Obituaries

Timothy C. Hall, 60 of Perry, died February 9, 2013 at his home. He was born in Springville, New York on December 21, 1952 to the late Edvardo (Betty Weller) Hall. Tim worked at Broughton Farms and was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Silver Springs. He was a Scout Master for Many years, avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish. Tim loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Tim was preceded in death by his brothers Dennis and Ernest Hall.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jean (Caryl) Hall of Perry; sons Jeffery Hall of Perry; Brandon (Jen) Hall Sodus; daughter Meagan (Robert) Vennard of Perry; brother William (Cheryl) Hall of Little Valley; 5 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. For more information please call 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Esther M. Bemiss, 81 of Batavia died on February 5, 2013 at her home. Mrs. Bemiss was born in New Lebanon, NY to the late Albert Crosby and Nellie Howes. She was a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service in Batavia for many years.

She is survived by her children.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Larry was born in Warsaw New York on March 29, 1940 a son of the late Dwight and Ruth Brown McClurg. Larry graduated from Perry Central School and Brockport State with a bachelor’s degree in Education. He taught school in Rochester for several years, managed a restaurant for Marriott in Maryland, owned and operated the Perry Bowling Center, and was a probation officer for Wyoming County from which he retired in 2002. He was a former member of the Perry Fire Department, and a member of the Perry VFW Post #5009. He is preceded in death by his step-mother Maxine McClurg; two brothers Jack and Robert McClurg.

He is survived by his wife whom he married on September 8, 1979 Ruth Palmer McClurg, a son Tad (Alyssa) McClurg of Colorado Springs, Co., a daughter Molly (Joe) Bochenek of Peru, 3 grandchildren; Gus, Emma and Megan Bochenek, 5 sisters; Betty White of Palm Beach Gardens, FL., Virginia (Ed) Culver of Sun City West, AZ., Barbara Anderson of Batavia, Lois Taylor of Leicester and Lynn (Alvin) Wood of Perry, a brother Donald McClurg of East Bethany, 2 sister-in-laws; Carol McClurg of Ogden, and Betty McClurg of Silver Springs, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many friends.

At Larry’s request there will be no visitation, services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Perry Fire Department Box 243 Perry, NY 14530, Perry Emergency Ambulance Box 288 Perry, NY 14530, Camp Good Days Box 665 Mendon, NY 14506 or to Home Care and Hospice 405 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569. For more information 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
 

Age 85, of South Colton, NY died Sunday morning (January 27, 2103) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. Sonny was born on March 29, 1927 in Massena, NY to the late Kennedy Roosevelt and Olive (Brown) Wilson and also preceded in death by a sister, Olivia “Sis” Hunter Phelps. 

He attended the Massena School District while working with his family at their business, Wilson’s Dairy. Sonny enlisted early in the US Navy in 1944.  He trained at the Sampson Base in the Finger Lakes before being assigned to duty in the Pacific. After returning from duty, Sonny continued his work at the dairy, and then worked and retired from the NYS Liquor Authority after selling the dairy in the 1970’s. He also was a professional photographer and a private pilot. Sonny was an enthusiastic outdoorsman.  His favorite days were spent fishing or in the woods hunting. He belonged to a number of Deer Hunting Clubs in the Adirondack Region, and loved going Moose Hunting in Canada. Another of Sonny’s true passions was his involvement with the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and their related Masonic organizations. He was just recently honored for being a member of the Massena Masonic Lodge for 60 years. 

Survivors include his wife, Hazel (MacKillican) Wilson of Schenectady; daughters, Lynn Wilson, Gail Jefts, Leslie (Dave) Piotrowski, all of Schenectady; son, Kennedy “Skip” (Sandy) Wilson of East Bethany; brother, Willard “Butch” Wilson of Greensburg, PA; 3 grandchildren, Amanda (Joel Kessler) Jefts, Andy and Kelly Piotrowski, and great grandson Rylan Kessler all of Schenectady along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

A service will be held in Massena, NY the latter part of April or early May; date and time to be published. Memorials in his memory are suggested to the R.E. Kennedy Wilson Memorial @ Shiner’s Children’s Hospital 516 Carew Street Springfield, MA  01104, (413)787-2000.

THE FAMILY OF KENNEDY WELLS “SONNY” WILSON IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 (585)343-7500.

