Obituaries

Samuel Ferrara, age 98, of LeRoy, passed away on October 1, 2024. Born on August 13, 1926, he was the son of the late Joseph and Lena Ferrara.  

   At the age of 17, Samuel enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with pride during World War II as part of the crew of the Coxswain USS LST-793. After returning to his hometown, he married his high school sweetheart, Lena Tabone Ferrara, on September 2, 1950.

     Samuel graduated from the University of Buffalo Pharmacy School in 1952 and became a well-known pharmacist, serving the community with unwavering dedication and compassion. He was a devoted member of Saint Peter's Church and an avid UB Bulls fan, attending many sporting events over the past 72 years.

     He is survived by his children, Joseph (Teresa) Ferrara, Anne (Raymond) Paladino, Samuel (Jolie) Ferrara. His Grandchildren, Leslie, Molly, Lauren, Michael, Morgan, Gianni, Taylor & Cole. Great Grandchildren, Alexis, Lila, Mia, Joey, Addie, Matteo & Evelyn. Sister, Mary Gugino, brother, Roxy (Josephine) Ferrara. 

     He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lena Ferrara, who passed in 2008, sisters, Santa O’Geen, Jenny Rizzo and brother, Joseph Ferrara

     His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday October 12, 2024 at 10:30 AM, at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peters Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Exchange Street LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306

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

Thomas A. Mika, Sr., 83, of Darien, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at his home. Born on January 26, 1941, in Buffalo, NY, he was the beloved son of the late Walter and Helen Uzydegan Mika. 

Tom proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard, with assignments in California, Japan, and a memorable two years at Stepping Stones Lighthouse on Long Island Sound. He dedicated 22 years of his career to RCA Service Company in Cheektowaga, followed by nine years as a night security guard at The Genesee County Nursing Home. 

A man of many interests, Tom enjoyed reading the countless books in his home library, putting together jigsaw puzzles, building intricate models of boats and ships, as well as creating a wide variety of woodworking projects. Tom had a gift for conversation and could talk with anyone for hours. He also had a playful side, often joking and being silly, especially with his grandchildren. Furthermore, Tom was an expert on 1950s Rock ‘N Roll trivia. Above all, Tom cherished his family, delighting in every moment spent with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Tom's love for his four children was boundless and he took immense pride in each of their accomplishments. 

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ro Mika, and their children: Thomas Mika, Jr., Matthew Mika, Jill-Marie Mika, and Andrew Mika. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Stevens, four grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. 

He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter “Mike” Mika, Jr. and James Mika. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 15th, 9:30am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Main Street, Corfu, NY, followed by military honors at the Western New York National Cemetery.

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. 

Susan J. Wolter, 67 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (October 1, 2024) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born January 5, 1957, daughter of the late Donald and Joyce VanValkenburg Angst.

She is survived by her companion, Mark Havens of Batavia. Children, Renee, Joshua and Roy. Also survived by several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and memories on Tuesday (October 8^th) from 5-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at 7pm.

She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery. 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.

David Lee Tullar of Corfu NY passed peacefully on September 29, 2024 after a battle with lung cancer. Father of Shelly (David Binford) Tullar of North Haverhill NH; brother of Glen Tullar, James Tullar, Albert Tullar and Carla Van Meeveren; grandfather of Brittany (Mike) Bailey of Corfu NY, Katelynn (Kane) Pike of Bradford VT, Blakelee (Mathew) Danforth of Bradford VT, Jobin (Hanna Rockwell) Messenger of Bradford VT; great-grandfather of Madix Bailey, Maylee & Westyn Danforth, Griffin & Rylee Pike; also survived by many other family and friends. 

Dave made a living as a truck driver on the road. He was an avid NASCAR and football fan. All that knew him loved him. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family. Cremation to follow with private burial.

Donald Gaines Jr., age 71, peacefully departed this life on Monday, September 30th, 2024, in Brockport, NY.

Donald was born on July 7, 1953 in Albion, NY, the son of the late Donald Sr. (2015) and Constance Ione Callard Gaines.

He was a collector and enthusiast of fossils from all periods. He was a member of the Batavia first United Methodist Church and the Conservation Club of Brockport.

