Obituaries

Alan E. Galton Sr., 73 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (March 28, 2023) at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester, NY.

He was born February 3, 1950 in Warsaw, NY, a son of the late Burdett and Lillian Hare Galton.

Alan was a truck driver for Laidlaw Transit in Batavia prior to his retirement. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and fishing. He will be missed dearly by those who knew him.

Survivors include his children, Alan (Kim) Galton Jr. of Caledonia and Vanessa (William) Dempsey of Stafford. Grandchildren, Cody Galton, Michael Galton and Owen Galton. Former wife, Mary Fay of Batavia. Sisters, Darlene Gray of Warsaw and Julie (John) Lawson of Pembroke. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Gloria McKenzie, Charlotte Galton and Eric Galton.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Expressions of condolence 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.

 

 

Gary C. Draper, 82, of Brockport, NY passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Born on December 18, 1940 in Warsaw, NY, he was the son of the late Clifford and Dorothy (VanBuren) Draper.

He graduated from Pavilion High School and worked for Kodak and the Town of Clarkson. Gary enjoyed cooking, hunting and gardening.

Gary is survived by his son, Kevin Draper and his wife, Anne of Bethlehem Twp., PA; daughter, Heidi Porter and her husband, Mark of Wilson, NC; sister, Sandra Duguid and her husband, Donald; grandkids Jonathan & Matthew Draper, Samantha, Caitlyn, Charles & Steven Barker. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra (Pask) Draper and sister, Gale Sage.

Services are private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp.) Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com.

Anthony R. Mortellaro, 90, of Buffalo, formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Heathwood Assisted Living in Buffalo. He was born September 15, 1932 in Batavia to the late Ignazio and Carmella (Dorsey) Mortellaro. He is preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Terri Mortellaro, siblings, Casper and Frank Mortellaro, Rose VanValkenberg, Carmella “Millie" McVay, Mary Cassaro, and Jenny Stehlar.

Anthony was a proud United States Army Veteran and served in the Korean Conflict. He began working at George Smith Motor’s, he then went on to work for his brother at Mortellaro Sales & Service before going into business with his brother Joe and sister Milly at Joe’s Pro Shop and Tony’s Appliance Repairs. Tony was an avid rollerskater, enjoyed riding motorcycles and gardening. He also loved making champagne, especially for his children’s weddings.

He is survived by his beloved wife Shirley E. (Wilkens) Mortellaro of Buffalo, sons, Russell (Teri) of Buffalo, Timothy (Jamie) of Tampa, FL, Larry (Nina) Mortellaro of Batavia; brothers Joseph Mortellaro of E. Pembroke, Richard (Kathy) Mortellaro; 8 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 4 to 8pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:30am Mass of Christian Burial will held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or the Donor’s Choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia - Loretta West passed away peacefully at her home in Batavia the day after her 95th birthday, with several of her children at her side. Loretta was the second of Carl and Pearl (Follman) Schelble Sr.’s five children.

She is predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Paul West; sister Dorothy Berger; and brothers Carl Jr. and Robert.

She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Gerald and Kathleen West of Owego, NY, Audrey and Richard Marcoux of New Hartford, NY, Elaine and Howard Crump of LaBelle, FL, Joyce West and Mark Kadesh of Washington, DC, and Lawrence and Karen West of East Amherst, NY; and by her beloved ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and by sister Gloria Straight of Springville, NY.

Loretta graduated from Griffiths Institute in Springville, NY at age 15. She attended Buffalo State University where she played basketball and graduated with a home economics teaching degree.

Loretta was an exemplary mother, especially in instilling the value of education, a healthy lifestyle, and enjoyment of sports and the outdoors.

Loretta was also a role model, with community involvement in church and as a 4-H leader. After retiring from teaching, Loretta enjoyed retirement, especially traveling with her husband and escaping western NY winters in Florida.

Loretta’s work ethic and frugality were legendary. She leaves a large and immensely grateful family.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Loretta's funeral service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. Burial in Pleasant View Cemetery in Dutch Flats, NY will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pleasant View Cemetery, c/o Abigail Broughton, 2939 Glor Road, Attica, New York 14011 or to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

GERALD “GERRY” ROBERT PHELPS
ALMOND – Gerald “Gerry” Robert Phelps, 59, passed away peacefully on Monday (March 27, 2023) at his home following a battle with cancer.

