Obituaries

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.

Age 87, died peacefully Monday July 10, 2017 at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. She was born December 2, 1929 in Brocton, NY to the late William and Mabel (Wilcox) Arnold, also preceded in death by her husband, Dean A. Smith in 1988; siblings, Robert, Charles and Roger Arnold, Esther Scott, Catherine Fisk and Maude Diate. 

Irene and her husband owned and operated Smith's Stables Harness Horses for many years and were well known in the Harness Horse racing community from Batavia Downs to Buffalo Raceway, she also worked for Lipton's in Albion and at the Coffee Cup in Oakfield. She loved Country Western music and was always up for a good party! 

Surviving are her children, Billy (Patricia) Smith of Oakfield, Jerry (Jackie) Smith of Olean, Ralph Smith of FL and Judy (Waldamer) Hawja of Olean; 9 grandchildren; many great & great-great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews. 

The Smith family will be present from 11-1pm on Tuesday July 18 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will follow at 1pm. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Reed Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. 

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

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

RONALD M. GERVASE ~ Batavia

Went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 10, 2017 at the age of 72. He was born March 13, 1945 in Mt. Morris, NY, a son of the late Joseph and Nora (Cicero) Gervase.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Casimir and Samuel Gervase.  Ron graduated with a degree in economics from Cornell, where he played football, baseball, and basketball and won All-East and All-Ivy League honors.                                                                                                                

Ron was a self-employed appliance repairman for many years throughout the area and was devoted to his kids and grandkids.  Ron attended Mass daily and lived his faith by helping those around him whenever they needed a hand or a word of encouragement.  

Surviving are his loving children, Ronald Gervase, Jr. of Dallas, TX, Sam Gervase of Wilmington, NC, and Sarah Gervase of Fairfax, VA, and beloved grandchildren, Julia and Andrea Gervase. 

There is no prior visitation and funeral services will be announced at a future date. Memorials in his memory may be made to Catholic Charities of Genesee County, 25 Liberty Street, Suite 7, Batavia, NY 14020. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Ron with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

He is survived by his wife Jean (O’Halloran), children Fredrick (Marie) Lapple of Rochester, Thomas Lapple of Leesburg, VA., Marie (Dan) Davidson of Charlotte, NC, and William (Angela) Lapple of LeRoy, along with 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents Fredrick and Carmel (Coyle); and 2 brothers, Gerald and Howard.

Fred grew up in the “Butterhole” section of Clinton Ave in Rochester and attended St. Michael’s grammar school and Benjamin Franklin High School.  He was awarded a full football scholarship to Syracuse University, but joined the Coast Guard during World War II. Upon returning, he was employed by Tobin Packing Company, building a career from truck driver to Sales Manager. He was elected in the 1966 inaugural class of the Monroe County Legislature representing East Irondequoit. He later became the Director of Civil Service and Personnel for Monroe County and finished his career as a two-term elected Supervisor for the Town of Irondequoit.  Fred’s passion was public service, and he was proud to help all people regardless of their affiliation. He supported Catholic Education and was instrumental in starting the Bishop Kearney Parents Club which, for years, was the main fundraising arm of the school.  His devotion to his community was evident through his memberships in many organizations including St. Salome’s Parish Council, Point Pleasant Fire Department (a 50-year member), Pop Warner Football, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Police Chief’s Association, The American Legion, and many others.  He served as Chairman of the SUNY College of Optometry College Council and was a long-time member on the Board of the Monroe County Employees Federal Credit Union.

His family wishes to thank the compassionate caregivers at the New York State Veterans Nursing Home in Batavia where he lived his final month.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday July 29, 2017 at Christ the King Church (of St. Kateri Parish) 445 Kings Highway S. Rochester, NY 14617.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Point Pleasant Volunteer Fire Depart Benefit Fund, the Fred and Jean Lapple Scholarship Fund at Bishop Kearney High School, or the World War II Museum in New Orleans (of which Fred was a charter member). 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.

John Wiggins, 70 of Springville, N.Y. passed away peacefully on Sunday July 9th, 2017 at his residence. He is survived by and lovingly remembered by his sister- in law Vivian Wiggins of Steinbach MB, Canada, his nieces Cynthia (Derick) Horman of Winnipeg, MB Canada and Collette (Jack) Burkard and daughter Rylie of Port Orange, Florida.  Also survived by his nephew, Wesley Wiggins of Steinbach, MB Canada. John was predeceased by his parents Charles (Chuck) and Lois Wiggins, his brother, William and his sister, Susan. A memorial service will be held on Friday July 14th, 2017 at Castiglia Funeral Home, 873 Abbott Rd, Buffalo N.Y.  Arrangements by Castiglia Funeral Home. 716-824-6435
John lived in Batavia for many, many years and participated in Genesee County Arc Programs. 