Donald graduated from Holley Central School and soon after proudly served his country in the US ARMY. He spent 37 wonderful years with his wife, Barbara, until her passing in (2015). Donald found love again and married Josephine Richards on August 8, 2016. He worked as a truck driver for Dolomite Quarry until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Gaines; mother Constance Gaines; sisters, Dorothy (Late David) McElhenny and Trudy (Chet) Hein; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to the military funeral honors and funeral service for Donald at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 4:00 pm. Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home.

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

Sandra M. Skaine, 85 of Clarence, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

She was born September 6, 1939 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Elmer and Madeline Seitz Markham.

She was the wife of the late Raymond G. Skaine, who passed away July 10, 2024 sister of the late June (George) Pieper.

Survivors include her children, Tracey (Alan) Burns of Missouri, Becky (Chuck) Heller of Minnesota and Lincoln Skaine of Massachusetts. Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday (October 5th), 11:00am at the Clarence Global Methodist Church, 10205 Greiner Rd, Clarence, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to Habitat for Humanity, 1675 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

Willetta C. Swanson (Willie), The Manor House, Batavia, N.Y. passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024.

She was born in Sheridan, N.Y. on September 21, 1925, the daughter of Harold and Susan Cross.

She married Carl Ben Swanson on June 27, 1952.  They moved into their home in Ashville, N.Y., where they lived through their entire married life.  Carl passed away on April 20, 2006.  Willie remained in their home until 2009 when she moved to Batavia to be nearer to family due to failing eyesight.

Willie graduated from Silver Creek High School, followed by Fredonia State College in 1946.  She taught in Angola and 1st grade in Jamestown Public Schools for 33 years.  She enjoyed the challenge of teaching 1st grade and the growth the students made over the years.  She felt a great sense of accomplishment with each child's ability to read at the end of the school year.

Willie enjoyed sewing, her garden, sitting on her front porch, family and friends.  She loved to make herself available to family and friends in need.  During her retirement she volunteered at the Ashville Free Library for 20 years and various positions at the Ashville Methodist Church, where she was a member for over 50 years.  Willie also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and many years in the Bunco Club in Ashville.  In Batavia, Willie kept active at the Manor House working at "the store", making phone calls for meetings, and helping setting up chairs, as well as various other activities at the Manor.

Willetta is survived by her nephews, William I. Gregory (Debra Dumuhosky) of Batavia, N.Y., Joseph Cross (Monica) of Iowa, and nieces, Louise Swanson of Jamestown, N.Y., Judy Cross (Tracy) of Iowa, Autumn Stewart (Charles) of Florida, Shirley L. Smith of Florida, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Beside her husband and parents she is predeceased by her sister Marjorie Vollentine in 2004, her brother William Howard Cross in 2022, her niece Susan Pascoe and great-niece, Katherine Pascoe.

There will be no calling hours.  There will be a Memorial Service at Ashville Methodist Church in Ashville, N.Y. on October 14, 2024 at 12 p.m., followed by a graveside interment at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Fredonia State College, The Park School of Buffalo or St. Joseph's Regional School (Batavia, N.Y.).

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

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

Patricia Ann (Pat) Thompson, formerly of Batavia, passed away on September 29, 2024 in Grand Blanc, MI. She was 92. She was born on December 30, 1931 in Buffalo, NY the daughter of James C. and Beulah (Adams) Follett. She lived her early life in Franklinville, NY and was married to the love of her life Glenn Edwin Thompson for 59 years. Pat and Glenn lived throughout western New York including Machias, Franklinville, Oakfield, Batavia, Lockport, and Akron as Glenn pursued his career in public schools. Pat was homemaker and loving mother. She participated in many school, community, and church functions. She loved arts and crafts including ceramics, tole painting, flower arrangements and decorating. Her favorite pastime was “antiquing” with friends and finding that deal of a lifetime at flea markets, shops, and garage sales.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Mark A. and Patricia G. Thompson, and son Scott A. Thompson as well as many nieces and nephews. Pat is pre-deceased by her parents, husband Glenn, sister Joan (Follett) Long and brother James Follett. Arrangements were entrusted to Village Funeral Home, 135 South St., Ortonville, MI. She will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI. Service will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester, MI. To send a condolence to the family please visit www.villagefh.com

John Gerard DelPlato, 71, of Sodus, NY, formerly of Batavia, entered Heaven's land to be with his Lord and Savior for all eternity. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage on July 5, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital with loved ones by his side. He was born on August 22, 1952, a son of the late Daniel and Mary (Marcello) DelPlato. He is also predeceased by his baby sister; Christine and brother Vincenzo.

