Obituaries

Sandra L. Wittkopp, 48 of Batavia, passed peacefully December 17, 2011 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born June 17, 1963 in Lackawanna to the late James Barberio Sr. and Marie A. (Miller) Barberio of Batavia. Sandra was employed at the LeRoy Village Green health care facility as a CNA for 6 years. She was a true professional throughout her work career, a loving wife, and will be sadly missed by her husband, family and co-workers. Sandra Rest in Peace!   

She is survived by her beloved husband of 16 years Emmett B. Wittkopp of Batavia; brothers James Barberio Jr. of Batavia; Christopher (Joy) Barberio of Elba; sisters Cheryl (Dan) Boyce of Elba; Connie Barberio of Batavia; Robin (Dan) Wissinger of Oakfield along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Monday December 26, 2011 from 3 to 7 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral services will be private. Interment will take place at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family. 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.

Mary Jean Morrow, 77 of Batavia, died December 18, 2011in the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw, NY. She was born January 3, 1934 in Medina, New York to the late John (Ivy Jenkinson) Donahue. Mrs. Morrow was retired from Scotch Game Call in Elba. She enjoyed crocheting and was an avid collector of photos. She is preceded in death by her husband Frederick W. Morrow in 2008 and sons John W. Smith Lee and Earl E. Smith. 

She is survived by her sons David W. Smith of Elba, Paul A. (Cheryleen) Morrow of Batavia, Thomas J. Morrow of LeRoy and Jeffrey Morrow of Elba. A daughter in law Vicky Smith of Maryland survives along with 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call on Thursday December 22, 2011 from 2 to 4 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral services will follow calling hours on Thursday at 4PM at the Funeral Home. Interment at Maplelawn Cemetery in Elba.

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.

Oakfield – Jeffrey W. Falker, 55, of Oakfield, passed away on Sunday (December 18, 2011) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia following a brave fight against lung cancer. 

Mr. Falker was born September 10, 1956, in Batavia, a son of Donald A. and Mary L. (Roth) Falker.

Jeffrey was a faithful member of the Genesee Country Church in Oakfield.  He had a passion for weight lifting, movies, farming, and above all, family.  He served his country honorably with the US Marine Corps. 

Surviving along with his parents, are his siblings, Steven A. Falker of Oakfield, Timothy P. Falker of Newark, Barbara J. (Mark) Falker-Crandall and Donna L. (Kyle) Harris both of Oakfield.  Many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive. 

He is preceded in death by a sister, Penny A. Falker, who passed away in 1980. 

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Jeffrey’s Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Genesee Country Church, Drake St., Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240 or the Oakfield Volunteer Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, NY 14125.  Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.  Condolences at www.burdettandsanford.com.  

      Age 70, of Corfu, died peacefully Sunday December 18, 2011 at his home with his beloved wife and children at his side. Family and friends may visit from 1-4 & 6-9 PM Tuesday December 20 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York where prayers 9:15 AM Wednesday December 21 will be followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish (Corfu Site). A complete obituary will appear on Monday afternoon.

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

     Age 51, of Batavia, departed this life peacefully on Monday December 12, 2011 at Strong Memorial Hospital. Born August 29, 1960 to the late Thomas J. & Celestine (Terrell) Burrell, Sue was the youngest of five children, preceded by two brothers Paul L. and Thomas M. Susan grew up in LeRoy, where she was educated at LeRoy Central School and was a proud member of the Class of 1978. Susan was employed for a short period of time at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. Susie was a quiet, dedicated woman who loved the Lord, her family, and in particular her great nieces & nephews. She loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. She was active within the Batavia community, where she served on the board of Directors for the Genesee Region Independent Living Center, Inc. for numerous years. Through her years of community service, in November 2002, she received from the New York State Senate, the "Community Spirit Award", Certificate of Special Recognition and citation from the New York State Assembly for her continual volunteerism and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Susan never let her disability limit her lifestyle, as she could be seen "scooting" around town in her electric wheelchair by many, always with a smile, kind word or good deed for others.

