Obituaries

Phyllis, E. Gray, 94, a long-time resident of Batavia, died Sunday (July 8, 2012) at the home of her daughter in Las Cruces, NM, where she had resided since 1998.

She was born in Batavia on November 2,1917, the youngest child of Harry J. Hawkins and Ida P. Hunter Hawkins.  She is predeceased by sisters; Mildred (late John) Valentine, Carolyn (late Pete) Gifford, Evelyn (late Alfred) Gover and her brother Ernie (late Ethel) Hawkins.  She was the mother of the late Sue Ellen Jackett who died in 2004.

Survivors include three daughters; Carol A. (Rex) Zillman of Longview, Tx, Nancy E. (Richard) Hickox of Las Cruces, NM and Cheryl J. (William) Miller of Batavia.  Eleven grandchildren and several great grandchildren also survive.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Friday (July 20th) from noon to 1 pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA where services will follow.  Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Flowers are greatfully declined.  Memorials are suggested to The First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Rd., Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements are entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY II, PROPRIETOR AND LICENSED DIRECTOR

Donald T. Lawrence, 61of Attica, Passed away peacefully at home after a lengthy illness under the care of his wife and HomeCare & Hospice on July 10, 2012. He was born on June 19, 1951 in Albion to Helen Lawrence of Medina. Mr. Lawrence worked for Conway Beam Leasing in Brighton. He was a United States Army Veteran. Don enjoyed gardening, trains, racing, and working on cars especially his Monte Carlo. He was a huge Buffalo Sabres fan and avid fisherman. Don loved spending time with his wife at Point Breeze and the 1000 Islands. He is preceded in death by his first wife Joyce Lawrence; sons Steve McClary Sr.; Edward Stephens; daughter Janet Cratsley; brother Harold Walter Jr.; and a sister Carol Jean Vaquez. 

He is survived by his beloved wife June A. Lawrence of Attica; sons Donald (Janet) McClary Jr. of Medina; David DeLude of Batavia; John DeLude of Varysburg; daughter Sharon Murphy of Batavia; brother Carlos Vaquez of Medina; sister Delores Vaquez of Medina; 17 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to attend calling hours from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 PM on Friday July 13, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 11:00 AM Funeral Services will be held on Saturday July 14, 2012  at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Howard Cemetery. 

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 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Louisville, Colorado  -    Leonard Bogdan, 88, of Louisville, CO, formerly of Corfu, NY, passed away, Wednesday (July 4, 2012).  Up until 2009, Mr. Bogdan had been a life-long resident of western New York, with 45 of those years in Corfu.

He was born October 11, 1923 to Joseph and Anna (nee Lempicki) Bogdan in Syracuse, NY.  He graduated from Angola High School, and received his Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude in physics from the University of Buffalo in 1944.  Mr. Bogdan served in the U. S. Army from 1944 – 1946, and during that time was involved in experimental work at Los Alamos, NM in support of the Manhattan Engineering Project.

Mr. Bogdan was employed as an aeronautical engineer and research physicist with Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory (later Calspan Corporation and Arvin Industries) in Buffalo from 1946 – 1982.  He worked on development of aircraft instrumentation and conducted wind tunnel model testing for NASA’s Space Shuttle program.  Later in his career, he was involved in vehicle research, including studies of emission control technology and tire property testing.

He married Margaret Derejko in 1955 in Cheektowaga.  Besides being an avid stamp collector throughout his life, Mr. Bogdan had enjoyed designing and building high fidelity audio systems during the 1950s.  He was a member of Sigma Xi, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Physical Society.  He was preceded in death by his wife in 2002.

Survivors include his son, Thomas (Barbara Cardell) of Boulder, CO, a daughter, Paula (Timothy Sawka) of Mt. Prospect, IL and his sister, Colette (the late Edwin) Jankowski.  Family and friends may call Saturday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. from the funeral home. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare of Boulder & Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trail Ridge Dr., Lafayette, CO 80026 or  Evergreen Hill Cemetery Association, 108 E. Main St., Corfu, NY 14036, will be appreciated.

