Obituaries

Batavia - Donald V. Richardson, Sr., 86 of Batavia passed away on Saturday (December 28, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Richardson was born October 22, 1938 in Delevan, a son of the late Maynard Richardson.

Don served his country as a proud Marine and spent decades working as a dedicated UPS driver, yet his greatest calling was being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He never missed a single one of his grandkids’ games, showing up with an enthusiastic cheer that seemed to brighten everyone’s day. Even after the toughest challenges, Don had a remarkable gift for making people feel valued and reminding them there was always hope to be found. While he cheered loudest for his beloved Yankees and Bills, he saved his biggest cheers for those he loved most. His caring soul, unwavering support, and infectious optimism remain a testament to the extraordinary man he was. He will be deeply missed.

Donald is survived by his children, Lori (John) Thomspon of Attica, and Donald "Duke" (Caroline) Richardson, Jr. of Batavia; grandchildren, Bryan (Robyn) Thompson, Steven Thompson, Owen Thompson, Tanner Richardson, and Sawyer Richardson.

Along with his father, Donald is preceded in death by his wife, Dolores (Pappalardo) Richardson; they were married for 55 years.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday (January 10, 2025) from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica, where Donald's memorial service will immediately follow at 12:00 noon. Rev. Bill Hockey will officiate. Donald will be laid to rest with military honors in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make a memorial contribution to either Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 or the Wyoming County SPCA, PO Box 269, Attica, New York 14011. Online condolences may be left at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Attica - Kathleen L. Morse, 80 of Attica passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rochester Community Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rochester.

Mrs. Morse was born September 9, 1944 in Elmira, a daughter of the late Hugh and Jesse (Brewer) McCall.

Kathy loved spending time with her family and friends. Through the years she enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golfing, gathering to watch the Bills, and  “secret trips” to the casino. The winter months were spent poolside reading or at the beach in Venice, Florida. Most importantly, she created a home with her husband that made everyone feel welcomed, fed, and oftentimes on a visit you parted with something, whether it be an old treasure, a new find, or a borrowed purse.  Her most treasured gift to all was her sense of humor.

Surviving is her husband of 60 years, Michael L. Morse of Attica; daughters, Jenny (Greg) Arnold of Medina, Kelly (Gregory) Schmieder of Alexander, and Molly (Gary) Schmieder of Attica; grandchildren, Matthew, Katarina (Ryan), Ryan (Jocelyn), Megan (Joe), Hans, and Kevin; sisters, Jeanne (James) Fleet of Venice, Florida, and Betsy (late Matt) Matusicky of Elmira.

Along with her parents, Kathleen is preceded in death by her brother, John McCall; and sister, Ellen Talbot.

Family and friends are invited to attend Kathleen's Celebration of Life from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025,  at Attica's 10th Hole & Golf course, 95 Bunnell Street in Attica. Burial in Alexander Cemetery will be private. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to Stevens Memorial Library, 146 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 or the local charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements for Kathleen were entrusted to Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Cowlesville - Dorothy Ellen Bosket, 85 of Cowlesville passed away on Monday, (December 16, 2024) at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw, where she had been residing.

Ms. Bosket was born August 4, 1939 in Cowlesville, a daughter of the late Fred and Nora (Abbey) Boskat.

Dorothy was afraid of nothing and had an opinion about everything. She loved adventure and life. Later in her life she would remember her trip to Hawaii and several trips to North Dakota through Canada and the United States. Other memories were made with her long time friend Dale Stanley.

Dorothy had no children of her own and became a second mother to all of her nieces and nephews. She had a special place for Shannon Beam (niece) and Sarah Peterik (great niece) who spent time with her as young girls.

