Obituaries

Charles Blake of Batavia, NY, passed away on May 20, 2024 in Rochester, NY from a massive stroke.

Charles was born in Girdletree, Maryland to Daymon and Mable on September 24, 1959. He was a 1977 graduate of Snow Hill High School in which he was a star athlete. Charles entered the military soon thereafter and served in the United States Marine Corps where he was awarded The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and rifle expert badge.  After his honorable discharge, Charles owned and operated a long distance trucking company for several years. An avid historian, Charles enjoyed sports of all kinds, great music, vehicles, and grilling with a cold drink in hand.

His parents, Daymon E. Blake, Sr. and Mable Johnson precede him in death along with his siblings: Barbara Williamson, Patsy Blake, Shirley Borden, Daymon Blake, Jr., Benjamin Blake, Donald Blake, and George Schoolfield, Jr.

Charles is survived by his loving partner and caretaker Yvonne Wolcott, sons Carlos (Carmen) Williams, Bryant Williams, and Lakeisha (Jonathan Smalls, Jr.) Davis; siblings Ruth A. Copes, Francis Schoolfield; five grandchildren Chloe, Chase, Carlie, Kaidence and Ariannah and a host of nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

The family of Charles wishes to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to The Department of Veteran Affairs and the skilled care team of Strong Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Burial will take place Friday, June 14, 2024 at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Maryland.

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

Pavilion ~ David E. O'Neill, age 83, passed away on June 2, 2024 at WCCH surrounded by his loving family.

     He was born March 13, 1941 in Batavia, a son of the late Edmund and Rose King O’Neill.  

   David will be remembered for his love of family and being a hard worker.  He was an electrician and member of IBEW, Local 86 in Rochester for 63 years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, riding his motorcycle, hunting and fishing.

     He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 59 years, Donna Vaughn O’Neill; his children, Dawn O’Neill of York, NY, Leonard (Linda) O’Neill of Wyoming, NY, Scott O’Neill of East Bethany, NY and Shelley (Ronald) Thompson of Bethany, NY; grandchildren, Teresa O’Neill, Codey (Ashli) O’Neill, Joey (Maddie) O’Neill, Josh (Lindsay) O’Neill, Connor Thompson and Kristen Thompson; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Patrick and Henry O’Neill; sister, Donna (Wally) Vail of OR, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

     He was predeceased by his sister, Grace (William) Hyback; brother, Edmund (Patricia) O’Neill and brother-in-law, Harold Vaughn.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 9 from 1 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where a Service of Remembrance will be held at 4:00 PM.  Everyone is invited to a Celebration of David’s Life to be held at 5:00 PM at the LeRoy American Legion, 53 W. Main St., LeRoy.

     Burial will be private at the Pavilion Cemetery.

     Memorials are suggested to either the Pavilion Fire Dept., P. O. Box 156, Pavilion, NY 14525 or to the Pavilion Cemetery, P. O. Box 11, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525

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

Cosmo J. Costantino, 93, of Batavia, passed away on May 31, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Cosmo was born February 22, 1931 in Batavia, a son of the late Cosmo L. and Carrie (Paulvino) Costantino.

Cosmo was a member of the former St. Nick's Club and the Genesee County YMCA.  He enjoyed bowling, watching football,exercising and loved a gathering of friends and family.  Cosmo is a veteran having served with the United States Navy and was a heavy equipment operator with V.J. Gautieri Construction.

Surviving are his children, Holly (Greg) Sharpe and Peter (Jeri) Costantino; grandchildren, Nicholas Costantino and Natalie Sharpe and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife, Lucia M. Costantino and brothers and sisters, Vincent, Anthony, Joseph, Charles and Salvatore Costantino and Mary Lou Torcello, Betty Jane Costantino, Elaine Mogavero and Rose Smith.

There are no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County YMCA, Attention: Rachael Hale, 209 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  

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

Arrangements for Cosmo were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

Williamson, NY ~ Ruth Mary Dries Gracie Tusch, age 95, passed away at home on Thursday (May 30, 2024) in the loving presence of her family.

     She was born September 12, 1928 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Andrew and Estelle Myers Dries.

     Ruth was a graduate of Bergen High School and RIT. She worked for many years in LeRoy, starting at the Jello Factory, Lapp Insulator and LeRoy Machine.  She eventually went on to a long career with Xerox, retiring as a supervisor.

     She is survived by her son, David (Connie) Gracie; daughter, Suzanne (Frank) Chardeen; brothers, Alfred Dries and Andrew (Mary) Dries; step-son, Gerard Tusch, along with many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

     Services and Interment in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy will be private.

