Obituaries

Batavia - John R. LaFarnara, 87, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Crossroads House.

John was born August 13, 1931, in Batavia, a son of the late Nicholas and Josephine (DiMaio) LaFarnara.

A veteran with the United States Marine Corps, John served from 1951-1954.  He was a member of Ascension Parish, the Elks Club and the VFW.  John enjoyed bowling, spending time with his family, being outdoors and gardening.  He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees and Batavia Muckdogs.  John was a carpenter for Local Union #1151 in Rochester.

Survivors include his children, Nancy (Dennis) Warner of Batavia, Amy (Joe) DiSalvo of Batavia and John P. (Jody) LaFarnara of Batavia; grandchildren, Amanda (fiancé Zachary Huemoeller) LaFarnara, Alyxandra (Stephanie Seeber) Chojnowski, Madolyn (Mike) Costa, John G. (Katie Pataky) LaFarnara, Cory Warner, Ryan Warner, Lauren Pinney and Josh Pinney; great-grandchildren, Barrett and Max Chojnowski and several nieces and nephews.

John is a brother of the late Josephine Carter and Pasquale, Anthony, Carmen, Vito, Columba and Mary LaFarnara.  He is also predeceased by his fiancée, Lynda Lowe.

There will be no prior calling hours.  John's Funeral Mass will be on Monday July 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia.  Burial with full military honors will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials in John's memory may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY, 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate as well as the Visiting Nursing Association, 61 Swan Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

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

Gertrude M. Mason, 95 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (June 21, 2019) at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born June 2, 1924 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Jacob and Anna Wozniak Siewierski.

Gertrude had worked at several places in the Batavia area, including, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Sylvania, Pok-A-Dot Restaurant, Mancuso Plumbing and Walmart. She enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, crocheting and handiwork activities. She was also a member of Resurrection Parish.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Mason, who died in 1965 and sister of the late Rose Tomaszewski, Clara Klimczak, Florence Russell, Regina Dixon, Irene Wenzka and Alice Barniak.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may gather to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (June 25^th) from 9:00-11:30am,at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, where prayers will be recited at 11:30am, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial, 12:00pm at Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s preference. Expressions of sympathy may be made 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.

Pavilion ~ Dawn E. Hickey, age 73, of Court Road, passed away at home on Wednesday morning (June 19, 2019) in the loving presence of her family.

    

She was born September 25, 1945 in Alexandria Bay, N.Y., one of fourteen children of the late William and Rosemary Bowles Edwards.

     Dawn will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  She was a cub scout leader for many years and worked at the Churchville Pharmacy.  She took great pride in eventually becoming a florist, acquiring her own business "Bed of Roses" in Pavilion.  She went on to work at Batavia Downs Casino until her retirement.

     She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Eugene F. Hickey; her children, John Hickey, Wayne Hickey, Brian (Rhonda) Hickey and Krista (Mitchell) Latimer; grandchildren, Naomi (Clay) Pollock, John Hickey, Joseph Shevlin, Ryan Hickey, Erica Hickey, Jenica Hickey, Brayden Hickey, Lexy Latimer, Mya Latimer and Parker Latimer; two special family members, Linda Ryan and Kelly Crowe, along with many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 23 from 12 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Services and interment will be private.

     Contributions in memory of Dawn may be made to Homecare & Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

Pearl Creek ~ Ivan H. Draper, age 92, of Pavilion-Warsaw Road, passed away at home Tuesday evening (June 18, 2019).

    

He was born January 22, 1927 in Gainesville, NY, a son of the late Victor and Bernice Dunbar Draper Sr.

     Ivan will be remembered as a hardworking man, who was lovingly devoted to his family and was always found to be at the side of his loving wife, Elva.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked for the B & O Railroad as a track man, W.W. Griffith Oil as a truck driver and eventually became a retiree of Rochester Products.  He was a longtime member of the Pavilion First Baptist Church and he enjoyed restoring '57 Chevys.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 75 years, Elva Weber Draper; his children, Larry (Donna) Draper of Cheektowaga, Gordon (Sandra) Draper of Pavilion, James (Betty) Draper of Pavilion and Darlene (Kevin) Hinrich of Wyoming; his brother, Verner (Virginia) Draper of Fulton, NY; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his siblings, Clifford Draper, Esther Walker, Thelma Austin, Pauline Holmberg and Victor Draper Jr. and his grandchildren, Michael Draper and Colleen Hinrich.

