Obituaries

Sam Bordinaro Jr., a beloved long-time resident of Batavia, New York, has passed away at the age of 81. Sam peacefully left this world on the morning of Saturday, November 9th, in Lakeland, Florida, under the gentle care of Hospice.

Sam was born to the late Samuel and Pauline (Crimando) Bordinaro in Batavia, New York, and was the beloved brother of the late Josie (Bordinaro) VanValkenburg. He is survived by several children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry his memory forward. Among those he leaves behind is his eldest son, Ronald Bordinaro (spouse Pamela) of Batavia, and their children and grandchildren Kyle, Jillian, Harmony, Zane, Emery, and Colvin., as well as daughter Marilyn and her son Brett of South Florida. He also leaves behind many friends in the deaf communities throughout western New York and Central Florida.

A proud graduate of the Rochester School for the Deaf, Sam’s life was one of travel, fun, and adventure. He was actively involved in the deaf communities and organizations in both the Rochester and Buffalo regions. For nearly three decades, he worked as a machinist at LeRoy Machine Company in Leroy, NY, where he was known for his skill at machine work and repair. But perhaps even more than his work, it was his boundless sense of humor and infectious laughter that touched the lives of all who knew him.

In his final days, Sam found peace and comfort at Grace Manor Assisted Living in Lakeland, FL, where he was enveloped in the love and companionship of family. It was here that he cherished moments with his son Ronald as well as his granddaughter, Harmony Bordinaro-Lerch, and her husband Michael, both teachers in nearby Auburndale, Florida, who made the journey to look after him and be near him.

Sam’s life was a testament to the power of laughter and the strength of the human spirit. His smile could light up a room, and his humor was a constant source of warmth to all who crossed his path. While his physical presence may no longer be with us, his spirit remains alive in the laughter, love, and memories he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, consider a charity donation to the National Association of the Deaf in Sam’s honor.
https://www.nad.org/make-a-donation/

Daniel E. Avery, 77, of Basom passed away on Friday November 8, 2024 at Crossroads House in Batavia. He was born in Rochester on October 23, 1947 to the late Melvin and Jean (Marx) Avery. 

He is survived by his beloved wife; Betty (Reeves) Avery; daughters Penny Avery of Canada and Sherry Bartz of LeRoy; brothers Wayne and John Stiles; sister Patty Labitore; grandchildren Brandi Heidenreich, Daniel Heidenreich and Tiffany Bartz; great-granddaughter Wynter Raffel. 

Dan worked for many years as a truck driver for Rochester Air Freight. He was a member of the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Akron. He enjoyed talking walks, watching TV and playing cards. Dan was an avid hunter, a true patriot and enjoyed politics. He was very proud family man. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will take place at a later date to be announced at the Solid Rock Baptist Church on Crittenden Rd. in Akron. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. 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.

Batavia - Robert H. Alwardt, 90 of Batavia passed away on Sunday, (November 10, 2024) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Robert was born March 31, 1934 in Attica, a son of the late Howard and Norma (Wheeler) Alwardt.

Robert was a member of the Batavia First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. He loved woodworking, painting, dancing and many activities outdoors which included fly fishing, camping and hunting. He also enjoyed attending every restaurant in Western New York. Robert was a lifetime member of the Bethany Fire Department and a lifetime member of the Stafford Fire Department Exempts. He was also proud of his service in the United States Army.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth Alwardt of Florida, Karen Warren and Sharon Wahl both of Batavia, Susan (Lowell) Farnsworth of Oakfield, Michael (Judy) Anderson of Stafford, Paula Helms of California, Wendy (Christopher) Hilbert of Bergen, and Kristine (Kevin) Brinkman of South Dakota; brother, George Squires of Batavia; niece, Heather (Dale) Shubirg of Florida. Fourteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren also survive.