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

Pavilion ~ Virginia “Ginny” K. Gepfert, age 83, of Junction Road, passed away Thursday afternoon (May 30, 2024) at Rochester General Hospital.

     She was born December 12, 1940 in Albany, NY, a daughter of the late Raymond and Katherine Dooley Dudley.  

   Ginny will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many.  Her love of teaching and her involvement in her church and community was overwhelming. She was instrumental in starting the Pavilion Nursery School in 1974; was a Cub Scout den mother; a member of the Perry School Teacher’s Association and was a working member of the Genesee Country Museum.  Ginny’s strong faith was evident, being a 55 year member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the ECW, St. Mark’s Vestry and was the superintendent of the Sunday school program.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband and best friend of 58 years, Donald E. Gepfert; son, Mark Dudley (Melinda) Gepfert; daughter-in-law, Amy Marie Gepfert; grandchildren, Logan E. D. Gepfert, William C. E. Gepfert, Sophie Grace Gepfert and Lucy Faith Gepfert, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Ginny was predeceased by her son, David E. Gepfert and brothers-in-law, Garry (Sherie) Gepfert and Henry J. (Barbara) Gepfert.

     Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Ginny’s Life on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ginny are suggested to:

St. Mark’s Church - David Gepfert Memorial, LeRoy, NY

Machpelah Cemetery Association,  LeRoy, NY

Genesee Cancer Assistance, Batavia, NY  www.geneseecancerassistance.org

Crossroads House, Batavia, NY  www.crossroadshouse.com 

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

Barbara Ann Schlonski - Born May 17, 1946 and passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024. 

     She was the daughter of the late Charles E. and Helen Birge and was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Schlonski.    

  Barbara will always be remembered for her big heart. She was loved so much by anyone who met her. She will sadly missed by her children, Donald (Kris), Michael (Julie), Jamie, Debbie, and Scott; her grandchildren, Joey, Kaylin, Amber, Alexis, Linsey, Matthew, Jasmine, Autumn, and Rayne and great-grandchildren, Ryann, Ella, Atlas, Charlieann, Noah, Flora and Walter. Barbara also leaves behind her sister, Mary Birge and niece, Brenda (Tom) Zdrojewski. 

     Barbara danced on the Eddie Meath show in the 1960's. She also was in the beauty pageant at the Genesee County Fair and did volunteer work at United Memorial Hospital. She and her husband were owners and operators of Texaco Town in Pavilion for over 10 years. 

    Family and friends may call on Monday, June 10 from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.

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

Roger J. Irrera, 77 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (May 29, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

He was born July 11, 1946 in Batavia, a son of the late Anthony A. Irrera Sr. and Michelina Fraterrigo Irrera.

Roger was a life-long resident of Batavia and was employed by Kisiel Die Casting, Elchar Tool Specialists and was a driver for B-Line Bus Service in Batavia prior to his retirement. He was a longtime member of St. Anthony’s/Ascension Parish, where he enjoyed working at bingo and the church lawn fete. Roger always enjoyed a good pizza and baked goods. Most of all he will be remembered as a loving grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carol Bartz Irrera and brother, Anthony Irrera Jr.

Survivors include his beloved sister, Michelle (Michael) McNally of Batavia. Sister in-law, Lillian Irrera of Batavia. Children, Tamara (Richard) Everhart of Brockport and Sheryl (Michael) Smigelski of Batavia. Brothers in-law, Irvin (late Diane) Bartz of Batavia, Albert (Geraldine) Bartz of Batavia and Ronald (Sandra) Bartz of Batavia. Sister in-law, Rosemary (late Robert) Graff of Geneseo. Also survived by nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Roger has graciously donated his body to the University of Rochester. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

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

Sharon E. Greene, 81, of Batavia, passed away on May 29, 2024 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

She was born on May 10, 1943 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Philip and Josephine (Bonarigo) Tabone.

Sharon enjoyed spending time with the love of her life Charlie, her grandchildren, going to the casino playing the slots, board games, cards, crossword puzzles and reading.  She was a secretary at the former GTE Sylvania in Batavia.

Her family would like to thank the staff at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home for the wonderful care and love that was shown while Sharon resided there.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Greene of Batavia; son, Michael (Brenda) Ward of Victor; granddaughter Taylor (fiancé Will Lee) Ward and grandson Nicholas Ward.  

Calling hours are Monday, June 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where Sharon's funeral service will also be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday.   She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum in Batavia.  At the conclusion of Sharon's services on Monday, a reception will be held at T.F. Brown's Restaurant, 214 East Main Street, Batavia, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, Activities Fund, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.  

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

Bergen - Brian T. Resch, age 36, of Bergen, passed away on Thursday, (May 23, 2024) at his home.

