Skip to main content

Obituaries

Jack Lewis Baxter

By Joshua Smith

OAKFIELD - Jack Lewis Baxter, 75, of Oakfield, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Jack was born July 6, 1943, in DuBois, PA, a son of the late Milton and Helen Baxter.

He served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam era and when he returned from the service, he became a Lab Technician for Eastman Kodak Co., retiring in 1992.  He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed bowling, and watching sports, but was a great Yankees fan.  He also worked in Customer Service at the Pembroke Service Area. 

Survivors include his wife, Linda D. (Kowalczyk) Baxter, whom he married October 14, 1967; 3 children, Melissa (Joseph) Sullivan of Albion, Scott (Nancy) Baxter of Batavia and Deborah (Pete) Scheiber of Oakfield; 4 grandchildren, Joseph Sullivan, Stefani (Andrew) Campbell, Dani Baxter and Collin Scheiber and a great-grandchild, A.J. Campbell.          

He was predeceased by his siblings, Harriett, Jim and Neil.

 Friends may call from 5 to 6 pm on Wednesday at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave. in Oakfield, where service will follow at 6 pm.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family for distribution to various charities.   Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Jean Marie Bush Bedient

By Billie Owens

LOUISBURG, N.C. – Jean Marie Bush Bedient, 83, of Louisburg, formerly of Wyoming, NY, died Saturday afternoon at her home.

Jean was a daughter of the late DeForest and Cecil A. Bush.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Bedient Sr. and her sister, Grace Andrews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jean is survived by her son, Dean Bedient Jr., daughters, Elizabeth (Norman) Wagner, Cynthia (Charlie) Boldt, Linda (Mark) Breen, Deborah (Richard) Wright, Lou Ann (Dennis) Marshall, Marcella (Johnny) Newton; sisters, Virginia Rappleye and Mary Marlatt; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

 

Lawrence Edward Williams

By T.J. Woodward

Lawrence Edward Williams, age 83, of Batavia NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 30th at the Village Greens of LeRoy with his family and friends by his side.

Larry, a graduate of Batavia High School, married Beverly Williams in 1959. Larry and Beverly went on to have two daughters, and three grandsons whom he called his own. Larry, a retired worker for the City of Batavia, accomplished much in his life. His selfless character and work ethic were indomitable and would go on to shape his friends, colleagues, and the stone and motor entrance to Redfield parkway. Most notable in recent years was his role as Santa Claus. He cherished the opportunity to spread his love and laughter to the people of Genesee County during the holidays.

Larry loved to travel, camp, and create unforgettable memories with his family. Always up for adventure, a four-week nine-person cross country roadtrip in a motorhome that sleeps six was not out of the ordinary. He took fashion cues from no one, and delivered us a unique sense of style. Always quick with a joke and helping hand, Larry loved to spend time with his three grandsons. His pastimes included, but were not limited to, Yankees baseball, people watching on the porch, and sharing his sense of humor with you. While raising five children across two generations he would often call out to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and now he has answered that call. Larry redefined the label “Dad” as a Father, Grandfather, but more so as a Best Friend. The family would like to thank the loving staff of the Village Greens for their friendship and support. Larry is survived by his two daughters: Michelle Williams and Laurie Comer, his three boys: Sean Comer, Derek Comer, and Cameron Comer, and his favorite son-in-law, Mark Moscicki.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 2, 2019 from 2 to 6 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 Monday, June 3, 2019 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. The family will receive friends at Saint Mary's reception hall after Mass 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York, 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, New York, 14020. 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.

Adam L. Waugh

By T.J. Woodward

Adam L. Waugh, 35 of Perry passed away on May 29, 2019 at his home. He was born in Greenville, SC on September 24, 1983 a son to Patricia D. Berkes and the late William Allen Waugh. He is preceded in death by step-father Arnie Taylor.

Adam enjoyed gaming, watching and playing hockey, watching movies, listening to music and was very active with his children.

He is survived by his mother: Patricia D. Berkes of Gainesville, fiancé: Debbie Gilbert of Perry, 2 daughters: Jadeth Henry of Perry, Mackenzie Waugh of Perry, 2 sons: Wyatte Barrett of Perry, Xavier Carney of Perry, 2 sisters: Brandi (Stephen) Royse of Gainesville, Gabby (Mitchell) Johnston of Winder, GA., 1 brother: Timothy (Moriah) Waugh of Delevan, along with many nieces, a nephew and friends.