Robert is preceded in death by his beloved parents and his loving wife Judith (Davis) Alwardt.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, (November 16, 2024) from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia where Robert’s funeral service will immediately follow. Burial at Stafford Rural Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gollisano Children’s Hospital, 300 East River Road, P.O. Box 278996 Rochester, NY 14627 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

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

Edward Arthur Duncan, age 82, of Batavia, New York, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, after a short hospital stay due to coronary artery disease. Born in Rochester, NY, on December 29, 1941, Edward was the only child of the late Albert Benjamin Ford Duncan and Hazel Sampson Duncan.

A proud alumnus of Brighton High School, Edward's passion for running was evident early in life. He placed 10th in the 1961 Boston Marathon, was an Olympic alternate, and was a founding member of the Rochester Track Club, a precursor to the Greater Rochester Running Club. A lifelong supporter of the Brighton High School cross-country team, he could often be found cheering the team on from the sidelines.

In addition to his love of running (and later in life, power walking), Edward was an avid fiddle player, a lifelong dog owner who cherished his canine friends, and a connoisseur of fine pipes and tobaccos, often sharing camaraderie with friends on the Briar Patch Pipe Forum. He also cherished the company of many loving neighbors.

Edward is survived by his son, Glen Duncan, daughter-in-law, Amy Duncan, and grandchildren, Sloane and Skye Duncan. He was predeceased by his second wife, Nancy Browne Duncan, who passed away in 2022.

In keeping with Edward's wishes, no memorial service will be held. Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W Main Street Rd, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

El Paso, Texas - Sharon J. Barnard, 82 of El Paso, Texas and formerly of Byron and Corfu passed away on Monday, (November 4, 2024) under the care of Faith Hospice in El Paso.

Mrs. Barnard was born April 30, 1942 in Buffalo a daughter of the late Henry and Sylvia (Schumacher) Mech.

She was inspirational to all who knew her and her unwavering commitment to the love of family, traditions, gardening and her pets. Her dedication of over 20 years in documenting the genealogy of the family will intrigue and be treasured by generations to come. She is most known for her exceptional baking and her marriage to Norman R. Barnard for over 65 years.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Norman R. Barnard of El Paso; children, Kathleen Carrillo of El Paso, Cheryl Victor of New Orleans, and Anthony (Araceli) Barnard of El Paso; grandchildren, Christoper (Paige) Carrillo, Shawn (Priscilla) Carrillo, Brandon (Vivian Hoffman-Martinez) Ytuarte, Alec Ytuarte, Jarred Victor, and Nicole Barnard; great-grandchildren, Dylan Carrillo, Alexis (Robert Baffico) Carrillo, Dailah Carrillo, and Desairee Carrillo; great-great-grandchildren, Octavius and Koda; siblings, Joseph (Sally) Mech of Bergen, James Mech of Bergen, Robert (Carol Zazzaro) Mech of Buffalo, Carol Heath of Ozark, Alabama, Michael Mech of Buffalo, and Deborah (William) Hodgson of Nottingham, New Hampshire. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Sharon's funeral service will be held on Saturday (November 16, 2024) at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Deacon Dave Ehrhart and Rev. Bill Hockey will officiate. Burial will be in Byron Cemetery in Byron. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or El Paso Humane Society, 4991 Fred Wilson Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79906.

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

Batavia - Terry D Snyder, 67 of Batavia passed away on Friday, (November 8, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. Snyder was born October 27, 1957 in Batavia, a son of the late Roy and Yvonne (Lubba) Snyder.

Terry was a corrections officer at Wyoming Correctional prior to his retirement and was a member and past board member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Attica. He was a long time devoted member of the Attica Fire Department where he held numerous positions including Chief. Terry was a drummer with the Alexander Fireman's Band for many years.

