Obituaries

Grace Orcutt Spiers passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2020 in Batavia, New York.

Grace was born on May 5, 1931 in Utica, to Raymond and Ellen Powell Orcutt.

After graduating from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1954, Grace moved to Batavia to teach at the NY State School for the Blind. She began attending Batavia United Methodist Church and the McNabb Sunday School class where she met her future husband, Graham Spiers. They were married on July 21, 1956.

Grace is survived by her husband of almost 64 years, Graham A. Spiers, her 4 children: Margaret E. (Peggy) Spiers, Robert B. (Debra Hyde) Spiers, Steven A. (Ann Trankina) Spiers and Sarah J. (Tony) Reuter and her 4 grandchildren: Samantha J. (Sammy Jo) Spiers (Keith) Stevenson, Daniel R. (Danno) Spiers, Christopher R. Spiers, and Meghan M. Reuter.

Grace was well loved by friends in Batavia, Gainesville, FL and international students from Brazil and Korea.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. Donations may be made to the UMW at the Batavia United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Grace’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

ROSEMARIE NICOMETO ~ Age 83, of Oakfield, NY, died unexpectedly Thursday morning July 9, 2020. Her life began on Garibaldi Street in Oakfield. She was born on November 8, 1936 to the late Antonio and Lena (LaBue) Nicometo. Early on the family moved to Main Street where Rose grew up, excelling during high school in both English and Latin. She was awarded a scholarship to earn an English degree from Cortland State Teacher’s College, though chose to marry and start a family. She achieved her dream to become a teacher in recent years by working with the Oakfield-Alabama School District as both a teacher’s aide and bus aide, endearing herself to staff as “Miss Rose” and to students as “Grandma Rose.” Prior to this she also worked at Genesee Community College.

A faithful member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield, she is preceded in death by siblings, John J. Nicometo and Frances Matla.

Surviving are her loving children, John A. Lechner of IA, Steven E. (Jennifer) Lechner of NC and Tammy A. Lechner (Adrienne Helitzer) of CA; cherished grandchildren, Bridget Ann Lechner-Scholl, Jenna Rose Lechner-Maules, Brett Dylan Lechner, Montana Kimberly Lechner, Breann Elizabeth Lechner, Grace Lora Rose Lechner & Abera James Lechner; brother, Sam (Sharon) Nicometo of SC along with several nieces and nephews.

Please join the Nicometo family in Celebrating Rose’s Mass of Christian Burial 10a.m. Thursday July 16 at St. Padre Pio Parish (Oakfield Site). She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery with her parents and memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Epidemic all social distancing guidelines will always be in place and masks worn while in church.

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

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

Batavia - Thomas Alan Gavenda, age 66, of Batavia, longtime farmer for Big O Farms in Elba, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Tom was born May 10, 1954, in Batavia, a son of Donald Gavenda Sr. and Ann Warboys Gavenda of Elba.

He will be remembered by his family as a simple man who enjoyed a good cup of coffee, his favorite television shows on The Discovery Channel, putting together Mosiac Art puzzles and his camp in Wellsville where he could "unplug" from the world. Tom loved watching sports on television especially NASCAR where he would cheer on Kasey Khane and baseball where he would root for the New York Yankees. 

Surviving along with his parents are his wife Beatrice Gavenda of Batavia; his siblings; Peggy Jayme of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Donald (Renee) Gavenda, Jr. of Batavia, Paul (Tammy) Gavenda of Batavia and Gary (Sue Heath) Gavenda of Pavilion. Tom is also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. A public celebration of life will be held in August. Flowers are gratefully declined. The family requests memorials in Tom's name to the Rochester General Hospital Foundation, 100 Kings Highway South, Rochester, New York 14617 or to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Tom's memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield.

BASOM - Myrna Magnus, 80, of Basom, passed away suddenly Thursday, (July 9, 2020), at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Magnus was born June 27, 1940, in Batavia, the daughter of the late Leo and Onalee (Burdett) Daniels.

Myrna was a member of the American Legion Post 626 in Basom.  She enjoyed knitting and cross stitch along with spending time with her family.  She sold Avon for many years and was well known to have a joke for any occasion.

She is survived by her husband, John Magnus, Sr.; sons, Bret (Denise Colby) Easterbrook of Batavia, and Tim (Shelly) Easterbrook of Siren, Wisconsin; step-children, Barbara (Ricky) Endman, Deanna (Peter) Keenan, Kirk (Rachel) Magnus, and John (Diane) Magnus, Jr.  3 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren also survive.

Friends may call from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday (July 13, 2020) at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield where Myrna's Funeral Service will immediately follow at 7 p.m.  Burial will be private in Alabama Cemetery, Alabama. (Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the funeral home will be restricted to 33% occupancy.  Face masks and social distancing will be required.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.).  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Myrna's memory may be made to American Legion Post 626, 6554 Alleghany Road, Basom, NY 14013.

