Obituaries

Mrs. Thurau was born January 21, 1931 in Gloversville, a daughter of the late Franklin and Catherine (Havelaar) Brown.

Marilyn was a graduate of Batavia High School and thereafter the State University College for Teachers at Buffalo. She taught Elementary Art in the Batavia School System in the 1950s. She was a bridal consultant at C.L. Carr Department Store from 1981-1988.

She was a member of St. James Episcopal church, a past member of the Altar Guild, past member of the Vestry, and former Sunday School teacher. A past member of the Genesee Memorial Hospital League and past member of the YWCA Board of Directors.

Marilyn is the wife of the late Don M. Thurau; mother of the late Sara (late Ray) Rogers; and sister of the late Joan (late Dean) Dymond.

She is survived by her 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.

There will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend Marilyn's Funeral Service at 11:00 am on Thursday (June 3, 2021) at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street in Batavia. Mrs. Thurau will be laid to rest in the St. James Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Arrangements for Marilyn were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Mary Hart Kelly, 91 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (March 10, 2021) at LeRoy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility in LeRoy.

Ms. Kelly was born August 29, 1929 in Tionesta, Forest County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Bernard Matthew Kelly and Katherine (Hart) Kelly.

In 1933 her family moved back to B.M. Kelly’s hometown, Ellicottville, New York.  Mary attended Ellicottville High School, graduating in 1947.  She attended Villa Maria College (now part of Gannon University) graduating with a BS in Education in 1951. She taught Home Economics in Ripley,  Ellicottville, and Batavia, New York, where she retired in 1984. She spent most summers traveling the world, while taking advanced courses in Spanish, History and English Literature.  

She was an avid skier, into her early 80’s, having learned while in high school, on Greer Hill in Ellicottville.  Her home in the Batavia area was in Seven Springs Country Club. She was instrumental in starting the family camp on Brennan Road, Ellicottville.  For many years she spent her winters on the QEII and the new Queen Mary, on trips to New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, India, Dubai, and South Africa.

While at home she enjoyed life with her beloved Labradors, family and friends. Mary was an avid quilter, and soft toy maker.  Many people still cherish her sewn goods.

She attended church at St. Joseph’s in Batavia and Holy Name of Mary parish in Ellicottville.

She is survived by her younger brother Joseph B. Kelly, nieces and nephews; Mark (Catherine) Kelly, Joan (Doug) Pike, Beth (John) Cotton, Brian (Terry) Kelly, Sara Kelly, Kathy Blackford, Sean (Karen) Kelly, and Aileen (Mark) Smith plus 12 great nieces and nephews and 4 grand nieces and nephews.

Mary is Preceded in death by her older brother Bernard M Kelly, Jr.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday (June 4, 2021) from 12 to 1 pm at Holy Name of Mary, 22 Jefferson Street in Ellicottville. Mary's Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 1 pm. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Ellicottville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Name of Mary Church in Ellicottville.  

Arrangements for Mary were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

He was born June 9, 1934, a son of the late George and Mary Johnson Mertens.

Bruce as he was known by so many people was the owner of Merts Wholesale Auto Parts in Akron.  Bruce had served his country with the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.  He was a longtime member of the Akron Newstead Rotary Club and was also a member of the American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and was an avid history buff.

He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Mertens and son, Michael Mertens.

Surviving are his children, Robert (Patti) Mertens of Buffalo, Deborah (Michael) Kiel of Cheektowaga, Todd (Laurie Ann) Mertens of Cheektowaga and Patricia (late Walter) Sherron of Richmond, VA. Daughter in-law, Ginny Mertens of Arizona. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Saturday (June 5^th), 11:00am at Evergreen Lawn Cemetery, Bloomingdale Rd., Akron, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New York State 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, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Mrs. Busmire was born February 13, 1941 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Robert C. and Neva (Gage) Johnson.

She was an active member of the Bergen United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post 575 Ladies Auxiliary where she was Past President. Marjorie worked for a time at the Viking Valhalla and the Byron-Bergen High School Cafeteria. She was a hairdresser and a member of the former Helping Hands Sunshine Club of Bergen. Mrs. Busmire was a Girl Scout Leader for a time and a volunteer at the Gilliam-Grant Community Center where she amassed over 3000 volunteer hours.

