Obituaries

Lorene May Shamblin, 90, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 16, 2024. Born Lorene Gibson on April 9, 1934 in Fola, West Virginia, she married her late husband, George Shamblin, in the late 1950’s, and after they honeymooned in Niagara Falls, the couple became lifelong residents of Oakfield, New York.  

Lorene retired from PW Minor Shoe Factory in 1996. She was a hard worker and a devout Christian who faithfully attended Grace Baptist Church for over fifty years. Her most cherished possession was her family bible. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Mattie Daniels Gibson.    

Always an involved and loving family member, Mrs. Shamblin is survived by four sisters: Evelyn, Mattlene, Gerelene, and Arlene; four children: George Wayne (Terry) Shamblin, Barbara Wilt, Brenda (Dietmar Berndl) Shamblin, and John (Gena) Shamblin; six beloved grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, honorary family members, neighbors, friends, and members of her church family. Her thoughtful kindnesses and genuine concern for others will be dearly missed by all. 

Friends and family are invited to call from 11am to 12 pm on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. A brief service to celebrate her return to the Lord will follow calling hours, and then Lorene will be laid to rest next to her husband of 55 years and son-in-law, Harold Wilt, at St. Cecelia’s Cemetery on Maple Road in Oakfield.  Memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Alabama - Rita L. Zybeck, 85 of Alabama passed away on Thursday, (January 16, 2025) at Gateway Home in Attica.

Mrs. Zybeck was born October 9, 1939 in Gowanda, a daughter of the late David and Louise (Huch) Johnson. Rita is also preceded in death by her sister, Dale Koch.

Rita loved spending time with her family and friends and she also enjoyed taking care of her animals.  She enjoyed camping, bird watching, and listening to her music.  She was a warm and caring person and made a significant impact on everyone she met.

Rita is survived by her husband, Eugene S. Zybeck; children, Kimberly (Randy) Dorman, Kyle (Donna) Harris, Lisa (Jeff Gray) Zybeck-Shultz, and Mark (Fely) Zybeck; grandchildren, Taylore (fiance Hunter Peterson) Dorman, Thomas (Melinda) Weichman, Jonathan (Kristen) Harris, Jennifer Harris, and Michael Weichman; great-grandchildren, Skarlett, Amelia, and Lucille; sisters, Debra Johnson, Diane Christopher, and Mary (Tim) King; brother-in-law, Charles Koch. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday (January 23, 2025) from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield where Rita's memorial service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. Interment in Western New York National Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Timothy Aaron Pitcher, 57, of Batavia, NY, in the early morning on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, surrounded by his family at Rochester General Hospital, due to complications from battling cancer. He was born May 10, 1967 in Buffalo, NY to William and Cheryl (Kingsley) Pitcher, Jr. He was preceded in death by his brother, Adam. 

Tim grew up in Batavia and at an early age became enamored with the drums, attempting to emulate Neil Peart from the Canadian band RUSH. Next, he incessantly practiced playing the guitar, and eventually was able to master any instrument he touched. He graduated from Batavia High School and attended Hiram College in Ohio for three semesters, studying music with an emphasis on classical guitar. Upon returning to Batavia, he worked odd jobs before landing a few painting gigs, and eventually ran his own business, Pitcher Perfect Painting. Painting for his vocation, playing music for his avocation, and raising his family richly filled his life.

Timmy P's passion for putting "music in the air" grew as he entertained countless audiences in numerous bands at a multitude of venues throughout Western New York. Tim, able to expertly cover music playing several instruments, preferred to jam and create original music extemporaneously. Very sadly, Tim's active and fulfilling life was cut short as he heroically battled the dreaded disease, cancer.

He is survived by his loving daughter Shanelle (James) of Amherst, NY, son Clayton (Ani) of New York City, NY, beloved grandchild Nolan, sister Molly, nieces Tayler, Mica, and Maddie, nephews Addison and Trey, and grandniece Lillian.

Timothy was a dedicated son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, granduncle, faithful friend, exceptionally talented musician, and beneficent bandmate who will be dearly missed.

 "Music in the Air" A Celebration of Life for Timothy will be held Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 2:00-6:00pm at the Alexander Fire Dept. Rec Hall located at 10708 Alexander Rd Attica, NY 14011.

Flowers are gratefully declined, and we invite you to honor his passion for music through a donation in his name to the Sportsmen's Americana Music Foundation at: 330 Amherst St Buffalo, NY 14207 www.sportsmensamf.org or in his name to the Wilmot Cancer Institute at 262 Bank St Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

William J. Parker, 79 of Batavia, “so much for an apple a day”, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born December 10, 1945 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Gordon and Patricia Jones Parker.

