Obituaries

Oakfield - Barbara B. Draper, 72, of Oakfield, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Barb was born July 16, 1947, in Warsaw, the daughter of the late John and Marion (Shaner) Brewer.

Barb loved quilting, reading and collecting cookbooks.  She was a Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan.

Barb is survived by her husband, Elmer and their son, John (Jen) Draper; step-children, Michael (Nancy) Draper and Michele (David) Bennett; her brother, Rick Brewer and three grandchildren, Sean, Illeana and Camden.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at a later date.  Barb will be laid to rest in the future Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barb's memory may be made to the Batavia VA Hospital Medical Center, 222 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020. 

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

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

  Orlo G. DeMun, age 75 of Dansville, NY passed away on Tuesday July 14, 2020 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris where he had been residing.  He was born in Perry, NY on July 17, 1944 a son to the late Rodney DeMun and Clara (Deiter) Green.

Orlo worked for Lapp Insulator in LeRoy and retired from Pulsa Feeder in Rochester in 1999.

He is survived by 3 sons: Ricky (Darlene ) DeMun of Perry, Robin (Genevieve) DeMun of Dansville, Shane (Tammy) DeMun of Nunda, 2 step-children: Veronica Bailey of Batavia, Jerry Slager of Nunda, sister: Linda Chapek of Perry, brother: Carl (Arlene) Calkins of Michigan, 9 grandchildren , 5 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by two wifes: Mary Ann (Armstrong) DeMun who passed away in 2004 and Beatrice (Mehlenbacher) DeMun who passed away in 2010, son: Rodney DeMun who passed away in 2016 and brothers: Sherman and Rodney DeMun Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Orlo will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry, NY.

Memorial tributes may be made in the form of planting a tree in memory of Orlo. 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.

  Matthew J. Rice, age 27, of Perry, NY passed away on Monday July 13, 2020 at his home in Perry. He was born in Warsaw, New York on February 26, 1993 a son to Brian J. Rice and Karen M. Regan.

Matthew was a graduate of Perry Central School class of 2011. He was a respected and loved employee at Rations Wine Bar and the Hole in the Wall Restaurant in Perry. He was a member of the Perry Vets Club and Perry VFW. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing darts, pool, and poker, was a talented artist who enjoyed showing his work on tattoos, welding, gaming and enjoyed a good game of scat with the Rice family. He will be remembered as one who would always give a helping hand, his smile was infectious, and he had a heart of gold.

He is survived by his parents : Brian (Lee) Rice of Perry, Karen Regan of Utah, siblings: Stephanie (Michael) Mercado of York, PA., Elizabeth “Libby” Rice of Perry, Erienne Peterson of Brockport, Patrick Rice of Perry, step-sister: Lydia Boyd of Perry, Parker Boyd of Lancaster, paternal grandmother: Florence Rice of Perry, Step grandparents: Lyle (Annebella) Wolcott of Perry, John (Marge) Landowski of Caledonia, nieces: Alejandra, Michele, Sophia and Natalie Mercado, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Thomas Rice, Michael (Sandra) Regan, Aunt and Uncles: Cindy (Mike) Laraby, Tommy, Paul and Steve Rice and Bob Shepard.

A Memorial service will be held on July19th at 11am at the Perry Village Park pond followed by a Celebration of Life at the Perry Fireman’s Building.

Memorial contributions may be made to 22 UNTIL NONE 18402 N 19th Ave. Box 370 Phoenix, AZ 85023 or visit www.22untilnone.org to donate. 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.

LeRoy ~ Donald F. Docking, age 64, of South Street, passed away early Monday morning (July 13, 2020) at Premier Genesee Center in Batavia.

    

 He was born February 12, 1956 in Batavia, a son of the late John and Joanna Longhini Docking.

     Don will be remembered as a hardworking family man, who loved camping and enjoyed watching nascar races. 

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Linda Brewster Docking; his children, Nicholas Docking and Emma (David) King, both of LeRoy; his siblings, William (Mary) Docking of Holly Hill, FL, Robert (Diane) Docking of Batavia and Ann Marie Docking of Batavia; his aunt, Beatrice Ferris of Rochester; mother-in-law, Diane Brewster of North Chili; his grand-dogs, Drake and Cooper, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John “Jack” Docking.

     A private family gathering will be held at this time, however a public “Dessert Party” will be held at a later date to be announced to honor Don’s love of desserts.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org/donate.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

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

Pavilion ~ Betty Ann Wellman, age 93, formerly of Court Road, passed away early Monday morning (July 13, 2020) at the Eastside Nursing Home in Warsaw.

     She was born February 26, 1927 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Ron and Genevieve Hartgrove Whittaker.

     Betty was a graduate of LeRoy High School and was the proprietor of Wellman Ceramics for 40 years.  She was a true animal lover and enjoyed her Saturday lunch engagements with her family.

