Obituaries

Age 70, a lifelong Genesee County resident and teacher for over 30 years at Oakfield-Alabama Central School, died peacefully Thursday December 6, 2012 at his home in Maine. He was born February 11, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late John & Anna (Gabbey) Fenton.

Joseph was a math teacher and a member of the American Association of Woodturners. He was an active member of Team Rafiki, a group of volunteers who work with nonprofit organizations to help improve living conditions in Africa. He had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying fishing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing, he and his family also worked together in many aspects of farming over the years. Joe had a special bond with his grandchildren, of whom he was so very proud and was happiest when around a body of water, especially the ocean.

Surviving is his former wife of 50 years, Liz (Kohorst) Fenton; beloved daughter, Sandy (Scott) Baubie and their children, Kayla & Kendall; loving sons, Paul (Gail) Fenton and their children, Krysta & Kelsey all of Batavia, Randy (Denise) Fenton and their children, Bobby, Brian & Sara of Hamburg, NY; brothers, John "Jack" (Pat) Fenton, Joel (Marilyn) Fenton and sister, Joan (Warren) Clark all of Corfu; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 1-3 & 6-9 PM on Wednesday December 12, 2012 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will take place 11:00 AM Thursday December 13. In lieu of flowers memorials in Joseph's memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Clyde - Leo Edward Odell, 92, of Clyde, formerly of Alabama, passed away Wednesday, (December 5, 2012) at the VA Medical Center, in Syracuse.

Mr. Odell was born October 1, 1920 in Alabama, a son of the late Allie and Hattie (Pattison) Odell.

Leo served his country honorably with the Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He loved to go to church and was a member of the Christ Community Church in Clyde and a longtime member of the Genesee Country Church in Oakfield.

He was an Alabama Town Councilman for 20 plus years. Leo was also a member of the Oddfellow and Rebekah lodge, a lifetime member of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Dept., and the American Legion. He greatly loved animals and enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. Leo will be remembered for his smile.

He is the husband of the late Betty (Schlagenhauf) Odell.

Mr. Odell is survived by his son, David (Rebecca) Odell of Clyde, grandsons, Andrew (Chriss) Odell of Maryland, NY, Judson (fiance Ioana Radoi) Odell of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Zachary (Marcy) Odell of Honeoye Falls. A brother, Richard (Duella) Odell of Akron, and 6 great-grandchildren also survive.

Along with his wife, Leo is preceded in death by a brother, Alvin (late Cora) Odell.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Leo’s Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Genesee Country Church, Drake Street, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christ Community Church Building Fund, 27 West Genesee Street Clyde, NY 14433. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu at a later date. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Corfu - Edward J. Alexander, 75, of Corfu, passed away Monday (December 3, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia.

Eddie was born March 3, 1937, in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Charles and Wanda Wonsikowski Alexander. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1955 -1958. Eddie resided in North Carolina for over 20 years and worked for Owens Illinois as a Supervisor. He was also a consultant for the company, working in China and Venezuela during the 1980's. Eddie moved back to Corfu in 2007 after the death of his beloved wife, Claudia Wittman Alexander. He was the brother of the late Jack F. Alexander.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Jacqueline (Donald) Bates of Corfu; two grandchildren, Shannon Bates-Stout and Alexander J. Bates; two great-grandchildren, Maddox A. A. Stout and Harper J. J. Stout; a brother, Robert (Gerry) Alexander of Indian Falls and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Saturday from the mortuary at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. Memorials may be made to the Evergreen Hill Cemetery, 108 East main St., Corfu, NY 14036.

Batavia - Donna Marie Walton, 64, of Batavia, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday, December 5, 2012. 

She was born February 9, 1948 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Dominick and Marie Cerce.

Donna enjoyed listening to country music, family gatherings and spending time outside with her grandchildren.  She was also a member of the VFW 1602 Ladies Auxiliary.

Donna is survived by her husband of 45 years, Robert Walton, whom she married December 16, 1967; a daughter, Marcia (Michael) Barnes of Elba; 2 sons, Robert (Rachelle) Walton of Oakfield and Merle Walton of Batavia and was the devoted grandmother to 11 grandchildren.  She is also survived by 2 sisters, Florence (Dan) Henderson of Batavia and Loise Leitsch of Junction City, KS; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Joe Cerce and Dominick Cerce and sister, Maria Cass.  