Marjorie is the wife of  the late Harris Arthur Busmire, Sr. and sister of the late Marie Johnson.

She is survived by her children, Annette (Gene) Boldt of South Byron, and Harris A. Busmie, Jr. of Bergen; a grandson, Jacob (Ashley) Kuczynski of North Chili; three great-grandchildren, Abraham, Madelyn, and Micah Kuczynski; siblings, Frederick Johnson of Le Roy, Judith (late William) Zirbes of Rochester, and Walter (Mary) Johnson of Le Roy; a sister-in-law, Patricia (late Howard) Busmire of Bergen; brothers-in-law, Richard (Kay) Busmire of Liberty, S. Carolina, Richard (Joyce) Sands of Bergen, and Donald (Reba) Sands of Rochester. She is also survived by her grand fur babies, Andy, Crista, and Zoey.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, (May 30, 2021)  from 1 to 4 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Avenue in Bergen.  Marjorie 's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at 4:00 pm. Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bergen United Methodist Church, PO Box 216, Bergen, New York 14416 or the Harris Hill Nursing Home - Journeys Fund, 2699 Wherle Drive, Williamsville, New York 14221. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Duane Lee Squires, 90, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., passed away on May 24, 2021.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he was the son of the late Paul L. Squires and Nellie Glidden Squires.

He was a graduate of Batavia High School, Class of 1949, and attended Edison Tech in Rochester, N.Y. He served a four-year apprenticeship in the Bricklayers, Masons, and Plasters International Union and worked in the trade until 1954 when he cofounded Manning and Squires Co., which later became Manning Squires Hennig Co. Inc., and where he presided as president until 1996.

He was a member of the New York State Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, Rochester Builders Exchange, past president of the Byron, N.Y., Kiwanis Club, a graduate assistant for Dale Carnegie, and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

He was known for his love of people, his integrity, his labored attention to detail and the neighborhood squirrels which he fed daily. He was an easy acquaintance to all and cared deeply for others. As a closet novelist, he filled numerous binders with hundreds of short stories of his life’s experiences. A modern day romantic, he serenaded the love of his life on a daily basis and showered her with love for 68 years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Shultz); sisters, Jean Dudley of Batavia, N.Y. & Donna Krause of Bergen, N.Y.; four children, Douglas (Karen) of Charlotte, N.C., Gary (Catherine) of Churchville, N.Y., David (Judy) of Maricopa, Ariz., & Sandy (Stewart) of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; grandchildren, Brad, Brenda (Nate) Nord, Jacob, Adam (Fia), Matt (Chelsea), Ashley (Colin) McCabe, Pat (Carly), Selena, Josh, & Skylar; & great-grandchildren, Ryann, Avery, Beckett, Finn, Damian, Hugh, Gus, Ruby, Savonne, & Shanice.

Visitation is planned for 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach, immediately followed by a Memorial Service at 2 p.m.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the Parkinson’s Association at www.parkinson.org.

Surviving on earth are her children Janet (James) Brunner, Joan (Charles) Williams and Joseph (Diane) Bell, along with her sister Jean (Frank) McCormick, and brothers John (Gerry) Staiber and Mike (Peggy) Staiber. Mildred left behind sixteen grandchildren, twenty three great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

A 12:00PM noon Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday June 5^th, 2021 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish, 2311 Attica Rd. Varysburg, NY 14167. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Attica Fire Department & Rescue Squad, 11 Water St, Attica, NY 14011 or to the church. 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.

Richfield Springs, N.Y. ~ John Ray Sovocool, age 65, passed away early Thursday morning (May 20, 2021) at Crossroads House in Batavia surrounded by his loving family.

     John was a proud graduate of Cornell University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.  While there he was a member of the U.S, Air Force ROTC program, and upon graduation was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.  John served his country in many notable assignments around the world before retiring from the Air Force with the rank of Major.  John owned and operated Fieldstone Farm Resort in Richfield Springs from 1998 until the summer of 2020 and his wife, Jean, joined him in the Fall of 2009.  Together, they made every guest feel welcomed and like family.

     John was an avid long-distance runner who ran 98 marathons, including 10 Boston Marathons and at least one in each of the 50 states.  He also loved working with wood and stained glass, was a stonemason and landscaper and was considered by all to be a true artisan in these mediums.

