Obituaries

Robert was a farmer. Owning and operating the former Yunker Family Farm in Perry. He was an executive director for New York State Chapter of Land Improvements Contractors of America, where he retired in 2007. For many years with his wife did catering jobs and was known for his delicious Chicken BBQ’s. He was a member of LaGrange Baptist Church in LaGrange, where he was a church trustee, active in the Wyoming County Cooperative Extension, Dairlea, Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District and former President of the Resourse Conservation District and former President of the New York State Conservation District Association. He was a 7th degree Grange member through Warsaw Grange, the former Perry Center Grange, New York State Grange and National Grange and was a former 4-H leader for many years, and was a former member of the Office of the Aging advisory council. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan who enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years Loralyn (Altoft) Yunker whom he married on May 26, 1950, 3 daughters: Lynda (Thomas) Ryan of Bradenton, Fl., Lorna Fitch of Perry, Cheryl Hayes of Perry, 2 sons: John (Gail) Yunker of Livonia, Richard (Julie) Yunker of Warsaw, brother: Donald Yunker of De., 16 grandchildren: Rebecca (Rob) Rice, Melissa (Michael) Sawulak, Robert Ryan, Erin (Tim) O’Hanlon, Rachel Yunker, Jolynn (Paul) Castillo, Jaclyn (Brian) Chlop, Justin Yunker, Jennifer (Tim) Bramer, Jillian Fitch, James (Jennifer) Fitch, Justine Fitch, Elaine Hayes, Colleen Hayes, Kaitlyn Hayes and Lawrence Robert Hayes, 14 great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 4-7pm on Friday September 11th, 2020 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home LLC 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14053. A 2:00PM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday September 12^th at the LaGrange Baptist Church 7092 LaGrange Road, Perry, New York 14530.  Robert will be laid to rest in LaGrange Cemetery in LaGrange.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaGrange Baptist Church 7092 LaGrange Road, Perry, New York 14530, Wyoming County Office of the Aging 8 Perry Ave. Warsaw, NY 14569 or to the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility (Activities Fund) 400 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

She was a 1946 graduate of Perry High School. Lois married Shelby G. Sliker in 1947, they worked side by side on the family farm for 70 years and she also worked for the former Montesano and Lanckton Stores in Perry. She retired in 2007 at the age of 78 from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in Geneseo. She was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center where she was a former deaconess, a member of the Women’s Group and Knit Two Together Group which made items that were donated to Roswell Cancer Center and area nursing homes, Order of Eastern Star Chapter #497 in Perry, and the former Red Hatters Society. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, hand quilting, baking wedding and all occasion cakes, driving tractor on the family farm and “loved doing the dishes”.

She is survived by her daughter: Lisa (Walter) Wolinski of Leicester, 3 grandchildren: Melissa (Robb) Yoder, Caryn (Michael) Van Hook and Michael (Tina) Wolinski, 6 great grandchildren: Kyrann and Tegann Yoder, Colin and Dylan Van Hook, Jaxson and Jonathan Wolinski, brother Lawrence (Linda) Wright of New Mexico, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 5-8pm on Thursday Sept 10th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Funeral Services will be held at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center on Friday September 11th at 11:00am. Lois will be laid to rest in Leicester Cemetery in Leicester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, New York 14530. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Ila Elizabeth Comeau October 10, 1924 - September 7, 2020

Our dear mother Ila Elizabeth Comeau passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on September 7, 2020 at the NYS Veterans’s Home in Batavia, New York where she received loving care for the past five years.  Ila was a long-time resident of Elm Street in Rouses Point NY. She was noted for her delicious pies and cookies, and her gardens, sewing and wonderful massages. Ila was everyone’s best friend and neighbor and an adopted mother and grandmother to many– always there to lend a helping hand.  She was transplanted from Garland, North Carolina to Rouses Point by her husband Roland who she met while working in the Army Commissary at Fort Bragg. 

Ila was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years Roland, her brothers George, Harvey, Joseph, Paul, Luke  and John Petty and sister Mary Ross.  She is also survived by one sister-in-law Yvonne Petty and several nieces and nephews.  