Joan was born in Tonawanda, NY on October 2, 1936 a daughter of the late James and Edna Belcher Gratton. Joan was a homemaker and had worked for the Genesee County Nursing Home as a nurses aide. She loved animals especially goats, cats, dogs and ducks. She enjoyed doing word search puzzles, dancing, listening to country western music, and traveling. She was a collector of frog and cow items. She is preceded in death by 2 stepchildren Larry McClurg and Debbie Moore and a brother James Gratton.

She is survived by her husband: Donald of East Bethany, 4 children; Michael Georgia of Hopewell, VA., Luann Georgia and Sherrie Klimeck both of Alexandra, VA. and Kimberly (Michael) Burek of Cowlesville, 3 step children; Dennis McClurg of Bethany, Daniel (Cindy) McClurg and Dean (Laura) McClurg both of Warsaw, 2 brothers: John Gratton of Freedom and Steve Gratton of Grand Island and sister: Jean Rathbun of Castile, 14 grandchildren,12 great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 4-7 pm on Friday February 8th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. in Perry. Services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association 706 Haddonfield Rd. Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. 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.
 

Corfu - Gary L. Stevens, 69, of Corfu, passed away Tuesday (February 5, 2013) at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia.
Gary was born July 6, 1943, in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Robert and Vera Galster Stevens. He was a Chief Flight Instructor at Prior Aviation.

Gary was the beloved husband of Margaret (Brown) Stevens; loving father of Jennifer (Tom) Sargent, Michelle Stevens, Amy (Biggs) Johnson and Timothy (Jenn) Manton. Grandfather of
Christopher, Jordan, Brody, Kendall, Maggie and Jacob.

There are no prior calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Monday at Alden Presbyterian Church, 13298 Broadway, Alden at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital in honor of Gary and Margaret's healthy children and grandchildren. Arrangements by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 E. Main St., Corfu, NY.

Batavia - Elon Koch, 88, of Batavia, NY, passed away Tuesday, (February 5, 2013) at the LeRoy Village Green, following a brief illness.

Mr. Koch was born June 16, 1924 in Lancaster, a son of the late Elon and Vergie (Patingail) Koch.

Elon was an avid Yankees fan and enjoyed playing poker and bingo.  In his younger years, he liked going bowling.  He loved spending time with his family and would often be found tinkering with his hands in his shed. 

He is the husband of the late Leona (Ewert) Koch, who passed away on August 16, 2012.

Mr. Koch is survived by his children, Ronald (Ruth) Koch of Stafford, John Koch of Alexander, and Sandy (Chuck Curry) Koch of Nunda.  18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren as well as a sister-in-law, Joan Koch, of Batavia also survive.

Elon is preceded in death by a son, Donald Koch, his brothers, Norman and Lloyd Koch, and a sister, Grace (late Art) Newhouse.

Friends may call on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  A memorial reception will be held at the Beachhead Veteran’s Club, 3188 Broadway Rd., Alexander immediately following calling. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Dr. Ste. 6, Williamsville, NY 14221-7380.

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

Age 76, of Alexander, died peacefully Tuesday morning February 5, 2013 at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by her children. She was born October 27, 1936 in Batavia, a daughter, of the late Henry and Margaret (Martin) Barbeau Sr., also preceded in death by her husband, late Leonard A. “Whitey” in April 2012; brother, late Rev. John Barbeau; brother & sister-in-law, late Art and late Rose Tomaszewski.

     Pat was a member of the LeRoy High School graduating Class of 1954. She was a lifelong homemaker who also worked for many years as a bank teller and business bookkeeper. In 1971 she helped in the founding of WISSCE (Women In Support Of State Corrections Employees) and served as that organizations treasurer. Pat was a member of Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church) and its Altar and Rosary Society along with the Polish Falconettes Nest 493A. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, participating in her prayer group and talking with people.

     Surviving are her loving children, Paul of Batavia, Peggy of North Chili and Regina of Batavia; brother, Henry “Hank” (Margaret) Barbeau Jr. of LeRoy; sister, Rosemary (Tom) Whaley of Pearl Creek; sister-in-law, Gloria Barbeau of FL; along with 4 nieces, 7 nephews and many cousins.

     Family and friends may visit from 2-4 & 7-9 PM on Friday February 8, 2013 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 10:00 AM Saturday February 9 followed by a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site). Memorials in Pat’s memory are suggested to the Alexander Fire Department, Rt. 98, Alexander, New York 14005 or the Lupus Foundation of Genesee Valley NY, 500 Helendale Road, Rochester, New York 14609. Burial will be alongside her beloved husband in St. Cecelia’s Cemetery in Oakfield and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

PLEASE NOTE: THE ALTAR & ROSARY SOCIETY WILL RECITE THE ROSARY IN PAT’S MEMORY AT 1:30 PM ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8 AT THE FUNERAL HOME.