Surviving are his sisters, Nola (Dennis) Dolatowski of Alden, Amy Snyder of Batavia, Janelle (Frank) Machniak of Attica, and Beth (Thomas) Boyd of Batavia; nieces and nephews, Frank (Anna) Machniak, Katie (Richard) Burlett, Michael (Kayla) Machniak, Erik (Toccarra) Dolatowski, Clay (Kim) Dolatowski, Phillip (Samantha) Boyd, and Kristen (Matthew) Burgos; great nieces and nephews, Lillian and Timothy Machniak, Maxton, Matten and Elia Burlett, Greyson Liebert, Liam, Landon and Kyler Machniak, and Xander Dolatowski. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Terry's memorial service will be held on Saturday (November 16, 2024) at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street in Attica. Burial in Pleasant View Cemetery in Orangeville will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Rescue Squad, 11 Water Street, Attica, New York 14011. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Attica - James M. "Springer" Spring, 68 of Attica passed away on Saturday, (November 9, 2024) at Terrace View Long Term Care in Buffalo following an extended illness.

Mr. Spring was born February 22, 1956 in Batavia, a son of Helen "Honey" (Shreder) Spring of Attica and the late Earl "Butch" Spring.

Jim had a smile that could light up a room. Before he got sick with MS, he was a star athlete at Attica High School. Springer was a daredevil and lived life to the fullest. He never gave up and fought his disease until the end. Jim will be remembered as a loving son, brother, and uncle.

Surviving along with his mother is his sister, Mary Kay (Dr. Gerardo) Palacios of Tampa, Florida; niece, The Honorable Jennifer P. (Heath) Johnson of Tampa, Florida; nephews, Gerard (Cassie) Palacios of Plymouth, Michigan, and Brian Palacios of Tampa, Florida.

A private graveside service will be held in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may make a memorial contribution to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 in lieu of flowers. Arrangements were entrusted to Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Byron - James H. Hutchison, 81 of Byron passed away on Wednesday, (November 6, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Hutchison was born May 29, 1943 in Buffalo, a son of the late James W. and Ella C. (Walters) Hutchison.

Jim grew up in Orchard Park and was a member of the Boy Scouts Troop #288, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He was the owner and operator of Hutchison Trucking in Byron and drove several million miles across the country. Upon his retirement in 2009, Jim enjoyed traveling and making his yard a show place. Jim was a dedicated member of the Byron Fire Department for over 50 years. He found great enjoyment in working on his computer ordering gadgets from Amazon and connecting his home to his best friend, Alexa.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Blaisdell) Michels Hutchison of Byron; daughters, Dawn (Chris) Chugg of Batavia, Jamie (Robert) King of Hammodsport, and Melody (Albert) Ghiloni of Mason, Ohio; step-children, Deborah (Walter Bennett) Yeomans of Savannah, New York, Cynthia (Douglas) Rotondo of Port Byron, and Douglas (Bonnie Dudley) Yeomans of East Bethany; sister, Deborah (late Richard) Ford of Florida. 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren also survive.

Family and friends are invited to attend Jim's memorial service on Saturday (November 9, 2024) at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Byron, 6293 West Main Street in Byron. Following the service, all are invited to join in a luncheon in the church hall. Please come with your favorite stories and memories of Jim. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.

Arrangements for Jim were entrusted to the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 Lake Avenue in Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Timothy Francis Ferrara, age 76, passed away on November 3, 2024 at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

Born in Dansville, New York and raised in Mount Morris, New York. On September 15, 1966 Timothy was drafted into the US ARMY 36k20 FIELD WIREMAN, where he served with distinction, including most notably his tour in Vietnam. During his service he achieved the rank of E-4 Corporal. He was honorable discharged on September 4, 1968. For his services he was awarded with National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Army Commendation Medal.  Timothy was a very proud veteran of the US AMRY.

Following his military career, he became a plumber/ steam fitter for the U of R in Rochester, NY. where eventually he would retire. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Timothy had a deep love for his children, grandchildren, golfing and the outdoors.

He was married to his former wife, Victoria Conklin, the mother of his two children, Shauna (Conklin) Marks and Troy Ferrara.  Timothy was incredibly proud of and adored his children.

Timothy was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Emma (Gill) Ferrara and Frank Ferrara, and his brothers Terry and Theodore Ferrara.  He is survived by his children, Shauna (Conklin) Marks and Troy Ferrara; grandchildren, Victoria Marks, Charlotte Marks, William Marks and Chloe Ferrara. Timothy will be remembered for his love of nature and being outdoors, his love for his family and his service to his country. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Batavia.

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

Thomas Carlyle Wolford, 89, of Le Roy, died on November 2, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Thomas was born January 24, 1935, in Cherry Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Bernice (Armstrong) and Perry C. Wolford.

After graduating from Slippery Rock High School, he enlisted in the Navy and served for four years. In 1960, he graduated from Grove City College with a B.S. in physics and mathematics. He went on to earn a M.S. in physical oceanography and fluid dynamics from M.I.T., a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics from the Catholic University of America, and a Diploma from the Naval War College. He was the first in his family to graduate from college and valued and supported the education of others.

He worked as a research oceanographer for the Coast Guard, as well as for NOAA’s National Ocean Service. He was a member of the Explorers Club. After retirement, he studied theology, Hebrew, and Greek.

Thomas married Lenore Leipold on June 11, 1961. They lived in Maryland for several decades before moving to Le Roy. They were members of Bergen United Methodist Church for a number of years.  He enjoyed motorcycles, sailing, and travel.

Surviving are his sister, Betty, his children, Rachel, Emma, and Andrew, seven grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours.  Thomas’s Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Ave., Bergen.  Burial will be in Stone Church Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at https://alzresearch.org/giving/.

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

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

Caledonia ~ Barbara E. Mancuso, age 78, of Cider Street, passed away at home Sunday morning (November 3, 2024) in the loving presence of her family.

     She was born May 3, 1946, in Rochester, NY, daughter of the late Sylvester and Ella Kingsbury McGinnis.  

   Barb will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  Barb loved her family and cherished being a homemaker. She was the backbone of every holiday, especially Christmas, and she created many traditions that everyone loved to be a part of.

    Barb had many hobbies and was a collector of many treasures. She’s known best for her collection of crackle glass and her large displays of each colorful piece. She was also fond of wolves and all things leopard print. She was an avid puzzler. She put together countless puzzles with many themes. When she would finish one, she would glue it and put up for display around her home. 

    Barb had many past times; playing euchre, board games with the grandkids, hanging out with the club girls, decorating for Christmas with her beautiful holiday village displays and other decorations. But most of all she LOVED SHOPPING! She could outshop all of her daughters or anyone who had the pleasure of being with her. 

    Barb loved to travel. From road trips to cruises she was always up for an adventure. She especially looked forward to visiting any and all casinos on the way. She loved to play the slot machines and would walk around until they “talked to her” to stop and play. If her travels landed her by the ocean, you could find her walking the beach looking for seashells to collect and enjoying the ocean breeze.

    Music was also a very big part of Barb’s life. There have been countless concerts that she has attended with her husband, family and friends. It was pretty typical to pull into the driveway and hear Elvis playing throughout the house. She would switch things up during the holidays and crank her Christmas CDs.

     Barb was a staple of the community. She was a member of the Caledonia Fire Department Auxiliary for many years of service. 

     Barb will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Richard “Dick” Mancuso; her daughters, Lorie (Robert) Browne, Lynette (Jorge) Duckworth, Lisa (David) Waver and Leslie (Jim) Bassano; grandchildren, Amanda (Adam), Anson, Hailey (Dutch), Brandon (Lacey), Ethan, Jack, Emily, Joey, Faith, Anthony, David, Caden, Zoey and Leana; great-grandchildren, Liam, Axel, Raya and Layla; brothers, Robert McGinnis and William (Maryann) McGinnis, along with many loving In-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, Nov. 11 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 11:00 AM at St. Martin De Porres Parish – St. Columba Church, 198 North St., Caledonia. 