     She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Starr of Pavilion, Lucinda (Randolph) Starr of Pavilion and Ann (Duane) Stehlar of Alden; daughter-in-law, Sally Wellman of Pavilion; Sisters-in-law, Polly (Joseph) Stoffer of Warsaw and Barbara Edwards of LeRoy; along with 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

     Betty was predeceased by her husband, Lewis; son, Howard Wellman; son-in-law, James Starr; grandson, Aaron Wellman and great-grandson, Jack Carney.

     Graveside services in the Pavilion Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Eastside Nursing Home, Activities Fund, 62 Prospect Street, Warsaw, N.Y. 14569.

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

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

BERGEN - Barbara Palmer, 84, of Bergen, passed away Monday, (July 13, 2020), at Rochester General Hospital.

Mrs. Palmer was born October 21, 1935, in Deposit, New York, daughter of the late Loren and Elizabeth (Brown) Turner.

 Barbara enjoyed crafts, crocheting, and painting.  She also loved to complete puzzles - both jigsaw and crossword.  She and her husband greatly enjoyed camping and traveling as much as they could throughout the years.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, James Palmer, Sr. of Bergen, sons, Robert Palmer of Byron, and his children, Jason (Gina) Palmer and Robyn Palmer; Richard (Patricia) Palmer of Bergen and their children, Jessica (Shawn) McAlister and Katheryn Palmer; great-grandchildren, Liam, Owen, Abigail, and Collin; brother, Paul (Jan) Turner of Wisconsin.  Her beloved canine companion, Precious also survives.

Barbara is preceded in death by a son, James Palmer, Jr.

There will be no visitation.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery in Brockport.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, NY 14416.

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, Bergen.

Eric J. Pluskwa, 43, of Medina, entered into rest at his home on Friday, July 10, 2020.
 
Born June 22, 1977 in Medina, Eric was the son of Edward A. Pluskwa and Janet (Mack) Pluskwa. He graduated from Medina High School in 1995 and went on to attend NCCC. He started his career with Time Warner Cable in 1998 as a line technician and eventually worked his way up to construction coordinator. He was a social member of the Lincoln Post #1483 VFW in Medina, and he was a lifelong San Francisco 49er’s fan. Eric enjoyed his family, pool parties, and his beloved Rottweiler Max, who was always at his side. Eric was known to be the life of the party, many of which he hosted at his home. Most of all, Eric was proud to be a dad to his girls and also “Papa” to his grandchildren.
 
Eric was predeceased by his father, Edward A. Pluskwa on May 9, 1997. Survivors include the loves of his life, his two daughters, Ariana M. Pluskwa and Alyssa J. Pluskwa; his life partner, Jacquie Knight; his mother, Janet M. Pluskwa; brother, Edward J. (Amy) Pluskwa; niece, Emily Pluskwa; step-children, Colin (Courtney) Knight, Chandler Knight, and Emily (Matthew) Perez; best Papa of Chase, Enzo, Emma, Isabelle and Lucy; mother of his children Colleen Rissew; parents-in-law, Marsha and Ernest Ribbeck; his Rottweiler Max; and many extended family members and close friends.
 
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 15th from 12-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 West Center Street, Medina. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 16th at 1:00 p.m., at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church, 12111 Ridge Rd., Medina. Interment will be in Boxwood Cemetery. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com  
 

 

Robert (Bob) E. Magoffin, 77, of Byron, passed away peacefully at Rochester General Hospital on Sunday evening, July 5, 2020. 

He was born in Rochester, New York.  He was the son of the late Lester Gerald and Margaret E. Magoffin.  His loving wife of 52 years, Carol R. Magoffin, passed away in 2014. 

He enlisted with the United States Air Force from 1961-1965 at McGuire Air Force Base, in New Jersey.  After his service with the U.S. Air Force, he began working for Rochester Products, a division of General Motors.  After over 30 years of employment, Robert retired from GM.

For many years, he was an active member of the Byron Fire Department and Byron Rescue Squad.  He taught First Aid & Babysitter’s Safety and Fire Prevention classes to local youth.  He strongly supported and participated in the “Racing for Drugs” campaign for the youth in Genesee County, coordinated by dear friend Dale Fair. Over his last years, he participated in local school Veteran’s Day programs and spoke with the youth regarding his experience in the United States Air Force and the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Bob also had a passion for adopting German Shepherds from BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue of Rochester, NY. He supported the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit.  He loved his shepherds like family. He was a proud member of the American Legion Sackett Merrill White Post #575 in Bergen, NY, for many years.

In his earlier years, Bob enjoyed traveling, camping, boating, and snowmobiling with his family.  He loved working on cars, drag racing, and hunting with his sons. In recent years, he spent afternoons at the shooting range with his “Assorted U.S. Military Service” buddies followed by weekly lunch at “Sporto’s.

Bob is survived by four children: daughters, Brenda (Allen) Swift, and Patricia (Richard) Palmer, sons, Robert E. Magoffin, Jr., and Brett Magoffin. Three brothers, Lester Gerald Magoffin, Barry (Brenda) Magoffin, and Randy (Amy) Magoffin.

