Obituaries

Attica - Ellen D. Meyers, 64 of Attica passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, (October 30, 2024) at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Mrs. Meyers was born November 6, 1959 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Grace (Acquard) Lyons.

Ellen was the life of the party anywhere she was. She always had the most creative mind and was willing to help anyone. She was a very strong person we all had the grace of knowing. She unapologetically voiced her opinion and always stood her ground when she believed in something.  All the amazing memories from the parties up on French road to the most recent memories she created with everyone she will be greatly missed. 

Ellen is survived by her husband, Richard M. Meyers of Attica; children, Nikole Millette of Attica, Abraham Schaller of Attica, Kile Meyers of Warsaw, and Derick (Valerie) Meyers of Gainesville; brothers, Keith (Deborah) Lyons of Attica, David (Roxanne) Lyons of Earlville, New York, and Bernard (late Jeannie) Lyons of Attica; a sister, Laura (C. Boyd) Johnson of Attica. Ten grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Ellen's funeral service will be held on Wednesday on what would have been her 65th birthday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Ellen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

William J. Bernard “Jack”, 84 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (October 30, 2024) at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Batavia, NY.

He was born September 28, 1940 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late William L. and Florence Dietschler Bernard.

Jack as he was profoundly known as, was a true Patriot. He was a proud Marine having served his country from 1958-1961. During that time he had the great honor and duty to protect and guard President Dwight D. Eisenhower and President John F. Kennedy throughout the country. After his service he was a professional mason and worked for companies in the area, and finally to work with the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Batavia prior to his retirement. During his retirement, he was proud and enjoyed his time as superintendent of the Hillside Cemetery in East Pembroke.

He was the husband of the late Norma Bernard who died August 23, 2024. Father of the late Shawn Bernard who died in 1996 and brother of the late Robert, James and Barry Bernard.

Survivors include his daughter Beth Ann Miller of Ohio. Son, Timothy Bernard of Ohio. Step-daughter, Debra Maniace of Batavia. Sister, Beverly (Paul) Kern of Batavia. Brothers, Dennis (Maria) Bernard of Florida, Allyn (Linda) Bernard of Oakfield and Richard (Maria) Bernard of North Carolina. Also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (November 4^th) from 10am-11am at the Cornerstone Church, 2583 Main St., East Pembroke, NY. A Funeral Service will follow visitation at 11am.

Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the East Pembroke Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 50, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or Cornerstone Church, 2583 Main St., East Pembroke, NY 14056. 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.

Benjamin Charles Bonarigo, 87, passed away peacefully on October 30th at home, after an extended illness.   He was born on March 8, 1937 in Batavia, New York and graduated in 1954 from Batavia High School.  Ben was the son of the late Joseph Bonarigo and Josephine San Fratello Seamans.  First and foremost, he was a family man.  He was a devoted husband to Carol, his wife of 54 years, and a proud and caring father to Marc Bonarigo, Britt (Shea) Bonarigo and Gina Bonarigo, and a loving and adoring grandfather to Gabriela Bonarigo.  He was also beloved "Uncle Ben" to his nieces, nephews and their children.   Ben was preceded in death by his  brother, Charles Bonarigo in 1997.

After graduation from Michigan State University and the SUNY Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, New York, Ben completed his residency in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine at Georgetown University and the University of Rochester in Rochester.  While completing his residency, his work was interrupted by a call to serve his country at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital from 1967 to 1969, where he became the youngest Commander in the U.S. Navy.   Following his service in the Navy, he began a 30 year career practicing radiology as chief of radiology at Southside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, chief of radiology at East Liverpool Hospital, Ohio, chief of radiology at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, VA, and chief of radiology at Aliquippa Hospital, PA.  Towards the end of his career he moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida where he continued to practice radiology at Countryside Hospital until his retirement in 2000.  