Friends are invited to call from 11:30am-12:30pm on Sunday June 2nd at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. A Celebration of Adam’s Life will follow on Sunday June 2nd at the Wyoming Inn 1 S. Academy St. in Wyoming at 1:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 or visit www. afsp.org. To leave a message of condolence please visist www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Leonard R. "Bob" Cipra

By T.J. Woodward

Leonard R. “Bob” Cipra, 78 of Batavia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at his home. He was born August 14, 1940 in Pennsylvania. He is preceded in death by his mother Donna Henry and grandson Christopher Paul Cipra.  

Bob worked for many years driving truck, it was his life and he enjoyed it. He liked spending free time with CB Radio. Bob’s greatest joy was his family, he was a loving father, devoted husband and cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara (Downey) Cipra, children Paul (Janette) Cipra, Dawn (Gordon) Sprague, sister Larena Gregory all of Batavia; brother Rodney (Erin) Seirson of PA; 6 grandchildren Rachel (Matt) Rentz, Anthony (Kaitlyn) Cipra, Dana (Shelby) Cipra, Sage Hopkins, Katie Amthor, Jolene (Joseph) Bauer; 13 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street, or to HomeCare &Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020. 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.

Robert A. Burke

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Robert A. Burke, 86, of Batavia, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home.

Mr. Burke, born August 25, 1932, in New York City, son of the late Robert N. and Marie (Kononchik) Burke.

Robert (Bob) was a devoted husband to his wife of 67 years, Florence Gill Burke, who passed away October 18, 2018.

Corporal Burke proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War earning a Korean Service Medal with 4 stars, United Nations Service Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation with 1 star. He was one of “The Chosin Few”, a survivor of the Battle of Chosin Resevoir, the most violent small unit battle in the history of American warfare. He continued his service as a member of the National Guard for 5 years.

Bob worked tirelessly to provide for his family and give them the best possible life he knew how. He retired from General Motors in Syracuse after 37 years as a Millwright. Throughout his life Bob learned how to build and repair anything and everything, often with nothing more than self-taught skill, determination and hard work. Bob was an accomplished craftsman who took great pride is his wood work. His workshop was his place of peace and comfort.

In his retired years Bob enjoyed traveling with his wife. They enjoyed seeing the country and participating in craft shows where they displayed their wood working and quilts together.

In his final years Bob was blessed to be in the care of the wonderful and dedicated staff of the New York State Veteran’s Home in Batavia New York. Bob’s family is forever grateful for the care and love  provided during Bob’s time there. The caregivers, nurses and staff are amazing people doing amazing things every day for our country’s Veterans

Bob is survived by his children; Noel Burke of Milford, CT, Michael Burke of Baldwinsville, NY,  Thomas Burke of Rochester, NY, Linda Velasco of Chalfont, PA, David (Joanne) Burke of Churchville, NY, James Burke of Pasadena, TX and Kathy (Michael) Wrixon of Carrollton, GA; 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. 

There will be no prior visitation. Mr. & Mrs. Burke will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert’s name may be made to the activities fund at the New York State Veteran's Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. 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, Batavia.

Paulene M. Canty

By Joshua Smith

STAFFORD - Paulene M. Canty, 89, of Stafford, formerly of Batavia, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Crossroads House in Batavia.

Paulene was born September 29, 1929, in Batavia, the daughter of the late Carl M. and Florene A. (Gann) Merkel.

She was a Dental Hygienist for Robert Gallagher, D.D.S.in Batavia for 24 years, prior to her retirement in 1972.  She attended SUNY Geneseo and the Eastman Dental Dispensary.  A Lifetime Presbyterian, she was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Churches in Oakfield, Batavia and presently in LeRoy.  She served several terms as an Ordained Elder at the Batavia 1st Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir for over 20 years. She was a member of the Stafford Country Club since 1967 and was an avid golfer. 

Survivors include her husband, James D. Canty, whom she married on June 7, 1980; 2 nephews, Mark & Lee Rodemacker and a cousin, Joan (William) Wescott.  She was predeceased by her first husband, George T. Patterson who died in 1976, her brother, Richard Merkel and her sister Ruth Hoppe.

There will be no visitation. Services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the 1st Presbyterian Church of LeRoy with Rev. David Pepper officiating. . In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paulene's memory may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021; crossroadshouse.com/donate.  Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery.  Arrangements were completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Rosemary Reel

By T.J. Woodward

Rosemary Reel, 81, of Oviedo, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born in Kansas City, MO, on July 17, 1937 to the late Gerald (Pauline Douthit) Byrd.  

