Obituaries

Lee A. Hare, 61, of Corfu, passed away peacefully at his home, Monday, September 12, 2022.

Lee was born in the Town of Tonawanda on September 12, 1961, a son of the late Joseph F. Hare, Jr. and Elaine Hare.
He was a graduate of Pembroke High School and served in the United States Marines. Lee worked for Milherst Construction for many years.

Lee is survived by his brothers, Joseph Hare III and Michael (Beth) Hare; nephew, Zachery Hare and nieces, Kayleen and Dylan McEwan; his beloved wife, Maureen Augustyn Hare; stepsons, Timothy (Nikki) Augustyn and Eric (Erica) Augustyn and step grandchildren, Kasey, Kendall, Leah and Aleigha.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside service with full military honors will be held Friday, September 16, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any charity for animal rescue.

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

Beatrice E. Cicero, 100 of Leicester, joined her husband in heaven on September 11, 2022. She was born in York, June 15, 1922 to the late Bernard and Rose (Spezzano) Brock. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stanley E. Cicero (1997), brothers Bernard “Bernie” and Vincent Brock.

Bea married Stanley June 24, 1948, they spent the next 49 years together. They cherished their 5 children, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Beatrice graduated from Rochester Business Institute and was a very savvy business woman. She wrote articles for the Livingston County News that many people enjoyed. Bea played the piano, was an avid gardener and was an extraordinary baker.

She is survived by her beloved children, Janice (Robert) Masonis of Perry, Stanley (Lynda) Cicero Jr. of Fairport, Joanne (Kevin) McCormick of Rochester, Stephen (Mary Ellen) Cicero of East Rochester, Julie (Bruce) Seeber, Harley (Leigha) Doneburg of Silver Springs; brother Raymond Brock, 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, September 16, 2022 from 4 to 8pm at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530. An 11:00am Celebration of her Life will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Old Paths Chapel, 181 South Main Street, Perry, New York 14530. She will be laid to rest in Leicester Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gilead School, 181 South Main Street, Perry, NY 14530. To leave an online condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street Perry, NY 14530.

  Thomas E. Ditzel, 67, of Livonia passed away at home on Thursday, September 8, 2022 after battling a lengthy illness. He was born on June 18, 1955 in Batavia, NY to the late Jerry Ditzel and Margaret (Whaley) Smith. 

Thomas had recently retired, but had a long career in the insurance world.  He worked in the family business, The Ditzel Agency, eventually merging with Lawley Genesee. Thomas loved being with his family and especially at home at Conesus Lake.  He enjoyed being on his boat, cruising around the lake and fun 'lake days' with his wife, kids, grandkids and friends.  Thomas also really enjoyed cooking, watching the Food Network and sharing recipes with those who enjoyed the same passion.  Thomas was kind, compassionate, funny and loved by many.  

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Christine S. Ditzel; daughter, Marissa (Jeffrey) Weaver of Chili, NY; son, Michael (Brittney) Ditzel of Cleveland, OH; and son, Mark (fiancé Hannah Cerone) Ditzel of Greece, NY. Thomas (AKA 'Bumpa') had four grandchildren,  Kallie and Jackson Weaver of Chili, NY and Aryiana Schmitt and Maximilian Ditzel of Cleveland, OH; as well as numerous friends and family both old and new. 

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County CASA for Children, 1 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or Donor's choice. To leave a message of condolence please visit Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. | Batavia, NY Funeral Home & Cremation or for more information call 585-343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

April (Witkop) Zeilman passed away on September 6, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. April was born on April 18, 1970 in Batavia. She is the daughter of David and Linda (Hinze) Witkop.

She will forever be remembered for her smile, big heart, her bling and of course her matching shoes. She is preceded in death by her nephew Matthew Zeilman.

