Obituaries

Theodore (Ted) Kosciolek passed away on October 26, 2024 at the age of 89. Ted was preceded in death by his wife Eileen (Burgen) Kosciolek and daughter Christine Whitfill, whom he cherished deeply.

Ted was born in Batavia, NY and graduated from Batavia Metal Trades Vocational School in 1953. Ted proudly served in the Army from 1958-1960 as a teletype equipment repairman in Stuttgart, Germany. He had a long career at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, retiring as the manager of the Machine department after 38 years. After retirement, he found fulfillment working as a handyman helping others in his community.

A lifelong lover of music, Ted sang in his church choir and was a member of the barbershop quartet, The Grampaphones. Daddy sang bass. He also lived a life filled with laughter and enjoyed sharing jokes with friends and family, bringing smiles to all around him.

Growing up in a Polish-American household, Ted maintained a lifelong interest in the Polish language and traditions. He enjoyed teaching his children and friends Polish sayings, listening to polka music, and helping friends with translations, sharing his love for his heritage.

Ted is survived by his sister Barbara Kosciolek, children Stacey Lackner, and Kathy, Mary, and Peter Kosciolek, as well as stepchildren Jacquie Schur and Chuck and Gary Burgen. He leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a loving extended family.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the very special, kind, and loving care he received at Cottage Grove Memory Care.

Ted will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to family, love for music, and lighthearted sense of humor.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Churchville, NY. Family will greet friends at the church starting at 10:30 am. The funeral mass will start at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Churchville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rochester Presbyterian Home at Memory Care & Assisted Living Communities in Rochester, https://www.rph.org/

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jane E. Fitch, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Jane peacefully departed this life on Friday, November 1st, 2024, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Born on Wednesday, June 21st, 1933, in Batavia,  Jane was the daughter of the late Genevieve and Earl Dusen. She was a resident of Basom, NY, where she built a life of love and laughter with her husband, Donald F. Fitch Sr. They celebrated over 71 beautiful years of marriage, having wed on September 5, 1953, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

Jane is also survived by her five sons: Donald F. Fitch, Jr. of Basom, Dennis (Julie) Fitch of Oakfield, Randy Fitch of Basom, Gary (Patricia) Fitch of Batavia, and Darryl Fitch of Hamburg. Her legacy continues through her five beloved grandchildren, Christopher (Caitlin) Fitch of Bergen, Carrie (Chad) Richards of Bergen, Stephen (Alice) Fitch of Farmington, Trevor Fitch of Batavia, and Austin Fitch of Batavia. Jane also cherished her five great-grandchildren, Emma and Chelsea Fitch, Chase Richards, and Ryan and Ben Fitch. She will be fondly remembered by her former daughter-in-law, Tricia Lombardi, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Leona Mileham, with whom she now joins in peace and eternal rest.

A woman of faith, Jane attended the Alabama Methodist Church. She found joy in life's simple pleasures, particularly in her garden where she lovingly tended to her fruits and vegetables, which she diligently canned each season. Jane was also known for her warm and inviting kitchen, where she enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. Her love for card games, particularly Skip-Bo, brought many joyful hours of friendly competition.

Private ceremonies will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Alabama Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 166, 222 Richmond Avenue, Suite 2-102, Batavia, New York 14020 or Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Drive, #320, Buffalo, New York 14221. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home. 

Suzanne “Suzie” Stein, age 62, of LeRoy, passed away on October 29, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital with her daughter by her side.

Suzanne was born on August 2, 1962 in Rochester, a Daughter of the late Ronald J. Buda (1991) and JoAnne (Pugh) Buda.

She had an amazing sense of humor, loved to laugh and was always there to help however she could. She was an avid crafter, did beautiful crochet work and made amazing dream catchers. Suzanne enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving are her children, Stacie Stein (Charissa DuPont) and Ryan (Hayley) Stein; grandchildren, Lilliana, Arlo, and Lindsay Stein; mother JoAnne Buda; siblings, Michael (Lauri) Buda and Laurie Branigan; nieces and nephews, Lee Buda, Christopher Buda, and Heather Branigan, and many more dearly loved cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

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

A celebration of life will be held at the Sage Pavilion 62 S Lake Ave Bergen, NY 14416, on Saturday November 16, 2024, from 12 pm to 4 pm. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to her children.

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

Oakfield - Anthony Mudrzynski, 90, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born on February 13, 1934, in Oakfield, a son of the late Anthony and Mary Horzempa Mudrzynski.

