Obituaries

Helen J. Groth, 98, of East Pembroke, died Tuesday (March 12, 2013) at Orleans Hospice, Inc. in Albion.

She was born in the Town of Pembroke on August 19, 1914, a daughter of the late Peter and Agnes Butte Barnas. 

Her husband, Lyman "Pete" Groth died in 1985.

Mrs. Groth was a longtime member of St. Maximillian Kolbe Church in E. Pembroke and enjoyed reading, bird watching and solving crossword puzzles.  Prior to her retirement she was a secretary with the family business, L.J. Groth & Son Inc., a beer distributorship.

Surviving are two sons and a daughter in law: Norman Groth and Dennis (Joyce) Groth both of East Pembroke.  Grandchildren: Daniel N. (Lisa) Groth of Oakfield, Dee A. "Toni" Neilans of Batavia, Gregory D. Groth of Corfu and Joan M. (Mathew) Worth of Corfu.  Eleven great grandchildren, two great, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.

She was the sister of the late: Peter, John and Chester Barnas, Mary Huskey, Rose Sileski, Vera Urban and Sophia Thomas.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Friday from 4 - 8pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia where prayers will be Saturday at 8:45am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church in East Pembroke.  Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in East Pembroke.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the church, E. Pembroke Vol. Fire Co. or Orleans Hospice, Inc.

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.  Ronald P. Konieczny II, director & proprietor.

Scott A. Cramer, 46 died unexpectedly Sunday March 10, 2013 in a fire while house sitting. He was born November 1, 1966 in Batavia to the late Charles (Evelyn Washburn) Cramer. Scott worked as a Radio Dispatcher and DJ for WBTA in Batavia and later on in his career for WCJW in Warsaw. He was a very active member of the New Life Fellowship Church.      

He is survived by one brother, one sister and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be private.

MEMORIALS:  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alexander Fire Department 1055 Main St. Alexander, NY 14005. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

     Age 91, of Depew, died peacefully Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Sisters of Charity Hospital/St. Joseph’s Campus in Cheektowaga. He was born March 31, 1921 in Lester, England to the late Leonard & Elsie (Ellis) Mawer.

     Mr. Mawer served with the Royal Corp. of Engineers in WWII and was a member of St. Martha’s Parish in Depew. An avid woodworker, he loved the outdoors, especially gardening, plants and bird watching. He and his wife enjoyed their cottage on Lake Simcoe and travelling throughout the US and Europe.

     Surviving is his beloved wife of over 63 years, Jean (Libawski) Mawer of Depew; loving daughters, Linda (Ken) Kruger of Rochester, Peggy (Gordon) Dibble of Corfu and Erica Mawer of NYC; loving son, John (Cathy) Mawer of Lancaster; brother-in-law Leon (Renate) Libawski of Canada; 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren along with many nieces & nephews.

     Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, memories and celebrate the life of Wilfred at a time to be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF WILFRED L. MAWER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Richard S. Dziekan, 77, of Batavia, died Saturday (March 9, 2013) at Hildebrandt Hospice in Rochester after a courageous struggle with cancer.

He was born in Batavia on May 25, 1935, a son of the late John and Jennie Kropatwinski Dziekan. 

He was employed at Sylvania Entertainment Products for over 27 years and at Delco Products in Rochester until his retirement in 1995.  After his retirement he worked part time for Batavia Downs and Advantage Auto in Batavia.   He was a member of Resurrection Parish, the Polish Falcons of America Nest 493, the former St. Nicholas Social Club and a social member of the VFW Post 1602.  He enjoyed fishing, watching sports, especially the Buffalo Bills and Sabres and attending Batavia Muckdogs baseball games.