Surviving are her sister, Lottie (Frank) Beam; brother-in-law, Paul Kopp; nieces and nephews, Noreen Wolkiewicz, Jeff Kolz, Marty Kolz, Scott Kolz, Chuck Kolz, Corey Kolz, Tim Kopp, Laurie Quinones, Daryl Beam, Shannon Beam, Jay Beam, Kimberly Beam; 22 great nieces and nephews; 7 great great nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents she is predeceased by her sisters, Grace (the late Charles) Kolz and Eathel Kopp; brother, Edward Boskat; niece, Cathy Kopp.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial took place in Cowlesville Cemetery in a private ceremony. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Le Roy - Robert Francis Christner, Sr., 87 of Le Roy passed away on Saturday, (December 21, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Christner was born June 4, 1937 in Pavilion, a son of the late Francis Lee and Genevieve "Jane" (Burns) Christner. He was in the first graduating class of Nortre Dame High School in Batavia, New York.

Robert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. Spending time with his grandkids and great grandchildren brought him so much joy. His AA family was another major source of pride for him as he celebrated almost 60 years of sobriety prior to his passing. Robert spent years volunteering weekly at Attica prison empowering prisoners to stay sober while sharing his experience, strength and hope.

Robert also took great pride in his work as a machine inspector at Precise Tool and Manufacturing in Rochester, NY.

Robert is survived by his children Lynn Smart, Elizabeth “Lisa” (Dave) Mulcahy, Robert F. Christner Jr., Judith (John) Simmins, and Jennifer (Jason)  Hodge; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; siblings Richard of Perry, Donald (Susan) of FL, William Christner of Rochester, Phyllis Dimmick of FL, Helen Whaley of Pavilion, Deborah (Steven) Fay of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is reunited in death with his wife of 46 years Rosalie “Rose” Christner, his parents; Jane Christner and Francis Christner, and sisters Margaret Christner and  Elizabeth Stephens.

A celebration of life is being planned for Summer 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Barbara Ann (Rowe) Wolf, 86, was born on November 16, 1938 and passed away peacefully at Crossroads House in Batavia on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Barbara was the meal site manager for the Senior Meal Program in Corfu for 40 years. She was a Sunday School teacher, member of Home Bureau, member of the Pembroke Historical Society and helped run the Brick House Corners Fair in Pembroke for many years. Barbara enjoyed camping, baking, gardening, feeding the birds and taking care of her beloved dog, Cierra. Barbara and her hugs, will be greatly missed by her family and friends along with her new family at The Manor House in Batavia, where she and her husband John had moved to in March of 2024.

Barbara is survived by her her devoted husband of 67 years, John Wolf along with their four children; Debbie Hinze of Batavia, Donald (Kelly) Wolf of Lockport, Beth Ann Thornley of Batavia and Pam Wolf of Florida; granddaughter Sydney Wolf of Maine; her sisters, Beverly Smith of Florida, Sharon Mye of Ohio and her brother Dennis (Rose) Rowe of Delevan, NY.  Many beloved nieces and nephews also survive as well as her precious dog, Cierra.

There will be no calling hours. Burial will be Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Western New York National Cemetery at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

There will be a Celebration of Life held in the spring, with a date to be determined later.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021 or the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main Street Rd., Batavia, NY 14020.

Christopher Decker, age 55, of Attica, passed away at his home on December 30, 2024.
 

Chris was born on October 26, 1969 in Amsterdam, New York, a son of Michael and Linda (White) Walko.
 

Chris was an intelligent man of patience, kindness, compassion for others, and had a keen eye for detail. He always had a positive attitude and was very generous in his community. Chris loved the outdoors, enjoyed kayaking, cycling, and spending quality time with his son. He was considered the Grill master that enjoyed cooking and entertaining for his close friends and family. He worked for 20 years at PolyFusion, taught electronics at Genesee Valley Boces, and worked at Moog Inc where he shared his passion and expertise with various areas in the field of electronics.

Chris valued the importance of family and helping others when he could that were in need. Chris proudly stated often that his best accomplishment in life was his son, he was a very attentive, and loving father.
 

Surviving is his wife, Pamela (Keating) Decker; son, Christopher Decker Jr.; brother, Michael (Cheryl) Walko, and many nieces and nephews. In death Chris is reunited with his brother, Jason Walko, his grandmothers Mildred Decker, and Naida Walko.
 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home, Attica. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street Attica, New York. Chris’ Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00am at Marley Funeral Home, Attica. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
 

Memorials will be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica NY 14011.

Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Donald E. Benham, 92 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (January 1, 2025) at Brothers of Mercy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born March 25, 1932 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Harry and Daisy Mae Setzer Benham.

Donald served his country with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was employed by Eastman Kodak prior to his retirement. He enjoyed gardening and working around his home.

He is survived by his daughters, Debra (Thomas Rossi) Columbo of Rochester, Laura Finch of Batavia, Sally (Harry) Brown of West Barre and Janine (Kenneth) McKenrick of Batavia. Sons, Robert Benham of Cuba and Donald (Jennifer) Benham of Cuba. Longtime friend, Charlotte Fico. Also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was the brother of the late Florence Benham, Wilma Benham and Mae Gullion.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhome.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Benjamin C. Mancuso, Jr., age 91, a lifelong resident of Batavia, NY, passed away on December 31, 2024. He was a successful family businessman and dedicated community volunteer whose contributions enriched both his hometown and the broader region. He shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage with his adoring wife, Mercedes Ann (Mahoney) Mancuso, whom he married in 1958. Mercedes passed away in 2009, a loss Ben carried with grace and love for their enduring bond. Together, they raised four children: Rick (Julie), Mark, Lynn (Tom) Houseknecht, and Ben III (Kara) Mancuso.

Ben's professional life was deeply rooted in the family business, Charles Mancuso & Son, where his leadership and dedication were evident throughout the years. He spent his entire career in business with his dad, uncles, brothers, cousins and sons. He retired as the the president of the company after a full, successful career. His commitment to service was equally remarkable, both locally and beyond. He served as past president or board member of the Lions Club, the Batavia Club, Children's Home Foundation, Batavia Youth Football, Stafford Country Club, and Genesee Memorial Hospital. His civic engagement extended regionally, where he contributed as a member of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Board, Chairman of the Erie Niagara Insurance Board, Chairman of the Bank of Castile Board, and as a member of the AAA of Western New York Board of Directors, among others.

Ben also had a passion for the arts, particularly theater. A gifted actor and director, he brought stories to life through Rotary Show productions, with his most cherished role as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Over the years, he directed numerous productions, leaving an indelible mark on the local theater community.

A man of many interests, Ben was an avid bridge player, meeting weekly with friends until the age of 89. He was also a lifelong golfer and a longtime member of Stafford Country Club. Summers at Silver Lake were among Ben’s happiest times, where he created countless cherished memories on the water with family. Winters in Florida were filled with family, friends, and wonderful dinners, making every season of his life meaningful and joy filled.

A devoted family man, Ben was a proud grandfather to Morgan Mancuso Sicheri, Alexandra (Donnie) DiLaura, Patrick (Emily) Mancuso, Madelyn Mancuso, Scott (Moira) Mancuso, Kristin Mancuso, Mark (Melissa) Houseknecht, Craig (Taylor) Houseknecht, Eric Houseknecht, Ted (Zach) Houseknecht, Benjamin IV (Becca) Mancuso, and Ross Mancuso. He also treasured his 12 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way (including Benjamin V), who brought him immense joy. Ben is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ben was predeceased by his beloved grandson Ricky Mancuso, his parents Benjamin Sr. and Laura (LaRussa) Mancuso, his siblings James (Clarissa), Dominic (Margaret), Joseph (Beverly), and Carmen (Anthony) Catinella and his cherished wife, Mercedes.

Today in heaven mom and dad are dancing, he is singing vibrantly, and likely soon to be president of their Wine Collectors Club.

His Mass of Christian Burial for Benjamin will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 7th at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, St. Joseph site, 303 East Main Street. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, your kind memorial would be accepted by Notre Dame High School or Rochester Regional Health at UMMC. 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.

Sally Noreen Hayward Derrick, age 89, of LeRoy, passed into heaven on December 30, 2024 while at home with her family.

     Sally was born September 4, 1935 to Elizabeth J. Adams Hayward (Crane) and Charles B. Hayward Jr. She married Donald L. Derrick on August 20, 1960 and was married for 62 years.   

