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Obituaries

Alfreda S. Waclawski

By Ronald Konieczny

Alfreda  S. Waclawski, 90, of Annandale, VA, died Saturday (Sept. 29, 2012).  She was the beloved wife of the late Lt. Col. Walter B. Waclawski who died in 1995. 

Alfreda was born in the Town of Portland on February 4, 1922, a daughter of the late Andrew and Sophie Serafin.

During her early 20’s as World War II raged, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at Bell Aircraft in Buffalo.  After her marriage to Walter, a career Air Force Officer, many of her friends gave her the nickname of “Fritz” because of the difficulty in pronouncing her last name.  She became an avid golfer and was active in the Camelot Garden Club, the Women of St. Ambrose Society, The Pearl Harbor Survivors Assoc., Widowed Persons of Northern Virginia and the Bunko Club. 

Surviving are her brothers and sisters in law: Stanley and Winifred Serafin, Jesse (late Chester) Serafin, Henry Serafin, Mary Beth (late John) Serafin, Helen and Michael Skrzypczak, Edward Serafin and Janice (late Julian) Serafin.  Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Friends are invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, on Friday, October 12th from 3 to 8 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 AM at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart site).  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions in the form of Mass Offerings or a charity of the donor’s preference.

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 P. Konieczny II, Director and Proprietor.

Dorothy E. Trimmer

By Joshua Smith

 

Oakfield - Dorothy E. Trimmer, 81, of Oakfield, a former dental receptionist for Richard A. Valente, DDS, in Snyder, died Sunday, October 7, 2012 at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. 

Mrs. Trimmer was born July 7, 1931 in Buffalo, the daughter of the late Thomas A. and Herta G.  (Schmidt) Carroll.

She graduated from Bryant and Stratton Business School.  She was a member of the Alabama- Basom United Methodist Church since 2005, the Jolly Seniors in Alabama, Alabama Quilting Ministry and Herwig Singing Society a Bavarian Singing Society.  She was a professional soloist and enjoyed singing.

Her husband, Donald R. Trimmer, died March 5, 2004.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Anita (Dennis) Giles and Sandra Trimmer, both of Oakfield; 5 grandchildren, David M. Giles, Christopher A. Pritchard, Nicholas A. Pritchard, Jeremy M. Pritchard and Emily E. Trimmer, all of Oakfield and a great-grandchild, Adam J. Pritchard of Oakfield.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield where services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alabama - Basom United Methodist Church, 1392 Church St., Alabama, NY 14003.  Burial will be in Alabama Cemetery.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

GILBERT J. MORITH

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mr. Gilbert J. Morith, 95, of Batavia, retiree of Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, died Sunday, October 7, 2012 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.

Mr. Morith was born August 14, 1917 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph G. and Winifred Taylor Morith.

A lifetime resident of Batavia, Mr. Morith was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia where he served as a deacon of the church. He began working at Doehler-Jarvis in Batavia then worked for Mallory Times in Warsaw, the University of Rochester, Sykes Datatronic in Rochester, and Chapin Manufacturing in Batavia before finishing his career with Eastman Kodak Co.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, going dancing, bowling, hunting, fishing, golfing and tending to his flower gardens.

His wife, Margaret Near Morith, died February 17, 1986.

He is survived by his children, Jeanne (Pete) Sheffer of Stafford,  Gloria (Jack) Shepler of Indiana, Pennsylvania, Donna (John) McMillan of Melbourne, Florida and Steve (Gretchen) Morith of Rochester; two brothers, Harry Morith of Akron and Robert (Fay) Morith of Batavia;  11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is the brother of the late Violet Armstrong, Gertrude Precore, Franklin (Jake) Morith, George Morith, Charles (Chuck) Morith, Gordon Morith and William Morith.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at The First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 East Main Street, Batavia followed by burial in Grand View Cemetery.

Please consider memorials to The First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020, American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Drive, Amherst, New York 14226 or to the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309. To share a story, light a candle or send a condolence, visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LOUIS A. FIORELLA

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Age 65, of Batavia, died peacefully Saturday October 6, 2012 at the Batavia VA Medical Center, with his family at his side. He was born September 23, 1947 in Batavia, a son of the late Philip J. and Monica (Szczesny) Fiorella.

     Louis was a 1965 graduate of Batavia High School, enlisted in the United States Army, served in the Vietnam War and then served with the Merchant Marine for 10 years. A lifelong member of Ascension Parish, a retiree of the Eastman Kodak Co. and worked for many years at Terry Hills Golf Course until his illness. Louis will be remembered as a loving husband, father and brother who always put his family first.