Surviving is his wife of 52 years, Anita Mocciaro Dziekan whom he married on September 17, 1960.  Two daughters and sons in law: Christine M. and Michael Migliore of Chili, Katherine L. and Donald Appleton of Penfield.  His son, Thomas R. Dziekan of Phelps, NY. Seven grandchildren: Ryan and Casey Sutherland, Karlie Rose Migliore, Theodore and Kelly Appleton and Mason and Carson Dziekan.  Brothers, Andrew (late Geneva) Dziekan of Bowie, MD, Eugene (Joan) Dziekan of Cape Vincent, NY, his sister, Helen (Wayne) Robbins of Mesa, AZ.  Sister in law, Katherine Dziekan of Pavilion, brothers in law, Charles Dillon of MI and Douglas Seward of FL.   He is the brother of the late: John and Francis Dziekan, Rose Dillon, Eleanor Starowitz and Josephine Seward.

At Richards' request, there are no calling hours or flowers.

The Ladies Sodality of Resurrection Parish will recite the Rosary at 9am on Tuesday at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph Church) prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am of which family and friends are invited to attend.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements are entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Ronald P. Konieczny, director & proprietor.

Carroll M. Nichols, 95, of Batavia, died peacefully on Thursday (March 7, 2013) at her residence after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Batavia, NY on June 1, 1917, a daughter of the late Charles H. and Kathryn Carroll Nichols.

Carroll was a secretary for Niagara Mohawk Power Co, retiring after 45 years.  She was a member of Resurrection Parish and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include two sisters, Jean Weiss of Batavia and Wilma Schloerb of Morristown, NJ.  Nieces, nephews and many dear friends also survive.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Sunday from 4-6pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 9:30am at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph Church).  Entombment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

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.

Michael J. Coyne Sr., 67 of Pavilion formerly of Ithaca passed away on March 5, 2013 at Medina Memorial Hospital. He was born October 15, 1945 in New York City to the late Patrick (Beatrice Mahon) Coyne. Mr. Coyne was a United States Marine, Vietnam Veteran and member of the Ithaca VFW. Michael was a very caring and social person that got along with everyone. 

He is survived by his sons Michael (Donna) Coyne Jr. of TN; Ryan, Sean Coyne both of Ithaca; daughters Jennifer (Brian) Clark of FL; Mary Coyne Ithaca; grandson Mason Coyne of TN; brother Patrick (Jean) Coyne of MA; sisters Margaret (Albert) Henderson of DE; Catherine B. Johns of Pavilion; along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 4:00 PM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 9, 2013 at the East Bethany Presbyterian Church 5735 Ellicott St. Rd. East Bethany, NY 14054. Interment will be in E. Bethany Rural Cemetery.      

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.DAV.com. 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.

Genevieve H. Rudolph, 90 of Batavia, died Tuesday March 5, 2013 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. She was born August 5, 1922 in Batavia to the late Frank Yasses and the late Wanda Stichowski. Genny worked at GTE Sylvania from the day the doors opened in 1954 until doors closed. She was the first and only female foreman. Genny loved her family around her and especially enjoyed her great-granddaughter Gracie. She spent a lot of time doing word puzzles, crocheting and when she could, going to the casino. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles Rudolph Sr.; brothers Henry and Theodore Yasses; sisters Irene Bachulak, Alfreda Walton; Lorraine Maher; Francis Slovick; Delores Krantz.

She is survived by sons Charles (Dixie) Rudolph of Batavia; Ronald (Lynn) Davis of Loxley, AL; daughter Sandra (Richard) Pratt of Lancaster; brothers Frank (Lorraine) Yasses of Batavia; Leonard Yasses of Batavia; Edwin (Margaret) Yasses of Stafford; sister Alice (Amelio) Taddei of Oakfield; 6 grandchildren Scott (Bonnie) Rudolph; Chad (Susan) Rudolph; Todd (Brenda) Heslor; Richard (Cheryl) Hussar; Ronald (Kandra) Davis; Tammy (Derrick) Crosby; 6 great-grandchildren Grace Rudolph; Matthew and Joshua Heslor, Kristen Davis; Wesley and Alexander Crosby along with many nieces and nephews also survive. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be private.

