Skip to main content

Obituaries

David J. Davis

By T.J. Woodward

David J. Davis, 71, of Perry died Monday January 27, 2014 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born in Warsaw on May 25, 1942, son of the late Paul and Catherine Dorrenbacher Davis. David served with the U.S. Air Force. He was a graduate of Perry High School. Dave worked for the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department for 37 years as an investigator retiring in 2003. He also worked for Swain Ski and Sports for 20 years as a ski instructor and ski school director, and he currently was working at Bristol Ski Resort as a snowboard instructor. He was a Perry Village trustee for eight years, and was on the Wyoming County Republican Committee for many years.

He was a member of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish where he attended St. Mary’s Church in Silver Springs, he enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, riding bike, taking walks, or just enjoyed the frequent visits from friends and family. He would be seen around town taking care of others’ lawns and driveways.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie LaFountaine Davis whom he married in 1966; two daughters, Vicki (Tom) Mucher of Ranson, W.Va., Nannette (Aaron) Galvin of Mount Morris; two brothers, Paul (Donna) Davis of Rochester, Patrick (Jan) Davis of Knox, Ind.; a sister, Kathleen “Kitty” (Steve) Schmidt of Leslie, Mo.; three grandchildren, Madison and Reagan Mucher and Adam Galvin; a close friend, Mark (Catrina) Kingsley of Perry; along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main St., Perry, NY 14530. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Silver Springs. Memorials may be made to St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish, 8 Park St., Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Gary A. Jurkowski

By T.J. Woodward

Gary A. Jurkowski, 69, of Perry passed away peacefully on Saturday January 25, 2014 while surrounded by family at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born in Warsaw on May 31, 1944, son of the late John Jurkowski and Helen Szymanski-Jurkowski.

Gary was working as a patrolman with the Perry Police Department when he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966. He completed basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, and then completed Advanced Individual Training in Biloxi, Miss. Gary became qualified as an Air Traffic Controller and Weather Observer at the Laredo AFB in Texas.

He was a 1962 graduate of Perry High School. Following his service to his country, he returned to Perry in 1970 and went to work for the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department as a patrolman. A year later, he returned to his former job as a patrolman with the Perry Police Department and worked his way through the ranks to become sergeant. In 1977 he became the police chief.

Gary enjoyed working closely with children in the village and instituted the “Officer Bill” program at Perry Central Schools, before the more current D.A.R.E program was established. He was involved with the Bicycle Rodeo in the interest of bicycle safety offering locally sponsored savings bonds and trophies in the 1970s. During his career in law enforcement, he also worked part-time for the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department for 13 years on Marine Lake Patrol on Silver Lake. He continued to work as the police chief of Perry until his retirement in 2000. Gary continued his career in law enforcement and became the municipal court justice for the Village of Perry until retiring in 2012.

He was a member of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry, the Constellation Lodge 404 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Perry. A member of the Magistrates Association, Knights of Columbus Council 10983, Perry Firemen Benevolent Organization, lifetime member of the New York Chiefs of Police Organization. Gary was also a member of the McKelton Post 350 American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 193 and past member of the Perry Ambulance Corps. He belonged to the Patriot Guard Association honoring the transporting of the deceased veterans’ ashes to Bath, N.Y.

Gary was recognized in 2012 for 15 years of service, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration observer where he compiled statistics for the National Weather Service based in Buffalo and hometown papers and news stations in Rochester. Among other activities, he drove a tractor trailer with Diagnostic Cat Scanners and MRI equipment to various hospitals and drove freight runs to Ohio for Kaustine Furnace and Tank. He also enjoyed driving truck for local farms. Gary enjoyed railroading and loved showing his Army 2 1/2-ton truck at various local events and parades. He was known for his compassion, respected for his wisdom and insight and a mentor to many.

He is survived by two daughters: Tamara (James) Quilty of Dallas, Texas, and Kathy Narowski of Pavilion; two brothers, John (Ginni) Jurkowski of Rochester and Edward (John Harris) Jurkowski of Perry; a sister, Marie (Jack) Beachel of Castile; three grandchildren, Konner Narowski, Lexi and Avery Quilty along with many nieces, nephews and long-time friend, Judy Bryant. The family would like to extend much gratitude to Carolyn Grieve for her loving care during his illness.