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

Wade A. McAllister, 21 of Batavia, passed away on February 1, 2013 at his home. He was born May 17, 1991 in Saginaw, MI to Shane McAllister of Saginaw, MI and Jan McAllister of Batavia. Wade was very keen on helping people. He would give great advice and was always there to listen to anyone’s problems. His best friend was his dog Xena; he treated her like she was his child. He had many hobbies which include teaching himself how to do things by researching it on the computer, martial arts (his dream was to go to the Shaolin Temple to study), being outdoors, fishing, camping and hunting. He grew very fond of hunting squirrels. Wade was great at building and fixing computers and loved video games. He made sure to set time aside for his nephews to teach them how to play almost every day. Wade wanted to be a fireman and believed in not eating meat and lots of exercise to stay healthy. He was very caring and funny once you got past his sarcastic humor. Wade loved his family very much. He was a great guy and will be missed so much by his family and friends. Wade is preceded in death by his step-father Jerry Coughlin.

He is survived by his siblings Koree A. (Tiffany) McAllister of Jacksonville, NC; Shana McAllister of Pavilion; Amanda and Liz Coughlin of Attica; Ashley, Emily, and Bethany Coughlin of Gainesville; nephews Michael, Gabriel, Jeramy Logsdon.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held 3:00 PM on Saturday February 9, 2013 at the Genesee Country Church 3269 Drake Street Oakfield, NY 14125.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. 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, died peacefully Sunday February 3, 2013 at his home, with his family by his side. He was born June 13, 1960 in Batavia, a son, of Catherine “Katie” (Thompson) Feldman of Batavia and was preceded in death by a sister Kimberly Nemechek.

Michael and his wife enjoyed being out in the community and meeting people on their daily walks, especially trips to the farmer’s market. He will be remembered as a loving man who never let his disability keep him down, and was a true inspiration to everyone he met.

Surviving along with his mother, his wife of over 28 years, Ronna (Shapiro) Feldman of Batavia; brothers, Jamo (Stephanie) Feldman of Batavia, Raymond (Lori) Feldman of Corfu and sister, Kandy (Rob) Zajaczkowski of Batavia along with many well loved nieces & nephews.

  Funeral services will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael’s memory are suggested to Wyoming County SPCA or the Salvation Army and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Madelyn T. Koester, 84, of Batavia, died Friday (Feburary 1, 2013) at her residence.

She was born in Batavia on May 28, 1928, a daughter of the late Dr. Carl and Marie Knoll Koester.

She was a graduate of RIT in Rochester and had worked in the graphic printing business in the Batavia area.  Madelyn was a member of Resurrection Parish and its Ladies Sodality where she was very involved in her younger years.

Surviving are her dear friends, James and Deborah Rosenbeck of Batavia and their sons Michael and Stephen Rosenbeck.

Friends of Madelyn Koester are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Sunday from 1 to 2pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.

A mass of christian burial will be Monday at 9:30am at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph Church). 

Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Joseph Cemetery.

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.

Catherine M. Sweet, 57, of East Pembroke died Friday (January 18, 2013).

She was born in Batavia on September 17, 1955 a daughter of the late Edward and Wanda Kosieracki Gorski.

Mrs. Sweet was retired from Genesee County Nursing Home.

Surviving is her husband, Kenneth P. Sweet.  Loving children; Jason D. McMullen of Indian Hills, CO and Shelly J. (James) Ewert of Batavia.  Cherished grandchildren; Zachary and Reyna Ewert.  Dear sister of; Linda (Richard) Staba of Batavia, Randy (Barbara) Gorski of Batavia and Jeffery (Ann) Gorski of Alden.  Aunts; Eleanor Ciesla of Buffalo and Gertrude (late Henry) Gorski of Batavia.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences, fond memories and special moments at the memorial service on Sunday (February 10, 2013)  at 2 O'Clock in the afternoon at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE. BATAVIA. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial expressions to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, W.N.Y. Chapter at www.AFASP.ORG.

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.

Age 81, of Elba and formerly of Cedarville, NY entered into eternal rest on Sunday January 27, 2013 at his home, with his family by his side. He was born January 14, 1932 in Cherryville, NC, a son, of the late Carl and Katherine (Beam) Pfeifer, also preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Ruth Anna LaBumbard in 1998, infant daughter, Sally Jane and brothers, David, Robert and Howard.

