Obituaries

Frederic L. Baker, 81 of Varysburg, passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born on October 29, 1939 in Vero Beach, FL to the late Frederic and Lydia (Lawry) Baker.

Mr. Baker worked for General Motors in Buffalo for many years. He was an avid sports fan, especially Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.

He is survived by his wife Barbara (Rabey) Baker of Varysburg; children, Brian Baker of Varysburg, Connie (Mike) Kaczmarczyk of Depew, Frederic Baker of Varysburg, Martin Baker of Fairbanks, AK, Alan (MaryAnn) Baker of Cheektowaga; sisters, Cyntia Hubbard of Laverne, OK, Susan (Reid) Fairburn of TN, four grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road, Attica, NY 14011. To leave thoughts or condolences visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Elsie Mae Pursel, 96 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, (October 25, 2021) at the Premier Genesee Center in Batavia.

Mrs. Pursel was born January 24, 1925 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Leonard and Mary Jane (Rider) Dixon.

Elsie was a sociable person and was well liked. She enjoyed playing bingo at Washington Towers, going for rides and out to dinner. Most of all, she loved to shop - often returning whatever she had purchased.

She is the wife of the late John Henry Pursel, Sr.

Surviving are her children, John (Margaret) Pursel, Jr. of Batavia, and James (Helene) Pursel of Surfside Beach, South Carolina; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Pursel of Batavia. Four grandchilren, several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by a son, Gary Pursel; grandson, Gary Lee Pursel; brothers, Willis Dixon, and Earl Dixon; sisters, Roberta Cole, Blanche McEwen, and Mildred Zimarino.

There will be no visitation. Family and Friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Friday (October 29, 2021) at 10:00 a.m. in Stafford Rural Cemetery, Transit Road, in Stafford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 (www.crossroadshouse.com) or to a charity of the donor's choice.  

Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Leon J. Seweryniak, 96, of Corfu, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021 at his home.

Leon was born June 30, 1925 in Corfu, a son of the late John and Michalina (Przybysz) Seweryniak.

Leon was a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Polish Falcons, Sportsmen Club of East Pembroke and the NRA.  He is a veteran serving with the United States Air Force, an avid hunter and was a corrections officer at Attica Correctional Facility.

Surviving are his daughter, Lisa Seweryniak of Fort Worth, TX, sister, Ann Rumfola of LeRoy and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife, Violet Seweryniak, son, John Seweryniak, siblings, Edwin Seweryniak, Chester Seweryniak, Joseph Seweryniak, Raymond Seweryniak, Irene Smart and Mary Sovon.

There are no prior calling hours.  Leon's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 1 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 8656 Church Street in East Pembroke.  A reception will be held at the conclusion of Mass at the church hall.  Graveside services will be at 2:00 also on Monday at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.  

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

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

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

Cyndi Utter, 58, of Bergen, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021 at her home.

Cyndi was born June 16, 1963 in Rochester, a daughter of Dennis Payne, Sr. of Bergen and the late Wilma Jean (Williams) Payne.

Cyndi enjoyed fishing, garage sales, camping and racing, especially the races at Genesee Speedway.  She was a certified nursing assistant at United Memorial Medical Center and a lifetime member of the Bergen Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.  Cyndi loved her grandbabies and the time she spent with them.

Surviving along with her father are Kathryn (fiancé Nathanael Dietz) Utter of Darien Center, grandbabies, Beau Hannon and Tanner Paul, Johnny Smallidge of Bergen, Josh (Jenny Lewis) Smallidge of Churchville, Chuck Smallidge of North Chili, Dennis (Lisa) Payne, Jr. of Byron, Lisa (Victor) Flanagan of Bergen and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Cindy's Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society - Ovarian Cancer Center, www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer.html.  

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

Arrangements for Cyndi were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.

