Obituaries

Lawson J. Pontius, 102 of Batavia, August 27, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born August 10, 1910 on the family farm near Geneva to the late Paul (Abigail Gaffney) Pontius. Mr. Pontius has been a resident of Batavia since 1926. He worked for the Mancuso Auto Dealerships for 38 years. During the depression he and Tyler Peck operated the Main Garage in Batavia. During the war he worked at Curtiss Wright in Buffalo and he retired from McGregor Buick-Pontiac in 1976. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and had served on the Board of Trustees. His interests included writing poetry and reading the history of vintage automobiles and airplanes. He also enjoyed being with family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Emma Netzen Pontius who died in 2007, daughter and son in law Lois (Norris) Geer, son in law Gary Bauer and sisters Eleata Netzen, Edna Trout, Lucy Jewell and Helen Hottois.

He is survived by his daughter Sally Bauer of Ontario, NY, 5 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call from 3 to 7 PM on Wednesday August 29, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will take place on Thursday August 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, NY. Interment will take place at Grand View Cemetery.     

The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 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.

Gladys Louise Shetler, 83 of Dansville, died August 26, 2012 after a long illness at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Dansville on October 29, 1928 to the late Harold (Mildred Holden) Cork. Gladys graduated in 1946 from Dansville High School. While attending school she started at the age of fourteen as a Candy Stripper and went on to become an LPN in Dansville Hospital and the Kings Daughters Home. Later she worked as a private in home nurse until she became disabled in 1972 and was forced to retire. Gladys remained active in her church (Dansville Free Methodist Church) where she served as a C.Y.C Director, Sunday School Teacher & led several Bible studies, she loved counseling, mentoring and worked on the Prayer Chain. She also served as a Den Mother in the Scouts. Gladys was known for her hospitality and her house was always full of love and good food. She is preceded in death by her husbands Ivan John Dale and Arthur William Shetler, one daughter Anna Faye Melenbacker and two siblings.

She is survived by one sibling Donald Cork of Greece; seven children Harold (Carol) Dale of Cohocton; Frances Magee of Perkinsville; David Dale of Dansville; Kathleen Slack of Dansville; Norma Monteleone of Warsaw; Wanda Jones of Gainsville; Gerald Shetler of Loomis, NE; 28 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren and many wonderful friends.

Family and friends may call from 12 Noon to 2:00 PM on Thursday August 30, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry, NY 14530. Services will follow visitation 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Interment will be at Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Avon Nursing Home 215 Clinton St. Avon, NY 14414. 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.

Darien - Warren R. Schenck, 93, a life long resident of Darien, passed away Friday (August 24, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia.

Warren was born June 17, 1919, in Buffalo, a son of the late Horace and Mildred Rudd Schenck. He was a shop foremen at Boyle's Motor's in Batavia and retired from Doehler National Lead in Batavia. Warren was a World War II Veteran, achieving the rank of Staff Sargent in the 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion, serving in the Eastern European Theatre from 1942-1945. He loved having fun with his family, especially his grandson and great grandsons. Warren was well known for his garden, humor, pleasant personality and his mechanical skills.

Warren was the husband of the late Jeanette Krauss Schenck and brother of the late Willard Schenck, Myron Schenck and Alma Darling.

Surviving are two sons,  Jerry and (Kathy) Schenck of Darien and Victor Schenck of Darien; one grandson, Jerid (Cathy) Schenck of Darien and two great grandsons, Justin and Cooper Schenck; two sisters, Dorothy Willard of Corfu and Lois Schuhmann of Cheektowaga. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Tuesday 3-7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Private burial at the convenience of the family in Darien Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for special distribution.

Age 81, of Batavia, died Wednesday morning August 22, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born February 3, 1931 in Buffalo, a son of the late Charles & Hanna (McCourt) Doyle, also preceded in death by a brother Charles and sisters Katherine Deubell, Mary Doyle & Helen Genco.

Mr. Doyle was a former employee of Bethlehem Steel, a coin collector, enjoyed golf, watching sports, especially WWF wrestling. A kind, caring man who enjoyed the holidays spent with his family and the special meals they fixed, his favorite being eggs and toast. His great-grandsons who called him "Small Papa" and his grandchildren brought him great joy, he loved to tease and fool with them.

Surviving are his loving daughters, Deby Schneider of N. Carolina, Dawn (Nelson) Scott of Batavia and Donna Doyle of N. Carolina; 6 grandchildren, Thomas & Rachel Scott, Ian & Erinn Schneider, Brandon Hardy & Colin Schneider; 2 great-grandsons Noah & Teddie Scott along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM Friday August 24 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will take place 11:00 AM Saturday August 25. Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to IMAGINE at 1032 Altice Drive Raleigh, NC 27603 (a 501C3 non-profit that is responsible for providing increased mobility, independence & equipment for people w/disabilities). Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Batavia - Mrs. Rose Talone Condello, 89, of Batavia, died Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at St. John's Home, in Rochester.

 Mrs. Condello was born April 28, 1923 in LeRoy, the daughter of the late John and Lena Arango Talone.

She was a member of Resurrection Parish, St. Joseph’s Church for many years and truly enjoyed her family and friends.

She was married to Frank Condello who died in 2001 and was the sister of the late Jasper, Santo, John and Frances DiSalvo, Sadie Wilcox and Elvira Kittle.

Survivors include her daughter, Louise Condello of Batavia; her sister, Josephine Giordano of Florida and her aunt, Betty Zito of California. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews.

Friends may today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main Street, Batavia. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church, 303 E. Main St.  Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Batavia.

 In lieu of flowers memorials to the family to be distributed to various charities.

To light a candle, share a story or leave a condolence please visit  www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Stanley J. Myka, 64 of Akron died August 20, 2012 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born November 15, 1947 in Buffalo to the late Stanley Myka and the late Ursula Banks. Mr. Myka worked as a Nuclear Power Instrument Technician for Givoo Consultants. He is a United States Army Veteran and member of VFW Post 3180 and the L.L. Tillman Post #900 American Legion in Akron, NY. He is preceded in death by a brother John Buczek.

He is survived by his children Eric Myka of Oakfield; Rachel Gleason of Akron; granddaughters Angel Myka, Maelynn Gleason; brothers James Henzler, Clayton LaForme, Mel LaForme, Dan Buczek; sisters Cynthia LaForme, Sueann Myka, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday August 25, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Will follow calling hours at 1:00 PM Saturday August 25, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in Akron.     

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to his granddaughters. 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.

Gertrude Olcott Baglio, 96, formerly of Oneida, passed away Friday (August 10, 2012) in Rochester, NY with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Oneida, NY to Floyd and Catherine Clark Olcott. 

After graduation from Oneida High School and Cortland College, she taught in the Auburn, NY public elementary school system.  She moved back to Oneida when she married Dr. Leonard Baglio, D.D.S.  Gertrude was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Church in Oneida.  She had many interests and talents including spending time with her family, traveling, studying finances, china painting, knitting (amazing blankets), basket weaving, painting with oils and having an eye for fashion.  For the past six years, Gertrude lived at Heather Heights Assisted Living in Pittsford, NY, close to two of her daughters.
 
Gertrude was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, Leonard (Lenny), in 1976, and her wonderful teenage grandson, Thomas Olcott Burke, In 1998.

She is survived by her four daughters, Kathryn (Robert) Burke of Rochester, NY, Rosemary (late Thomas) Smith of Fairport, NY, JoAnne (Richard) Vindigni of Sherrill and Virginia (Garret) Martin of Grasonville, MD.  Also survived by seventeen grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Helena’s Church in Sherrill, NY and she is interred in St. Patrick Cemetery in Oneida, alongside her beloved Lenny.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor. 

Thomas Duvall Smith, M.D., 68, of Fairport, NY, died suddenly Wednesday (August 15, 2012) at McLarin Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan, while returning home from a fishing trip.

He was born in Rochester, NY on February 21, 1944, son of the late B. Albert and Helen Duvall Smith.

He was a Medical Examiner for Monroe County prior to his retirement. Thomas served in the U.S. Air Force from 1974-1976.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Gerarda Smith.

Survivors include his loving wife of 15 years, Rosemary Baglio Smith. Daughters, Janet (Roger) Chen, Catherine and Sarah Smith.
Step-children, Leonard (Linda) Ray and Quentin (Jennifer) Ray, M.D.  Brother, Albert (Barbara) Smith.  Also survived by six grandchidren.