He was employed by the former Genesee County Nursing Home prior to his retirement. William was a member of the East Pembroke Vol. Fire Dept. and volunteered many years at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia and the Genesee County Senior Center.

He is survived by his brothers, James Parker of Weedsport and John Parker of Corfu. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and William Ferrando Jr. and family who cared for him and cherished a friendship for several years.

Funeral services will be private with burial in the Hillside Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Anthony William Kutter passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 15. He was born at home on March 4, 1933, in Cowlesville, NY to Leo and Flora Kottman Kutter.

After graduating from Corfu High School in 1951, he was drafted into the army and posted to Korea for two years. Returning he joined his father and brother in the family business, Kutter’s Cheese Factory, on Main Road in Pembroke.

After selling the business to Yancy’s Fancy in 1998, Tony volunteered for Citizens for Foreign Affairs in Washington, DC. He made 31 trips to Russia and the Ukraine over the next 13 years helping develop the cheesemaking and dairy industry in the former Soviet Union. He enjoyed his time in the former Soviet Union learning enough Russian to travel alone, and after returning home gave many talks and slide presentations on his travels.  He also wrote a book on his experiences, “Cheese in the Time of Glasnost and Perestroika.”

Tony is survived by his wife Trudy, children Andrew of San Francisco, CA, Marty (June) of Corfu, Kristina (Dan) of Berkeley, CA and Thomas (Kristen) of Piedmont, CA, as well as grandchildren Katherina Heinrich Kutter of London England, James (Hailey) Kutter of Chicago, IL, Annika and Alexander Hattan-Kutter of Piedmont, CA, and Diego Villarreal of Berkeley, CA.

With Trudy, Tony enjoyed his family, antiquing, model A cars, traveling, and the family pond.  Tony liked getting together with friends and having good talks over a glass of wine, and of course, a good sharp cheese.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local public library.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Harry Curry Kramer III “Shine” “Sunshine”, 97 years young from Brockport, NY, went to his eternal rest on January 15, 2025 at 9:00am after a short stay at Unity Hospital on Long Pond Rd., Rochester, NY.

He was the son of the late Dorothy Kramer (Redman) and Harry C. Kramer II, was predeceased by many brothers and sisters. Harry was married to the late Pauline M. Kramer (Perry) who passed away on November 30, 2006. Predeceased are Harry’s two sons Harry C. Kramer IV and Mark E. Kramer. Surviving are his three daughters, Pauline K. Wright (Luther) and Sandra V. Kramer and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Harry left school to join the armed forces where he was a Purple Heart recipient as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marines during WWII and then was a seaman in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Harry retired in 1985 as an electrical engineer from Taylor Instruments then located in Rochester, NY.

Harry enjoyed working with his hands and could fix things with parts left over and it still worked! He also loved playing cards with family and friends, dancing, country and western music and spending time with family and good friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday (January 24^th) at the Brockport First Baptist Church, 124 Main St., Brockport, NY. Visitation will be from 10am-11am with the funeral service to immediately follow at 11am. A luncheon will be provided following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children Hospital at www.stjude.org or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Billy Graham Ministries at www.billygram.org or Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NY 28201. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Charles Calvin Toal, age 75, of Stafford, New York, passed away on Wednesday, January 15 at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia, New York. He was the son of Herbert and Dorothy (Calvin) Toal.   

   He is survived by his sister, Lee Satrom of Center Valley, PA; a niece, Karin Satrom and her son, Donald Mains of Brooklyn, NY and a nephew, Jon Satrom of Queens, NY.

     Chuck loved his family, friends and his church. He was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills and the New York Yankees.

     Services will be held at a later date in the Spring. Memorials may be sent to Covington United Presbyterian Church, 1701 Craig Road, Pavilion, NY 14525.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Chuck’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Batavia - Judy Lathan, 79 of Batavia passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness, at United Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born Sunday, March 4th, 1945 in Corning, a daughter of the late Oliver and Shirley (Mosher) Bortle.

She enjoyed gardening flowers, putting together puzzles, and watching Law and Order. Judy loved cats, fishing at Godfrey Pond, and auctions. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Judy graduated from Alexander High school and later married the love of her life, Clarence Lathan, on May 28, 1971. She worked for the US Postal service in LeRoy for 20 years until her retirement.