Charles L. Rieks, 74, of Greeneville, TN, Orange Park, FL & Pavilion, NY passed away on April 20, 2017 will be laid to rest on July 15^th, 2017 at 1:00 pm in the East Bethany Rural Cemetery in East Bethany with military & firematic honors.  A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held immediately afterword at BW’s Restaurant, Perry Road, Pavilion.

Dansville - Amy E. Herbeck, 52, of Dansville, passed away Monday, (July 10, 2017) at her home, in Dansville.

Ms. Herbeck was born February 28, 1965 in Buffalo, a daughter of Donald and Josephine (Clifford) Frase of Macedon.

Amy was an artist and enjoyed drawing.  She greatly enjoyed spending time with her beloved canine companion, C.C.

Surviving along with her parents are her children, Nicole (Otis) Thomas of Batavia, Josh (Anna Liles) Pedraza of Byron, and Rocco Colombo of East Bethany; grandchildren, Nya, Teagyn, and Gunnar Thomas, and Kennedy Pedraza; a brother, Mark (late Janet) Frase of Hartford, CT; sister, Rebecca (Mark) Nickel of Pittsford.  2 nieces, 1 nephew, and her companion Rick Snyder of Sparta also survive.

There will be no visitation.  Services will be private at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, or online www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

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

She was a very avid crafter, loved to cook and especially loved to go fishing. She was known for her doughnuts that no one else could copy. She took great pride in the presents she would make with love for all. She was a devoted and adoring grandmother and each baby was greeted by great love and joy.

She is survived by her loving husband Allen M. “Mac” Mitchell who she lovingly joined in marriage on Sept. 11, 1953 in Barnet, VT. ; daughters Katherine “Kim” (Gary) Guralny of Attica and Mary E. Mitchell of Rome, NY; sister Judy (Richard) Despins of St. Johnsbury, VT., daughter in law Sonja Mitchell of N. Tonawanda.   She leaves behind many loved grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter, many nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Athena.

Much appreciation and thanks to the home care staff, the nurses , aids and Doctors  of United Memorial Medical Center and Tim at Marley Funeral Home for their care, support and consideration above and beyond.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 1:00PM Celebration of Life will be held at her daughter Kim’s house on Saturday July 29, 2017 at 30 Water Street, Attica, New York 14011 all are welcome to come and rejoice in her life.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Leukemia Society http://www.lls.org/ or the Wyoming County SPCA http://www.wyomingcountyspca.org/. 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.

Batavia – Mr. Lester L. Snyder, 87, of Batavia, longtime resident of Alabama, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2017 at The New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia.

Mr. Snyder was born August 27, 1929 in Alabama, a son of the late Milford and Elma Ostrander Snyder.

His wife, Joan V.  Bradt Snyder, passed away on January 29, 2017. The two were married on May 9, 1954.

He is survived by his three sons; Kevin (Jackie) Snyder of Lockport, Terry (Nancy) Snyder  of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina and Craig (Debbie) Snyder of Henrietta; 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; his brother; Leo (Janice) Snyder of Alabama; his sister-in-law, Arlene Snyder of Medina and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his siblings; Beatrice (James) Seibert, Lyle (Helen) Snyder, Aletha (Alfred) Kenward, Irene Snyder and Leland "Jack" Snyder.

Friends may call on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Graveside services, with military honors, will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Alabama Cemetery, 6430 Alleghany Road, Basom.  Memorials may be made to the activities fund at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Ada was a member of St. Joachim & Anne Parish in Attica. She was formally employed at the Attica Ben Franklin store and was proud of the fact that she worked at Upstate Chevy filing paperwork into her 90’s.

She is survived by her children; David Fox of Attica, Joanne (Steven) Ripstein of Attica; grandchildren Tina (Mike) Harding of Attica, Todd (Meghan) Ripstein of Batavia, Kris Bow of FL., Mike (Jen) Bow of Attica and Daren (Liz) Fox of Warsaw along with 10 great grandchildren.