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Barb may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org/donate

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

Paul R. Oberlander, 85, of Pembroke passed away on October 16, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born on May 8, 1939 in Pembroke to the late Fred and Elizabeth (Wlekinski) Oberlander. In addition to his parents, Paul is predeceased by his wife; Sandra Oberlander; brothers Bob, Arnold, Thomas, Charles and Jimmy Oberlander; sisters Patricia Gioia and Irene Penepent.

He is survived by his children; Sandra Jean (Randy) Dixson, Paul Oberlander Jr. and Scott Oberlander; brother Russell (Mary Lou) Oberlander; sisters Rita (Peter) Poodry and Nancy Flaig; 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

Paul was a United States Army Veteran. He worked for many years at General Motors in Buffalo. He was a devout member of St. Maximillian church(Corfu). He was a charter member of the Howdy Dooty Car Club, an avid Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan, loved spending time with his family. 

Services will be held at late date to be announced. Paul will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished https://www.allbabiescherished.com 445 Ellicott St. in Batavia. 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.

Brenda Boyce, age 64, of Batavia, passed away on November 1, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation.
 

Brenda was born on Saturday, July 23, 1960 in Batavia, a Daughter of the late Ivan and Joan (Kearns) Boyce.

She was an avid crafter, especially crochet work and painting ceramics. Brenda enjoyed bingo, cards, nature and spending time with her family. She loved attending Discovery Chapel Church and helping anyone she met. Brenda was also a member of the I’m OK Club at 400 Towers.
 

Surviving is her daughter, Lisa (Kyle Schwartz) Taylor; siblings, Carol Tullar, Dawn Cuthbert, Laura Boyce, Steve (Linda) Boyce, Daniel (Cheryl) Boyce, Craig (Sue) Boyce, Marty (Bonnie) Boyce, Marvin (Linda) Boyce, and Brian (Chita) Boyce; many nieces, nephews, and grand fur babies, Turbo and Milo. In death Brenda is reunited with her parents, Ivan and Joan Boyce; siblings, Peggy Norway and Jeffery Boyce.
 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner and Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. A celebration of life will be at held at the convenience of the family.

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

Kenneth R. Yunker, age 76, a longtime resident of Oakfield, NY passed away at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester, NY on October 28, 2024.  He was born in Batavia, NY on August 20, 1948 to John W. and Mary A. Yunker.

He is survived by siblings: John(Barbara) Yunker of Rochester; David (Vicki) Yunker of Alexandria, VA; Mary K. Yunker of Batavia; Jeffrey (Sandra) Yunker of Avon; Gregory Yunker of Rochester; Patricia Yunker of Calabash, NC and Suzanne Yunker of Calabash, NC; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

He is predeceased by parents John W. and Mary A. Yunker and his brother Robert D. Yunker.

Kenneth is a graduate of Oakfield – Alabama Central School class of 1966. He then earned his BS Degree at NY University at Cortland. After his graduation at Cortland he enlisted in the Navy and went to Navy Officers Candidate School in Newport, RI – he served on the USS Albany.  His training in radar gave him the skills to work in the airport control towers in Ithaca and Rochester, NY.  He ultimately transitioned over to computer aided design work at Pulsafeeder Inc. in Rochester, NY.

There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will take place at the family’s convenience.  Kenneth will be buried in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield, NY.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Newcomer Cremations & Funeral Home in Rochester, NY and Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield, NY.

Darien Center - Kenneth Charles Imhof, 77 of Darien Center, passed away on Friday, (October 25, 2024) at home.

Mr. Imhof was born April 3, 1947 in Buffalo.

Ken served his country honorably with the Army during Vietnam and was a school bus driver prior to his retirement. He enjoyed watching wrestling, being outdoors - especially fishing. He was a proud Native American. Above all, Ken cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Debora (Stechenfinger) Imhof of Darien Center; son, Richard J. (Brittany) Schwartz, Sr. of Darien Center; grandchildren, Savannah Judd and Richard J. Schwartz, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer. Those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Ken's name to the Disabled American Veterans, Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.