BATAVIA - Richard V. Hartley, 90, of Batavia passed away on Thursday (July 5, 2012) at the New York State Veteran’s Home, in Batavia.  

He was born in Batavia on August 18, 1921, a son of the late Vance and Anna (Baker) Hartley.  

Richard served his country honorably with the Army Air Corps during WWII and was a independent insurance agent in Batavia until 1979 when he and his wife moved to Florida.  

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Dixie Jane (Haring) Hartley of Hilton; children, Bonney (Ron) Knoble of N.C., Charles V. Hartley, III of C.A., Terri Hartley of O.H., Kim Hartley of F.L., Scott (Anita Gross) Hartley of Seattle, W.A., and Jan (Bart) Dentino of Elba.  9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild also survive.  

There will be no visitation and services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartley Family, 4269 Drake St. Rd., Elba, NY 14058 to be distributed to various charities.  To leave a message of condolence, light a candle, or share a story please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia (585) 343-8868.  

Neil A. Anderson, 59 of Stafford, died July 6, 2012 suddenly at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born August 18, 1952 in Jamestown to the late Norman (Esther Hahn) Anderson. Neil got a Bachelor’s degree from Lakeland University in Wisconsin. He was retired from the Post Office in Batavia and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra S. Lucas of Stafford; sister NormaJean Anderson Keiffer of GA; niece Mikaela Anderson Keiffer of Washington, DC; aunt Sylvia Hahn; special friend Janice Lucas along with many cousins.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Monday July 9, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in East Aurora.     

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 (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

     Beautiful baby daughter of TJ & Jessica (Johnson) Newton of Pembroke went home with the angels at birth on July 1, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

     Surviving along with her parents are grandparents Jim (Pam) Johnson of Oakfield, Don (Elaine) Newton of Pembroke along with her great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials in Avery's memory are suggested to the family for a charity of their choice and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

     Beautiful baby boy of Daniel & Krystle (Sulimowicz) Robinson of Albion, went home to the angels shortly after birth on June 27, 2012 at Women's & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

     Surviving along with his parents are grandparents Angela Geitner of FL, Shawn Townsend of Byron, James (Lori Schultz) Robinson of Elba and Thomas Amesbury of Rochester; great-grandparents Vickie (Clarence) Downs of Elba, Helen Robinson of Byron, Roe (Rob) Geitner of Attica and Mary (Art) Abdella of Batavia; aunts & uncles Carl Amesbury of Byron, Mikaela Frasier of Albion and Christopher (Tori) Robinson of Bergen with many cousins.

     Services were privately by the family. Memorials in Brodi's memory are suggested to the March of Dimes. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF BRODI JOHN ROBINSON IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORKI 14020.

Mary H. "Wiater" Starowicz, 87, of Batavia, died Wednesday (July 4, 2012) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

She was born in Batavia on June 18, 1925, a daughter of the late Valentine and Agnes Swatek Wiater.

She was the wife of the late Edmund Starowicz Sr. who died in 1998.

Mary was a life member of Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church) where she was a sacristan for over 30 years.  She was a past secretary for the Polish National Alliance and a member of the Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society, Apostleship of Prayer and the Polish Falconettes.  Mary and her husband were instrumental in church functions and worked for many years at the parish picnics.

Prior to her retirement she was a bookkeeper at the former Genesee Hardware Co. in Batavia.

Surviving are two sons and daughters in law; Edmund Jr. and Julie Starowicz of Pittsford and Daniel and Sherrie Starowicz of Sarasota, FL.  Grandchildren, Steven Starowicz, Adam (Fiancee, Sheryl Heefner) Starowicz, Jason Starowicz, Amanda "Mande" Starowicz and Scott (Kate) Starowicz.  Her great grandchild, Skylar Starowicz. Her sister, Violet (late Albert) Panek of Batavia. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was the sister of the late; Harriet (Stanley) Rogowski, Sister Mary Ignatia, CSSF, Stanley (Mary) Wiater, John (Pearl) Wiater and Walter Wiater.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and memories with the family on Sunday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10 am at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church) followed by interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

The Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at the Funeral Home on Sunday at 1:30 pm.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions 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., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD P. KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR. 

