Obituaries

Helen June Kwasniak Barnard, 90, peacefully passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia, NY.  Mrs. Barnard, daughter of the late Stanley and Mildred Kwasniak, was born on June 28, 1933, in Buffalo and spent her childhood in Corfu, NY.

Helen married the late Richard (Barney) Barnard Sr. in 1955, originally settling in Batavia before moving to Byron. They raised their family in the house that Barney’s father built on Mill Pond Rd.  Later in life moving across the pond to retire in their mobile home on Swamp Road.

After staying home to raise the kids, Helen worked at General Railway Signal for 23 years, retiring in 1995.  The family has fond memories of family camping trips, her bowling trips with husband or sisters, and enjoying time with family and friends.  During retirement Helen enjoyed vacations to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Barney and friends and annual road trips to Tennessee. She loved the beach and reading books.  As the family’s strong matriarch, she hosted the yearly Christmas Eve gatherings for her adult children, and grandchildren. Helen also enjoyed puzzles and playing dominoes with her grandchildren.  Helen was very passionate about her pets; cat or dog it didn’t matter, they were loved.

Survivors include her children: Vicki (late Gene) Austin of Batavia, Michelle (Peter) Yasses of Byron, Richard Barnard Jr. (Pam Pera) of Caledonia, and Mary (Joe) Hawken of Brentwood, TN and her sister Florence (late Vincent) Ferrando of Gates. Helen is also survived by ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Stanley Kwasniak, Andrew Kwasniak, Francis Kwasniak, and Dorothy Koziej.

Helen’s family again wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff at the New York State Veterans Home for the compassionate care both Helen and Barney received while they were residents.

Friends may call on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 10 am to 12 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will follow immediately at 12 pm. She will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to the activities fund at the New York State Veterans Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia New York 14020.

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

PLEASE NOTE DATE OF SERVICES FOR MRS. BARNARD ARE JUNE 29TH.

Robert J. Given, 94, of Elba, passed away on June 12, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Robert was born October 28, 1929 in Batavia, the son of the late Lynn and Matilda (Mann) Given.

Bob was a Buffalo Bills fan, having been a season ticket holder for nearly 40 years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing and baseball.  He was a member of the Elba Volunteer Fire Department, a veteran with the United States Army and an agricultural irrigation salesman with Cummings & Bricker.

Surviving are his wife, Roxanna Given; a son, John (Susan) Given of Elba; grandson, Ezekiel (Amanda) Given of Bergen and two great-grandchildren, Madelyn Given and Finley Given.

Calling hours are Tuesday, June 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where Bob's funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. also on Tuesday.  He will be laid to rest with military honors in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, NY 14058.  

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

Batavia - Michael Murphy, 70 of Batavia passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at his home in Batavia.

Michael was born Saturday, April 3rd, 1954 in Syracuse, New York, a son of the late James and Adalade (Anson) Murphy. He was family oriented and lived for his children and grandchildren.

Michael worked his entire life supporting and loving his family. He worked at jobs like Twin Fair, and Darien Lake Security for 33 years, ALL Seasons for over 20 years, and as of recently, worked as a Customer Representative for AidVantage.

In his free time he enjoyed playing with his grandkids ,  gardening, making candles, decorating for Christmas with his family and attending church at St. Joseph's in Batavia.

Michael is the loving husband of Rhonda (Black) Murphy for over 40 years.

Surviving are his loving wife; children, Michael Murphy, David Murphy, Rachael Murphy, James Murphy, Mary (Joshua Schulik) Murphy; and Daughter in Law Nicole Seppe; grandchildren, Kailyn Murphy, Eli Alwardt, Annaleigh Alwardt, Maddox Rich and David Murphy; siblings, Jim Murphy (Cheri Murphy), Tom Murphy, Dan Murphy (Liz Murphy), Marianne Wortman and Pat Murphy.

In death Michael is reunited with his parents; grandson, Aiden Murphy; brother in law, Rob Wortman; and mother-in-law Rosemary Hawley.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, June 17 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. A funeral service will be held at 9:30 am on Tuesday, June 18 at St. Joseph's Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

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

Norma J. Kessler, 98 of Batavia, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. She was born November 2, 1925 in Elba, to the late Alexander Kirkpatrick and Murial (Jenkins) Chapell. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oscar Kessler, son James H. “Baby Huey” Kessler, step-father, Erwin Chapell, siblings, Roger Kirkpatrick, Nancy Dersam, Jeanette (Richard) Moore, Linda, Judy Chapell, brother-in-law Dayton Schultz.

