Obituaries

Oakfield – Mrs. Rose Marie Sapienza Mead, age 96 of Oakfield, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Honeoye, NY.

Mrs. Mead, born on September 26, 1923 in Oakfield, was the eldest daughter of the late James and Agnes Shilen Sapienza.  Rose was a lifelong resident of Oakfield and graduated from OACS in 1939.  She attended the University of Rochester, graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in 1944.  Mrs. Mead spent a summer at Middlebury College in Vermont, enrolled in a graduate program at the La Maison (The French House).  At various times in her career, she taught French, Latin and English, with French being her primary teaching assignment. Rose was also fluent in Italian and Spanish.  She enjoyed baking, knitting, playing the piano, scrabble and crossword puzzles.  Her greatest pleasure was spending time with family.

Rose was an active member of the St. Padre Parish/St. Cecilia’s, participating in various activities such as:  music ministry, RCIA, Faith Formation, Vicariate, and Altar and Rosary Society.  She also belonged to the Genesee County Retired Teachers Association, and the Oakfield-Alabama Historical Society since it was organized in 1998.

Mrs. Mead is predeceased by her husband, James Lavers Mead, her brother Dominic (Luella) Sapienza, and several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy (Cliff) Andres of Honeoye; son, Michael Mead of Penfield; six grand children: Matthew Andres, Rachel Andres, Jessica Andres, Sarah Andres, David (Venessa) Mead, and Kevin Mead; her great-grand-daughter Sylvia Mead; two sisters: Louise (Carl) Mancino and Marion (Tom) Brown all of New Port Richey, Florida.  She is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue Oakfield. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 10 a.m. at St.Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rose’s memory may be made to St. Padre Pio Altar and Rosary Society in care of St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, New York 14125; or Oakfield-Alabama Central School Foreign Language Club, 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, New York 14125; or the Ontario-Yates Hospice, a program of UR Medicine Home Care, 756 Pre Emption Road, Geneva, New York 14456-1336.

 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, both the funeral home and church will be restricted to 33% occupancy.  Face coverings and social distancing will be required.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Ruth Irene Blossom, 99, of Batavia passed away on Saturday August 8, 2020 at the Premier Genesee Nursing Facility. She was born on June 23, 1921 in Batavia to the late Rudolph and (Marion Buckley) Bosseler. Ruth is predeceased by her husband; Ward N. Blossom who passed away in 1998; brother Raymond Bosseler; sister Dorothy Maley; grandsons Stephen Blossom and Kevin Archer.

Ruth graduated from Batavia High School in 1938 and was a graduate of the Rochester Business Institute. She was a member of Terry Hills Golf Course, loved to walk every morning, read and play cards. After her husband retired from the Post Office, they spent their winters in Largo, Florida. Ruth was a lifetime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church).

She is survived by her children; Patricia (William) Archer, Stephen (Mary Grace) Blossom, Paul (Diane) Blossom; grandchildren Kristin (Marcus) Shorburne, Brian (Vira) Archer, Lisa (Rick) Fero, Christopher (Danielle) Blossom and Amy (Tom) Youmas; 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately for the family at Resurrection Parish. Ruth will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. 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 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Lila R. Hamilton, 91, of Stephens City, Virginia, formerly a resident of Batavia, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, Virginia, with her family and friends at Greenfield nearby.  She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Mahlon M. Hamilton who passed away on January 3, 2017, and her sister Velma Dean Parry in 2003.

Lila was born on September 10, 1928 in Batavia, New York, the daughter of Edward and Florence Chaddock Dean. She graduated from Batavia High School and SUNY at Potsdam, where she majored in music education and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Phi Sorority.

Lila married Mahlon Hamilton of Avon, New York on August 30, 1952. The early years of her teaching career were at Oakfield Alabama Central School and in Rye, New York.  She continued teaching music and directing the choruses at various schools and grade levels in the Batavia City Schools. She retired from teaching in 1984.

Lila joined the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia in 1942. She was a longtime participant in the music programs of the church, ultimately directing the children’s and youth choirs and singing in the adult Sanctuary Choir. She was an Elder for a number of years, and chaired the committee which welcomed a Vietnamese refugee family to the United States in the late 1970s.  She was instrumental in their adjustment and ultimate success as they began a new life in America. The family has kept in touch with her throughout the years, including as recently as this past Christmas, 2019.    