Rev. James Leo Fugle, 57 of Varysburg, passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021. He was son of the late Leo and Carol (Conrad) Fugle. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

James Leo Fugle was born January 28, 1964 and lived in Varysburg, NY.  He was a graduate of Attica Central School, received his BA degree from Canisius College, Buffalo, NY and an MA degree in Theology from Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY.  He was ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Buffalo, NY.

Jim was first inspired to become a priest when he was an altar server at St. Joseph’s Church in Varysburg with Fr. “Joe” Boruszewski.  He enjoyed working with and mentoring various youth groups, especially Wyoming Association of Catholic Youth (WACY), and organized several beautiful live nativities at Christmas and Shadow Stations of the Cross at Easter.

Prior to joining the priesthood, Jim worked briefly at a nursing home in Warsaw, NY, and as a toll collector at the NYS Thruway in Ridley, NY.  He was the heart and soul of every gathering he attended and had a wicked sense of humor.  Although a newbie to Social  Media, he began every day with a daily prayer on Facebook which brought hope, comfort, and peace to so many.

He is survived by his sisters, Yvonne “Vonnie” (Dennis) Keeler of Fredericksburg, VA, Kathy Koestler of Corfu, Penny (Vaughn) Sheffield of Attica; four nieces and one nephew, Kim (Mike) Bartz, Mary Koestler, Sarah Sheffield, Matthew (Cherri) Sheffield, Anne (Steve) Wolford,  Aunt Marion Conrad, grand-nephews Kenny, Tristan, Nathan, and grand-nieces Aria and Lydia.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 3 to 7 PM at Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, 2311 Attica Road (Route 98), Varysburg, NY  14167, followed by a Mass at 7 PM.  Friends may also call from 10 to 11:00 AM on Friday, October 29, 2021 at St. John Neumann Parish, 991 Centerline Rd., Strykersville, NY 14145, followed by an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Bishop Mike Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org, or in his memory to any Catholic Church. To leave thoughts or condolences visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Allen Victor Goudy, Age 87, Formerly of Buffalo, NY. Passed away in Bennington, NY on October 22, 2021. Mr. Goudy was born on November 28, 1933 in Buffalo, NY. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Peggy of 57 years, three sisters, and one granddaughter.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956. He mentored many boys and girls while serving as a Buffalo Newspaper distributor in the early 1970’s. He enjoyed thirty years of retirement after working as a pipefitter for Dunlop Tire from 1966-1991.

Mr. Goudy is survived by his sister, Janet Guralny of Tonawanda, his four sons, Dennis (Christina) of Prosper, TX, Ronald (Teresa) of Bennington, NY, Gregory (Adriana Ciach) of Tonawanda, NY, and Keith (Amy) of Tonawanda, NY; his companion, Annette Miller; Nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Gateway Home of Attica, NY, www.gatewayhomeattica.org, 91 Main St, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a thoughts or condolences visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

Karen Anne Reeb, 65, of Corfu, passed away early Sunday, October 17, 2021, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. 

Karen was born on April 29, 1956, in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Louis M. and Irene Springer Reeb. She is predeceased by her sister Kathleen Reeb and brother David Reeb.

Karen was a 1974 graduate of Pembroke High School. Karen was a woman of many interests. In 1983, she and her sister, Beverly, started the Pizza Pantry in Corfu. She would leave the pizza business in the 90s to pursue other passions. She traveled to Las Vegas to train as a blackjack dealer. She then obtained her pilot's license and started her own flight school. She also pursued a degree in accounting and became a bookkeeper for the aviation business. Karen loved her cats. Her favorites are Persian cats but would give a home to any loving feline in need. She was a lover of true crime and mystery novels. Karen was also a HUGE Buffalo Bills fan. 

Karen is survived by her siblings Christine Thornley, Beverly Snider, Louis (Pamela) Reeb, Donald (Kathy) Reeb, Andrew (Sherry) Reeb, sister-in-law Fran Reeb and many nieces and nephews.