Mrs. Kessler worked many jobs and retired from PW Minor in Batavia. She was always working to take care of her family. Norma was a long time member of Oakfield Presbyterian Church, she was a woman of great faith which she needed when she lost her son. 

Norma and Oscar loved going to auctions and you could always find them on Wednesday nights at Bontrager’s. You could always count on her to open her home for a party or a get together. 

She is survived by grandchildren, Kristian (Sandra) Kessler of Batavia, Katy (Jeff) Carloni of Clarence, great-grandsons Tyler, Brayden and Bronsen, sister, Carolyn Chapell Schultz of Batavia, sister-in-law, Carol Kirkpatrick of Rochester, along with many nieces and nephews. 

A 1:00pm Celebration of her Life will take place on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St in Batavia. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Bergen - Robert "Bob" L Focht, 82 of Bergen passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at his home.

Bob was born Monday, November 24th, 1941 in Seneca Falls, New York. The middle son of the late Walter and Mary (Stahl) Focht.

He was a past member of Clifton Phelps Jaycees for many years with his wife. In his free time he enjoyed woodworking, some metal working and spending time with his children and four grandsons.

Robert graduated in 1959 from Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls, NY and went on to marry the love of his life, Barbara "Barb" Dilmore, on May 11, 1963 at Waterloo Presbyterian Church. Together they raised two wonderful children. Bob worked at Xerox as a troubleshooting service technician and instructor for over 34 years until his retirement.

Surviving are his loving wife of 61 years; daughter, Wendy (Terry) Coopenberg; grandsons, Joseph (Kaley) Russell, Daniel Turner, Shawn Turner, and Aidan Townsend; great grandsons, Theo Turner and Bryce Russell; brother, W. Ronald Focht; many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

In death Bob is reunited with his parents; son, Robert John Focht and his brother Richard John Focht.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 15 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen where a funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will occur at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bergen Fire Department, 10 Hunter St. P.O. Box 428 Bergen, New York 14416 or Mercy Flight EMS, (www.mercyflight.org).

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

Madaline C. Cleveland, 78 died peacefully on June 9, 2024 at UMMC Hospital in Batavia. She was born June 14, 1945, in Batavia, NY, the daughter of Howard Cleveland and Velma (Waite) Cleveland. 

Madaline enjoyed attending day programs at Genesee ARC. She also enjoyed/loved her extended families at her ARC home, and Family Care Home’s at Sisson’s and Rita Dahl’s. Maddie enjoyed watching anything with John Wayne. She was a very huge bills fan, and she loved watching them every football season. She was a very soft and kindhearted person to everyone that crossed paths with her.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Theodore Cleveland, and Ruby, her favorite cat. She is survived by her brother, Ronald Cleveland of Florida; nephew, Kenneth Howard Cleveland of Florida; Aunt Dorothy Kelly of LeRoy; and many cousins.

A service of remembrance will be held 10 A.M. on Monday, June 17, 2024 at the Cameron Brady and Steuber Funeral Home, 111 Wolcott Street, LeRoy. Interment will be at Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy. Those who wish to remember Madaline in a special way may make a donation in her memory to
Volunteers For Animals of Batavia, 3841 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Constance Fragnito, 76, of North Chili, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Monday June 10, 2024. She was born on April 16, 1948 in Newport News Virginia to the late Helen Coe. In addition to her mother, she is predeceased by her beloved husband; Joseph G. Fragnito; sister Peggy Monachino and brother Robert Cumbo. 

Connie will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to many and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her daughter; Erica Fragnito of Gates; sister in law Allison Cumbo of GA., nephews Steven (Jaime Len) Cumbo and Sam (Lori) Monachino; great nieces and nephews Jessica, Chris, Ben, Mike, Chase and Briggs. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday June 17, 2024 at St. Theodore’s Church 168 Spencerport Rd. Rochester, NY 14606. Connie will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia. 

Connie’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Jason Lyons and Dr. Brian Heppard, along with RRH Hospice for the compassionate care they showed for mom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lollypop Farm www.lollypop.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Dolores M. Tydelski, 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (June 10, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born November 6, 1930, a daughter of the late Rudolph and Cecelia Kazmierzak Bay.

She is predeceased by her husband, Anthony Tydelski Jr.; daughter, Patricia Gallo and sisters, Mildred Bialy and Ceil Carr.

