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Obituaries

Sally A. Fisher

By Joshua Smith
Fisher

Rochester - Sally A. Fisher, 82 of Rochester passed away on Wednesday, (November 20, 2024) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Ms. Fisher was born April 25, 1942 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Joseph and Georgia (Morris) Fisher.

Sally enjoyed reading and wintering in Florida.

She is survived by her brother, Jay (Vicki Currier) Fisher of Batavia; sister-in-law, Sandra Fisher of Rotonda, Florida; niece, Krista Fisher of Batavia; nephews, Raymond (Mary) Fisher of Rochester, and Adam (Danielle) Fisher of Springfield, Mass.; great-niece, Sara Schodel; great-nephews, Hunter Schodel, Joseph Fisher, Aidan Fisher, and Owen Fisher.

Sally is reunited in death with her parents; twin brother, Richard Fisher; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Fisher.

Honoring Sally's request, a private graveside service will be held in Grand View Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to honor Sally's memory may make a memorial contribution to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. Arrangements were entrusted to Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lee J. Garigen

By Joshua Smith
Garigen

Lee J. Garigen, age 85, of Pike, passed away at Gateway Home on November 18, 2024 following a short illness.

Mr. Garigen was born on Monday, June 26, 1939 in Darien, a son of the late Sherwood and Ruth (Schmelzle) Garigen.

Lee was an undefeated wrestling champion of Alexander High School where he graduated in 1957. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Army. Lee was a hard worker and valued employee all of his life. He started working at 14 on neighboring farms and continued working for the next 71 years. He was a trucker for Dad’s Dog Food in Attica; the owner of Clifford H. Hall Trucking; installed processing systems throughout the country for Lockheed Martin; and most recently was a sales representative at R.S. Maher and Son until his retirement in October of 2024.

He enjoyed golfing, roller skating, yardwork, working, and helping his kids work on their houses. Lee was a craftsman who took pride in his woodworking.  Family was important to Lee and he cherished every member of his family.

Lee was always full of words of wisdom such as, “If I can’t fix it, it doesn’t need fixing” and  “Cold hands, warm heart.” These were just a few of the words of wisdom Lee would leave with the people he met. And because he loved to meet and talk to people, one of his favorite comments about life was, “I’ve never talked to a person I didn’t learn something from.”

Surviving are his children, Lisa (Keith Levanway) Garigen, Dan (Marcela) Garigen, and Beth Garigen; grandchildren, Zachary, Ryan, Cierra, Tess, Eleanor, Joelle, Vivien, Rey, Julia, and Ember; sister, Sherry Garigen; mother of his children, Frannie Beck; brother in law, Chuck Lapp, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death, Lee is reunited with his parents and siblings Allen Garigen and LouAnn Lapp.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to Lee’s calling hours on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street Attica. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made in Lee’s memory to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, NY 14011.

To leave an online condolences please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Christine R. Martz

By Joshua Smith

Christine R. Martz, 75, of Churchville, passed away on November 15, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Christine was born April 21, 1949 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Clarence and Virginia (Robbins) Rogers.

Christine was a member of the Rochester Oratorio Society and the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed playing the piano and watching the Buffalo Bills.  Christine worked at Harris Wilcox, Inc. and the Gillam Grant Community Center in Bergen.

Surviving are her sons, Scott (Melinda) Martz and Kevin (Malissha Blakeman) Martz; granddaughter, Arianna Martz and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Jeffrey Martz and sister, Nancy Cummins.

There are no prior calling hours.  Christine's Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22 at the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Ave., Bergen.  She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen.  

Memorials may be made to Rochester Oratorio Society, https://rossings.org/donate.  

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

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

Ronald W. Moscicki

By Ronald Konieczny
Moscicki

Ron Moscicki departed his life on November 16, 2024. Born to Stanley and Justine Moscicki on July 14, 1948, in Batavia, NY, Ron was a remarkable leader who walked point on every tour of duty. His commitment to excellence in his life and work impacted the lives of everyone he met. 

He began that influence early. Upon graduating from Batavia High School in 1966, Ron enlisted in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Ranger Division and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Medal Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. 

After his return from Vietnam, Moscicki began his career as a correction officer at Attica Correctional Facility in 1972.  His leadership skills had him working his way up through the supervisory ranks where he commanded the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT). 

