Obituaries

Batavia - Lyle Richard Allen, 76, died Thursday, August 9, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center following a brief illness.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Kathleen (Geise) Allen, his daughters Michele (Wayne) Gilbert, Kristen (Daniel) Frey, and his son, Jeffrey (Darla) Allen.  He was also the proud grandfather of Sara Gilbert, Eric Gilbert, Michael Allen, Kaitlyn Allen, and Zachary Frey.  His brother George “Bud” (Nita) Allen also mourns his passing. 

Lyle was predeceased by his parents Harold W. and Grace E. (Bridge) Allen as well as his step-fathers Howard Schuler and Kenneth Monfort and a brother William “June” Allen.

After serving honorably in the US Navy, Lyle worked most of his life as a salesman and upon retirement spent 13 years as one of the first greeters at the Batavia WalMart.  He was known by many for the smile and friendly welcome when they entered the store.  Lyle was a member of the Oakfield Community Bible Church and was proud to have helped establish a weekly church service with Pastor Bill Smith of OCBC at the Manor House in Batavia where he and Kathy resided until his passing.

Friends may call from 1 pm until 5 pm Sunday, August 12^th at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave. Oakfield.  Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, August 13^th at 11am.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakfield Community Bible Church, 80 North Main St., Oakfield, NY 14125.  Burial at the St Cecelia’s Cemetery in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

     Age 47, of Batavia, died suddenly Thursday afternoon August 2, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born April 12, 1965 in Burbank, CA, a son of Thomas (Phyllis) Seager of Batavia and Sandra (Lionel) Grudin of MA.

     James was a fantastic chef and worked at many area restaurants. He had a love for animals, especially dogs and was always there to lend a helping hand.

     Surviving along with his parents is a brother Robert Seager of Darien, his nephew Sean Henry Seager, his companion with whom he resided Laurie Comer of Batavia and many friends.

     There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be at a time and place to be announced. Memorials in James memory are suggested to Volunteers for Animals of Genesee County and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Batavia - Mr. Richard A. Tiede, 61, of Batavia, the Senior Public Safety Officer at Genesee Community College, died Thursday, August 2, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Emma J. Scarborough, 87 of Batavia, died August 2, 2012 at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She was born January 21, 1925 in Newstead, New York to the late David (Margaret Klehm) Peterson. Mrs. Scarborough was a retired hairdresser who worked at Mar-C Beauty Shop in Akron. She was a member of the Women’s Missionary Group and a member of the former First Wesleyan Church. She is preceded in death by husband Herman J. Scarborough, sons Richard and Paul Mirrione, brothers Louis and Richard Peterson, sisters Marion Butler and Ruth Peters.

She is survived by her children Mary Ann Halecki of Akron, Margaret (Daniel) Odell of Akron, David (Teresa) Mirrione of Batavia, and Vincent (Deborah) Mirrione of Batavia.  One sister Christine (Charles) Kern of Florida, 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call from 2  to 6 PM on Sunday August 5, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will follow calling hours at 6PM Sunday August 5, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu, NY.     

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank 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.

Robert E. Gillmor, 94 of LeRoy, died July 31, 2012 at E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur, NY. He was born July 16, 1918 in Clarkson, NY to the late Henry H. (Helen Rudman) Gillmor. Mr. Gillmor was retired from Eastman Kodak in Rochester where he was a Supervisor and Chemical Engineer. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, a volunteer at the VA Medical Center, did taxes for the AARP as a volunteer and was a voluntary EMT for the LeRoy Ambulance Corp.  At age 52 he started skiing, learned to windsurf at 70 and saved snowboarding until he was 72.  We will remember his laugh, his faith in God, his constant insights into world affairs, science, and philosophy, his generous nature, and his gentle approach. He was loved by all he touched. He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn B. Gillmor in 2011.

He is survived by his children Sharon (Kenneth) Wall of LeRoy, Rodney Stuart of New York City, Lynn Steinberg of Illinois, Greg (Linda) Gillmor of Pavilion, Ann (Daniel) Thomas of Corfu and Jeffrey (Ellen) Gillmor of Rochester. One sister Eleanor Amos of Ohio, 11 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren survive along with one nephew and one niece.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will take place at the First Presbyterian Church 7 Clay St. LeRoy, NY 14482 on Saturday August 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church. 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.

