Obituaries

Donna Jesment Licata, 62, died Friday, September 20, 2024, at Crossroads House, surrounded by her lovingfamily.

She was born Sunday, May 6, 1962 in Batavia NY, a daughter of the late Melvin and Angela(Spiotta) Jesment.

Donna lived a life of faith, always believing that God would give her strength. She was a devoted mother first & foremost. She cherished her daughters & embraced every moment with them. Donna loved spoiling her grandchildren.

She enjoyed working in her flower garden. She had a knack for picking and placing flowers to create the most beautiful garden. Donna & John loved sitting on their deck enjoying the peaceful feeling the garden gave them. Spending time with family and friends is what made Donna happy. Memories of dinners out with her girlfriends and fifteen years of Christmas Cookie Exchanges with her “Cookie Girls” will be cherished by all.

Donna will be remembered by her fiancé, and true love, John Demler. She will be sadly missed by her beloved daughters; Andrea Licata, Jenna (James “America”) Ellis and Ashley (Patrick) Flaherty. She will live on in her cherished grandchildren; Johnathan Licata, Maverick McCollum, Kiley & Grayson Flaherty, Everett Ellis and soon to be granddaughter Lenore Dennis. Donna is survived by her dear siblings, Richard, Linda (Evan) Laganis and Paula (Andy Labell) Sullivan.

Donna will be remembered by John’s children, Helen, Jacob, Zachary, Isaiah and Naomi, and her nieces and nephew, whom she cared for very much.

Along with her parents, Donna is predeceased by a brother, David Jesment.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 11:00 am to 2:00pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield NY. Donna’s funeral service will be held at 2 pm, immediately following calling hours. Burial will be in Cary Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for Donna will be held after the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 665 Elm St, Buffalo, NY 14203.

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

Pavilion ~ Ruth V. Cassidy, age 86, of South Lake Road, passed away Saturday evening (Sept. 21, 2024) in the loving care of her family.

     She was born February 22, 1938 in Groveland, NY, a daughter of the late Vern and Gertrude Rawligh Carney.   

  Ruth will be remembered in the surrounding communities for her loving support of her husband, Ted and his love of scrapping.  She and Ted could be seen traveling back and forth to the various scrap yards in the area.  Ruth also had another love, and that was her love for her family.  She was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and aunt.  She enjoyed crocheting, painting her arts and crafts and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.

     She will be sadly missed by her children, Cynthia Seppe of LeRoy, Irene (Randy) Clark of Depew, Glenn (Delcina) Cassidy of Wyoming and Donald (Barb) Cassidy of Pavilion; her sister, Edna Mae Galton; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, canine companion, Buddy, along with several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Ted, her children, Shirley and Theodore Jr. and her siblings, Eva Maufu, Shirley Gambino, Irene Fee, Dorothy Lou Perkins and Clare Carney.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, September 28 from 10 AM ~ 12:30 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her Service of Remembrance will be held at 12:30.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Pavilion.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kidney Foundation of WNY, 4444 Bryant and Stratton Way, Williamsville, NY 14221

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

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James R. Earll on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, at the age of 80. James was born on January 11th, 1944, in Batavia, and was a longtime resident of Batavia before making his home in Fort Myers, Florida.

James is survived by his loving wife, Pamela J. Earll of Fort Myers, whom he married on June 22, 1968, his sons, Christopher J. (Dottie) Earll, Mark J. (Katharine) Earll, and his cherished grandson, Maxwell Earll. He was predeceased by his parents, Doris and Richard H. Earll.

A 1961 graduate of Batavia High School, James went on to further his studies at Erie Community College. His professional life was marked by his role as a supervisor at the Lee County Electrical Company in North Fort Myers, Florida. Prior to that, he held a similar position at the former Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation. Jim had a vast knowledge of electricity working in all three phases during his career.

James very proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard from 1962 to 1966. During his service, he was awarded the First Good Conduct Award, Expert Pistol Shot Medal and Expert Rifleman Medal.

A man of strong faith and community ties, James was a former member of Batavia First Presbyterian Church. His life was guided by his unwavering commitment to family, friends, and country.

