Obituaries

Nicholas A. Della Penna, 66, of Batavia, died Tuesday (February 14, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born in Batavia on December 20, 1945, a son of the late Salvatore and Angelina Scafetta Della Penna.

Mr. Della Penna was the former proprietor of Nick's Pizzeria in Attica and Batavia.  He was a dedicated fan of the NY Yankees and the San Francisco 49rs. He enjoyed boxing, cooking, hunting, fishing bicycling and watching old classic movies. 

Surviving is his wife of over 47 years, Sandra L. Fryer Della Penna whom he married on January 16, 1965.  His children, Lisa (Dennis) Say, Nicholas (DAUN) Della Penna, Salvatore (Candice) Della Penna all of Batavia and Michael (Michelle) Barclay of Oakfield.  Five grand daughters: Nicole and Amanda Della Penna, Angelina Say, Kaylene and Jessica Barclay. His mother in law, Florence Fryer of Batavia.  He is the brother in law of: Anthony (late Geraldine) Kasmarek, Jimmy Fryer, Robert (Elizabeth) Fryer, Margaret (late Irvin) Fryer, David (Sue) Fryer and the late Gloria and Marvin Dilcher.  He is the brother of the late, Rosalie Collar and Salvatore Della Penna.

Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Friday from 4 - 8 PM at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia where prayers will be Saturday at 12:15 pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Church) at 1 pm.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

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.  Ronald P. Konieczny II, director & proprietor (585-343-6158).

Age 88, of Batavia, formerly of Basom, died peacefully Wednesday morning February 15, 2012 at the New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia. She was born September 13, 1923 in Holt, Michigan, daughter of the late Colonel & Edith (Thoma) Pettit. Mrs. Wyder was a former member of St. Padre Pio Parish and worked for Fisher Price prior to her retirement. She loved to travel with her husband and enjoyed trips to the casino.

Surviving is her beloved husband of 58 years Stanley Wyder of Batavia; son Harold (Sherrie) Howard Jr. of Florida; daughters Diane LeBlanc of Plainfield, CT, Cheryl Haas of Batavia and Deborah (Ronald) Muntz of Basom; brother Lloyd (Ellen) Pettit of Washington State; sisters Leona (Carl) Ordway & Kathy (Joseph) Urban both of Getzville, NY; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 12-2 PM Friday February 17 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM. Memorials in her memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice with burial in the church cemetery and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 90, of Batavia, died peacefully in her sleep Monday evening February 13, 2012. She was born January 1, 1922 in Bennington, NY daughter of the late Anthony & Mary (Novak) Wawrzyniak, also preceded in death by her husband Joseph J. Falkowski in 2005, son Joseph H. Falkowski Sr., daughter Bernadette Falkowski, grandson Robert Prinzi and many brothers & sisters. Mary was a beautician at Viola's Beauty Shop for many years, a member of Ascension Parish and its Altar & Rosary Society. She was devoted to her family and to Polish traditions, loved to cook, bake and crochet.

Surviving is a daughter Teresa (Sam) Prinzi of Colorado; grandchildren Lisa Falkowski, Michelle Prinzi, Joseph H. (Renee) Falkowski Jr. & Sam Prinzi; great-grandchildren Joe, Faith, Jeremy, Jessie & Jordan; sister-in-law Katherine Wawrzyniak of Alden along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM Thursday February 16 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30 AM Friday February 17 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site). Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in Mary's memory are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter 2805 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, New York 14221 of or the Genesee County Nursing Home Activities Fund and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Elizabeth Piatek, 79 of Corfu, died February 13, 2012 at ElderWood Health Care at Oakwood in Williamsville, NY. She was born on September 11, 1932 in Buffalo to the late Joseph (Genevieve Jankowski) Szczepaniak. Mrs. Piatek was retired from Fisher Price in Medina and a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (St. Francis) in Corfu. She was an avid gardener and crafter who enjoyed crocheting, painting, sewing, quilting, cross stitch and many other crafts. She also loved to cook. She is preceded in death by her husband Walter A. Piatek in 1994, son Richard Piatek in 2003 and brother Alfred Szczepaniak.

She is survived by her sons Robert (Mary Pat) Piatek of California, David Piatek of Louisville, KY, daughters Bernice Weber of Virginia, Barbara (Joseph) Richardson of Darien and Catherine (Mark) Doktor of Corfu. One brother Thomas (Patricia) Szczepaniak of Angola, NY, 16 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren survive along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 PM on Friday February 17, 2012 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 329-333 West Main St., Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:15 AM on Saturday at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 18 West Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036. Interment will take place in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Crittenden, NY.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.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.

Peyton L. Ball, 11 months old, of Elba, died Sunday (February 12, 2012) at U.M.M.C. after a brief illness.

He was born in Rochester on February 23, 2011 a son of Patricia Dyrbala and Justin Ball.

Besides his mom and dad are his maternal grandparents, Ronald and Gay Dyrbala of Alexander, paternal grandparents, William and Nina Ball of Batavia and Carla and Jerry Guiste of Oakfield.  Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6 - 8 PM at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave. Batavia where services will be Friday at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield.