Batavia - James D. Riley Sr., 89, formerly of Corfu. passed away Monday (July 30, 2012) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Mr. Riley was born April 10, 1923, in Buffalo, a son of the late Tom and Louise Riley. Jim was a veteran who served in the Army Air Force. He worked and retired from Bell Telephone/ AT&T. Jim married Katherine Kulichik on April 17, 1948. He was a member of the VFW Post in Akron and a former member of the Corfu Fire Department. Jim was an avid bowler, Euchre player and horseshoe player but he most especially enjoyed being with his family and friends. Jim is predeceased by his brother Ronald Riley.

Jim is survived by his wife Katherine Riley; daughters, Karen Palloni, Susan Riley and Phyllis Riley; sons, James (Sally) Riley, Michael Riley and Brain Riley; grandchildren, Greg (Jen) Palloni, Melinda Robinson, Brain Palloni, Steven (Gina) Robinson and Michael Palloni; great grandchildren, Erin Robinson, Aidan Palloni, Ashlyn Robinson and Roman Palloni;  brother of Dorothy Day, Muriel (late Joe) Bellanti, MaryAnn (Late Don) Thomas and Tom (Mill) Riley; brother-in-law of Helen (late Joseph) Thomas, Nancy (Frank) Swaciak and Alex (Norma) Kulichik. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friend may call Thursday 4-8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Friday from the mortuary at 11:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu Fire Department 116 East Main St., Corfu, NY 14036 or to the VFW Post in Akron, NY. Arrangements by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. Corfu, NY.

Age 88, of Bethany Center, died Monday morning July 30, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born October 19, 1923 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Lewis & Marion (Ward) Root, also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Donald C. Ford, grandson John H. Ford II, along with two brothers Lawrence and Gerald Root.

Mrs. Ford was a member of the Bethany Center Baptist Church, she worked at Sylvania, Sierra Research, owned & operated Ford's Red & White with her late husband at the family homestead for many years. Audrey had a passion for gardening and was well known for her amazing flower gardens, she enjoyed reading, crocheting, cooking and sewing. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Surviving are her loving sons Donald L. (Peggy) Ford of CO, Daniel L. (Shirley) Ford of Alexander, Randy L. (Linda) Ford & Jack (Carrie) Ford both of Attica; her grandchildren Todd (Sharon) Ford, Daniel L. (Shannon) Ford Jr., Michelle Ford, Jennifer (Josh) Berry, Stefanie (Mark) Wadams, Rachel (Brian) Metz, Wesley & Spencer Ford; 9 great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may visit from 12-4 PM on Saturday August 4 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will take place at 4:00 PM. Memorials in Audrey's memory are suggested to the Bethany Center Baptist Church or the Bethany Fire Dept. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bethany Center and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Pastor Charlie Piscitello, 69, of Batavia, died peacefully at the Gowanda Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on July 30, 2012. He was born December 4, 1942 in Buffalo to the late Anthony (Anna Gullo) Piscitello. Born with cataracts and glaucoma, and having several childhood accidents resulting in the removal of both eyes, Charlie (then known as Chuck) attended the New York State School for the Blind. It was there on a coal pile that he found a guitar. Grounded to his room for being off limits, he taught himself to play the guitar, and later formed a band with several classmates and an instructor at the school. Charlie’s first recordings of his music were made there on heavy vinyl disks. After leaving the school in 1961, Charlie formed his own band, playing various Western New York venues.
        Charlie later moved to the Southern Tier and hired a manager, John Parialis, with Pyramid Sound, based in Ithaca, NY. He began touring more widely, eventually being in the “right place at the right time” to fill in for the Eagles, whose transportation failed to get them to their gig as the opening act for Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Charlie’s music and charm impressed members of the band, who offered him a contract to continue the tour. With the stage name “Charlie Starr,” Charlie cut several single 45 rpm recordings as well as two albums, entitled “Just Plain Charlie” and “Tough and Tender.” Charlie’s musical career spanned all fifty states, touring with individuals and groups which included the Moody Blues, James Taylor, Johnny Cash and the Carter family, Tina Turner, and the Carpenters, in addition to a tour of Europe with Yes. James Taylor graciously offered Charlie his song, “One Man Dog” in reference to Charlie’s guide dog, Princess, pictured on Charlie’s “Just Plain Charlie” album cover.
        Charlie rarely talked of his musical career in the later decades of his life, as his first love was Jesus. Abandoning fame and fortune to tune pianos and serve the Lord, Charlie left his musical career and dedicated his music and his life to the Lord. In 1991, while living on a dairy farm in Greene, NY, Charlie met his wife, Judi, and not long after their marriage in 1992, Charlie began a small Bible study group in their home here in Batavia.
        While completing his associate degree in counseling at Genesee Community College (GCC), Charlie worked at the Genesee Region Independent Living Center, and upon completion of his bachelor’s degree from Empire State College in 1994, he was hired by GCC to work for the Center of Academic Progress. In 1997, he was ordained as a pastor by the Worldwide Church of God. Pastor Charlie founded the Batavia Christian Fellowship, which later became one with Faith Community Chapel.