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

PATSY S. GALLO ~ Age 93, of Batavia, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 15, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Patsy’s family invites all to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 12Noon Saturday July 18, 2020 at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Site). He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorial contributions are suggested to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021.

(PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID-19 ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED AND MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED WHILE IN CHURCH).

Please share your words of comfort with Patsy’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF PATSY S. GALLO IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 – (585)343-7500

 

Peter Arnot Mumford, of Batavia NY, died on 7/5/2020. Peter was born to the late John & Virginia Mumford on 6/12/1947 in Batavia.

He is survived by siblings; John Michael Mumford (Sheila), Pittsford NY, Constance Ferenc (Robert), Longmont CO, William A. Mumford (Debbie), Vancouver WA.

Peter graduated from Batavia High School, and Michigan State University (Phi Kappa Tau fraternity), before spending two years in Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) for the Peace Corps.  He worked for the Measuregraph Company, in Minnesota, as well as Offshore Devices, Inc. in Lynn Massachusetts, a marine engineering firm where he created barriers to contain oil spills.  Subsequently, he returned to Batavia to work for the C. L. Carr Co., started by his grandfather in 1915.

He will be remembered for his generosity and creativity, as well as acts of service and kindness toward others.

Memorial donations may be directed to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021 or a charity of your choice. Private burial will be in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

LeRoy ~ After a brief illness, Myrtle E. Burrell died peacefully on July 5, 2020 at the age of 92.

    

 Myrtle was born on December 18, 1927 in Rochester, NY.  She graduated from Madison High School and worked at Sylvania until her retirement.

     Myrtle was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Marie Alligood, and her siblings, Louis, Dorothy, Ida, and James. She was also predeceased by her husband of nearly 70 years, James Roy Burrell, II.  Together, they made their home in LeRoy, NY and were surrounded by an outstanding community of neighbors and friends. It was only after her retirement from Sylvania that she found her calling in a job with the Leroy Police Department in September 1984 as the crossing guard for Wolcott Street School. She loved her job and wasn’t afraid to use her whistle as many community members will remember fondly about her.

     Myrtle loved her family immensely and is survived by her son, James (Lillian) Burrell, III, her grandchildren, Matthew (Corlin) Burrell, Gregory (Jennifer) Burrell, Danielle (Gregory) Grzymala, Brendan Burrell, eleven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson and several nieces and nephews.

     The family will hold a private ceremony in her honor.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Myrtle are suggested to the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson St., LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

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

Batavia - Kenneth J. Kensek, 70, of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at his home under the care of his loving wife and HomeCare and Hospice.

Kenneth was born in Buffalo, a son of the late Chester and the late Norma (Colligan) Kensek.

Kenneth loved watching movies, reading and his cat.  He enjoyed mowing his lawn and was a long time retail manager.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley (Groves) Kensek of Batavia; brothers, Ron Kensek of Albuquerque, NM and Michael (Maryann) Kensek of Rochester and nephews, Matthew Kensek and David Kensek.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kenneth's memory may be made to Mercy Flight, 4781 East Saile Drive, Batavia, NY 14020, https://www.mercyflight.org/support/. 

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

Arrangements for Kenneth were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

William D. Burgel, 84 of Basom, passed away peacefully Tuesday (June 17, 2020) at the New York State Veterans Home.

He was born July 12, 1935 in Urbana, Ohio, a son of the late James and Helen DeMent Burgel.

William was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was employed by Pembroke Central Schools and later began his own florist shop, Flowers by Bill. He was an avid Ohio State fan and a friend to everyone and a loving grandpa and great-grandpa. He built his life around his faith and was an organist for a few churches in the area.
                                               
He was the brother of the late James Burgel Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Klotzbach Burgel of Basom. Daughter, Claranne Burgel of Batavia. Grandchildren, Rhiannon (Brooks) Hawley of Batavia, Jonathan Burgel of Basom, Jacob Burgel of Batavia and Jessie Russell of Basom. Great-grandchildren, Alya, Troy, Quinn, Kaylee and William. Brother, Phil Burgel of Ohio. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Rd., Corfu, NY.

Arrangements were entrusted to the C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main St., Corfu, NY 14036.

Thomas F. Randall, 70, ​Churchville, NY / Nokomis, FL – passed away on June 22, 2020 at Unity Hospital with Carol, his wife of 49 years, at his side. He battled Parkinsons Disease for 20 years.  Tom was the son of the late Frederick and Charlotte Randall of Churchville. 
 
Tom graduated from Churchville-Chili High School and then entered the National Guard.  He spent his entire career as a Parts Manager at area Ford dealerships: Morleys, Vellas, Jack Roach, Gabrielle and Mike Ognibene.  His passion was classic cars and he owned several over the years.  His favorite was a 1956 Ford Thunderbird which he restored and owned for over 50 years.  Tom's favorite hobby was attending car shows with his T-Bird.  For twenty years he helped organize the car show for Bergen Park Days. While wintering in Nokomis, FL he also helped with their car show. 