Friends may call on Friday from 12:30 pm to 2 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 2 pm.  He will be laid to rest with military honors in Stafford Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in his name to the USO, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677 or to your favorite charity. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jim's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

In this time of sorrow, the family finds comfort in the many cherished memories James created throughout his full and impactful life. May he forever rest in peace.

Hilton ~ Roger J. Dills, was a kindhearted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  He left this world on September 20, 2024 at the age of 86.

    He was born to Henry and Clara Dills on November 10, 1937 in Batavia, NY.  

  Roger was married to Eunice (Sage) for 61 years until her death in 2022.  Roger and Eunice raised their family in Wyoming, NY and moved to Hilton, NY to be closer to family.  They were snowbirds for many years and met great friends along the way.

    Roger loved his family, restoring John Deere tractors and showing them off at parades and other tractor events. He retired from B.R. DeWitt Inc. / Genesee-LeRoy Stone Corporation after 30 years of service.

    Roger is survived by his children; Sandra (Steven) Houseknecht, David (Sandi) Dills and Brenda (Joell) Davies. He was “Papa” to his grandchildren; Lauren (Daniel) Fenton, Mitchell (Samantha) Davies, Shane (Olivia) Houseknecht and Shawn (Kayla) Houseknecht.  He was “Papa Papa” to his great-granddaughters, Elliott and Cameron Fenton and Vivian Houseknecht. He is also survived by Eunice’s family; Shirley Jeffres, Wayne (Joan) Sage and Mary Sage, along with many nieces and nephews.

    In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Joyce Fraser and brother, Edwin Dills.

     Family and friends may attend his Celebration of Life on Friday, Sept. 27 from 1 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt.19), LeRoy.

    Memorial contributions are suggested to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, NY 14626

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

Candice Starkweather, 71 of Newfane, passed away peacefully on Saturday (September 21, 2024) at the Newfane Rehab and Health Care Center.

She was born June 4, 1953 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Edward and Mary Kruszczynski.

Candice prized education and the furtherment of knowledge. She raised and trained race horses and was an artistic individual. She enjoyed her cats and will be missed by those who knew her.

She was the wife of the late Robert G. Starkweather who died in 2018.

Survivors include her sons, Robert (Julie) Starkweather of Tonawanda and Nikolai Starkweather of Middleport. Grandchildren, Elizabeth, Samantha, Enola and Maeve. Brother, Edward Kruszczynski.

Funeral Services will be Thursday (September 26th), 4:00pm, followed by visitation from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY.

She will be laid to rest in the Skinnerville Cemetery in Amherst, NY.

Memorial contributions in her name may be offered to the University at Buffalo Neurosurgery (UBNS) https://www.ubns.com/donation/. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Roger N. Brewer, 85 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born November 16, 1938 in Akron, NY, a son of the late Norman and Evelyn (Kaderli) Brewer.

Roger was employed by H & M Foundations for many years before his family moved to Williamsburg, VA and then Ponchatoula, LA where Roger commuted to Texas to work in the oil fields for Circle Bar Drilling Company.  Roger (and his family) returned home to Akron in 1985 and finished up his career with Northeast Caissons as a welder prior to his retirement. In addition to his full-time employment, Roger and Doris had antique stores in Virginia and Louisiana.  Roger was an avid trapshooter; his team having taken first place in 1970 in the NYS championship shoot.  When he wasn’t working, hunting or spending time with family, Roger could be seen at local garage sales, auctions and the flea market.  After retirement, Roger kept busy spending time with friends at the local coffee spots. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was the husband of the late Doris (Lutz) Brewer, father of the late Roger N. Brewer Jr. and brother of the late Dorwin Brewer, Arlene Thornhill, Beulah Call and Carol Patel.

Survivors include his son, Roger C. (Sue) Brewer of Akron. Grandchildren, Matt (Alex) Brewer and Mallory (John Taggart) Brewer of Akron. Great-grandchildren, Cameron and Lucas Brewer. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 4 – 7 PM at J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY 14001.  Burial will be private.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Bernice Eleanor Wight, “Bernie”, age 87, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024. She was born April 11, 1937 to Eleanor and Arthur Greiner. She was born and raised in her hometown of Darien, NY. 

