Obituaries

Oakfield – David “DJ” Beehler, Jr., 37, of Oakfield, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2015.

DJ was born August 2, 1978 in Brockport, the son of Bonnie Fee Beehler of LeRoy and the late David Beehler, Sr.

A past member and captain of the Pavilion Fire Department, DJ was a current member of the Elba Fire Department and was EMT certified. He loved riding his motorcycle and was a member of ABATE of New York Motorcycle Club.

A longtime and well-known DJ in the area, he loved his music, mud-racing and participating in demolition derby’s. He was a member of the Moose Club #1132 in LeRoy.

Above all, DJ loved his family, making those around him laugh and smile. His family will remember him for his selfless giving nature and his playful, mischievous side.

Surviving along with his mother are his children, Aprile and Kodi Beehler, Michael Pfendler and Abigail Russell, all at home; his fiancée, Jennifer Cardinali of Oakfield who he was to marry on October 8, 2016; three sisters, Colleen Sortore of Batavia, Tonya (Jason Raffel) Lichti and Jennifer (John Lyons) Andrews, both of LeRoy; nieces and nephews,  Tyler Andrews, Keegan Sortore, Brianna Sortore, Kayla Lichti, Emma Andrews and Karmyn Lyons and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends.

Friends may call on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home,  403 East Main St., Batavia, where DJ’s fireman’s service will be held at 7 p.m. His services will be held at 10 a.m.  Tuesday at Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine Street, Batavia.  He will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Werner Carl Ziehm, 91 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (December 22, 2015) at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Buffalo.

He was born in Stetin, Germany on January 25, 1924, a son of the late William and Martha Boehme Ziehm.

He was a decorated Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp. during WWII. He was a heavy bomber and was a P.O.W. for one year in Germany after his plane was shot down. Werner received such medals as the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal. He enjoyed Hunting, walking through the woods, fishing, sports, reading history books and gun collecting.

Survivors include his wife, Aileen Sanders Ziehm of Corfu. Daughter, Sonia (Doug) Doktor of Corfu. Grandchildren, Brian Doktor of Corfu and Rebecca Doktor of Charlotte, NC. Great-grandchildren, Jenna and Emily Doktor.

There will be no prior visitation. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family with full military honors in The Old German Cemetery (Indian Falls Cemetery), Indian Falls Road. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County, 8960 Alexander Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of condolence 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.

 

 

 

Pauline Pelton, 89, of Attica passed away Tuesday December 22, 2015 at the Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home. Pauline was born on August 2, 1926, in Batavia to the late Albert (Katherine Moynihan) Kohl. She is preceded in death by her siblings Mary (Joseph) Czapeczka, William Kohl, John (Regina) Kohl, Courtney Kohl and Catherine Kohl

Pauline graduated from Cortland University in 1947 with a degree in Physical Education.  She taught recreation and elementary school PE at a number of area schools.  She taught at Mount Morris early in her career, at Arcade, Bliss and Pike in 1961, at Attica and Alexander schools from 1962 - 1965 and at Oakfield Alabama from 1965 until her retirement in 1981.Pauline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was very generous with everyone she met and loved to make everyone laugh.  She loved games and activity.  She taught swimming, badminton, volleyball, square dancing, the "hokey pokey" and cheerleading.  She took great pride in her family and in everything she did. She was a special person and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Pauline is survived by her husband Leo Pelton of Attica; her children, Jerome (Sharon) of Texas, Sharon (John) of California, Daniel of Stafford, Charles (April) of East Bethany, Andrew (Debra) of Alexander and Nicholas (Holly) of East Bethany; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Martha (Lee) Schrader of Indiana; sister-in-law Clara Kohl of North Java along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and family may call Monday December 28, 2015 from 12-3 PM and 5-7 Pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 11:00 AM Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday December 29, 2015 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Catholic Church, 50 East Avenue Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent's Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020.  For more information please call 585-591-1212 or 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.

Bergen - Clara M. Crowell, 79, of Bergen, NY, an assembler at Bausch & Lomb in Rochester prior to her retirement died Friday, December 18, 2015 at Unity Health System, in Rochester.

Mrs. Crowell was born July 21, 1936 in Hornell, a daughter of the late Sam and Rose (Dennis) Rathbun.

She enjoyed wintering in Sebring FL for many years, was an avid golfer and bowler and enjoyed her grandchildren.  It is said that she will be truly missed and was described a "really good person".

She is predeceased by her husband, Erwin Crowell.