Survivors include her sons, Tony (Deborah) Tydelski III of Batavia, James Tydelski of Bergen and Rudy (Nina) Tydelski of Batavia. Grandchildren, Tony (Stephanie) Tydelski IV, Nicholas (Allison) Tydelski, Jimmy (Kelly) Tydelski, Johnny (Michelle) Gallo and Marie (Jean - Pierre) Arevalo. Great-grandchildren, Reina, Phoenix, and Oliver.

Dolores graduated from St. Marys Business School in Buffalo. After her children were grown she decided to follow her passion of caring for people. She worked at Genesee County Nursing Home for many years and finished her career at the VA Medical Center in Batavia, taking care of our service men and women. After retiring she spent her golden years spoiling her grandchildren and enjoying the company of family. Dolores loved to travel to her hometown of Cheektowaga and visit relatives and attend the Polish Festival each year at the town park. She loved all kinds of music from Tony Bennett to The Rolling Stones and especially enjoyed going to see our local boys The Red Creek band. But her favorite past time was going to the Casinos and playing the slots. Dolores truly had a zest for life.....and like the song goes She did it her way.... 

Family and friends are cordially invited to share in a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday (June 14^th), 11:30am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia. Burial will follow in St. Joseph 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.

Nan E. Nesbitt, 97, of Stafford, passed away on June 10, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home

Nan was born June 24, 1926 in Grand Island, the daughter of the late Howard and Myrtle (Rogers) Killian.

Nan graduated from Sidway School in 1940 and Kibler High School in 1944.  She was active in Cub Scouts and earned a Silver Fawn, which is the highest award for women in Cub Scouts.  She bowled in 7 different leagues and 23 national tournaments, was a 600 Club Member and a member of the Hall of Fame.  She spent many hours volunteering at the Genesee County Nursing Home, Batavia Senior Center and the snack shop at Genesee Memorial Hospital.  Nan was a member of the Morganville United Church of Christ.  She worked at Kozak Auto Dry Wash and Hodgins Printing, retiring in 1989.  She and her late husband, Harold, traveled to 49 states, Australia, New Zeland and Hawaii.

Surviving are her son, Thomas (Melanie) Nesbitt of Byron; a grandson, Connor Nesbitt of Enosburg, VT and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Harold Nesbitt; son, David Nesbitt and a brother, Howard Killian.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, June 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford, where Nan's Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. also on Friday.  At the conclusion of her Memorial Service a reception will be held at the church hall. The burial service for Nan and her late son, David will be held on Friday, June 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford, NY 14143 or the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

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

Pamela Jeane Wright, 57 years old of Corinth, died May 31, 2024. She was born on August 20, 1966, to Howard and Janet Savoy in Batavia, NY.

Pam graduated high school in LeRoy, NY. She married Mark Wright on June 24, 1995. She had a stepdaughter, Rebecca; and four sons, Tristan, Kacey, Ian, and Ty. She helped out at the local schools for a number of years and was a wonderful mother. She enjoyed road trips, and visiting her family in New York.

Pamela is survived by her husband, Mark; five children, Rebecca, Tristan, Kacey, Ian, and Ty; her four granddaughters, Elinor, Vivienne, Katheryn, and Dorothy; and siblings, Sue, Howard, and Gladys. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet; father, Howard; and stepfather, Jim.

Danene Hennessey, born on November 10, 1970, passed away on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024 in Batavia, NY. She is survived by her loving husband, Bruno Hennessey, her beloved son, Alex Hennessey, and her cherished Aunt, Rahel Sherman.

Danene enjoyed nature, she loved listening to birdsong. Most of all she loved her husband and son dearly, and adored her Aunt Rahel. She was a wonderful and kind woman, and she will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Justice for Children advocacy center, located at 304 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements for her memorial service will be handled by H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time. Danene will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

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

BASOM – Donald R. Parker, 87, of Judge Road Basom, passed away on June 3, 2024 at the  LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.  

He was born April 9, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Delos and Leona Siebert Parker.  

Donald enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandsons and great grandchildren.  His life was spent working on the family farm, he was the 6th generation, and collecting John Deere tractors.  

He is predeceased by his wife, Gertrude.  He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Rob) Greene and grandchildren Benjamin (Katrin) – great grandsons, Skyler and Jaxson, Andrew (MacKenzie) - great granddaughter, Charlotte and great grandson, Carter; his brother, Gerald Parker; sisters, Evelyn Green, Norma Meyer, and Gloria Parker; brother-in-law, Richard George; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sisters-in-law and husband, Jane (Bernard) Buttons, Sandra George, Donna Parker; and  brothers-in-law, Harold Green, Donald Meyer.  