She has been a resident of Melbourne, FL since February of 2024, coming from Bergen, NY where she lived for many years (although she was a snowbird traveling between their Florida homes in Singer Island and later, Palm Beach Gardens back to Bergen annually). Before that she lived in and raised her daughter in Spencerport, NY for several decades. She graduated from Alexander High School in 1955. She has been married to Loren Wight for more than 65 years, since December 13, 1958.

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

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

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

Family and Friends are invited to call on Wednesday October 2, 2024 from 11:00AM – 12:30PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 12:30PM Memorial Service will immediately follow at the Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander, NY.

Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York, 14020.  Please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com for online condolences. 

Kenneth R. Duge, 63, of Batavia passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born in Buffalo on September 30, 1960, to the late Roger and Jean (Gethicker) Duge.

Ken began his career at National Grid, formerly Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, in 1979, following in the footsteps of his father, Roger.  Throughout his 42-year tenure at National Grid, Ken had many roles including Meter Reader, Electrical Maintenance at CR Huntley Generation Station in Tonawanda, and Electrical Designer in the Planning Department, Buffalo and finally Batavia, retiring in 2021.  Ken truly valued his position at National Grid and was grateful for the lifelong friendships that were created.  He was well respected by his friends and colleagues for his intuitive and thorough design approach.  Ken was honored to share his skills by mentoring the next generation of new hired electrical planners.  Following his retirement, Ken also worked as an Electrical Designer for TRC Environmental and as a Damage Assessor during weather storm events for North Line Utilities.  

Ken was kind, witty, original, honest, and a gifted observer.  He had a very quiet demeanor, almost Zenlike, so his presence always made others feel comfortable and at ease.  Ken had a very unique way of speaking that was both concise yet comprehensive (“Kenisms”) and usually gave him an opportunity to use his expansive vocabulary.  When Ken talked, you listened because it was usually something of importance!  Ken had a passion for nature, food, travel, golfing (spending time with the Thursday Night Golf Buddies), health & fitness, and running (spending time with his “Scrambled Legs and Achin’” Running Friends).    

Ken is survived by his beloved wife Maura Stack-Duge of Batavia; children Kenneth Duge, of Portland, Maine and Kristopher Duge of Amherst; brother Robert (Paula) Duge of Rochester and nephews Roger and Ryan Duge and families; sister Suzanne Sessamen and niece Samantha (Jeremy) Sessamen; bonus children Matthew (Sarah) Cattarin, Sara (Brett) Cattarin and newborn granddaughter Lennon Rose Hancock, and Rachel (Shawn) Cattarin; and the Stack Family. 

In keeping with Ken’s wishes there will be no visitation or Funeral Service.  Instead, we invite you to honor Ken’s memory by doing something that makes you happy: an act of kindness, enjoying a favorite pastime, or simply taking a moment to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.  Let Ken’s spirit inspire you to find joy in everyday moments. 

Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York, 14020.  Please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com for online condolences. 

Bennington - Samuel J. Wilczak, 80 of Bennington, passed away on Wednesday, (September 18, 2024) at his home under the care of HomeCare & Hospice and his loving family.

Mr. Wilczak was born January 5, 1944 in Buffalo, a son of the late John and Casimira (Wikarski) Wilczak.

Sam was a steamfitter at Worthington Compressors for 25 years until it closed in 1987.  He then partnered with his childhood friend, Ron Monnin, at Ron and Sam's Auto Service in Depew, NY until his retirement.  His hobby of working on cars grew into building several award winning custom cars featured in several national magazines.  He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brother-in-law and matchmaker, Bob Rozeski, and going to many out of town car shows with friends.  Sam especially looked forward to an afternoon beer with friends in his garage.

Samuel is survived by his loving wife, Joan (Rozeski) Wilczak of Bennington; children, Virginia (Michael) Cave of Rocky River, Ohio, Cynthia (Joseph) Savitt of Baltimore, Maryland, and David (Amy) Wilczak of Bennington; brother-in-law, Robert (Wendy) Rozeski of Orchard Park. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with his parents, Sam is preceded in death by his brother, John (late Helen); sisters, Loretta (late Teddy), Helen (late Jimmy), Rose (late Frank), Barbara (late Joseph) and Stella (late Leo).

A celebration of life is being planned for the future and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences may be shared at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Stephen Adrian Forsha was called to the Lord on September 18, 2024.
 