Judy is survived by her children, Ron (Tammy) Lathan of Silver Lake, Kathy Lathan of Virginia, Stan (Lisa) Mosher of LeRoy, Colleen (Tim) Miller of Fillmore, Karen (Jim) Perry of Corfu, and Carolyn (Joe) Surani of Florida; 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; siblings, Oliver Wayne Bortle Jr of Rochester, Pamela (Bob) Evans of Florida, Cindy May (Late Todd) Rusten of Florida, Jerry (Hafdis) Bortle of Florida, Carol (Thomas Craft) Jimerson of Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

In death Judy is reunited with her husband, Clarence Lathan; son, Calvin Lathan; nephew, Jerome T. Hope and aunt, Joyce Sport

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. Judy's funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm following calling hours at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Batavia. Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10:00am. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Shirley's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Vincent H. Fay “Ted”, 91 of East Bethany, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (January 14, 2025) at Crossroads House.

He was born March 4, 1933 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Vincent and Ethel Hampton Fay.

Ted was a man of many lives, from a survivor of an airplane accident at the age of 16 to a motorcycle accident later in life. He enjoyed thrift shopping at Goodwill, Salvation Army and garage sales. After a purchase, his favorite saying was “It’s just like new”. Ted also enjoyed watching Bills games, playing horse shoes, washers, corn hole, euchre and spending time fishing with his son. He was a very well known finishing contractor in Genesee County and built not only his own home but several homes in the area. He started building with Gary McWethy and later started his own business, Ted Fay & Son. The stories of Ted will live on through his family, who will miss him very much.

Survivors include his children, Debra (Jack) Zajaczkowski of Batavia, Steven (Deborah) Fay of Batavia, Keith (Melissa) Fay of Florida and Tracy Tiede of Texas. Siblings, Donald (Betsy) Fay and Audrey Keady. Grandchildren, Christopher Zajaczkowski, Kimberly (JC) Kabel, Jennifer (Chad) Turner, Megan Fay, Zachary Fay, Alyssa Tiede, Emily Fay and Parker Fay. Great-grandchildren, Chris Zajaczkowski, Olivia Kabel, Kyleigh Kabel, Cooper Turner, Chase Turner, Camden Turner and Kayden McKenna. Great-Great-grandchildren, Hazley and Mazlyn Zajaczkowski.

He was the brother of the late Richard Fay and Kenneth Fay.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (January 18^th) from 3-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a service of remembrance will follow visitation at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or at www.crossroadshouse.com. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Donald C Porter, of Batavia passed away on January 13, 2025 at the age of 94 years and 362 days.

Born the middle child of the late William J. and Bernice Bartz Porter, Don was an avid adventurer, euchre card-shark, and master storyteller.

During the Korean War, Don was assigned to the 329th Communication Division intercepting enemy transmissions. While serving with the army, Don was rescued from boarding the wrong train by a directionally savvy Loraine Ivison (the kid sister of a fellow soldier). Once on the right track, Don began corresponding with Loraine frequently throughout his deployment. They were married shortly after the war.

After completing a post-war degree at Erie Tech, Don was employed as a civil engineer for the NY Department of Transportation from 1956-1988, where he designed, supervised, and inspected bridge projects throughout western NY. He also designed the drainage culverts for the earliest iterations of the Erie Canal Bike Path from the widewaters in Pittsford to the west for the state.

Upon retirement, Don perfected his talent for photography while touring all 50 states with Loraine in their RV. By 1991 they had settled in central FL where Don continued to work on planning boards well into his 80s. Don grew his interest in golf, working at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bayhill for many years, and playing with “The Nasty-Niners” league at Zellwood Station until moving back to NY to be closer to family in the spring of 2022.

Don is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Loraine Ivison Porter, son Thomas Porter, and four siblings: Bill Porter, Norma Maliszewski. Lorraine Nash, and Jack Porter. He is survived by his children: David Porter, Barbara Porter, and Nancy (Bill) Porter Yochum. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Jillian (Nick) Yochum Gauer, W. D. Yochum, Sara Peckham, Ian Peckham, Cassandra (Dan) Yochum-Palino, and Daemon Porter; two great grandsons: Samuel and Liam Gauer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don will be interred at the Byron Cemetery during a private ceremony. Memorials in Don’s name may be made to Serenity House Hospice, 1278 Brace Rd, Victor, NY whose volunteers and staff kept Don in smiles, laughs, and warm baked goods during his stay.

Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Don were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Cheryl M. Karl, 75 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) at Rochester General Hospital.

