Obituaries

  Mrs. Celia Zito, 89, of Batavia passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday July 25, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 12, 1928 to the late Ferdinando (Maria Cecela) Cianfrini. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Anthony “Butch” Zito, mother and father-in-law Salvatore (Concetta) Zito; son-in-law Bill Ray, siblings Lena Giordano, Violet Wolert, Anna Czekanski, Paul, Eddie, John and Joseph Cianfrini. Sister-in-law to James Barone, Sam Paladino, Manuel, Frank, Harry, Eileen, Virginia, Joe, Patty, June, Marian Zito; Whitey Czekanski, Ester Cianfrini, Josephine Paladino, Anna Amato, Lorenzo Amato, Tony Giordano, Edward Wolert, Althea and Danielle Cianfrini.

Celia was a member of Resurrection Parish, St. Mary’s R.C. Church and the Knight-N-Gals. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Celia was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan and attended her first game at the age of 87. Mom enjoyed Sunday dinners with her sister-in-laws Mary, Joe, Rhonda, and Bella Barone. Celia retired from Robert Morris Elementary School as a Lunch Aide after 29 years. Mom loved us all beautifully and perfectly, she will be missed by all.

Mrs. Zito is survived by son Salvatore A. Zito of Rochester; daughters Concetta “Connie” Ray of Batavia, Carol (Brian) Wolfley of Alexander, grandchildren Sal (Aimee Michno) Zito, Jr. of Rochester, Anthony (Chaka) Ray, Sr., Jaime (Jason) Pratt both of Batavia; great-grandchildren Anthony “Butchie” Ray, Jr. of Batavia; Tory & Ryley Zito of Rochester, Anna Pratt, Naz Pratt and Adonis Davis all of Batavia; long time family friends Mr. Al (late Pat) Francis & family, Gail Francis Schnable; Mike (Kathy) Jackson, Matt & Teresa Jackson, Sam (Mary Jane) Sallome & Family. Loving friends & caregivers, Mary Beth Ells, Calla Wolfley, Leslie Hirsch, Olivia George, Roxanne Schulte, Gail Giuliani, Johnny’s Angels; Thank You; sisters-in-law Mary Barone and Kay Cianfrini of Batavia; brother-in-law John Miller of Rochester along with several nieces and nephews.

Celia loved color and the family would like you to please wear pastel colors to her visitation and funeral.

Friends are invited to call on Friday July 28, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday July 29, 2017 at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St.; UMMC Foundation, 127 North St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to a charity of the donors choice.  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.

 

LeRoy ~ William G. Tripp, age 71, of Glenwood Drive, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2017,  after a valiant fight with cancer.

    

He was born April 12, 1946 in Rhinebeck, N.Y., a son of the late H. Fred and Frances Bostwick Tripp.

     Bill graduated Magnum Cum Laude from SUNY Geneseo's Master of Arts program and went on to be a longtime (1969 - 2001) English teacher at LeRoy High School, where he coached and assisted with baseball, cross country and the filming of the varsity football games.  He was also a class advisor for many years.  He had a deep love of music and played the French horn.  He was an avid fisherman and bowler, and also enjoyed hunting, golfing and playing euchre. He was also a die-hard NY Yankees fan.  During his summer breaks and into his retirement years, Bill could be seen painting houses and providing lawn and garden services and general yard work around the area.

     One of Bill's biggest attributes, for which he was known, was his sense of humor and quick wit.

     He will be sadly missed by his wife of over 40 years, Susan Davis Tripp; his daughter, Allison (Josh) Mora of Buffalo; sister, Martha (Gerry) Garing of E. Glennville, NY; granddaughters, Charlotte and Juli Mora; sister-in-law, Barbara Tripp of Quincy, IN; father-in-law, Jack Davis of Horseheads; nieces, Sara (Mark) Tripp Betz and Meredith (Tim) Tripp L'Heureux; nephew, Paul F. Garing, along with two aunts, cousins and many dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother, John Tripp and his mother-in-law, Grace Davis.

     At Bill's request, there will be no prior calling hours and services will be private and held at a later date.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested, with memorials suggested to either the Wilmot Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627 or the William G. Tripp Scholarship Award, c/o Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, P.O. Box 187, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482.