His leadership of the CERT Team gained him the respect of Commissioner Thomas A. Coughlin, III, who appointed him as Captain to head the new corrections initiative, Shock Incarceration, at Monterey SICF in 1987. He served on the task force that designed Shock Incarceration and directed the first training program for staff. He was promoted to Superintendent at Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in August of 1989 and received the Governor's Management Confidential Special Achievement Award in1990. It was Moscicki’s commitment, discipline, and leadership that helped Shock gain its well-deserved reputation as The Best in the Business.

As Supervising Superintendent, he was responsible for the supervision of the largest hub in the department, ensuring consistency of operations and administration of eleven correctional facilities.  Ron served corrections for the State of New York for 44 years, 24 years as Superintendent and Supervising Superintendent, retiring in 2012. 

Ron was blessed to have not one beautiful wife that loved him, but two.  On May 1, 1971, he married Victoria Calarco and was happily married for 44 years until her passing in 2015.  A year later, he married Hilda Echevarria on August 27, 2016.  Ron and Hilda were happily married for 7 years until her passing in 2023. 

Ron is survived by his two children, Ronald Jr. (Brittany) and Michelle Mager (Justin) of Batavia, and stepdaughter Seryna Ancelet of Dunkirk and three wonderful grandchildren. He enjoyed spoiling his granddaughter Addison with anything she wanted and chauffeuring her around town in his Mercedes, and spending quality time with his grandson Clark, taking him to lunch.  He also enjoyed playing and wrestling with his grandson Hudson.  He was known as Grampy and will be deeply missed by these three kids.   He is also survived by two brothers Daniel Moscicki (Linda), David Moscicki (Brenda), and a sister Kim Casilio (David) and predeceased by a brother Gregory Moscicki (Joanne).  

Ron enjoyed cruising around in his Mercedes, vacationing, and sharing his life stories, mainly war stories with family and friends.  He was always best dressed no matter the occasion. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday (Nov. 23rd), 9:30am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY. Interment and military honors 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.

 

 

Roger J. Ridd

By Joshua Smith
Ridd

Roger J. Ridd, age 58, of Bergen, passed away at his home on November 16, 2024.

Roger was born on Monday, December 27, 1965 in Batavia, a son of late Herbert “Herb” and Josephine (Beedham) Ridd. 

He was a quiet man who enjoyed watching NASCAR, football, and baseball. Roger would love to spend time with his family, kayaking, and always enjoyed a Bud Light.

Surviving is son, Ian (Grace Devalder) Ridd: sister, Robin (Randy) Mitchell: nieces and nephews, Jessica Quaintance, Jodi (Joey) Mitchell, Kyle (Lauren) Mitchell, Bryanna (Zach) Tomporowski, and Randi Lynn (Dominic) Ridd; aunts and uncles, Elaine (Don) McPherson, Ellen (Daryl) Heiby, Joan Ridd, and Nancy Beedham. Roger’s best friends of many years, Walt Crooks and Kelly Quinn.

In death Roger is reunited with his parents and brother, Randy L. Ridd.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner and Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Bergen. Family and friends are invited to Roger’s celebration of life on November 30, 2024 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at the American Legion, 21 N. Lake Ave. Bergen, NY 14416. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

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

Mrs. Elizabeth M. Heale

By Joshua Smith
Heale

Elizabeth M. Heale (nee Bartz) took her last breath on earth and her first breath in Heaven on November 18, 2024, just short of her 105th birthday. She was born on December 4, 1919 in Batavia, NY the daughter of the late John and Flossie Bartz, both who predecease her. She was one of 13 children and is predeceased by all of her siblings.

Elizabeth was also predeceased by her husband, Kenneth J. Heale, Sr., her three sons, Richard K. Heale, Rev. Gary P. Heale and Kenneth J. Heale, Jr.; her great-grandson, Spencer Heale and her son-in-law, Donald Dixon.

She is survived by her daughters, June M. Dixon of North Chili, NY and Sandra L. (John) Thompson of Hunt, NY; her daughters-in-law, Alicemay Heale of LeRoy, NY and Anne Heale of Chaffee, NY; 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 30 great-great-grandchildren (plus four more to be born soon); her sisters-in-law; Lauren Bartz, Virginia Gayton and Alice Bartz and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 10 am to 11 am at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. Her celebration of life will immediately follow visitation at 11 am. She will be laid to rest in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield. Donations may be made to Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Her family would like to thank the staff on the Aqua Unit at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility for their wonderful care of their mom during the last few months.

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. Funeral Home of Batavia.

Caroline M. Gray

By Joshua Smith
Gray

Caroline M. Gray, 80, of Warsaw and formerly of Batavia, passed away on November 15, 2024 at East Side Living and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw.