She is survived be her parents and also her husband, Paul, of 25 years, son Zachary (Caitlyn), sister Amy (Brian) Welsh, honorary sister Lisa (Carl) Salemi, mother-in-law Lucille Zeilman, brother-in-law James (Christine) Zeilman, sister-in-law Ginger (David) Henshall, nieces and nephews Shauna, Haley, Riley, Colby, Elizabeth, Nathan, Jacob, and great nieces and nephews Hailey, Owen and Ellianna.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 1 to 3pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St, Attica, NY 14011.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ARC, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

LeRoy ~ Elizabeth A. Forti (Betty) was embraced into the loving arms of the deceased members of her family on September 2, 2022, at the Le Roy Village Green.

  

   Betty was the daughter of Michaelangelo and Rose Corcimiglia Forti. Born in 1927, she was the youngest of 8 siblings, all of whom have passed before her. They include brothers, Dr. John Forti (Adelyn) of Saint Louis, Joseph (Eileen) Forti of Batavia, Anthony (Minnie) Forti of Batavia, Sam (Sara) Forti of Oakfield, and Ned (Grace) Forti of Saint Louis. Sisters include, Carmella Forti of Le Roy, Sister Mary Camilla of Buffalo, and Lena (Peter) Macaluso of Le Roy. Survivors include sister-in-law, Grace Forti, many nieces and nephews, and her puppy, Angel.

     At the tender age of five, Betty’s Mom passed away. She helped with the family grocery store and often told the story of how she would make bread for her Daddy’s return home from work. She worked as a secretary for the LeRoy Bottling works on Mill Street and various other secretarial jobs. However, she most enjoyed her career as a private home care aide for fellow LeRoyans even into her 80s! Betty’s nieces and nephews would surely agree that she is most famous for her homemade pizza ~ the best in town.

     Betty will always be remembered as a faith-filled loving person, who put others first. She was a proud member of St. Joseph’s Church and Our Lady of Mercy Parish in LeRoy. In addition, she was an active member of Our Lady of Charity and The Third Order. Betty also helped with the collection counting and enjoyed morning coffee at McDonalds with friends after attending weekday Mass. As an active volunteer at the Le Roy Village Green, Betty helped with bingo and visited the residents. She will be missed by all those who love her dearly.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, Sept. 9 from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. Private interment in St. Francis Cemetery.

     Contributions in memory of Betty may be made to 716PAWS, 368 Darwin Dr., Amherst, NY 14226 or to the Mother Teresa Outreach Program of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake St., LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

Stella May Peck, 95 of Alexander, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022 at Seneca Health Care. She was born January 29, 1927 in Alexander to the late Harold and Joy (Wight) Goodman. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Loren Peck, brother Kenneth Goodman, sister Lillian Bowen and two daughters, Rosemary and Barbara.

Mrs. Peck retired from Alexander Central School in 1997 where she worked in the cafeteria. She was a member of the Alexander Grange, the Western New York Gas and Steam Engine Association and was a past member of the Alexander Ladies’ Auxiliary. She was a member of the Mother Church of Christian Science in Boston, Massachusetts.

She is survived by her loving children; Roger (Jennie) Peck of Elma, David Peck of Silverton, OR; sisters, Irene Johncox of Clarence Center, Louise Post of Elba, 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 4 to 7pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St, Attica, NY 14011. An 11:00am Celebration of her Life will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022 at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.         

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. 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.

LeRoy ~ Victoria M. "Vicki" Paladino, age 97, passed away Saturday afternoon (Sept. 3, 2022) in the loving presence of her family at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

     She was born May 9, 1925 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Michael and Rose Gaeta Santini.

  

   Vicki will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear friend to many.  She loved to interact with people, which was reflective of her many lifetime jobs.  She was a hairdresser and real estate agent, but her most proud roles included being a volunteer at Crossroads House and working for the Cooperative Extension, where she assisted many families by going into their homes and teaching them life skills.  Vicki was also dedicated to her faith and was a member of the Mercedarian Third Order.

     She will be sadly missed by her son, Paul Paladino; daughter, Rosemary Miller; grandchildren, Michelle Miller (Matt Betzler), Gregory (Peggy) Miller and Melissa (Jim) Lytle; great-grandchildren, Jesse Lytle, Cody Lytle, Sam Miller and Emma Miller, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Vicki was predeceased by her husband, Samuel J. Paladino; sister, Marian Nicometo; son-in-law, David J. Miller and grandson, David M. Miller.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 5 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd.  (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 9 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, 3841 West Main St. Rd., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Bergen - Gary E. Cooper, 77 of Bergen passed away on Wednesday, (August 31, 2022) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Cooper was born on June 9, 1945 in Medina, a son of the late Albert and Ruth (Keller) Cooper.

He was a member of the Bergen United Methodist Church and was proud to have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Gary worked for New York State OGS for many years as a mechanical engineer. He loved music - playing in several local bands and was a DJ for many years. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and spending time with his family.

Gary is the husband of Janice (McGarrity) Cooper of Bergen. The two were married on June 9, 1975.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Christine (David) Childs of Churchville, and Cole Cooper of Bergen; grandchildren, Caden and Ryan Childs, and Kennedy Cooper; sisters, Joan Cooper Manley of North Chili, Sandra (Edwin) Elzer of New Jersey, and Karen (Joe) Wu of Connecticut. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by a son, Clinton Cooper who passed away in 2009.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue in Bergen. Gary's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, (September 10, 2022) at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Avenue in Bergen. A private burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund or Bergen United Methodist Church.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Matthew W. Temple, 44 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

Matt was born Wednesday, February 1st, 1978 in Rochester, son of the late Kenneth W. Temple and Carmela Pellegrino Temple.

A graduate of Batavia High School, Matt enjoyed bowling, spectating at dirt and asphalt racetracks and served as a crew member with a local team, hockey and football. His favorite football player was Joe Montana. He was a student at the Borrell Karate Academy where he earned his 3rd degree black belt and taught younger students.

Surviving are his sister, Kristen A. Temple of Batavia; his brother, Ross (Shawna) Temple of Rochester; his niece, Wren Temple; aunts, Kathy (Larry) Belluscio of Batavia and Ann-Marie (Ron) Pellegrino-Phillips of Albion and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, September 9th, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 at St. James Episcopal Church 405 East Main Street.  He will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mariam Jane Blackchief, 91 of Basom, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (September 3, 2022) at her residence.

She was born September 1, 1931 in Alabama, NY, a daughter of the late Webster and Gladys Blackchief.

Jane resided on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation where she was a member of the former Tonawanda Indian Presbyterian Church, Seneca Singers and was of the Deer Clan. She was currently a member of the Clarence Presbyterian Church. She was employed by Buffalo General Hospital where she was a librarian prior to her retirement. She loved her two cats and feeding the birds.  Jane was also a longtime fan of the New York Yankees and enjoyed watching NASCAR.

Jane was the sister of the late Judith Blackchief and Donald Blackchief

She is survived by several cousins that include Roberta Mitten, Gary Moses, Loren Jones & Janet Barber all of Basom and Leslie Cohan of Glenwood, NY. Also survived by many dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday (September 10^th), 10:00am at the Clarence Presbyterian Church,9675 Main St., Clarence, NY.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

 

 

LeRoy ~ Barbara J. Tinney, age 82, of Summit Street, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning (Sept. 2, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

     She was born May 19, 1940 in Elba, NY, a daughter of the late Milton and Sabina Pelz Rohr.

   

  Barb will be remembered as an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend, who had a passion for gardening and dog obedience competitions.  She was a member of the Stafford Garden Club and former president of AFS in LeRoy.  Her love of showing Golden Retrievers all began with her first canine love, “Timbo”.  She competed in dog obedience trials for over 18 years throughout WNY, Canada, PA and OH.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband of 57 years, Robert J. Tinney; her children, Jean (Dave) Hurst, Joseph Tinney, Patricia (Gordon) Klein and Holly (Brandon) Woodard; grandchildren, Zachery McVicker, Erica Klein, Kassondra (Chris) Klein, Lily Woodard and Ben Woodard; future great-grandchild, Willow Dulaney; sister-in-law, Mary Rohr; step-sister, Maryellen Stanley and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael (Connie) Tinney.