Tony was a devout family man. He looked after his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He seemed to always know what they needed and was the first one in line to take care of it. From Christmas presents, to transportation, to advice, and times the strong dose of reality. He was never afraid to tell the truth. Tony always came to every family party and celebration, and treated everyone to something special on the holidays. He would never come empty-handed and will always be remembered for his many homemade pies and fruit with a little Jell-O in it.

Tony was deeply involved in his local fire department. He joined the Town of Alabama Fire Department in February 1952, only five years after the original department started. He was a role model and leader in the department, serving in every single capacity of the department except secretary and chief during his 72.5 year reign. It was very rare throughout this time that he would ever miss any fundraiser, work detail, or bingo night.

Tony helped build the recreation hall in 1967 and he helped reconstruct the recreation hall in 2012. In 2017 he was on the roof putting down shingles.  Less than eight weeks ago he was taking down chairs and setting up the hall for bingo, just as he did every single week. To top it all off this year, Tony was selected to be firefighter of the year. This award was given to his family last week at the annual installation banquet.

In addition to the fire department, Tony was very involved in his town leadership serving for 22 years as town supervisor and actively participated on several councils and boards.

He is predeceased by his wife Helen E. Peters Mudrzynski who passed away on June 12, 2007.

He is survived by his son, Clayton (Diane) Fry of Alabama; daughter, Patricia (Ronald) Thompson of Basom; grandchildren, Melissa (Tim) Lindke of Gasport, Terry (Wendy) Thompson of Basom, Todd (Alison) Thompson of Oakfield and Tonya (J.P.) Phillips of Pensacola, Florida; great-grandchildren, Noelle (Kyle) Bowser, Elisabeth Lindke, Rachel (Brandon) Valerio, Ryan (Ashley) Thompson, Tucker (Susanna) Allen, Kristopher (Bethany) Thompson, Brad (Claudia) Thompson, Becky (Danny) Avila, Kasey (Fiancé Jerrod Smigelski) Thompson, Leah (Fiancé Casey Arnold) Thompson, Bryce Thompson, Arielle (Casey) McVay, Justin (Anais Sanchez) Smith and Mark (Brianna) Smith; great-great-grandchildren, Amelia and Evelyn Allen, Linken Thompson, Kori and Kinzi Smigelski, Ellie Arnold, MayBelle Smith and Bentley Smith; his brother, Henry (Janet) Mudrzynski of Oakfield along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is the father of the late Harold Fry; grandfather of the late Dana Fry and brother of the late Josephine Mudrzynski, Amelia Koziol Brown, Bernice Marble, Helen Bauer and Walter Mudrzynski.

Friends and family may call on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Members of the Alabama Fire Department will gather at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral home to honor Tony for his exemplary service to the fire department. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 am at St. Padre Pio Parish-St. Cecilia’s Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. He will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. Please consider memorials to the Alabama Fire Department, P.O. Box 798, Basom, New York 14013 or to St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, New York 14125. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Mildred Helena Mruczek, 96 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Saturday (November 2, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born January 28, 1928 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Stanislaus and Rose Kutrasinski Topolski.

A Bryant & Stratton Business Graduate; Mildred was a secretary for Genesee Valley B.O.C.E.S. in Batavia and served as Secretary for Judge Robert E Noonan prior to her retirement. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women Organization, Pembroke Board of Elections, Corfu Vol. Fire Co. Auxiliary and St. Maximilian Kolbe Ladies Aux officer. She enjoyed horseback riding, gardening and preparing Polish Food.  Everyone enjoyed Millly’s Golamski Stuffed Cabbage Dinners. As a child her father gifted a Pekingese Puppy and she was a dog lover forever. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Walter J. Mruczek; Granddaughter, Marcy Christine Basior and siblings, Arthur Topolski, Stella Topolski and Irene Topolski.

Survivors include her sons, Dr. Arthur (Donna) Mruczek of Batavia and Ronald (Mary Jane) Mruczek of Davenport, Florida. Grandchildren, Arthur Jr. (Michele) Mruczek of Corfu, Patricia (George) Schlegel of W. Shelby and Blair Nicole (Corey) Bealina of Florida. Great-Grandchildren, Quinn Elizabeth Schlegel, George IV (Brandy)Schlegel, Alexzandra Marie Schlegel and Carrielynn Schlegel. Also survived by great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (Nov. 6^th) from 2-5pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, 10:00am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 8656 Church St., East Pembroke, NY. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy maybe 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.

Attica - Ellen D. Meyers, 64 of Attica passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, (October 30, 2024) at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Mrs. Meyers was born November 6, 1959 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Grace (Acquard) Lyons.

