Obituaries

Richard E. Mills, 93 of Pavilion passed away on September 11, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green. 

     Richard was born December 9, 1930, a son of the late Elmer and Myra Mills.    

  Richard was a retired truck driver for Greer Trucking in Avon. He was a lifelong farmer who enjoyed raising Black Angus beef cattle and being involved in the Genesee County 4-H Meat Animal Program. He was also a past Fire Commissioner with the Pavilion Fire Department. Anyone who knew him appreciated his practical jokes and great sense of humor. 

     Richard is survived by his daughter Cindy (Wayne) Wood, daughter-in-law Kathy Mills, brother Elmer Mills Jr., sister-in-law Sharon (Dick) Herman, grandchildren Jeff (April) Mills, Alex (Brad Lamie) Wood, Kim (Dave) Gross, Ty (Chloe) Wood, 9 great grandchildren Lliam, Kierdon, Brody, Paisley, Palmer, Cooper, Dutton, Poppy and Montana. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family members. 

     In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan W. Mills, son, Donald Mills, sisters, Edna Bater, Marguerite Dibble, and Ruth Eick. 

     Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday September 17, 2024 from 2 ~ 4 PM at Falcone Family Funeral and Cremation Service located at 8700 Lake St. Rd. LeRoy, NY 14482.   A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the immediate family. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pavilion Fire Department, P.O.BOX 156 Pavilion, NY 14525. 

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Richard’s family at www.falconesfuneralhome.com . 

Pavilion ~ Robert T. Kilpatrick, age 94, of South Street Road, passed away at home Tuesday evening (Sept. 10, 2024) under the loving care of his daughter and son-in-law.

     He was born November 18, 1929 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Robert A. and Mary Margaret (Hernon) Kilpatrick.  He graduated from Jamestown (NY) High School in 1948 and for several years worked as a reporter for the Jamestown (NY) Post Journal.  In 1956, he graduated from SUNY at Fredonia, which led to a 36 year involvement in education.  First as a classroom teacher in the Lancaster (NY) School District and for 22 years as Business Administrator at Royalton-Hartland Central School in Middleport (NY).  In 1966 he received an Educational Masters Degree from the University of Buffalo.    

 In 1955, Bob married Mary Helen Rutherford at St. Joseph’s Church, Fredonia, NY and in July of 2014, they celebrated their 59^th wedding anniversary.  In July 1992, he retired and later in the summer of 2002, they built a retirement home in the Pavilion-LeRoy area.  Over the years, he and his wife did extensive research on family histories of both the Kilpatrick and Rutherford families.

     During their life together, they found time to restore a 250 year old stone house in Middleport.  They also traveled to Italy, Alaska, the Amazon River area of Brazil, the Hawaiian Islands and the Caribbean Sea Islands.  For many years an annual visit was made to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Mary Helen passed away on December 30, 2014 after a long illness.

     Bob was a member of the Middleport, NY Rotary Club for 31 years.  During that period he served as president twice and was honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

     Bob is survived by his four children; Margaret Mary (Douglas) Thater of Pavilion, Kathryn Anne (Laurence) Symenow of Winchester, VA, Geoffrey Robert (Catherine) Lewis of Denver, CO and Dion Andrew (Lisa) Lewis of Amherst, NH.  These three were raised by the Kilpatricks upon the sudden death of their parents, Gordon and Mary Elizabeth (Kilpatrick) Lewis in an automobile accident.  Also surviving are ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and a cousin, Lucille Elizabeth Kilpatrick of Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario.

     In addition to his wife and sister, Bob, was predeceased by a grandson, Aaron.

     Family and friends are invited to attend Bob’s Rite of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 5 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to VNA of Western NY, 7070 Telephone Road, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525.  

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

Batavia- Donald R Priolo, aged 72, passed away on July 12, 2024, in his hometown of Batavia, NY at Crossroads House. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.

He was born on January 25, 1952, in Batavia, NY. A son of the late Paul and Irene Priolo, Donald was a beloved local figure known for his gentle and humble demeanor, and deep love for his family.

