Cinquino Scheuing.

   Donna is predeceased by her loving husband, Roger A. Muehlig and survived by their children, Mitchell (Vanessa) Muehlig of Batavia, Brittany Walker of Fairport, Drew (Erika) Muehlig of Elba; grandchildren, Madison, Aiden, Caden, Kalen, Lily, and Liam; sister-in-law, Carol Muehlig of Pavilion, brother-in-law, John Muehlig of SC, along with many close friends, cousins, nephews, and nieces. 

In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her sister, Sharon Cone and brother-in-law, Jerry Cone, and brother-in-law, Gary Muehlig. 

She was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. Her passion for language, plays, novels, and creative writing led Donna to her most cherished career path as an English Teacher.  She was an avid reader and would often finish an entire novel in just a matter of hours. Donna loved to travel and looked forward to family road trips which always involved a large body of water, unique gift shops, and wherever the locals enjoyed their best meals. She had a natural green thumb and loved to garden. Some of Donna’s favorite things included The Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, The Moody Blues, her Miami Dolphins, Agatha Christie, Perry Mason, and Jerry Seinfeld. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends playing board games, cards, and watching movies.

A mass in Donna’s honor will be held Friday, August 30^th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street in LeRoy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donna’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit www.stjude.org.

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

“Bernice Eleanor Wight, “Bernie”, age 87, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024. She was born April 11, 1937, to Eleanor and Arthur Greiner. She was born and raised in her hometown of Darien, NY. She has been a resident of Melbourne, FL since February of 2024, coming from Bergen, NY where she lived for many years (although she was a snowbird traveling between their Florida homes in Singer Island and later, Palm Beach Gardens back to Bergen annually). Before that she lived in and raised her daughter in Spencerport, NY for several decades. She graduated from Alexander High School in 1955. She has been married to Loren Wight for more than 65 years, since December 13, 1958.

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

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

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

Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be determined at a later date. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander, NY.”

Donald E. Miller of LeRoy passed away on July 29, 2024 at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family.

     He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Shonnie (Frank) Miller and his children; Donna and Terry Kanaley of LeRoy, Don A. and Beth Miller of LeRoy, Debbie Holland and Keith Kelly of Florida and Kathy and Billy Wood of LeRoy, as well as grandchildren; Jeff, Jenn, Alyssa, Riley, Chris, Steven, Ashley, Jake, Katie, Ashley, and Ryan and 9 great grandchildren. Surviving family members also include brothers, Richard (Debbie) Miller, Michael (Lee Anne) Miller, and Rosemary (late David) Miller in addition to several nieces, nephews and friends.  

   He is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary Miller; brothers, Charles (Buddy) Miller, Paul Miller, David Miller and sister, Barb Petherbridge.

     Don was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an avid sportsman, enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting and watching (coaching) the Yankees!  As is well known, his later passion and pride was taking care of his apprized lawn. He was a member of the American Legion, Northwoods Sportsman’s Club, past member of the LeRoy Fire Department and served in the US Navy during the Korean War.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, August 4 from 10 AM ~ 1 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where his Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM.  Interment in St. Francis Cemetery with Military Honors will be on Monday, August 5 at 10:00 AM.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Don are suggested to either the American Legion, 53 West Main Street, LeRoy, NY 14482 or the LeRoy Fire Department, 4 Clay Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

Batavia - Tamara Ann Slichta, 54 of Batavia, formerly of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, (July 28, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Ms. Slichta was born November 18, 1969 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late David and Dolores (Landowski) Slichta.

Tamara will be remembered as having a kind and beautiful heart. She had a strong love for animals, often giving them funny nicknames with her quirky sense of humor. Tam greatly loved the beach and collecting sea shells and sea glass. She was a fan of all genres of music; especially loving the music of Metallica and Lenny Kravitz.

Halloween was her favorite holiday and she was known for her Halloween shenanigans, decorations, and dressing up for parties. She had a cat named PJs and always dressed him up too!

Tamara is survived by her brother, Brian (Jeanette Falasa) Slichta of Jacksonville, Florida; her sister, Lisa (Matthew Gober) Slichta of Corfu; her long time friend whom she dearly loved, Daniel Vona; her lifelong childhood best friend, Andrea Diberardino.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.

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

“He is quite a character”, is the reply you get when you ask Bergen folk if they know Fritz Rowsick.

Fritz (Francis R. Rowsick) was born in, and dearly loved Pittsburg, PA. He was born on October 6, 1939 and left us suddenly on July 27, 2024 at his home in Bergen, NY. His life career was in advertising and finances for various companies. His last job was his favorite- he drove school bus (small bus) for Pittsford Central school district. He sang along with the kids on the bus as he drove them safely to their destinations. A week or so after his retirement the current driver on the bus called him in the morning and asked him to sing a song for the kids, as they missed him dearly, and of course he did sing to them over the phone to their delight, and his as well.