Gary’s memory will be honored with calling hours on Friday, June 13, and a memorial service on Saturday, June 14, at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home in Perry. Times will be announced at a later date. Burial immediately following will be in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorials in Gary’s name to be made to the American Juvenile Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

ANTHONY "SARGE" STROLLO

By Michael Tomaszewski

ANTHONY "SARGE" STROLLO Age 92, of Batavia, died peacefully Monday morning January 27, 2014 at the Batavia VA Medical Center. He was born October17, 1921 in Batavia to the late Polycarpo and Antonia (Fornataro) Strollo, also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lucy in 2012; brothers, George, Pat & Modesto and his sister Mary Strollo.

  Sarge was a foreman for the Rochester Labor Union , a member of Ascension Parish and a WWII Veteran of the United States Air Force. For over 20 years he and wife resided in Jensen Beach, FL, enjoyed hunting, fishing, family picnics and  love of Italian food. Most of all he had a great love for his family.

   He is survived by his sons, Anthony & Robert Strollo and a daughter, Donna (Allen) Jackett all of Batavia; sister, Lucy Bucciferro of Batavia; grandchildren, Courtney & Shawn Jackett, Andy Strollo, Lacie (Jason) Snell and Katie (Jeremy) Cosimeno; great-grandchildren, Peyton Armison, Bryson Snell, Gianna & Gabriella Strollo, Nicholas & Sadie Cosimeno along with many nieces and nephews.

   A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date, both Anthony and Lucy will be buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in his memory can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.           

Please share your memories of Anthony, with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF ANTHONY "SARGE" STROLLO  IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

 

 

 

 

Mary C. Schiavone

By T.J. Woodward

Mary C. Schiavone, 93 of Batavia, passed away on Sunday January 26, 2014 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. She was born on May 13, 1920 in Batavia to the late Ralph (Mary DeFino) Recchio. Mrs. Schiavone worked for 35 years at Batavia Downs. She was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia. Mrs. Schiavone loved playing bingo, going to the casino and the race track. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Albert Schiavone; brothers Michael, Frank, Matthew Recchio and a sister Helen Recchio.

She is survived by her loving daughters Marilyn (Charles) Pero of Batavia; Sandra (Thomas) Coticchio of FL; Deborah (Frank Dane) Schiavone of Batavia; sisters Margaret Schlossel, Jenny (Joseph) Trigilio, Josephine Fragnito all of Batavia; sister-in-law Mary Recchio of CA; 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held privately. Entombment will be in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Katherine Rose Snyder Williams

By T.J. Woodward

Katherine Rose Snyder Williams, 100 of Batavia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday January 23, 2014. She was born November 17, 1913 in Alexander, daughter of the late Edward G. and Cora Meyers Snyder. A graduate of Attica High School and Buffalo State Teachers' College, Katherine taught for many years in the Attica area.  She was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, taught Bible Club in her home, and gave Bible classes at the Batavia Nursing Home, where she was affectionately known as "Katie." Katherine is preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Williams, died February 7, 1987; sisters Viola Yablonski and Marian Taylor.

Surviving is a daughter, Beth Ann (Bruce) McNeill of Richmond, Virginia; three grandchildren, Christopher and Matthew, both of Richmond, and Erin McNeill Durand, of Hope Mills, North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM on Wednesday January 29, 2014 Marley Funeral Home, LLC.  135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica. 

Memorials may be made to the Grace Baptist Church located at 238 Vine St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Mildred A. Voorhees

By Ronald Konieczny
Mildred A. Voorhees, 83, formerly of Oakfield, passed away Jan. 17, 2014, at Le Roy Village Green, where she had been residing.
 
The eldest of four children, she was born in Batavia, the daughter of the late Alford “Pat” R. Voorhees and the late Ellen G. (Mason) Voorhees on Dec. 1, 1930.
 
She earned her Accounting Diploma graduating in 1950 from the Batavia branch of the Rochester Business Institute and held several financial positions at various businesses in Genesee County as well as in Rochester and Buffalo. She was a member of the North Darien Baptist Church where she was organist for 15 years. She also played organ for several years at the VA Hospital in Batavia. Her life was dedicated to bringing the love of Jesus Christ into each of her children’s lives.
 