Gerry was born on August 31, 1963 in Warsaw to Robert John and Phyllis J. (Hunt) Phelps. He graduated from Letchworth Central School in 1981. Gerry found himself in various positions throughout life, he worked at Petroleum Helicopters as a turboshaft engine test cell technician in Lafayette, La., became a certified marine mechanic at the Marine Mechanic Institute in Daytona Beach, Fla., started his own logging business, and was a bartender for Kenwood Hotel in Silver Springs. In more recent years, he worked at American Rock Salt as a roof bolter and later as
a conductor for Norfolk Southern and heavy equipment operator at recycling centers.

Gerry is survived by his mother, Phyllis Hunt of Plymouth, N.C.; a brother, Michael J. Phelps of Plymouth, N.C.; a sister, Lori Ann Phelps of Wiscoy; life partner, Barbara Bennett of Almond and several aunts, cousins and close friends. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Phelps.

Gerry enjoyed machines in both his professional and private life. He liked his time working with his log skidder in the woods and driving his Harley Davison motorcycle around town. He had a soft spot for growing vegetables in his garden each year. Gerry life’s passion however was playing lead guitar, an enthusiasm that led him to attend a cutting-edge rock guitarist school in Los Angeles, Calif. to hone his skills. He was best known by friends for his time in the band “Sick Bitch,” of which he was a core founder. Gerry was most fond of rock and played many cover songs during the height of the 70s and 80s music scene. He was also skilled in song writing and composed his own music. Gerry was
ambitious, pushing himself to learn difficult music and was rewarded with a speed that was described as a “blur of movement.” He was a musician at heart, even as his life and the music scene slowed he would occasionally perform at open mic nights. Gerry’s family cherished the times he would play for them at get togethers, his mom was especially proud of his talents.

The family will hold a celebration of life at a date to be determined. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com. 

  Rachel R. Trippi, age 41 of Batavia, NY passed away on Sunday March 26, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Warsaw, NY on September 1, 1981a daughter to LuAnne L. (Livingston) Roberts and Francis P. Trippi.

Rachel was a graduate of John Marshall High School in Rochester. She was a server for Rancho Viejo Restaurant in Batavia. Rachel loved being a mother to Lilly and spending time with family and friends and enjoyed cooking.

She is survived by her Mother: LuAnne L. (Livingston) Roberts of Castile, Father: Francis P. (Donna) Trippi of Leicester, Companion: Jeramy Farnsworth of Batavia, Daughter: Lilly Farnsworth of Batavia, Maternal Grandmother: Betty Livingston of Perry, Sister: Chelsie (Bryce) Hamilton of Castile, Brothers: Lucas Roberts of Rochester, Matthew (Carly) Trippi of Hamlin, along with many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Family and friends may call from 11am-2pm on Saturday April 1, 2023 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry, where Services will follow at 2pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to set up a trust fund for Rachel’s daughter Lilly. Contributions can be directed to Chelsie Hamilton 6028 Tenefly Rd. Castile, NY 14427. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Corfu - Thomas R Pattridge, 55 of Corfu passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at his home in Corfu, New York.

Thomas was born Sunday, May 7th, 1967 in Warsaw, New York a son of the late Thomas Pattridge Sr. and June Pattridge- Coney.

He enjoyed hunting, watching the Buffalo Bills, Nascar, and playing the drums.

Thomas graduated from Letchworth Central School, and later worked as an EMT for Silver Springs. He spent many happy years with the love of his life, Lisa Worthington, and they made it official in October, 2010. After moving to Corfu Thomas worked for Sealing Devices in Lancaster, NY.

Surviving is his wife, Lisa Pattridge; mother, June Pattridge- Coney; children and grandchildren; siblings, Vanessa Davis, Timothy Coney, and Robert Coney; nieces and nephews, John Davis, Emma Davis, Devin Davis, Penelopy Coney; great nephew, Huxley Davis, and many cousins.

In death Thomas in reunited with his father, Thomas Pattridge Sr.; step- father, Amos Coney,; Brother, Kevin Pattridge

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H. E. Turner & Co., Inc. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Depatment.