     Surviving is his beloved wife of 32 years, Christine (Bukiewicz) Fiorella of Batavia; his loving son and best friend, Brian Fiorella of Batavia; brothers, Michael (Nancy Odessa) Fiorella of Batavia and Philip (Mary Ann) Fiorella of Rochester; his mother-in-law, Theresa Bukiewicz of Batavia; brother-in-law, Vinny Bukiewicz of Batavia and sister-in-law, Cindy Fleck of Florida along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

     Family and friends are invited to share thoughts and memories of Louis on Tuesday October 9, 2012 from 4-9 PM at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 10:30 AM Wednesday October 10 followed by a 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (SACRED HEART SITE), which will be Celebrated by his cousin, Father Walter Szczesny, along with Full Military Honors. Memorials in Louis memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery alongside Terry Hills Golf Course. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

    

MARION PINKNEY-ARFT

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Age 96, of Albion, formerly of Henderson, died peacefully Wednesday October 3, 2012 at Medina Memorial Hospital. She was born June 3, 1916 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Stephen & Dorothy (Keisling) Rapport, also preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth Pinkney in 1975 and Herbert Arft in 1999, granddaughter, Joelle VanVoorhis and a sister, Nina Ogi.

     Marion was a member of the United Memthodist Church in Henderson, where she loved her house on the lake and the time she spent there. A lifelong member of the Sacket's Harbor Ladies Auxiliary and an avid reader.

     Surviving are her loving daughters, Arlyea (Gary) Kinnen of FL and Penelope (Paul) Gillette of Albion; sisters, Dorothy Wilson of Rochester and Norma Nellis of FL; brother, Stephen Rapport of FL; 4 grandchildren, Sharon Holman, Charlene Dykes, Kathleen Klein & Shelly Kirby; 8 great-grandchildren, Brandon, Kinnen, Austin, Bailey, Samantha, Hunter, Emma, Jed & Kristen along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

 

     Family and friends are invited to attend a 1:00 PM Graveside Service at Webster Rural Cemetery on Saturday November 10, 2012. In lieu of flowers memorials in Marion's memory are requested to the Henderson United Methodist Church PO Box 125 Belleville, New York 13611. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Aloysius B. Wittmann

By Howard B. Owens

Corfu - Aloysius B. "Al" Wittmann, 65 of Corfu, passed away Friday (October 5, 2012) peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family after a long illness.

Al was born December 16, 1946 in Buffalo, a son of Mildred Wittmann of Rochester and the late Bernard Wittmann. He was the brother of the late Robert Wittmann.

Al was an electrical contractor and the owner/operator of A.B.W. Electrical Company in Corfu. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Al was a United States Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam era.

Besides his Mother, Al is survived by his loving wife, Julie Wittmann; his daughter Amanda; his sisters and brothers; Marie Aquilina, David, Lawrence, Dale, Edward and Elizabeth Farr. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, in-laws,  extended family and good friends.

There are no calling hours. Services at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Arrangements were made with the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu.

Charles R. Lear

By T.J. Woodward

Charles R. Lear, 81 of Batavia died peacefully October 5, 2012 surrounded by his family at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. He was born on June 1, 1931 in Robinson, PA to the late Clyde (MaryBelle Boring) Lear. Mr. Lear was a United States Army Veteran having served in Korea. He worked for many years at US Chrome in Batavia. Mr. Lear was an avid Pittsburg Steelers fan and loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Selma A. (Johnson) Lear of Batavia; sons Michael (Carol) of E. Bethany; Charles R. (Pamela) Jr.; Jeffrey (Marci) Lear; daughter Janice (Patrick) Lear all of Batavia; brother Paul (Annie) Lear of PA; sister Shirley Rosenberger of PA; 12 grandchildren Shannon Rivera, Melissa (Joe) Cone, Michael (Heidi) Lear, Jeremy (Michelle) Sherman, Cory (Carrie), Stacy, Chaz Lear, Kyle, Ryan, Justin, Aaron Gugel, Krista Lear, 13 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 2 to 6 PM on Tuesday October 9, 2012 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 11:00 AM Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday October 10, 2012 at The City Church 210 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Burial will take place in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.     

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Samuel A. Monteleone

By T.J. Woodward

Samuel was born in Perry, New York on November 15, 1924 a son of the late John and Frances Alissa Monteleone. : Sam retired from the Lapp Insulator Co. in LeRoy in 1985 where he worked as a machine operator. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic in Perry, the Knights of Columbus, and the Moose Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, working on puzzle books, and enjoyed the company of his family especially his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Marion W. Monteleone who died in 2010, sisters Anne Berg, Margaret Colvin, Mary McGuire, brothers Thomas, Fred and Joseph Monteleone.