  Sally worked at ACME Markets in LeRoy and General Electric in Brockport for several years, then various other jobs including school lunch lady, crossing guard, and as a nursing assistant. She was a dedicated member of the community and leaves a long history of volunteer work, fostering children, and hosting Fresh Air children from New York City. Sally was a long standing member of the First Baptist Church of LeRoy.

     Sally was very talented in crafting, such as knitting, crocheting, and baking. She blessed others with her creations. She also had a fondness for animals and was never without them, creating her own little "farm" in the village. Above all, she loved her family and wanted to be involved in family life.  When she was able, Sally greatly enjoyed going to local restaurants and chatting with friends. Many came to know her this way in her later years.

     Sally leaves behind her brother, Manley Crane; four children, Robert Derrick, Laurie (Tom) Roth, Wendy (Rick) Weber and Tammy Blair; eight grandchildren, Jesse (Emily) Roth, Benjamin (Airin) Roth, Matthew Derrick, Joshua Derrick, Alexander (Nicole) Roth, Eric Weber, Bethany Roth, Kristopher Weber: special foster granddaughter, Bernadette Pickett; and six great-grandchildren. 

     Sally is predeceased by her parents; step-father, Delancey Crane; her husband, Donald; her brother, Charles B. Hayward lll; her son-in-law, James Blair; step-sisters and brothers, Marion (Harry) Crane Cross, Evelyn (Otto) Crane Zeches, Anna (Floyd) Crane Nelan, Howard (Emily) Crane, and Albert (Doris) Crane. 

     A memorial service will be held on January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 5 East Main Street, LeRoy.

     Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020.

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

Roland Andrew Boyce, 95, of Pavilion, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024 at his home.

Roland was born April 28, 1929 in Elba, a son of the late Benjamin and Ogreta Frens Boyce.

Roland was a special equipment mechanic at New York Telephone.  He was an Army veteran who proudly served his country during the Korean War. He enjoyed mowing lawns, working on cars, having Saturday morning coffee with his son and will be remembered as a handyman.

Surviving are his wife, Gloria Boyce of Pavilion; daughters, Cindy Cerce of Tennessee, Sue (Mark) Seweryniak of Batavia; sons, William (Bill) Boyce of Corfu and Randy (June) Boyce, Jr. of Oakfield; step-children, Gary (Lauri) Brennan of LeRoy, David (Lisa) Brennan of Rochester, Brenda Godfrey of Michigan and Brian (Cheryl) Brennan of Pavilion; daughter-in-law, Dee Boyce of Oakfield; 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by first wife, Nancy Boyce (2000); sons, John (Jack) Boyce and Robert (Bob) Boyce; grandson, Casey Boyce; daughter-in-law, Chrissy Boyce; son-in-law, Dominic Cerce and fourteen brothers and sisters.

There are no prior calling hours.  Roland's funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28th, 2025 at the Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu.  Please assemble at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the Pavilion Rescue Squad, 11302 South Lake Road, Pavilion, NY 14525.  

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

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

Joseph J. Mortellaro, age 88, of Corfu, passed away at his home on December 27, 2024.

He was born on August 13, 1936 in Batavia a son of the late Ignazio and Carmella (Dorsey) Mortellaro.

Known as "Mr. Bowling" throughout the Genesee Region for his numerous accomplishments on the lanes and his contributions to the sport over seven decades, Joe was a member of the inaugural Batavia Bowling Association Hall of Fame Class of 1973 in the Bowling Achievement category. In 2000, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame's Meritorious Service category.

Joe was a perennial all-star in the Classic League at Mancuso Lanes and earned multiple tournament victories -- including the Batavia Masters in 1970 and 1993, the Autumn Classic at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion in 2000 and many Batavia and Perry association team, doubles, singles and all-events crowns.

His classic form at the line enabled him to roll countless 700 series and several 300 games, with his last perfect game coming at the age of 74 in January 2011. Joe bowled in leagues at various centers in the area, consistently posting 200-plus averages. He averaged 200 in league play at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield in 2014 at the age of 78.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment occurred in April 2019 in Las Vegas when he competed in his 50th United States Bowling Congress Championship Tournament. USBC officials presented him with a plaque during a ceremony at the South Point Bowling Plaza.