      Family and friends may call on Monday, June 24 from 1 ~ 3 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, where his Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery.

     Memorials are suggested to the Pavilion First Baptist Church, 10956 Lake Street, Pavilion, NY 14525.

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

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

   Judith Marie Snyder passed away peacefully at the Wyoming County Nursing Facility on June 19, 2019 at the age of 82. She was born on January 25, 1937 in Buffalo, NY to the late Orville and the late Julia (Schiffmacher) Snyder, Sr. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ethel (Tom) Baurer and Marney (Sam) Leone, brothers, Harold (Norma) Snyder and Orville (Sophia) Snyder, Jr.

 While living in the nursing facility, Judy loved to participate in many activities every day such as Bingo, Listening to music, going to the holiday parties, having her hair and nails done, and even going to Pike Fair where she had yearly submissions of her arts and crafts, bringing home awards as well.

Judy is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and great great great nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility, 400 N Main St, Warsaw, NY 14569.  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.

Batavia - Alexander "Alex" O'Brien, 20, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2019, at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Alexander was born April 19, 1999, in Batavia, a son of Gregory and Karen (Langdon) O'Brien of Batavia.

Alexander was a custodian at the New York State Veteran's Home and also worked food service at the New York State School for the Blind.  He enjoyed anime, music, writing and being with his family and friends.

Surviving along with his parents, Gregory and Karen, are his brothers, Zachary O'Brien of Batavia and Steven O'Brien of Batavia; grandmother, Betty O'Brien of Batavia and two very special friends, Walter and Mary.

Alexander is a grandson of the late John O'Brien and Douglas and Elizabeth Langdon.

Calling hours are Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where a Time of Sharing will be held at 4:00 p.m., also on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Alexander's memory may be made to Mercy Flight, 4781 East Saile Drive, Batavia, NY 14020, https://www.mercyflight.org/support/ or to Palliative Care Program - Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 278996, 300 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14627, www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/palliative-care/.

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

Batavia - Dixie L. Best, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 surrounded by her family.

Dixie was predeceased by her son, Steven Rethlake and her brother, Danby Best.

Dixie is survived by her daughter; Tara (Joseph) Statler; grandchildren; Aaron Statler, Bethann Rethlake and Tiffany Rethlake; great-grandchildren; Eloise Statler and Lucas Walls; her brothers; Mike (Debbie) Best, Corky (Sue) Best and Doug ( Jean) Best; her special friend and niece, Jessica Oliver along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will welcome friends from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2019 at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 p.m. She will be entombed in the niche at Elmwood Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Françoise (Frances) Menard Bourdon passed away June 16, 2019 in Batavia, New York.  Frances was born March 22, 1925 in Alfred, Ontario, Canada to Isaie and Alma (Sibué) Menard.

  She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Eugene  (Gene) Bourdon, her children Anne and Mark, twin brother  Rev. Francis Menard and sister Helen White. She is survived by a brother, John Menard (Sophie) and sister, Gloria Breh (Michael), her 4 children (and their spouses), Mary Lou Bailey (Ernie), John Bourdon (Claudia), James, and Denise Spadaccia (Larry), 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She and her husband, Eugene Bourdon, operated Bourdon Oil and Tire in Cobleskill, New York from 1957 until Gene’s death in 1981. Frances continued to live in Cobleskill, but spent winters in Maryland with her son, John and daughter-in-law, Claudia.  Frances was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Church and active in the hospital auxiliary. She enjoyed regular family gatherings with her siblings, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their friends at Thanksgiving, Easter and at any other opportunity.  