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

Age 77, of Batavia, died suddenly Monday, March 4, 2013 at his home. He was born July 23, 1935 in Warsaw, NY to the late Noman & Alice (Schweizer) Woolley.

Mr. Woolley was a 20 year Veteran of the United States Airforce having served 3 tours of duty in Vietnam, retiring as a Master Sergeant, upon his retirement from the service he worked many years for the National Weather Service. A quiet, humble man he enjoyed his dog, “Minnie”, had a great love for his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving is his beloved wife of over 40 years, Sanae (Shimoda) Woolley of Batavia; loving daughter, Sandra (Robert) Oddo of Batavia and their children, Joseph & Jacob Oddo; loving son, Walter Woolley of New Jersey and his children, Joshua & Kristin Woolley; 5 sisters, Marlene (Chuck) Volk of Holland, Patricia (Nelson) Merlau of OH, Sandra (William) Franczak of Holland, Marcy Woolley of Dunkirk and Jackie (Dick) Henneberger of KY along with many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, memories and celebrate the life of Richard at 12 Noon on Friday March 8, 2013 at the Dibble Family Center 4124 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a luncheon will follow at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Volunteers for Animals PO Box 1621 Batavia, New York 14021 and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF RICHARD NORMAN WOOLLEY IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Virginia H. Barone, 85 of Batavia passed away on March 5, 2013 at East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw. She was born on August 30, 1927 in Batavia to the late Lawrence (Ruby Beckwith) Hopp. Mrs. Barone was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church. She enjoyed knitting and sewing. Mrs. Barone is preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles Barone Jr. (May 19, 2000).

She is survived by her sons David (Shawn) of Batavia; Daniel (Theresa) of Rochester; Michael (Sheryl) Barone of CT; sister Suzanne (Earl) Dorman of Batavia; 4 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday March 8, 2013 at Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 303 East Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.      

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to East Side Nursing Home 62 Prospect Street Warsaw, NY 14569 or to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, NY 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.

Age 52, of Batavia, a former local printer passed away Friday, March 1, 2013, in the presence of his loved ones at his home. He was born November 3, 1960 in Buffalo the third of eight children, to Mary (Wangler) Young of Pembroke and the late great Jack Young, he was a brother to the late David Young who died in 2012.

A graduate of Alexander High School he lived for his family and friends. He worked at numerous printing establishments in the WNY area and achieved the position of plant manager. Marty was a musician, DJ, comedic extraordinaire and entertainer. He created and performed in numerous haunted houses.

Surviving along with his mother, Mary; his beloved wife, Christine (Bove) Young of Batavia; loving children Nigel and Lindsey of Batavia and Adrian of West Virginia; brothers, John (Tammy) of Niagara Falls, Joe (Lori) of Basom and Andrew (Denise) of Batavia; sisters, Constance (Jim) Fritschi of N. Tonawanda, Loretta (Alan) Kurek and Amy (Jack) Chmielowiec both of Batavia; sister-in-law Dawn Young of PA; mother-in-law, Ann Bove of Attica along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday March 9 at the Beachhead VFW Post, 3188 Broadway Road, Alexander, NY. In keeping with Marty’s wishes, a comfortable party to celebrate his life will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Age 91, of Batavia, NY died peacefully Thursday (February 28, 2103) at the Batavia VA Medical Center. He was born on September 18, 1921 in Maryville, TN to the late James E. & Anna White Sr.

Jim was a self-employed consultant and also the proprietor of Mr. Decal on Swan Street. A Marine Veteran of WWII, a recipient of the Purple Heart he also attended the Grace Baptist Church and had a love for dogs especially his own. 

Survivors include his beloved wife, Constance “Connie” (Marone) White of Batavia; 6 children, Sherre (Vic) Maile, Linda White, Susan Probst, Karen Rogers, Greg White, Judy Sowers; 3 step-children Larry, Robert and Patricia Merritt; 13 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild, several great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews. 