Fritz married his high school sweetheart (Pat) and they had three children. Pat died on August 17, 2011, after being married to Fritz for 49 years. Several months following Pat’s death Mr. Rowsick joined a spousal support group. It was here he met Elizabeth Van Valkenburg, also a widow, and they married on January 2, 2013.

Mark Rowsick, his son with Down syndrome, was well known in our community prior to his death.  He also had 2 stepsons who also died, Matthew Greenman and John Greenman. Family missing him on Earth is Bud Rowsick, his son from Pittsburgh; stepchildren, Ron Greenman and wife, Dawn, of Westminster, MD, David Van Valkenburg and wife, Pat, of Saugerties, NY, Donna Howard and her spouse Garth, of Caledonia. A daughter and family of Fritz’s of Canandaigua and a stepson and his family of Bergen sadly are estranged.

Also in Fritz’s family are his brother, Joe and wife, and his sister, Mary Anna Rowsick of Pittsburg. He had a fairly large family and tried to keep in contact with all the nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and cousins as best he could.

In his retirement, he and Liz traveled to Ireland, London, Paris, Rome, and Fiji, along with Greece and several train trips across the US. After all of that in the first few years of retirement, he was more than happy to settle down, stay home, and do some volunteer work. He was a substitute on the Bergen Board of Appeals, the Bergen Representative on the Office of the Aging Supervisory Board, member of the Holy Name Society at St. Brigid Church, and an official chocolate taster, no matter where he was, along with homemade (not by Liz) apple pie, with one slice never being enough. He spent a lot of time at the Bergen Public Library, bringing home videos to carry him and Liz over the weekend. He attended every sporting event that his step grandkids participated in at Byron Bergen Central and Cal Mum School. Mr. Rowsick also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Brigid.

Mr. Rowsick was very proud of his Lithuanian heritage and loved it when he met people who shared that with him. Luckily for everyone, Fritz didn’t know a whole lot of the Lithuanian language, but he would learn new words a few times a year and would share them, with the words he knew, whether anyone wanted to learn them or not!

Fritz belonged to a group that called themselves, The Elite, as in “The Elite Meet to Eat” that gathered for lunch one a month. The group was comprised of people he met at the Spousal Support Group. The Group has been faithful to these lunches for nearly 14 years. Every female member got a hug coming and going from Fritz.

There are no calling hours. There is however his funeral Mass at St. Brigid’s on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 10:00am. Interment will immediately follow the funeral Mass.

Memorial for our favorite character are suggested to: Bergen Public Library- 13 South Lave Ave., Bergen NY 14416 or Genesee Senior Foundation-specify Wellness Classes on the check, (he learned Tai Chi!, can you imagine that?) 2 Bank Street, Batavia NY 14020.

Please feel free to wear Steelers apparel to the Mass. (Guess what? That was his first and only team- what a surprise, eh?). Guess what else- he was NOT a registered Republican! (Who Knew).
 

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

Frederick P. “Fred” Mangefrida – aged 85 of Le Roy, NY, passed peacefully July 28, 2024 after a long illness.

     Fred was born June 30, 1939, in Batavia, NY, to the late Philip Mangefrida and the late Vadis Rudgers. He was predeceased by his brother, Frank Mangefrida, and stepmother, Vera.    

 A 1957 graduate of Le Roy High School, Fred remained a loyal fan of Oatkan Knight sports, especially football, throughout his life. He was a beloved teacher at Attica Central School for more than 29 years and loved running into his former students wherever he went. He served his community through positions on the boards of the Le Roy School District and Woodward Library and was inducted into the Knights of Columbus Catholic fraternal organization. 

     Fred was a devout Catholic and long-time parishioner of the former St. Joseph’s Church in Le Roy and later Our Lady of Mercy (St. Peter’s RC Church). He was known for his love of reading, movies, traveling, military history and will be remembered for his humorous storytelling and generous spirit.

     He is survived by his daughter Megan (Kevin) Cantalupo and their daughter Haley of Lincoln University, PA; Paul (Katie) Mangefrida of Le Roy; sisters Anne (John) Cook and their children Jared and Jesse of York, PA; and Phyllis Mangefrida (Norman Tibbils) and their children Devon and Darren of Rochester; nephews John (Kim) Mangefrida and their children Ryan and Jordan; Michael (Cheryl) Mangefrida; and Philip (Tina) Mangefrida and their children Molly and Anthony, along with many beloved cousins and longtime friend and caregiver Julie Baetzold.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, August 1 from 5 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 2 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment in St. Francis Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Le Roy Knights Inc., PO Box 351, Le Roy, NY 14482; Knights of Columbus (https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/donate/index.html) or Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642.

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