Paul Lagano, 84 of Batavia died July 4th at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. Mr. Lagano loved music and playing the Accordion.

He is survived by two nephews Richard (Nancy); Robert (Beth) Weber both of Cheektowaga; two nieces Theresa (Alan) Turner of Fairport; Frances Smith of Buffalo.

A Graveside service will take place 11:00 AM on Sat. July 7th at Mt. Calvary Cemetery 800 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd. Cheektowaga, NY 14225.

Memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia Activities Fund 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information 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.

     Age 63, of Elba, died Tuesday July 3, 2012 at his home. He was born December 9, 1948 in Johnstown, PA, a son of the late Andrew & Henrietta (Kirchner) Komar.

     Ron was a former service manager at Vermeer in Alexander for many years, a 4H Leader, member of the 2 Cylinder Club and the current President of the Historical Society of Elba. In his free time he enjoyed going to auctions, gardening and most of all participating in parades and showing off his 1951 John Deere B, that he restored. Ron loved and was very proud of his grandkids and the time spent working and teaching them his many skills.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Norma (Knupp) Komar of Elba; daughters Laura (Thomas) Landolf of Hornby, NY, Amy (Ed) Vlack of Elba and April (David) Craig of Springville; 4 brothers; 4 sisters; 10 grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM on Friday July 6 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will take place 10:00 AM Saturday July 7. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Research Center @ Strong Memorial Hospital. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500.

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

     Age 76, of Batavia, known by many as "Junior" and former co-owner of Elchar Tool Specialists died Monday July 2, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born November 26, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Anthony J. and Michelina (Fraterrigo) Irrera.

     Anthony attended Batavia Vocational School and graduated from Batavia Hign School in 1954. He worked at Sylvania and Dohler Jarvis for many years where he learned his lifelong trade. In 1971, he and partners established Elchar Tool Specialists and later expanded to include Genesee Precision Co. In 1991, he retired due to ill health. This motivated him to explore new ventures that included cooking, woodworking, church activities and golf. He enjoyed spending Saturdays shopping for tools and gourmet Italian foods and morning breakfasts with friends and the staff at Miss Batavia Diner. He was a regular at Tim Horton's on Sundays with his church friends. He was a lifelong member of Ascension Parish, NYS National Guard, former St. Nicholas Club, Our Lady of Loretto and the St. Nicholas Society. The faith, strength, courage and humor he showed will always be held dear in the hearts of his family.

     He is survived by his wife of 53 years Lillian (Spadaro) Irrera of Batavia; daughters Julie (David) Corbelli of Elma and Cathy (Joseph) Stout of Attica; brother Roger (Carol) Irrera and sister Michelle (Michael) McNally both of Batavia; his grandchildren Ryan and Alex Corbelli and Collin and Lydia Stout along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     There is no prior visitation, family and friends are invited to attend a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial Thursday July 5 at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Site). Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main Street or Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500.

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

Doris S. Bennion, age 90, of Perry, was born in Castile, New York on June 29, 1921 a daughter of the late George A. and May Torrens Stanton. Doris retired from the former Champion Products in 1983 where she worked in the sewing department. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Perry, Methodist Women of the Church, and Senior Citizens Club of Perry. She enjoyed baking goodies for many people to enjoy, traveling, and most especially enjoyed the company of her family. She is preceded in death by her husband Henry Bennion who died in 1994, son Daniel Bennion who died in 2004, son-in-law Richard Bowles and a sister Hazel Parhalo.