Ellen was the life of the party anywhere she was. She always had the most creative mind and was willing to help anyone. She was a very strong person we all had the grace of knowing. She unapologetically voiced her opinion and always stood her ground when she believed in something.  All the amazing memories from the parties up on French road to the most recent memories she created with everyone she will be greatly missed. 

Ellen is survived by her husband, Richard M. Meyers of Attica; children, Nikole Millette of Attica, Abraham Schaller of Attica, Kile Meyers of Warsaw, and Derick (Valerie) Meyers of Gainesville; brothers, Keith (Deborah) Lyons of Attica, David (Roxanne) Lyons of Earlville, New York, and Bernard (late Jeannie) Lyons of Attica; a sister, Laura (C. Boyd) Johnson of Attica. Ten grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Ellen's funeral service will be held on Wednesday on what would have been her 65th birthday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Ellen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

William J. Bernard “Jack”, 84 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (October 30, 2024) at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Batavia, NY.

He was born September 28, 1940 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late William L. and Florence Dietschler Bernard.

Jack as he was profoundly known as, was a true Patriot. He was a proud Marine having served his country from 1958-1961. During that time he had the great honor and duty to protect and guard President Dwight D. Eisenhower and President John F. Kennedy throughout the country. After his service he was a professional mason and worked for companies in the area, and finally to work with the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Batavia prior to his retirement. During his retirement, he was proud and enjoyed his time as superintendent of the Hillside Cemetery in East Pembroke.

He was the husband of the late Norma Bernard who died August 23, 2024. Father of the late Shawn Bernard who died in 1996 and brother of the late Robert, James and Barry Bernard.

Survivors include his daughter Beth Ann Miller of Ohio. Son, Timothy Bernard of Ohio. Step-daughter, Debra Maniace of Batavia. Sister, Beverly (Paul) Kern of Batavia. Brothers, Dennis (Maria) Bernard of Florida, Allyn (Linda) Bernard of Oakfield and Richard (Maria) Bernard of North Carolina. Also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (November 4^th) from 10am-11am at the Cornerstone Church, 2583 Main St., East Pembroke, NY. A Funeral Service will follow visitation at 11am.

Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the East Pembroke Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 50, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or Cornerstone Church, 2583 Main St., East Pembroke, NY 14056. 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.

Benjamin Charles Bonarigo, 87, passed away peacefully on October 30th at home, after an extended illness.   He was born on March 8, 1937 in Batavia, New York and graduated in 1954 from Batavia High School.  Ben was the son of the late Joseph Bonarigo and Josephine San Fratello Seamans.  First and foremost, he was a family man.  He was a devoted husband to Carol, his wife of 54 years, and a proud and caring father to Marc Bonarigo, Britt (Shea) Bonarigo and Gina Bonarigo, and a loving and adoring grandfather to Gabriela Bonarigo.  He was also beloved "Uncle Ben" to his nieces, nephews and their children.   Ben was preceded in death by his  brother, Charles Bonarigo in 1997.

After graduation from Michigan State University and the SUNY Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, New York, Ben completed his residency in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine at Georgetown University and the University of Rochester in Rochester.  While completing his residency, his work was interrupted by a call to serve his country at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital from 1967 to 1969, where he became the youngest Commander in the U.S. Navy.   Following his service in the Navy, he began a 30 year career practicing radiology as chief of radiology at Southside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, chief of radiology at East Liverpool Hospital, Ohio, chief of radiology at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, VA, and chief of radiology at Aliquippa Hospital, PA.  Towards the end of his career he moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida where he continued to practice radiology at Countryside Hospital until his retirement in 2000.  

Following his retirement he taught diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine to students attending the Barry University Physicians Assistant program in Florida. He thrived in his teaching and mentoring roles at Barry University and will fondly be remembered for the tremendous impact he had on his students and their careers.   

Ben was a member of The Radiological Society of North America, The American College of Radiology, The Florida Radiological Society, The American Society of Nuclear Medicine, and Cypress Run Golf Club of Tarpon Springs.  Ben's research and work during the 60's and 70's  led to the publication of two award winning thesis's that were presented at the RSNA of North America,  and in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) during his long career. 

He is remembered as a spirited, driven individual with great wisdom and a dry wit who loved to tell stories, and he had a kind and generous heart.  Throughout his life he was an excellent athlete who participated in many sports, including football, baseball, track, tennis and golf.   Ben enjoyed playing competitive tennis for many years, winning multiple club championships and trophies in both singles and doubles matches.  Later in life after retirement, he developed an interest in golf where he spent many hours perfecting his game and quickly achieved success.  He had an amazing 14 career hole-in-ones and in 2004 he was the winner of the men's senior championship at Cypress Run Golf Club. 