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

Batavia - Ronald R. Dingler, 74 of Batavia passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Mr. Dingler was born Saturday, September 4th, 1949 in Binghamton, New York a son of the late William C. Dingler and Grace Dingler.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he was a member of many local sportsmen’s clubs.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest next to his parents in Lynhaven Cemetery,  Lyndonville.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

 

Robert J. Terry Sr., 86 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 24, 2023 at home.

He was born May 28, 1936 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Beulah and Parker Terry Jr.

Robert served his country with the U.S. Marines from 1954-1957. He was employed with the City of Batavia Water Dept. prior to his retirement.

All who were lucky enough to know Bob knew he was genuine, lighthearted, had a heart of gold and was a very giving person. He was the best husband, dad and grandpa there ever was. Anyone who knew our dad knew his sense of humor and the smile he would put on your face.

Survivors include his loving and faithful wife of 63 years, Jeanette Jankowski Terry of Batavia. Loving and grateful children, Robert Terry Jr. of Middlebury, Paula Terry Brown of Batavia, David (Jennifer) Terry of Nixa, Missouri and Beth (Kenneth) Lipinski of Corfu. He was a wonderful grandpa to 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Sister, Jane Terry Scafetta of Vero Beach, Florida.

Funeral service will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Interment with military honors will be in Grandview 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.

 

 

Joanne Irene Feller, 70, of Medina, passed away on March 26, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Joanne was born June 16,1952 in Medina, a daughter of the late Ferdinand and Virginia (Allen) Kopitzki.

Joanne loved being with her family, she was a doting grandmother who was known as Oma by her grandchildren.  She adored her cats, birds, her dog, Gizmo and also loved elephants.  While she worked at the former Super Duper/Jubilee in Medina, Joanne developed a special bond with all of her "kids" that worked with her.  

Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Hebert Feller, Jr. of Medina; children, Yvonne (Jeffery) Freeman of LeRoy, Gretchen (Donald) Carr of Albion, James (Noelle) Feller of Brockport and Carla Feller of Medina; grandchildren, Schuylar Freeman, Teaghan Freeman, Elijah Feller and Madison Feller; a brother, Robert Kopitzki of Holley; sisters, Jean (late William) Taylor of Barker and Sandra Ruth of Greece and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her son, Herbie Feller.

Services for Joanne will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society,www.cancer.org.  

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

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

Antonia “Annette” Corbelli, 86 of Batavia, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 peacefully at home. She was born November 25, 1936 in Batavia to the late Pasquale and Salvatrice (Tabone) Pullinzi Sr. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Louis A. Corbelli, sister Carmina DiSanto.

Annette was a 1954 graduate of Batavia High School. She retired as a Teacher’s Aide from Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia. Annette was a member of Resurrection Parish and formerly a longtime member of St. Anthony’s Church. Mrs. Corbelli deeply loved her family, was a food enthusiast, loved music and would never say no to shopping. You could find her shopping at any mall, store or Macy’s Lancôme makeup counter.

She is survived by her beloved children David (Julie) Corbelli of Elma, Judith (Dennis) Minnick of Alden, Marianne (James) Richter of Hampshire, IL, brother Anthony Pullinzi of East Bethany, Patrick Pullinzi Jr. of Hilton, four grandsons, Ryan and Alex (Taylor) Corbelli, Reagan and Reese Richter, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 9 to 11:30 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  

Kenneth E. Hay, 75, of The Villages, FL (formally of Batavia, NY and Ogunquit, ME) passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023.   Ken, as he was known to his friends and family, was born on January, 26, 1948 in Bergen, NY to the late Herbert and Eleanor Hay.  After graduating from Bergen High School he attended The State University of New York at Fredonia for Music and, after graduation, began his career as a high school band instructor. 

Ken, was honored to pass on his love of music to so many youth throughout his 35 year career as an educator and is adored by thousands of students he taught over his 35 year career.   After his retirement from education, Ken was not done with his musical life.  Upon moving to The Villages he was the conductor of The Villages  Orchestra for several years and also played the clarinet in The Bands of The Villages.