In the words of her grandchildren, ‘Granny’ was the epitome of beauty, strength and grace, and looked for sunshine in every day.  She was often referred to as ‘solar powered’! She was ever present in our lives, celebrating our victories, and acknowledging our struggles.  She always had time to read us books, look at our pictures, and sing songs. In her final two months, she continued to teach us by modeling how to die with grace, strength, courage, and dignity.  Granny will be the center of stories around the card table for generations to come continuing to fill hearts with warmth, laughter, and love. She lives on in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, New York on Tuesday evening, June 25 from 5-7PM.  Visitation will also be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, June 26 at St Vincent DePaul Church in Cobleskill, New York followed at 11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial.  

In lieu of flowers, people are invited to contribute in her memory to Crossroads House in Batavia, NY www.crossroadshouse.com or St. Vincent DePaul Church www.stvincentdepaulcobleskillny.com.  

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

OAKFIELD - Laura A. Gonzalez, 62, of Oakfield, formerly of Byron, passed away Monday, June 17, 2019, at her home in Oakfield.

Mrs. Gonzalez was born July 12, 1956, in Batavia, a daughter of Virginia (Zeitvogle) Mann of Leroy and the late Donald Mann.

She was a 1974 graduate of Byron Bergen High School and attended Genesee Community College.  She enjoyed watching movies, reading Stephen King novels, crochet, collecting decorative cow figures and watching cooking shows.

Along with her mother, she is survived by 2 sons, Jason C. (Rebecca) Mann and Adam M. (Candice) Gonzalez, both of Batavia; 3 brothers, Donald (Joanne) Mann of Dansville, David (Karen) Mann of Groveland and Charles Mann of AZ; a sister, Barbara (Rodney) Bouchard of Pavilion; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.            

She was predeceased by her sister (the late) Karen Mann.    

Friends may call from 4 - 7 p.m. Thursday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. in Batavia where her service will follow at 7 pm.  Private burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various charities.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Thomas E. Hayes Sr., 69 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Crossroads House. He was born September 9, 1949 to the late Edward (Rosalind Zeis) Hayes. He is preceded in death by siblings Robert and Gary Hayes, Nancy Cifelli.

Tom was a proud United States Army Vietnam Veteran. He loved spending time in his vegetable garden and cooking. Tom was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed driving his Mustang. He was a hardworking man that never seemed to stop. Tom loved camping and spending time with his family.  

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Brigid K. (Hunt) Hayes of Batavia; children Alicia (Steven) Fitzsimmons of Oakfield; Christina (Jamon) Freak of New Zealand; Brandi Hayes Barnett of Collinsville, IL; Caitlin (Jacob) Fronczek of Tonawanda; Thomas E. Hayes Jr. of Batavia; special niece Shelby (Brandon) Falker of Akron; sister Patricia (William) Cultrara of Oakfield; brother-in-law James Cifelli of Batavia; 6 grandchildren Kaleb, Quinn, Collin, Tyler, Alex and Savannah, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday June 19, 2019 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday June 20, 2019 at the Funeral Home. Tom will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 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.

 

 

Joyce L. Marchese, 89 of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Premier Genesee Center. She was born October 5, 1929 to the late Glen (Rena) Hammond. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Salvatore J. Marchese and daughter-in-law Michele (Hunt) Marchese.

Joyce was very active in raising her family by planning family activities, travel and outings. For years she was a co-owner and participated in the daily operations of Heveron’s Hotel, restaurant and tavern. Joyce enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren along with painting, knitting, traveling and of course playing card games.

Joyce is survived by her children Glenna Harloff and her children Kevin (Carolyn) Geisler, David (Jackie) Geisler, Jennifer (Jeff) Barnes and Michael (Lisa) Harloff; Paul Marchese; Peter M. (Deborah Wade) Marchese and his children Philip (Adrienne) Marchese, Sara Marchese; S. (Lori) Marchese; Daniel (Terri) Marchese and their children Daniel (Carolyn) Marchese, Salvatore Marchese, Miles (Lexi) Marchese; four great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 4 to 7 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 Friday, June 21, 2019 at Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Joyce will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 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.

Douglas J. Maloy, 72 of LeRoy, passed away peacefully on Friday June 14, 2019 at his home. He was born March 30, 1947 in Batavia to the late John (Marcia Miller) Malloy. He is preceded in death by a daughter Barbara Middleton.