     Carl graduated in 1951 from Ilion High School and served honorably in the United States Navy. He was a retired truck driver, an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and harvesting wild fruits and berries. Carl was most pleased when in the presence of his large family.

     Surviving is his current wife, whom in married July 15, 2000, Sandra (Metz) Shultz-Pfeifer of Elba; loving daughters; Joya Lee of Frankfort, Corrina “Renie” Pfeifer of Waterville, Shelby (Vincent) Borello of TN, Katherine (Anthony Sottosanti) Pfeifer of OH and Billie (Joseph) Aiello of Herkimer; step-sons, Jeffery (Lisa) Shultz of East Pembroke and Edward (Charleen) Shultz of Elba; brother, Jack (Lisa) Pfeifer of FL;16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren along with many well loved nieces & nephews.

     Family and friends may visit from 2-4 & 7-9 PM on Friday February 1, 2013 at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc. 100 Otsego Street Ilion, New York 13357 where Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday February 2. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carl’s memory are suggested to Community Church of Columbia Center c/o Rev. Hans Drew 17 Center Street St. Johnsville, NY 13452, United Methodist Church of Elba c/o Sandra Hoo 6199 Quaker Hill Rd. Elba, NY 14058 or a charity of the donor’s choice. He will be laid to rest in Cedarville Cemetery in the spring. To share memories with the Pfeifer family please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

The Pfeifer family wishes a special thank you to Homecare & Hospice of Batavia and the staff at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

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

Adeline S. Raykowski, 88, of Akron, died peacefully on Monday (January 28, 2013) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. 

She was born in Lancaster, NY on April 17, 1924, daughter of the late Walter and Mary Ciesla Dylag.

She was a former waitress at the Park Country Club, working along with two of her sisters until her retirement. Adeline enjoyed crocheting and gardening around her home, where she was known for her beautiful red roses.  She was also a parishioner of St. Teresa’s Church in Akron.

She was the wife of the late Henry A. Raykowski who died in 1996 and mother of the late Michael Raykowski who died in 1998.

Survivors include a son, Richard Raykowski of Akron.  Sister, Stella (late Julian) Balicki of Lackawanna. Brother, Henry (Hilda) Dylag of Corfu.  Four grandchildren, Heather Lee, Marissa Raykowski and Brittany (Chris Hockenberry) Raykowski. Two great-grandhcildren, Connor and Aubreyanna.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Adeline was predeceased by several brothers and sisters.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (Feb. 1^st) from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the J.LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 11am at St. Teresa’s R.C. Church.  Interment will be in St. Teresa’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in the form of Mass Offerings.

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.   

Liverpool/Batavia - Lorraine W. Didget, 91, of Liverpool, formerly of Batavia, passed away Saturday, (January 26, 2013) at home, in Liverpool.

Mrs. Didget was born August 24, 1921 in Bennington, a daughter of the late William and Sophia (Herbst) Wendler.

She was a graduate of Attica High School and Chown’s Business School in Buffalo.  Mrs. Didget retired after 15 years as Confidential Secretary for the Genesee County District Attorney and served 8 of the 15 years as Grand Jury Stenographer.  Before her marriage she was the Secretary to the District Director of the New York State Health Department, Batavia Office for several years. 

She was a member of the Ingraham Class of the church, United Methodist Women; member and former secretary of the Genesee Genealogical Society of Batavia; very active for many years in the 1st United Methodist Church, Miriam Circle; Genesee Memorial Hospital League and was a former member of the Genesee Zonta Club.

She is the wife of the late Richard D. Didget, who died May 6, 2010.

Lorraine is survived by her daughters, Cheryl A. (Mark) McLaughlin of Gainesville, FL and Laurel B. Didget of Liverpool; a grandson, Nathan McLaughlin; her nieces, Joan Wood, Margaret Meisner, Janet Meinweiser; nephews, William and Harold Meisner.  Several great-nieces and nephews also survive.

She is the sister of the late Bernice Meisner and Clifford Wendler.

There will be no prior visitation.  Lorraine’s Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at 12:00 Noon, at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Inspire Care of Central NY, 19 Lowell Rd., Liverpool, NY 13090; Senior Homecare Solutions, PO Box 412, Janesville, NY 13078; Hospice of Central NY, 990 7^th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088; or the First United Methodist Church of Batavia.  Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia.