Obituaries

Sevia Joan “Joani” Tatarka, 71, of Batavia passed away on July 5, 2021. She was born in Clovis, New Mexico on June 19, 1950 to the late Joe Cephus and Fern (Turner) Daniels.

Joani was a loving wife to Bob, a loving and doting mom to Rob, Chris and Melissa and an exceptional grandmother to Alayna, Kylie, Casey, Alex, and Zack. She was a homemaker at first and when her children were old enough, she stepped easily into the role of vice president of the family business, Tatarka Technologies. She retired in 2011 after 14 years. Joani and Bob had been happily married for over 50 years.  They were true soulmates.

Joani was a 12-year breast cancer survivor and played a major role in raising breast cancer awareness to everyone she touched. She was a huge fan of baseball and football. She loved the Yankees, Mets, and Buffalo Bills. In her spare time, she loved to read, play bingo, make ceramics, active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, active in dancing lessons with her daughter and collected Cherished Teddies and anything to do with giraffes. Besides the love she had for her family, Joani loved her pets: Daisy, DB, Winston, and Molly. And her Grand- dogs: Ozzy, Frankie, Mix, Patch, Emma, and Jersey.

She is survived by her loving husband; Robert “Bob” Tatarka; oldest son Robert (Crystal) Tatarka, middle son Christopher Tatarka and Daughter Melissa (Brian) Adamczyk; grandchildren Alayna, Kylie, Casey, Alex, and Zack; brothers Lynn (Barbara) Daniels, Thomas (Ronda) Daniels and sister; Kayla Daniels.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 12:00PM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday July 9, 2021 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. Joani will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute www.roswellpark.org.   For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

  Lewis VanValkenburg, 74, of Bergen, NY passed away peacefully at home on July 5, 2021. Lewis was born on October 18, 1946 to Neil and Evelyn VanValkenburg in Batavia, NY.  He leaves behind his blushing bride of 52 years, Margy (Bucknam), their 

 children: Kathy (Matt) Barbaro of Cape Cod, MA, Sarah (Rich) Howard of Peosta, IA, Maryann VanValkenburg of Henrietta, NY, Paul (Jennifer) VanValkenburg of LeRoy, NY, and Neil (Krystal) VanValkenburg of Geneseo, NY, 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, his two sisters, Barbara VanValkenburg of Mt Morris, NY,  Beverly Martin of Lancaster, PA , many nieces and nephews, along with very close in-laws, Betty and Patrick White. 

     He married the love of his life on June 21, 1969 in Warsaw, NY.  Lewis spent many years working as a farmer and for the Town of Riga Highway Department until his retirement in 2005. In his 30 years of service, he showed integrity, knowledge, ingenuity, and strong work ethic every day. His love of red tractors was second only to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

     Lewis was a 13 year liver transplant survivor, please consider becoming an organ donor.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Ste. 6, Batavia, NY 14020 OR the URMC Transplant Patient Needs Fund, URMC Transplant Program, attention Nancy Metzler, Administrator; 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box Surg; Rochester, NY 14642.  

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, July 10 from 10:30 AM ~ 12:30 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where services will be held at 12:30 PM.  Interment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry Center, N.Y.

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

Sharon Lee Tolson was born on July 22, 1941, in Hanford, California. She crossed over into Heaven on July 2, 2021, while holding her daughters’ hands. A consummate California girl, she grew up on the beaches of Southern California during the best of times. Her beauty was such that she was asked to become a movie star in the late 1950’s. Instead of stardom she chose to be a wife and mother. She was a complex person that didn’t believe in calling anyone an “ex”; once you were in her family- it was for life, there was no

