Obituaries

Batavia - Mary Ann Yaw, 84, of Batavia, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2018 following a brief illness.

Mame was born January 29, 1934 in Lackawanna, the daughter of the late Walter Lewis and Margaret Fitzgerald Lewis.

Mame was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Richard B. Yaw in 2017 and her daughter, Mary Patricia Yaw in 1996.

Surviving are her loving children, Kathleen (Steve McGuire) Yaw of Joy, Illinois, Todd (Amy) Yaw of Maitland, Florida and Margaret (James) Fasano of Batavia; six grandchildren, Douglas (Holly) Lamkin, Nathan Lamkin, Bret (Elizabeth) Yaw, Chelsea Yaw, Benjamin (Kimberly) Fasano and Jenna (Kevin) Arroyo; and seven great-grandchildren, Sydney, Cooper and Harper Lamkin, Addison and Jonah Arroyo, William Fasano and Colton Yaw,

A graduate of Mount Mercy Academy in 1954 and Erie Community College in 1955, Mame enjoyed a long career as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Mame was an avid Notre Dame and Buffalo Bills football fan who enjoyed many seasons alongside her husband and the "crew" from the "fan van". An avid collector of birds, Mame also enjoyed bowling, knitting, cooking and fishing. Her greatest treasures were her husband, travelling, and spending time with her children. Mame will be remembered for her huge loving heart, her extreme strength and sense of humor.

There are no prior visiting hours. Mame’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mame’s name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Mrs. Yaw have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

 Jason L. Cramer of Attica, NY, passed away at the age of 34 on Sunday October 21, 2018. Jason was born on May 2, 1984 in Houston, TX to Jeffrey (Sheri) Cramer and Rebecca Real.

He was a Trimmer for Chapin International, Inc in Batavia. Jason loved to fish and to spend time with his family. His favorite moments were spent with the love of his life, Becky Reding and his children.

In addition to his parents, Jason is survived by his 12 children; Jason Cramer, Jr, Ivy Pionessa, Cody Pionessa, Seth Pionessa, Gage Pionessa, Raven Prefontaine, Tyler Lafferty, Talan Prefontaine, Cash Prefontaine, Steel Prefontaine, Lyric Reding, Knight Reding, and a baby with an expected arrival in June of 2019; his nine siblings, Jeremy Allison, Sara (Dustin) Cook , Katie Cramer, Zachary Cramer, Jamie (Kenneth) Torrence, Mark (Taunja) Green, Heather (Richie) Mogavero, Megan (Mike Edwards) Peterson, Lindsay Peterson, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A private Service was held with close family and friends on Friday, October 26, 2018 at his home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in honor of Jason. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

JOSEPH R. CARRUBBA ~ age 60, of Oakfield, NY, died October 24, 2018 at Rochester General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born June 11, 1958, in Batavia, NY, the son of the late Samuel and Patricia (Geitner) Carrubba.

Joe was a driver/trainer of standard bred horses for many years. Horse racing was his life and it took him all over New York State and beyond. Joe had a wonderful sense of humor and a deep love of his family.

Surviving are his children, Michael (Amanda Benson) Carrubba of Lancaster, Erik Carrubba and Tiffany Carrubba both of Hamburg; siblings, Christopher Carrubba of Batavia, Mary (Denny) Bucceri of Oakfield, Rose (Steven Kiblin) Campbell of Oakfield and Georgeann Carrubba of Batavia along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

The Carrubba family will be present from 1-5p.m. on Sunday October 28, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Service of Remembrance will begin at 5p.m. Joe will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the family.

Please share your words of comfort with Joe's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JOSEPH R. CARRUBBA IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020

 

  Laura Louise (Kingston) Benton of Darien, NY, passed away at the age of 98 on Monday October 22, 2018. Laura was born on October 4, 1920 in Skaneateles, NY to the late Joseph and Lula (Thomas) Kingston.

She studied physical education at Cortland University. She was married to Thomas R. Benton for almost 65 years when he dies in 2006. Laura loved the outdoors, traveling, swimming, birdwatching and walking. She volunteered her time with many different organizations.

Laura is survived by her five children; Deborah, Amelia (Raymond), Thomas (Gigi), Julia, and John (Elaine); her six grandchildren Spencer, Rachel, Christine, Laura, Anna, and Julia, and one great grandchild, Dominic.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association via the Laura Benton Tribute page at alz.org. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

Don M. Thurau

Batavia - Don M. Thurau, 90, of Batavia, passed away Monday, (October 22, 2018) at the New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia.

Mr. Thurau was born September 10, 1928 in Batavia, a son of the late Frederick W. and Pauline (Markham) Thurau.

Don was a graduate of Batavia High School and Rochester Institute of Technology.  He served his country honorably with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Mr. Thurau owned and operated Fix Printing in Batavia until 1988.  He retired in 1990. 

A lifelong member of St. James Episcopal Church, he was a past member of the Vestry, the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, and the Batavia Lions’ Club.  He enjoyed gardening and birding. 

Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Marilyn (Brown) Thurau of Batavia; daughters, Beth (Bernard) Newhard of South Dennis, Mass., and Carrie (Eric) Kress of Livonia; grandchildren, Abigail, Samantha, and Erin Kress, Bridget and Patricia Newhard, and Terese Rogers. 

Don is preceded in death by a daughter, Sara (Late Ray) Rogers and a sister, Sue (late Bradley) Grinnell. 

There will be no visitation.  Family and Friends are invited to attend Don’s Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday (October 28, 2018) at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia.  Flowers are gratefully declined; however memorials in Don’s name may be made to the church.  Inurnment will take place in St. James Columbarium.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.     

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

 

Batavia - Florence Burke, age 84, of Batavia, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, October 18, 2018, at the New York State Veteran's Home.

Mrs. Burke was born October 25, 1933 in Providence, Rhode Island, a daughter of the late Warren Gill and Blanche Trembley Gill.

A member of the Canal Country Quilters Guild in Spencerport, Mrs. Burke was a gifted quilter who loved to sew and bake.

She is survived by her husband, Robert A. Burke, whom she married December 18, 1951; her children, Noel Burke of Milford, CT, Michael Burke of Baldwinsville, NY,  Thomas Burke of Rochester, NY, Linda Velasco of Chalfont, PA, David (Joanne) Burke of Churchville, NY, James Burke of Pasadena, TX and Kathy (Michael) Wrixon of Carrollton, GA; ten grandchildren, Bridget Burke, Matthew Burke, Joshua Burke, Robert Cooper, Jon Cooper, Kimberly Velasco, Christine Burke, Brandon Burke, Tabitha Burke and Daniel Norton; two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Friends are invited to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia on Saturday November 10^th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. to greet Florence’s family and honor her with their stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the activities fund at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Timothy R. Laskowski, 54, of Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 12, 2018.

Timothy is survived by his lifetime companion, Betti Kilian, 2 sisters, Cynthia Morell and Rosemarie White; 2 brothers, Richard Laskowski and Kenneth Laskowski; several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday October 27, 2018 from 3:00-5:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.  Immediately following, Timothy’s family would like to invite everyone to 301 Erin Rd, Medina NY, 14103 for a continuation of the Celebration of Timothy’s life.

For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

  Richard C. Burnside Jr., 82, of Corfu passed away on Sunday October 21, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 1, 1936 in Hume, NY to the late Richard Sr. and Dorothy (Remington) Burnside. In addition to his parents, Richard is predeceased by his wife; Derinda (Heise) Burnside; sister Nancy Brege and brother David Burnside.

Richard was a longtime employee and foreman at Rochester Products for 36 years. He was a member of the Morton Fire Department. Richard was an avid bowler and outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, loved camping and snowmobiling. He enjoyed doing scratch off lottery tickets and collecting eagles.

He is survived by his children; Bonnie (Scott) Chatley of Corfu; Edward Burnside of Albion; James Burnside of Corfu; siblings Duane Burnside of Lockport, Gloria Clark of Corfu; brother-in-law Jim Brege; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday October 26, 2018 from 2:00-4:00PM & 7:00-9:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday October 27^th at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Genesee County http://www.homecare-hospice.org/ 29 Liberty St., Suite 6 Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020.

RONALD WILLIAM GONYEA ~ age 80, former owner/operator of Ron Gonyea Builders in Byron, NY died peacefully Saturday, October 20, 2018 at his home while under the care of Hospice and his loving family. Ron was born in Buffalo, NY on April 23, 1938 the son of the late Eli Louis and Agnes  (White) Gonyea also preceded in death by siblings, Louis Eli Gonyea, Romaine Bolt, Nellie Past, Geraldine Arbutina, Frances Brennan and ½ brother, Leo Tiederman.

Ron along with building homes worked for over 10 years at O-K Trojan in Batavia, a longtime member of the South Byron United Methodist Church and Life Member of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department. He served proudly in the US Marine Corp from 55-58 and was a member of the Botts Fiorito American Legion Post #576 in LeRoy. Ron retired from building after a 20 year career and enjoyed fishing/hunting in Canada and spending time attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Phyllis (Birge) Gonyea of Byron; loving children, Daniel R. (Carol) Gonyea of Byron, Raymond E. (Sonja) Gonyea of Byron, Lori Gonyea of TX and Kathleen (Jon) Thompson of LeRoy; 9 cherished grandchildren, Angela (Kaleb) Yates, Billy & Tiffany Cain, Brooke (Michael) Fauci, Ryan Gonyea, Jordan Thompson, Emily, Mitchell & Matthew Gonyea; 3 great-grandchildren, Faith Hampton, Tesla & Ronin Yates along with several nieces and nephews.