He is survived by a daughter: Sharon (Ben) Midea of Albion, 2 sons: Samuel (Nancy) Monteleone and James (Darlene Martin) Monteleone both of Perry, 1 sister: Jane Esposito of Mt. Morris, 5 grandchildren: Theresa (Herbert) McClellan, Samuel (Jennifer) Monteleone, John (Amanda) Monteleone, Bryon (Liz Beaumont) Monteleone, James J. (Krista) Monteleone, 3 step-grandchildren: David and Jonathon McElver and Katelyn Swede, 9 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 3-8pm on Sunday October 7th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry. Prayers at the funeral home on Monday September 8th at 10:30 will precede a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Perry Emergency Ambulance P.O. Box 288 Perry, NY 14530 or the American Diabetes Association 1701 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements are completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Elizabeth J. Tetter

By Joshua Smith

Stafford - Mrs. Elizabeth J. Tetter, 96, formerly of Stafford, died Thursday, October 4, 2012 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility, in LeRoy.

Mrs. Tetter was born February 10, 1916 in Batavia, the daughter of the late James and Mary (Peters) Randall.

She graduated of Russell Sage College in 1938 and taught Home Economics in Lyons, NY for 6 years and LeRoy High School for 3 years.  She worked at Genesee Hardware for 32 years before retiring in 1995.  She was a life member of the Batavia 1st Presbyterian Church, where she was a former Sunday school teacher, member of the Batavia Town & Country Garden Club, was an avid gardener as well as a Jeff Gordon and Buffalo Bills Fan.

Her husband, Robert W. Tetter, died on January 9, 1992.

Survivors include a son; James (Dona) Tetter of Elba; a daughter, Mary (David) Heale of Batavia; 6 grandchildren, Tammy (Dan) Rykert of Oakfield, Lisa (Rich) Biegasiewicz of Batavia, Bryan Heale of Rochester,  Kimberly (Gene) Kulp and Nate (Chrissy) Buczek, both of Elba and  Kimberly Buczek  of Cincinnati, OH and 5 great-grandchildren.   

She was the grandmother of the late Stacy Heale.

There are no calling hours.  Private services will be at the convenience of the family.  Memorials may be made to Activities Fund at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson St., Leroy, NY 14482 or to 1st Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.   Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery.  Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

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

SHAREE FICKESSEN

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Age 52, of Houston, TX, died Monday August 6, 2012. She was born June 14, 1960 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Derefinko) Zirbel.

     Sharee grew up in Batavia and moved to the Houston area after she graduated from Batavia High School in 1977. She worked for many years in the food service industry where she had a knack for getting people to smile and laugh within minutes of meeting her. She loved to cook, enjoyed spending time with family, friends and her dogs.

     Surviving is her loving husband Kurt Fickessen of Houston; sister, Lonnie Doughtery; brothers, John Zirbel both of Rochester and Steve (Paula) Zirbel of Batavia along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

     Family and friends are invited to attend a 12:00 Noon Memorial Mass Saturday October 6, 2012 at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site). In lieu of flowers memorials in Sharee's memory are requested to a charity of the donor's choice. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Carmela M. Natoli

By T.J. Woodward

Carmela M. Natoli, 94 of Batavia died September 30, 2012 at the Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia. She was born January 13, 1918 in Holley, NY to the late George (Rose Salerno) Zazzara. Mrs. Natoli and her husband owned the Paddock Bar & Grill, she also worked for GTE Sylvania and Kodak. She was a member of Resurrection Parish-St. Mary’s Church, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, the St. Nicholas Club, and the Moose Club. She is preceded in death by her husband Anthony Natoli; brothers Peter, Joseph, James Zazzara and her sister Angeline Liberto.  

She is survived by her son Thomas (Sandra) Natoli of Chicago, Illinois; daughter Marilyn Natoli of California; brother Robert Zazzara of Elmira; 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday October 3, 2012 from 3-7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 9:00 AM on Thursday October 4, 2012 at Resurrection Parish-St. Mary’s Church 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donor’s 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, NY 14020.