Stephen was born on June 15, 2024, in Rochester, NY, the son of Dustin II and Miah (Urban) Forsha.
 

He enjoyed smiling at all his nurses, cuddling his little dog blanket, watching his baby mobile, grabbing a finger tightly and looking out of his window. He had a strong personality and you could always tell when he was judging you or happy to see you. He was such a strong fighter and will always be remembered, loved and greatly missed.
 

He will be remembered by his parents, Dustin II and Miah Forsha; grandparents, Minnie Garcia, MaryAnn Forsha, and Dustin Forsha and everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him.
 

Stephen will join his grandfather, Stephen Urban in heaven.
 

Private visitation and services will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024.
 

Arrangements are under the care of H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020

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

Franklin Davis, 93, lifelong resident of LeRoy NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024 at UMMC after spending a loving day with his five children. Frank entered our world on March 15, 1931, in Buffalo NY, the youngest of four sons born to Alfred Rice Davis and Anna Board Gillett. Frank graduated from LeRoy High School ’49, attended Culver Military Academy and then completed his formal education at Babson College.

Upon graduation Frank purchased and operated a greenhouse/florist business on North St. in LeRoy for several years where he honed his talent for flower arranging. Frank then began working for Jones Chemicals in various positions including management, operations and sales, traveling throughout the United States to various Jones Facilities. He retired from Jones Chemicals as Sales Manager after 45 years. Frank was fiercely proud of LeRoy and the Davis heritage in the region dating back to the 1790’s. He gave back to his community by serving as a Mason for over 70 years, member of the Leroy Volunteer Fire Department and the Oatka Hose Co. for over 55 years. He was a lifetime member of both the Leroy Presbyterian Church and the LeRoy Historical Society. Additionally, he served on the boards of Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy Business Council, and the Genesee County Planning Board, He was a member of Stafford Country Club and teamed with Bruce Baker to put the first shovels in the ground for what would become the Bocce courts on Mill St. Frank was the LeRoyan of the Year in 2016.

Frank was the original ‘real deal’ in so many ways. One of a kind. A legend with a trademark. THE CIGAR! When Frank was mentioned, one would say “oh yeah, the guy with the cigar.” His kindness and doing for others was always his way, certainly as ubiquitous as his cigar. Frank enjoyed hosting parties, especially 4th of July and Thanksgiving morning. Frank was religious about his daily elixir for longevity, 7-10 bags of green tea stuffed in a mug. You would find Frank on Wednesday and Friday mornings with the ‘Breakfast Gang’, solving all of the local and national problems by 9:15am. One would most often find Frank tinkering in his shed, fixing something, breaking something, painting something…always a project to be completed! He was a prolific gardener and proud of his plantings, especially zinnias. He loved his John Deere tractor and was frequently seen riding around, many times over to the home of his close friend Bob Jackson, cigar firmly clenched between his teeth.

Frank was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Anna Davis, first wife Nancy (Jones), brothers Daniel, Lewis, and James. He is survived by his wife Martha, daughters Selby (Tony) of Interlaken, Hannah(AJ) of Baldwinsville, sons Benson (Joyce) of E. Bethany, Hugh (Jane) of Fairhaven MA, Andrew (Jennifer) of Hartland VT: grandchildren Jessica Davis of Easton MA., Justin Davis of Jacksonville NC., Nicholas Rizzo (Ceci) of Atlanta GA., Jeff Rizzo of Elmhurst Ill. Casey Denina (Michael) of Long Beach CA. , Alicia Normoyle (Aaron) of Greece, NY. , 6 great grandchildren and his beloved dog Oakley.

At his request there will be no calling hours. Franks memorial service will be held September 28, 2024 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church, 7 Clay Street, LeRoy. Interment will be private at Machpelah Cemetery. Memorials can be made in Frank’s memory to The First Presbyterian Church and the LeRoy Historical Society, 23 East Main Street, LeRoy, NY 14482. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit leroyfuneralhome.com

Gloria Arlene Cotter, passed Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Predeceased by her husband, Steve Cotter, son Tim Fleck, sisters, Mabel Hale, Bertha Downey, Loretta Sackel, Mary Shultz, Jeanette Shultz, and brothers, Norman Hale and Donald Hale.