Those desiring may make memorials to the family.

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.

John A. Weidner Jr., 61 of Perry, died February 7, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Wellsville, NY on January 15, 1951 to the late John A. (Jean Reynolds) Weidner Sr. Mr. Weidner graduated from Greenwood Central School and attended Corning Community College. He was employed as a dispatcher for the Hornell Cab Company and started a video and TV repair store in Perry. John enjoyed reading, movies and good friends. 

He is survived by a sister Diann Brown, nephew William Brown, niece Erica Brown and great-niece Asherah Brown all of Perry. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Perry Ambulance or to Mercy Flight. 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.

Harriet J. Dupree, 81, of Batavia died Saturday (February 11, 2012) at her residence.

She was born March 29, 1930 in Brainardsville, NY, a daughter of the late Thaddeus and Hazel LaBare Cook.

She was retired from the N.Y.S. School for the Blind in Batavia where she was a dormitory supervisor.  Harriet volunteered at the Genesee County Nursing Home and had a passion for gardening.  She collected cows, birds, bird houses and was a faithful fan of the Buffalo Bills.  Harriet cherished her grandchildren and loved to teach them how to cook.  She was also a foster parent for 10 years within Genesee County.

Survivors include a daughter, Darlene (Alan) Rhodes of Oakfield. Son, Richard (Mara) Dupree of Batavia. Grandchildren, Rheanna Rhodes, Amber (Josh) Mully, Ashley Rhodes, Wendy Dupree and Evelyn Dupree.  Great-Grandson, Adan Dupree.  Sisters in-law, Genevieve Cook of Chateaugay, NY and Florence Cook of Messina, NY.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was the mother of the late Thomas Dupree and Ann Dupree. Sister of the late Richard Cook, Keith Cook, Donald Cook and Frances Titus.

Friends may call Saturday from 10am-1pm at the J.LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Funeral services will be private for the family.  Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NYS School for the Blind (Activity Fund) or Volunteers for Animals (Genesee Co. Animal Shelter).

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.

     Age 88, of Oakfield, died Friday morning February 10, 2012. He was born December 4, 1923 in Buffalo, NY and was preceded in death by his son William "Bill" Fickel in 2005. He is a US Army Veteran, was employed at General Motors for many years and was an avid hunter. He was an avid horseman, having owned & trained horses, he loved Batavia Downs and spent many, many hours there when in racing season.

     Surviving are 2 sons, a daughter, 8 grandchildren along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

     Visitation and funeral services will be held privately. Memorials in John's memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. Interment will be in Grand View Cemetery and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.  

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

Barbara A. “Babs” Schroeder, 69 of Oakfield, died February 12, 2012 at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born January 6, 1943 in Buffalo, to the late John F. (Adeline Jarzebak) Schroeder. Barbara was retired from Yellow Goose in Elba. She was a member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield, the Oakfield – Alabama Lions Club and the Oakfield – Alabama Dollars for Scholars. Former member of NYS American Woman’s Insurance Association and Oakfield Fire Department Bingo Volunteer. She is preceded in death by her brother Brian Schroeder.     

She is survived by a son Paul (Melinda) Osborn of Oakfield, two daughters Kim (Kurt) Fisher of Oakfield; Theresa (Ron Vanderkooi) Osborn of Batavia; sister Bonnie (Michael) Woodward of Oakfield, brother Richard (Cindy DiBrito) Schroeder of Waukesha, WI. 7 Grandchildren; Andrew Fisher, Jonathan Fisher, Danielle Morton, Taylor Vanderkooi, Emma Osborn, Lindsey Vanderkooi and Jocelyn Vanderkooi, sister-in-law Suzanne Schroeder of Batavia, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday February 16, 2012 from 4 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 W. Main Street, Batavia, NY.  A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday February 17, 2012 in St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, NY 14125. Interment will take place in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Oakfield, NY.

The family suggests memorials be made to Oakfield-Alabama Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 102, Oakfield, NY 14125, Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc. P.O. Box 787, Stafford, NY 14143, HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Oakfield Fire Department 20 Albert St. Oakfield, NY 14125. 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.
 

Marcella C. Halstead, 82 of Perry, died February 12, 2012 peacefully at her home. She was born in Silver Springs on September 10, 1929 to the late Melvin “Joe” (Marguerite Farnsworth) Caryl. Mrs. Halstead worked for many years at Champion Products. She was a member of St. Isidore’s Parish-St. Joseph’s Church. She was a certified Duncan Ceramics Teacher, avid reader and enjoyed playing the organ. She is preceded in death by brothers Willis and Richard Caryl, sister Carolyn Caryl.

She is survived by her beloved husband Lawrence W. Halstead of Perry; sons Dennis (Lisa) of Warsaw; Richard (Mary Jane) of Perry; Ronald (Nancy) of Penfield; Robert (Ray Beekman) of Buffalo; daughters Lucinda (Dave) Rhodes of Phoenix, AZ; Carol (Spencer) Willey of Perry; Donna (Jeff) Corey of Byron; brother Robert (June) Caryl of Silver Springs; sisters Marguerite Bush; Dawn Caryl both of Batavia; brother-in-law William (Carol) Spencer of Lady Lake, FL, 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Wednesday February 15, 2012 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Prayers will be recited at 10:30 AM on Thursday February 16, 2012 at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM at St. Isidore’s Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Perry, NY.

In lieu of flowers and Mass Intentions memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice 450 North Main St. Suite 3 Warsaw, NY 14569, the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org, or to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. 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.

Mrs. Gertrude M. Kerr, 90, of Batavia, passed away Friday (February 10, 2012)at the Genesee County Nursing Home in Batavia.

Mrs. Kerr was born March 10, 1921 in Detroit, MI, a daughter of the late John and Clara (Chapp) Geiger.

Gert graduated from Hamtrameck High School in Michigan in 1939.  She moved to Batavia in 1952.  Gert worked for 23 years as parish secretary for Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz at St. Joseph's Church in Batavia.  She retired in 1983.  Gert was an accomplished seamstress and avid reader, but also enjoyed more active pastimes like ice skating, line dancing, traveling and boating. 

Survivors include a son, Dennis D. Kerr of Batavia; a daughter, Sharon (Roger) Christiano of Batavia; two granddaughters, Gina (Chad) Stevens of Batavia and Jill (fiancé J.R. Campbell) Christiano of Lexington, Kentucky; a great-granddaughter, Drew Stevens; a sister, Geraldine C. Allen of Fenton, Michigan.  Also surviving are nieces, nephews and very close friends, the Anthony L. Peca family.

Her husband, the late Donald H. Kerr, passed away December 5, 1966.  They were married May 10, 1947.  Gert is also predeceased by a sister, Margaret E. DeMarois and a brother, Joseph P. Geiger.     

Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main St., Batavia.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021 or Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, 2805 Wehrle Dr., Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221.Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  

Age 78, of Batavia, died Friday morning February 10, 2012 at her home. She was born October 18, 1933 in Elba, daughter of the late Walter & Rosa (Simmons) Myers and was also preceded in death by her husband Donald in 1996. Audrey was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Order of the Eastern Star and the Batavia Muckdogs Booster Club.

Surviving are her beloved children Jeff (Vicki) of TX; Steve of Batavia; Brenda (Larry Powers) Clattenburg of Rochester and Joanne (Jeff Coyle) Clattenburg of Brockport; her brother Roy (Anne) Myers of Webster; 6 grandchildren Steve Jr., Shauna, Nicole, Linda, Kristina & Samantha; 4 great-grandchildren Leila, Mason, Abigail & Colton along with several nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Monday February 13, 2012 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday February 14. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in Audrey's memory in lieu of flowers are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 16 Bank Street or Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street in Batavia. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 24, of Batavia, died Wednesday evening February 8, 2012. She was born December 26, 1987 in Batavia, NY daughter of Paula Crawford (Steve) Zirbel and David Huntoon all of Batavia. Alyce attended Elba Central School and was a 2005 graduate of Batavia High School. She was a secretary at Zirbel Automotive and had just begun working partime at Tully's. A shy, family oriented person, Alyce had a great love for her family and her world was being a mommy to her sweet babies, Ava & Maddox. She loved holiday's, baking, family dinners and family traditions.

Surviving along with her parents are a sister Julie Ann Huntoon and a brother Craig Gerald Huntoon both of Batavia; maternal grandparents Frederick (Minerva) Crawford; paternal grandparents Carol (the late John) Huntoon all of Elba; many aunts, uncles, first & second cousins and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 6-9 PM Saturday Feb. 11 and 1-4 & 6-9 PM Sunday Feb. 12, 2012 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Monday Feb. 13, 2012 at the Grace Baptist Church 238 Vine Street in Batavia. Memorials in Alyce's memory are suggested in the form of floral bouquets or to Genesee County CASA for Children, Inc. 1 West Main Street in Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery and for more information or to send flowers please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Nancy E. Riggi, 67 of Byron met her Lord on Monday February 6, 2012 peacefully at Highland Hospital in Rochester after a brief illness. She was born July 28, 1944 in Batavia to the late Anthony Zielinski and Mary (Wozniak) Zielinski of Batavia. Nancy loved doing crafts of all types and was a former member of the Batavia Home Bureau for many years. She operated Country Crafts & Ceramic and also had a flower business in her home. She was a gifted artist in toll painting and would knit and crochet while watching TV. She worked with the disabled and was a strong parent advocate at Byron-Bergen School for many years. She defended the rights of those who were unable to defend themselves. Nancy was preceded in death by her brother Anthony “Sunny” Zielinski.

Surviving along with her 97 year old mother Mary; loving husband Joseph F. of 45 years; sons Joseph A. of Rochester; Michael A. Riggi of Batavia; sister Rosemary (Steve) Martian of CA,  along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 6:00 PM Memorial Service will be held on Friday February 17, 2012 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church 18 Gibson St. Bergen, NY 14416. Followed by a gathering at the Byron Fire Department Recreation Hall (Rt. 262) to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bryon Rescue Squad PO Box 210 Byron, NY 14422. 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.