Survivors include 2 daughters Rosemary (Thomas) Anthony of Bergen and Cindy (Tim) Jessop of Churchville; a son-in-law, Randy Taylor of Bergen; 8 grandchildren, Stephanie (Jon) Strange, Shauna, Zachary and Kyle (Bridget) Eichenberger, Steven Crowell, Devin and Trevor Jessop and Ryan (Christie) Flaherty; 8 great-grandchildren,  Tyler and Peyton Strange, Brennan and Layden Maskinis, Maddox Howard, Nixon Eichenberger, Aiden and Alexis Flaherty; a brother, Robert (Carol) Rathbun of Rochester; a brother-in-law, Jerry Blind of Bergen; and special friends, Clyde Thurley, Mitch Eichenberger and Bryan Flaherty.

She was the mother of the late Kathy Tayor and sister of the late Barbara Blind.

Friends may attend services at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Bergen, 38 South Lake Street, Bergen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lupis Foundation of America, P.O. Box 418629, Boston, MA 02241-8629.  Arrangements were completed by H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen. 

Oakfield - Evelyn L. Smith, 97, of Oakfield, former Housekeeper at the NYS School for the Blind, died Monday, December 21, 2015 at her home, in Oakfield.

Mrs. Smith was born January 12, 1918 in Jeannette, PA, a daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Fleming) Lowry.

She had volunteered for over 20 years at the Batavia VA Medical Center and loved crossword puzzles.

Her husband, John T. Smith, died May 13, 1977.

Survivors include a daughter, Marylu (Henry) Stachowski of Oakfield; 2 sons, Thomas Smith of Oakfield and Jack (Norma) Smith of GA; 7 grandchildren, Henry (Merry) Stachowski, Stacey Stachowski, Becky (Brian) Costello, Tommy (Janelle) Smith, Rachell Hill, Scott Smith and Michael Smith; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Thomas Lowry, Mary Houston and Elsie Creech.  

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.  Private burial will be in Cary Cemetery.  Arrangements were completed by Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Batavia - Shirley A. Davis, 71, of Batavia, a housekeeper at several businesses in Batavia, died Thursday, December 17, 2015 at her home. 

Mrs. Davis was born July 15, 1944 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Gordon L. and Cleta E. (Duckworth) Baker.

She is survived by a son, James (Pam) Buszka of New York, NY; her companion, Jeffrey Strong of Batavia; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was the mother of the late Jackie L. Buszka.

Friends may call on Saturday (December 26, 2015) from 10 to 11 a.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St, Batavia, where services will immediately follow at 11 a.m.    Private burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  

Gail Webb Seamans, 83, of Alden, The Man in the Green and White Polka Dot Hat, passed away suddenly Wednesday (December 16, 2015).

Gail was the son of Grace Phelps Seamans and Harley Webb Seamans of East Pembroke.

Gail leaves behind his son, James Harley Seamans of Batavia, grandson Nicholas Webb Seamans of East Pembroke, Hannah Jeanne Seamans of Florida. Gail also leaves behind a fiancé Nan Eutsler of Alden, also James Seamans mother Jeanne Seamans of Batavia. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Gail Seamans was the 4th generation owner of Seamans Hardware in East Pembroke. James Seamans took over ownership in 1997. Even though retired, Gail was still very active in the store up until the day of his passing. He was the last sibling of his generation of 7 brothers and sisters.

Gail was a member of the New York State Retail Hardware Association as well as the National Retail Hardware Association. Gail served on the Board of the Genesee Memorial Hospital. In Gail’s early years he was an Eagle Scout, member of the Lions Club and a member of the East Pembroke Fire Department. Gail was also a graduate of St. Lawrence University.

Gail’s passion for most of his life was Bird Watching and was a member of The Buffalo Ornithological Society as well as many other bird watching clubs.

Gail was a study candidate at the Dent Neurologic Institute for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research.

A Celebration of Life for Gail Seamans will be held at a later date. Memorials in his honor may be made to the East Pembroke Fire Department as well as the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

Darwin F. Almeter Age 89, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family on December 16, 2015.  He was born in the Town of Wales, NY on July 4, 1926 to Henry and Catherine Barvian Almeter. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Ethelbert West Almeter and siblings Donald (Fran) Almeter, Regina Lewis, and youngest brother, Richard.

