Obituaries

Earl L. Geer, 84 of Alexander, passed away (not from COVID – 19) on Monday, June 22, 2020 at Unity Hospital in Rochester. He was born February 2, 1936 in Alexander, to the late Howard (Marion Lance) Geer. He is preceded in death by brother Norris (Lois A.) Geer and sister Doris (Stuart) Phillips; brothers-in-law George Murphy and Henry Kelver.

Earl was a 1953 graduate of Alexander Central School. Spent two years in the United States Army stationed at Fort Story, VA, in the amphibious unit. He was co-owner of Geer Farm Services, Inc. and member of Alexander United Methodist Church where he served as trustee for many years. Earl was a life member of Alexander Fire Department, Inc. where her served as Secretary from 1962-1965 and treasurer from 1966-1982. He earned Fire Service Award in 1982, member of the fire department bowling team which were state champions in 1966 and played trumpet in the Firemen’s Marching Band for many years. Mr. Geer enjoyed square dancing, camping, playing cards, working and being with his family.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Ruth M. (Hall) Geer whom he married February 15, 1958; sons Kevin E. (Sue) Geer of Hamlin; Keith E. (Ela) Geer of Purdon, TX; Jeffrey S. (Kathy) Geer of Alexander; sisters Norma Kelver of Strykersville, Phyllis (Chet Robinson) Murphy of Collegeville, PA; grandchildren Stephani (Jason) Austin of Norwich, NY; Kristin (Peter) Lawrence of Hamilton, NY; Michael Geer of Batavia; Mari (Paul) Hamilton of Batavia; Brett (Kelly) Geer of Purdon, TX; Dylan and Sean Geer of Hamlin; great-grandchildren Oakley, Rowan, Cooper Lawrence; Jeremiah Austin; Brett Geer II; Anthony Hamilton, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, June 26, 2020 from 4 to 8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. All social distancing should be expected and only 25% occupancy of the Funeral Home at a time. A private Funeral Service will be held for the family. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main Street, Alexander, NY 14005; Mt. Pleasant Cemetery C/O Ruth Geer, or Alexander Fire Department & Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 336, 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.

Anthony (Tony) Emil Rocha passed away peacefully at home in University Park, Florida of natural causes after a full and rewarding life, on June 20th, 2020 during his 100th year, in the presence of his daughters Cezina Rocha and Emmeline Rocha-Sinha and his son-in-law Jagdish Sinha.  

Tony is preceded by his wife Livia Barbosa Rocha, his parents Gabriel and Stael (nee Pecus), his brothers Joseph (Nita), Douglas (Ida), Gregory (Tess who is alive), his sisters Dr. Ann Rocha, Emery Dean (Ken) and Teresa (Mark).  He is also preceded by his brother-in-law Dr. Louis Proto Barbosa (Alice) and sister-in-laws Eva Carvalho, Teresa Furtado and Dr. Maria Barbosa.  

He is survived by his loving daughters Emmeline Rocha-Sinha (Jagdish), Dr. Cezina Rocha and her daughters Serina Lidder and Dr. Alcina Lidder. He is also survived by his youngest sister Magda Fernandes (late Joe).  

He will be remembered fondly by his numerous caring nieces and nephews, their spouses and grand nieces and nephews and their spouses.   

Tony was born on January 29th, 1921 in Karachi and as a young man lived in Catholic Colony 1 in Karachi.  He later resided in India in the cities of Bombay, Agra, Lucknow and New Delhi where he spent several years working in Sales and Marketing for pharmaceutical company, Lederle Cyanamid.  While in India, he was active with several Catholic Charities including working personally with Saint Mother Theresa and her organization.  He emigrated to the USA in 1987 to join his family in Batavia, western New York and was proud to become an American citizen in 1998.  In late 2017 he moved to Florida to live with his daughter Emmeline.  