Donald graduated from Batavia Senior High in 1971 and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1972 until 1974, upon his honorable discharge. His passion for military history, especially the Civil War, deepened. After his service, he often shared his extensive knowledge and stories with fellow history enthusiasts.

Donald's legacy continues through his daughter Jamie Schultz (Rick Townley) and his cherished grandchildren, Ricky and Taya (Nic). Survived by his two brothers, Louis (Linda) and David (Bonnie) Priolo, and one sister, Rita (Priolo) Larson, brother-in-law John Karle, and many nieces and nephews.

In death Donald is reunited with his parents, Paul and Irene Priolo; sister, Ann Marie (Priolo) Karle, brother-in-law, Richard Larson, and cousin, Joe Harkness.

Donald will be missed by his beloved family and extended family; David and William; nephews Alexander (Danielle), William Jr. (Mina), and predeceased by Ann and George.

Calling hours will be on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street Batavia, NY. Military honors and interment will be on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 1:00pm in Western New York Veteran’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads House- 11 Liberty St, Batavia, NY 14020, or the American Cancer Society, honoring Donald's compassionate spirit.

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

In loving memory of my husband; Fredit Pomales-Love Carmen - 09/13/2023
Love Carmen, Sandra, Alex, Chris and Devin.

After a long, full life, Hazel Elizabeth Hagen left her earthly cares behind and entered into her eternal rest on September 10, 2024.

She was born December 27^th, 1928 to William Wallace Dawson & his wife, Clotilda (Foster) Dawson; the 7^th of their nine children. She was a native Batavian and spent her entire life as a resident here.

She was a consummate mother, grandmother & great grandmother, always ready with a batch of oatmeal-raisin cookies or a handmade blanket to comfort anyone who walked through her door.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law; Steven & Ellen Hagen, her daughter-in-law; Phyllis Hagen, as well as her grandchildren; Bevan, Martin, Ethan (Lisa), and Joshua (Steffanie) Hagen, Rachael (Joseph) Ciociola, Emma (Willie) Irvin, Adah Hagen (Joseph Clingan), Danielle (Andrew) Stoughton, Elissa (James) Young, Noelle (Jared) Brown, Acacia Hagen, and many great grand children. 

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard Hagen and her son Dr. Mark Hagen. 

A Celebration of her life will be held at a future date.

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 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Elmer C. Draper, 86, of Oakfield, passed away on September 6, 2024 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.  He was very proud to be a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Elmer was born August 31, 1938 in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Elmer and Nora (Bowman) Draper.

Elmer enjoyed the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top and also enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was a fan of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills.  Elmer retired from Graham Corporation.

Surviving are his children, Michael (Nancy) Draper, Michele (David) Bennett and John (Jen) Draper and grandchildren, Sean, Illeana and Camden.

Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Draper.  

Elmer's Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd, Corfu.  Please assemble at the cemetery by 12:45 p.m.  

Memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home, Attention: Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

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

Michael J. Adamczyk, 40 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Wednesday (September 4, 2024) at his residence.

He was born July 28, 1984, a son of Terry (Pempsell) Adamczyk of Akron and the late David Adamczyk.

Mike was an assistant manager for Orville’s Home Appliance in Amherst, NY. He was a goofy guy with a quick wit. The type of guy who liked chicken wings, pizza, putting hot sauce on his popcorn and Worcestershire sauce on his mac salad. He enjoyed football, camping and just hanging out with his family. Family was everything to him, especially his wife and daughters, who were the apple in his eye. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Surviving besides his mother is his wife, Heather (Testa) Adamczyk of Akron. Daughters, Adalynn and Grace Adamczyk. Brothers, David Adamczyk of Akron and Daniel (Tami) Adamczyk of Elma. Nephew and niece, Daniel and Aurora Adamczyk. Father in-law and mother in-law, James and Tracy Testa of Alden. Sister in-law, Valerie (Darren Dojka) Testa.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (September 14^th) from 1-4pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY, where a Celebration of Life Service will commence at 4pm.