Ila is survived by six children and 13 grandchildren, Joseph (Molly) Comeau and their children Rachael Comeau, Vaughn Comeau, Andrew Comeau;  Paul (Victoria) Comeau and their children John Comeau, Kristina Comeau Weismore, and Steven  Comeau; Margaret (Gary) Boyea and children Mike Boyea and Pam Cocozza, Mary (Zepher) Raymond and their children Eric and Jason Raymond, Marian (Bryan) Tetreault and their children Holly Sega and Jill Mayorga and Theresa (Richard) Simpson and their son Michael.  Also surviving are twenty-three great-grandchildren who brought great joy to her in the later years of her life.   

Ila’s life was full.  After her children grew up, she worked for many years and retired from Ayerst Laboratories where coworkers often enjoyed her fresh baked goods.  She also worked previously at Cedar Hedge Nursing Home providing compassionate care to the residents. She was devoted to her faith and involved in numerous activities at St. Patrick’s Church (many of which involved pies which Roland gladly delivered).

Calling hours will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Church in Rouses Point, NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and a graveside service. 

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 138 Lake Street, Rouses Point, New York 12979.  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.

Robert L. Johnson, 71, of Tonawanda, NY, entered into rest on Tuesday (Sept. 1). He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Tabone) Johnson; devoted father of Jill (Michael, DDS) Piazza and Emily (Fernando) del Valle; cherished grandfather of Dominic, Nicholas and Mina; loving son of the late Robert and June Johnson; dear brother of Deborah (William) Negrych; also survived by loving aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Mr. Johnson was a regular on the Western New York harness racing circuit since 1970 and won the training title twice during that time. He campaigned many horses over the years including Dragoon and Tonto Hanover, but the best horse of his career was the 46-time winner Incredible Looker (1:52.4, $202,559). He was part of the local racing fabric for two generations and he will be missed by his fellow horsemen.  

Relatives and friends may visit the Lombardo Funeral Home (Northtowns Chapel) at 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. (near Eggert/Sheridan Drive) on Sunday (Sept. 13^th) from 1-5 p.m. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

LeRoy ~ Emily S. Flensted, age 80, of Randall Road, passed away peacefully at GrandeVille Senior Living on September 4, 2020.

     Emily will be remembered as very loving, caring, and devoted to her family. She enjoyed playing Bingo, working in the garden, eating cookies and most of all, spending time with her family. She also took much pride in volunteering at Gillam Grant.

     She is survived by her children, Kathleen Henning of LeRoy and Kevin (Dawn) Flensted of Westerlo, NY; grandsons, Randal Henning, Matthew Henning, Bryant Flensted and Trevor Flensted; siblings, Phyllis Vrobel, Joann Rearick, Max (Dolores) Skiba, Mary Jaggers and sisters-in-law, Myrtle Skiba and Sophia Skiba.  In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by, her brothers Felix (Barbara) Skiba, Carl (Frances) Skiba, Edward Skiba, George Skiba and William Skiba; sisters, Julia Bliznasky and Sophie Goreczny; brother-in-laws, Joe Vrobel, Skip Rearick and Bill Jaggers.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 7 ~ 9 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. (Funeral home occupancy will be limited to 33% capacity during the course of visitation and face masks will be required.)

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

He was born April 19, 1942 in Utica, NY, a son of the late Clarence and Donna Esmay Cackett.

Jim was born and raised in Utica, NY. He graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1960.  He entered the United States Marine Corps immediately following high school  graduation and served honorably for eight years. He proudly served in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart, a Combat Action ribbon, and a Presidential Unit Citation which is awarded to units in the armed forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action. Upon completing his tour of duty, he was then stationed in Batavia as the Marine Recruiter and that is when he met the love of his life, Brenda. They married on April 27, 1968. He began his college studies at Genesee Community College and transferred to Syracuse University to complete his Bachelor’s degree in 1971. He was proud to call himself a Syracuse alumni.

He entered into the New York State Police, was assigned to Troop A – Batavia, and rose through the ranks to become a Sergeant as well as serving as Station Commander. He moved into the Bureau of Criminal Investigation within the Special Investigators Unit. He retired after 26 years of dedicated service and entered into the private sector as a Fraud Investigator for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. He retired, again, after six years from the Buffalo office.

Jim and Brenda enjoyed a wonderful retirement spending time with family and friends as well as traveling throughout the National Parks, Canadian Rockies, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe. He especially enjoyed their many visits to Puerto Vallarta, where he was able to utilize his love of the Spanish language.

He was a past Commander of the American Legion, life member of the VFW, Marine Corp League member, a volunteer driver for the Veterans Administration Hospital to transport local veterans to their medical appointments, and past member of the Lions Club as well as other organizations.