He was born in Rochester on December 19, 1987 to Thomas Resch and Robin Lynn Holman both of Bergen.

Brian loved family, music, and animals.

Surviving along with his parents are his brother, Jamie (Megan) Holman of Brockport; niece, Corra Holman; nephew, Torin Holman; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as several uncles and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend Brian's Graveside Service in Maple Grove Cemetery, 2 Dewey Street in Churchville on Monday (June 3, 2024) at 11:00 a.m. In honor of his memory, donations can be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia NY 14021.

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Catherine "Cathy" Jean Plath, 71, from Batavia, NY, passed away on May 20, 2024, peacefully in her sleep.

Cathy, born on February 24, 1953 to the late William and Marian (Borkman) Plath in Batavia, was the youngest of six children (Alice, David, Gracia, Alan, Daniel, and Cathy). She was a lover of music from a young age, listening to the records of little known artists such as Cher, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix, among others. She went to Woodstock as a last minute trip to listen to live music, with no idea how famous the festival would become, and attended numerous concerts at The Aud in Buffalo.

After graduating from high school in 1971, Cathy worked in numerous factory settings throughout her life including F.E. Mason Seal Company, The Melton Shirt Company, and P.W. Minor. She enjoyed sewing and working with garments early in her life; she created her own clothes in high school and was a master with a sewing machine. Another passion of hers was watching sports; she was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, frequenting games in rain, shine, and snow "back in the day". Every season, she held out hope that they would go all the way to take the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup. As frustrated as she would get at them year after year, she watched her teams play every chance she could, sporting shirts, blankets, and pillows with their logos until the end.

Along with music, she loved spending time with friends. Cathy lost her best friend, Karen Barone, as a teenager to a drunk driver; it was devastating and something that shaped the rest of her life. From a sad situation, however, Cathy gained the close relationship with Peter and Josephine Barone, Karen's parents. Through the years, they remained close and ultimately acted as grandparents to her daughter, Holliday, when she was born in 1989.

She was an excellent mom - supportive, kind, and smart, with a dash of stubbornness. Even when she was officially diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 1999 and her symptoms were becoming more noticeable, she pushed the limits to maintain her independence and participate in "normal" things for as long as possible. She attended school functions such as plays, concert band performances, parades, and graduation, even though it was far from easy. She also was an avid crossword solver, a pastime she instilled into Holliday.

Cathy was moved to a nursing home in 2011 after a fall that resulted in a broken ankle. In 2023, she finally gave the green light to move to Long Island, where Holliday and her family had been residing. The move from Batavia was not easy, but Catherine was able to spend her last full year, a whole four seasons, with her daughter and grandkids close by. Visits filled with Twizzlers, crafts, chocolate, coloring books, and fire truck sirens became a routine that made the other stuff easier to deal with.

Catherine is survived by her daughter Holliday (Tom), two grandchildren, Juliette and Patrick, her siblings Gracia, Alice, and Alan, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and lifelong friends. Without her physical body, she is no doubt walking, running, and flying, and is reunited with those who we've also lost including Karen, Josie, and Peter Barone, her brothers Danny ("Boots") and Dave Plath, and numerous cats (Butch, Stretch, Jack, and Belle).

Attica - On Thursday, May 23, 2024, Leona M. Kolberg passed away at Wyoming County Community Hospital due to natural causes. She had just turned 89 years old.

Born in Warsaw to Merle and Dorothy Nevinger, Leona was raised and lived in Attica.

She is predeceased by her husband, Water. Survived by her sons, Paul (Jamie) and Daryl; and her daughter, Sharie (Richard) Vlack; as well as four grandchildren.

Leona retired as a librarian from the Stevens Memorial Library. She also served as an election officer for many years. She was a former member of the Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary and an officer in the Attica Chapter of the Eastern Star. Leona had always been active in her church, Trinity United Methodist through committees and the choir. She was a wonderful seamstress, making alterations and quilts as well as assorted crafts.

A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date. Memorials are requested to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home in Attica. Online condolences may be left at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Judy D. Roblee - Pavilion/Warsaw

Peacefully passed at the age of 75 on May 24, 2024. Predeceased by her parents A. Nelson and Ada Mae Roblee. Brothers, Larry, C.Marvin, and Darrell. Sisters Janice Roblee, Annette (Richard) Nelan, Sharon (Sam) Nuciloa.

Survived by her sisters Barbara (Thomas) Gillen of Texas and Yvonne (Michael) Moore of East Bethany. Sisters-In-Law Diana Roblee of Batavia, Sharron Roblee of LeRoy, and Suzanne Roblee of LeRoy. Many Nieces and Nephews who she dearly adored.When Judy was younger she attended ARC of Genesee County. She loved God, Elvis, and BINGO!