In 2002, he was among the first to be awarded the New York State Senate Achievers’ Award by Senator Mary Lou Rath. When his health began to fail, he pastored A Little House Church. During the early years of his ministry, Pastor Charlie was a member of the Batavia Lions Club, volunteer for the Regional Action Phone, and the Salvation Army Disaster Team. More recently, Pastor Charlie was involved in the Monday morning prayer ministry of Care-A-Van Ministries, and occasionally joined the Care-A-Van Band, sharing the wonderful gospel of Jesus at every opportunity. He is preceded in death by a brother Dominic and sister Louise.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judi (Ingram) Piscitello; sons Dominic (Tracy), Joe (Julie), Michael (Terra) and Angelo; six grandchildren JoAnna, Emily, Dominic, Paige, Joey and Kathryn Rose (Kate) Piscitello; siblings Anthony (Sandy), John (Diane), Randy (Henny), Robin (Gotowka) Piscitello, sister-in-law Patricia along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call from 11 AM to 2 PM on Saturday August 4, 2012 at Discovery Chapel 315 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 2:00 PM Funeral Services will take place on Saturday August 4, 2012 at the Church. Interment will take place at Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.     

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Care-A-Van Ministries 4 Lewis Ave. 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.

Myron E. Bogue, 73, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (July 30, 2012) at his residence.

 He was born in Elba, NY on February 28, 1939, a son of the late Myron A. Bogue and Vera Markham Bogue of Batavia.

Myron was a transportation driver for ARC Recycling in Batavia prior to his retirement.  He enjoyed collecting clocks and building model trucks and cars.

Survivors include two daughters, Pamela (William) Crawford of Sardinia, NY and Annette (Timothy Slivinski) Estrada of LeRoy.  Son, David Bogue of Batavia. Eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Sisters, Essie Torres of Depew and Sharon Choka of Bergen. Brothers, Robert Bogue of PA and Timothy Bogue of  Eden.  Dear friend, Geraldine Foster of Batavia.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was the brother of the late Hank Bogue and Delores Taggart.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family from 5-7pm on Wednesday at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A funeral service will be conducted at the conclusion of visitation at 7pm. 

Interment will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Homecare and Hospice.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

Mary Rose Zielinski, 97, of Batavia, died peacefully Saturday (July 28, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born in Batavia on January 19, 1915, a daughter of the late Walter and Stella Smolarkiewicz Wozniak.

She was a member of Resurrection Parish and a homemaker for most of her life.

Mary was the wife of the late Anthony J. Zielinski who died in 1967.

Survivors include a daughter, Rosemary (Steve) Martian of California. Son in-law, Joseph F. Riggi of Byron. Daughter in-law, Rhonda Zielinski of Florida.  Granchildren, Joseph A. Riggi of Rochester, Michael Riggi of Batavia, Mary Zielinski and Amanda Zielinski, both of Rochester and Timothy (Angel) Zielinski of Attica. Sister in-law, Gladys Zielinski of Batavia and several nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of the late Anthony Zielinski and Nancy Zielinski Riggi.  Sister of the late Walter, William, Carl and Esther Wozniak, Alfreda Mohler and Helen Hundredmark.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Tuesday from 4-8pm at the J.LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, 9:30am at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Site). 

