Obituaries

BRANDON W. BENBEN ~ Basom

Age 27, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning December 5, 2017 at the home of his sister. He was born April 12, 1990 in Amherst, NY to Ronald Benben of Basom and the late Paula (Parsons) Benben. 

Brandon was a talented musician who loved playing the guitar, a "Techie", he could design, build or fix just about any electronic device, he enjoyed computer games, especially, Elder Scrolls, working out and was an avid sports fan. 

Surviving along with his father are his loving sisters, Shannon (Eric) Ball of Batavia, Lacey (Jesse) Dusen of LA; paternal grandmother, Jeanette Benben of Basom; niece, Skylar Benben; numerous aunts and uncles along with many friends. 

Please join the Benben family to Celebrate the Life of Brandon 7pm Friday December 15, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Memorials in his memory are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice 29 Liberty Street Suite 6 Batavia, NY. 

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

 

Byron - Charles Arthur Lyman, Jr., age 83, of Byron, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at The New York State Veteran's Home in Batavia.

Mr. Lyman was born October 15, 1934 in Wellsville, a son of the late Charles Arthur Lyman, Sr. and Genevieve Small Lyman.

A member of Byron Presbyterian Church, Mr. Lyman loved his cats and enjoyed collecting relics, hunting and fishing. A veteran of the United States Navy, Mr. Lyman was a boiler mechanic at Birdseye Foods in Avon for many years.

He is predeceased by his wives, Ardath Lyman and Helen Lyman.

He is survived by his son, Daniel A. (Patricia Marley) Lyman of Dalton; his sister, Melissa (Kurt, Jr.) Vonkleist of Warren, Pennsylvania; his adopted family, Douglas (Laura) Platt of Byron; close family friend, Linda Charles of Byron and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his son, Michael Lyman.

There are no prior visiting hours. His memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street. He will be laid to rest in Allen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or Byron Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 326, Byron, New York 14422.To  leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia – Mrs. Betty M. Neth, age 91, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester following a brief illness.

Mrs. Neth was born June 30, 1926 in Byron, the daughter of the late Ralph and Beulah Harkness Forsyth.

She was a retired assistant librarian in the Batavia Public Schools and Richmond Memorial Library. Mrs. Neth was a member of  Resurrection Parish, The Melzingah Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and a volunteer at Richmond Memorial Library. She was an avid golfer and member of Stafford Country Club for over 45 years. Her favorite hobbies were playing bridge and reading.

Her husband was the late Willis J.  Neth, Jr.  who passed away on September 12, 2015.

She is survived by her son, Willis J. (Kathleen) Neth, III, of New Fairfield, Connecticut; her  daughter, Pamela (Gary) Barrack of Beacon; three grandchildren,  Willis J. Neth IV, Amy Neth and John (Christine) Barrack; one great-grandson,  Edward Willis Barrack; her brother, Jack (Agnes) Forsyth of Scottsville and nieces and nephews.

She is the sister of the late Howard Forsyth and June Cleary. 

There are no prior visiting hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Father Michael Bausch, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Terry R. Merritt, 62 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday (December 7, 2017) at the Martin Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion following a lengthy illness. 

She was born September 18, 1955 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Raymond and Beatrice Lang Richardson. 

She was a graduate of Pembroke High School. 

Survivors include her husband, Charles W. Merritt of Batavia. Children, Eric (Michele) Duckworth of Tennessee, Andrew (Kelly) Duckworth of Batavia, Jody (John) LaFarnara of Batavia and Jorge (Lynette) Duckworth of LeRoy. Siblings, Raymond Richardson, George Richardson, Joseph Richardson, Patricia Bartnick, Thomas Richardson, Samuel Richardson, James Richardson and Joanne Richardson. Also survived by 13 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Mr. Mouse. 

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, December 17th from 1-4pm at the Polish Falcons, 123 S. Swan Street, Batavia. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with medical expenses incurred during Terry’s illness. 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.

 

 

Victoria Lynn Maile Castle, 50 of Sacramento, CA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (December 6, 2017) at her home surrounded by family and under the care of hospice.

She was born April 6, 1967 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of Victor Maile of Batavia and Concetta Courtnier of California.

Victoria enjoyed shopping and traveling, especially internationally throughout the world.

Surviving besides her parents, is her husband, Robert Castle. Children, Nicholas and Ali. Grandson. Brother, Ross Maile. Step-siblings, Nicole, Nicholas Maile, Lori Olverd, Renee Olverd, Eric Olverd and David Olverd. Also survived by many dear friends.

Private services will be conducted in California. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net. LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

SHARON P. CLARK ~ E. BETHANY

Age 67, beloved wife, mother and grandmother died peacefully Sunday evening December 3, 2017 at her daughters home under the care of Hospice. She was born April 10, 1950 in Batavia, NY to the late Paul and Jane (Jacobus) Roth.

Sharon worked for many years at Suburban Propane, was member of the South Byron Methodist Church and was active in the West Middlebury Baptist Church for many years. She enjoyed music and crocheting. 

Surviving is her husband, Lloyd Clark of E. Bethany; loving daughters, Barb Burdick of Byron and Amy Burdick of Batavia along with her beloved grandson, Mikah Burdick; siblings, Lucille (Emanon) Roth of Buffalo, Linda Sanders of E. Bethany, Sandra (Dennis) Gillett of Bergen, Mark (Laurie) Roth of Amherst; step-sons, John (Jenny) Clark of Linden, NY, James (Dora) Clark and Lloyd (Trinity Sarratt) Clark all of Germany; step-grandchildren, Sonny, Kate, Lloyd III along with several nieces, nephews and friends. 

Sharon's family will be present from 2-4 & 7-9pm on Thursday December 7, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, funeral services will be held 2:00pm Friday December 8 at the South Byron United Methodist Church 7636 Byron-Holley Road (Rt 237) South Byron, NY 14557, she will be laid to rest in Morganville Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia or HomeCare & Hospice 29 Liberty Street Suite 6 Batavia, NY. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Sharon with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

 

Sherryl A. Hendershott-Pillo, 58, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 5, 2017 surrounded by her family at Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born on June 18, 1959 in Batavia to the late Douglas Hendershott and Patricia Monagon of Medina. In addition to her father, Sherryl is predeceased by her sister Kathy Benoit; brother Keith Hendershott; father-in-law Phil Pillo.

Sherryl was a Nursing Supervisor at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She loved camping, fishing, dancing and going to the casino. She enjoyed playing games on the internet, especially Farmville. Sherryl was very passionate about her job, was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and most importantly, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her loving husband; Thomas Pillo of Batavia; children Jennifer Gangi of Batavia, Daniel Gangi of Batavia, Jessica (Josh Blanco) Maskell of Bethany, Steven Maskell of Elba, Keith Pillo of Batavia, Sarah Pillo of Albany, Mike and Matt Pillo of Batavia; mother-in-law Karen Pillo of Batavia; siblings Sue (Carl) Slate of Pembroke, Doug (Deborah) Hendershott of Oakfield, Kevin (Barb) Hendershott of Alabama and Tommy (Christine) Hendershott of Alabama; 13 grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday December 11, 2017 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 7:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House http://crossroadshouse.com/ PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. 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.

 

Marcia Karson, 71, of Batavia passed away on Friday December 1, 2017 at the Batavia Health Care Center.

There will be no prior calling hours and her Services will be held privately.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.

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.

Richard J. Canale, 75, of Batavia, died on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Rochester General Hospital.

Richard was born July 6, 1942 in Buffalo, a son of the late Louis and Eva (Quatrani) Canale.

A veteran, Richard served with the United States Army and was a senior consultant with Systems & Computer Technology in Rochester. Richard was an active member of Resurrection Parish, serving on the parish council and also as a Eucharistic minister and lector. He was a Lay Person, 3rd Order of Mercy Grove LeRoy. Richard was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Monsignor William C. Kirby Council #0325, serving as deputy, grand knight and financial secretary. Also, he was a 4th Degree Knight with Father Vincent R. Capodonno Assembly #0755, holding office as a faithful pilot and faithful navigator.

Survivors include two nieces, Luanne (Gregory) Kovacs of Florida and Susan (David) Hostetter of Rochester; a nephew, John (Cindy) Canale of Batavia; great-nieces and great-nephews, Adam (Barbara), Scott and Frank Kovacs, Molly (Tyler) Jette, Jonathan and Eric Hostetter and Rebecca and Nathan Canale; a great-great-nephew, Gregory Kovacs.

He is a brother of the late John V. and Dr. Louis D. Canale.

Calling hours are Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. The Monsignor William C. Kirby Council #0325 will conduct a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and the Father Vincent R. Capodonno Assembly #0755 will stand guard during the calling hours.

Richard's Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, where military honors will be held at the conclusion of Mass. Richard will be laid to rest in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kenmore.

Memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or Fathers of Our Lady of Mercy, c/o Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, NY 14482-1046.

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

Alexander - Diane  J. "Kitty" Keicher, 70, of Alexander, retired executive secretary for National Grid, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mrs. Keicher was born March 23, 1947 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert J. and Helen Piacinte Bartz.

A member of the 1st Baptist Church of Batavia, Mrs. Keicher served as Bergen Town Clerk from 1980 to 1988.  A huge fan of Elvis Presley she would often travel to Tupelo to visit his home and was a member of many Elvis Fan Clubs.  Three years ago she authored the book, Before Fame and Fortune, a life story of Elvis.

She is survived by her husband, Mark  A. Keicher, whom she married Nov. 19, 1988; her son, William (Karen) Brew of LeRoy; two brothers,  Robert (Judith) Bartz of Chili and Larry Bartz of Batavia; her sister, Shirley (Robert) Gouger of Batavia; two grandchildren and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. 

She was the mother of the late David R. Brew.

There will be no prior visitation and services will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Memorial Institute, PO Box 631, Buffalo, New York 14240-0631. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Bergen - Michael Victor Blackcloud, 73, of Bergen, Line Inspector at General Motors Corp., Rochester, NY, died Sunday, December 3, 2017 at his home, in Bergen.

Mr. Blackcloud was born July 21, 1944 in Kenel, SD, the son of the late David and Josephine (Bearking) Blackcloud.

He is survived by his wife, Fay M.  (Mason) Blackcloud of Batvia; 3 children, Rodney (Delia) Bickham of Bergen, Ann Dunn of Batavia and David Blackcloud of Bergen; a sister, Mary Monsees of Spencerport; a brother, Claude (Kristine) Blackcloud of Churchville;He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilition, 278 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Christopher R. Haitz, age 46, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 1, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born February 1, 1971 in Buffalo, a son of James F. Haitz, Sr. of Batavia and Pamela Maggio Haitz of Rhode Island.

Surviving along with his parents are his brothers; James F Haitz, Jr., Timothy Haitz, Jeffrey Haitz, Craig Haitz and Peter Haitz and several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior visiting hours. His services will be held on Saturday, December 9th in the Community Room at the South Campus of Northgate Free Methodist Church, 350 Bank Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Chris have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Vincent J. Meli  of Silver Lake NY, formerly of Oakfield NY, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017 peacefully at his home with his family by his side under the care of Hospice.

Vincent was born in Buffalo, NY on October 4, 1930, a son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Bonifin) Meli. Brother of the late Mary Fulkerson. 

He served his country in the US Navy in 1947  and the US Army during the Korean War.  Mr. Meli along with his wife Carol owned and operated the Edgewood Restaurant in Bergen NY for 20 years He enjoyed cooking and gardening at the restaurant as well as his home at the lake.  He worked hard to make his gardens something he could be proud of and his house on Silver Lake won the home of distinction in 2009 which earned him an award.

Surviving along with his wife Carol (Davis) Meli whom he married May 22, 1976  are his daughter, Penny Meli; two grandsons, Joseph Meli, and Justin Meli; two great grand daughters, Zoey Meli and Fayt Meli; brother, Salvatore (Sam) Meli;  brother in-law, Jim Fulkerson; niece, Diane Fulkerson; brother in-law, Lowell (Eleanor) Davis; sister in-law, Shirley Peters. 

Funeral services will be private for the convenience of the family. Interment will take place in the future Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke NY.

Memorial contributions in Vincent's name may be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center,  601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642 or Homecare & Hospice, 450 N Main St #3, Warsaw, NY 14569. Expressions of condolence maybe 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.

 

ANGELO L. VISCUSO ~ Batavia

Age 81, died peacefully Thursday evening November 30, 2017 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born December 27, 1935 in Batavia to the late Louis and Teresa (Pillo) Viscuso also preceded in death by beloved wife Patricia G. (Graham) Viscuso and brother, Louis. 

Mr. Viscuso was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a longtime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's). A professional drummer who played with Billy Quad & The Ravens along with many area bands. 

Surviving are his loving children, Theresa Viscuso of Houston, TX, Mary Margaret (Mark) Mruczek of Houston, TX and their children, Rachel & Renee, Daniel P. Viscuso of Batavia and his daughter, Nicolette, Patrick Viscuso of Batavia, Joan E. (Norbie) Torres and their daughter, Olivia along with several nieces and nephews. 

Please join the Viscuso family to celebrate Angelo's Mass of Christian Burial 11am Wednesday December 6, 2017 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Site), he will be entombed in the Rev. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph's Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are Genesee County Animal Shelter/Volunteers for Animals 3837 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020. 

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

JOSEPH J. CHOKA, JR. ~ Bergen

Age 87, avid photographer and owner of Suburban Photo Services in Hilton for many years, died Wednesday evening November 29, 2017 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. He was born December 10, 1929 in Dearborn, MI to the late Joseph J. and Helen (Torque) Choka, Sr. also preceded in death by siblings, Helen Choka, Violet Pickering and Edward Choka

Joe was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict and along with his photo service worked and retired from the Eastman Kodak, Co. He loved boating, fishing and hunting and was a longtime member and past president of the Hilton Lions Club. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 28 years, Sharon (Bogue) Choka of Bergen; children, Ann (Mario) Tufano of Hilton, Joseph J. (Susan) Choka III of Missouri, Lynn Sepor of Orchard Park, Mark (Lisa) Wadd of Pavilion; grandchildren, Tara (Richard) Guck, Tanya Tufano, Mario F. Tufano III, Richard Sepor, Jake Sepor, Rachel Wadd, Joseph J. (Nick) Choka IV, Stacey (Skylar) Choka, Matthew Choka, Jeremiah Choka, Emily Choka, Olivia Choka; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Oren Guck; mother-in-law, Vera Maitland of Eden, NY; brother-in-law Larry Pickering of Michigan; sister-in-law, Elaine Choka of TN along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

The Choka family will be present from 4-8pm on Monday December 4, 2017at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where funeral services will be held 11:00am Tuesday December 5, he will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Joe with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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