Friends are invited to Judy’s Graveside Service Noon Sunday June 2, 2024 at Farmersville Cemetery Rt. 98 Farmersville, NY.

To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit LeRoyfuneralhome.com

Rose Falcone Moore, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 24^th after several years of battling chronic health issues. She was born January 31^st, 1935 in Batavia, New York to Peter and Eugenia Falcone. 

She married Robert Moore and enjoyed a long, happy marriage of 66 years. They had six children together. She was a loving and devoted mother to:  Gina (Aaron) Bresler of Bergen, NY; Patricia Fauth of Batavia, NY: Robert (Sue) Moore of Batavia, NY; William (Kelly) Moore of Batavia, Stephen (Jeannie Tehan) Moore of Batavia, NY and Julie (Ned) Chatt of Spencerport New York.  They had 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. 

Rose was the 9^th of 12 children and she was the last living member of her family. She is predeceased by her parents, siblings: Peter Falcone, Mike Falcone, Tony Falcone, Jim Falcone, Sue (Falcone) Jean (Falcone) Warren, Patricia (Falcone) Scheurlein, Anna (Falcone) Freeman, Frank Falcone, Mary Falcone and Dominic Falcone. 

She was first and foremost a dedicated mother always ensuring her children had what they needed growing up. She supported each of them through their different struggles in life giving them guidance and a mother’s love. She was a dedicated grandmother who loved making beautiful meals and delicious cookies. She was a very giving person and was always helping others out when needed. She was known for her strong work ethic, powerful personality and dedication to her family. She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Parish. She loved to play Bingo on Friday nights for so many years.  She also enjoyed going for long brisk walks. She loved animals especially her dog Bella, who will no doubt miss her very much.  She was an amazing cook and no one will ever forget her home-made raviolis/sauce, pizza or all the cookies she made for the holidays. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday June 4, 2024 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.  The family will have a brief ceremony at the Grandview Cemetery. Afterwards, friends and family are welcome at St. Mary's church hall for a luncheon. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wilmot Cancer Institute PO Box 278996 Rochester, NY 14627. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ Gasper J. DeFelice, age 88, passed away on May 23, 2024 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital.

     He was born in East Bethany, NY on July 17^th, 1935 to the late Connie Rizzo and Marion DeFelice.   

  Gasper was a dairy farmer for most of his life.  He owned four farms, worked cash crops on his 1000 acres, as well as owning and managing multiple rental properties.

     He collected Farmall tractors, loved Country & Western music and even ran a race car in his younger days.  He loved camping and boating with family and friends, while raising his four kids.  He loved to host great parties for family and friends with lots of food.  He was a devoted Catholic and attended church every Sunday.  His final act of love was being an organ donor.

     Surviving family members include his siblings; Angelo (late Alice) DeFelice of LeRoy, Vincent (Donna) DeFelice of Pavilion, Sister Concetta DeFelice FMDC of Williamsville and Paul (Cathy) DeFelice of Spencerport; his four children, son, Marion DeFelice of Onaway, MI, daughters, Joanne (Greg) Severson of Varysburg, NY and Teresa (Chris) Whaley of Pavilion and estranged son, Michael Anthony (Denae) DeFelice of Batavia; 10 Grandkids, 15 Great-Grandkids, along with many nieces and nephews.

     He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Marion DeFelice Jr.

     Our Dad lived for his children and all his grandchildren. 

     To the world, he was a dad….but to us….You Dad, were our world.  We will miss you, but always remember our family times together.

     We love you and will always miss you!

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday, June 4^th from 3 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where a brief Service of Remembrance will be held at 5:00 PM.

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

Carol Ann Scroger, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Friday, May 24th, 2024, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia following a brief illness.

Born on Friday, July 14th, 1944, in Medina, Carol was the daughter of the late Harold Newman and Norma Hiedman Newman.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, William J. Scroger.

She is survived by her loving children: William J. (Doug Bolt) Scroger of Batavia, Harold M. Scroger of Lackawanna, Timothy M. (Michelle) Scroger of North Tonawanda, Thomas M. Scroger of Avon, Michelle (Willie) Kemp of Batavia, Darrel R. (Kelly Mazur) Scroger of Hamburg, Ronald J. (Maranda Danser) Scroger of Batavia, and Amanda Jean Scroger of West Seneca. She is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Known for her love of animals, playing Bingo, and enjoying sweet treats and Red Rose Tea, Carol will be remembered for her strong-willed personality and selflessness. She also had a passion for television, especially sci-fi shows.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021, in Carol's memory. Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., 403 East Main Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.