Following his retirement he taught diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine to students attending the Barry University Physicians Assistant program in Florida. He thrived in his teaching and mentoring roles at Barry University and will fondly be remembered for the tremendous impact he had on his students and their careers.   

Ben was a member of The Radiological Society of North America, The American College of Radiology, The Florida Radiological Society, The American Society of Nuclear Medicine, and Cypress Run Golf Club of Tarpon Springs.  Ben's research and work during the 60's and 70's  led to the publication of two award winning thesis's that were presented at the RSNA of North America,  and in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) during his long career. 

He is remembered as a spirited, driven individual with great wisdom and a dry wit who loved to tell stories, and he had a kind and generous heart.  Throughout his life he was an excellent athlete who participated in many sports, including football, baseball, track, tennis and golf.   Ben enjoyed playing competitive tennis for many years, winning multiple club championships and trophies in both singles and doubles matches.  Later in life after retirement, he developed an interest in golf where he spent many hours perfecting his game and quickly achieved success.  He had an amazing 14 career hole-in-ones and in 2004 he was the winner of the men's senior championship at Cypress Run Golf Club. 

For leisure Ben relaxed by puttering in his flower garden, listening to jazz, honing his computer skills and watching and cheering on his favorite sports teams.

Ben's memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were honored to have had the privilege of knowing him. 

In keeping with Ben's wishes, a private memorial will be held at a later date for family members.  The family kindly requests that donations be made to Accent Hospice Health Care (accentCare.) or The Humane Society of Pinellas County.  

Batavia - Margaret Jane Kauffman, 89, passed from this life on October 29, 2024, at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Jane was born September 2, 1935, to Loretta (Garraghan) and Edward Kauffman. She was graduated from Batavia High School and Buffalo State and earned an M.A. at Canisius College before embarking upon a 42-year career in education, first as an English teacher at Kenmore and primarily as a guidance counselor at Williamsville North High School.

Jane served for many years on the board of directors of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the Buffalo and Erie County United Way. Her many honors included the Buffalo AFL-CIO Labor Council “Labor Leader of the Year” and the “Living Legacy” award from the Women’s Rights Committee of the American Federation of Teachers. She was also a delegate to the 1992 and 1996 Democratic National Conventions.

As a young girl, Jane liked to write, sing, and hang out at Batavia Clippers baseball games. In her adulthood, Jane enjoyed horse racing, talking politics (civilly!), and splitting her time between Buffalo and Batavia. She was a generous aunt who taught her nephews how to write letters and play golf.

Jane was predeceased by her parents; her longtime companion, William Kelty; and a niece, Susan Kauffman. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Sandra Kauffman; nephews, Bill (Lucine) Kauffman and Mike (Cathy) Kauffman; great-nephews, Christopher and Kyle Kauffman; and great-niece, Gretel (Mark Dee) Kauffman.

Jane will be interred next to her parents at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia in a private ceremony.

Jane’s family thanks the angels at Crossroads House, who provided care and comfort in her final days. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or by clicking here.

Arrangements for Jane were entrusted to the care of Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

St. Petersburg, Florida - Kurt Alan Kautz, 66 of St. Petersburg, Florida and formerly of Attica, passed away on Saturday, (October 26, 2024) at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg as a result of injuries sustained in an accident.

Mr. Kautz was born July 31, 1958 in Batavia, a son of the late Eugene and Rita (Bishop) Kautz.

Spending time with family and friends meant everything to Kurt. He and his four legged best friend Rocky Rose adored each other. Kurt loved the Buffalo Bill's, he was obsessed in his support for them. He cherished coming home to Attica for Fish Fries, Watty Fest, he loved watches, golf, and his motorcycle. He was a member of the Screen Actor's Guild and could build just about anything. He will be acutely missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Andrea (LoPresti) Kautz of St. Petersburg; canine companion, Rocky Rose; step-daughter, Alyse (Clayton Webber) LaVerne of Florida; siblings, Kathleen (Mark) Geitner of Attica, Karl (Tory) Kautz of Poughkeepsie, Karen Kautz of Albion, and Kristopher (Susan) Kautz of Wyoming; nieces and nephews, Shannon (Padriac) Horgan, Ian Whitcroft, Analise (Christos) Kyriacou, Hayden (Victoria) Kautz, Kelsey Kautz, Adeline Kautz, and Ella Kautz; several great-nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Jonathan (Ann) LoPresti, Joseph (Mary) LoPresti; sister-in-law, Cara Mia LoPresti.

