Obituaries

LeRoy ~ William H. Arena, age 82, of West Bergen Road, passed away Sunday morning (July 3, 2022) at home in the loving presence of his family.

   

  He was born April 25, 1940 in New York City, a son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth King Arena.

     For many years, Bill was a sheet metal worker in New York City for Local #28.  He had a love for horses and horse racing.  He enjoyed watching his horses run at Batavia Downs.  For his love of horses, he started a non-for-profit 501c3 called MaryLand...A Haven For Horses in LeRoy.

     He is survived by his loving wife, Maryanne Arena; daughter, Jaime (Kim Hutto) Arena and son, Lee Albert.

     Services will be private for the family.  A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to: MaryLand...A Haven For Horses, 8132 W. Bergen Road, LeRoy, NY 14482

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

Batavia - Jazmine N. Bruce, 32 of Batavia,  passed away suddenly on Tuesday, (June 28, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Ms. Bruce was born November 16, 1989 in Rochester, a daughter of Prince James (Carla Sampson) Bruce of Guyana and Diane (fiance Kelvin Shannon) Bruce of Stafford.

She attended Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Batavia and enjoyed life, having fun, and fishing. Jazmine graduated from Batavia High School Class of 2007, where she ran track. After high school she attended Genesee Community College. She liked going for rides and traveling, especially to Guyana, South America. Most of all, She loved spending time with her family.

Surviving along with her parents is her Fiancé, Dennis Lloyd, of Batavia; her children, Kallie Bruce-McMurray and Rodney James Lloyd both at home; brothers, Desmond (fiance Holley Carney) Blackshear of Batavia, James Hardaway of Rochester, and Oraid Edwards of Batavia; sisters, Dionne Blackshear of Batavia, Lydia Bruce of Batavia, and Damainique (fiance Akram Beggar) Bruce of Boston, Mass.; her maternal grandmother, Marie Blackshear of Batavia; nieces and nephews, Quentin, Rihanna, Reagan, Rian, Kemaj, James, Prince Charles, Gema, Aaliya, and Bridgette. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends also survive.

Jazmine is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Prince Eustace Bruce and Waveney Kendall; and her maternal grandfather, Rev. Oraid Blackshear.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 7 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  Jazmine 's Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, (July 9, 2022) from Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 516 Ellicott Street in Batavia.  Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.  Flowers may be sent to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Ronald Clayton Harmon, 75 of South Byron/Silver Lake passed into the arms of Jesus peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by family on Friday July 1^st at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born to parents Theodore E. Harmon and Eleanor Grace (Searls) Harmon in Batavia, NY on September 9th, 1946.

He was a 1964 graduate of Pembroke Central School and a 1966 graduate of Alfred Agriculture and Technical College.

He was employed for 50 years at Manning Squires Hennig General Contractors of Batavia, NY, retiring in 2014.   He was Vice President and Field Superintendent.  He was a highly respected mentor and teacher to all of the employees, whom he cared for very much.   His sense of recall to detail was mind blowing.  He could roll up on a job and remember details like no one else.

In 2014 he was the recipient of the Rochester Builders Exchange Lifetime Achievement Award.  He was also a trustee for both the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 3 Health, Welfare and Pension Fund and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC).

He was a former board member of The Byron-Bergen Central School District.  Ron was a member of the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church where he also served as a deacon and on various committees.

Ron enjoyed coin collecting, all things financial, yard work and gardening.   Most especially, he enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren play sports, playing games with them and hosting his family at the cottage on Silver Lake.  There was never a fashion show, musical performance or spelling bee that he did not attend.

He is survived by his loving wife Kay Linda (Wiltse) Harmon of nearly 60 years and a proud father to his 3 children, Todd (Kathy) Harmon, Tracey (Stephen) Brewster and Robin (Brian) Donnelly.   In addition, Ron is survived by his 7 cherished grandchildren, Shelby Harmon, Kelsey Harmon, Lauren Simonelli, Anthony Simonelli, Nicole Donnelly, Hannah Donnelly, Jack Donnelly and 4 bonus grandchildren Adam (Nicole) Brewster, Noah Brewster, Hannah Brewster, Jared Brewster.   He is predeceased by his parents and brother; Bruce T. Harmon.