He is survived by his sister; Mary E. DelPlato of Batavia; brothers Frank DelPlato of Oneonta, Charley DelPlato (Linda Payne), Daniel, Joseph, Michael (Bridget Barker) DelPlato all of Batavia; Carmen (Debbie Sperring) DelPlato of Williamson; nieces and nephews; James, Anthony, Richard, Sophia, Danielle, Jonathan, Marcella (Alan Quintana) Joseph and Theo, also survived by his godparents; Al and Gloria Sardo of Virginia; along with many cousins.

All through his adult life he had to deal with schizophrenia. During his youthful years, John excelled at baseball, whether it was youth baseball or high school. His most memorable moment was pitching a no hitter in Little League. He liked to bowl and participated in the high school drama club. Every chance he had, he would tell others about Jesus. John was given the gift of songwriting. He expressed his faith through his music. He wrote over a 100 songs. A CD of some of his Christian songs was made with the help of his nephew Anthony and sold at Roxy’s music store. To honor his memory, consider attending a church service this weekend.

As per John’s wishes, his body was donated to the UB Anatomical Gift program. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Ascension Church at 9:30am.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Click this link to listen to some of John’s Christian and secular songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRpnf9kt-d8&list=PL1VMu0z9oTjvcPVzib9zi305ym0TXqsry

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Francis N. Penna Sr., a beloved resident of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16th, 2024, at the age of 81 at Crossroads House following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Batavia on Sunday, December 6th, 1942, he led a full and dynamic life grounded in love, service, and community.

An Eagle Scout, he was a 1960 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia and pursued higher education at the Rochester Institute of Technology. His professional career spanned several decades, primarily serving as an engineer with the New York State Department of Transportation in Rochester. Following his retirement, he remained active in his field as a surveyor with Lamendola & Townsend in Batavia.

Frank was a dedicated family man, deeply cherished by his loved ones. He is survived by his sister, Marianne (Michael) Kenny of Rochester, his daughter Maria Penna of Batavia, his son Francis N. (Lisa) Penna III of Elba, and his grandchildren Marissa Carbonell, Francis N. Penna IV, and Angelo Penna, who were his pride and joy. He dedicated much of his time to attending his grandchildren's events, always putting family first.

In addition to his family, Frank kept himself busy with numerous interests. He had an unparalleled love for Christmas, cooking, traveling, and animals, especially dogs. He was also an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and San Francisco 49ers. Known for his good sense of humor and generosity, he will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He served proudly with the National Guard for six years, a testament to his dedication to his country and community. His legacy of service and commitment will be remembered by all those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Francis N. Penna Sr. and Mary Penna, as well as his brother Jeremy Penna. He now joins them in eternal peace.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street  in Batavia, on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. His Funeral Mass will be held in celebration of his life at 9:30 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, on Monday, October 7th, 2024. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Frank will be dearly missed. His life was a testament to love, kindness, and devotion, and his memory will live in the hearts of those who loved him forever.

Calvin A. Dutton 6,2 of Foley Alabama formerly of Byron N. Y. Passed away on Sept. 1st 2024 under the care of hospice. Calvin was born to the late Gilbert W. and Marion Dutton ( Greene ). He is survived my his partner Michelle Richmond, step father Jerry Greene, 3 brothers Tim ( Theresa ), Jeff ( Toni ) and Brian ( Diane ). His 4 sisters Colleen, Dawn , Brenda, and Sandy. Many niece's, nephews, great niece's, nephews, and cousins. Calvin will be cremated in Foley Alabama

Andrew J Chatt, Jr at 80 years old died peacefully at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota under hospice care.
He is survived by his wife, Christine and his daughter Julie(Steve) Wing.

Andy worked for many years at Doehler Jarvis. He was also a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Batavia, which he loved and was very proud of. 

He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley (late Doug) Scott, Diane (Chuck) Lee and Susan (Ronald) Odessa. Also his brother Michael (Patricia) Chatt.
He is predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Dorothy Chatt and his sister, Nancy Chatt Jaszko.
Andy will be laid to rest in South Dakota.

Rochester ~ Douglas C. Michel, age 71, formerly of the LeRoy area, passed away Tuesday evening (September 24, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     He was born December 7, 1952 in Batavia, a son of the late Andrew and Virginia Cheeseman Michel.   