She is survived by a daughter: Mary Bowles of Silver Springs, 2 sons: Dr. Donald (Gene) Bennion of Ann Arbor, MI, William Bennion of Perry, a daughter-in-law: Cathy Bennion of Perry, a sister: Susanne Blythe of Perry, 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, her best friend: Mary Gates of Perry, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday June 29th (her 91st birthday) at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Services will be held on Saturday June 30th at 11:00 am at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Grace Cemetery in Castile.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church 35 Covington St. Perry, New York 14530 or to the Eastside Nursing Facility (Activities Fund) 62 Prospect St. Warsaw, NY 14569. 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. 

Edmund C. Parker, Jr. ”Dennis”, 59, of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, died Wednesday (June 27, 2012) at Medina Memorial Hospital..

He was born in Buffalo on September 14, 1952, son of the late Edmund Sr. and Barbara Snyder Parker.

He was a graduate of Akron Central High School and Bryant & Stratton College.  Edmund was formerly employed by Scott Aviation in Lancaster.

He was a member of the wolf clan.

Survivors include two sisters, Jennifer (Ray Groff, Jr.) Parker and Sherri (David Dietz) Parker, all of Akron. Nephews, LeeRoy Parker, Jonathan Parker, Vincent Groff, Jacob Groff and Maison Parker.  Niece, Kristin Groff.

He was predeceased by his brother, Jeffrey Parker.

Friends may call Saturday (June 30^th) from 2-4pm & 7-9pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, where funeral services will be Sunday at 11:30am.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. or American Kidney Foundation

Online condolences 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 P. Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Age 50, of Corfu, owner/operator of Rod & Staff "The Cane Factory", died peacefully Tuesday June 26, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Batavia, December 18, 1961 a son of Glenn & Joanne (Tenney) Myers of North Carolina.

Guy was an active member of the Genesee Country Church in Oakfield and a past board member of Batavia Assembly of God.He enjoyed hunting, fishing, softball, riding his motorcycle and most loved being a part of whatever his kids were involved in. His family and friends will remember him as an "all around great guy", that will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years Beverly (Martin) Myers of Corfu; beloved daughter Janoah Myers at home and son Brandon (Danielle) Myers of Oakfield; sister Rhonda (Tom) Harding of NC; father-in-law Milton Martin of Corfu; brothers-in-law Louis (Elizabeth) Martin of Alden, Russell (Sharica) Martin of Batavia and sister-in-law Julie (Lawrence) Lewis of Churchville along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may visit on Saturday June 30th & Sunday July 1st from 4-8 PM at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC at 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Monday July 2 at Genesee Country Church 3268 Drake Street Road Oakfield, New York 14125. Burial will be in Indian Falls Cemetery, in lieu of flowers memorials in Guy's memory are suggested to his family which they will present to his favorite causes, Wilmont Cancer Center, Care-A-Van Ministries, Care-Net of Albion, Genesee Country Church and Ride to Recovery. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

James A. Decker, 84 of Batavia, died June 21, 2012 peacefully at his home. He was born July 8, 1927 in Batavia to the late James M. (Ruth E. Hilbert) Decker. Mr. Decker served as the principle at the Lima Christian School. He actively participated in the ministries of the Lima Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church in LeRoy, Randall Baptist Church in Williamsville and most recently at the Batavia Christian & Missionary Alliance Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn Decker of Batavia; son Paul (Dondra) Decker of Williamsville; grandchildren James (Natalie) Decker, Grace (Fiancé Joe Santiso) Decker, Elizabeth and Joel Decker, great-grandson Eric Decker.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 PM on Friday June 22, and 2 to 4 PM on Saturday June 23, at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 3:00 PM Funeral Service will take place on Sunday June 24 at the Batavia Christian & Missionary Alliance Church 5220 Clinton St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place at White Haven Memorial Park.     

Flowers gratefully declined, memorials may be made to the Lima Christian School Scholarship Fund 1574 Rochester St. Lima, NY 14485. 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.