Family and friends may visit from 10 – 12 Noon on Wednesday March 6, 2013 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral and military services will follow at 12:00 Noon. Memorials in his memory are suggested to Volunteers for Animals PO Box 1621 Batavia, New York 14021. Entombment will be in the Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JAMES E. WHITE JR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

Marie R. Fragnito, 58, of Batavia, died Friday (March 1, 2013) at Crossroads House in Batavia.

She was born in Batavia on February 21, 1955, a daughter of Josephine Fragnito of Batavia and the late Mario Fragnito.

Ms. Fragnito was an executive secretary at the former Jones Chemical Co. of Caledonia and was currently employed as an Executive Administrative Assistant at ARC in Batavia.  Her greatest joy was being with her grand daughters.

She is survived by her mother, her daughter Vanessa Aquino of Batavia, 3 grandaughters, Makennah, Nakylie and Kamela.  Her sister and brother in law, Patricia and Richard Funke of Rochester,  brother and sister in law, Joseph and Patricia Fragnito of Batavia.  Nieces, Melissa Funke Mahar, and Jamie Fragnito, many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is predeceased by her nephew Richard J. Funke.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Sunday from 1 - 3 and 6 - 8 PM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the family for distribution to various charities.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL  HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

Corfu - Donald M. Chittenden, 60, of Corfu, passed away Thursday (February 28, 2013) at the Batavia Veterans Hospital.

Don was born July 24, 1952, in Batavia, a son of Myron Chittenden and the late Elaine (Schmidt) Chittenden. He worked at farming in his younger years and then worked for the Town of Pembroke Highway Department. Don served in the United States Army. Don was the husband of Jill M. (Bower) Chittenden, who passed away January 15, 2010.

Along with his Dad, surviving are Don's children; Jessica Chittenden and Edward (Shelly) Chittenden;  grandchildren; Devon Sargent, Drake Sargent, Savannah Sargent, Edison Chittenden, Molly Chittenden and Evelyn Chittenden; his brothers and sisters, Chris Chittenden, Frank (Sue) Chittenden, Betty Chittenden and Emily (John) Koch. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held from the funeral home Wednesday at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.

Nancy E. Hall, 67, of Batavia, died Thursday (February 28, 2013) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born in Ossining, NY on May 25, 1945, a daughter of the late David and Violet Donkin Harris. 

Mrs. Hall was an accountant, payroll officer and buyer expeditor for the former Eaton-Yale & Towne Corp. of Batavia.

Nancy was a very talented musician being an accomplished piano player.  She loved flower gardens and reading about England.

Surviving is her husband, Larry Hall.  A daughter and son in law, Jan and Bob Vanklootwyk of Agoura Hills, CA,  a son, Michael Hall of Batavia and a step daughter and son in law, Dawn and Mark Shaw of Attica.

Those desiring may made memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, Genesee County Unit, and P.O. Box 365, Batavia, NY 14020.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Services will be at a date to be announced.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA,  RONALD P. KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

Batavia - Joanne Topolski, 57, of Batavia,  died Tuesday (February 26, 2013) at Strong Hospital after a lengthy illness. 

She was born on May 23, 1955, the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Topolski.

Enjoying life as an avid horse and cow show person in her younger years,  Joanne also enjoyed painting, drawing, baking, and crafts.
Joanne's love of teaching began at St. Joseph’s School teaching 6th grade and Jr. High, and continued instruction in social studies at Batavia Middle School and Batavia High School.  Joanne retired after a total of 17 years in education.

She is the beloved sister of Carol & Rosalie Topolski, Nick (Lisa) DiFalco, and niece of Theresa Williams and Joanne Mazur, along with the loving care of Shirley Farley & Barb Zalar.

There are no calling hours.  A Christian mass will be held at Mary Immaculate Church, Rt. 63, E. Bethany on Friday at 5 p.m. 

Following the services, everyone is invited to the family home.

Monetary donations may be sent to the family for a scholarship in memory of Joanne for a graduating senior at Batavia High School.