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

     Mr. Tripp and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.

Leon Watson, 91, passed away June 29, 2017. He was originally from Elba.

His family includes children David (Mary) and Bonnie (Robert) Wohlfeil; grandchildren Scott, Tim, Justin (Alicia) Watson, Heather and Heidi Wohlfeil; great grandchildren Amber, Megan, Alayna, and Brenan Watson; several nieces and nephews; a sister Erma (Paul) Joslin. He is a brother of the late Earl and Mary Fillette.

In 1944 he graduated from E.C.S. having participated in music and all sports. He met and married Lois, his high school sweetheart. Elba was their town, having been well known as a couple and volunteer team. They were even Santa and Mrs. Claus at their daughter and son-in-law’s business.

Leon worked on the Elba muckland, Kendall Refining Company as a salesman. Upon retiring he became the top salesman for Dekalb Corn seed, and was a NYS inspector for Comstock checking the crop fields. He was always very active in the community as a member of the Elba Presbyterian Church, serving as a trustee, elder, head usher for 15 years, treasurer, Four Fold Class, and choir member.

The Fire Department kept him busy as he served on the Board of Directors, secretary, chairman of the Recreation Hall, their Bingo caller, marched with the firemen and played in their band, a life member of the Genesee County Firemen’s Assoc., member of the Elba Town planning board, Grange, Masonic Lodge, Moose Lodge, and the Elba Elegants Entertainment Group.

He had many interests in hunting, music, antiques, gardening, and camping having taken the family around the USA, Canada, and Nova Scotia. As a couple they traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, and a cruise through the Panama Canal. He was a true Buffalo Bills fan,Yankees, and Syracuse basketball.

After leaving his home in Elba he resided at the Batavia Manor House where he enjoyed being the “chairman of the chairs”. Recently resided at the Brookdale Landing in Brockport.

Leon lost his Lois in 2010 after 66 years and now they will be together again.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 29th at 11:00 in the Elba Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Elba Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary.

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

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

LeRoy ~ Ruth F. Antinore, age 99, formerly of Warsaw Road, passed away early Saturday morning (July 22, 2017) at the Lakeside Biekirch Care Center in Brockport.

    

She was born August 26, 1917 in Stafford, a daughter of the late Howard and Frances Sliker Graham.

     She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and sister, who loved family gatherings and holiday celebrations.  She was a hard worker, having worked from age 13 to help support her family.  She enjoyed dancing and loved all the time spent at her cottage at Guffin's Bay.  In her recent years, she enjoyed visiting and participating in activities at the Care Center with her new found friends.

     She is survived by her daughter,  “Chip” (Fran) O’Geen of LeRoy; her sons, Joseph Jr. (Joan) Antinore of Rochester, Jack (Emily) Antinore of Holley and David (Karen) Antinore of LeRoy; daughter-in-law, Grace Antinore of Tampa, FL; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Eloise Ayers of Buffalo and Margaret (Patsy) Gallo of Batavia, along with several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph C. Antinore, son, James Antinore, granddaughter, Jeanette Antinore, brother, Elmer Graham and sisters, Ethyl Clark, Helen Coughlin and Arlene Corcimiglia Cichocki.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 3 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy, with interment to follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 1425 Jefferson Road, 2nd Floor, Rochester, N.Y. 14623  www.mda.org  

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

Mary J. Shaw, 77, of Alexander passed away peacefully on Sunday July 23, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Batavia on October 17, 1939 to the late Henry and Odelia (Schunk) Kreutter. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by a son; Duane Shaw; daughter-in-law Arleen Shaw; brothers Henry and Elmer Kreutter; sisters Grace Pistorio, Alice Walton, Betty Gephart and Ethel Wilkes.

Mary was a long time member at St. Vincent’s Church in Attica and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America. She will forever be remembered as a loving mother and caregiver, and excellent cook and her love for flowers and gardening.