Tony was a charming quintessential gentleman of the old school and a role model to many.  He had a zest for life, always ready to socialize, have fun on a dance floor, regale folks with yarns and lived life full-sized with love and laughter, which brought smiles to many faces.  He was always young at heart and an inspiration to family and friends.   

He will be lovingly remembered and missed by all.

There are no prior visiting hours. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the convenience of his family. He will be entombed in St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

LeRoy ~ Barbara Jean Walters, age 60, passed away on the morning of the Summer Solstice, a beautiful Saturday - June 20, 2020.

     She was born November 6, 1959 in Batavia, a daughter of Irene Blowers Walters and the late Royal G. Walters. 

     Along with her mother, Irene, she is survived by her daughter, Danielle Royal Titus; her siblings, Robert (Ann) Walters and Ronald (Gale) Walters; nieces and nephews, Brian, William and David Walters and Jennifer Hollebrandt-Walters.

     Barb was a graduate of LeRoy High School Class of 1978.  She was most herself and comfortable in the elements. From working year round on a recycling truck to cutting down trees and mowing lawns on the side. She ran a forklift in a factory and transferred large racks of medical waste from hospitals but couldn't wait to get home and get outside. She had the ability to revive nearly dead plants and save those suffering from drought. She was a highly sensitive person by nature and became 'mother' to just about anyone and anything that crossed her path. She hatched abandoned ducks and bottle fed raccoons. And grew plants bigger than anyone we've known. She even rigged a muffler in a college parking lot covered with fresh snow! 

    She wasn't afraid to "take over" when someone needed help, she wasn't afraid to speak up for the underdog, and she certainly wasn't afraid to put certain people in their place if they so deserved it. 

     She was tough with a kind Heart.  Unapologetic & Honest, Soft but Strong - she's had the ability to be harsh if needed, but still made a point to express her unconditional love and support for Danielle ~ She was an Exceptional mom.

     She was Loved by many in addition to her family! Be it Colleagues, neighbors, strangers, friends, and extended family through her ex‐husband (Daniel J. Titus) originally from Scottsville where they raised their daughter through grade school before cordially parting ways. Barb remained in touch with the Titus family long after she and her daughter moved back to LeRoy as they all held a special place in her heart.

     A special thanks to a long time friend and Petsmart Co‐worker, Karl, who was a shining example of what true friendship means. Karl was a constant source of support and strength to Barb through the hardest part of her journey and long after the shock factor of her motorcycle accident  from 2007 wore off.

     She exceeded all odds of surviving a traumatic brain injury as well as she did. She made the best of her life post TBI and carried on with the love and support of those she held dear. Nursing home life isn't easy for anyone, but she became mother hen to other memory care residents and easily bonded with several staff members over the years and we're all so grateful for that. 

     She had a significant charm with her cunning smile and sparkling laughter. She will forever be missed, loved, and cherished by all who knew her! We Love You Barbara Jean♡

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, June 25 from 1 ~ 3 and 6 ~ 8 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy. (Funeral home occupancy will be limited to 25% during the course of visitation and face masks will be required.)   Her graveside service will be held on Friday, June 26 at 11:00 A.M. in the Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various animal welfare organizations.

     Your memories and condolences may be offered to Barbara's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

  Richard M. Clark, 65, of Batavia passed away on Saturday June 20, 2020 at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. He was born on December 13, 1954 to the late Maynard Clark and Evelyn (Gross) Clark of Batavia.

Rick will forever be adored as a loving and devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, son, brother, family member and friend. He was a man of great faith who always had a smile on his face and true joy in his heart. His three passions included his family, his faith, and his gardening. Rick was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and served on St. Paul’s school board. He took great pride in being a successful business owner of Batavia Garage Door, and the impact he made on the local community. He will be deeply missed but always cherished and remembered for the amazing man that he was.