KATHLEEN M. NORMAN (MARTIN)

By Michael Tomaszewski

     Age 48, of West Seneca, died peacefully Saturday morning September 29, 2012 at her home, with her family by her side after her courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born August 24, 1964 in Batavia, a daughter of John W. & M. Anne (Davis) Martin of Holley.
     Katie was a 1983 graduate of Notre Dame High School, attended Morehead State University in Kentucky and graduated from Genesee Community College where she majored in fashion merchandising. She was a past member of the Daughters of the American Revolution of Clearwater, FL and Batavia, NY
     Surviving along with her parents, Katie’s beloved daughter, Megan E. Norman of Batavia; loyal and caring fiancé, Ron Zientek of West Seneca; loving sisters, Michelle Martin of Batavia, Mary Elizabeth (Joseph) Teresi of Batavia; brothers, Michael (Cynthia) Martin of Webster, Timothy (Ayron) Martin of Maryland & Peter Martin of Florida along with 10 nieces & nephews, 6 great nieces & nephews and her faithful companions Poppy, Molly & MerryBeth.
     Family and friends are invited from 3-7 PM Wednesday October 3, 2012 to share thoughts and memories of Katie at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, per Katie’s wishes, memorials are requested to Hospice Buffalo 225 Como Park Blvd. Cheektowaga, NY 14227, Roswell Park Cancer Institute Elm & Carlton Streets Buffalo, NY 14203 or to her beloved Megan. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

 

 

Robert E. Brightenfield

By Howard B. Owens

Corfu - Robert E. Brightenfield, 58, of Corfu, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Tuesday (September 25, 2012) at his home.

Bob was born February 26, 1954 in Batavia, a son of the late Edward and Alberta Smith Brightenfield.

He worked for 31 years for UPS before retiring. Bob had a passion for carpentry and loved working on motors. He was always fixing something, whether it be a watch, clock or timer. If it was broken, he would fix it so it was as good as new. Steam engines and antique cars were Bob's other favorite pastimes. He was the brother of the late Albert Brightenfield and James Brightenfield.

Bob is survived by his longtime and loving companion, Patricia Navas of Corfu; his sister, Mary (Bud) Ulander of East Pembroke; a sister-in-law, Lori Brightenfield of Stafford; 8 nieces and nephews; 7 great nieces and nephews and many extended family members.

Family and friends may call Saturday 1-3 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. A brief funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Darien Fire Department.

Mary A. Hartley

By T.J. Woodward

Mary A. Hartley, 90 of Batavia  died September 24, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. Mary was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on September 26, 1921, to George and Agnes Kelly Kiley of Randolph, MA. She was a graduate of the Boston City Hospital School of Nursing. Mary served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II. She worked as both a staff nurse, and a private duty nurse at St. Jerome Hospital, the Veterans Hospital in Batavia, and as a case worker for the Genesee County Department of Social Services. She was active in the women’s organizations of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Elba and St. Mary’s Church in Batavia. Mary was active at the Senior Center and with the Independent Association of Retired Persons following her retirement. Her greatest joys in life were her family, her church, the Boston Red Sox and the Buffalo Bills. She is preceded in death by a daughter Kathleen Catino; brothers George and Thomas Gorman Kiley; sisters Therese Sullivan; Irene Sylvain and Joan Colbeth. 

She is survived by sons Frank (Gretchen) of The Woodlands, TX; Paul of Vontville, CA; Thomas (Pamela) of Rochester; Peter of Churchville; Howard (Laurie) Hartley of Spring, TX; daughters Susan (Barton) Dambra of LeRoy; Mary Balonek of Virginia Beach; Ann (Joseph) Zawicki of Elba; Eileen (Steve) Vincent of Rockport, TX; brother John Paul Kiley of MA; sister Jane Delorey of MA; 25 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday September 27, 2012 from 4 to 8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday September 28, 2012 at Resurrection Parish – St. Joseph’s Church 303 East Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will take place St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020, United Memorial Medical Center 127 North St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to 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.

John L. Bernard

By T.J. Woodward

John L. Bernard, 51 of Amherst died unexpectedly September 20, 2012. He was born on August 12, 1961 in Orlando, FL to LaVern “Barney” (Mary Martino) Bernard of Batavia. Mr. Bernard was the proprietor of Third Base Sports Bar in Buffalo for the past 30 years. He was a member of Christ the King R.C. Church in Amherst. John was a 1980 graduate of Batavia High School. He was very active his whole life in sports, he played college football at the University of Buffalo where he was an All American Safety, and he signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills. He coached his daughter Katie in softball and always said she was the love of his life.

In addition to his parents his is survived by his daughter Katherine “Katie” Bernard of Snyder, NY, brothers James (Cheri) Bernard of Topeka, KS and Joseph (Nancy) Bernard of Mesa, AZ. One niece, 4 nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Friends may call from 3 to 7 PM on Friday September 28, 2012 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday September 29, 2012 at 9:30 AM  in Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church), 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, New York. Burial will take place in  St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia, NY     

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities and to further the research of sports related concussions. 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.

 

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