Obituaries

  Eleanor G. Smith, 91, of Penfield, formally of Attica, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 7, 2018 at the Grande Vie Senior Living Community in Penfield. She was born on December 18, 1926 to the late Robert and Edith (Brewer) Gibson. In addition to her parents, Eleanor is predeceased by her husband; James W. Smith; brothers Ralph, Donald and Gerald Gibson. 

She is survived by her children; Thomas (Debora) Smith of SC., Donald (Margaret) Smith of PA., and Linda Smith of Hamlin, NY; grandchildren Christopher Smith and Renee Ackert along with 6 great-grandchildren. 

There will be no prior calling hours or Funeral Service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287 or the Attica Volunteer Ambulance 11 Water St. in Attica. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfu neralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

 

Wessley Thomas Spriegel, 40, of Attica passed away Saturday January 6, 2018. He was born on January 27, 1977 to Clark Spriegel of Attica and Sharon Pierce of Attica.

Wessley was an avid hiker, fisherman and nature lover. Besides his family, his best friend was his dog Teddy. Wherever Wess went, Teddy went. They were true buddies. Wess was getting ready for and looking forward to hiking the Pacific Coast Trail in April. He was an avid reader and was truly his happiest when he was outside with nature.

In addition to his parents, Wes is survived by his brother; Eric (Linda) Spriegel of Williamsville and his niece Emily Spriegel.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 2:00PM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 13, 2018 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stevens Memorial Library 146 Main in Attica. 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.

 

Luke T. Bansmer, 24, of Attica passed away on Saturday January 6, 2018. He was born on September 27, 1993 to David and Annmarie (Hinze) Bansmer of Attica. Luke is predeceased by his grandparents James and Nora Hinze.

Luke is loved very much by his mom and dad, always saying “I love you” before he say goodbye when leaving. He was loved by his family and friends and sometimes known as Tree-Man, Grumpy or Oscar the Grouch but always with love. Everyone he met had a Luke story. He was his dad’s right hand man when working on the race car and his mom’s right hand man when dad was over the road driving. Luke loved going racing with his dad to local dirt tracks, going with his parents to the World of Outlaws finals where he met his idol, Tony Stewart. He was able to talk to other outlaw drivers like Tim McCreadie and Jimmy Owens.

In addition to his parents, Luke is survived by his siblings; Alyson (Pete) Gucinski of Darien, Mathew (Jenn) Weierheisner of Pendleton, NY, and Jeanne Weierheisner of MA.; grandparents Fred and June Bansmer of Wales Center along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday January 12, 2018 from 3:00-7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.  An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday the 13^th at the Funeral Home. Luke will be laid to rest in Marilla Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Luke’s name to Mike Ling 17 Foster Ridge Dr. Hamburg, NY 14075 toward an annual benefit for the kids at Roswell Park or   http://www.savethemichaels.org/ PO Box 55 Buffalo, NY 14207. 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.

Carroll Wesley Corliss, 95, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on the evening of November 21, 2017 in Fortuna, California.

Carroll was born in Elmira, New York on July 26, 1922 to Glenn and Catherine Corliss. He grew up in Batavia, New York, graduating from Batavia High School in 1940.

Carroll enlisted in the Navy on August 20, 1942 as a Naval Aviator, flying corsairs in the South China Sea. After the war, he joined the reserves and continued to fly fighter planes until his retirement from the Navy on April 30, 1964.

In 1944, just before he went off to war, he married Mary Jane Annis, who was a student at William Smith College.

In October 1955, Carroll was transferred by his employer, Eastman Kodak, to Los Altos, California, where he worked for 35 years. Carroll, with Mary Jane and children Mark and Kathy, settled down in Los Altos and lived there for 50 years. After retiring from Kodak, he enjoyed 34 years of retirement.

Carroll was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Mary Jane Corliss, his second wife, Gloria Batterton, his parents Glenn and Catherine, his brothers Frank (Helen) and Hunter (Dorcas), and his beloved grandson Jeremiah.

Carroll is survived by his son Mark Corliss, grandchildren Sarah and Haylee, and great-grandsons Torin and Cameron, and by his daughter Kathryn Spearbeck, grandchildren Seth, Deborah, and Hannah, and great-grandchildren Brandon, Morgan, Nathan, Alexis, and Rylan.

A private service will be held in Los Altos, California.

 Frank A. “Jr.” Ficarella, 67 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 6, 2018 at Rochester General with his family by his side. He was born in Batavia on February 1, 1950 to the late Frank A. (Sara Ruffino) Ficarella Sr. He is preceded in death by his brothers Anthony and Joey Ficarella.