Calling hours will be held on Friday July 8, 2022 from 3pm to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.  An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday July 9^th at Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Ave, Bergen, NY 14416.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, PO Box 206, Bergen, NY 14416. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Sharon L. Quaintance, 80 of Alexander, passed away peacefully on July 2^nd at her home surrounded by her loving family. Sharon was born May 14, 1942 in Buffalo, NY to the late Louis and Jane (Austin) Semrau.

She retired from HSBC after working for 23 years. She enjoyed living in multiple states with her husband Stan who was in the Marine Corps. Sharon loved to play cards, travel, take cruises, bowling and most of all spending time with family. You could count on her wit and humor in almost every situation. She was always kind and welcoming and loved nothing more than to have a large group of friends and family enjoying the campfire.

She and Stan enjoyed the sunshine of their Florida home in the winter and this home in Alexander in the summer.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Stanley D. Quaintance. Children, Stanley (fiancé, Tracy Newcomer) and Elizabeth (Philip) Cardinal. Her beloved grandchildren, Joshua (Jessica Mitchell) and Justin Quaintance and Amanda Ludlam (boyfriend Sean Lunn). Great-grandchildren, Jaidyn, Jordyn, Jaxyn and Hunter Quaintance. Siblings, Louis (Barbara) Semrau, Janis (late Richard) Hayes, Allen (Jan) Semrau, Adrienne (late Gary) Reese, Lee (Kathy) Semrau and a large extended family.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a celebration of her life on Thursday (July 7^th) from 4-7pm at the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion, 8960 Alexander Rd., Batavia, NY 14020.

Sharon wishes are in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Legion. 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.

 

 

  Donna L. Frappier Bell, 73, went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2022 after a year of battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Donna was blessed with a large & loving family who will remember and deeply miss her. Her husband of 53 years; Pastor Randall N. Bell; four children David (Cheryl) Bell, Holly (Tony) Santoro, Heather (Shawn) Domes and Tim (Michelle) Bell; seventeen grandchildren Felicity (HJ) Sipes, Caleb (Ciera) Santoro, Nathanael (Shay) Domes, Matthias Bell, Elias Bell, Titus Domes, Aubrey Santoro, Graceanna (Jason) Spencer, Havilah Bell, Carissa Domes, Kaylynne Bell, Hope Bell, Joy Domes, Annavah Bell, Enoch Bell, Anastasia Bell and Obed Bell; two great-grandchildren Grayson and Oliver Santoro.

Donna was born to the late Raymond & Dorothy Frappier; four siblings;  Judy (Garry) Hogan, Dee (Dan) Williams, Joy (Bob) Pannkuk and Mark (Michele) Frappier.

Donna was born in Holly, Michigan and was immersed in the Christian community her entire life.  She graduated from East Ridge High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, attended Bryan College where she met & married her husband on May 24, 1969.  She ministered to many individuals and their families through the years as a Pastor's wife in Duncanville, Texas and Grandview, Tennessee and then in Attica, New York.  Music was an important part of her life and ministry, through piano and singing.

There will be no calling hours.  A family Graveside Service was held Sunday, July 3 at Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  A Memorial Service will be held at Attica First Baptist Church on July 9, 2022 at 11 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Attica or First Baptist Church of Marilla.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.MarleyFuneralHome.com.  Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Vito Pricola age 96, of Batavia passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday July 1^st, 2022.

Born on July 7^th, 1925 in Batavia, son of Vincenzo and Maria (Decelso) Pricola.

He was predeceased by his wife of 69 ½ years, Rosalind (Colombo) Pricola, siblings Mary Gaeta, Katherine Gringer, Rosie Zinni, Anthony Pricola, Rocco Pricola and Brother-in-law Manuel Colombo.