Off the lanes, Joe served as president of the Batavia Bowling Association from 1970-1992 while also becoming well known as a bowling ball driller and, from 1982-2010, as owner of Joe's Pro Shop in Batavia.

He enjoyed having breakfast with friends and family at local restaurants on a weekly basis. Joe enjoyed hosting parties at his home for family and friends that would total over 90 people. Joe proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War.

Surviving are his brother, Richard (Kathleen) Mortellaro, Sr.; sister-in-law, Shirley Mortellaro; nieces and nephews, Richard Mortellaro, Jr., Ann Marie (Rich) Marasciulo, Tina (David) Curtis, Susan (Chris) Parker, Jeannie (John) Mazurowski, Mark (Kelly) McVay Alfred (Donna) McVay, Jr., Patty Stewart, Franny Cassaro, Bruce Cassaro, David (Beth) Cassaro, David Stellar, Rodney Stellar, Gary VanValkenburg, Donna (Andy Rogers)  Nelson, Dennis Jay, David (Beth) Mortellaro, Danny Mortellaro, Todd Mortellaro, Scott Mortellaro, Timmy (Jamie) Mortellaro, Russell (Teri) Mortellaro and Larry (Nina) Mortellaro along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife Sandra Tiede Mortellaro and his siblings, Mary (Tony) Cassaro, Jenny Stellar, Casper (Elaine) Mortellaro, Frank (Arlene) Mortellaro, Ross (Rose) VanValkenburg, Anthony Mortellaro and Carmella "Millie" (Alfred, Sr.) McVay and uncle of the late Cathy McVay Hein.

There are no prior calling hours. Private burial with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1 pm to 4 pm at Batavia Country Club, 7909 Batavia Byron Road, Batavia. Please consider memorials in Joe's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Joe's name please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

December 14, 1959 - December 19, 2024

Lisa Eileen Cooper Rich never did anything half-way. She was a woman of immense love, strength, generosity, creativity, and focus.

Raised in Batavia, NY she was a daughter of Jeanne and the late Ned Cooper and sister to LexAnn, Lyndon, and Leslie. She had followed Leslie to of all places, Tulsa, OK, to begin her accounting career and there met Garnet Rich.  She was transferred to Dallas and again met, Garnet, whom she married in 1987. They moved to his hometown of Toronto in Canada, establishing a beautiful life there and at Muskoka Lake with their devoted sons, Ryan and Ross.

From graduating Batavia High School in only three years to attending, at just 17, FIT in NYC and then transferring and graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in accounting and finance; working at Big Four Accounting firms as a CPA in the USA and as a Chartered Accountant in Canada; being a world-class wife of Garnet Rich; raising two loving sons, Ryan and Ross; fostering a lovely and nurturing home life; she brought with her her legendary passion.

Lisa will be remembered most as a devoted wife, mother and mother-in-law; for her generous spirit; determination to achieve which ever goal she set; grace and refined taste; epic party planning; and her immense strength (especially during her battle with cancer).

Lisa passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 19, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

She left this world better than she found it.

A family service was held on December 20, 2024 in Toronto, Canada at Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle please visit: https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/theglobeandmail/name/lisa-rich-obituary?id=57063718

Memorial donations may be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. www.pmcf.ca/donate or 416-946-6560.

Robert Patrick Elkins, 78 of Pembroke, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. He had been ill for a few months.

Born in Buffalo, NY, July 24, 1946, Robert was the son of the late Garland and Madeline Elkins. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy, serving on the USS Forrestal from 1963 to 1968.

After coming home from the Navy, he met his wife Mary Kent and they were married on June 6, 1970. After marriage, he drove a taxicab in Buffalo for a while until starting R&R Painting, which he owned and operated from 1973 to 1985. From there, Robert worked for Orleans County Municipal from 1985 to 1990. In 1990 Robert went to Albany, NY to start his career in the New York State Department of Corrections where he served from 1990 to 2008. 