Family and friends may call Wednesday (August 22nd) from 10am-12pm at Holy Spirit Church, 1355 Hatch Rd., Webster, NY 14610.  A Funeral Mass will follow at 12pm.

Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Irenaeus Ministries, 542 Blossom Rd., Rochester, NY 14610 or Rochester Museum and Science Center, Attn: Thomas D. Smith Memorial Donations, 657 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor. 

Alice Marie Whiting, 82, of Barker, NY, died Saturday, (August 18, 2012) at Crossroads House in Batavia. 

She was born in Buffalo on June 7, 1930, a daughter of the late Cyril E. and Alice Ruge Taylor. 

Alice was a graduate of Rosary Hill College and Syracuse University where she received her Masters Degree in mathematics. 

In previous years she was employed by Ben DeYoung Farm Implement Co., Whiting Roll-Up Door Co., both of Akron and Fisher Price Toy Co. in Medina.  She enjoyed gardening, reading and mathematics.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 48 years of Lauren Whiting.  Children: Theo (Michael) Abraham of Kingston, NH, Steven C. (Delia) Tee of Barker, NY, Robert (Phyllis) Whiting of Akron, NY,  James C. (Christine) Tee of Medina, NY, Rodney (Luanne) Whiting of Lyndonville, NY, Nancy (Timothy) Girard of Clarence, NY, and Alice (John) Worrall of Mechanicsburg, PA.  Twenty two grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren also survive. 

She was the sister of the late Cyril E. Taylor and William J. Taylor. 

Family and friends may share their thoughts , condolences and fond memories with the family on Tuesday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 32 JOHN ST., AKRON.   Services will be on Wednesday at 11 AM at the Chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1411 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY.  Interment will follow. 

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to a charity of their preference. 

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, Ronald P. Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor. 

Fred was born in New York City, NY on November 19, 1923 a son of the late Hamilton and Grace Hilyar Sibbald. Fred was a resident of the Perry ICF in Perry. He moved to the Perry facility in 1987. He is preceded in death by his brothers David and William Sibbald.

He is survived by his staff family at the Perry ICF along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 10-11am on Monday August 20th, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Services will follow visitation at 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

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.
 

Theresa Marie Bellow Peca, 87 of Batavia, died  peacefully at her son’s home surrounded by her loving family on August 18, 2012.  She was born October 19, 1924 in Le Roy, NY to the late James and Jennie Vanelli  Bellow.  Mrs. Peca was Vice President of Batavia Turf Farms, 1960-1997.  She was a member of  Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church and chairman of the First Popcorn Ball, served on the Pre Cana Council.  She enjoyed music and played the organ at church as a young girl and also played the keyboard socially at Florida functions. She  is preceded in death by her husband Anthony, a daughter Joan Marie Peca, granddaughters Catie Hoch, Heather Elizabeth Peca, daughter-in-law Martha Peca, son-in-law Larry Hoch,  brother Dominic Bellow.

She is survived by her six children. Samuel of San Diego; Anthony L. (Geraldine) Jr. of Batavia; John (Debbie Murray) Peca of Batavia; daughters Anne Marie (Richard) Starowitz of Batavia; Gina Peca of Ballston Lake; Theresa Peca-Baker of Burnt Hills; 14 grandchildren Jennifer (Shane) Caiazzo, Jessica (John) Heffernan, Jill (John) Kratz, Theresa (Guy) Pellegrino, Emily Peca, Justin Sager, Kelly Peca, Jaime (Brittni) Peca, Anthony (Leah) Peca III, Amy Peca, Robby Hoch, Tess Baker, John Hoch, Ethan Baker, Nephew James Strollo and Niece Roseanne Patton. 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday August 22, 2012 at Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 303 East Main 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 Catie Hoch Foundation at www.catiehochfoundation.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 St. Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Age 82, of Batavia, died peacefully Thursday afternoon Augst 16, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born in Batavia, on February 2, 1930 to the late Boguslaw & Mary (Jankowski) Krzewinski, also preceded in death by her brothers Stanley, Matthew, Richard and a sister Irene Gillette.