Kurt is reunited in death with his parents and brothers, Kevin and John Kautz.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday (November 2, 2024) from 2 to 4:00 p.m. at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica, where Kurt's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. Rev. Bill Hockey will officiate. A private burial will be held in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make memorials in Kurt's memory to The Patricia Allen Fund c/o John R. Oishei Childrens Hosptial, 818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 or by clicking here. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Michele A. Struzyk, 64 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (October 20, 2024) at her residence.

She was born December 1, 1959 in Brooklyn, NY, a daughter of Josephine Messina Campbell and the late Joseph Campbell.

She will be dearly missed and always remembered for her kind, fun loving personality and unconditional love.

Surviving besides her mother are her children, Tia (Thomas) D’Arcy of Batavia, Ty (Renee) Madison of Alden, Steven Godinho of Batavia and Daniel Struzyk of Buffalo. Grandchildren, Kali Michele Lapp, Leah D’Arcy, Norah D’Arcy, Teagan Madison, Kensley Madison and Charlee Madison.

She was predeceased by her husband, James Cooley and brother Mark Campbell.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. 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.

James C. Merrell "Dude", 68 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (October 26, 2024) at Rochester General Hospital.

He was born March 28, 1956 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Clifford and Clara Nevinger Merrell.

James was a graduate of Batavia High School. He was employed by Genesee Valley B.O.C.E.S. in Batavia prior to his retirement. He enjoyed rodeo action, attending flea markets and occasionally visiting the casino.

Survivors include his brother, Gordon Merrell of Batavia. Sister, Verna (John) Oehler of Batavia. Nieces and nephews, Jennifer Hughes, Kati Bernard, John Matthew Oehler, Robert Merrell Jr. and Jason Merrell. Sister in-law, Marsha Merrell.

He was the brother of the late Robert Merrell.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (Nov. 4^th) from 4-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, 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.

With great sadness the family of Brian A. Powell Sr announce his passing on October 11, 2024 at the age of 64.

Brian was born November 2, 1959 in the Caribbean Island of Nevis to the late Georgette and Albert Powell.

Brian served in the US Army and the Army Reserve after completing High School. He moved to Batavia, NY in 1983 and worked many years at PW Minors as well as driving trucks.

Brian enjoyed playing golf in his spare time as well as spending time with his children, granddaughters and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first grandson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Brian A. Powell Jr, Patrick "Dustin" Powell of Rochester,  Natasha (Ryan) Schmidt, Granddaughters Esmay and Eleanor Schmidt of Middleport, NY; sisters, Joyslin Powell of Nevis, Syonia Powell of Baltimore, MD; brothers, Roger (Loudina) Powell of Tampa, FL; Sobrattie Powell of Tampa, FL and Raynard (Neva) Powell of Texas.

He is predeceased by his brother, Garnette Powell.

Friends may call on Monday from 10 am to 11:30 am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Graveside services with military honors, will follow on Monday at1 pm at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu. If you will be meeting at the cemetery, please assemble by 12:45 pm. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Kathryn Woodruff, 71, of Amherst, formerly of Oakfield, passed away on October 16, 2024 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a brief illness. Kathryn was born on October 10, 1953 in North Hornell, NY, to the late Willis "Burr" and Edith (Louise) Woodruff (nee Austin).