Please join Ron's family for a Celebration of Life Service 11am Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the S. Byron United Methodist Church S. Byron, NY 14457. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors in Byron Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to the Church or to PCF (Prostate Cancer Foundation) 1250 Fourth Street Santa Monica, CA 90401. 

Please share your words of comfort with Ron’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF RONALD W. GONYEA IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

 

Edward A. Bartosiak, 99 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (October 22, 2018) at the New York State Veterans Home.

He was born May 10, 1919 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Joseph and Mary Wojtas Bartosiak.

He was employed by Masse Harris and the Yale & Towne Co. in Batavia prior to his retirement. After his retirement, he also served as a crossing guard for the Batavia City Schools. He served his country with the U.S. Army, having been enlisted during World War II.  Always thinking of his fellow Veterans, he volunteered with the D.A.V. at the Veterans Hospital. He was also a longtime parishioner of Ascension Parish and a member of the Holy Name Society. Ed enjoyed fishing, hunting and watching the Batavia Clippers games years ago through the now Muckdog era.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carmella Cervone Bartosiak, who died January 5, 2005 and siblings, Albert, Joseph, Frank, John and Sophie Bartosiak and Helen Jablonski.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Teresa (Thomas) Hare of Silver Lake, Mary Fay of Corfu and Cecilia (late Charlie) Bish of Missouri. Also survived by 6 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (October 26^th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA., NY. His Funeral Mass will be Saturday (October 27^th), 1:30pm at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner St., Batavia. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the NYS Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Cecylia M. Wandryk, 83 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday (October 21, 2018) at Crossroads House in Batavia.

She was born May 28, 1935 in Elba, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Slowiki Harezga.

Cecylia was formerly employed by Angelica and the New York State Veterans Home where she was meticulous with folding and organizing clothing. She enjoyed her trips to bingo, casino and horse racing. She loved driving scenic routes and would often take anyone around who would need a ride somewhere. Some would say she was always on the go and seemed like the “Energizer Bunny”. She also enjoyed knitting and made a baby blankets for all her friends and family. Watching the Buffalo Bills and other sporting events were also enjoyed by her, always waiting with anticipation for a successful season.

She was the wife of the late Onofre “Norfe” Wandryk who died February 26, 2009; mother of the late Janet Wandryk who died in 1974 and Lorraine Trykowski who died in 2007. Also predeceased by her brothers, John Harezga, Stanley Harezga, Richard Harezga and Walter Harezga and sister, Sophie Jasinski.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Richard Trykowski III of Darien and Megan Trykowski of Florida. Son in-law, Richard Trykowski II. Sisters in-law, Dorothy Harezga and Joyce Harezga. Also survived by 7 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, who will miss her greatly.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (October 25^th) from 5-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, 9:30am at Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott St., Batavia. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

 

 

Oakfield - David L. Amend, 68, of Oakfield, passed away Wednesday, (October 17, 2018) at his home, in Oakfield.

Mr. Amend was born October 31, 1949 in Watertown, a son of Helen (Berry) Amend of Warsaw and the late Leland Amend.

He was a machinist at Kodak, prior to his retirement. Dave enjoyed skiing, vacationing, and racing motorcycles. He will be remembered as a hardworking man. 

Along with his mother, Dave is survived by his wife, Sally (Hendershott) Amend; three sons, Justin Amend at home, Kristopher (Nicole) Amend of Gasport, and Brandon Amend of Memphis, TN; two grandsons, Evan and Kristopher "KJ" Amend; three brothers, Donald (Bonnie), Dale, and Scott; three sisters, Sandy, Susan, and Denise (Stephen). Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Dave's name to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.

Light a candle, share a story, or leave a condolence at www.burdettandsanford.com. 

  David F. Diefendorf, 66, of Stafford passed away on Thursday October 18, 2018 at Park Ridge Hospital in Rochester. He was born on July 1, 1952 in Stafford to the late Floyd and Ruth (Landers) Diefendorf. In addition to his parents, David is predeceased by his infant sister Marcia Diefendorf.

David was a Plant Foreman for Allens Inc. in Bergen for 36 years. He was a volunteer fireman with the Stafford Fire Department, a lifetime member at Godfrey’s Pond and a member of the Bergen Rod & Gun Club. David was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt, fish and shoot trap.

He is survived by his daughter; Alana Diefendorf of Stafford.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be determined by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Godfrey’s Pond P.O Box 217 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020.