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m.  Memorials may be made to VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Robert K. McJury, 82, of Batavia, died peacefully on Tuesday (December 4, 2012) at the New York State Veterans Homes in Batavia.

He was born in Akron, NY on January 24, 1930, son of the late Clifford and Charlotte Abbott McJury.

Robert was a graduate of Batavia High School and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict.  He was formerly employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and retired as the Director of Field Services for the New York State Insurance Fund in Rochester.  He also was a photographer for the Batavia Daily News and a reporter for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and The Buffalo Courier Express. He was a longtime member of The City of Batavia and Genesee County Republican Committees. Robert and his wife were also parishioners of Resurrection Parish.

Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, teaching by example and traveling to the Outer Banks and Sarasota, Florida.  He touched the lives of many and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Jean Borst McJury of Batavia.  Three sons and daughters in-law, Dan (Janice) McJury of Marilla, NY, Robert (Patricia) McJury and Tom (Lori) McJury, both of Fairport, NY.  Two Daughters and sons in-law, Mary Beth (Daniel) Riordan of McLean, VA and Ellen (Matthew) Dooley of Vienna, VA.  Also survived by 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Kenneth McJury and Lloyd McJury.

Friends are cordially invited to share memories and condolences with the family on Friday (Dec. 7th) from 3-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, 9:30am at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph Church).  Entombment with full military honors will be in the Fr. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions in honor of Robert K. McJury to Honor Flight Rochester, P.O. Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692.

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. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Anna L. “Nina” Tyler of Batavia, entered into eternal rest on December 5, 2012, she was 96 years young. She was born November 11, 1916 in Vallelunga, Sicily to the late Gaetano (Providenza Montesano) Gullo. Anna came to America by boat with her family in 1921, she was 5 years old. Anna was employed and retired from Genesee Memorial Hospital for 18 years. Her most memorable employment was the Curtis Wright factory during WWII and Snyder’s Canning Plant where she met her late husband of 40 years James H. Tyler Jr. Anna was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Batavia, member of the Our Lady of Loretto Society and the Altar and Rosary Society. She was predeceased by two brothers and four sisters.

She is survived by her two daughters Alice Tyler and Providence (John) Latko both of Batavia; 2 granddaughters and 1 great-grandson. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday December 10, 2012 at Ascension Parish-St. Anthony’s Church 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. Entombment will take place at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.     

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

Louise R. Palone, 89 of Batavia, died Sunday December 2, 2012 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born March 24, 1923 in Batavia to the late Eugene (Anna Gengo) Martino. Louise was a long time member of Resurrection Parish. She worked at Kodak in Rochester and took great joy working with the children at the Genesee County Daycare. Mrs. Palone’s family would like to thank the staff at United Memorial Medical Center for the excellent care she was given. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph P. Palone in 2005, a brother Frank Martino and sisters Josephine Catino, Mary Cavigliano and Rose O’Geen.  

She is survived by her children Annamarie (Patrick) Saturno of Rochester; Joseph (Rebecca) Palone of Las Vegas, NV; Paula (Terry Eastman) Pietrzykowski of Batavia; Michael (Ann Cusano) Palone of Sudbury, MA; brother Michael Martino of Batavia; two grandchildren Paul and Nicholas Pietrzykowski; 7 great-grandchildren Kate, Meghan, Carter Pietrzykowski; Kali, Bianca Ace; Owen and Christopher Cacciotore survive along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday December 5, 2012, 1:00 PM at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. 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.

Barre - Clara M. Demmer Mutchock, 68, of Barre, passed away peacefully on Thursday, (November 29, 2012) at her home. 

Mrs. Mutchock was born May 8, 1944 in Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Frank A. and Katherine Kelly.

Clara greatly enjoyed spending time with her family and making various crafts.  She will be remembered as an awesome cook and baker. 

She is the wife of the late Anthony Mutchock, who passed away in 1993. 