In addition to his mother, Rick is survived by his loving wife; Judy (Kabel) Clark of Batavia; sons Timothy (Stefanie) Clark of Batavia and Jason (Melissa) Clark of Rochester; siblings Linda (Andrew) Doll of Rochester, Duane (Shannon) Clark of TN., and Kathy (Tom) Antinore of Batavia; grandchildren Logan, Alexa, Emma, Johnny and Timmy Clark, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday June 24, 2020 from 3:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020 (due to the COVID 19 virus, calling hours will be limited to 25% of the Funeral Home’s normal capacity, visitors may be asked to wait outside as we follow the New York State guidelines). A private Funeral Service will be held for the immediate family.  Rick will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran School 31 Washington Ave.  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., 392-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

  On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, Teresa A. Griffin passed away peacefully at the age of 93 after saying goodbye to her loving children. Teresa was the daughter of the late Louis and Florence (Gail) Klamet of Bonner Springs, Kansas. She is also predeceased by her devoted husband John J. Griffin, her son Michael Griffin, and eight siblings.

She was a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines before marrying and raising her children. Her Catholic faith was the heart and soul of her being. Her family was the most important part of her life.

She is survived by her children Teresa C. Griffin, Peter Griffin, Carolyn Griffin, Anne Statz, Melinda (Richard) Purpura, Thomas Griffin, Catherine (John) Muller, Jacqueline Shares, Patricia (William) Hayles, Jane (Daniel) Kress, grandchildren Daniel Kress, John (Amanda), Annie, Megan, and Mary Hayles, Emma and Molly Shares, Thomas & Carolyn Muller, Peter (Erin Sinclair), Rachel and Kara Purpura, Melinda (Cody) Bigler and David Statz and  Milton Griffin, her sister Ruth Martin, sister-In-law Patricia Becker, many dear friends, especially  Jack and Judy Sabatino, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday June 25, 2020 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020 (due to the COVID 19 virus, calling hours will be limited to 25% of the Funeral Home’s normal capacity, visitors may be asked to wait outside as we follow the New York State guidelines). A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Resurrection Parish in Batavia. Mrs. Griffin will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to a charity of your choice. 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., 392-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Donald L. Dumbleton, 94 of Batavia, passed away peacefully Tuesday (June 16, 2020) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

He was born July 30, 1925 in Silver Springs, NY, a son of the late Lloyd and Elizabeth Chasey Dumbleton.

Mr. Dumbleton was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and served with the National Guard in Batavia. He was employed by New York Telephone prior to his retirement where he was an installation and repair technician. He was a Past Commander of the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post 332 and member of the Beachhead Veterans Club in Alexander and the Telephone Pioneers of America. Don was also involved with the Attica Rodeo for several years. He enjoyed travelling especially on fishing trips to Canada with his sons. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying family and friends with a smile on his face.

He was the husband of the late Fay Johnson Dumbleton who died May 26, 2013. Brother of the late Basil Dumbleton, Jack Dumbleton and Lt. Robert Dumbleton, who was a bomber pilot, missing in action in the Pacific during World War II.

Survivors include his daughter, Cathy Monachino of Batavia. Sons, David Dumbleton of Wyoming, NY and Steven (Cindy) Dumbleton of LeRoy.  Brother, Richard (Jean) Dumbleton of Georgia and sister in-law, Thelma Dumbleton of Canandaigua. Also survived by 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family with full military honors in Elmwood Cemetery, Silver Springs, 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.

 

 

Kathryn M. Gringer, 100, of Batavia passed away peacefully on June 15, 2020 at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility. She was born on October 21, 1919 in Batavia to the late Charles and Laura (Blandino) SanFratello. In addition to her parents, Kathryn is predeceased by her hunsband; Joseph Gringer; brothers Michael, Jasper, Joseph, Lawrence, John, Victor and Father Sennen OFM SanFratello; sisters Mary Colombo, Josephine Siemens and Grace Curd.

She was a loving mother and grandmother. Mrs. Gringer was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling and was employed by GTE Sylvania for many years.