She is survived by her loving husband; Donald Shaw of Alexander; children Dean Shaw of OK., Douglas Shaw of Batavia, Donna (Michael) Ciurzynski of Akron, Daniel Shaw of Alexander, Denise (Paul) Jones of Batavia and Deborah (Paul) Remsen of Batavia; brother John (Jeannie) Kreutter of Wyoming, NY., sisters Clara (Tom) Elliott of Attica and Doris (Burt) Elliott of Wyoming; sister in law Letha Kruetter of Alexander; 11 grandchildren Timothy (Jessica) Ciurzynski, Katie (Tyler) Reagan, Melissa Ciurzynski, Jacob and Alison Jones, Marc (Nisha) Remsen, Molly Remsen, Shawn and Sharon Shaw, Mikhayla and Erika Shaw; 3 great grandchildren Sebastian, Oliver and Emilia Ciurzynski along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday July 25, 2017 from 4:00-8:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday July 26^th at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. in Attica. She will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Alexander Fire Department PO Box 336 Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

 

 

PHILLIPS H. KEYS ~ Batavia

After a long illness, Phillips Harwood Keys, age 84, passed into eternal life on Friday, July 14, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born in Rochester, NY on December 1, 1932 and was the son of the late Harwood and Garnet (Phillips) Keys.  He was predeceased by his brother, Charles Keys.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia (Linder) Keys, his son, Barry Harwood Keys, and his daughter, Jennifer (Earl) Adams and six grandchildren: Kirk, Anna, Isaac, lan, Grace, and Elise.

He was a graduate of Clarkson College of Technology (now Clarkson University). He was an officer in the United States Marine Corps and served from January 1957 to August 1960 on active duty and then in the Reserves until 1969, when he was honorably discharged. After military service, he worked at Pacific Power and Light in Portland, Oregon, then at Taylor Instrument Company in Rochester, NY and Akron, Ohio. He purchased Thermal Systems of Rochester in 1985, which was a manufacturer's representative agency for process control and process heating instrumentation, and worked there until he retired.

He served through the years in several community capacities but, after becoming a born-again Christian, he believed that he would have done a greater service to the world by sharing his faith and assuring others that Jesus is real. After retirement he enjoyed gardening and reading, and continued to read through the Bible each year as he had been doing for many years. He always said that it had changed his life and would recommend it to everyone. John 14:6 was frequently quoted by him in the last months and days of his life. His wife and son were holding his hands as he gladly crossed from this life into the presence of Jesus, bearing witness of his faith right to the end to all who were present.

At Phil's request, there will be no calling hours.

Special thanks to the Sussman Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial for their care and kindness. 

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

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

 

Bergen-William B. “Pa” Hayes passed away peacefully on July 11, 2017 at Highland Hospital in Rochester.  He was 93 years old. 

Mr. Hayes was born February 4, 1924 in Rochester, a son of the late Randsford and Mary (Baird) Hayes.

William is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy (Hargrave) Hayes; and his daughter-in-law, Denise Dugan.

Pa, as he was affectionately known was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and vegetable gardening.

He is survived by his children, Vickie (Tom) Turner, Alan (Amy) Hayes, Brian Dugan, and Daniel Dugan; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to William’s caretaker and friend, Kathleen Mayne and dear friend, Bill Privet for their caring devotion. 

Please join the family in a celebration of Pa’s life from 12-4 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at the Conservation Club of Brockport, 291 Ladue Rd., Brockport.  Please respond by August 1^st if you plan to attend by visiting www.bataviafuneralhomes.com or by calling 585-494-1609.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pa’s name may be made to the Bergen Rod & Gun Club, 6410 N. Lake Rd., Bergen, NY 14416.  Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen. 

Batavia - Donna M. Worthington, 83, of Batavia, 20-year employee at K-Mart in Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Batavia.

Mrs. Worthington was born August 23, 1933 in Harpursville, a daughter of the late Virginia Doddato Smith.

A 1952 graduate of Batavia High School, she graduated from the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing through the former St. Jerome Hospital.  Prior to working at K-Mart, she worked at Loblaw’s and as a nurse at the former St. Luke’s Manor and Genesee Memorial Hospital. A member of St. Joseph's Church, she was a member of the Batavia Twirlers, a square dancing club in Batavia. An avid Bingo and euchre player, she would often participate in euchre tournaments around the area. Donna will also be missed by her cat, Kitty Kitty.

Her husband, Loren Francis Worthington, passed away on December 21, 2008.

