Obituaries

Helen M. Cook, 75 of Elba, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at her daughters home. She was born March 27, 1944 in Lackawanna to the late Roy (Elizabeth Harris) Gee.  

Mrs. Cook was an amazing baker and made the best cookies around. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, cowboys and bull riding. Helen enjoyed watching the Game Show Network and listening to country music. Above all else, family was everything to her.    

She is survived by her beloved children David Cook of Elba; Elizabeth (Albert Coppini) Cook of Verona, NY; Victoria (Michael) Benge of Martinsville, IN; Tresslynn (Stephen) Ackley of Groveland, NY; siblings Betty Rigby of Port Byron, NY; Carl (Ellen) Gee of Elma; Roger (Lori) Gee of Bowmansville; 7 grandchildren, Stephen Cook, Christopher (Kirrin) Cook, Chad (Fiance Alex) Benge, Jennifer Cook, Jennifer (Corry) Wiechec, Rebecca and Sydnee Cook; 4 great-grandchildren Zeke, Zia, Zane, Rylan, with two on the way, Jameson and Amelia, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 3 to 5 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral Services will immediately follow calling hours, 5:00 PM at the Funeral Home.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice of Livingston County, 2 Murray Hill Drive, Mt. Morris, NY 14510 Attn: Hospice Agency. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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 ~ Beverly J. Smith, age 79, of Myrtle Street, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning (August 25, 2019) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

     She was born February 21, 1940 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles and Helen Bratt Blatt.

     Beverly was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, who just loved life and loved to laugh.

     She will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted husband of 31 years, Gary L. Smith; her children, John E. Jaszko, Kim L. Weatherbee, Gerald F. (Darla) Jaszko and Sherry M. (Brian) Weaver; grandchildren, Jason (April) Weatherbee, Sommer (Guy Westermeier) Weatherbee, Melissa (Christopher) Plath, Amanda (Buzzy) Lowe, Curtis (Katie) Weaver and John Jaszko; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Lyle Blatt; special friends, Wendy Paladino and Lindia Cranston, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Robert P. Jaszko; brothers, Wayne, Terry and Charles Blatt; son-in-law, Mark Weatherbee and sister-in-law, Sylvia Blatt.

     Services will be private at Beverly's request.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK  73123.

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

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

  Gabrielle D. “Sky” Nelson, age 21 of Perry, New York passed away on Wednesday August 21, 2019 at her home in Perry. She was born in Elmira, New York on July 12, 1998, a daughter to Amy E. (Lindsay) Nelson of Perry and the late James B. Nelson. Along with her father she is preceded in death by a sister: Piper P. Lindsay and maternal grandfather: Rodney G. Lindsay.

Gabrielle loved to play softball and basketball. She enjoyed listening to music, writing poems, drawing, going for walks especially through the Silver Lake outlet and exploring abandoned houses.

She is survived by her mother and step-father: Amy E. (Raymond W. Johns) Nelson of Perry, sisters: Austin B. Nelson of Batavia and Sopheya G. Johns of Perry, brothers: Noah R. Nelson and Anthony M. Northrup both of Elmira, nephew: Jakob J. Hatt, maternal grandmother: Judy Lindsay of Florida, paternal grandmother: Mary Nelson of Elmira Heights, along with many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Family and friends may call from 6:00-7:00PM on Thursday August 29, 2019 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, NY 14530, where Funeral Services will follow at 7:00PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Joseph A. Amico Sr. Passed away on Thursday (Aug. 22) surrounded by his family.

Mr. Amico had a career as a builder, but he was also heavily involved in harness racing in western New York for over 55 years. He first got involved through ownership of a horse named Butch Mac in 1960 and had been an active owner in the sport until 2016. He owned a total of 60 horses during that time including High C Byrd, Oxford Flyer, Eyredale, Fays Rene, Better Bomb, Affable Poplar N, Prince Lee Norm, Tulip T Collins and Best Ears.

Mr. Amico is predeceased by his wife, Norma (Agricoltoso) Amico; brother, Jim (Fran) Amico; sister, Mary (Anthony) Gianni; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Raymond (Carmella) Agricoltoso, Alfred (Mary) Agricoltoso; Ida (Tony) Spaziano, Martha (Vincent) Pettrone, Jane (Santo) Pellitteri, Catherine (Ray) Magliozzi, Celia (John) Izzo, Virginia (Louie) Trombetta.