Jr. was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed sports especially horse racing, the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees. Jr. was a past member of St. Michael’s Society and the St. Nicholas Social Club. He and his wife Debbie enjoyed Chinese Auctions, bingo and playing cards with family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Deborah (Ferrando) Ficarella of Batavia; daughter Amy (David) Murray of Batavia; sisters Sandra (Larry) Hale of Batavia; Francine (Jim) Hodge of Lakeland, FL; sister-in-law Mary Ficarella of Batavia; his two beautiful grandchildren that he loved so much Sara and Owen Murray, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday January 11, 2018 at Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York 14020.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York, 14020.   

Nicole D. Weber, 44, of Attica passed away suddenly on Saturday January 6, 2018 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital. She was born on January 13, 1973 in Batavia to the late Nicholas Deleo and Roxie (Branche) Deleo-Fitch of Batavia. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 9 years; Michael Weber of Attica; mother and step-father Roxie (James) Deleo-Fitch of Batavia; sister Michelle Corbelli of Penfield, Julie (Jason) Famiglietti of NC.; mother and father in law Darlynne and Michael Weber Sr. of Attica; 5 nieces Claire, Lauren, Kaylynne, Hope and Willow; 2 nephews Nicholas and Christopher along with her 2 dogs, Diesel and Pip.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Thursday January 11, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Attica 3 Prospect St. Attica, NY 14011.

The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the First Responders from the Attica Fire Dept. who tried so hard to save Nicky.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Fire Dept. 11 Water St. in Attica. 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.

 

John (“Jack”) Stomper, 97, passed away peacefully at the NYS Veterans Home, on January 5, 2018.

Mr. Stomper was born May 28, 1920, the son of Kazmier and Helen Krantz Stomper. He was a lifelong resident of Batavia, a member of Resurrection Parish and a WWII veteran. He is predeceased by his wife, Virginia Clark Stomper, who passed away in 1985.  Jack and Virginia owned and operated The Oakside Bakery and Stomper’s Bakery.  Surviving are his children, Jerry (Mary) Stomper of Fairport, Dr. Paul Stomper of East Amherst, Carol (Stephen) Clark of Ogden, Patricia (Terry) McAllister of Batavia; four grandchildren, David (Lauren) McAllister of LeRoy, Andrew (Kimberly) McAllister of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Jonathan Stomper of Baltimore, Matthew Stomper of Grass Valley, CA;  four great-grandchildren, Evan, Troy, Sadie and Isabella McAllister, nieces and nephews.  He was the brother of the late Ann Rugala, Dorothy Moynihan and Helen Seager.

The Stomper family extends their gratitude to the wonderful staff at the NYS Veterans Home.  Memorials may be directed to the NYS Veterans Home Music Fund.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St., Batavia.  Mr. Stomper’s Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Resurrection Parish – St. Mary’s Site, 18 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY.  Private burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery will be at a later date. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Ms. Diane W. Littlejohn, 74, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018 at her home.

Ms. Littlejohn was born November 30, 1943 in Canandaigua, a daughter of the late Leland Wood and Ethel Martin Wood.

A member and former secretary at Oakfield United Methodist Church, she was a member of Crossroads of Harmony. She enjoyed cooking and canning, painting, sewing, quilting and woodworking. A graduate of Genesee Community College in Batavia, Ms. Littlejohn also received her certificate in ministry.

She is survived by her children, Martin (Judith) Littlejohn of Elba, Nathan (Fiancée Kayla Miller) Littlejohn of Medina, Sue (Mark) Johnson of Batavia, and Seth (Naomi) Littlejohn of Lansing; two brothers, Gary (Jane) Wood of Dryden  and Curtis (Donna) Wood of Endicott; her sister, Patricia (Rodney) Silver of DeBary, Florida; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Diane’s funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Diane’s name to Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield, New York 14125. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Walter M. Brockway 91, Indian Falls, a lifelong resident of The Town of Pembroke, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of January 2, 2018 at the New York State Veterans Home, Batavia, NY.
 
He was born at Pembroke Center on August 28, 1926, the son of the late, Roy M. and Mary Kohorst Brockway. Walt was a carpenter and for over 40 years he owned and operated a Saw Sharpening Business at his home.  He entered the army in December of 1944 and was in Okinawa on his way to the invasion of Japan when the Atomic Bomb was dropped ending the war.  He then served in Korea until discharged in December 1946.
 