She is survived by her children; Sue (Gregory) Thiewes of Gulfport, Mississippi, Sally Johnston of Germantown, Maryland, Julie (Marty Kiker) DeFranco of Stanfield, North Carolina and James (Elizabeth) Johnston of Jacksonville, North Carolina; five grandchildren;  Robert (Stephanie) Cummings, James (Myra) Johnston, II, Christina (Adam) Smith, Brandon Goetz and Miranda Goetz; three great-grandchildren;  Aiden Smith, Arianna Johnston and James Johnston, III; her sister; Jean (late Walter) Blankenship of West Virginia; dear friend and caretaker; Amanda "Pinky" Reiff; her son-in-law, Randy Goetz of LeRoy and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services at 1 p.m. Friday will immediately follow visitation. She will be laid to rest in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Addison. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Donna’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Leicester ~ Sharon L. Green, age 75, passed away early Monday morning (July 17, 2017) at Suzanne's Comfort Care Home in Perry.

    

She was born July 10, 1942 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Stanley and Alice Cole Wood.

     Sharon will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, who was especially devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She would often attend and support their sporting events.  She also enjoyed doing crafts, crocheting and gardening around her home.

     She is survived by her daughters, Vonne (Daniel) Walus of Piffard and Melissa (John) Frisiras of Munhall, PA; her granddaughters, Brandi Klinkbeil, Courtney Klinkbeil and Alissa Walus; 4 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Carolyn Wood of OR, William Wood of Perry, Douglas (Lena) Wood of LeRoy and David (Shelley) Wood of Wyoming, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her husband, John R. Green Jr., her sister, Jeanette Wood, her sister-in-law, Edna Wood, and nephew, Daniel Zimnicki.

     At Sharon's request, there will be no prior calling hours or services.  Interment in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander will be at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of any flowers, memorials are suggested to Suzanne's Comfort Care Home, 167 North Main Street, Perry, N.Y.  14530. www.suzannescch.com

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

     Mrs. Green and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy. 585-768-2400

LeRoy - Catherine D. Donnelly-Benoit, 63, of LeRoy, a Certified Nurse’s Assistant at the former Genesee County Nursing Home, died Sunday, July 16, 2017 at her home in LeRoy.

Catherine was born February 15, 1954 in Batavia, a daughter of Patricia (Monagan) Hendershott of Medina and the late Douglas Hendershott, Sr.

She was a 1972 graduate of Pembroke High School, attended Northgate Free Methodist Church and was an avid motorcycle rider.  She was very artistic and enjoyed all kinds of crafting.

Survivors include 2sisters, Susan (Karl) Slate and Sherryl (Tom) Pillo, both of Batavia; 3 brothers, Douglas (Debra) Hendershott, Kevin (Barbara) Hendershott and Thomas (Christine) Hendershott, all of Oakfield; several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was the sister of the late Keith (Sandra) Hendershott.

Friends may call on Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm at H.E. Turner & Co, Inc., 403 E. Main St., Batavia, where services will immediately follow at noon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homecare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, NY 14020 or to All Babies Cherished Pregnancy Assistance Center, 438 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, Batavia, NY 14020.  Private burial will be in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Patricia E. Schurr, 68 of Akron, passed away peacefully on Friday (July 14, 2017) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born November 21, 1948 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy Schad Higgins.

Mrs. Schurr enjoyed crocheting and taking care of her granddaughter. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Clarence W. Schurr of Akron. Daughter, Kelly Schurr of Akron.  Granddaughter, April Davis. Sister, Shirley Slate of Batavia. 

She was the sister of the late Michael Higgins.

There will be no prior visitation and services will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263.  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 - Cynthia M. Vernon, 82, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at her home, in Batavia.

Mrs. Vernon was born January 24, 1935 in Mcleansboro, IL, a daughter of the late William Elton and Martha (Middlekauf) Johnson.

She was the loving wife of 62 years of Frank J. Vernon, whom she married on August 11, 1955.

Surviving is her daughter, Lee Ann (Robert) Patterson of Bergen and her sister, Carmela St. Claire of Silver City, NM.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homecare and Hospice. 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020.  Arrangements were completed by Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home of Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.