Caroline was born June 16, 1944 in Rochester, a daughter of the late James and Dorothy Lougheed.

Caroline enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and visiting Letchworth State Park.

Surviving are her children, Donna Bonczyk of Batavia, Lee (Sharri) Gray of Florida and Caroline (Michael) Nichols of Warsaw; brother, Jim (Nancy) Lougheed of Ohio; sister, Beverly (Charles) Wenzel of Florida; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Gray; son, Alfred Gray, Jr. and her brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Donna Lougheed.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately at Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.  

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

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

Mr. Richard W. Saville, Jr.

By Joshua Smith
Saville

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard W. Saville Jr. announce his sudden passing on Sunday November 10. 2024 at the age of 72.

Dick will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 50 years, Cheryl; his daughter, Erin (Jeremy) Martz; his son, Brian (Kaleigh) Saville; and his grandson Josiah.  Also, by his sisters, Melissa Brzozowski of Fredonia, Tricia Saville (Robert Miller) of Sheridan; Holly (Michael) Leone of Watertown; Honorary sister Dee (Phil) Gardner of Bergen; Brother John (Kathy) Saville of St. Petersburg, FL; Sister-in-law Kim (Jim) Briggs of Dunkirk and Brother-in-Law Todd (Diane) of Buffalo; numerous nieces, nephews, his Aunt Edna Saville of Orchard Park, and many cousins, close friends, and former co-workers, as well as his dog, Chester.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Richard W. Saville Sr. and Maud (Slocum) Saville; and sister, Virginia Baumgartner.

Dick graduated from Fredonia Central High School in 1970, and Jamestown Community college in 1972.  He retired after 37 years with LensCrafters where he had been a lab manager and optician.  He was a member of the Ferris Goodrich American Legion (SAL) in Spencerport, an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres and enjoyed a good game of baseball.  Dick’s special interests included classic cars, craft beers, and supporting local musicians. Most of all he loved Jesus and shared his faith (sometimes over a glass of beer).  

He was a good man in the truest sense of the word, selfless, a mentor to those he worked with, quick and clever witted, kind hearted.  He adored his wife, his children, his family, his friends and his coworkers.  His dry sense of humor and smile could fill you with laughter and joy in seconds.

Friends may call on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. Memorials may be made to Homestead for Hope, 2185 Manitou Road, Rochester, New York 14606 or the Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6

Mr. James A. Baldwin, Sr.

By Joshua Smith
Baldwin

James A Baldwin, 84, entered eternal rest on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center. Born on January 9, 1940, in Batavia, NY, he was a son of the late Edward A. and Jane S. (Barnard) Baldwin. A graduate of SUNY Morrisville and a proud onion farmer of the Elba community, he devoted countless hours to his family farm, as well as serving as Mayor of Elba from 1985-1988 and President and Vice President of Western NY Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He proudly served as a member of the Elba Fire Department, as both fire chief and volunteer fireman, and in various roles and capacities in the First Presbyterian Church of Elba. After the sale of his family farm, he worked until his retirement for CY Farms of Elba. Upon retirement, he greatly enjoyed his greatest pastimes, spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as at his camp in Wellsville.

He is predeceased by his wife, Patricia A. Baldwin, who passed away on December 24, 2021, in addition to three infant brothers and his five year old brother, Edward, Jr, son-in-law Dave Shuknecht, and grandchildren Christen L. Baldwin and MSgt. Brian M. Baldwin, USAF.

Left to carry on his legacy are his children, Amy (Sam) Mooney of Oakfield, Greg (Lori) Baldwin of Holley, Peggy (the late Dave) Shuknecht of Elba, and James A. (Bonnie) Baldwin, Jr. of Elba; grandchildren, Rene (Sam) Brade, Sarah and Corey (Carissa Howard) Mooney, Gregory Baldwin, Jr., Elizabeth (the late Brian) Baldwin, Brian D. (Elizabeth) Shuknecht, Daniel L. (fiancé Katelyn Cooper) Shuknecht, Hannah R. and Joshua E. Baldwin; great grandchildren, Todd, Makenzie, Hunter, Brandon, Emma, Colin, Wesley, Maximus, Waylon, and Declan, and special four-legged friend, Ollie Baldwin.

Friends and family are invited to call from 10-12 on Wednesday, November 20th at H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY with funeral services to immediately follow at 12 pm. A committal service will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery, 8 Maple Ave., Elba, as well as a reception and celebration of life at the Elba Firemen’s Recreation Hall, 7143 Oak Orchard Road, Elba, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, NY 14058.