Survived by children, Deborah Smith (Al), Teresa Doran, Jeannin Sigler (Kevin), Linda Cotter, Stephen Cotter (Vickie), Shirley Boyd (Dan) and sister Mary Jane Fugle, 22 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren and 23 great-great grandchildren.

Gloria Cotter (Midge) volunteered for many years for the Boy Scouts, Little League, Salvation Army, Elba Ladies Auxiliary, and VFW.

For the last 20 years, Gloria has volunteered her time as Head of the kitchen making 3-4 meals per week for residents of 400 Towers…whoever signed up received a meal.

She founded the 90-plus celebration more than 20 years ago at 400 Towers in Batavia.  She bought, prepared, served and cleaned up after the annual luncheon.

Calling hours are Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, where Gloria’s funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. also on Friday.  She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/support-us. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Pavilion ~ James “Smiley” Thompson, 87, passed peacefully at home on September 15, 2024.    

  A loving father and proud Marine veteran, Smiley was also a self-employed mechanic who enjoyed playing cards, bowling, camping and fishing. He loved sharing stories and jokes that brought smiles to those around him.

     He is survived by his daughter, Tara Bowen; grandchildren, Justin Losh (Rachel Crouse), Daniel J. Bowen, and Allison Bowen; and his brother, Bill (Linda) Thompson, along with several nieces and nephews. 

     In addition to his parents Clayton and Helen Kelso Thompson, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Robert Thompson, Clayton Thompson, Gary Thompson, Marlene Wood and Loretta Draper. 

     Smiley’s legacy of kindness and humor will be cherished and deeply missed by all who knew him.

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

Benjamin Neale Abrams, 49, of Batavia, passed away on September 16, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on April 17, 1975 in Batavia to Marshall Neale and Barbara (Howell) Abrams. 

In addition to his parents, Ben is survived by a daughter and son; Jessie and Jakob Abrams; sister Carrie Janes; grandmother Audrey Abrams Potter; nieces and nephew Tyler Janes, Kesa (Travis) Wasivlewski, Emily Janes; great nephew Chanceton; along with aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Ben loved working at HP Hood in Batavia and all the people he worked with. He enjoyed working on old cars, canoeing, hunting and fishing. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately for the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

David H. Van Scoy, age 82, passed away peacefully, in his home, on September 10, 2024.

Born on April 16, 1942 in Newburgh, NY, the first born son of the late Harry and Nellie Van Scoy.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Charleen D. Van Scoy; sons Shawn (Shannon) Van Scoy, Mark (Greta) Van Scoy; grandchildren, Hannah, Noah, Kate, Matthew and Cassidy Van Scoy; brother, Douglas (Gayle) Van Scoy of South Carolina; cousins, Irma Van Scoy and Charles Lynch.

David had a distinguished career in education, serving as a Math teacher and assistant principal in Webster CSD; Principal at  North Knox High School in Indiana; principal at Moravia High School; Superintendent of the Port Byron CSD and Superintendent of Batavia City Schools where he finished his career in 1998.  

Following his retirement, David enjoyed many years crisscrossing the United States  with Charleen, exploring new places and visiting family and friends. Throughout their travels he connected with people from all walks of life, making new friends along the way; attending Lions Club meetings across the country, and eventually joining the Palm Desert Strummers.  

David will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer grace to others.  His life in Batavia was marked by his service to the community.  Despite coming  from a modest background, he was determined to ensure that others had more. He actively participated in the First Presbyterian Church, the Batavia Lions Club and the Salvation Army.  Whether it was cooking hamburgers at the racetrack, coordinating the holiday bell ringers, serving coffee at dinners, helping serve Christmas dinner with the Lions Club, teaching Sunday school, or singing in the church choir, he was always willing to serve where he was needed.  

Family and friends will remember David for his sense of fun, copious corny Dad jokes, encyclopedic knowledge of camp songs, love of card and board games, love of fishing and the joy he found in playing the ukulele.

A service will be held for David at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, New York on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 2 pm.  Due to allergies the family asks that flowers NOT be sent.   In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, https://fpcbatavia.org/give/;  the Batavia Lions Club, https://batavialions.org/ , or the Salvation Army Batavia Corps https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/batavia/. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, 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.