Lila was active in the New York State School Music Association, and served as its Public Relations Chairperson for a number of years. She enjoyed volunteering in the Genesee Memorial Hospital League, playing bridge, golfing, traveling with her husband “Ham,” and was a member of Stafford Country Club. During their retirement years, she and Ham were part-time residents of The Villages, Florida, where they enjoyed many good friends and a healthy, active lifestyle. Lila’s greatest pride and joy were always her three daughters and their families.

Lila is survived by her brother, Ivan W. Kuhl, in Austin, Texas; her daughters: Wendy Wygant and her husband Mike, of Stephens City, VA; Sally Dohse and her husband Jeff, of Centreville, VA; Amy Hamilton and Jeff Sanfratello, of Batavia, NY; seven grandchildren: Josh Wygant, of WI; Tim and Brad Wygant and Jeff, Cameron and Emily Dohse, all of VA; and Andrew Cowan of NY; five great-grandchildren in VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Details for services to be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Lila’s memory to Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, 304 Bowman Mill Rd. Strasburg, VA 22657. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Lila’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

Gordon Leigh English, 78, entered the kingdom of Heaven on August 5, 2020 after a valiant battle with Parkinson Disease.  Born in Bradford, PA, he was the son of Howard and Catharine Thomson English who predeceased him, as did his only sibling, Lorraine English Tanner. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Mary Brinkman English, and three children, Adam (Joanne Pera), Timothy (Wendy Witkowski) and Abigail (Anthony) Neeley.  He leaves behind five grandchildren, Emily, Aaron, and Avery English and Solana and Jade Neeley.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law, J. Robert Tanner and an aunt, Peggy Thomson, and several cousins and nieces and nephews.  Gordon graduated from Bradford Area High School.  He received a BS in music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College and an MS in General Education from Canisius College.

Excelling in music from childhood, Gordon’s life revolved around an appreciation for both vocal and instrumental music.  He taught vocal music for grades K-12 at Elba Central School where he pushed an upright piano from classroom to classroom.  A few years later he took the position of vocal music teacher at Batavia High school where he was well known for his choruses and especially the many musical shows he directed.  When he later switched to the middle school, he formed many musical groups including a boys chorus known as The Englishmen.

Gordon was the organist at the First Methodist church in Batavia for several years. When the family later joined the Batavia Presbyterian Church, he became a faithful member of the choir where he happily sang in the bass section for many, many years. He also was installed as an Elder; was a member of the finance committee and served as co-chairperson of the Sunday School.

Mr. English was a gifted pianist who mastered the Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue for his final piano recital at RWC. He taught private piano lessons to many, many area children as well as several adults. In 2007, he received the Community Arts Man of the Year Award from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Gordon was a tireless worker for the NY State School Music Association for many, many years.  He served as membership chairman for most of that time.  Later he was appointed to the same position at the national level for the Music Educators National Conference.  Gordon was a widely sought NYSSMA Vocal Music adjudicator throughout Western NY for many, many years.  He continued in this role long after he retired.

With his Parkinson Disease progressing, Gordon and his wife decided to fulfill his lifelong dream of having a log cabin built in the Alleghany Mountains, not far from his childhood home.  After the logs were laid up, he spent many satisfying times helping to finish the interior.  Known for his green thumb, he spent many hours landscaping with trees as well as flowers.  He was happiest on his John Deere tractor and even when he became further debilitated; he continued to mow the acres of lawn.  Gordon and his wife loved entertaining their friends and relatives at the cabin, as well as groups from their church.

Gordon will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.  We are sure he is already singing in choirs of angels, with his director’s baton in ready reach. 

Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Graveside services will be held on Monday at 2 p.m. at McKean Memorial Park, Route 59, Lewis Run, Pennsylvania. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Gordon’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral home will be restricted to 33% occupancy. Face coverings and social distancing will be required.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

BATAVIA - Gary W. Bird, 66, of Batavia, passed away Saturday, (August 1, 2020), at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Bird was born March 9, 1954, in Batavia, a son of the late William and Jacqueline (Finco) Bird.

Gary was an a man who liked to be active.  He participated with West Coast Swing in Macedon and Game Night in Buffalo.  For many years, he owned and operated Solid Gold Productions, a wedding DJ service.  Mr. Bird could play most any instrument, but played percussion with Batavia Concert Band.  He also enjoyed attending jazz concernts and drum corps. shows.  Gary was proud to have had the longest running karaoke show in Western New York which ran for over 30 years. 

Survivors include his daughter Amy Potrzebowski of Tonawanda, son Lucas Potrzebowski of Batavia; a grandson Nikolai Candino; a brother John (Jacqueline) Bird of Florida; a sister Kathleen (late Morris) Stewart of Florida; cousins Stefan (Judy) Stockton and Sedra (Fred) Hyde both of Batavia; a step-sister Linda (Jerry) Shafer of Michigan; his companion, Debbie Rivers of Niagara Falls, Canada. Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

There will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held in Elmwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary's memory may be made to Batavia Concert Band, P.O. Box 1705, Batavia, New York 14021.

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.

BATAVIA - Joseph Lester, Jr., 84, of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, (August 4, 2020), at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. Lester was born December 21, 1935, in Holden, West Virginia, a son of the late Joseph, Sr. and Emma (Dixon) Lester.

Joe worked the muck for many years and various farms in the area.  He liked to play cards and spend time with his family.  Joe enjoyed life.

Survivors include his sisters, Lucille (late Charles) Dunn of Milwaukee, Wiss., and Earsline (late Justine) Ealy of Detroit, Mich.; several nieces and nehpews, especially Laura (Jaime) Santiago of Elba.

There will be no visitation.  Services will be private.

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.

Frederick J. McNutt, 81 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (July 23, 2020) at his residence.

He was born February 16, 1939 in Scranton, NY, a son of the late Floyd and Margaret Clark McNutt.

Fred was employed as a semi-truck driver for General Motors prior to his retirement. He enjoyed trains and Harley Davidsons and was very well known for his western wear attire.

He was the husband of the late Nellie F. McNutt, who passed away May 22, 2016.

Survivors include his sons, Sean (Melissa) McNutt of Amherst and Mark McNutt of Akron. Also survived by grandchildren, Mark, Kristian, Sean II and Timothy McNutt

Services will be private at the convenience of the family with burial in Pioneer Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Oakfield - Lillian P. Weidner, 90 years young, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility surrounded by her loving family.

She  was born February 4, 1930, in Oakfield, daughter of the late Joseph and the late Elisa DiMassi Perozzi.

Lillian is predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Donald J. Weidner on January 1, 1993.

Mrs. Weidner worked for 31 years for the New York Telephone Company and AT&T in Batavia. She received the Miss Voice and Courtesy Award in 1962 and was a member of the Telephone Pioneer's Club of America. She also volunteered her time at St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield for 18 years as a Eucharistic Minister, greeter and usher. In addition, she belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

She is survived by her daughter: Lori (Robert Gross) Weidner of Elma, two sons: Mark (Rose) Weidner of Oakfield and Larry (Toni) Weidner of Rochester. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings; Gina Nanni, Maria Ianni, Nicolina Smart, Anthony Perozzi and Frank Perozzi.

There will be no prior visitation.  A small gathering will take place at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home for the immediate family only. A public Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lillian's name may be made to the Activities Fund at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, New York 14482. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Lillian's memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com. 

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

Lester G. Burr, 97 of Attica, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born in Orangeville, NY on September 17, 1922 to the late Carl (Elsie Eck) Burr.  

Lester was a World War II Veteran who served in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He retired from Batavia Metal Products in 1984. Lester enjoyed a long retirement doing woodworking, gardening, walking, playing golf, and spending happy times with his family and friends.  

He is survived by his wife of 72 years Isabelle Burr; children Norman Burr of Attica; Donna (Marc) Andre of Attica, and grandson Erik (Michelle) Andre of Darien.

A private Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Lester’s memory may be made to Stevens Memorial Library, 146 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or Attica Fire Department, 11 Water Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Heaven rejoices that a favorite son has come home. Charles “Chuck” Walter Enos Lehmann, 73 of Alexander, passed away peacefully on Monday (August 3, 2020) at his residence under the care of Hospice and his loving family.

He was born April 6, 1947 in Kentfield, CA, a son of the late Charles Barnett and Elsie Mae Gerratt Berry. To put it simply, Chuck loved God, his wife, family, country, and the 2^nd amendment and not necessarily in that order. Chuck learned how to work hard as a young farm boy in Iowa. He loved the animals but most of all his horse, a gift from his grandfather. Chuck, forever a patriot, was motivated to join the Marines at 17 years old. He served honorably and courageously in Vietnam through four tours. At the completion of his enlistment, he travelled extensively and lived in Kauai, Hawaii. On this island paradise, he met the love of his life, Sara. Soon after, they met church missionaries, and both made the commitment to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and get married. Chuck had varied interests and hobbies.  He was a skilled leatherworker and was trained in making Western Style cowboy boots while living in Texas. Target shooting was a favored pastime. It was no secret that he was a crack shot and shared many laughs on the range with family and friends.  Chuck spent countless hours honing his skills in Isshin-Ryu Karate. He earned many advanced black belts and loved to share his expertise. He was a natural storyteller, avid journalist, and a voracious reader. He genuinely enjoyed meeting new people from all walks of life. No one who ever met him was a stranger for long and he was blessed with many friends all over the country. 