Flowers are gratefully declined and memorial contributions may be made to the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family atwww.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

Alexander - Donald T. Shaw, 85 of Alexander passed away on Thursday, (September 5, 2024) at his home in Alexander.

Mr. Shaw was born May 6, 1939 in Sheldon, a son of the late Bernard and Ruth (Hale) Shaw. Along with his parents, Donald is reunited in death with his best friend and Sweetie Pie, his wife, Mary (Kreutter) Shaw; son, Duane Shaw; and brothers, Newton (late Thelma) Shaw, and Clayton Shaw.

Donald was a 65 year member of the Alexander Fire Department and a member of the Genesee County Highway Superintendents Association. He will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, hardworking man who would do anything, for anybody. His love of silly songs will be missed by his family and friends alike.  

Survivors include his children, Dean Shaw of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Douglas (late Arleen) Shaw of Batavia, Daniel Shaw of Alexander, Donna (Michael) Ciurzynski of Akron, Denise (Paul) Jones of Batavia, and Deborah (Paul) Remsen of Batavia; grandchildren, Timothy (Jessica) Ciurzynski, Katie (Tyler) Reagan, Melissa Ciurzynski, Jacob Jones, Alison Jones, Marc Remsen, Molly Remsen, Shawn Shaw, Sharon Shaw, Mikhayla Shaw, and Erika (Anthony) Brothers; great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Oliver, Emilia, Weslynn, and Sylas. Many nieces, nephews, and his cat and best friend, Muffins also survives.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (September 13, 2024)  from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, (September 14, 2024) from Sts. Joachim & Anne (St. Vincent Worship Site), 50 East Avenue in Attica.  Burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery in Attica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, New York 14005 or Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Kirk D. Gildner, “Moose”, 63 of Alexander, died Sunday, September 1, 2024 after a long illness surrounded by his family.

Kirk was born on June 12, 1961 to David and Nora Bagg Gildner.

Kirk enjoyed riding his motorcycle, being on the water in his boat, camping and hunting. He retired as a truck driver, working for Seimax, M&T Trucking, Waltons Milk Haulers and WJW Trucking.

Surviving along with his parents David and Nora are his son Brian (Angela) Gildner of Byron, a brother Scott (Winnie) Gildner of Alexander, a sister Kim (William) Sobczak of Batavia, 4 grandchildren, CJ Anderson, Jayden Hughes, Harley and Nora Gildner; along with six nieces and nephews, Justin (Christina), Tara, Erika (Marc), Allison (Mike), Selina (George) and Scott Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 12th at the St. Maximilian Church Hall, 8656 Church Street, East Pembroke, NY, where the family will receive family and friends from 4 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family and sent to C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., PO Box 338 Corfu, NY 14036.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Jean Marilyn (Seekins) Harms, age 86, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born June 25, 1938 in Batavia, New York the only child of Harry and Helen Seekins.

She married David Harms and enjoyed a long, happy marriage of 64 years. They had two children together. She was a loving and devoted mother to: Crystal (Joseph) Jeziorski of Brockport, NY; Steven (Kristina) of Raleigh, NC.  They had two grandchildren:  Blake Harms of Raleigh, NC and Erika Harms of Washington, DC. Jean is also survived by cousins Donna Kauffman; Donald Seekins; several nieces and nephews, and the Jantzi Family; Todd, Sandra, Cal and Zak. 

In her youth, Jean, was a very active member in the Happy Hopper 4H club.  At age 16 her winning apple pie recipe was published in the Batavia Daily Newspaper.  In 1966 they also published her Caramel Pecan Honey Rolls recipe.   Jean graduated from Batavia High School in 1956 and received a Master’s degree in teaching home economics from Oneonta College in 1960; eventually teaching primary-age students in East Pembroke.

During the years that Jean’s husband was fire chief, she was active in East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department’s ladies auxiliary.  She also joined David with getting her General class ham radio license (KA2GLR) and was active in the Genesee Radio Amateurs club.  Jean was leader of her daughter’s 4H club the Clever Clovers for 5 years.  She also played the piano and organ. 