She is survived by her sons, R. Thomas Neth of Batavia, Emanuele (Donna) Neth of Holley, Robert (Pamela) Neth of Lakeland, Fla., Timothy Neth, and William (Kalle) Neth of Batavia; daughters, Deborah (David) Kovach of Parrish, Fla., Donna Elliott, Mary (Todd) Scoins, and Gloria Moretti of East Pembroke; and her sister, Dorothy Pontillo of Zephyrhills, Fla.; her brothers Charles (Linda) Voorhees of Cape Vincent and James Voorhees of Orick, Calif.; her 30 grandchildren, Lisa Atkinson, Adam Neth, Christopher Neth, Laura Carlie, Kevin Neth, Melanie Wilhelm, Brande Kenworthy, Steven Elliott, Michelle Czechowicz, Amanda Elliott, Michael Neth, Sarah Neth, Emily Neth, Bryan Neth, Matthew Neth, Brandon Scoins, Gregory Scoins, Tyler Scoins, Joseph Neth, David Neth, Jason Neth, Andrew Neth, Elizabeth Neth, Monica Neth, Benjamin Neth, Jacob Neth, Alex Moretti, Brittany Moretti, Mackenzie Moretti and Gabriella Moretti; her two step-grandchildren, Christopher Glow and Jeremy Glow, 20 great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
 
She is predeceased by her eldest son, John Neth and her daughter-in-law Patricia Neth.
 
There are no prior visiting hours. Private services and a Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family. 
 
Memorials in Mildred’s memory may be made to Homecare & Hospice of Genesee County, 29 Liberty St. Suite No. 6, Batavia, NY 14020 or to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 
Expressions of condolence may be made 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 & PROPRIETOR.

Karen L. Turner

By Press Release

Corfu - Karen L. Turner, 67, of Corfu, passed away Thursday (January 23, 2014) at Buffalo General Hospital.

Mrs. Turner was born on September 4, 1946 in Utica, NY, a daughter of the late Thomas R. and Evelyn L. (Wardell) Alton.

She was a graduate of Poland Central School Class of 1964. Karen worked in the Utica area for Mele Manufacturing, General Electric and several restaurants. She also worked at the Batavia Senior Center and for the Pembroke Central School District where she was a bus driver for 16 years. Karen truly loved driving her bus and retired due to health problems in 2006. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Surviving are her beloved husband, Harley G. Turner, whom she married on December 18, 1965. She was the loving mother of Melissa Turner and Scott (Cindy) Turner all of Corfu; stepmother of Judy Turner of Camillus, NY and Donna (Dave) Maycumber of Syracuse; loving grandmother of Erika (Andrew) Gabbey, Shelby Turner and Dakota Parson and step grandmother of Andrew Strack.

She is also survived by a sister, Jean Konieczny of Tulsa, Ok;  a brother Robert Alton of Hamilton, NY and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Evelyn M. Worthington

By Press Release

Corfu - Evelyn M. Worthington, 92, of Corfu, passed away Tuesday (January 21, 2014) at her home.

Mrs. Worthington was born in El Cerrito, California on March 11, 1921, the daughter of the late Clayton and Josephine Blachford Mosier. She was a graduate of Troy High School and Rochester Business Institute. Until his retirement, Evelyn and her husband Stanley, owned and operated Pembroke Exxon. She was a long time member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a member of the Evergreen Hill Cemetery Association.

Evelyn was an avid genealogist, and enjoyed sewing and gardening. She loved the out doors and spending time with her granddaughter and nieces.

Evelyn was the wife of the late Stanley Worthington, sister of the late Catherine Dunn and the late Clayton Mosier.

She is survived by her sons, Ralph of Lansdale, PA and Russell of Corfu; her granddaughter Lindsey of Trumansburg, NY; her sister Mildred Whitehead of Cape Coral, FL; her sister-in-law Audrey Mosier of Corfu and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Friday 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036 or to HomeCare and Hospice 550 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Ray E. Willis

By T.J. Woodward

Ray E. Willis, 87 of Albion, died Tuesday January 21, 2014 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born October 15, 1926 in Erwin, TN to the late John (Lacresia Cody) Willis. Mr. Willis worked for Maislin Transport in Buffalo. He was a United States Army Veteran and member of the National Guard. He is preceded in death by a brother John Willis; two sisters Mary Tipton and Geneva Shirton. 