Mr. Amico is survived by his children, Joseph A. Amico Jr., Angela (Richard) Wolf; grandchildren, Deana (Stephen) Percassi, Joseph E. (Alison) Amico, Heather (James) Rodriguez, Amber (David) Santos, Alexa Wolf, Ricky Wolf; great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Dylan, Stephen, Carly and Collin; many nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be no prior calling. On Tuesday (Aug. 27) all are invited to attend his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson St., Bergen, NY. Interment is private. 

Those that wish to do so, donations in his memory may be directed to Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411. The family would like to thank all of Mr. Amico’s caregivers and neighbors for their love and support.

Bergen - Donald E. Coleman, age 69, of Bergen, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 3, 1949, in Oswego, the son of the late Harold F. and Lois Jean Harris Coleman.

A member of the Bergen United Methodist Church, Don was a former youth group leader and worked with the youth underground program at the church.   A coroner for Genesee County since 1992, he was honored to serve the people of Genesee County and will be remembered for his professionalism and kindness. He was a life member of the Bergen Fire Department and Rescue Squad; he also served on the Genesee County Republican Committee. Above all else, Don loved being Papa to his twelve grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Debra L. Runner Coleman, whom he married July 15, 1972;  his four daughters; Amy (Mike) Koziej of Akron, Sherry (Jim) Starowitz of Bergen, Carrie (Brian) Fair of Chesapeake, Virgina and Sandy (Colby) Owen of Bergen; twelve grandchildren; Jacob, Mary and Ashley Koziej; Jordan, Riley, Andrew and Cadence Fair; Emma, James, Libby and Collin Starowitz and Carson Owen; his sister; Linda Coleman of Brockport and cousins. 

Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Friday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. Services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Avenue with Rev. Dr. Wilson Jones officiating. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donald's memory may be made to the youth underground program or the needy family fund at the Bergen United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 216, Bergen, New York 14416 as well as Reconciling Ministries Network, 123 West Madison Street, Suite 1450, Chicago, Illinois 60602. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Don's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Oakfield - Josephine R. Palone, 88, of Oakfield, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Josephine was born May 27, 1931, in Steubenville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Frank and Josephine (Barilla) Galline.

Josephine was a member of St. Padre Pio Parish and was a lifetime devotee to the rosary and St. Jude.  She was dedicated to her family and friends her entire life, including Gino.  Josephine was a telephone operator at GTE Sylvania in Batavia.  

Survivors include her husband, Donald J. Palone of Oakfield; a daughter, Valerie (Michael) McDonald of Batavia; a son, Dave (Debbie) Palone of Oakfield; grandchildren, Ryan (Shyanne) Palone of Batavia and Megan Palone of Oakfield; her sisters, Theresa (late Genero) Velletta of Oakfield, Margaret (late Derwood) Balduf of Batavia and Julia (late Melvin) Drake of Appleton and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Josephine is a sister of the late Mary (Mario) Benedetti, Jenny (Ray) Nesbitt, Francis (Clair) Cupler and Joseph (Minnie) Galline.

There will be no prior calling hours. Josephine's Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 26th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Site with Fr. Thaddeus N. Bocianowski officiating. She will be laid to rest in St. Cecelia's Cemetery, Oakfield.

Memorial contributions in Josephine's memory may be made to United Memorial Medical Center, Attention: Hospice Unit, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020 as well as the family for distribution to various charities. 

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

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, (585) 948-5325.

LEROY - Mary I. Ryan, 86, of LeRoy, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at LeRoy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility in LeRoy.

Mary was born October 12, 1932, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Erwin and Genevieve (Mitchum) MacMaster.

She was a member of the 1st Baptist Church.

She is predeceased by her husband, Raymond R. Ryan who died on July 23, 1998.

Survivors include 3 sons, Thomas (JoAnn) Ryan of LeRoy, Robert Ryan (Deborah Tenney) of Batavia, Jack (Laurie Buchholz) Ryan of Rushford; 5 daughters, Carol (John) Nicometo and Sharon Ryan, both of Batavia, Barbara (Herman) Kappes of VA, Geraldine (Ronald) Panek of Wyoming and Debbie (Mike) Brown of Hilton; a sister-in-law, Lois J. MacMaster of FL; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, a niece and a nephew as well as a great-niece.

She was the sister of the late Edwin S. MacMaster and Lois Ann Kingdon and the aunt of the late Crystal MacMaster and Paul MacMaster.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the NYS School For The Blind, 2A Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020.  Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York.   Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Diane M. Stepp, 71 of Batavia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester. She was born November 16, 1947 in Batavia; to the late Thomas M. (Audrey M. Warner) Lee. She is preceded in death by her husband Ronald Stepp, brothers, Thomas K. and Larry Lee.  

Diane was an incredible cook, baker and was always caring for others. She was a faithful woman and attended church regularly. Family was number one and her grandchildren were ahead of that.

She is survived by her loving children Joseph T. (Beth Ann) Bortle of Alabama, NY; Cheryl Kipp of Hamlin, NY; brother Gregory (Elsie) Lee of Batavia; granddaughters Katelyn, Maya, Violet along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Friday August 23, 2019 from 10:00AM-11:00AM at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will immediately follow visitation at the church. Diane will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020 or www.crossroadshouse.com. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

JEANETTE M. FRYER ~ Age 78, of Batavia, died peacefully Saturday morning August 17, 2019 at Crossroads House. She was born in Batavia, NY on July 12, 1941, a daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine (Rosica) Marchese, also preceded in death by her daughter, Jeannie Godlove (2019) and brother, Thomas B. Marchese.

Mrs. Fryer was a member of Ascension Parish for many years, she enjoyed crocheting, golf, bowling and most importantly time spent with her family.

She is survived by her beloved daughters, Annette (James) Mazur of Batavia, Anna Marie “Mia” (Mike Corona) Mogavero of Batavia, Tammy Stevens of Batavia; brother, John (Cathy) Marchese of Albany; sister, MaryAnne Dugan of Batavia; 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; former husband, James T. Fryer; former son-in-law, Burt Stevens along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

As per Mrs. Fryer’s wishes there is no prior visitation and a Celebration of Life will be announced later. She will be entombed in the Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021.

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

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

JAMES F. MEYER ~ Age 64, of Batavia, died Saturday August 17, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Jim was born February 25, 1955 in Bath, NY to the late Frederick and Gladys (Sick) Meyer also preceded in death by a sister, Judy Sexton.

Jim was a member and Road Captain of the 1776 Volunteer Riders and Sergeant Major with the 22^nd Virginia South Battalion of the Civil War Reenactors.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 38 years, Sheila (Wheaton) Meyer of Batavia; children, Shane Dann of Binghamton, Janette (Paul) Cipra of Batavia, Tanya Harmon of Batavia, Jessica (Joe) Hewitt of Batavia and Mike Davis of Mt. Morris; siblings, George (Georgia) Meyer of FL, Jane Ogas of Washington State; 5 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

James wish was for a Celebration of Life to be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the family.

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

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

BATAVIA - Doris C. Ransom, 101, of Batavia, formerly of Oakfield, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Premier Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Doris was born on November 6, 1917, in Alabama, NY, a daughter of the late Edward B. and Edna H. (Shilling) Reed.

She was a graduate of South Byron School, was a clerk for the former WT Grant Co., and enjoyed bowling.  She operated a sewing business from her home for many years.

She is survived by 6 nieces, Brenda Jackett, Linda Wilkins, Susan Reed, Joyce Pratt, Nancy Searls and Cornelia McCulley; 1 nephew, Rick Reed; several great nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. 
Doris is predeceased by her siblings, Gladys Tash and Victor, Nelson, Emery and Elwin Reed and a nephew Tom Reed.  

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia where services will immediately follow at 1 p.m.   Burial will be in Morganville Cemetery in Stafford.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Volunteers for Animals, 3841 West Main St., Rd, Batavia, NY 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bernard G. Franks, 72 of Batavia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday August 17, 2019 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born September 24, 1946 in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Bernard J. Franks and Jean (Yarrington) Franks of Fairview, PA.

Bernard worked as a tool and die maker for 30 years and retired from R and J Precision in LeRoy. He was a Scoutmaster for 30 years, member of Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club and member of Oakfield United Methodist Church. Bernard was an avid outdoorsman and loved taking care of Marty and Marion’s property. He loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He was devoted to his family and was always there for all of them.

He is survived by his beloved wife Linda A. (Ward) Franks of Batavia; sons Matthew (Valerie) of Batavia; Mark (Terry) of Clarksville, TN; Michael (Katy) of Gasport; Martin (Michelle) of Batavia; Marion (Jessica) of Corfu; Mitchell (Michelle) of Little Valley, NY; siblings Linda (Larry) Platz of Fairview, PA; Jack Franks of Edinboro, PA; Audrey Sargent of Erie, PA; Patty Tirak of Conneaut, OH; 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

A 1:00 PM Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Marty and Michelle’s house in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield, NY 14125 or to the family to be distributed to various charities. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

BROCKPORT - Daniel K. Uecker, 32, of Brockport, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, (August 11, 2019), at his home.

Daniel was born March 25, 1987, in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, the son of Jack and Bonnie (Laabs) Uecker, Jr. of Junction, Texas.

An avid outdoorsman, Daniel loved to hunt and fish.  He enjoyed traveling and mechanical work. 

Surviving along with his parents are his daughter, Grace Uecker; a brother, Timothy (Shasta) Uecker of Oklahoma; sisters, Tricia (Billy) Gray and Amanda (Hector Guardiola) Uecker both of Texas.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be no visitation. Daniel's family will hold a private celebration of his life at their convenience. Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery, Stafford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Daniel’s name to a charity of the donor's choice.

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.

GARY M. SCARBOROUGH ~ Age 72, of Batavia, died peacefully Wednesday morning August 14, 2019 at his home under the care of his loving family and Hospice. He was born in Batavia, NY on January 6, 1947, a son of the late Marshall and Mae (Sonnenshine) Scarborough.  

Mr. Scarborough was an auto mechanic for many years and continued “tinkering” with cars long after. He was an avid hunter, trap shooter, enjoyed drag racing, gardening and his 3, four-legged companions.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Mary (Panepento) Scarborough of Batavia; children, Michael D. (Laura) Scarborough of Warsaw, Gregory P. (Judi) Scarborough of TX, Joel M. (Carmen) Scarborough of SD, Chad M. (Michelle) Norton of SC and Lora (Brent) Nataliziak of Attica along with 16 and 2 great-grandchildren.

The Scarborough family will be present from 9:30-11:30a.m. on Saturday August 17, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 followed by a 12noon Graveside Service at Grand View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street, New York 14020.

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

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

BERGEN - Gordon Lee Seward, 84, of Bergen, passed away Tuesday, (August 13, 2019), on the Seward Farm in the same house he was born in, under the care of HomeCare & Hospice and his loving family.

Gordon was born August 1, 1935, in Bergen, a son of the late Wellington and Edith (Scroger) Seward.

He served in the National Guard and was the first of his family to attend college.  He earned a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture from Cornell University in 1961.  Gordon was a farmer his entire life on his own farm and in 1970 was chosen to be Genesee Co. Outstanding Young Farmer.  He was a member of Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church where he was a Deacon, an Elder, and taught Sunday School.  He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, the NFIB, Genesee Co. Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Genesee Co. Farm Bureau where he was a past president.  He was a former member and past president of the EAIC and the Genesee County DHIC.

Gordon and his wife, Delores (Keefer) Seward were married on August 11, 1956 and were blessed to have just celebrated their 63rd Anniversary. 

Along with his wife, Gordon is survived by his daughters, Christine (David) Wright and Amy (Rick) Stacy, both of Bergen; grandchildren, Daniel (Kristen) Stacy of Chili, David (Krysta) Stacy, Michelle (Jacob) Buckland-Seward, Bethany Salvia, Ryan (Rachel) Stacy all of Bergen, Janae (Austin) Genna of Churchville; brothers, Myron (late Ethel) Seward of Basom, Elton (Jean) Seward of Batavia; sister-in-law, Marian Seward of Byron.  9 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mr. Seward is predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Lee Seward and a brother, Norman Seward.

Friends may call from 3:00 - 7:00 PM on Saturday at the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Avenue in Bergen; where Gordon's Funeral Service will be held Sunday at 2:00 PM with Rev. Brandt Hammack officiating. Burial will be in Stone Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gordon's memory may be made to Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church as well as Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.