After her retirement in 1993, Jean started line dancing and doing it for 30 years until she turned 85.  She started tracing her family’s genealogy making it into an obsession. Jean enjoyed 55 years of camping, many cruises, and 22 winters in Winterset Resort, Florida.  She also enjoyed playing Solitaire and Mahjong and helping her husband with jigsaw puzzles.

There will be no prior calling hours. The family will have a brief ceremony at Grand View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056.  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 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

John J. Derleth Sr. 89, of Batavia passed away on Tuesday September 3, 2024. He was born in Rochester on June 11, 1935 to the late Elmer and Arlene (Dilmore) Derleth. In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his wives; Nancy Strike and Patricia Farrell; brothers Richard, Tom, Gerald and Lawrence; and sister Mary Ann.

Mr. Derleth owned the Byron Hotel for 25 years. He was a family man who loved his wife, movies, reading, classical music, walking, the Opera and watching Golf on TV. John will be remembered for being hard working and a loyal and caring neighbor. 

He is survived by his children; Christine (Richard) Thomas of Williamsville, Shirley (Allen) Shaffer of FL, John (Betty) Derleth Jr. of NC, Mary Moskal of Dunkirk, Roy (Nancy) Johnson of NH, Wade Johnson of IL; brother Harry Derleth of CA; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

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.

Eileen S. Tomidy, 93, passed away quietly the early morning of September 3^rd at The Le Roy Village Green Nursing Facility where she had been a resident for two months. For twenty-one years prior, she lived in an in-law apartment in the original Tomidy family home under the diligent and loving care of her daughter and son-in law, Maureen and Gerry Calmes.  

   Eileen was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt (Auntie Nell), sister, friend, neighbor, and devout Roman Catholic.

     Eileen was born to John and Ellen (Murphy) Stack in 1931 in Ballybunion, Ireland, but Youghal (County Cork) was her home town. She was the fifth oldest of twelve children. In her early twenties, Eileen emigrated to Toronto, Canada, where she lived with her sister and brother-in-law, Maura and John Dickson. There she met Donald Scheuing from LeRoy; they soon married and settled in LeRoy, NY. After her husband’s sudden passing in 1961, Eileen stayed in LeRoy to raise their two children with the loving support of the Scheuing/Scanlan families.

     In 1969 Eileen married Dr. K. Michael (Mike) Tomidy (deceased, 1995) to whom she was married for thirty-four years. Eileen loved her family. A homemaker with five children, Eileen was a bowler, an avid bridge player, and a voracious player of the card game Skat/31; she was also known for making and distributing her famous Irish Soda Bread, rooting for her beloved Buffalo Bills, and for crocheting baby blankets/caps for her children, grandchildren and any other family friend who was expecting. Eileen also enjoyed traveling to Canada to visit her sister, to Ireland (occasionally) to visit her family, and (later) to Poughkeepsie, NY, to watch her youngest son Alan play college basketball at Marist College. Eventually, she would be a proud member of the Red Hat Society. Through it all, with her charming and a captivating Irish brogue,      

Eileen remained very proud of her Irish heritage. Her expressions “One day at a time, Sweet Jesus,” “God Bless ye” and “Come in if you're good looking” surely resonate in many ears.

     In addition to her parents, her husbands, and eight siblings, Eileen was predeceased by her dear friend, Jack Fay, and many close friends. 

     She is survived by her children: Kasey (Eileen) Tomidy, Stephen Tomidy, John “J.D.” (Karen) Tomidy, Maureen (Gerry) Calmes, and Alan (Jessica) Tomidy.  She is also survived by grandchildren Chloe Corcoran, Nicholas (Lindsay) Tomidy, Rachel (Jimmy) Niziurski, Lindsey Tomidy, Evan (Nicole) Calmes, Brian Calmes, Andrew Tomidy, Avelin Tomidy, Alaria Tomidy, and Alexander Tomidy, four great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friend Millie Tomidy-Pepper.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, September 7^th, from 2 ~ 5 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Street Road, LeRoy, NY.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, on Monday, September 9^th, at 11 A.M.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Parish.