She is survived by her children; J. Carol Bergstrom of Warsaw and Lorraine (Paul) Gluck of The Villages, FL; sister Laura Bohm of Pittsford; grandchildren Kathryn (Dean) Dembinski, Bruce (Rita) Bergstrom, Gregory (Mary) Gluck, Stephanie (Matthew) Mortellaro and David Gluck; great-grandchildren Ashley Dembinski, Briana (Ben) Parton, Madison Gluck, Natalie Gluck, Paul Gluck, Mateo Mortellaro and Tiago Mortellaro; sisters-in-law Celia Puccio, Virginia Palermo, Carol SanFratello all of Batavia, brothers-in-law John Gringer of Spencerport and Rocco Gringer of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for immediate family by Father Emil Swiatek of Depew at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. She will be entombed with her husband in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or to The Miami Project mailed to Ricky Palermo at 5159 Sunset Terrace, Batavia, NY 14020. 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., 392-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Elizabeth Bartholomew, 67, of Batavia passed away on June 16, 2020 at the LeRoy Village Green. She was born on October 21, 1952 to the late Samuel and Agatha Scibetta. Along with her parents, Elizabeth is predeceased by her sister; Mary Grace (George) Wlazcak.

Elizabeth worked for many years at Chapin Manufacturing in Batavia. She loved bingo, going to the casino, dinners with her husband and being a homebody. Above all else, Elizabeth loved her dogs, as they were her children. Fosh, Tiffy, Cindy, ChiChi, Verdell, Baby, Coco, and Kobe all predeceased her.

She is survived by her loving husband; Michael Bartholomew of Batavia and her dog, Bailey.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter www.vol4animals.org. 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.

 

  Ann C. Orlowski, 96, of Oakfield, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2020 at Brothers of Mercy in Clarence. She was born July 26, 1923 in Olean to the late Jan Calus and Antoinette Kalisz. She is preceded in death by her husband Frank R. Orlowski, son Daniel M. Orlowski, step-father Joseph Gzowski, sisters Louise Pavlin and Emilie Calus; brothers Joseph Calus and Edward Gzowski.

Mrs. Orlowski worked for the Genesee County Board of Elections for 25 years. She was a longtime member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield and loved doing funeral breakfasts at the church and organized them for years. Mrs. Orlowski was very active in the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Association. The love of her life was her grandchildren Nicki and Christopher.

She is survived by her daughter Christine (Gary) Bucceri of Oakfield; sister Sophia Weber of AZ; grandchildren Nicole R. (Nathan) Spang of Charlotte, NC; Christopher F. Bucceri of San Francisco, CA; great-grandchildren Levi and Myla Spang, along with many nieces and nephews.

A private Service was held for the immediate family. She has been laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Ave, Oakfield, NY 14125, Haxton Memorial Library, 3 N. Pearl St, Oakfield, NY 14125 or to Oakfield Fire Department, 20 Albert St, Oakfield, NY 14125. 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., 392-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

BERGEN — Willard Pengelly, 98, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 16, in Bergen, New York. 

Willard was born December 1, 1921, in Churchville, New York a son of William and Grace Pengelly.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gordon, and three wives (Edith Brisbane, Evelyn Sorce, and Theresa Martin-Alexander).

Survived by his daughter, Martha Montgomery of Bergen, New York and son David (Suzanne) Pengelly of Senoia, Georgia.  He also is survived by three grandchildren: Marc (Rebecca) Montgomery, Kerry (David) Vaden, and Shannon (Rebecca) Pengelly, five great-grandchildren, Ashley and Dillon Montgomery, Emily and Andrew Vaden and Emyrs Pengelly, and many step children. 

Willard was a very successful farmer and real estate broker who worked with Harris Wilcox Inc. for almost sixty years.  He was the past president of the New York State Holstein Association and New York State Guernsey Association.

His passion was connecting with people through a common love of farming and real estate.  He continued to advise on real estate matters until the age of 97.  He was a father figure to many and will be remembered by his family and friends as a smart, kind, gentle and friendly person with a sparkle in his eye and will be missed. 