Doug worked for many years as a mason. He worked hard and he played hard and he’ll be remembered that way.

He is survived by his beloved wife Kelly (Millsbaugh) Maloy of LeRoy; son John D. (Missy Nobles) Maloy of Attica and two grandchildren.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans www.dav.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.

BATAVIA - Elizabeth Ann Finnin, 49, of Batavia, lost her battle with addiction on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at her home in Batavia.

Elizabeth was born September 8, 1969, in Walla Walla, Washington, a daughter of the late Homer A. and Zelma (Moffit) Ruble.

She was a very friendly person who enjoyed cooking.

Survivng are her children, Preston Ruble, Ashton Ruble, Taylor (Agin Hasenauer) Finnin, Faith (George Nichols) Finnin, and Grayson Finnin; 7 grandchildren; a brother, Michael; sisters, Mary, Ovila, and Diane.  The father of her children, Frank Finnin also survives.  

She is preceded in death by a son, Bryin Sebastian Ruble and brother, Irvin.

Family and Friends are invited to atted Elizabeth's Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday (June 22, 2019) at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main Street, Batavia, with Rev. Martin MacDonald officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Mildred H. Davies Kujawski of Batavia passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2019, at the Premier Genesee Nursing Home. Mildred was born July 11, 1930, in Buffalo, NY.  Daughter of the late Ruth Schattner and Frederick Davies. She is predeceased in death by her devoted husband Joseph Paul Kujawski who died November 19, 2004.  Also predeceased by her brother, Richard Davies.

Millie worked for over 14 years as the Executive Director of the American Cancer Society in Batavia, NY.  She also enjoyed being a teacher’s aid for the Batavia School system for many years. Her joys were singing and sewing. She was a member of the Genesee Chorale, St. Joseph Church choir, Museum Quilt Guild and Genealogy Society. She joined and volunteered for countless local groups.

She is survived by her five children, Nancy Kujawski of Missouri, Paula (Donald) DiLaura of Batavia, LuAnn (Jack) Leonard of Florida, David (Beth) Kujawski of Colorado and Lynn (The Late William) Hastings of Batavia. Six grandchildren, Julie (Chad) Higgins, Andrea (Jeremy) Karas, Donald II (Alexandra) DiLaura, Sean Leonard, Nathan Kujawski, and Katherine (Tommy) Matteson. Along with twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dear brother and sister-in-law Robert and Janice Davies of Florida, Jane Davies Of Florida, Brother-in-law   Henry Kujawski, sister-in-laws,  Florence Kujawski and Marian Malzewski.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday June 22, 2019 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of her life will immediately follow calling hours 1:00 PM at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, the Twenty-five Neediest Children's Fund, Inc, C/O  Nann Zorn, 12 River Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Or Genesee Cancer Assistance Inc.,127 North Street, Batavia, NY 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.

Bradley L. Stevenson, 60 of Gainesville, NY passed away on Friday June 14th at his home after a brief illness. He was born in Batavia, NY on September 29, 1958 a son to the late Robert Lewis and Margaret Louise (McAdoo) Stevenson. Brad worked for Brothers Transportation in Wind Gap, PA., previously for M&T Trucking in Pavilion, Quality Trucking and Caledonia Tanklines. Brad was a member of the Gainesville Fire Department. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, classic country music, dancing, and watching wrestling on TV.

He is survived by 2 sisters: Barbara DeWitt of Oakfield, Beverly (Richard) Waite of Warsaw, 2 brothers: Bruce (Elizabeth) Stevenson of Fulton, Brett (Bobbi) Stevenson of Batavia, sister-in-law: Lisa (Brian) Deel of Livonia, his companion: Rhonda Winkstern of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife: Lori (Fuller) Stevenson who passed away in 2010, In-laws: Gerald and Marilyn Fuller.

Family and friends may call from 4:30 – 8:30pm on Friday June 21st at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main in Perry. A fireman’s service will be held on Friday at 8:30 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday June 22nd at 2:00pm at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Gainesville, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gainesville Fire Department or to the donor’s choice. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 585-237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.