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

Diane C. Smith, 73 of Corfu, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

Diane was born August 1, 1951 to the late Loren Vincent and Naomi (Bernard) Vincent Hale 
(Clarence Hale). Diane was also predeceased by her beloved son, Alan Burfield. 

Diane retired from P.W. Minor Shoe Factory in Batavia and for many years, worked with her sister at Linda’s Diner, waitressing, where she made many friends. She enjoyed bowling, her garden and going to the auction with her brother Danny. The most imprint thing to Diane was spending time with her family. She also loved hitting up the casino!

Diane is survived by her siblings; Linda (Darrell) Richley, Larry (Donna) Vincent, Danny (Debi) Vincent and Jim (Debbie) Hale; her partner of 20 years, John Sobczak; her children, William (Michelle) Smith, Brian (Gina) Smith and Stacy (Brian) Wilt; John's children, Loni (Randy) Fancher and Andy (Christine) Sobczak; grandchildren, Seth Wilt, Samantha Smith, Miranda Wilt, Taylor and Ethan Fancher. Many nieces and nephews also survive along with her loving companion Roscoe.

Family and friends may call Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street Corfu, NY.

Diane will be laid to rest next to her beloved son Alan, on Sunday, September 8th at 11:30 a.m. in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.

Donald J. Best, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (September 2, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

He was born November 12, 1942 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Earl Best and Amelia Sitzman Royal.

Don was employed by Lapp Insulator in LeRoy, NY prior to his retirement. He also tended bar at numerous establishments around Attica, which he enjoyed because he was a great communicator and listener. But Don will be also remembered for the time he volunteered at Crossroads House in Batavia. For over 24 years, he spent so much time and energy helping for such a great cause. He was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Genesee County Independent Living and Office for the Aging. Don could also be seen volunteering at the Genesee County Tourist Booth in Batavia.

Don enjoyed his family and spent the past 17 winters in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he would enjoy time with his wife. He will be surely missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Judi Hopkins Best of Batavia. Son, David (Debra) Best of Attica. Daughter, Sheila Best of Batavia. Grandchildren, Craig, Trever, Richard, Kyle, Juan, Cristiana, Esperanza, Santiago and Anthony. Great-grandchildren, Avery, Austin, Juan Jr., Nyeli and Oakley. Brothers, David (Denise) Best of Tennessee, Robert (Martha) Best of California and Patrick (Darlene) Best of Attica. Brother-in-law, Gary (Lynne) Hopkins of Attica. Sisters-in-law, Doris (late John) Warner of Belfast, Donna (Jim) Zevola of Lake Peekskill, NY, Diane (late Paul) Hendel of Attica, and Joan (Paul) Kulczyk of Batavia.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (Sept. 7^th) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm.

Memorial contributions may be offered to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

Wilbur A. Gray, age 77, of Batavia, passed away on August 5, 2024 at the Batavia VA Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 4, 1947 in Batavia, New York to the late Alfred E. Gray, Sr. and Dorothy Andrews Gray.

Wilbur served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a dedicated member and past commander of the VFW Post No. 1602 and American Legion in Batavia. Wilbur was also a member of the Moose Club of LeRoy and served as the State Bowling Chairman for the VFW for many years. Wintering for many years in Brooksville, Florida, Wilbur loved his family and was a cherished member of the community.

Wilbur is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dawn Worthington Gray; daughters, Michelle Fenstermaker and Sherry (Jeff) Crane; son, Allen Gray; grandchildren, Jamie (Bryan Calmes) McClurg, Brenna Fenstermaker, Carson and Cade Crane; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Kollin; brothers, his twin, David L. Gray and Herbert (Don McCall) Gray; many nieces and nephews including Earl and Robert Benson whom he raised.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Collin Crane, brother Alfred E. Gray, Jr., and sister Virginia Gray Benson.

His family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Wilbur's medical team at the Batavia VA Medical Center for the excellent care provided to him while he resided there for the past 20 months.

There are no prior calling hours. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11 am at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu. Please assemble at the cemetery by 10:45 am.

Wilbur will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

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 of Batavia.