Jim was a giving individual and would always lend a hand whenever it was needed. He loved going out to dinner with friends (the finer the establishment, the better). The house was always open to friends and family for good food, great conversations, and lots of laughter. Some of you got to enjoy one of his famous Muddled Old Fashion’s and if you were one of the luckier ones, he might have offered you one of his cherished bottles of Utica Club.

Jim was an honorable man with strong family values, to serve and protect those that he held close. A man with true integrity and an unbelievably kind heart. His greatest accomplishment in his life was love; love for his family and love for his precious beautiful grandchildren. He will be missed for eternity.

Survivors include his loving wife, Brenda Fanara Cackett of Batavia. Daughters, Jackie (Michael) Battaglia of Batavia and Rebecca Cackett of Virginia Beach, VA. Grandchildren, Mason, Natalie and Lily Battaglia. Brothers, Robert (Judy) Cackett of Guayaquil, Ecuador, Thomas Cackett of Washington, D.C. and Philip (Barbara) Cackett of Ocala, FL. Brother in-law, Ross (Shirley) Fanara of Batavia. Also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (Sept. 8^th) from 3-7 pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Resurrection Parish. Family and friends are invited to Mr. Cackett’s Committal Service and Military Honors on Wednesday (Sept. 9^th) at 12pm in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ellicott St., Batavia.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or to a charity of the donors choice. Expressions of sympathy 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.

Gary A. Floar, 78, of Batavia, formerly of Lyndonville and Rochester, NY passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 29, 2020. Gary was born on August 29, 1942 in Syracuse to the late Burnett and Florence Floar. In addition to his parents, Gary is predeceased by two brothers; Burnett and Neil Floar both of Rochester.

Gary enjoyed the outdoors and loved animals.

He is survived by his best friend “Bunny Rabbit” Diane Ball of Elba; one daughter Jodi M. (Floar) Zeppetella of Albion; 3 grandchildren Casey A. Busenbark, Brian Russo and Kassidy M. Hastings.

A private burial was performed on September 2, 2020 at Grandview Cemetery.

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Delevan, N.Y. ~ Miguel Angel DeJesus “ Mike", "Pops", "Papi”, age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo.

     Miguel loved to enjoy the finer things in life like spending time outside with his many dogs, fishing and watching TV with his wife.

     He is survived by his wife, Betty and his children, Marisol DeJesus, Miguel DeJesus Jr. of FL, Diana DeJesus of NJ, Mickey, Gregory and William DeJesus of LeRoy; his grandchildren, Dominic, Aliyah, Harlan DeJesus, as well as many others.

     Any other family and friends, whose lives Miguel touched are invited to call on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, NY. (Funeral home occupancy will be limited to 33% capacity during the course of visitation and face masks will be required.)  His burial will immediately follow visitation at the Stafford Rural Cemetery on Transit Road, Stafford, NY.

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

Kenneth L. Goodman of Alexander, passed away August 31, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Alexander on September 25, 1933, the son of the late Harold & Joy (Wight) Goodman. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Susan (Green) Goodman; son Leslie A. Goodman, and daughter-in-law, Mary Goodman.

He is survived by his sisters, Irene Johncox, Lillian Bowen, Stella Peck, and Louise (Ken) Post; sisters-in-law Natalie (Kenneth) Eddy and Judith (Joseph) Spin. He will be dearly missed by his companion of many years, Nancy Gerspacher.

Ken leaves behind his children, son James Goodman; daughters Debra (Craig) Lund and Kate (John Hanobik) Goodman; daughter-in-law Christine Goodman; grandchildren Nick (Laura) Hanobik, Rebecca (Fred) Gregio, Elizabeth Hanobik, Brendan “Jake” (Shea Coleman) Lund, Michael Lund, Zachary Goodman.  

He enjoyed his farm life and ran a successful sawmill operation and welding supply business. Ken was a life member of the Alexander Fire Department and WNY Gas & Steam Association where he served as director for several years. He cherished his time with many friends as he pursued several other hobbies.

A private service will be held at the family’s convenience. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

Memorials can be made to Home Health Care & Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020; Alexander Fire Department, P.O. Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005 or WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association, P.O. Box 75, Alexander, NY 14005. 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.

It is with great sadness that the family of Gisela Elizabeth Fueglein announces her passing on Sunday, August 30, 2020, at the age of 83.