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

Kenneth I. Tomms

By Joshua Smith
Kenneth Tomms

Silver Creek - Kenneth I. Tomms, 91 of Silver Creek, formerly of Attica, passed away on Monday, (November 11, 2024) at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk.

Mr. Tomms was born May 8, 1933 in Attica, a son of the late Harold and Jeanette (Cook) Tomms.

Ken worked for 40+ years at Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna. He enjoyed motorcycling, politics, and was an avid Buffalo Sabres and Bills fan. Mr. Tomms was a history buff and loved animals. Most of all, Ken enjoyed being near the water. He cherished time spent boating and fishing.

Ken is survived by a nieces, Lori (Rob) Rich of Colden, and Dawn Dunn of Attica; a nephew, Robert (Toni) Cook of Midland, Michigan; several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is reunited in death with his parents, wives, Patricia Tomms and Rose Marie Tomms; a brother, Robert (late Marilyn) Cook; nephew, David Cook; great-nephew, Matthew Rich.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, (November 19, 2024)  from 1 to 2:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica, where his funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Animal Friends of Wyoming County, 4380 Route 19, Silver Springs, NY 14550.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

 

Florian R. Czaja

By Ronald Konieczny
Czaja

Florian R. Czaja, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (November 14, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

He was born May 10, 1934 in Batavia, a son of the late Walter Czaja and Stella Czaja Pigula.

Florian graduated from the Batavia Vocational Trade School in 1953 and went on to receive his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a Mechanical Engineer at Eastman Kodak for 40 years and Mutual Clerk at Batavia Downs for 45 years until his retirement. During his retirement, he was employed as Maintenance Supervisor at College Village (GCC) for over 10 years.

He was a member of the Polish Falcons of America Nest 493, lifelong and active member of Ascension Parish, where he served as Trustee for 10 years. He was a member and past president of the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society where he was the recipient of the Annual Holy Name Man of the Year Award for outstanding service to the Church and Community; awarded by the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society in 1967. Florian was also the chairman of the Sacred Heart Church Lawn Fete (20 years) and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joan Hokula Czaja. Children, Janice (Frank) Keatley of Himrod, NY, Jeanette (Michael) Diehl of Elba and Jacqueline (Mark) McDonald of Griffin, GA. Grandchildren, Lynn (Gregory) Spinelli, Gregory (Gabriella) VanBuren, James (Ashley) Diehl, Kenneth (Kaleigh) Hagen, Kelsey Diehl, Mark McDonald Jr., Jennifer (Adam) Pakiela, Brad (Donna) Keatley and Nicole (Matthew) Gajewski. Great-grandchildren, Jacoby, Samantha and Jameson Spinelli, Grey VanBuren, Evelyn and Michael Diehl and Bryson Diehl. Sister, Barbara (Alex) Guiliani. In-laws, Frank Hokula and Mary Ann (Richard) Harmor, Jr.. Also survived by several step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews

He was predeceased by his grandson, Jared Diehl; Siblings, Blanche (Donald) Konarski, Stanley (Florence) Czaja and Paul Czaja.

Family and friends may call on Sunday (Nov. 17th) from 2-5pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 9:30am at Ascension Parish, South Swan St, Batavia. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Ascension Parish St. Vincent DePaul Society. 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.

 

 

Sandra Shultz-Pfeifer

By Ronald Konieczny
Shultz Pfeifer

Sandra Shultz-Pfeifer, 86 of Elba, passed away on Monday (November 11, 2024) after a 3rd bout with cancer.

Sandra was born October 10, 1938 in Utica, NY, a daughter of the late Gerturde Leonard and John Kidder Allen.

She graduated from Batavia High School in 1957. She was employed by Genesee County Nursing Home, Sylvania in Batavia and drove bus for Batavia and Elba School Districts prior to her retirement.

She is survived by her son, Edward J. Shultz and daughter in-law, Charlene Shultz of Elba. Grandchildren, Chase and Heather Shultz of Oakfield, Ryan Barbeau of Elba, Kyle and Karli Shultz of Elba and Paul Wieclaw of Elba. Step-grandchildren, Troy and Lynette Naylor of Elba and Andrea and Mike McKenzie of Batavia. Great-grandchildren, Olivia Shultz, Brea Shultz, Colton Shultz, Levi Shultz, Elliot Shultz, Haeli Shultz and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Kenneth E. Shultz (6-4-1993), Carl S. Pfeifer (1-27-2013) and sons Jeffrey Lee Shultz (9-7-1959) and Jeffrey Lynn Shultz (5-3-2018).