Family and Friends are welcome to call on Friday July 14, 2017 from 1:00-2:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011 where a 2:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.  She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Fire Dept. 11 Water St. Attica, NY 14011 or the Gateway House 91 Main St. in Attica.  For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Mr. Deni owned and operated Joseph Deni’s Barber Shop on Ross St. in Batavia for many years. He was a well known local artist, avid painter and one of the founders of the Batavia Society of Artists.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carmela (LaRussa) Deni of Batavia; sons James (Simone) of Chili, Lawrence (Roseann) of Orchard Park, Joseph (Kathryn) of East Aurora, Thomas of Boca Raton, FL, Michael (Deborah) Deni of Batavia; brothers Anthony (Josephine) of Batavia, sister Mary Vendetta of Batavia, James (Grace) Jr. of Batavia, Carl Deni of Amherst; 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday July 13, 2017 from 4-8 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:00 AM at the Funeral Home on Friday July 14, 2017 followed by a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. He will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame Foundation, 73 Union Ave. Batavia, New York 14020. 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.

Eva M. Allison, of Lyndonville, passed away on July 6, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Eva was born in Medina, September 21, 1949, a daughter of the late John James and Barbara Eudora (Gotham) Christy.  A graduate of Medina High School, she was employed as an executive secretary for M.J. Dreher Trucking, Inc.  She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Medina where she served as a Deacon.  Eva enjoyed knitting and reading.
Survivors include her partner, Yvette A. Nevin; 3 children, Donnie (Amelia) Draper, Molly (Robert) Hayes and Katy (Rich Seymour) Allison; 4 grandchildren, Patrick, Troy, Danielle and Aidan; 2 great grandchildren, Thea and Melanie; her sister, Sarah (Rick) Gibson; her brother, Michael (Sue) Christy; her aunt, Janice Hicks; 2 nieces, Sarah and Emily; several cousins.  She was predeceased by her daughter, Jessica.
Friends may call on Wednesday 10:30-11:30 at the First Presbyterian Church, 522 Main Street, Medina, where her service will follow at 11:30.  The Rev. Alfreda E.S. Morse will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14642, Knights/Kaderli Memorial Fund or the First Presbyterian Church of Medina.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cooper Funeral Home, Medina.  Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

In addition to his parents, Brian is survived by his sisters; Miranda L. and Megan L. West both of Alexander; grandmother Beverly S. West of Attica; grandfather Eugene “Geno” Slepinski of Attica; he is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and family members.

Brian was an Alexander student preparing for his senior year. He played on the Varsity Football team who last year won their first Section V title in school history. He loved wrestling, weight lifting, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, spending time at the cabin and hanging out with his buddies and loving family. Brian also had the utmost respect for Law Enforcement and after high school wanted to pursue a career as a police officer.

Family and friends are welcome to call on Thursday July 13, 2017 from 2:00-7:00PM at the Alexander Fire Department Recreation Hall 10708 Alexander Rd. (RT 98) Attica, NY 14011. A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial on Friday the 14^th at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. Attica, NY 14011. A reception will immediately follow at the Church Hall. Brian’s interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Brian’s memory to the Alexander Fire Dept. PO Box 336 Alexander, NY 14005 or the Alexander Football Club PO Box 174 Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

She was born September 26, 1948 in Watertown, NY, a daughter of the late Robert and Betty Beuttner Gibbs.

Mrs. Clark was a Registered Nurse for the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia and a maternity nurse at Wyoming County Community Hospital prior to her retirement. She was an active participant in the Batavia Assembly of God Church. Mrs. Clark enjoyed gardening around her home and caring for her horses and will be greatly missed by all who knew her caring heart.

Survivors include her loving husband of 50 years, T. John Clark of East Bethany. Son, Richard (Laurie) Clark of Fulton, NY. Two grandchildren, Joshua and Brianna Clark. Sisters, Christine Zimmerman of Ogdensburg, NY and Sarah Lynch of Fort Drum, NY. Brothers, Randy Gibbs of Rhinebeck, NY and Craig Gibbs of Alexandria Bay, NY. Half Sisters, Rachael Riordan of Adams Center, NY and Jennifer Rozell of Roswell, Georgia. Half Brother, David Gibbs of Theresa, NY. Also survived by step brothers, step sisters, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Gibbs.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (July 15th) from 10am-12pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A funeral service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 12pm. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce 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.