     John will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife Jean Barr Sovocool; children, John E. Sovocool, Adam Sovocool (Nancy), Kristin (Ben Cook) Sovocool, Nicholas Sovocool (Kelsey) and Alexander Sovocool; step-children, Alison Barr (Robert) and Robert Faucett (Mickie); grandchildren, Chayden, Hayden, Ashton, Henrik, Samuel and Viviane; siblings, Robert Sovocool of LeRoy, Sharon (Gary) Harris of Chanhassen MN, Wayne (Joan) Sovocool of Madison AL, Daniel (Ber) Sovocool of Portugal, Charles (Suzanne) Sovocool of Fairport and Kathleen DelPlato (Robert) of LeRoy; sister-in-law, Kathy Sovocool of Batavia, along with several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Patricia and brother, Kenneth.

     There are no prior calling hours.  A public Memorial Celebration of John's life will be held at a future date.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021 - www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with John's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Sovocool and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Batavia ~ Bruce S. Passe, age 76, of Putnam Road, passed away Sunday afternoon (May 23, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

     He was born May 29, 1944 in Spencerport, a son of the late William and Martha Passe.

     Bruce will be remembered as a very quiet and private man, who loved and enjoyed time spent with his family and friends.  He was a proud veteran, having served with the U S Army.  In his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars and driving truck.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 18 years, Susann Brown (Welka) Passe; children, Shawn Scheg of Byron and Kimberly (Kenneth) Parsons of Macedon; step-children, Charles Ippolito of Henrietta, Warren (Mindy) Welka Jr. of Byron and Lori (Robert) Brumsted of Byron; brother, Neil Passe of NC; sister, Debbie (Steven) Saunders of NC, along with several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his son, Robert Scheg and brothers, David Passe and John Passe.

     Per Bruce's wishes, services will be private at the convenience of his family.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Bruce's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Passe and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Kacy Sherwood, age 37, died on Saturday, May 22^nd, 2021, in Le Roy NY.

     Kacy was born on February 2,1984 to Jill and Dave Sherwood. He graduated from Byron-Bergen High School in Bergen, NY in 2002 and Genesee Community College with an associate degree.  On October 18, 2008, he married Lauren, a court stenographer, in Le Roy.  He celebrated his family and especially his children Evan, Ryker, and Grayson. 

     Kacy was a devoted husband and loving father. An avid soccer player and coach, Coach Kacy was known as the Chop Master and was loved by everyone. His perpetual presence and teaching principles of teamwork and togetherness have impacted the youth of the community in ways that will be realized throughout their lives. His family and friends will always remember him as a gentle soul with an infectious laugh.  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

     A private funeral mass for the family will be held at the convenience of the family at Our Lady of Mercy church in Le Roy. A celebration of Kacy’s life will be announced at a future date.    

     Memorials may be made to the Sherwood Boys College Fund Foundation, Inc. at PO Box 343, Le Roy, NY 14482.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Kacy's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Sherwood and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Phyllis worked as a hairdresser, food service manager, and was a dedicated volunteer in the 1960’s and 70’s as she helped make the Alexander Firemen’s Recreation Hall catering a successful venture. After leaving the area in the mid 70’s to work in Hornell, NY and Scranton, PA  in the food service industry; she returned to Alexander to live in the “Kidder Homestead”. She loved her farmhouse making sure it stayed in the family for the 6^th generation and lived her last hours at home.

She is survived by her Brother Charles (Kay) Brown of Alexander, son Thomas (Julie) of Attica, daughter in law Betsey Kelsey of Alexander, grandchildren Daniel, Brian, Stacey, Todd Kelsey and Molly Haungs. Eight great grandchildren. Step children Gemma Minihan of Tonawanda, Lisa (John) Aprea of Lake Placid, FL, and Joseph Minihan of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. and step grandchildren Hunter, Dalton, and Trevor Rarick and Shelby Nykiel. Nieces and nephews and many dedicated friends.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. An 11:00 AM Celebration of her Life will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 at Holy Family Parish, 4316 NY-98, North Java, NY 14113. She will be laid to rest in Alexander Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Office of the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020 or to Alexander Fire Department, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. 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.  

LeRoy ~ D. Patricia Merrill, age 76, formerly of Myrtle Street, passed away Monday morning (May 24, 2021) at the East Side Nursing Home in Warsaw.