Mr. Willis is survived by his beloved wife Lucille (Bigsby) Willis of Albion; son Earl Willis of Batavia; daughters Agnes (Gary) Gates of Warsaw; Renee (Donald) Long of Batavia; brother James Willis of TN; 26 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will take place 11:30 AM on Monday January 27, 2014 at the Alabama & Bason United Methodist Church 1392 Church St. Alabama, NY 14013. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities. For more information please call 343-8260 or to sign the online guest registry go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

ANTHONY M. LAZIK

By Michael Tomaszewski

ANTHONY M. LAZIK Age 40, of Batavia, died Tuesday morning January 21, 2014 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born December 7, 1973 in Batavia to Deborah (Pratt) Gravanda of Batavia and the late Anthony John Lazik who died in 1996

  Anthony was employed at Chesley's Automotive in Batavia, doing what made him most happy, working as a mechanic. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan, enjoyed his mothers cooking and loved to spend time with his girlfriends daughter, Kaylyn.

   Anthony is survived by his mother and step-father, Deborah (Fred) Gravanda of Batavia; his sweetheart, Amber Wade and her daughter, Kaylyn Hale of Batavia; brothers, Jeremy Weatherbee and Theodore (Theresa) Lazik both of Batavia; maternal grandparents, Carr (Barbara) Magel of Auburn; uncles, Michael (Weiling) Lazik of Batavia, David (Robbie) Lazik of Brooklyn, Jason (Michelle) Magel of AZ; aunts, Paula Savage of Batavia, Tamara Magel of Long Island, Jamie (Shawn) Rathbone of Auburn; great-aunts, Ann and Floretta Fenello both of Batavia along with many cousins and friends.

   Family and friends may visit from 3-7 p.m. Friday January 24, 2014 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will begin at 7:00 p.m. Anthony will be buried with his father in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in his memory can be made to the family.           

Please share your memories of Anthony, with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OFANTHONY M. LAZIK IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

 

 

ROBERT L. SZELES

By Michael Tomaszewski

ROBERT L. SZELES – Age 55, of Byron, died peacefully Monday January 20, 2014 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born February 16, 1958 in Rochester, NY, to the late Lewis W. and Meryl (Galen) Szeles also preceded in death by his nephew, Jon Krenzer.

   Robert was employed at O-AT-KA Milk Products and enjoyed radio controlled model airplanes.

   Surviving is his beloved wife of 32 years, Debbie (Drummey) Szeles of Byron; step-daughter, Debbi (Aaron) Brenkus of Elba; sister, Barbara (Charles) Klinkbeil of Holley; step grandchildren, Jonathan & Taylor Brenkus; 2 step great-grandchildren; niece, Heather (Rich) Held and great-nephew, Carter Held along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

   There is no prior visitation, funeral services will be held privately by the family and in liue of flowers memorials can be made to a charity of thye donor's choice.

   Please share your memories of Robert, with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF ROBERT L. SZELES IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

Lillian M. Scroger

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Lillian M. Scroger, 86, of Oakfield, a retired Housekeeper at Batavia Treadway Inn, passed away Tuesday, (January 21, 2014) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia following a brief illness.

Mrs. Scroger was born February 24, 1927 in Pottsville, PA, a daughter of the late Merritt A. and Effa (Shiery) Shingle.

She was a member of the Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 626 Women's Auxiliary in Oakfield.  She enjoyed knitting, traveling, eating out at many local restaurants, especially The Caryville Inn; she greatly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is the wife of the late Howard E. Scroger who passed away November 18, 1987.

Lillian is survived by her children, Ann (Dan) Waterman of Oakfield, and John (late Jayne) Scroger of Westmont, Il; a son-in-law, Jim Wolan of Churchville; grandchildren, Ann Marie (Carl) Shetler of Alabama, Richard (Toni) Allen of Barker, James (Manisha) Wolan of Linden, NJ, Erin (Bob) Silvarole of North Chili, Christa (Tom) Jordon of Chicago, Il, and Jeff Scroger of Utah; great-grandchildren, Daniel Freeman, Michael Freeman, Carl Shetler, Michael Shetler, Kirstie Allen, Richard Allen, Rachael Allen, Zachery Hill, Kristopher Wolan, Lillian Silvarole, and Ian Jordon; a great-great grandson, Carson Shetler.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Wolan; sisters, Sarah Elizabeth Shingle, Francis Esterly (late Leroy) Gehris, and Emma Kathryn "Kit" (late Vincent) Hofmann.