In addition to music, Ken was also an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills and rarely missed a game of either team.  He enjoyed socializing through the many avenues offered in the Villages, including The AED Club, of which he was a founding member.  He looked forward to joining his daily “Coffee Club” at Panera at Lake Sumter Landing to start each day.  He also was an avid fisherman and spent many days out on the water.

Ken, a loving and devoted husband and father, is survived by his wife of 53 years, Melinda (Worden); his daughter Meagan (Matt) Buckley of Batavia, NY.   Ken is predeceased by his sister Carol and survived by her husband, Gary Zimmer, of Brockport, NY and their children Cathy Schillaci (Zimmer) and Brian Zimmer. 

Ken will be dearly missed by his family, friends, students and countless people who were impacted by him throughout his life. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1PM on April 29th, 2023 at The First Presbyterian Church in Batavia, NY; 300 East Main Street.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation in Ken’s name can be made to The First Presbyterian Church in Batavia, NY or directly to the family to help in the establishment of an annual scholarship fund for a Batavia High School graduate pursuing a music related career (c/o Melinda Hay, 1701 Lakewood Drive, The Villages, FL, 32162).

James M. Smith, 57 of Attica, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo. He was born September 23, 1965 in Buffalo to Janet (Nicholson) Smith of Attica and the late Eugene Smith.

Jim was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired from the Attica Central School System and will fondly be remembered as a Renegade.

Along with his mother, he is survived by siblings, Gordon (Roseanne) Smith of Lancaster, Kathleen (Tony) Cangianiello of Deerfield Beach, FL, Andrew (Julie) Smith of Lancaster, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or to a homeless shelter of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Eunice H. Gardner, 92, of Bergen, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at her home.

Eunice was born July 20, 1930 in the town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, New York to the late John and Ada Milleville Mueller.  She graduated from Niagara Falls High School.  On May 17, 1961, she was united in marriage to Harry Gardner, who passed away in November 1989.

Eunice was an active member of St.Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia. She loved serving her Lord in many ways. One of her favorite ways was meeting every Tuesday with her gal pals, where she hand sewed hundreds of quilts for Lutheran World Relief, for well over 30 years.

For many years Eunice was a child care provider, and has stayed in contact with many of them. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. She also enjoyed going out with the Gilliam Grant lunch group, Silver Sneakers, and taking day trips to the Amish Villages and stores.  Along with gardening, Eunice enjoyed putting puzzles together, doing crossword puzzles, adult coloring, baking and going on Facebook. Her greatest joy was spending time at family gatherings enjoying the active great grandchildren and crazy fun of the Saran wrap ball at Christmas.

Her marriage was blessed by two sons, Peter of Bergen and Philip (Dee) also of Bergen: a grandson, Jordan and three granddaughters, Nicole (Angelo) Antonini, Kelly (Steve) Panek and Caitlyn Saville, three great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a brother, Delbert (Gerda) Mueller of Texas; three nieces and one nephew.

Preceded in death by brother, Melvin Mueller and her step mother, Ella Mueller.

Eunice was a kind, loving woman of God and she will be deeply missed.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m.  She will be laid to rest in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in York.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church,  31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

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

Brockport ~ Benjamin John Lathan, age 22, formerly of Bergen, passed away unexpectedly.

    

He was born August 19, 2000 in Batavia, a son of John P. Lathan and Amy Burch Kohorst.

     Ben was a very kind and loving person who would go out of his way to help others. He loved his family and his friends, but most of all he loved being outside, whether it was for hunting or fishing, gathering up his chickens or building a pig stall. But his favorite thing to do was sitting around a bonfire with all of his favorite people around.

     His smile and laughter would brighten up a room no matter where he was.

     He is survived by his father, John Lathan of Bergen; his mother; Amy Burch Kohorst of Stafford; his brother, Jeffrey Kohorst of Piffard, his sister and brother-in-law, Alyssa Wood and Micheal Pinkerton of Stafford, his brother, Edwin Lathan of Stafford; his nieces and nephew, Rylee Wood, Everlee Pinkerton and Weslee Wood of Stafford and nephew, Corby Copani-Kohorst of Florida; his grandparents, Gerald and Elaine Burch of Stafford and Grace and the late Edwin Lathan of LeRoy, along with many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

     Memorials may be made to the family. A Celebration of Ben’s Life will be held soon.

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