Calling hours are Tuesday, June 11, 6:00-8:00pm at Burdett and Sandford Funeral Home, 11 Maple St, Oakfield.  A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 9:30am at St Padre Pio Parish, Elba site. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield.

Thank you for all the kindness, outstanding care, compassion and family love he received from the staff at Leroy Village Green.  He spent almost 10 years residing there while battling Parkinson’s disease.  He always received the best attention and care anyone could hope for.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Alabama Fire Department, Judge Road, Oakfield, NY.

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

Michael Stanley Blachowicz, 93, of Alden, passed away at home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Michael was born October 2, 1930, in Buffalo, son of the late Edward and the late Victoria Slominski Blachowicz.

Predeceased by his wife of 67 years: Ruby M Blachowicz (née Kaczmarek), and son Carl Blachowicz (Debra), he is survived by Jilianne (Kenneth) Allen of Salinas CA, Rosalyn Blachowicz of Darien, Michael J (Judy) Blachowicz of Rochester, Eric (Donna) Blachowicz of Batavia, Adam (D’Ann) Blachowicz of Zebulon NC, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by brothers Leon Blachowicz (Paula) of Sacramento CA, James (Camille) Blachowicz of Evanston IL, and nieces and nephews.

Michael would say his electronics career started in 1937 when a repairman fixed the family radio.  Shortly after graduating high school he opened an electronics repair shop and, within a couple of years, enlisted in the US Navy with duties as a Radio Mechanic – furthering his knowledge of electronics.  After his honorable discharge, he continued his career in electrical engineering at Sylvania Electric where he held positions in engineering, plant management, and engineering management and, after leaving Sylvania, eventually attained the position of Vice President at an electronics company in Alabama before finally retiring.

After retiring, his interest in the nautical was rekindled, where he designed and built a cabin cruiser and, shortly after, moved to North Carolina so he could sail her on the river in his back yard.  Eventually moving back to NY, he reconnected with his fellow servicemen at the Howard W. Gilmore Association, where he held the position of Secretary for three years.

Besides nautical and electronics, he enjoyed woodworking as well as playing music.  He loved family gatherings and hearing what everyone was up to.  He was a loving husband, father, and brother, and will be missed by all.

There are no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  Memorials can be made in Michael’s memory to the USS Howard W. Gilmore Memorial Association.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in Mike’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Sharon Marie Franclemont (née Merz), born on August 17, 1949, in Buffalo, NY, passed away peacefully at her home on June 3, 2024. Sharon lived a life full of love, service, and adventure.

Sharon married the love of her life, Richard D. Franclemont, on October 19, 1968. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared over five decades of cherished memories. She was the beloved daughter of Paul Merz and Shirley Yox, and stepdaughter of Therese Trottier. Sharon was a devoted sister to Deborah (Grahn) and Pamela (Blood), and she is now reunited in heaven with her predeceased brother, Steven.

A nurturing mother, Sharon is survived by her son Richard P. (Jill) and her daughter Renee. She is also reunited with her predeceased daughter, Amy Jane. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Austin, Dakota, Alynn, Aidan, Montana, Sawyer, and Adeline, who brought her immense joy and pride.

Sharon's passion for helping others was evident in her dedicated service to the Corfu Fire Department for many years. She extended her care and compassion into her professional life as a nurse and later as an educator, teaching future nurses at BOCES. Her impact on the community and the lives she touched through her work will be long remembered.

An avid traveler, Sharon loved exploring the country in her RV with her husband Rick and their beloved dogs, Zoe and Zeke. These adventures brought her happiness and countless stories to share.

In honor of Sharon's life, the family invites friends and loved ones to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 15th, at 2 PM in her daughter’s backyard at 9093 Alleghany Rd. There will be food, beverages, and plenty of opportunities to share stories, laughs, and especially hugs. All who knew Sharon are welcome to join in remembering her remarkable life.

Sharon’s spirit of generosity, love, and warmth will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Betty A. Weatherbee, 97, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (June 5, 2024) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia, NY.

She was born December 15, 1926, in Darien Center, NY, a daughter of the late Merton Asa Peck and Anna Van Buren Peck.

Betty was very proud to be the very first night supervisor of the Pembroke Thruway Restaurant when it opened in 1956.

She is survived by her daughters, Beverly Morgan and Sue (Fred) Wolfe, a son-in-law, Edward Moore, 6 grandchildren: Lisa, Bryan, Jason, Buffy, Erik and Scott, and ten great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Floyd “Spike” Weatherbee, her sister Irma Hamilton and her daughter, Cindy Moore.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (June 10^th) from 11am-1pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm. Burial will follow in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

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.