There will be no visitation. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, private services were held by the family.  He was laid to rest in Stone Church Cemetery, Bergen.  A memorial service will be scheduled in the future for Willard at Bergen Presbyterian Evangelical Church.  In lieu of flowers, he would rather have you remember him by donating directly to the Bergen Presbyterian Evangelical Church, P.O. Box 206, Bergen, New York 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

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

Batavia ~ Liza was born May 12, 1961 and passed away after a long illness on June 2, 2020.

     She was the daughter of the late William and Mabel Lefkowitz and sister of the late Stephen Lefkowitz.

     Liza lived and worked in New Jersey for many years and was a longtime secretary for Mennen Products.  When she moved to Batavia, she enjoyed bowling  in the leagues at Mancuso's Lanes.

     She is survived by her brother, Roger (Anita) Weiss of Batavia; two nieces, Jessica and Jennifer Weiss of Batavia, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.

     Services will be private for family to be held at a later date.

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

OAKFIELD - Florine M. Dixson, 77, of Oakfield, passed away Saturday, (June 13, 2020), at her home in Oakfield under the care of HomeCare & Hospice and her loving family.

Mrs. Dixson was born October 27, 1942, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Walter and Dorothy (Quackenbush) Pursel.

Florine was a member of the former St. Michael's Episcopal Church and a former member of the Oakfield Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary.  She enjoyed going to the casino, playing bingo, and animals.  Holidays were very important to Florine.  She insisted that the family get together and enjoy each others company and her cooking.  Mrs. Dixson was an avid fan of the Golden Girls.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Dixson; sons Scott Williams and Randy (Gloria) Williams both of LeRoy; a daughter Pamela (Ron) Williams of Corfu; grandchildren, J.T., Sarah, and Riley Williams, Nichole (Brandon) Macioszek, Clinton "Billy" Nickens, Daniel (Makenzie) Burr, Erika (Alex) Lippold, and Jessica (fiance Andrew) Shaut; great-grandchildren, Andraes, Carmelo, and Alissa; sisters, Betty (late Chuck) Juliano of FL, Patricia (David) Williams of South Alabama, and Sandy (Frank) Deleo of MD.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Florine is preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Lillian Burr.

Private funeral services will be held for the family.  Florine will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery in Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Florine's memory may be made to Camp Good Days, 6430 Transit Rd., Suite 200 Depew, NY 14043.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at burdettandsanford.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Pavilion ~ David W. Wright, age 59, of W. Park Street, passed away at home early Tuesday morning (June 16, 2020) in the loving presence of his family.

    

Mr. Wright was born December 15, 1960 in Batavia, N.Y., a son of the late Henry “Hank” and Frances "Louise" Scribner Wright.

     David enjoyed spending time with his family and was considered the “family photographer and videographer”.  He was a life member of the Pavilion Fire Dept., where he was a past financial secretary.  He was also a member of the Pavilion United Methodist Church, a board member for the Pavilion Cemetery Association and a long-time volunteer for placing flags on the graves of veterans in the cemetery.  In David’s own words, he was “ a long suffering Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan” as well.

      He is survived by his brother, Douglas (Kathy) Wright of Pavilion; his sisters, Ginger Sackel (Marjorie Wilkison) of Flatrock, NC and Phyllis (Dr. Mark) Hagen of Westfield; his aunt, Mary Ellen (late Donald) Wright of LeRoy; his loving nieces and special care providers, Michele Schultz and Mary Beth McMartin, along with many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, dear friends and his loving and devoted canine companion, Annabelle.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, June 19 from 4 ~ 8 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy. (Funeral home occupancy will be limited to 25% during the course of visitation and face masks will be required.)   His graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 A.M. in the Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Wilmot Cancer Center, Pavilion United Methodist Church or the Pavilion Fire Department.

     Your memories and condolences may be offered to Mr. Wright's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.