Kathy loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandson. One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother. Her family lived in Medina, NY before moving to Batavia, where she was a 1971 graduate of Batavia High School. Kathryn was employed by Genesee County for 20 years and retired in 2019. She loved the Fall season and taking weekend road trips with her daughters and friends.

Kathryn is survived by her daughters Linsey (David) Heraty and Andrea Schiavi, both of Buffalo, and cherished grandson, Finnegan Heraty. She is also survived by her brothers Paul (Mary) Woodruff of Medina, David (Carol) Woodruff of Hemlock, and Roger (Sharon) Woodruff of Alfred Station. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends whom she cherished. 

There were no prior calling hours, and services were private. Arrangements were completed by Amigone Funeral Home Inc., Amherst, NY. Please share condolences at www.Amigone.com.

In lieu of flowers, Kathryn's family graciously suggests donations be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in her memory. 

Rose Butera, age 97, of Trinity, Florida, went to her heavenly home on October 23, 2024.

Rose, who was raised in Batavia, NY, moved to Florida in 1976 with her late husband, Ottaviano Butera, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Salvatore and Josephine (nee: Morreale) DeFazio, and her siblings, Leonard DeFazio, Concetta Penepent, Felicia Boise, Josephine DeGoris, and Alphonso DeFazio.

She was the loving mother of Grace (Jerry) Forrester and Josephine (Tom) Cultrara; 4 grandchildren, John Baker, Rose (Rafael) DeTorre, Michelle Shaddle, and Christina Cultrara ; 4 great-grandchildren, John Baker, Emma Baker, Sterling Shaddle, and Tommy Shaddle; 2 step- grandchildren, Heather (John) Foster and family, Kristin (Patrick) Smith and family; a brother, John DeFazio and a sister, Mary Dee Ognibene; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rose cherished God, her family, and her friends. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, her deep compassion, genuine kindness, and her unwavering strength as a prayer warrior.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Florida at, Anderson McQueen Tyrone Family Tribute Center, 7820 38th Ave., N. St. Petersburg, Florida on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1pm. The Rev. Jerry Forrester, will be officiating. A link will be shared on Facebook to join the service remotely via Zoom.

A Christian Burial Service will be held on Thursday November 7, 2024, at 10 am at the Baron Miller Funeral Home, 3025 Willam St, in Cheektowaga, NY. The Rev. Patrick Keleher will officiate. Entombment will follow at Pine Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo. Memorials may be made to the Gulfside Hospice, 6117 Trouble Creek Rd., New Port Richy, FL 34653.

Sally L. Lamb (Drew), 79 of Darien Center, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born August 31, 1945 in Batavia, to the late John and Betty (Young) Drew. She is preceded in death by a brother Kim Drew.

Sally had a lot of jobs over the years, which included a stay at home mom, bus driver, school lunch monitor, working in a clothing factory and a vegetable factory.  Her passion for the last 10+ years was running Grampa Dell's Country Store, which was originally run by her Grandfather Dell.  She loved all her customers and thought of them as family.  She loved meeting and feeding people, so it was only fitting that baking and cooking for people is what she chose to do for a living. 

She loved her family, and spending time with her grandchildren.  She loved doing puzzles, baking, gardening, running her business, eating anything that contained sugar, and being as stubborn as anyone has ever been.  She loved her animals and had many over the years.  Her favorite thing to feed them was anything but animal food.  She had a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile.  She will be missed every day.  The memories she gave us will be cherished forever.    

Sally is survived by her beloved children, Heather Lamb of Irondequoit, John (Heather) Lamb of Utah and Matthew Lamb of Washington, DC; brother Keith (Sue) Drew of Alden, 4 grandchildren, Micaela, Penelope, Madison, and Adeline, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00am Celebration of her Life will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Darien Disciple Church, 1951 Broadway, Darien Center, NY 14040. 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.

Pavilion ~ David W. Pattridge, age 71, of Perry Road, passed away Wednesday morning (October 23, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

     He was born July 26, 1953 in Warsaw, NY, a son of the late Erwin and Dorothy Ahner Pattridge.    