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Byron Rescue Squad.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Susan Wahr, 64 of Batavia, died July 27, 2012 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born August 21, 1947 in Buffalo to the late Lee (Joanna Klein) Sheasley. Sue was employed at United Memorial Medical Center in the Women’s Care Center and at the Batavia Nursing Home for many years in the office. She enjoyed her flower beds at home and baking.  The real joy in her life was her 6 grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by her companion of 25 years Paul Ficarella of Batavia; sons Jeffrey Wahr of Alden; Johnnie Wahr of Batavia; sister Audrey (James) Kirkwood of Indiana;  6 grandchildren Drew VanBuren, Carson Ficarella, Dellany Maxwell, Alexis, Miles, and Lydia Wahr

Friends may call on Sunday July 29, 2012 from 4 to 8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company Inc. 329-333 West Main St Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM on Monday July 30, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Grandview Cemetery, 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 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Arthur L. Kirkum, 75 of Batavia, died July 22, 2012 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on May 22, 1937 in Cameron, NY to the late Elmer (Martha Vanzile) Kirkum. Art enjoyed horses and was well known as a member of the Niagara Frontier Horseman's Association and a lifelong member of the Attica Rodeo Association. He also had a lifelong passion for hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, stockcar racing, and NASCAR. He will be fondly remembered as a skilled gardener by those that frequented his roadside stand and for his weekly trips to local auctions where he sold his produce. He retired from My-T- Acres in 1995 after 33 years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Geraldine E. (Shoemaker) Kirkum of Batavia; son Ritchie Kirkum of Oakfield; daughters Deborah Kirkum of Batavia; Brenda (Peter) Chartraw of Oakfield; grandchildren Ritchie (Jennifer) Kirkum Jr., Jason, Jared, Paige Kirkum, Nicole Burlock, Melissa, Lindsay Bartholf, David Bartholf Jr., Bridget, Brooke Chartraw, great-grandchildren Riley, Colin Kirkum, Jonathon, Jacob Stewart, two sisters along with many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at the Alabama Fire hall on  August 11, 2012 at 1:00 PM.     

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.

Shirley Bellinger Chadwick, 82 of Buffalo, died peacefully on Tuesday (July 24, 2012) with her children at her side.

She was born Shirley Jewel Bellinger on June 12, 1930, a daughter of the late John and Elsie (Cook) Bellinger.

Shirley lived her entire life in the Buffalo area.  She was top of her class throughout her schooling career.  In grades 7 and 8, she recieved the Jessie Ketchum award, being top in her class.  She graduated from Layfette High School where she was valedictorian, then went to Buffalo State College and received her Batchelor's Degree where she was top of her class. Then she pursued her Masters Degree in Education.  She taught in the LeRoy School District for three years before moving to Williamsville, where she spent the next 25 years raising four children.  She was a part-time piano teacher, helping develop the Robert Pace music program. She was very active in the Pendleton Free Methodist Church and the Genesee Conference for over 30 years, being a Free Methodist her entire life.
She was also very active at Lighthouse Christian Camp from childhood, never missing a camp for 71 years.  She was a Girl Scout growing up and as an adult, she was active in developing programs in the Williamsville community. 

She was married to George F. Chadwick for a happy 54 years until his death in 2006.  She was an animal lover, especially her cats.  For 44 years she had two Siamese cats living in her home, replacing each as they would pass away.

Survivors include her two sons, Rev. John (Patti) Chadwick of Batavia and David (Denise) Chadwick of Newfane.  Two daughters, Peggy (Tom) Garcia of Hamburg and Sharyl Chadwick of Clarence.  Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grancchildren.

She was the sister of the late Elsie Cropp.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday (July 27th), 11am at J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  A luncheon will follow at Northgate Free Methodist Church South Campus, 350 Bank Street, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society or a favorite animal shelter.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net

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

     Family and friends are invited to attend an 11:00 AM Graveside Service on Wednesday July 25 at Cary Cemetery in Oakfield for Ralph who died March 6, 2012 at his home in Batavia. Memorials in his memory are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF RALPH E. SHIPLEY WAS CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

     Age 91, of Oakfield, died peacefully Sunday evening July 21, 2012 at Crossroads House. She was born July 5, 1921 in Rochester, NY, daughter of the late George & Ida (Sutter) Welker also preceded in death by her husband Henry Seager in 1982 along with two brothers and two sisters.

     Mrs. Seager was an avid card player, animal lover who raised many cats and dogs over the years. Arline was very family oriented and happiest when she was with her late husband and family.

     There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be held privately by the family. Memorials in Arline's memory are suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia or the Genesee County Animal Shelter. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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