Vito is survived by his three children, James (Diane) Pricola, Karen (John) O’Donnell and Betsy (Jim) Mungillo. He was “Papa” to nine grandchildren: Jennifer (Steve) Horak, Dr. Katie (Dr. Corey) Fehnel, Sara (Justin) Schuff, Dr. Michael Mungillo, Christopher Pricola, Sean O’Donnell, Matthew Mungillo, Nicholas Mungillo and Alex Pricola. He is a great-grandfather to seven. He is also survived by his sister Jeanette Attardi and sister-in-law Kathy Colombo as well as several nieces and nephews.

At age 18, right out of high school, he joined the Navy Air Corps and served in World War II as a tail gunner on a PB4Y, where he received a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two gold stars. After returning from the Navy, he earned an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science from Bryant and Stratton in Buffalo. From there, he was hired by Jones Chemicals where he retired in 1994 as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

In his spare time, Vito enjoyed giving back to his community as seen by his many years of volunteering on the city planning board of Batavia, Republican Committee and Trustee of St. Anthony’s Church. He was a member of the Chlorine Institute, Stafford Country Club and the St. Nicholas Social Club. In 1994, he and his wife received the “Award of Excellence” for service to their community from the Paolo Busti foundation.

He was an avid golfer, playing his last round a week before his death and completing three rounds over three days at Turning Stone’s challenging courses several weeks prior. Vito was known to stay up late watching every New York Yankees baseball game he could, yelling at the TV when they required additional motivation. One of his favorite activities was making pizza for his family and friends. Most of all, Vito was a loving husband and father and had a very full life. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family.

Friends may call on Wednesday July 6^th from 4 to 7 pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street Batavia.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday July 7^th at 10 AM at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St Batavia. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery also in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Vito’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy ~ Frances Hulse, age 80, formerly of West Avenue, passed away Thursday morning (June 30, 2022) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

   

  She was born August 8, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY, a daughter of the late Rosario and Josephine Spallanzani Giuliano.

     Frances will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.  She was a cub scout den mother for many years.  She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards and visiting with friends, but especially enjoyed going to lunch with her girlfriends, who were like sisters to her.

     She will be sadly missed by her children, Harold "Hal" Hulse III (Donna Tukey) of New Hampshire and Laura Putorti of LeRoy; daughter-in-law, Barbara Wright; granddaughter, Molly Hulse (fiancée, Zach Plath), along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Harold E. "Ed" Hulse in 2007 and three siblings.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 6 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM.  Frances will be laid to rest with her husband in St. Francis Cemetery.

     Contributions in memory of Frances may be made to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, NY  14482.

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

Jerry Gerard Falanga, 71 of Beaufort, SC, died suddenly on June 9, 2022 at his home. He was born December 11, 1950 in Batavia to the late Nicholas and Louise (Mirando) Falanga. He is preceded in death by sisters, Nancy Paolucci, Angeline Falanga and Marie McIntyre; great-niece Alyssa DeMarzo.

Mr. Falanga was a proud United States Navy Veteran of 25 years.

He is survived by brother, Nicholas D. (Peg) Falanga, nieces, Jeanne (Jeff) DeMarzo and Louise Ann Wallace, great-nephews, Dylan and Jack DeMarzo, two great-great-nephews and former sister-in-law Marcia Falanga.

There will be no prior calling hours. He will be laid to rest with Military Honor’s in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Richard Steen, 53 of LeRoy, passed away unexpectedly June 24th, 2022.

   

  He was born July 27th, 1968 to the late Robert and Beverly Steen.

     Rich worked at McGinnis excavating. He also worked at various farms, Dolomite, and McPherson Orchards, where he made apple cider. He was one of the hardest working people you would come to meet. 

     He will be remembered for being a kind person and father, who would give you the shirt off his back. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking on the grill, and loved watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

     He is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughter, Haley (Alex), Richard and step-daughter, Jessi; brothers, Robert (Amy), David (Jodi) and sister, Brenda (Mike) and many aunts, uncle, nieces, nephew and great-nieces and nephews and many friends. 