     Loved and cherished by many, Susan leaves to mourn her sisters, Ann (Burrell) Loatman of New Jersey & Dawn Livingston of Rochester; 5 nephews John Loatman, Benjamin D. Loatman, Bryyan (Tyran) Loatman, Derek Loatman and Robert Adams; 3 nieces Syreeta Loatman, Dominique & Noel Adams; devoted, dedicated and very special brother-in-law Edward Loatman; 4 great nieces Jone', Aniyah, Aaliyah, & London; 6 great nephews Julien, Jayden, Bryyan Jr., Anthony Jr., Jonathan & Maxwell along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

     Visitation and Funeral Services will be held privately by Susie's family. Burial will be in Macpelah Cemetery in LeRoy and memorials are suggested to the family. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Norman E. Fleming, 79 of East Bethany, died December 16, 2011at the Batavia Nursing Home. He was born September 10, 1932 in Batavia to the late G. Arnold (Florence Peck) Fleming. Mr. Fleming was a self employed dairy farmer and a life member of the Bethany Fire Department. He is preceded in death by a brother Harold Fleming.    
                                                                                                                        
He is survived by his wife Joyce (Koester) Fleming of E. Bethany, sons Calvin (Joanne) Fleming of Batavia, Norman P. (Louise) Fleming of East Bethany, and Dana (Kathy) Fleming of East Bethany.  Grandchildren Matthew, Ryan (Jocelyn) Jordan and Kristin; One great-grandchild Liam survives along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Sunday December 18, 2011 from 1 to 5 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral services will take place at the Funeral Home on Monday December 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place in East Bethany Rural Cemetery, East Bethany, NY.

Memorials are suggested to the Bethany Fire Department. 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.

Oakfield- Mr. James E. Pinson, 71, a retired machine welder at Chapin Manufacturing, died Thursday, December 15, 2011at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mr. Pinson was born May 1, 1940 in Anniston, Alabama, the son of the late Wilbur and Millie Denny Pinson.

He was a “Friend of Bill”, a member of the Northgate Free Methodist Church and was a visitor and helper at Covenant Acres Youth Camp for many years.  Jim enjoyed fishing, NASCAR and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Bauer Pinson whom he married January 25, 1966.   He was the father of Mary Ann (Michael) Diemoz of Attica, Peggy Sue (Matthew) Hamm-Johnson of Alexander, James E. Pinson, Jr. of Oakfield, Glenda Trussel, Diane Hall and Kenneth Pinson all from the state of Alabama and the  brother of Tommy Pinson, Jake Pinson, Calvin Pinson and Javiolet Porter.  Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Services will be at Sunday, 3:00 pm, at the Northgate Free Methodist Church (South Campus), Bank St., Batavia.  Memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities or to Covenant Acres, c/o Northgate Free Methodist Church.  Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery.   Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Doris R. Gibney, 88 of Perry, died December 12, 2011 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born in East Bethany, NY on July 6, 1923 to the late Walter (Matilda McLernon) Robinson. Mrs. Gibney taught 3rd grade at the Perry Elementary School for many years. She was a member of the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry and the Eastern Star. Mrs. Gibney was a caring, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and was well-liked by all she knew. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband James S. Gibney (2008), brother Hugh Robinson and sister Alice Zangerle. 

She is survived by  her son David (Rita) Gibney of MD; daughters Ann (Peter) Straub of Thailand; Jane (Robert) Parker of Perry; sister Sarah Hammond of Mt. Morris, 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Friday December 16, 2011 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM on January 7, 2012 at the Brick Presbyterian Church 6 Church St. Perry, New York 14530. Interment will be in the Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Brick Presbyterian Church 6 Church St. 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 the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

William J. Wymer, 89 of Brockport, died Monday (December 12, 2011) at United Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born in Luthersburg, PA on July 21, 1922, the son of the late William and Mary Kridler Wymer.

William was an Army Veteran of WWII and was retired from Union Carbide in Niagara Falls, NY as a metalurgical tech. He was a member of the V.F.W. and D.A.V..