Ryta was a member of Resurrection Parish and was formerly employed by Lapp Insulator in LeRoy. In her earlier years she was an avid golfer, enjoyed walks in the park and spending time with her friends having coffee and lunch.

Surviving is her loving son Gary (MaryAnn) Brownell of New Mexico; sister Helen Krzewinski of LeRoy along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews & dear friends.

Family and friends may visit from 6-8 PM Sunday August 19 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York where prayers will be recited 9:30 AM Monday August 20 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's SIte). Memorials in Ryta's memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice with burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Batavia- Leona Koch, 83, of Batavia, died Thursday, (August 16, 2012)at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mrs. Koch was born January 24, 1929 in Cowlesville, a daughter of the late Harold and Esther (Kern) Ewert.

Leona was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren.  She loved collecting cardinals as well as Beanie Babies.  Mrs. Koch also enjoyed playing bingo, cards and spending time in her garden.  She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who always had a genuine concern for the wellbeing of those around her.

Surviving along with her husband of 66 years, Elon Koch of Batavia, are her children, Ronald (Ruth) Koch of Stafford, John Koch of Alexander, and Sandy (Chuck Curry) Koch of Nunda; a daughter-in-law, Rose Koch of Alexander; a brother, William Ewert of Albion; sisters-in-law, Joan (late Norm) Koch and Jean Ewert both of East Pembroke.  18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Mrs. Koch is preceded in death by a son, Donald F. Koch; a brother, Richard Ewert; a brother-in-law, Lloyd Koch; and a sister-in-law, Grace (late Art) Newhouse.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  A reception will immediately follow calling hours at The Beach Head Veterans Club, 3188 Broadway Road, Alexander.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Corfu - Alberta S. Brightenfield, 90, of Corfu, passed away Thursday (August 16, 2012) at her home.

Mrs. Brightenfield was born July 9, 1922 in Corfu, a daughter of the late Albert and Martha Nuwer Smith. She was the wife of the late Edward Brightenfield;  Mother of the late Albert J. Brightenfield and James A. Brightenfield; and sister of the late Elmo Smith, Laverne Smith, Robert Smith and  Norma Feller.

Alberta worked as a secretary, tax collector and census taker for the Pembroke Central School District for over 40 years. She was a faithful member of St.  Maximilian Kolbe Parish (St. Francis) and the church secretary for over 40 years. Alberta was also a member of the Corfu Fire Department and the Ladies Auxiliary, the Corfu Senior Citizens and served as an election inspector for many, many years. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Alberta's favorite pastimes were baking, gardening and playing pinocle with her family, card club and senior citizen friends .

Alberta is survived by her daughter, Mary (Bud) Ulander of East Pembroke and her son, Robert (Patricia Navas) of Corfu and daughter-in-law Lori Birghtenfield of Stafford; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Rosemary Smith of Batavia. Several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (St. Francis site) 18 West Main Street, Corfu. Burial will be in Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery, Darien Center, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be used for the church building fund.

Ruth was born in Avon, NY on December 19,1918 a daughter of the late Roy and Alta Steffens Peck. Ruth was a homemaker who enjoyed doing crafts especially doll making, quilting, and playing cards.She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center where she was involved in the Womens Fellowship Group, and Card Club. She was also a member of the Home Bureau. She is preceded in death by her husband Fredrick C. Herman who died in 1997; three siblings, Lucille Nowack; Mary Vanderpool; Leslie Peck and a grandson Clinton DeGraff.

She is survived by 2 daughters: Charlotte (Earl) DeGraff of Mt. Morris, and Shirley Herman of Ft. Myers, Fla., 3 sons: Harold (Diane) Herman of Perry, Ronald (Billie) Herman of Wiersdale, Fla. and Fred Herman of Greenville, S.C., 4 sister-in-laws: Fran Ball of Whitesville, Mary Page of Pavilion, Mabel Orman of Oswego, and Polly (Joe) Stoffer of Warsaw, 1 brother-in-law: Paul (Esther) Herman of Perry, 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 PM on Friday August 17th, 2012 at the First Congregational Church 7205 Rt. 20A in Perry Center. Services will follow visitation at 4:00pm at the church. Interment will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Perry Center.

Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church 7205 Rt. 20A Perry, NY 14530 or to the Perry Center Fire Department P.O. Box 204 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.