What does it mean to live a full life? I think it means to be able to touch and reach as many people as possible all while managing to find the time to have as many things touch and reach yourself. I think that Rosemary did that. She managed for the most part to do things most people dream about. She traveled the world, she raised children, she enjoyed the finer things that life had to offer. She golfed around the world, something I will always be jealous of. She found love, showed it and received it. As well as passed down knowledge that was given to her.

My grandmother once told me, until you can look in the mirror and love who you see, then you won’t be capable of giving that gift to someone else. And I always appreciated that lesson. She was full of joy and love and when she looked into that mirror every morning while she got done up, I know she loved and was thankful for who she was. Because her children, myself, and my children know she loved us. She will be missed by many, but forgotten by none! We love you Rosemary! Here’s to you! Cheers!

Rosemary is survived by her beloved children Ann Watts of Batavia; Allen (Stephanie) Watts of Pittsburg, KS; sister Geraldine (Jim) Wilkerson of Roseville, CA; 6 grandchildren Zach Watts, Taylor Tompkins, Nicholas Gaudy, Wade, Ian and Ivery Watts; 2 great-grandchildren Jaslynne and Carson Watts; niece Kim (Greg) Twilling.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Cancer Society www.cancer.org. 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.

LORI A. BRIGHTENFIELD

By Michael Tomaszewski

LORI A. BRIGHTENFIELD ~ Age 59, of Warsaw formerly of Stafford, died Friday May 24, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Lori was born in Batavia, NY on October 19, 1959 to the late Connie (Porter) Weber and William Weber of Albion also preceded in death by her husband, James Brightenfield in 2008.

Lori was a 1977 graduate of Notre Dame High School, delivered Meals on Wheels and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving along with her father are her loving daughters, Brooke (Ronald Tombari) Brightenfield and Kristen (Joseph Dux) Brightenfield all of Pavilion; cherished granddaughter, Jade Tombari; sister, Marcia (Gary Moore) Weber of Albion and Linda (Jeff) Hyde of Corfu; sister-in-law, Mary (Bud) Ulander of E. Pembroke along with several nieces and nephews.

Lori’s family will be present from 5-7p.m. on Thursday May 30, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will begin at 7p.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband in Grand View Cemetery and the family requests memorials to a charity of their choice.

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

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

Dawn "Loretta" Bauer

By T.J. Woodward

  Dawn “Loretta” Bauer, 90, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Sunday May 26, 2019 at Unity Hospital in Rochester.  She was born on June 14, 1928 in Batavia to the late Horace and Mary Catherine (McKenna) Waldron. In addition to her parents, Loretta is predeceased by her husband; Warren C. Bauer; son David Brooks; brothers Dennis, Patrick and Horace Waldron; sisters Winnie Cook and Mary Fawn Coughlin.  

Loretta worked for many years and retired from Rochester Products, General Motors in Rochester.  She was a past member of the Red Hatter’s. She loved cooking, crafting, gardening and flowers. Loretta enjoyed the outdoors, being at the lake and loved to swim. She had strong faith, and will forever be remembered as the first person to support her family and that she was an amazing mom that would help her family in any way she could.

She is survived by her children; Daniel (Ellen) Brooks of Elba, Donna Harmon of FL., and Delores “Dolly” Dyer of Batavia; siblings Joyce Harezga of Batavia, Benny Waldron of Darien, Christine Moore of GA., Jimmy Waldron of Utica, Margaret Gilcrest of FL.; 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 31, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday June 1st at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North St. in Batavia or the Genesee County SPCA http://www.vol4animals.org/. 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.

Stanley J. Weber

By Joshua Smith

Basom- Stanley J. Weber, 93, of Basom, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Stanley was born July 11, 1925, in Alabama, a son of the late John and Elvina (Habicust) Weber.

A veteran, Stanley served with the United States Army.  He was an electrician for the U.S. Gypsum in Oakfield.  Stanley was a member of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department and the American Legion Post 626, where he served as past Commander and Sergeant-at-Arms.

Survivors include his wife, Anna L. Weber, of Basom; his children, Barbara (Michael) Strollo of Port St. Lucie, FL, Stanley (Kathleen) Weber, Jr. of LeRoy and Brian Weber of Industry, ME; a sister, Onolee Grower of Batavia; 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Stanley is the father of the late Joanne Weber, Alan Weber and Diane Spinelli; grandfather of the late Christopher Weber and brother of the late Gladys Hebenstreit, Carl Weber, Margaret Meiser, Duane Weber, Marvin Weber, Lloyd Weber, Lawrence Weber and Shirlee Weber.        