Darwin was a pillar of the community, and a member of St. Joseph's RC Church of Varysburg. In his early years he built silos and went to work on the P40's at the Curtis Wright Plant in Buffalo, NY.  He started working in the family business, West Service Station, which was owned by Burt West, in 1948 and stayed there for the next 67 years, retiring in 2015 as the owner of the four generation family business. He proudly served in the Army National Guard, Varysburg Fire Department, also served as a member of the Attica Board of Education, and a founding member of the Attica Medical Board.  

He took the most joy in his family, friends and work, but also took pride in restoring antiques, both furniture and automobiles, along with carpentry. He loved the Albuquerque Balloon Festival and the Attica Rodeo and all types of music.

His is survived by his children, Darburt (JoAnn) of East Aurora, NY Richard (Becky) of Hedgesville WV, Vicki (Rick) George-Tillow of Crossville TN.  Becky Patterson, and Scott of Varysburg NY.  Also surviving are 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Barbara Ripstein of Cowlesville NY, and brothers, David (Donna) of Michigan, James (Barbara) and Robert (Bertie) both of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Sunday, December 27th from 2pm - 6pm at Marley Funeral Home, Attica, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 28, 2015 at 10:00am  SSJoachim & Anne Parish, Varysburg, NY.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute www.roswellpark.org. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or 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.

NICOLA J. MIDKIFF

Age 80, of Batavia, died peacefully Sunday December 20, 2015 at the Batavia VA Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Batavia, NY on April 24, 1935, to the late Samuel and Mary (Aquino) Copani, also preceded in death by her husband, Lon Midkiff, Jr. in 2011; sisters, Mary Fasano and Sandy Orr.

Mrs. Midkiff was a United States Army Veteran having served from 1953-1955, she was a longtime member of Ascension Parish. Nicki will be remembered as a wonderful wife, sister, grandmother and a "great" stay at home mom for her two boys.

Surviving are her beloved sons, Michael (Susan Connell) Midkiff of Whitesboro, NY and Mark (Valerie) Midkiff of Simpsonville, SC; brothers, Jack (Carol) Copani and Carmen (Sandy) Copani both of Batavia; sisters, Grace (James) Deni of Batavia and Josephine Burke of TN; grandchildren, Mitchell, Connor, Gianna & Aiden Midkiff; sisters-in-law, Janice Burns and Shirley Carr; brother-in-law, Sheryl Midkiff along with several nieces and nephews.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be held privately by the family. She will be entombed with her husband in the Father T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery with full military honors and in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

 

Margaret R. Clark, 98, of Batavia passed away Sunday December 20, 2015 at Garden View Senior Care in LeRoy. She was born June 17, 1917 in Gouverneur to the late William (Bernice Williams) Reynolds.

Margaret worked for Motorola in Elma. She was involved in church activities at the Arcade United Methodist Church. Margaret was a loving mother and was totally devoted to her sons and grandsons.

She is survived by her children Robert (Diane) Clark of Batavia, Larry Clark of Culpeper, VA.; brothers William Reynolds of Richville, Welby Reynolds of Gouverneur sisters Elaine Gruneisen and Jean Reynolds both of Gouverneur; 3 grandsons Paul (Fiancé Debbie Gramza) Clark, Paul Clark, Eric Clark along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Arcade United Methodist Church 212 Main Street Arcade, New York 14009. 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 Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Carol Ann Schultz, 76 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Saturday (December 19, 2015) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville.

She was born October 2, 1939 in Akron, NY, daughter of the late Wilfred and Arletta Corbet Snell.

Carol was a bus aide for Akron Central School prior to her retirement. She enjoyed gardening and landscaping around her home. She also loved her family dearly, enjoyed spending time with them and will be missed by all who knew her.

Carol was predeceased by her husband Jack H. Schultz, who died in 1996.

Survivors include her children, Kathy (Rodney) Plowe of Java Center, Deborah (Albert) Graham of Corfu and Scott (Brenda) Schultz of Akron. Grandchildren, Lindsay Comstock, Brandon Kocol, Taylor Plowe, Joshua and Ryan Graham and Tyler and Garrett Schultz. Great-grandchildren, Peyton, Jaxson and Ethan. Brothers, Donald (Bonnie) Snell of Akron and Merle Snell of Florida. Sisters, Geraldine (Gene) Schuler and Sandy (James) Stuart, both of Akron. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (Dec. 21st) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. A funeral service will be Tuesday, 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of the donors preference. Expressions of condolence 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.

 

 

 

Batavia - Mary F. Mullen, 98, died Saturday, December 19, 2015 at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Mullen was born November 19, 1917 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Henry and Sophia (Tetz) Tandlmayer. 