After retirement, he enjoyed serving the Lord through which he received the Certificate of Ministry in 2003 and received the license to preach in 2006; both achieved through the General Council of the Association of the Assemblies of God.

Through his retirement, Robert enjoyed fishing with his family, traveling with his wife and eventually he joined the American Legion. Robert received the Hiram G. Luhman American Legion Post #626 Legionnaire of the Year Award in 2016 and 2021. While serving in the American Legion as the Reverend of the Legion, he devoted much of his time with the Western New York National Cemetery, where he officiated funeral services for fallen soldiers and veterans alike. In August 2021 he received a certificate of appreciation for his generous work and dedication of Volunteering for the National Cemetery by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Robert also loved riding his motorcycle with the Patriot Guard where he attended many funeral processions for veterans.

Robert is survived by his wife Mary of 54 years, his son Shawn Elkins of Batavia and his son Jeremiah and wife Kristen Elkins of Pembroke and his granddaughter Izabella Elkins of Pembroke.

Calling hours for Robert will be Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held from the mortuary on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Aaron Galanti, age 50, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2024.

He was born on December 10, 1974 in Batavia, the son of Martin Galanti and Felicia Zaremski Cecere.

Spending time with his family and friends was important to him. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Growing up, Aaron played T-ball, Little League Baseball and softball. He was a Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Sabres and NY Yankees fan and also enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR races.

Aaron was passionate about cooking, grilling and especially baking, making Placek at Easter time and pear pies every fall with his mother.

Aaron was an animal lover and had four dogs throughout his life. He was very kind, loving, generous and extremely loyal to family and friends. Quick with a smile and wise crack, Aaron always added fun and laughs to every occasion.

He enjoyed and took pride in his garage/man cave, where he gathered for good times, while his friends admired his memorabilia.

He was a dedicated employee of Batavia Downs for sixteen years occupying the position of Track Superintendent for the past four and a half.

Surviving is his father, Martin Galanti of Batavia, mother, Felicia (Tom) Cecere of Bergen, brothers, Marty (Melissa) Galanti II of Liverpool, NY and Mark (Dana) Galanti of Bayport, NY. stepbrother, Thomas (Sandy) Cecere, Nieces and nephews, Matthew, Gabriella, Brianna Galanti, all of Liverpool and Nicholas and Emma Galanti, both of Bayport, Taylor, Thomas, and Tori Cecere. He is also survived by many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Also, lifelong friend, Doug Houseknecht. 

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on January 2, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00pm at Bohm- Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia NY 14020. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 3, at 12pm at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St, Batavia, NY 14020. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Katherine Rapp of Churchville, New York (December 28, 2024) Passed peacefully at her home in Churchville surrounded by her loving family and her mother at her side. Kathy fought a long and valiant battle with cancer.

She was born December 23, 1959, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, the eldest daughter of the late Francis August Angel. and Gayle (Tipper) Angel.

Prior to her retirement she had a long and successful career as an engineering manager in the space and defense sector that included a significant role in building and deploying the Chandra Space Telescope.

Kathy loved her vegetable garden and was active in church life serving as a sound and lighting technician as well as directing large musical productions. She was an integral part of The Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas program.

Kathy will always be remembered as someone who was straight forward, well organized, hardworking and always compassionate. Kathy always made time for people. She saw value in everyone.

Surviving is her husband, Todd L. Rapp, children, Glenn Lewis Rapp (Rochester), Margaret C Whitbeck, Daughter in Law, Leah Knapton Rapp; grandson, Jonathan Francis Whitbeck, Mother Gayle Angel of Lakeland FL, siblings, Kevin (Anne) Angel of Melbourne FL, and Kendra (Elwin) Dobson of Houston TX.

She is predeceased by her father, Francis August Angel and her eldest brother Keith Angel.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia where Kathy's Funeral Service will immediately follow. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yale, Michigan 10:30am, January 11th, 2025.

Kathy loved flowers and they would be welcome. Memorial contributions may also be made to The Salvation Army, 529 East Main Street, Batavia NY 14020.