She was born May 29, 1949 in Oroville, CA, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Mildred Elkins Woolley. 

Cheryl was a nature enthusiast and loved anything that grew outside. She had a vast knowledge of flowers. She also enjoyed feeding the squirrels and chipmunks in her backyard. 

She is survived by her husband of over 53 years, Philip Karl of Batavia. Sister, Nora (Bobby) Judd of Arkansas. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family with burial in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Darien - Gerald W. Geitner, 81 of Darien passed away on Sunday (January 12, 2025) at his home under the care of HomeCare & Hospice and his loving family.  

Mr. Geitner was born April 7, 1943 in Cowlesville, a son of the late Albert and Marion (Ells) Geitner.

Jerry loved his family, farm and his best buddy, Cooper (his dog).He enjoyed raising dairy heifers, snowmobiling, and riding around on his gator. His favorite word was "PEG" as he was always calling her name to be by his side. His love for her was unmatched. His mischievous laugh was infectious and will be missed by all.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Margaret "Peggy" (Kennedy) Geitner; son, Mark (Kathleen) Geitner; daughters, Barbara (Don) Hicks, Donna (Gary Good) Geitner, and Becky (Josh) King; brothers, Robert Geitner and Richard Geitner; sister, Shirley (Dan) Ford. 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to a 1:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at SS Joachim & Anne Parish - St. Vincent Church, 50 East Avenue in Attica on Saturday (January 18, 2025). Burial will be in St. Vincent's Cemetery in Attica. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Gateway Home or SS Joachim & Anne Parish.

Arrangements for Gerald were entrusted to the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Maureen Zimmermann, 91, of Clarence, NY, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on January 5, 2025.

Born on May 28, 1933, Maureen was the wife of the late defense attorney Clark J Zimmermann and daughter of the late Joseph & Beatrice Meegan, of Lackawanna, NY.

Maureen is survived by her children: Molly (Joseph Callery) Zimmermann, of Syracuse, NY; Clark (Mary O’Connell) Zimmermann, of Rochester, NY; Amy (Dan) Provost of Boston, MA and Thomas (Margaret) Zimmermann, of Charlotte, NC. She was a proud grandmother to Olivia, Christopher, Mikayla, Thomas, Kate, Alex, Bridget, Clark, Riley, Aiden, Caitlin, Luke, Liam, and Lily. She is also survived by siblings: Kevin (Anne) Meegan of South Buffalo, Therese Maul of Kinderhook, NY and Mike (Carolyn) Meegan of San Antonio TX.  Joyce (late Pat) Meegan, Mary Anne (late Stephen) Meegan, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will remember her with deep love and affection. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Sharon (late Edmund) Burke and Nancy (late John) Kirsits.

Maureen attended St. Martin’s Elementary, and Our Lady of Victory High School. She earned her nursing degree from Sisters Hospital. Maureen’s career began and ended in nursing, where she provided comfort and kindness to those in need. Later in life, she transitioned into a successful business career, building the upstate NY operation for a national home improvement company from a room in her house to the District Manager of a multi-employee warehouse operation. She earned numerous awards for her exceptional work ethic and innovative management style. Yet, her true passion remained in nursing, which she returned to after retirement, volunteering for Hospice and serving as a school nurse at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf.

Born in Buffalo, married and moved to Batavia, Maureen truly bloomed where she was planted. She was a devoted mother to her children, a dedicated wife, and an integral part of her community. In addition to working at St. Jerome’s Hospital, she was the nurse for the Genesee County Migrant Center. Later, Maureen moved to Clarence, where she opened her home and heart to her family, in-laws, and grandchildren, creating a warm and welcoming space for all who entered. She had a love for animals and welcomed countless pets into the family. 

Maureen had a special gift for making others feel cared for, always ready to share a cup of tea and something sweet. She loved a good joke and usually had a new one to share. She took exceptional care of herself and everyone around her, leaving every person, pet and place better than she found them. A lifelong learner, Maureen was always open to new experiences. In her 70s, she walked a marathon and even learned sign language to communicate with deaf children—a testament to her adaptability and inspiring spirit.

Calling hours will be held at Amigone Funeral Home, 8440 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221 on Friday, January 17 from 2-4 and 6-8; Funeral services will be held at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church 4275 Harris Hill Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221 on Saturday January 18 th at 11:30.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Erie County SPCA https://yourspca.org/ or Hospice Buffalo ://www.hospicebuffalo.com/ in her memory.