     Pat will be remembered as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, who was dedicated to her family and her community through her career as a registered nurse for over 40 years.  She worked at the former Genesee County Nursing Home and Genesee Memorial Hospital for many years before moving on to work for the Genesee County Health Department.  She also assisted voters at various polling places in Batavia.  She was a NY Yankees fan and an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

     She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Barbara (Jeffrey) Gray of LeRoy and Jennifer (Abraham) Stevens of Batavia; granddaughter, Robyn Carbery (Cody Proefrock); brother, Richard Cummings of Batavia; sisters-in-law, Barbara (late Vincent) Ewell of FL and Lori Merrill (Charlotte Hammond) of Warsaw; beloved friends, Mark Rimmer of Rochester and Laurie Smith of Albion, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband, David Merrill in 2004 and a daughter, Caryn Harloff in 2016.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, May 28 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. (Face Masks are required)  Her Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, May 29 at 11:00 AM at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main St., Batavia.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, NY  14482.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Pat's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Dorothy was born November 28, 1929 in Byron, a daughter of the late Clyde and Norma (Cummings) Newcomb.

Dorothy graduated from South Byron High School and Rochester Business Institute.  She worked at Lapp Insulator, was a member of the North Bergen Presbyterian Church and volunteered at the Gilliam Grant Community Center and the former Genesee County and Batavia Nursing Homes.  Dorothy enjoyed music, writing poems and songs, reading, knitting and crocheting.  She loved spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving are her son, David (Jean) Miller of Bergen; sister, Marjorie Bennett of Binghamton; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Jack C. Miller, daughter, Nancy Warner and brothers, Robert Newcomb and Glenn Newcomb.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where funeral services will be held also on Friday at 12:00 p.m.  She will be laid to rest in North Byron Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to North Bergen Presbyterian Church, 7068 North Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.  

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

Services for ZoElla will be held on Friday May 28 at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.  Calling hours will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.and services to follow at 2:00 p.m. also on Friday.  Facial coverings will be required. 

Batavia - Marie  L.  Rosone, age 79,  of Batavia,  passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021 at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia.

She was born on Monday, October 13, 1941 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Peter J. and Julia A. Novick Rosone.

Marie enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles.  She will be remembered by her family as a loving, giving and selfless person who would help her family in anyway possible placing their needs before hers.

She is survived by her sisters; Alice M. Rice of Batavia and Nancy (Robert) Fazio of Elba; her brother-in-law, John Alcorn of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; nine loving nieces and nephews and fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is the sister of the late Peter A. Rosone, Catherine Alcorn and Stephen P. Rosone.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Jason was born April 19, 1980 in Batavia, the son of Carol Anne Esten of Oakfield.

Jason joined the United States Navy in December of 2000 and served honorably until April of 2021. He was so proud of his years of service and even prouder when he earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He coached his daughter Brianna, in many sports as she was growing up.

Jason had a love for the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and fishing and hunting; but his greatest love was for his daughters, Brianna Jace and Brooklyn Autumn, both of North Carolina.

Besides his mother and daughters, he is survived by the mother of his children, Miranda (Moulton) Esten of North Carolina; his grandmother, Harriet L. Esten; uncles, Ralph, Doug, and Roger (Lisa) Esten; an aunt, Margie Newton; a very special cousin he thought of as a brother, Ralph (Michelle) Esten, Jr; and his father-in-law, Greg Moulton of Brunswick, ME. Also survived by his close friends, Shawn and Alicia Palmer and their two sons.

Jason had a wonderful gift of embracing all that he meant and he had the greatest gift of telling stories and making you laugh. He had a special bond with all his cousins, Michelle (David) Purcell, Danielle Esten, Melissa Esten, Amanda (Jack) Hanson, Stephanie Esten, Krissy (Jeff) Maxwell, Andrew Esten, Kyle Esten, Erica Esten, and LaRissa Miller.

Jason was preceded in death by his grandfather, Roger Esten, Sr., an aunt, Laurie Esten, and an uncle, Mark Newton.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, (May 25, 2021)  from 3 to 8 pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, in Oakfield.  Jason's Funeral Service will be on Wednesday at 11 am at the funeral home. Burial in Western New York National Cemetery, will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or to a veteran's charity of your choice. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Fair winds and following seas to AMC Jason Paul Esten. We will forever miss you.