Surviving are her children, Catherine (Homer) Bush of Oakfield, John Demmer of Medina, Tammy (late David) Bush of Oakfield, Walter Demmer of Barre, Gail (Andy) Richmond of Crosby, TX, and Richard (Becky) Demmer of Oakfield; a brother, Walter (Nancy) Kelly of NC; sisters, Ethel (Robert) Tanner of Batavia, Mary (late Steven) Bush, Flora (late Gene) Britton, and Fran (Dale) King, all of NC.  18 Grandchildren, 15 Great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Along with her husband, Mrs. Mutchock is preceded in death by her loving companion of many years, Elmer Cox. 

Friends may call on Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where Clara’s Funeral Service will be held immediately following calling at 1 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  Burial will be in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Irene Vera Hertzog, 80 of Warsaw, died November 27, 2012 at Eastside Nursing Home following a brief illness. She was born in Perry on January 9, 1932 to the late Moore (Meora Johnson) Billings Sr.. Irene grew up in Perry. She worked at Warsaw Knitting Mill and later worked as a Nurses Aide. She married Jimmy Hertzog and resided in California for 20 years working as a Nurse Aide. When her husband passed she moved back to Western New York. She later resided at Crestview Terrace in Warsaw. Irene loved playing cards, enjoyed doing embroidery, and spent time with her very special friend of 61 years Jack Craig of LeRoy. She is preceded in death by sisters Florence Irvine, Lillian Bowen, Betty Alwardt and 2 brothers Moore Billings Jr., Elmer Billings Sr.

She is survived by sister Virginia (Chuck) Hunsinger of Silver Springs; Mary (Dave) Jones of Warsaw; brother Herbert Billings of Perry, along with many nieces, nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday December 1st from 4 to 7 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Services will follow calling hours on Saturday December 1st, 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Grace Cemetery, Castile.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wyoming County Hospice 450 North Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Cecylia A. Zawisza, 96 of Perry, died November 27, 2012 at Eastside Nursing Home in Warsaw. She was born in Perry on October 17, 1916 to the late Roman (Julia Pansuit) Rajnisz. Mrs. Zawisza was a longtime member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, the Gwiada Polek Organization and Rosary Society. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, sewing, and reading. She is preceded in death by her husband Stanley Zawisza, brothers Alfonso and Stanley Rajnisz.

She is survived by son Norman (Karen) Zawisza of Perry; daughter Gloria (Glenn) Faust of Hudson, FL; sister Jean Bonadonna of Rochester; 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 & 7-9 PM on Thursday November 29th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY14530. Prayers will be recited 10:30 AM on Friday November 30th at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM at St. Isidore’s Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery Foundation 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Donald E. Meides, 74, of Darien, NY died Saturday, November 24, 2012 at United Memorial medical Center in Batavia, NY.

He was born January 10, 1938, and was the son of the late Elmer and Mildred Meides of Alden, NY.

Don worked on his parent's farm before becoming a construction laborer, and then an operator of heavy equipment. He was a 41-year member of I.U.O.E. Local 17. Following his retirement in 1995 from operating, Don worked for Zoladz Construction as a dump truck driver for another 17 years.

Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, watching westerns, and being at his cottage on Honeoye Lake.

Don is survived by his loving family: his wife of 44 years Phyllis (Maute) Meides, son Ronald E. (Mary Beth) Meides, and three grandsons: David, Dylan and Ryan, all of Darien, NY. Also survived by his daughter-in-law Susan Radella and grandsons: Donald and Steven Meides, all of Georgia; and sisters-in-law Dona (Henry) Eisel, Barbara (Leo) Maples, Roberta (Dan) Janis and Margaret Meides. Also survived by nieces and a nephew. He is predeceased by his son Donald R. Meides and brother Richard H. Meides.

Family will be present at the Charles Meyer Funeral Home 13228 Broadway Alden, NY Thursday and Friday from 5-8 PM, where a prayer service will be held Friday at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Darien Center Fire Dept., PO BOx 135, Darien, NY 14040; UMMC Foundation, 127 North St. Batavia, NY 14020 or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at meyerfuneralhome.com

BATAVIA – Margaret Georgina Docherty Patterson Skippen, 97, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (Nov. 23, 2012), at the LeRoy Village Green, in LeRoy.