Calling hours are Saturday (June 1st) from 10:00 a.m. to  11:00 a.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield, where services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.  Stanley will be laid to rest with full military honors in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 626 Auxiliary, 6554 Alleghany Road, Basom, NY 14013 or Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road, Oakfield, NY 14125. 

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

Jesse H. Slate

By T.J. Woodward

Jesse H. Slate, 89, of Attica, formerly of Branchport, passed away quietly at his daughter’s home in Alexander on May 23, 2019. He was born on July 27, 1929 in Madison Center, NY to the late Howard and Elsie A. (Martin) Slate. Jesse was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Patricia A. (Foster) Slate, his son, Timothy S. Slate, and by his brothers, James Slate and Dale Slate of Oriskany Falls.

A graduate of Aero Mechanic School in Detroit City, he worked as an airplane mechanic for several operation steming from Perry Warsaw and Genesee County airports before retiring from Seneca Flight Operations in Penn Yann in July of 1991. He served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 and was a member of the Penn Yann American Legion. He was also a member of the Alabama Full Gospel Church in Medina.

Jesse is survived by his children, Bonnie (Chuck) Meyers of Silver Springs, Shirley Slate of Batavia, Karl (Sue) Slate of Batavia, Hope (Edward) Knapp of Alexander, Kelly (Jim) Hilt of Scoccia, and Kori Slate of Canandaigua; siblings, Gloria Kingsbury of Malone, NY, Jane Slate of Solsville, NY, Joan (Albert) Edwards of Chittenango, NY, Leon Slate of Oriskany Falls, NY, and Mary Ellen (Mike) Haas of Tennesee. Along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear close friends, Mitzi Yauchzee of Wyoming and Mary Sessaman of Pembroke.

There will be no prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 1 PM at the Alabama Full Gospel Church, 5329 S. Gravel Rd., Medina, NY, 14103. Burial will be in Italy Hill Cemetery, Branchport, NY.

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 St., Attica, NY 14011.

Leonard Hryhorenko

By Joshua Smith

CHURCHVILLE - Leonard Hryhorenko, 72, of Churchville, passed away Friday, (May 24, 2019), at St. John's Nursing Home in Rochester.

Leonard was born October 11, 1946, in Ulm, Germany, a son of the late Viktor and Wladislawa (Didkowska) Hryhorenko.

He was an electrician at Eastman Kodak prior to his retirement.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, cooking, gardening, and doing his yard work.  

He is the husband of Marilyn (Andrews) Hryhorenko of Churchville.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Jeffrey Hryhorenko of Churchville and Margaret "Peggy" (fiance James Evans) Rapp of Fairport; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Hryhorenko of Webster; grandchildren, Zenon, Alexander, Zoey, Connor, and Aedan; a brother, Eugene (Andrea) Hryhorenko of Rochester; sisters, Luba (Josip) Lepki of Webster, Nadia (Paul) Bobbo of Fla., and Tatiana (Gracijano) Mofardin of Lyndonville.

Leonard is predeceased by a son, John Hryhorenko and a granddaughter, Megan Rapp

Family and Friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Street in Bergen. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday at the Riga Cemetery, 970 Churchville Riga Rd in Churchville with Teresa Werth officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Leonard's memory may be made to St. John's Home - Activities Fund, 150 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620.

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

Mary Jane Previte (nee Chrzanowski)

By Joshua Smith

Mary Jane Previte (nee Chrzanowski), of Bluffton, SC, passed peacefully into enternal life of May 10, 2019.

Daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Brigman) Chrzanowski.  Beloved wife of 43 years to Robert.  Loving mother of sons Christopher (Paula), Jonathan, and Joshua (Nanette). Dear sister of Ronald (Anne) Chrzanowski and Gerald (Deborah) Chrzanowski.

Friends may call on Saturday (June 1, 2019) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, where Mary Jane's Memorial Mass will be held immediately following visitation. 

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

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

June R. Kurys

By Billie Owens
Darien Center -- June R. Kurys, 73, of Darien Center, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019 after a 10-month lengthy illness.
 
June is survived by: her loving husband, Stanley Kurys; her devoted daughters, Marion (Walid) Ounis and Caroline (Wayne) Wawrzyniec; two grandchildren, Jacob and Clarise; and her brother, James (Patricia) Markovit.
 
Friends may call Wednesday, May 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main Street, Corfu.
 
A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, May 31 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10677 Allegheny Road, Darien Center, NY. Burial will be in Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery.
 
Memorials  may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

Authentically Local