getting out. She is predeceased by her former husband and children’s father, David R. Brown whom we’re sure she’s bossing around at this very instant and also her parents Thomas T. Tolson “the love of her life” and Jessie L. Tidwell (nee Pannell) definitely not the love of her life. Although she loved “her” California, she chose to put down her roots in the later part of her life in Batavia, NY. She loved all the trappings that come with small town life. Everyone called her “Gran” and she couldn’t have been prouder of that. She was a little crazy, swore like a sailor and taught the younger generation of the finer uses for the “F” word, drank Pepsi from morning until night and never met a stranger she wasn’t willing to befriend or invite for the holidays or if you were in a bad way, offer to do your laundry and make you corn dogs.  She is survived by brothers William (Vicki) Tolson of AZ, Leedel and Denis (Kathy) Williamson of SD and Inez American Horse of SD. She is also survived by her children Mark (Sherry) Brown of St. Helens, Oregon and Maryann Brown, mother to Michael and Matthew (Amanda) of Long Island, Thomas (Robin) Brown of Northport, Florida and their children, Steven (son of Vikki Brown), Craig, Travis, Tim and Casie. She is also survived by her daughter Debra Dumuhosky (who took care of the hardest of jobs and also talked to her 27 times a day- burgeoning Alzheimer’s = so many calls ), and partner William Gregory of Batavia, NY and David Dumuhosky father to Robert (Jessica) and Julia Rossiter, her daughter Kathryn Shaver and partner Keith Bow, of Corfu, NY and Ronald Shaver father to Maxwell (Rebecca), Sebastian (Melissa) and Kassandra (James Kerwin). Kass was her best friend, the one that was supposed to make sure to keep everyone in line and whom she entrusted her beloved Pom Teddy to because “he only barks when someone is at the door” and this trait is helpful. She died knowing that her favorite people called her “Gigi”; Paige, Everett and Henry Brown, Gabrielle and Olivia Dumuhosky, Alexis Merrell, Brockton Rossiter and Bennett Kelly, Evangeline Kerwin, and a whole tribe of great grandchildren in Florida she had yet to meet. There are many nephews and nieces that will miss her as well. There are no funeral arrangements. A celebration of life will be held when the family can get their act together. God help us if they have the weather channel in Heaven, Momma. We’ll miss you. See you later, Gorgeous.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Sharon’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Donald J. Donnelly Sr., died peacefully on July 4, 2021 after a lengthy illness at the age of 76. He was the son of the late Donald J. Donnelly and the late Lorraine (Weig) Donnelly. Donald was married to Joan C. (Mader) Donnelly for 47 years. He was the oldest of 8 children, Raymond (Maureen), the late Neil (Deborah), Maureen, Lorraine Kane, William, Christopher (MaryAnn), and Lillian and the late David Sroka.

Don's children are Beth (Bill) Shepherd, Fred Stringham, Paula Jo (Keith) Carson, Brenda (Chuck) Scotchmer, and Donald J. (Barbara) Donnelly Jr. Grandchildren include, Nicholas and Donald J. Donnelly III, Heather (Leo) Saia, Ron (Cassy) Carney, Caryn (Anthony) Bosse, Eliza (Mike Woods) Stringham, Emily (Jordan Martin) Stringham, Dalton Moi and Corrine Mori. Don is also survived by his great-grandchildren #'s 1 through 5 ¾ .

Don was an avid outdoorsman. He was a lifetime member of Alexander Fire Department, a member of West Star Lodge 413, and Genesee County Ducks Unlimited. He was a longtime coach of baseball and football for Tri-Town Youth Athletics. Don retired from the New York State Department of Corrections after 31 years.

Per his request there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 10, 2021 starting at noon at the Beachhead Veteran's Club, 3188 Broadway Rd. Alexander, NY 14005.

Memorials may be made to Alexander Fire Department, P.O. Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC., 135 Main Street, Attica, New York, 14011.

Batavia - Bernard E. "Bernie" Hanley, age 84, of Batavia, died peacefully on May 7, 2020 at the home of his daughter while under the care of Hospice and his loving family. Bernie was born on February 9, 1936 in Fulton, New York, a son of the late Laurence and Mary (Welch) Hanley.

He was a graduate of Batavia High School; served his country honorably with the US Army during the Korean War and was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s). He was well known in the harness horse racing circuit as an owner/trainer for many years, having purchased his first horse, a pacer named Chief Maynard. He also raced Mac's Miss Mary, Irish Dancer A, Overnight Guy, and several others during his career.

Most would remember Bernie and his wife Mary Ann as the owners and operators of Hanley’s Restaurant just across the street from Batavia Downs and quickly became the "horseman's hangout" after races. After retirement, the Hanley's moved South to enjoy the sun for close to thirty years before moving back to Batavia to be closer to family. While in Florida Bernie was a member of the Deland Amvets Post #13 and the Deland Elks Lodge #1463 along with the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 in Batavia. He will be remembered as a hard-working man who loved his family deeply.  

Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Ann (Musshafen) Hanley of Batavia; children, Patrick (Carol) Hanley of Alabama, Elsie (Greg) Lee of Batavia and Dr. Greg (Angela) Hanley of Tennessee; sister-in-law, Mary Hanley of Akron; 10 cherished grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

His brother, the late Larry Hanley has since passed away.

Family and friends are invited to attend Bernie's Mass of Christian Burial on July 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street in Batavia. Burial with military honors will follow in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice, 26 Liberty Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or at http://www.homecare-hospice.org.

Arrangements for Bernie were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Maybelle P. Sehm, 93, formerly of LeRoy, NY passed away at a Hospice Care facility in Arizona on June 23,2021.  She was born in Rochester, NY on March 17, 1928 to the late Joseph and Audrey L. DiLorenzo. She was predeceased in death by her beloved husband of 49 years Dean M. Sehm.

   

  Maybelle was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She worked as a registered nurse, retiring from Strong Memorial Hospital in 1979 moving with her husband to Arizona, where she continued her nursing career.  Maybelle enjoyed her family, gardening and painting.

     Maybelle is survived by her children Darryl Sehm of LeRoy, NY, Dean (Sheri) Sehm of Arizona, Cherie Lead (Larry Koester) of Perry NY, sisters A. Betty Swart of South Carolina and Audrey Neva of NY.  Grandchildren, Amy, Darryl J., Dean III, (Kimberly), Robert (Yessica) and Crystal.  Great grand children Meredith, Dean IV, Ava, Mackenzie, Allison, Brett, Alexander and Jeremy, several nephews and nieces.  Maybelle also cherished Karen, Matthew and Nicole Clark of NY.

     Arrangements were entrusted to Thompson Funeral Chapel.  A celebration of life to take place in Arizona at a later date.

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

Paul R. Urtel, Jr., 58 of Rochester, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (June 17, 2021) at his residence.

He was born May 23, 1963 in Batavia, NY, a son of Paul R. Urtel of Batavia and the late Mary Palone Urtel.

Mr. Urtel served his country with the U. S. Navy from 1981-1989.

Survivors include his father, Paul Urtel of Batavia. Siblings, Janice Forster, Dale (Pat) Buck, Jennifer White and Joseph (Laken) Urtel. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Walter Buck, Tony Dixon and Carol Benedict.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family with burial in the Western New York National Cemetery.

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

Expressions of sympathy 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 KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

 

Scott R. Graham of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on April 30, 2021 at the age of 56. Scott, the son of the late Richard “Dick” Graham and Cynthia (nee Palicki) Rodkey, he graduated from Batavia HS and ECC. He worked within the dental laboratory field for over 30 years. He was proud owner of Batavia Dental Laboratory for the past 4 years.

Scott is survived by his sons, Colin Graham and Jared Graham both of Oakfield, mother Cynthia (Robert) Rodkey of Batavia, late father Richard (Shari) Graham of Chili, sister Sandy (Mike) Anchor and nephews, Zack, Josh and niece Jessica all of Batavia, along with his former wife Bobbie Graham of Oakfield.

Scott enjoyed childhood summers at Horseshoe Lake, loved golfing, sailing and scuba diving. He was a past member of the Batavia Jaycees and took pride in having a “plethora of random knowledge”.

A remembrance and Celebration of Life will be held at Kiwanis Park, 3808 W Main St Rd, Batavia, NY, on Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 2 to 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society www.cancer.org. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Shortsville,  William “Billy” Stubinger-Plaisted age 15, was called back to heaven on June 25th, 2021. Billy the Brave passed away a hero. He fought as hard as he could to come back to us before his beautiful heart couldn't fight anymore. He then gave the gift of life with his organs.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Billy the Brave on Friday July 2, 2021, 10am at Wellspring Church 22 Teft Ave. Clifton Springs, NY 14432.

Contributions for Billy’s family may be made to Rosalie and Jeffrey Plaisted 330 Fall Brook Circle Clifton. Springs, NY 14432.

Billy was a kind and gentle soul, too sweet for this world. He loved his family and we love him so much. He was the best son and best big brother anyone could ask for. He wanted to be a soldier in the army and an animal control officer. He loved being at the lake with his family, playing with his siblings, being with his cats and dogs, playing video games, riding his bike, swimming, jumping on the trampoline, and growing vegetables in his very own garden at grandma and grandpas. Mommy and daddy love you and adore you and miss you so much Billy. My precious first born baby, mommy and daddy and all your brothers and your sister will be with you at the lake again someday. 