Friends may call on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  Lillian’s Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, (January 25, 2014) at Alabama - Basom United Methodist Church, 1392 Church Street, Alabama. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, Alabama Fire Department, P.O. Box 798, Basom, NY 14013, Alabama - Basom United Methodist Church, 1392 Church Street, Alabama, NY 14003, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society WNY Chapter, 4053 Maple Road, Suite #110, Amherst, NY 14226 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 16 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 

Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, West Shelby in the spring.  Please leave a condolence, light a candle, or share a story at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Richard F. Fietz, Jr.

By Joshua Smith

EAST BETHANY – Richard F. Fietz, Jr., 90, of East Bethany, passed away Tuesday (January 21, 2014) at his home.

Mr. Fietz was born October 30, 1923 in Boston, MA, a son of the late Richard F. and Edith Fietz.

A native of Boston, MA, a life-long public servant, and a devoted family man, Richard F. Fietz, Jr. served in the US Army as a combat engineer in the European Theater of Operations during WWII.  After the war, he attended Boston University, Middlebury College and Columbia University, graduating with a Masters in Psychology in 1950.

He was a deacon in the Kings Highway Baptist Church, a member of the Eastern Rod and Gun Club and an avid hunter and fisherman. 

He married his wife, Antoinette “Toni” (Adragna) in 1948.  They moved to Batavia in 1956 and lived in Bethany since 1958.  He was a member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Company, serving as secretary, member of the board of directors and rescue squad.  He enjoyed traveling and in his last years surfed the internet avidly for international news.  His last international trip was in 1998 to Marseille, where he had been stationed for part of his service in WWII.

He was active in the American Correctional Association, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the American Society of Criminology and the International Halfway House Association. He established the halfway house on Greg Street in Rochester as the first one in New York State in the early 1970’s. He retired from his position as Deputy Superintendent of Attica Correctional Facility in 1983.

His wife, Toni, predeceased him in 2012.  He had been her dedicated caregiver for the last decade of her life and her companion of 63 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Lynne Fietz; three grandsons, Alexander Fietz Saldarriaga, Diego Fietz-Bogotá and Giovanny Fietz; two granddaughters-in-law, Yveth Saldarriaga and Ana Ruth Fietz-Bogotá; two great-grandchildren, Esmeralda Layla Saldarriaga and Piero Alessandro Saldarriaga; and his “baby” sister, Roberta Fitzpatrick.  The family is grateful to Sylvia Santana for the tremendous help that she provided to enable him to stay in his home and maintain his quality of life, as well as to his good neighbors and the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department.

Friends may call on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of visitation at 8.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, Department, 5253 Old Telephone Road, East Bethany, NY 14054, in his memory.  Please leave a condolence, light a candle, or share a story at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth J. Place "Betty"

By Ronald Konieczny

Elizabeth J. Place "Betty", 92 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Monday (January 20, 2014) at the Weinberg Campus Nursing Facility in Getzville.

She was born August 17, 1921 in Eden, NY, a daughter of the late William John and Florence Strawbrich McGennis.

Betty and her late husband were the owners of the former Place's Grocery Store in Akron.  She was also a member of St. Teresa's R.C. Church.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, George A. Place and two sons, James and George W. Place.

Survivors include a sister, Violet Buckenmeyer of Darien and several nieces, nephews and dear friends including Eleanor, Nancy and Kathy.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share memories, condolences and thoughts on Thursday from 9:00am-10:30am at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St. Akron.  Prayers will be recited from the funeral home at 10:30am, followed by an 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Teresa's R.C. Church. Interment will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in the Town of Royalton.

Expressions of condolence may be made 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 & PROPRIETOR.

Walter A. Lawton

By T.J. Woodward

Walter A. Lawton, 86 of Strykersville, went to be with the Lord on Monday January 20, 2014 at the Wyoming Country Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born April 12, 1927, son of the late Norris (Pearl Kummer) Lawton.

Survived by his wife of 65 years Dorothy (Wilson) Lawton; two children Karen Karan; Keith (Susan) Lawton; five grandchildren, two great-grandchild.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the Bennington Fire Department 1353 Rt. 354 Attica, NY 14011. For more information please call 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Authentically Local