“Grandpa Bob” leaves behind 17 grandchildren: Michelle Winn, Michael Swift, Jessica McAlister, Katheryn Palmer, Scott Carter, Courtney Lounsberry, Kasie Ebersole, Jacob, Alexis, Patricia, Jamison, and Jonathan Magoffin, Alysia Magoffin, Hali Costich, Skye, Austin, and Breeanna Magoffin and 10 beautiful great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews, and several “Grandpups.” His predeceased shepherd, Sheeba, was his very special angel helping him heal through his illnesses.  He leaves his sweet Daisy Mae, another German shepherd rescue.  She traveled with Bob everywhere. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Robert Magoffin are suggested to the Byron Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 315, Byron, New York, 14422.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the family has decided that there will be no visitation.

H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Funeral Home is entrusted with Robert Magoffin’s funeral arrangements. The family is making plans for a memorial/service to be held at a future date. At that time he will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery, Byron, NY. 

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

  Paul George Peterson, 68, of Darien Center, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020. He was born June 6, 1952 in Chicago, IL, son of the late Robert Berthel and Phyllis (Conforti) Peterson, raised by Phyllis and Chester Peterson.

He is survived by children Amanda C. Peterson (David Cowen) and Shawn Casey; grandchildren Kameya DeHaan, Bryce Casey, and Zayne Casey; sisters Jennifer Pankiewicz (Bruce), Ellie Ryczewicz (Stanley), and Christine Marciniak (John); many nieces and nephews, the Marchisin family that considered him one of their own; and the countless people who have tattoos he created. Also known as Pez or Paulie, he lived in Los Angeles, the Chicago suburbs, and ultimately western New York, where he finally felt at home.

Paulie was a creative jack of all trades. In the late 1970s, he established himself as an art director and photographer for various humor magazines, including Larry Flynt’s short-lived “Slam.” In the 1980s, Paulie’s distinctive style shaped the look and sets of early music videos, including Wall of Voodoo’s “Mexican Radio” and Weird Al’s “I Lost on Jeopardy” as well as iconic movie posters such as “Dressed to Kill,” “Escape from New York,” ”Funhouse” and “The Fog.” Arguably, his biggest achievement was the visual style and sets for genre-breaking cult films “Nightdreams” and “Café Flesh.” He returned to Illinois in the 1990s, where he turned his talents to tattooing, electronic music and experimental video. In the 2000s, he moved to Attica, New York, continuing his creative pursuits in addition to woodworking and raising a variety of animals. Paulie battled cancer for over 18 years, with over 20 major surgeries, having tenacity that surprised doctors and friends alike.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, cards or donations, his family and friends ask that do what he would at his best: give a home to a neglected animal, be a friend to someone everyone else has rejected, create something amazing out of whatever scraps are lying around, and laugh in the face of any low expectations anyone has of you.

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.

Olean- S. Anthony Sanzo, of 202 York Street, passed away peacefully, Friday (July 10, 2020). Born November 11, 1933 in Olean, he was the son of Ralph Anthony “Bud” and Mary Storrs Sanzo.  On May 12, 1962, at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Fredonia, Tony married the former, Carol Arcoraci, who survives.

Tony attended Olean High School, where he was very active in sports playing baseball, basketball, and football.  He graduated from Cheshire Academy in 1952 and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1956, with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. 

He was employed by Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation in Dunkirk from 1956 until 1965. During two years of that time, he served in the United States Army, stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany. While in the service, he was on the baseball team for his unit, traveling throughout Germany and competing against other service teams.

In 1965, Tony moved to Olean to help his father with Sanzo Beverage Company and later became the owner and CEO, until his retirement.  In 1995, Tony expanded the company and purchased R.R. Gamble Distributors in Batavia, and renamed it Sanzo & Sons. It is still part of Sanzo Beverage today. 
He was instrumental in establishing sporting events that would benefit local charities, including the Butchello Golf Tournament that benefited the Olean General Hospital and the Russell Houghton Pro-Am Tournament that benefited the Center for Family Unity, in Salamanca.

Tony was a member of St. Mary of the Angels Parish, the Bartlett Country Club, and a former member of the Exchange Club of Olean. He was on the advisory board representing small beer distributors for Anheuser Busch and also served as an advisory board member at First Tier Bank & Trust, now Five Star Bank.
Tony was an avid golfer who had two hole-in-one during the time he played the game. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons; Ralph A. (Amy) Sanzo of Olean, Richard C. (Lisa) Sanzo of Batavia, and Christopher A. (Stephanie) Sanzo of Allegany; six grandchildren, Samantha, Tonia, Brandon, Cameron, Gabriella, and Talia; one great-grandchild, Natalia; his sister, Sandra (Dennis) Arcara Rush; a nephew, David J. Arcara; and a special cousin, Anthony “A.J.” Calbi. He was predeceased by his parents.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials, if desired may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., Olean. Online condolences can be made at www.guentherfh.com.

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.