Service was always important to Chuck. He once rode his bike from Batavia to Washington D.C. to bring awareness to the P.O.W’s/M.I.A’s from the Vietnam war. In addition to serving in the community over the past decades, he held many positions in the Batavia Branch of the L.D.S. church. Of the positions he held, his favorite was teaching. He will always be remembered as an excellent teacher who loved spending hours preparing lessons. His final position in the church was as a missionary.  He and Sara volunteered and were serving a church mission in Ghana when he became extremely ill. He loved the people of Ghana and serving the Lord very much and it was with a heavy heart that he returned home. He was a devoted disciple of Christ, husband, father, and friend. 

He is survived by his eternal companion of 45 years, Sara McCarthy Lehmann of Alexander. Children: Adam (Robin) Lehmann of Lansing, KS, Jamin (JoAnne) Lehmann of Fountain, CO, Kathryn (Jose) Herrera of Reno, NV, Susanna Lehmann-Galens of Greeneville, TN, Rebekah (Jason) Guiliano of Mount Morris, Hannah Lehmann of Alexander, Andrew (Becky) Lehmann of Attica, Jared (Judy) Lehmann of Anchorage, AK and Isaac Lehmann of Ontario, Canada. Also survived by 17 grandchildren and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of 2 more this year. Brother, George Lehmann of Eugene, OR and sister, Bonnie Meek of Eugene, OR.  

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Lehmann.

Family and friends are invited to Mr. Lehmann’s Full Military Honors on Monday (August 10^th), 2:30pm at the Fr. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph Cemetery, Ellicott St., Batavia, NY.

Future interment will be held upon the final construction of the Western New York National Cemetery, Pembroke, NY. 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.

 

 

William “Bill” Woika, 85 of Attica, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester. He was born in Winona, Minnesota on February 28, 1935 to the late Joseph Woika and Laura (Kersch) Fraser.

Bill was a proud US Army Veteran and NYS Corrections retiree of 25 years. He went on later in his life to private security for a national defense company and finally worked at the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars clubs. Bill was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish.

Bill is survived by his two sons, Jackson (Kathie) Woika and Richard Woika; grandson Joshua (Kyleena) Woika, granddaughter Haley Woika, two great-grandchildren Kharma and Walter.

There will be no prior calling hours. He will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road, Attica, New York 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Allen M. Stalker, 74 of Alexander, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2020. He is predeceased by his loving wife Joan Stalker, son David Sheffield, mother Alice Taggart, sisters Charlotte, Cathy, Donna and brother Gerry Stalker.

Allen was a woodworker/craftsman, he enjoyed refurbishing furniture for family and friends. He also enjoyed “tinkering” in the garage.

Allen is survived by his children Michael (Theresa) Sheffield of Dale; Jason and Mike. Siblings Keith Stalker of Attica; Betty (Dennis) Drew of Webster; Leona (Evie) Stalker of Attica; Janice (Barney) Lee of Salamanca; George (Eileen Slater) Stiles of Alexander; Linda (Wayne) Weber of Michigan; along with several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alexander Fire Department, P.O. Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Batavia - Sally Ann Neider, 76, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Sally was born March 24, 1944, in Galveston, TX, the daughter of the late Samuel and Ruby Dan (Ezzell) Bridges.

Sally was a founding member of Volunteers for Animals and took in strays, whether cats or humans.  She loved to read and was known for sharing her collection of books while home and also at the nursing home.  Sally grew up in a military family and lived around the world.

Survivors include her daughters, Danielle (Thomas) King of Oakfield and Diane Lapp of LeRoy; grandchildren, Angela King of East Bethany, Kyle King of Oakfield, Elizabeth Lapp of LeRoy and Killian Lapp of LeRoy.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Services will be at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Sally's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021, http://www.vol4animals.org/donate or to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate. 

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

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