Survivors include a daughter and son in-law, Kathryn (Raymond) Johnson of Brockport. Son, Philip Wymer of Bradenton, FL.  Sister, Jayne Ruppert of Dubois, PA. Four grandchildren, Lisa Johnson, Eric (Karen) Johnson, Kelli Lovette and Philip Scott Wymer.

William was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eileen Voutour Wymer.

Services will be at the convenience of 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 Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020. Ronald P. Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.

Larry N. Capuano, 85 of Batavia, died Sunday (December 11, 2011) at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born in Batavia on December 13, 1925, the son of the late Frank and Lucy Cottichio Capuano.

Larry was a Navy Veteran of WWII and a bartender at the former Mancuso Restaurant  in Batavia for 45 years.  He was also a member of St. Anthony’s Church.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Louise Grasso Capuano of Batavia. Three sons, Gary (Laura) Capuano of Batavia, Dennis (Pam) Capuano of Alexander and Donald (Cheryl) Capuano of Byron. Two daughters, Linda Baker and Karen Capuano, both of Batavia.  Sister, Loretta (Jerry) Greco of Batavia. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was the father of the late David Capuano, father in-law of the late James Baker and brother of the late Marie Capuano, Vincent Capuano, Sal Capuano and Anita Capuano.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday (Dec. 13^th), 11:30am at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony Site). Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Batavia- Mr. David V. Gates, 70, office manager at Statewide Machinery in Rochester died Friday, December 9, 2011at Highland Health System, in Rochester following a brief illness.

Mr. Gates was born February 10, 1941 in Weedsport, NY, the son of the late Charles and Ruth Tucker Gates.

He was a sales associate for Bob Harris Realty in Batavia, a member of Stafford Country Club, the Polish Falcons and formerly belonged to the BPO Elks and the St. Nick’s Club.  Always conscientious about physical fitness and exercising he was most proud of his “Silver Sneakers” award presented to him by the YMCA.  He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and always enjoyed attending the games.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia F. Bielowicz Gates whom he married November 9, 1963.

Survivors also include one son; Craig (Tina) Gates; two daughters; Kim (Philip) Marcello and Kristen (Todd) Gates, all  of Batavia; one brother, Daryl (Laura) Gates of Michigan and one sister, Sarah (Kenneth) Walker of Ithaca, NY. He was the grandfather of Alex and A. J. Marcello, Calla Gates and Colton and Macey Martin.  He was the brother of the late Roger Gates.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Services will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, December 12, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 E. Main Street, Batavia.  Memorials may be made to American Lung Association Of Western New York, 1595 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620 or the American Heart Association, 2113 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624.  Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery.   

Age 81, of Batavia died peacefully Thursday morning December 8, 2011 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born August 3, 1930 in Batavia, NY daughter of the late Anthony (Mary Garofalo) Tenebruso, also preceded in death by sisters Dorothy Zanghi, Rose Mary Battaglia, infant grandson Robert Michael Jensen, her father and mother-in-law Donato (Assunta Bellucci) Berardini. She was retired from GTE Sylvania, a lifelong member of Ascension Parish and its Altar & Rosary Society, the St. Michael's Society and Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation. Angie was a founding member of the St. Nicholas Women's Auxiliary and a past president, an active member of her 1947 reunion committee. She enjoyed ceramics, the casino and travelling to visit her kids and grandkids. A wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family and enjoyed watching her grandkids play sports.

Surviving is her husband of 57 years Donald A. Berardini of Batavia; her beloved children Donald A. Jr. (Terri) of Lake Forest, IL; Michael (late Lisa) of N. Chili; Brian (Frances) of Clayton, NC; Paul of Batavia; Suzanne (Donald) Jensen of Binghamton and Eva (Steven) Owens of Clayton, NC; loving brothers and sisters Rocco Tenebruso; Anthony (Marcia) Tenebruso; Mary "Mickey" (Roger) Grazioplene all of Batavia and Anna (Jack) Hamner of CA; 17 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; brothers & sisters-in-law Anthony Battaglia of Batavia; Richard (Josie) Berardini of Webster; Robert (Susan) Berardini; Diane (Jerry) Martino both of Batavia and Betty Daly of AZ along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 1-4 & 6-9 PM Friday December 9, 2011 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15 AM Saturday December 10 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Site). Memorials in Angie's memory are suggested to the Adult Day Care Program at the Genesee County Nursing Home or a charity of the donor's choice. For more information or to send flowers please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

Angie's family wishes to sincerely thank the nurses on the 2nd floor (Comfort Care Staff) at UMMC and the love and support she received from the Adult Day Care Program Staff at the Nursing Home.

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

Angelo L. Seppe, 89 of Batavia, died December 4, 2011at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia. He was born September 19, 1922 in Batavia, New York to the late Frank (Angeline Gustaferro) Seppe. Mr. Seppe was a 23 year navy veteran retiring as Chief Warrant Officer. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict enlisting in 1942 and retiring in 1964. He served on the USS Philippine Sea, USS Midway, USS Intrepid, USS Jupiter and USS Nitro. He also was stationed at Norfolk, VA, in Brazil with the Fleet Air Wing 16, Corpus Christi, Texas; Patuxen River, MD and New York City, NY. During his service he was awarded the following medals – American Campaign Medal, U.N. Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European, Africa, Middle East Campaign Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal three times. He was also retired from GTE Sylvania, and a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s). He is preceded in death by his wife Olive Norris Seppe in 2009, brothers Philip, Carl, Dominic, Louis and Gabriel Seppe, sisters Bridget Aquino, Rose Seppe and Josephine Battaglia. 

He is survived by many nieces and nephews in the Aquino, Seppe and Battaglia families. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday December 9, 2011 at 12:00 Noon in Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church), 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. 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.

Charles R. Pero, 83, founder and proprietor for over 50 years of Charles R. Pero Plumbing and Heating, died Saturday, December 3, 2011at Strong Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Mr. Pero was born September 29, 1928 in Rochester, the son of the late Charles R. and Adeline Colaianni Pero.  He was a member of Ascension Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, where for many years he and his family operated the food stand at the annual lawn fete. He also belonged to the St. Vincent DePaul Society and the Holy Name Society of the Church and was a member of the American Engineering Association.

 His wife, Marien Pixley Pero died May 17, 2005 and he was the grandfather of the late Michael Napoleone.

Survivors include two sons; Charles (Linda) Pero of Buffalo and David (Trish) Pero of Batavia; two daughters: Adelyn Pero of Florida and Laurie (Mark) Napoleone of Batavia; nine grandchildren, Amy Southcott, Michael (Beth) Pero, Nick Pero, David (Heather) Pero, Jeffrey Pero, Gina Pero, Mark Napoleone, Ashley Napoleone and Christen Napoleone. Six great grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call on Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 PM, Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, PO Box 267, Batavia, NY  14020, (www.michaelshope.org) or the Buffalo Christian Center, 512 Pearl St., Buffalo, NY  14202.  Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Batavia. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Ruth E. Charvella, 84 of Batavia, died December 3, 2011at Crossroads House. She was born December 19, 1926 in Buffalo to the late William (Ella Mallewsky) Schosek. Mrs. Charvella worked for many years at the Batavia Restaurant Supply. Ruth was longtime member of Resurrection Parish. She was an avid reader that liked to cook and garden. Mrs. Charvella loved to entertain, especially spending time with her family and friends at their cottage. She is preceded in death by a brother Ray Schosek and a sister Ethel Perrone.    
                                                                                                                        
She is survived by her husband Charles F. Charvella; sons Charles P. “Skip” (Karen Pompa) Charvella; Michael P. (Beverly) Charvella of Batavia; grandsons Stefan, Nathan (Paula), Christopher Charvella; great-grandchildren Ashton, Brady, Morgan, Mila Charvella; brother William (Betty) Schosek of FL; sisters Dorothy Tupper of Clarence; Shirley Williams of E. Bethany; Hazel Brownell of LeRoy along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday December 6, 2011 from 4 to 7 PM at the 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 December 7, 2011 at Resurrection Parish – St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or HomeCare & Hospice 550 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 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.