He and his wife liked to travel and went all over the United States including Hawaii. For over twenty-five years they spent winters at Myrtle Beach, SC, where they made many friends. Walt enjoyed golfing, fishing, horseshoes, the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and Syracuse Basketball.
 
Walt was a devoted member and former deacon of the Mogadore Chapel at North Pembroke.
 
Walt is survived by his loving wife and best friend of  69 years, the former Lois Meiser and four children, Michael (Jane) Brockway, Greg Brockway, Cheryl (Michael) Bulas, and Thomas Brockway. Grandpa will be missed by his six grandchildren: Stacy Brockway, April (Joe) Barone, Melinda (Dana) Hagen, Melanie (Sean) Chaddock, Jessie Brockway and Melissa Bulas. Nine Great Grandchildren: Marcus, Joey, Hailey, Kiara, Trevor, Krystal, Mackenzie, Mia and Abigail. Grandpa was  always interested and proud of the achievements of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Barbara Dyke and a brother, David and a special niece, Jamie Vick. Predeceased are brothers: Everest (Red), Roy Junior and his twin brother, Donald.
 
A Private Service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the New York State Veterans Home Activity Fund, 220 Richmond Ave.  Batavia, NY  14020. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036
 
The family wishes to thank the Staff at the NYS Veterans Home for the wonderful, excellent, loving care they gave Walt.

 

Edward A. Weis, 80 of Bethany, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Friday (January 5, 2018) at Crossroads House.

He was born January 27, 1937 in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Louis and Florence Stallman Weis.

Mr. Weis was formerly employed by American Stone Mix in Batavia, where he worked as a truck driver. He served his country with the U.S. Marines during the Korean War and was a member of the Marine Corps. League and honored deceased Veterans as part of the Genesee Joint Veterans Honor Guard. He also was a member of the American Legion Post #332 in Batavia and the Polish Falcons Nest #493. He had a passion for helping kids in the area and was involved every year with the Toys for Tots Program, even participating this year when he was battling his illness. Edward enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting and traveling with his wife to Hawaii, Florida and Myrtle Beach. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary Ellen Goold Weis of Bethany. Children, Thomas (Elizabeth) Weis of LeRoy, Donald (Deborah) Weis of Batavia, Donna Weis of Medina and Timothy (Sherri) Weis of Batavia. Brother, Richard Weis of Massachusetts. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (Jan. 9th) from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, where full military honors will follow the conclusion of visitation at 8pm. Interment will be in White Haven Memorial Park, Perinton, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., 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.

 

 

MARGARET M. ALTON ~ Batavia 

Age 55, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon December 28, 2017 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born October 3, 1962 in Garden City, Michigan a daughter of the late Mendal B. and Eva (Malone) Parker.   

Mrs. Alton was member of Resurrection Parish worked for the Batavia City School District. A member of the Holland Land Office Quilt Club, she enjoyed gardening and loved her family very much. 

Surviving is her beloved husband, David W. Alton of Batavia; sons, Matthew W. (Danielle) Alton of Pendleton, NY, Kenneth B. (Kathryn) Alton of Plattsburgh, NY, Dennis M. Alton of Batavia; siblings, George (Bonnie) Parker of Michigan, Helen Riggs of Michigan, John (Teresa) Parker of Alabama, Mary G. (Michael) Smith of Michigan, Joseph (Barbara) Parker of Michigan; precious granddaughter, Keira Alton along with many nieces and nephews. 

The Alton family will be present from 3-7 pm on Friday January 5, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers ***PLEASE NOTE MASS SITE CHANGE*** will be recited 9:00 am Saturday Jan. 6, 2018 followed by a 9:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site), she will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to Foodlink 1999 Mt. Read Blvd. Rochester, NY 14615 or Western New York JDRF 331 Alberta Drive Suite 6 Amherst, NY 14226. 

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

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

 

Michael J. Szemplenski “Max”, 66 of Attica passed away suddenly at his home, January 2, 2018. He was born in Middletown, New York on January 7, 1951 to the late Stephen Szemplenski Sr. and Margaret (Bonney) Szemplenski.