 David will be remembered at a hardworking man, who was very dedicated to his family.  When not working, he enjoyed time spent with his family and was very involved with planning family gatherings. 

     He will be sadly missed by his children; Nicole Pattridge of Fairport and Adam Pattridge of Stafford; grandchildren, Natalie Pattridge and Eli Pattridge; siblings, James Pattridge of LeRoy, Ann Plunkett of Rochester, Kelly Ziefel of Bartow, FL and Henry Pattridge of British Columbia, Canada; the mother of his children, Josephine Cordeiro, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his brother, Guy Pattridge.

     A memorial service for David will be held on Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 PM at the Pavilion First Baptist Church, 10956 Lake Road, Pavilion, NY 14525.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of David are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.

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

Roger Laird Sr., 76, of Batavia, passed away on October 23, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Roger was born on July 10, 1948 in Warsaw, a son of the late Robert C. Laird Sr. (1971) and Irene M. Laird Dewey. 

Roger was a member of the VFW, Polish Falcons, Leroy Moose Club, and the Batavia Elks. He was extremely social and enjoyed spending time with his friends. He was a Racecar fan, and enjoyed playing the guitar and listening to music. He took every opportunity to go and see live bands.

Surviving are his. children, Donna A. (Harry) Gimlin, Roger (Taylor) Laird, Jr. and Kimberly (Kenneth Drury) Laird; sister, Colleen Laird-Gonzales of Gainesville; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

In death Roger is reunited with his wife, Patricia Laird and brothers, Robert Laird Jr. and Carl Laird.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 2:00pm at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main in Batavia, followed by Roger’s funeral services.  Roger will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. 

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

LeRoy ~ Amy L. Klusek, age 47, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

     She was born August 9, 1977 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of Lillian Waite Klusek and the late Stephen Klusek.  

   Amy was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. She loved her five children, two grandchildren and family with all her heart.  She was so loved by many and her favorite thing was becoming a grandmother as she took pride in that.  She was a very warm and welcoming person and opened her door to anyone.  She loved helping others as much as she possibly could and would surely give anyone the shirt off her back.

     She enjoyed chasing sunsets and loved her butterflies, wind chimes and hosting gatherings.  Amy worked as a health care provider and most recently, was working in food service at Subway.

     She will be sadly missed by her mother, Lillian; children, Sydnie Klusek, Nathyn Nicometo, Aaron Nicometo, Codie Nicometo and Kayden Nicometo; grandchildren, Ayden and Lucas; brother, Nicholas Klusek; sister, Michelle Waite, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and dear friends.

     A Celebration of Amy’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 16^th from 12 ~ 5 PM at the LeRoy American Legion, 53 West Main St., LeRoy.  Everyone is welcome to bring a dish to pass if they wish.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Amy’s family.

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

Dean W. Case, 77, of Batavia passed away on October 13, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born on May 27, 1947 in Batavia to the late Norman and Enid (Kendall) Case. In addition to his parents, Dean is predeceased by his brothers; Frederick and Ronald Case; sisters Norma Greiner and Judy Hartman; nephew James Wilcox.  

He is survived by his son; Christopher Case; brothers Robert (Sandy) Case, Scott (Mary) Case; sisters in law Rosemary Case, Gail Case; nieces Carrie, Christy, Katie, Danielle, Michelle, Jennifer and Debbie; nephews John, Lincoln, Tyler, Mark and Adam, along with several great nieces and nephews.

Dean worked for Sylvania for decades. After retirement he worked for Oatka Milk Products.  He enjoyed fishing on Hemlock, Canadice, and Silver Lakes and at the Point with his family and friends.  He enjoyed being out in nature, observing wildlife, and feeding the birds. Dean was a self-taught mechanic and enjoyed working on cars and small motors.  

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private.  

Memorials can be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter https://www.vol4animals.org/donations. 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