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. 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.

 

 

Sam Bordinaro Jr.

By Lisa Ace
Sam Bordinaro Jr


Sam Bordinaro Jr., a beloved long-time resident of Batavia, New York, has passed away at the age of 81. Sam peacefully left this world on the morning of Saturday, November 9th, in Lakeland, Florida, under the gentle care of Hospice.

Sam was born to the late Samuel and Pauline (Crimando) Bordinaro in Batavia, New York, and was the beloved brother of the late Josie (Bordinaro) VanValkenburg. He is survived by several children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry his memory forward. Among those he leaves behind is his eldest son, Ronald Bordinaro (spouse Pamela) of Batavia, and their children and grandchildren Kyle, Jillian, Harmony, Zane, Emery, and Colvin., as well as daughter Marilyn and her son Brett of South Florida. He also leaves behind many friends in the deaf communities throughout western New York and Central Florida.

A proud graduate of the Rochester School for the Deaf, Sam’s life was one of travel, fun, and adventure. He was actively involved in the deaf communities and organizations in both the Rochester and Buffalo regions. For nearly three decades, he worked as a machinist at LeRoy Machine Company in Leroy, NY, where he was known for his skill at machine work and repair. But perhaps even more than his work, it was his boundless sense of humor and infectious laughter that touched the lives of all who knew him.

In his final days, Sam found peace and comfort at Grace Manor Assisted Living in Lakeland, FL, where he was enveloped in the love and companionship of family. It was here that he cherished moments with his son Ronald as well as his granddaughter, Harmony Bordinaro-Lerch, and her husband Michael, both teachers in nearby Auburndale, Florida, who made the journey to look after him and be near him.

Sam’s life was a testament to the power of laughter and the strength of the human spirit. His smile could light up a room, and his humor was a constant source of warmth to all who crossed his path. While his physical presence may no longer be with us, his spirit remains alive in the laughter, love, and memories he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, consider a charity donation to the National Association of the Deaf in Sam’s honor.
https://www.nad.org/make-a-donation/

Daniel E. Avery

By T.J. Woodward

Daniel E. Avery, 77, of Basom passed away on Friday November 8, 2024 at Crossroads House in Batavia. He was born in Rochester on October 23, 1947 to the late Melvin and Jean (Marx) Avery. 

He is survived by his beloved wife; Betty (Reeves) Avery; daughters Penny Avery of Canada and Sherry Bartz of LeRoy; brothers Wayne and John Stiles; sister Patty Labitore; grandchildren Brandi Heidenreich, Daniel Heidenreich and Tiffany Bartz; great-granddaughter Wynter Raffel. 

Dan worked for many years as a truck driver for Rochester Air Freight. He was a member of the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Akron. He enjoyed talking walks, watching TV and playing cards. Dan was an avid hunter, a true patriot and enjoyed politics. He was very proud family man. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will take place at a later date to be announced at the Solid Rock Baptist Church on Crittenden Rd. in Akron. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. 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.

Robert H. Alwardt

By Joshua Smith
Robert Alwardt

Batavia - Robert H. Alwardt, 90 of Batavia passed away on Sunday, (November 10, 2024) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Robert was born March 31, 1934 in Attica, a son of the late Howard and Norma (Wheeler) Alwardt.

Robert was a member of the Batavia First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. He loved woodworking, painting, dancing and many activities outdoors which included fly fishing, camping and hunting. He also enjoyed attending every restaurant in Western New York. Robert was a lifetime member of the Bethany Fire Department and a lifetime member of the Stafford Fire Department Exempts. He was also proud of his service in the United States Army.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth Alwardt of Florida, Karen Warren and Sharon Wahl both of Batavia, Susan (Lowell) Farnsworth of Oakfield, Michael (Judy) Anderson of Stafford, Paula Helms of California, Wendy (Christopher) Hilbert of Bergen, and Kristine (Kevin) Brinkman of South Dakota; brother, George Squires of Batavia; niece, Heather (Dale) Shubirg of Florida. Fourteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren also survive.

Robert is preceded in death by his beloved parents and his loving wife Judith (Davis) Alwardt.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, (November 16, 2024) from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia where Robert’s funeral service will immediately follow. Burial at Stafford Rural Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gollisano Children’s Hospital, 300 East River Road, P.O. Box 278996 Rochester, NY 14627 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

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

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