A member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) for many years she, her late husband and their families provided the chairmanship of the Cadillac Raffle at the Church’s annual lawn fete.  Mrs. Mullen also belonged to the Home School Associations of St.  Joseph’s School and Notre Dame High School and was lifetime member of the Batavia Lioness Club.

She was the wife the late Robert W. Mullen who died in 1993 and sister of the late Herbert Tandlmayer.

Survivors include three sons; Robert (Laura) Mullen of Batavia, Richard (June) Mullen of Byron and William (Joyce) Mullen of Brockport; two daughters, Mary Anne Mullen of Batavia and  Ann Marie (late Dr.  S. Paul) Dhanda  of East Bethany.  Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, several great and great greatgrandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph Church, 303 E. Main St. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s School, 2 Summit St. Batavia, NY 14020, Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., Batavia, NY 14020 or the Sisters of Mercy, 625 Abbott Rd. Buffalo, NY  14220.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Rochester - Daniel Joseph Youll, 52, of Rochester, died Thursday (December 17, 2015) at his home in Rochester.

Dan was born July 11, 1963 in Batavia, a son of Yvonne (Hall) Youll of Stafford and the late Richard David Youll Sr.

Dan loved his family, especially his daughter, Haleigh and step-daughter, Sarah.  He was a Buffalo Bills fan and worked maintenance at the Churchville-Chili Central School District.

Surviving along with his mother are his daughter, Haleigh Youll of Olean; his step-daughter, Sarah Ferns of Cranston, RI; four brothers, Richard (Polly) Youll of Henrietta, Barry Youll of Rochester, Charles (Kathy Watkins) Youll of Batavia and Robert Youll of Stafford and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his fiancée, Anita M. Gomez-Ferns.  

Calling hours are Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Dan’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.  Memorials may be made to the family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Byron - Karen L. Gagnon, 71, of Byron, passed away Monday, (December 14, 2015) at Batavia Health Care Center, LLC, in Batavia.

Mrs. Gagnon was born June 6, 1944 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Ralph and Virginia (Pask) Hale.

Karen was a past member of the Byron Fire Department Rescue Squad.  She enjoyed crafting, knitting, crocheting, and antiquing.  Along with her husband, she loved to camp and host family cook outs.

She is the wife of Gary Gagnon, of Byron.  The couple spent 24 wonderful years together.

Surviving along with her husband, are her children, Todd Naylor of Rochester, Tonya Passamonte of Batavia, Timothy (Cindy) Naylor of Batavia, Troy (Lynn) Naylor of Elba; a step-daughter, Jennifer (Bruce) Hotaling of Edwards, NY; a sister-in-law, Mary Hale of Batavia; a brother-in-law, Wayne (Susan) Gagnon of Scottsville.  15 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren also survive. 

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Allen Naylor; a son, Thomas Naylor; an infant granddaughter, Nicole Naylor and her brother, Craig Hale.  

There will be no prior visitation.  Family and friends are invited to attend Karen’s Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, (December 22, 2015) at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Those wishing may direct memorial contributions to the family or to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.  Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

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

Virginia M. Hill "Bets" passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones, on December 15, 2015, at the age of 83. Born in Panic, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John & Margaret (North) Heitzenrater. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents John & Margaret (North) Heitzenrater; siblings Nancy Heitzenrater, Donna Douthit and Robert Heitzenrater.

She graduated from Punxsutawney High School and married three years later on July 27, 1953.  She was a wonderful homemaker who loved to bake, sew, garden and take care of her family. During her lifetime, she was actively involved teaching Sunday School and Pioneer Girls Club and later attended Hunters Creek Bible Baptist Church in Holland, NY.  She enjoyed traveling to Israel, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Alaska and out west.

Virginia is survived by her husband Robert S. Hill; daughter, Karen (the late Floyd Jr.) Fladie of Varysburg, NY and sons,  Jeffrey (Renee) Hill of Orangeville, NY, Robert D. (Donna) Hill of Newfane, NY, David (Amy) Hill of South Wales, NY and John (Bonnie) Hill of Freedom, NY; 11 grandchildren;  7 great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by siblings,  Margaret (the late James) Garzoni of Oakboro, NC, John (Jane) Heitzenrater of Dothan, Al and Ronald (Mary Kay) Heitzenrater of Walston, PA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life  will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 11:00 am at First Bible Baptist Church 555 Central Ave. Lancaster, NY 14086.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Homecare & Hospice 45 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or 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.