Billy is survived by his parents Rosalie and Jeffrey Plaisted, Brothers Johnathan and Donovan Stubinger, Jeffrey Plaisted and sister Grace Plaisted. Paternal grandparents William and Catherine Plaisted, Aunt Shelly (Brian) Alvaro, Uncles Billy (Angela Ridley) Erti and John (Diane Wade) Erti, Cousins Hudson and Wyatt Erti, Sara Chase and many friends and extended family.
Funeral arrangements have been made with the Cheney Funeral Home, 70 Main Street, Phelps.

Larry L. Hinz, Sr, 81 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Laurel, DE on August 12, 1939 to the late Frank (Josephine Hoffman) Hinz. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret (Johnston) Hinz, brothers, William and Frank Hinz, sister Patricia Johnston.

Larry worked as an Over the Road Truck Driver and then went on to work and retire from PW Minor in Batavia. He was proud to serve in the Army Reserves and National Guard, he was also a member of the Alexander Fire Department for many years. Larry was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish. Family was most important to Larry, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

He is survived by his children, Margaret (Michael) Taylor of LeRoy, Larry (Patricia) Hinz Jr of Batavia; Roxanne (Michael) Sentiff of Brockport, sisters, Dorothy Sanfrantello of Batavia, Ruth Ann Hinz of Alexander, 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alexander Fire Department, P.O. Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Dorothy L. Batchellor, age 98, formerly of Oak Orchard Road in the Town of Barre, passed away December 2, 2020 at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia following a brief illness. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, July 16 at 10am at Holy Family Parish in Albion.

Pete A. Prial, 62 of Attica, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 27, 2021. He was born May 6, 1959 in Warsaw to June Pope of Attica and the late William Prial. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Brian and Ronald Prial.

Pete served in the US Army in the Netherlands where he met his wife, he was very proud of his service to his country. He was a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 60 for many years and it was one of his greatest joys, teaching them what he had learned so many years ago. Pete was a retired truck driver, avid hunter, fisherman and all around outdoorsman. He tried to take full advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Pete will be missed so very much, he was liked and loved by so many.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Jacqueline Prial of Attica, children, Lindsey (Robert) Patton of Pittsford, Ian (Alexis) Prial of Attica, Trenton and Carter, brother Victor Prial, sisters Rose (Scott) Hubbard of Akron, Lorrie (Lauren) Berger of Texas, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of His Life will be held at a later date with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Nancy Ann (Galland) Gardner, 59, of Arizona, formerly of Darien, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021.

Nancy was born on June 20, 1962, in Ontario, Canada. She was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Nancy Topham Galland.

Nancy loved to evangelize anyone who needed to hear of the love of Jesus.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Richard Gardner, her son, Anthony (Carissa) Ferris of Arizona and her daughter, Kristy Weremblewski of Buffalo; her precious grandchildren, Clark Ferris Whiteside, Anthony John Ferris, Aliza, Cheyenne, Aaliyah and Jocelynn Weremblewski, Olivia Carter and Josiah Rodriguez; her sisters, Joan (Ken) Brauner, Elizabeth (Mark) Sheldon; brothers, Francis (Wendy) Galland and Daniel Galland; survived by her spiritual mother, Dorothy Antoine. Several nephews and a niece also survive.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 18 West Main Street, Corfu, NY. 

Local arrangements by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Perry ~ Bruce Allen Hettler, age 75 of N. Main Street, passed away on Sunday (June 27, 2021) at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Home in Warsaw.

   

  He was born December 18, 1945 in Brockport, NY, a son of the late Carlton and Anna Marie Campbell Hettler.

     Bruce was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He will be remembered as a very hardworking, yet quiet man, who loved NASCAR races and enjoyed the outdoors and watching the news to keep up on current events.

     He is survived by his devoted wife, Gail Anderson Hettler; his children, Missy Hettler (Jeff) of PA, Corrina (Wayne) Taylor of Pavilion and Michael Scott Nicholson; his step-children, Daniel Anderson of FL and Christopher (Christina) Anderson of LeRoy ; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his brother, Carl (Donna) Hettler of Palmyra; nephews, Brian Hettler and Tommy Hettler, along with several loving in-laws and dear friends.

     Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bruce's family for distribution to charities of their choice.

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

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