Tom and Carol wintered at Royal Coachman in Nokomis, FL for the last 10 years.  While in Florida, Tom enjoyed biking, shuffleboard, shooting pool, and riding his golf cart.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children Stacey Larimer (Jonathan) of Atlanta, Georgia, Alexyn Wilford (Adam) and Ethan Randall both of Churchville; his newborn granddaughter Rhaya Marie Wilford; his brother Robert Randall (Ann) of Churchville; brothers-in-law Richard Alexander (Yvonne) of Hamlin and John Alexander of Batavia; sisters-in-law Marcia Partlow (John) of Latham, NY and Terri Madison of Holley as well as several nieces and nephews. Tom was also survived by his beloved grand-pups Wilson and Zoey.

There will be no visitation or services.  There was a small gathering of family and close friends to remember Tom.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Chili Henrietta Scottsville Ambulance aka CHS Mobile Integrated Healthcare, 280 Calkins Road, Rochester, NY 14623. They were always incredibly kind and compassionate to the Randall family.

Arrangements were completed by Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Spencerport.

Castile ~ Jacob "Jake" S. Comstock, age 24, of Route 39, passed away Saturday evening (July 4, 2020) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, surrounded by his loving family.

     He was born February 11, 1996 in Warsaw, the son of Sherry Comstock.

     Jake will be remembered for his constant smile and positive attitude.  He always wanted people to be happy and did his part to make everyone smile.  As difficult as his journey was, Jake remained upbeat and fought so hard.  He loved his family whole-heartedly and enjoyed tinkering with various items that interested him.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted husband, Alexander P. Comstock; his mother, Sherry Comstock; his grandmother, Jean Foss (Schonblom) Comstock; aunt, Joann (Schonblom) Howes; his uncle, Craig Comstock; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Darleen and Matt Balduf; sister-in-law, Kayla (Ryan) Caltagirone and their daughter, Tori; brother-in-law, Andrew Konieczny; special friends, Ken and Becky Baker; devoted and faithful canine companion, Fala, along with the entire Comstock Family and many dear friends.

     Family and friends are invited to attend a Remembrance Gathering on Friday, July 10 starting at 3:00 PM at the home of Darleen and Matt Balduf, 7575 Route 237, South Byron, N.Y.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Jake's family.

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

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

ALEXANDER - Rita A. Cone, 93, of Phoenix, formerly of Alexander, passed away Saturday, (July 4, 2020), at The Palazzo in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mrs. Cone was born August 7, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of the late Frank Chessar and Katherine (Walsh) Derwald.

Rita was a member of Resurrection Parish and was retired from the Batavia Nursing Home where she was a registered nurse.  She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan.  Family was very important to Rita.  She cherished time spent with her children, grand children, and great-grandchildren.

She was the wife of the late Almon W. Cone who passed away in 1990 and mother of the late Donna Brister. 

Survivors are her children, Lawrance Cone, and Elaine Cone both of Arizona, Cheryl (Charles) Venditte of Stafford, and Debora Miller of Alexander; brothers, Richard (Maureen) Derwald, and Christopher (Elizabeth) Walsh both of Buffalo.  12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren also survive.

There will be no visitation.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held privately at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church.  Burial will follow in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rita’s name to Alexander Dollars for Scholars, c/o Alexander High School, 3314 Buffalo Street, Alexander, New York 14005.

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

 

Tabitha M.”Tabby” Carey, 21 of Perry, passed away in Springfield, Missouri on June 28, 2020. She was born in Warsaw, NY on October 20, 1998 to James Carey of Bath and Donna Casella of Perry.

Tabitha was a graduate of Perry Central School. In school she was on the volleyball team. She enjoyed walks through Letchworth State Park, sightseeing, playing volleyball and bowling.
Along with her parents she is survived by 4 sisters: Erin (Travis Helmer) Tetreault of Castile, Taylor Carey of Perry, Julie Carey of North Carolina and Sabrina Carey of Buffalo, a nephew: Kade Helmer along with several Aunts, Uncles and friends.

Family and friends may call from 3-6pm on Friday July 10, 2020 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 north Main St. Perry, NY 14530.  A Celebration of Tabitha’s life will follow at the Perry Village Park at 6pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.  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.

Adam M. Dyrbala, 91 of East Bethany, passed away of natural causes on Friday (June 26, 2020) at his residence.

He was born March 4, 1929 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Michael and Febronia Caryk Dyrbala.

Mr. Dyrbala was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served his country from 1951-1953. He was employed by Massey-Harris, Delco Products and Lapp Insulator prior to his retirement. He enjoyed farming, attending auctions, spending time at OTB, working and telling a good joke.

He was the brother of the late John, Joseph, Edward and Francis “Whitey” Dyrbala, Mary Ralston, Gladys Babiarz, Julia Dyrbala and Helen Van Buren.

He is survived by Karla Potter and Pam Kilgore, who he considered his daughters. Sister, Teresa Bevington and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior services. Interment will be in the future Western New York National Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy maybe shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, N Y 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.