For leisure Ben relaxed by puttering in his flower garden, listening to jazz, honing his computer skills and watching and cheering on his favorite sports teams.

Ben's memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were honored to have had the privilege of knowing him. 

In keeping with Ben's wishes, a private memorial will be held at a later date for family members.  The family kindly requests that donations be made to Accent Hospice Health Care (accentCare.) or The Humane Society of Pinellas County.  

Batavia - Margaret Jane Kauffman, 89, passed from this life on October 29, 2024, at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Jane was born September 2, 1935, to Loretta (Garraghan) and Edward Kauffman. She was graduated from Batavia High School and Buffalo State and earned an M.A. at Canisius College before embarking upon a 42-year career in education, first as an English teacher at Kenmore and primarily as a guidance counselor at Williamsville North High School.

Jane served for many years on the board of directors of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the Buffalo and Erie County United Way. Her many honors included the Buffalo AFL-CIO Labor Council “Labor Leader of the Year” and the “Living Legacy” award from the Women’s Rights Committee of the American Federation of Teachers. She was also a delegate to the 1992 and 1996 Democratic National Conventions.

As a young girl, Jane liked to write, sing, and hang out at Batavia Clippers baseball games. In her adulthood, Jane enjoyed horse racing, talking politics (civilly!), and splitting her time between Buffalo and Batavia. She was a generous aunt who taught her nephews how to write letters and play golf.

Jane was predeceased by her parents; her longtime companion, William Kelty; and a niece, Susan Kauffman. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Sandra Kauffman; nephews, Bill (Lucine) Kauffman and Mike (Cathy) Kauffman; great-nephews, Christopher and Kyle Kauffman; and great-niece, Gretel (Mark Dee) Kauffman.

Jane will be interred next to her parents at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia in a private ceremony.

Jane’s family thanks the angels at Crossroads House, who provided care and comfort in her final days. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or by clicking here.

Arrangements for Jane were entrusted to the care of Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

St. Petersburg, Florida - Kurt Alan Kautz, 66 of St. Petersburg, Florida and formerly of Attica, passed away on Saturday, (October 26, 2024) at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg as a result of injuries sustained in an accident.

Mr. Kautz was born July 31, 1958 in Batavia, a son of the late Eugene and Rita (Bishop) Kautz.

Spending time with family and friends meant everything to Kurt. He and his four legged best friend Rocky Rose adored each other. Kurt loved the Buffalo Bill's, he was obsessed in his support for them. He cherished coming home to Attica for Fish Fries, Watty Fest, he loved watches, golf, and his motorcycle. He was a member of the Screen Actor's Guild and could build just about anything. He will be acutely missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Andrea (LoPresti) Kautz of St. Petersburg; canine companion, Rocky Rose; step-daughter, Alyse (Clayton Webber) LaVerne of Florida; siblings, Kathleen (Mark) Geitner of Attica, Karl (Tory) Kautz of Poughkeepsie, Karen Kautz of Albion, and Kristopher (Susan) Kautz of Wyoming; nieces and nephews, Shannon (Padriac) Horgan, Ian Whitcroft, Analise (Christos) Kyriacou, Hayden (Victoria) Kautz, Kelsey Kautz, Adeline Kautz, and Ella Kautz; several great-nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Jonathan (Ann) LoPresti, Joseph (Mary) LoPresti; sister-in-law, Cara Mia LoPresti.

Kurt is reunited in death with his parents and brothers, Kevin and John Kautz.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday (November 2, 2024) from 2 to 4:00 p.m. at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica, where Kurt's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. Rev. Bill Hockey will officiate. A private burial will be held in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. Those wishing may make memorials in Kurt's memory to The Patricia Allen Fund c/o John R. Oishei Childrens Hosptial, 818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 or by clicking here. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Michele A. Struzyk, 64 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (October 20, 2024) at her residence.

She was born December 1, 1959 in Brooklyn, NY, a daughter of Josephine Messina Campbell and the late Joseph Campbell.

She will be dearly missed and always remembered for her kind, fun loving personality and unconditional love.

Surviving besides her mother are her children, Tia (Thomas) D’Arcy of Batavia, Ty (Renee) Madison of Alden, Steven Godinho of Batavia and Daniel Struzyk of Buffalo. Grandchildren, Kali Michele Lapp, Leah D’Arcy, Norah D’Arcy, Teagan Madison, Kensley Madison and Charlee Madison.

She was predeceased by her husband, James Cooley and brother Mark Campbell.

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.

James C. Merrell "Dude", 68 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (October 26, 2024) at Rochester General Hospital.