  Doug will be remembered as a loving companion, a great father, a wonderful grandfather and uncle and a dear friend to many.  He was a hardworking and dedicated farmer, who was passionate about his trade.  He was a very generous, kind, caring and giving man, who was known to be a “jack of all trades”, being able to fix anything.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted significant other, Vanza McEntee; his children, Jason (Patricia) Michel and Sherry (Thomas) Hogle; grandchildren, Zachary (Carolyne) Michel, Hailey Michel, Eli Michel, Paige Michel, Jacey Sullivan and Cole Sullivan; siblings, William Michel and Carol Ganshaw; sister-in-law, Linda Michel; brother-in-law, Ed Ganshaw; nephews, Daniel (Amanda) Ganshaw, Andrew (Kristen) Ganshaw and Adam (Missy) Michel; nieces, Ellen (Michael) Vogler, Laura Michel and Jennifer Moss, his second set of “children and grandchildren”, Andrea and Shawn Scotney and their sons Jack and Quinn and Jaclyn and Daniel Mullen and their children Lily and Mason, along with many great nephews, great nieces and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brother, Robert Michel.

     A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held on Sunday, September 29 from 2 ~ 5 PM at the LeRoy Country Club, 7759 E. Main Road, LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

Marian G. Peck of Byron, N.Y., died Monday, September 16, 2024, in Rochester, three days before her 99th birthday. She was born to George and Mary (Hartrich) Geise in Bennington, N.Y., on September 19, 1925. She graduated from Attica H.S. and attended Rochester Business Institute.
    
On January 17, 1945, she married Richard F. Peck of Byron. They spent most of their married life there. As a World War II bride, Marian relished accompanying her seaman husband from port to port along the Atlantic Coast when he was not stationed abroad. And after their children were grown, Marian and Richard enjoyed extensive overseas travel. 
    
As a longtime parishioner of St. Michael’s Church in Byron and subsequently at St. Brigid’s in Bergen, Marian was always involved in church and civic activities. She also volunteered at Crossroads House, a comfort care facility in Batavia.
    
Marian’s husband Richard, son Gilbert, and daughter Aileen predeceased her, as did her sister Margaret and brother Edmund. Survivors include son George Peck of Byron; daughters Monica (Peck) Simons and Maureen Peck of Denver, Colo.; and Mary (Peck) Lester, son-in-law Howard Lester, and granddaughter Amandaleah Lester of Hemlock; grandson John Simons, granddaughter-in-law Natalie, and great-grandchildren Kaitlyn, Riley, and Elliot Simons of Littleton, Colo.
    
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, followed by burial at East Bethany Cemetery.
    
Arrangements for Marian were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210. 
        
To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Leah Brigiotta Robinson, age 75, of Attica passed away peacefully at Buffalo General Hospital on September 24, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends after her courageous battle with leukemia and glioblastoma.

She was born in Jamestown, NY on June 2, 1949 to Sam and Ann Brigiotta.

Leah graduated from Brockport University in 1971 and began teaching 6th grade Math and English at Attica Middle School where she taught for 33 years before retiring in 2004. Leah was the most generous, caring, thoughtful, and selfless mother and Nana anybody could have hoped for. She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything, and gave them everything she had until the very end. She cherished her regular, usually daily, talks with her children and sister. She was proud of her children and the parents they had become. She spent countless hours caring for her grandchildren, sometimes flying across the country at the drop of a hat in order to help. Nana never missed one of the kids’ sporting events, vigorously cheering from the sidelines. She was often seen walking around town heading to the library or the park, showing off her grandkids to anyone she’d see. She loved to golf, but mostly because it involved being surrounded by family and friends. She could light up the room with her laugh and personality. Her never ending love and generosity were felt by everybody she was near.

She is reunited with her parents, Sam and Ann, her Father and Mother-in-Law Ralph and Eve, and her brothers Frank and Sam.

Her memory will be forever carried on by her husband Dale Robinson of Attica, sister Sally Ann Matey of Jamestown, children Greg Robinson of Darien, Jon (Tasha) Robinson of Charlotte,  Katie (Robert) Elkins of San Diego, 6 grandchildren Michael (10), Evie (8), Cole (7), Easton (7), Nolan (4), and Nora Leahann (6 months), and many other family and friends.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, with a service following, at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main St, Attica, NY. A luncheon will immediately follow at Attica’s 10th Hole & Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stevens Memorial Community Library or a cancer charity which may have impacted you most.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit https://www.marleyfuneralhome.com/