     There will be a celebration of his life, welcoming all family and friends on July 30th, 2022 at the Genesee County Park from 1 ~ 6 PM at Pavilion S in East Bethany, NY. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

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

Robert J. Mellenthien, 53 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (June 28, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born January 26, 1969 in Seaford, Delaware, a son of Richard Mellenthien and the late Kay Anderson Mellenthien.

Robert was a member of ARC GLOW for several years where he met some wonderful people. He enjoyed watching home improvement tv shows and Mecum Auto Auctions. Some of his greatest moments were taking car rides with his father.

Survivors include his father, Richard Mellenthien of Corfu. Sister, Judy (Richard) Farr of Indiana. Also survived by nieces, aunts, uncles and friends of the ARC.

He was predeceased by his sister, Donna Lynn Mellenthien

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (July 2^nd) from 3-5pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A funeral service will follow at 5pm.

He will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be offered in his name to the ARC GLOW, 18 main St., Mt. Morris, NY 14510. 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.

 

 

Tyler J. Busch, age 28 of Corfu gained his wings and was called to his heavenly home.

He is survived by his parents Keith and Susan Busch, sister Tessa (Busch) and Dustin Say, brother Nicholas Busch (Maria Greco), nephew Dawson Say, grandparents Donald and Susan Busch, fur friends Patches & Zoey and an abundance of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.  He was predeceased by grandparents Ed & Ruth Korczak and Marilyn Busch.

Tyler worked at Oetiker in Batavia where he made many new friends. He loved to skateboard, play football, baseball, basketball and he was a hardcore Bills fan. 

He will be forever remembered as a kind compassionate soul, with a tender heart, always showing a special love for the less fortunate.  A true devoted animal lover especially to his cat “Zoe”. Tyler will be greatly missed, but forever will remain a beacon of light in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY.

Irene Orlando, 71 of Batavia, passed away peacefully Monday (June 27, 2022) at Premier Genesee Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

She was born May 24, 1951 in Germany, a daughter of the late Boleslaw and Pauline Kowalski.

She was the wife of the late Samuel Orlando who died in 1999.

She is survived by a sister, Jane Thio of Schenectady, NY and nieces.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy, 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.

 

 

Robert Gary (Bob) Ammon, age 80 of Corfu, NY, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, June 15, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, two days prior to his permanent return home to Corfu.
He was born September 9, 1941, in Batavia, NY the son of the late Ralph and Katherine Ammon. Son-in-law to the late Nelson and Corrine Becker. Brother-in-law to the late Gary (Paulette Sheley) Becker
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sandra Becker Ammon, son Jeffrey Ammon, Daughter Shari (Anthony) Salim, grandchildren Kari Ammon, Samantha and Jenna Salim, niece Sherry (Josh) Livergood. He is also survived by several dear cousins who were the brothers and sisters he never had.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 1pm at 4267 South Newstead Rd, Akron, NY, directly across from Buckwheat Rd. Casual dress as we will be outside under a tent.
Memorials may be made to the family who will distribute them to local charities. Arrangements completed by C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY. 

Paul T. Merrill, 47 of Miami Beach, formerly Alexander, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022. He was born October 7, 1974 to Ronald and Evelyn “Peach” (Brooks) Merrill of Alexander.

Paul was a 1992 graduate of Alexander High School. He was a tremendous athlete and excelled at wrestling.

Along with his parents he is survived by his daughters, Allison and Lia Merrill of Rochester; sister, Katherine (Douglas) Kautz of Lafayette and a niece Samantha Kautz.

There will be no prior calling hours, services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tri Town Youth Athletics, Inc. PO Box 252, Alexander, NY 14005. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Douglas H. Niebch, 75 of Batavia passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022 at Crossroads House in Batavia.

He was born Wednesday, November 13, 1946 in Batavia, a son of the late Paul H. Niebch and Doris Youngs Niebch.

A member and certified lay minister for the First United Methodist Church in Batavia, he was a faithful servant of the Lord.

He is survived by his sister.  

There are no prior visiting hours. His memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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