Mrs. Skippen was born on March 4, 1915, in Mt. Vernon, Glasgow, Scotland, a daughter of the late George and Mary (Barr) Patterson.

Margaret was born while her father was in France with the Argyle and Southern Highlanders during World War I, she was given the middle name Georgina in honor of her father.

Peg was a devoted reader, and enjoyed working word and crossword puzzles. She maintained a life-long pride in her Scottish heritage and regaled family and friends with tales from Scotland complete with traditional songs and Scottish history.

She was the wife of the late Russell “Skip” Skippen who passed away in 1999.

Mrs. Skippen is survived by eight nieces and nephews, Sharon (Paul) Wolff, Sandra  (late Jim) Fricker, Bob (Carol Lynn) Stevens, Lesley (Ed) Carney, Denise (Michael) Rotko, Pam (Tom) Funk, Rob Hawkins, and Mary Beth (Leonard) Rusiewicz; and their families.  A sister-in-law, Pauline (Jim) Canty also survives.

Along with her husband, Margaret is preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth “Bess” ( late Edward) Jennings, Janet “Jay” ( late Robert) Stevens, Anne “Nan” (late Harry) Hickey, and Mary "May" (late Robert) Hawkins; and a brother, George Patterson.

There will be no prior visitation.  Peg’s Funeral Service will be held at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.   Flowers are gratefully declined, but those wishing may make a memorial donation to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021.  Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.  Please light a candle, share a story, or leave a condolence at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Corfu - Gregory Schetinin, 59, of Corfu, passed away Monday (November 19, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia.

Greg was born January 26, 1953, in Newark, NJ, a son of the late Gregory and Anastasia  (Puliev) Schetinin. He was the proprietor of his own business, Pembroke Data Systems in Corfu.

Greg is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Bonnie (Snell) Schetinin, whom he married May 26, 1979; three precious sons, Gregory, Michael and Thomas Schetinin all at home; two dear sisters, Vera (Thomas) Colson of Alden and Nina Kirkland of Williamsville; his father and mother-in-law, Charles (Katherine) Snell of LeRoy; a brother-in-law, Charles (Angela) Snell of LeRoy and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call Saturday 2-4 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. Memorials may be made to the family.

Ken Miller, 73 of Castile died November 20, 2012 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. He was born May 17, 1939 in Rochester to the late Hazel Cooksley. Ken worked for many years at Delco Products in Rochester. He is preceded in death by a grandson Michael Miller.

He survived by his beloved long time companion Leona Murphy of Castile; children Denise (Jeff) LaBarge of Oakfield; David (Lorraine) Miller of Rochester; Daniel (Robin) Miller of FL; Darren Miller of Silver Lake; Deborah Nazzari of FL; Deanne Scott of FL; 16 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, along with Leona’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 PM on Saturday November 24, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, New York 14530. Funeral Services will follow calling hours Saturday November 24, 2012, 5:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Highland Hospital 1000 South Ave. Rochester, NY 14620 or to the Wyoming County SPCA 808 Creek Road Attica, NY 14011. For more information or to sign the online guest registry, please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.
 

Burton “ Bud” E. Hart, 84 of Elba, died peacefully surrounded by family November 19, 2012 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born March 12, 1928 in Elba to the late William (Fern Waterstreet) Hart. Bud was a lifelong farmer on the Elba muck lands and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. He was known for his sense of humor, gentle soul, and soft heart. He is preceded in death by a brother Howard Hart and sister Betty Andrews.  

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years Eleanor M. (Dunn) Hart of Elba; son Todd (Valerie) Hart of Batavia; daughters Kim (Daniel) Scott of Byron; Pamela (Charles) Gugel of Batavia; grandchildren Katelyn and Jason Scott, Brett (Emily) Squire, Jeremy Squire, along with several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be 10:00 AM on Saturday November 24, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church 23 North Main St. Elba, NY 14058. Interment will take place in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14020 or to the First Presbyterian Church 23 North Main St. Elba, NY 14058. 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.