He was born March 28, 1956 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Clifford and Clara Nevinger Merrell.

James was a graduate of Batavia High School. He was employed by Genesee Valley B.O.C.E.S. in Batavia prior to his retirement. He enjoyed rodeo action, attending flea markets and occasionally visiting the casino.

Survivors include his brother, Gordon Merrell of Batavia. Sister, Verna (John) Oehler of Batavia. Nieces and nephews, Jennifer Hughes, Kati Bernard, John Matthew Oehler, Robert Merrell Jr. and Jason Merrell. Sister in-law, Marsha Merrell.

He was the brother of the late Robert Merrell.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (Nov. 4^th) from 4-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY.

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.

With great sadness the family of Brian A. Powell Sr announce his passing on October 11, 2024 at the age of 64.

Brian was born November 2, 1959 in the Caribbean Island of Nevis to the late Georgette and Albert Powell.

Brian served in the US Army and the Army Reserve after completing High School. He moved to Batavia, NY in 1983 and worked many years at PW Minors as well as driving trucks.

Brian enjoyed playing golf in his spare time as well as spending time with his children, granddaughters and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first grandson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Brian A. Powell Jr, Patrick "Dustin" Powell of Rochester,  Natasha (Ryan) Schmidt, Granddaughters Esmay and Eleanor Schmidt of Middleport, NY; sisters, Joyslin Powell of Nevis, Syonia Powell of Baltimore, MD; brothers, Roger (Loudina) Powell of Tampa, FL; Sobrattie Powell of Tampa, FL and Raynard (Neva) Powell of Texas.

He is predeceased by his brother, Garnette Powell.

Friends may call on Monday from 10 am to 11:30 am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Graveside services with military honors, will follow on Monday at1 pm at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu. If you will be meeting at the cemetery, please assemble by 12:45 pm. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Kathryn Woodruff, 71, of Amherst, formerly of Oakfield, passed away on October 16, 2024 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a brief illness. Kathryn was born on October 10, 1953 in North Hornell, NY, to the late Willis "Burr" and Edith (Louise) Woodruff (nee Austin).

Kathy loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandson. One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother. Her family lived in Medina, NY before moving to Batavia, where she was a 1971 graduate of Batavia High School. Kathryn was employed by Genesee County for 20 years and retired in 2019. She loved the Fall season and taking weekend road trips with her daughters and friends.

Kathryn is survived by her daughters Linsey (David) Heraty and Andrea Schiavi, both of Buffalo, and cherished grandson, Finnegan Heraty. She is also survived by her brothers Paul (Mary) Woodruff of Medina, David (Carol) Woodruff of Hemlock, and Roger (Sharon) Woodruff of Alfred Station. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends whom she cherished. 

There were no prior calling hours, and services were private. Arrangements were completed by Amigone Funeral Home Inc., Amherst, NY. Please share condolences at www.Amigone.com.

In lieu of flowers, Kathryn's family graciously suggests donations be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in her memory. 

Rose Butera, age 97, of Trinity, Florida, went to her heavenly home on October 23, 2024.

Rose, who was raised in Batavia, NY, moved to Florida in 1976 with her late husband, Ottaviano Butera, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Salvatore and Josephine (nee: Morreale) DeFazio, and her siblings, Leonard DeFazio, Concetta Penepent, Felicia Boise, Josephine DeGoris, and Alphonso DeFazio.

She was the loving mother of Grace (Jerry) Forrester and Josephine (Tom) Cultrara; 4 grandchildren, John Baker, Rose (Rafael) DeTorre, Michelle Shaddle, and Christina Cultrara ; 4 great-grandchildren, John Baker, Emma Baker, Sterling Shaddle, and Tommy Shaddle; 2 step- grandchildren, Heather (John) Foster and family, Kristin (Patrick) Smith and family; a brother, John DeFazio and a sister, Mary Dee Ognibene; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rose cherished God, her family, and her friends. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, her deep compassion, genuine kindness, and her unwavering strength as a prayer warrior.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Florida at, Anderson McQueen Tyrone Family Tribute Center, 7820 38th Ave., N. St. Petersburg, Florida on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1pm. The Rev. Jerry Forrester, will be officiating. A link will be shared on Facebook to join the service remotely via Zoom.

A Christian Burial Service will be held on Thursday November 7, 2024, at 10 am at the Baron Miller Funeral Home, 3025 Willam St, in Cheektowaga, NY. The Rev. Patrick Keleher will officiate. Entombment will follow at Pine Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo. Memorials may be made to the Gulfside Hospice, 6117 Trouble Creek Rd., New Port Richy, FL 34653.