Gisela will be forever remembered by her beloved husband of 63 years, Eric. She is preceded in death by her loving daughter Tamy (Mark) Butcher. She will be fondly remembered as the best Omi to Aimee (Adam) Snyder and Kimberlee (Brian) Carpenter and to four great grandchildren (Ava, Colin, Evan, and Owen).

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with entombment in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to give.ocrahope.org or Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, suite 2110, New York, NY 10122. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

John  A.  Rumble, 69,  of Medina, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Medina Memorial Hospital.

John was born April 7th, 1951 in Batavia, the son of the late Robert and Dorothy (Prentice) Rumble.

John loved spending time with his family and will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband.  He enjoyed tractors and spending time outdoors.  John was a past Chief for the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department.  He worked at LeRoy Machine and also Perry's Ice Cream in Akron.  

John was a fighter who dealt with many long illnesses throughout his life.

John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Palenski) Rumble of Medina; his children, John R. "Spike" Rumble of Batavia, Laurie (Rick) Smith of Basom and Melanie Rumble of East Bethany; grandchildren, Ally, Myah and Coleton; sisters, JoAnn (Ron) Spears of Bradenton, FL, Laura (Charles) Yueckstock of Batavia and Diane (Dennis) Zuch of Batavia; several nieces and nephews and his dog, Uno.

John's services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's memory may be made to Medina Dialysis, 11020 West Center Street Ext., Medina, NY 14103, Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, 4677 Alabama Road, Medina, NY 14103 or to the family.

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

Arrangements for John were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

LeRoy ~ Lawrence Peter Steen, 94, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2020.

     He was born to the late Edith Roberts Steen and Lawrence Steen.

     He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Regina Van Alst Steen; daughters, Barbara Steen, Nancy (Michael) Glover and Dorothy (Ed) Schramm; special granddaughter, Alexandra (John Dawson) Glover; sisters, Vee (Earl) DeLong and Sally (Robert) Bickford; sister-in-law, Kathleen Steen, along with several nieces and nephews.

     He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert (Joan) Steen and Thomas Steen and sisters, Arlene (Carl) Murray and Jean (Lester) Allen. 

     Pete graduated from LeRoy High School and was a proud member of the '43-'44 undefeated football team.  He was a veteran of the US Navy and served aboard the USS New Jersey in the South Pacific during World War II.  Pete was a life-time member of the Sampson WWII Veterans, USS New Jersey Veterans, the United States Navy Memorial, the American Legion and the Oatka Fish and Game Club.  He was an employee of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation for 33 years.

     There will be no calling hours or services as per Pete's request.

     Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Botts Fiorito Post 576, 53 West Main Street, LeRoy, NY 14482 or the LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, NY 14482.

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

She was born January 9, 1926 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late William and Ethel Smith Gahagan.

Margaret was employed as a sales clerk for Big N and Kmart prior to her retirement. She enjoyed bowling, walking, crossword puzzles, watching tv and was a longtime parishioner of Resurrection Parish. Most of all she enjoyed her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew her loving heart.

She married Matthew Zajaczkowski on November 27, 1948 and they shared a wonderful life together until his passing in 2007.

Survivors include her sons, Stephen (Jean) Zajaczkowski of Batavia and Joseph (Jean) Zajaczkowski of Alexander. Sister, Marlene Wicks of Batavia. Also survived by 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

She was the grandmother of the late Christine and James Zajaczkowski and sister of the late Elizabeth Darby, Elmer Gahagan, Eleanor Zajaczkowski, Betty Sojda, William “Pat” Gahagan and Clarence “Fetch” Gahagan.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (September 3^rd) from 3-6pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, 11:00am at Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia. Entombment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Gerald E. Hensel, 64, of Oakfield, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2020.

Jerry was born on October 2, 1955, in Batavia, a son of Elaine Cummings Hensel and the late Frederick J. Hensel, Sr.  Along with his father, Jerry was predeceased by his brother, Frederick J. Hensel Jr., his son, Thomas Hensel and his nephew, Chuck Hensel.

Jerry was a meat cutter for over 30 years at Tops Market in Batavia.

Jerry is survived by his mother, Elaine C. Hensel; his grandson, Dominic Herrmann; his niece, Becky Hensel and his nephew, Chris (Amber) Hensel and a sister-in-law, Beverly Hensel.

There are no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu.