Obituaries

Age 61, of Batavia, died Tuesday March 20, 2012 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born December 22, 1950 in Donalsonville, GA daughter of the late Pete & Ida Mae Oliver also preceded in death by many brothers and sisters. Maxine loved to garden, watch western movies & cooking shows and cherished the time spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving is her husband Willie Thomas of Batavia; daughter Natasha Thomas of Buffalo; sons Derek of Buffalo, Willie & Veshaun both of Batavia; 15 grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit and share memories from 12-2 PM Saturday March 24 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral services will be held privatley and memorials in Maxine's memory are suggested to the family with burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 65, of Batavia, died Tuesday March 20, 2012 at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. He was born June 28, 1946 in Batavia, NY son of the late Michael & Margaret (Zanghi) Colantonio also preceded in death by a brother Joseph and sister Susanna Seppe. An Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era, John was a painter by trade and worked for various companies over the years. In his free time he enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.

Surviving are his children Phillip Colantonio and Shannon Bolster both of Batavia; brothers Michael & Ron Colantonio; sister Rosalyn Colantonio all of Batavia along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass 10:00 AM Friday March 23, 2012 at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Site). Memorials in John's memory are suggested to the family with burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 61, of Batavia, died peacefully Sunday March 18, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family while under the care of Hospice. He was born February 19, 1951 in Shattuck, OK son of the late Cilfford W. & Thelma (Moss) Rexroad. From his logging company in the Rocky Mountains to salesman, Steve travelled the US and made friends wherever he hung his hat. He enjoyed and was quite knowledgeable of wine & cigars and was an avid collector. He had a passion for the drums, having played in his own "Burton Court Band"; he can be heard on session work for "Tommy James & The Shondells" and was a huge fan of the Beatles.

Surviving is his loving wife of 6 years Karen (McClure) Rexroad of Batavia; sons Steven (Kerri) Nash of Yukon, OK; Brandon Lee (Poppie) Rexroad of Carney, OK and daughter Nichole Marie (Steve) Powers of Charlotte, NC; step-children Brian McClure of the US Navy; Matthew (Autumn) McClure of New Woodstock, NY & Samantha (James) McDermott of DeRuyter, NY; sisters Jana Rae (CB) Kraft of Shattuck, OK & Chloe (Dave) Harrelson of Sarasota, FL; mother-in-law Barbara McClure of DeRuyter, NY; 7 grandchildren, 3 nieces and many friends.

Family and friends may visit from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Wednesday March 21, 2012 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 1:00 PM Thursday March 22. Memorials in Steve's memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 16 Bank Street Batavia, New York 14020. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Batavia- Mary C. Severe, 86, died Saturday, March 17, 2012at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Severe was born November 8, 1925 in Elba, NY the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Nicosia Calarco.

Mrs. Severe and her husband, the late Anthony, owned and operated the former Turkey Kitchen Restaurant in Batavia for many years. In addition to the fine homemade turkey and spaghetti dinners they served she was best known for her delicious pies. 

Survivors include two sons; Salvatore (Dianne) Severe of Olalla, Washington and Anthony (Ina) Severe of Phoenix, Arizona and one brother, Carmelo Calarco of Batavia.  Also surviving are 8 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Christine Smith and two brothers, Alphonso and Frank Calarco, Sr.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 AM, Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott St. Memorials may be made to Genesee County Nursing Home, Activities Fund, 278 Bank St. Batavia, NY  14020 Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum.

Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Rita E. Mollon, 95, of Medina died peacefully Wednesday (March 14, 2012) at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Medina.

She was born in East Rochester on April 10, 1916, a daughter of the late Franklin and Catherine Didas Doane.

Rita was employed by Eastman Kodak prior to her retirement, where she was a researcher and developer.  She held two patents for miniature batteries and proximity fuses.

She was the wife of the late Chester H. Mollon who died in 2000.

Survivors include her two sons and daughters in-law: Craig (Anne) Mollon of Batavia and Paul (Lori) Mollon of Baldwinsville.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be Saturday (March 17^th), 12:30pm at White Haven Memorial Park (All Seasons Chapel), 210 Marsh Rd., Pittsford, NY.

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

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

Age 81, of Godfrey's Pond, died Friday March 9, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born May 17, 1930 in Manchester, CT son of the late Charles & Myrtle (Reed) Schiller. He was employed for many years at Tilcon-Tomasso in Connecticut. A Ham Radio enthusiast, he operated under the call sign of WA1BQO.

Surviving is his companion Joyce Shaw of Godfrey's Pond; daughter Cynthia Deming of FL; son Charles H. Schiller Jr. of CT; sister Honoria Balsiger of TX; brother Henry Gustafson of CT along with many nieces, nephews & friends.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family, he will be buried alongside his parents in Connecticut. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Mary D. Baudanza, 78 of Batavia, died March10, 2012 at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born August 22, 1933 in Batavia to the late Vito (Josephine Gunchardo) Baudanza. Ms. Baudanza worked for many years in the Media Department at Genesee Community College and also at GTE Sylvania. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, the St. Nicholas Women’s Auxiliary, St. Jerome’s Guild, Paulo Busti Cultural Foundation and My Sisters Closet.

She is survived by her brother Thomas Baudanza of Saugerties, NY; one niece Jenna Baudanza, Godchildren Cyndy Webb of Las Vegas, NV; John Grill of Meadville, PA; Michael Baudanza of CA; Michelle Goodfriend of Frederick, MD, along with many cousins and close friends. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday March 17, 2012 at Ascension Parish-St. Anthony’s Church 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Batavia, NY.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty 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.

Richard L. “Dick” Lawton, 65 of Batavia, died March 10, 2012 at the United Memorial Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born July 4, 1946 in Batavia to the late Bernard (Betty Ames) Lawton. Mr. Lawton worked for many years at Coca-Cola in Rochester. He loved old movies, boating and barbeque. Dick was a real animal lover and will be missed by his two dogs and his cat.

He is survived by his wife Margery (LaBombard) Lawton of Batavia; son Brian (Karen) Lawton of Lawton, OK; daughter Shelly (Carl) Bish of Batavia; step-son Schoen LaBombard of Albany; step-daughter Marcie (Brian) Yarbray of NC; brothers Jack of Chili and Robert Lawton of Oakfield; sister Debbie (Robert) Post of Batavia; 11 grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday March 13, 2012 from 12 to 2 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 2:00 PM Funeral Services will follow calling hours at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Harold was born in Perry on May 22, 1922 a son of the late George M.C. and Clara Edgerly Parker. A graduate of Perry Central School and Cornell University Class of 1944 and 1949 with his Law degree. He ran his private practice in Perry from 1949-2008, and was the attorney for the Village of Perry for 55 years. He served with the US Army Airforce during WWII with the 13th Airforce in the Philippine Islands. He was a 4 engine B24 Pilot, receiving the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was a member and Past President of the Perry Rotary Club in Perry receiving the Paul Harris Award, The Free and Accepted Masons Constellation Lodge #404 in Perry, New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, Perry VFW, McKelton Post #350 American Legion and a former Board of Director for AAA in Buffalo. He enjoyed golfing, sailing, traveling around the world with his late wife, and spending time with is family. He is preceded in death by his wife June Parker who died March 5, 2011, and siblings Miriam Parker and Carl (Elaine) Parker.

He is survived by 2 daughters: Patricia (John) Vayda of Maplewood, NJ, Ellen (Jon) Lines of Amherst, 2 sons: Philip Parker of Cheektowaga, Thomas (Kimiko) Parker of Guam, 5 grandchildren: Serena, Allette and Cecelia Vayda, Clarice and Joel Lines, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday March 9th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday March 10th at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Perry. Interment in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry, NY.

  Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church 35 Covington St. Perry, NY 14530 or the Perry Rotary Club P.O. Box 103 Perry, NY 14530. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Teresa was born in Warsaw, New York on August 29, 1963, a daughter of Edward and Betty (Ellis) Bennett of Perry. Teresa was a graduate of Perry High School. She was a member of the social club of Warsaw. She enjoyed playing bingo, doing crossword puzzles, painting and crocheting. She had a love for animals, and enjoyed the company of her family. She is preceded in death by a son Timothy O'Brien who passed away in 1995.

She is survived by her parents Edward and Betty (Ellis) Bennett of Perry, a daughter: Dorthea O’Brien of Warsaw, 1 sister: Dottie Bennett of Batavia, 3 brothers: Edward (Cindy) Bennett of Gainesville, Thomas (Mary) Bennett of Batavia, and Robert Bennett of Castile, her former husband and friend: Kevin O’Brien of Warsaw, many nieces and nephews, 4 great nieces along with many dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to call from 12 -1 pm on Tuesday March 6th, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 1 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment in Warsaw Cemetery, Warsaw, NY. 

For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Age 69, of Batavia, died peacefully Tuesday March 6, 2012 at home while under the care of his loving family and Hospice. He was born May 4, 1942 in Milton, PA son of the late LeRoy R. & Hazel E. (Diehl) Shipley also preceded in death by his first wife Doris (Dershem), daughter Debra Shipley, great-grandson Trevor Przybyl and his brother Dale Shipley. He was employed for over 20 years at Batavia Metals as a welder until his retirement. A true family man, he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, woodworking and loved to be in his garden.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 18 years Darlene (Rogers) Shipley of Batavia; sons Randy of TX, Ralph Jr., of Batavia and daughter Kathy Shipley of Akron; step-children Malanie (Victor) Heal, Tina (Jamie O'Rourk) Cook, Donna (Alan) Hartman; loving granddaughter Jamie Haentges of Pavilion, 8 granddaughters, 6 grandsons, 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

There is no prior visitation, graveside services will be held in cary Cemetery in Oakfield at a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers memorials in Ralph's memory are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 or to the family. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Stanley J. Chojnacki, 75 of Batavia, died March 3, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born July 2, 1936 in Buffalo to the late Stanley (Julia Chudzik) Chojnacki. Mr. Chojnacki worked for many years as a mechanic at Kodak in Rochester. He used to be very active with the Attica Rodeo Association. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish.

He is survived by sons Stanley of Cheektowaga; Thomas (Cheryl) of Lancaster; daughters Susan Chojnacki of Cheektowaga; Lisa (Mark) Arent of FL; Tammy Chojnacki of Batavia; sisters Dolores Campbell, Patricia Zawadski both of Buffalo; 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the Family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute at www.roswellpark.org. 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.

Age 61, of Elba, died peacefully Saturday morning March 3, 2012 at Crossroads House. She was born October 29, 1950 in NewHaven, CT daughter of the late George & Louise (Edwards) Dixon. Sharon worked for many years as an LPN at Hartford Hospital, she enjoyed her grandchildren and loved to be with family and her faithful companion Duffy.

Surviving is her beloved husband of 11 years David Randall of Elba; loving children Michael Wrobel of CT, Kimberly (Shawn) O'Halloran of Batavia, Kelly Rivers of CT, step-children Wesley (Allison) Randall of CT and Emily (Joseph) DeSantis of Washington, DC; brothers George Dixon Jr. & James Dixon both of CT; 9 grandchildren Kaileigh, Kara, Katie, Silas, Josiah, Zierra, Vito, Shane & Colin; father & mother-in-law Paul (Joyce) Randall of Elba along with several nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM Tuesday March 6 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will take place in Connecticut at a time and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers memorials in Sharon's memory are suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, New York 14020 and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Maria Beth (Nash) Anderson, 25 of Alabama, NY, died March1, 2012 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. She was born June 20, 1986 in Madras, India to Robert (Diane Guilbert) Nash of Grand Gorge, NY. Maria went home to her Lord after a valiant battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by her family.  She attended Jefferson Central School and was a graduate of Gilboa Central School. Maria attended Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY and graduated with a degree in social work.  She was a youth caseworker for Genesee County Department of Social Services. She loved to travel and do missions work.  Her main goal was always to make a better life for other children.  

She is survived by her husband whom she married September 16, 2011 Andrew G. Anderson of Alabama, NY; parents Robert (Diane) Nash of Grand Gorge, NY.   Two brothers Josh Nash of Rochester, NY, Samuel Nash of Grand Gorge, NY and a sister Jennifer (Samuel) Hahn of Pennsylvania. Her uncles Chris Nash, Ronald Guilbert, Richard Guilbert and their families. Father and mother in law Gary (Darlene) Anderson of Basom, NY Grandfather-in-law Kenneth Anderson of Alabama and Grandmother-in-law Jane Hall of Basom, NY  2 sister-in-laws Danielle (Craig) Chesley of Rochester and Andrea Anderson of Basom.  1 niece and 2 nephews Brianna & David Chesley and Shaun Alexander.

Friends may call on Sunday March 4, 2012 from 4 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY. Funeral services will be held Monday March 5, 2012, 11:00 AM at the Calvary Baptist Church, 3515 Galloway Road, Batavia, New York, along with a Memorial Service to honor her life on Saturday March 10, 2012 at 11:00AM at the Jefferson United Methodist Church in Jefferson New York. Interment will take place at the Charlotteville Cemetery in Charlotteville, NY.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Ronald McDonald House c/o the Maria Anderson Project, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY. 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.