Max was a fixture in Attica.  He was always the guy to smile and say hi, whether he knew you or not. If you needed to know something about trains, Max was your guy. He was always taking videos and reminiscing about waving to all the train conductors while they came through Attica as a boy.  He was the epitome of what people would consider a great guy.  Max worked 36 years as a counselor in Attica, Wyoming & Wende Correctional Facility where he retired as a Senior Counselor.  Max was also very dedicated to his church, St. Joachim & Anne.  Anything the church needed, he was there.  His duties there included Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Lectern, Alter Boy & many more. Max also worked at GCC and became the director of the impaired driving program at the college.  He has written many books and also liked to read books on the Civil War History.  Most of all, Max loved spending time with the love of his life, Sherry.  They were two peas in a pod. Max will be dearly missed by his friends, family, former co-workers & all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Sherry Ann Szemplenski of Attica, mother Margaret Szemplenski of FL.; siblings Steven Szemplenski of Attica, Edward Szemplenski of FL., John Szemplenski of VT.; sister-in-law’s Geraldine (John) Campanicki of PA., Nina Kriesl of PA.; brother-in-law Elbert (Brenda) Ney of PA.; mother-in-law Geraldine Ney of PA.; 4 nephews Anthony, Jeremiah, Zachery & Eric. 

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joachim & Anne Church 50 East Ave Attica, NY 14011 on Saturday March 17, 2018. Interment will be at ST. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sherry Ann Szemplenski, which she will disperse to his favorite organizations.  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.

Mary B. Meleca, 100, and lifelong resident of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (December 22, 2017) at the Premier Genesee Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she resided for over 15 years.

She was born in Lawrence, MA, on October 22, 1917, a daughter of the late Angelo and Lucy Pappalardo Borzi. After the untimely death of her mother Lucy Pappalardo Borzi when Mary was 6 and her sister Ann was 7 they were brought to Batavia and were raised by their maternal grandmother and grandfather, Benedetta and Placido Pappalardo.

She is survived by 2 sisters Jo (Jack) Gianni, and Sr. Rosemarie Borzi (Religious nun of the Venerini order). She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and other family members who she cared for deeply.  She was pre-deceased by both her sister Ann (Norfe) Pirro and her brother Tony Borzi. 

Mary was a wonderful homemaker and cook.  Many relatives and friends benefited from her cooking creations and still hold her recipes dear.  She spent several years working for Oliver’s Candy scooping ice cream and Branton’s Dairy. She worked for a law firm in her later years.  Reaching 100 years old Mary set the high watermark of longevity for the family.

There will be no prior visitation and a Memorial Mass will be scheduled for a time in the future. She will be entombed in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

CHRISTOPHER J. BARTNICK ~ Batavia

Age 36, of Batavia, NY, died unexpectedly Saturday December 30, 2017 at his home. He was born in Batavia, March 23, 1981, a son of Paul and Patricia (Richardson) Bartnick of Byron.

Chris earned an Associate's degree from Genesee Community College and attended the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship Church where his strong faith in the Lord guided him. He enjoyed collecting objects and had a deep love of friends and family.

Along with his parents he is survived by his sister, Jennifer L. (Matthew) Ogley of Kentucky; nieces and nephews, Hannah, Caleb, Abagail and Kira along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, he will be greatly missed by his dogs, Jack & Olivia, cats, Reba & Lenny and his guinea pig. 

Christopher's viewing will be from 3-5pm Saturday January 6, 2018 with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Donations may be made to the family in lieu of flowers. 

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

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

 

Rochester - Kathleen O'Connor "Kaye" Gill, 97, of Rochester, formerly of Batavia and Brockport, a manager at Midtown Holding Co. in Rochester, died Friday, December 29, 2017 at The Highlands at Brighton.

Mrs. Gill was born August 19, 1920 in Salamanca, a daughter of the late Bernard L. and Bertha Belle (Van Fleet) O'Connor.

She was a former personnel manager of McCurdy & Co., Manager of B. Foreman Co., Specialty Shop; a former Fashion Coordinator for the former C.L. Carr Department Store; Co-founder of Genesee Area Genealogists, past president of Batavia Business Professional Women, American Cancer Society, Rochester Genealogical Society; Huguenot Society of America; Rochester Genealogical Educators Group; Trustee at Genesee Community College; First County Chairperson of Major Political Party in USA; Listed in 1962 Edition of Who’s Who in America.

Survivors include her granddaughter, Colleen (Dave Jennings) Gill of Alexander; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces, Carol Aiken and Joan Russell; 23 great-nieces and nephews and several cousins. 

She was the mother of the late Dennis Gill, mother-in-law of Barbara Burr Gill and sister of the late John O'Connor Sr. and DeEtte Chamberlain.

Services will be at the convenience of the family.  Private burial will be in Grand View Cemetery.  Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, NY.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.