     She was predeceased by her brother, Donald Rohr.

     Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, 3841 West Main St. Rd., Batavia, NY 14020

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

LeRoy ~ Donald P. Schlonski, age 79, of Keeney Avenue, passed away Wednesday afternoon (August 17, 2022) at The Pearl Nursing Center of Rochester.

    

He was born January 26, 1943 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph Schlonski and Vivian Lambert.

     Don will be remembered for his love of cooking and his pets.  He also enjoyed attending family cook outs and visiting “blue hole” on the Oatka Creek.

     He is survived by his wife, Barbara Birge Schlonski; his five children, Donald (Chris) Schlonski, Michael Schlonski, Deborah Schlonski, Jamie Schlonski and Scott Schlonski; 8 grandchildren; his canine companion, Scooter, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Don was predeceased by his brother, Thomas and sisters, Carol, Barbara and Peanie.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 1 ~ 3 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.

     Memorials are suggested to Don’s family.

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

Oakfield - Daniel T. O'Grady, 73, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

He was born Friday, January 7th, 1949 in Buffalo, a son of the late Leo O'Grady and Jean Mack O'Grady.

Dan loved all sports but rooted the most for the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees. He enjoyed attending baseball games, football games and soccer games in the surrounding towns. He enjoyed bowling, fishing and playing all sorts of games. Dan loved going out on Friday nights for a fish fry and beer.

He loved kids and animals and adopted a stray cat from the neighborhood and named him Buddy. Dan brought Buddy into the house and let him sleep with him before he was given permission to adopt Buddy.

Dan was very social and outgoing and was always cracking jokes with everyone around him. He enjoyed making up little nicknames for all the staff. Dan was always happy to see new people and he made sure to make everyone he met feel like his best friend. He was very opinionated and was always ready to offer constructive criticism.

Surviving are his sisters, Tina Bombardo, Mary Geddes and Ann Lynn O'Grady; nieces, Kiera Larsen Terrasson and Tanya Larsen Hassell; grand-nieces, Grace Terrasson, Juliette Terrasson, Trinity Terrasson and Alexa Hassell; grand-nephew, Nick Hassell along with his family from the ARC.

He is predeceased by his sister, Gail P. Larson, who passed away in 2019.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, September 6th, 2022  from 12:00 pm  to 2:00 pm  and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, where funeral services will follow at 6 pm. All who attend are encouraged to wear their favorite sports teams clothing for services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Arc Glow of New York online at www.arcglow.org/index.php/donate-now. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

David A. Beach 65, of Perry, entered eternal rest on August 29, 2022. David was born January 29, 1957, in Buffalo, NY. He was a devoted husband to Deborah (Nutty) Beach of 41 years.

Surviving, along with his wife are his children, daughter Alisha (Shay) Sinitiere, sons Bryan (Angie) and Jared Beach. Proud grandfather of Shay, Annalyse, Kelsey and Bree. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Anna Nutty, brother James (Debra) Beach and his sister Joann Wells, along with his sisters and brothers-in-law Darlene (Don) Clark, Rick (Michelle) Nutty, Randy (Cindy) Nutty, Denise (Dan) Beal, Dawn (Jim) Van Dusen and Hope (Donnie) Mansell along with several nieces and nephews.

David is predeceased by his parents Richard and Lola Beach, his sister Jeanette and his father-in-law Bud Nutty.

He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Some of his many hobbies included gardening with his wife, woodworking, photography, drawing, hunting, and fishing. He was a dedicated employee at Markin Tubing in Wyoming, NY for over 40 years.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on September 10, 2022, from 9:30-11:30am at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main St, Attica, NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Saints Joachim and Anne, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery.     

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee Cancer Assistance or Mercy Flight. 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.