A service will take place at C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu on Sunday, October 31 at 11:00 am. A celebration of life gathering will take place immediately following the service at the Pizza Pantry. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the SPCA or any local animal shelter.

Rochester, NY ~ Eric D. Maloney concluded 44 years of life on October 19, 2021 with the admiration of many.

   

  Missed will be his smiles, unique wit and fighting spirit.

     Eric was predeceased by his father, Kelvin Maloney, Fairport; grandparents Richard and Dorothy Maloney, Rochester; Anthony and Lena Serusa, LeRoy; and an aunt, Lynne Serusa. He is survived by his devoted mother, Jean Serusa and sister Jill (Sean) Hall of Buffalo, niece and nephew, Briana and Easton; dear uncles, aunts: Richard (Marlene) Maloney, Jr. of Syracuse and David (Julie) Maloney of Charlotte NC; cousins, Todd, Kevin, Katie, Bridget and Justine. April Smith and their dog, Murphee provided daily companionship. Extended family and friends completed Eric’s circle of support and love. 

     Nature provided solace and peace for Eric. A memory gift to www.adirondackcouncil.org will help conserve beauty for future generations. Eric also desired to assist further research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute (Lymphoma Research Fund) Strong Hospital, University of Rochester www.urmc.rochester.edu for link.

     Eric's family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 26 from 4 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where his Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 10:00 AM.

     To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Barbara A. Lexer, 84 of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Buffalo, on April 25, 1937 to the late Grant and Katherine (Halverson) Barnett. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years Richard “Big Dick” Lexer and her brother Grant Barnett.

Mrs. Lexer was an active parishioner of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Batavia. She enjoyed her time teaching at Livingston County ARC, volunteering with the Friends of the Richmond Library in Batavia and raising her beloved Labrador Retrievers. She also was a proud graduate of The University of Wisconsin and a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority.

She is survived by her loving children, Laura (Drew) Mangerian-Smith of Fairport, John (Annie) Lexer of East Rochester, Susan (Mike) Smith of Cheverly, MD, Todd (Autumn) Lexer of Malvern, PA, 12 beautiful grandchildren, along with two nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia, NY 14020. A 1:00PM Celebration of her Life will immediately follow at the church. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church. Thoughts and condolences may be left online at www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Lewis C. Vangalio, 89 of Victor, formerly of Batavia, passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Premier Genesee. He was born in Batavia, May 1, 1932 to the late Joseph and Mary Vangalio. He is preceded in death by his wife Mildred Vangalio.

Mr. Vangalio was a proud Veteran and served in Japan during the Korean War. He owned and operated his own vending business. Lewis was loved by many close friends and his family.

He is survived by special partner Jean Olmstead and her loving family, cousins, Jeanne Stefaniak and Michael DiMartino.

Friends are invited to attend an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St, Batavia, NY 14020 on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum with Military Honors.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York, 6215 Sheridan Dr. #100, Buffalo, NY 14221. Thoughts and condolences may be left online at www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

  And so, without warning, no last goodbye, our beloved son left the surly bonds of earth – on Tuesday October 19, 2021, Brent Austin Schum, loving son and brother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at age 22. Brent was born June 2, 1999 in Rochester, NY to Gary Schum and Susan Dominesey-Schum.

Brent was a 2018 graduate of Alexander Central High School and a graduate of Alfred State University earning an AS degree in Welding and graduating Magna Cum Lauda in June 2020.He was employed as a welder and most recently foreman at Graham Corporation in Batavia, NY.

Brent was a lot of things, outdoorsman, athlete, master craftsman, friend, big brother, son, grandson, cousin. He played one year of varsity football in 2017 to honor his best friend Brian West. Brent took up horseback riding under his Mom’s tutelage and became a very good cowboy! He played 12 years of Batavia Ramparts hockey and his Dad had the privilege of coaching him every year. He became interested in Welding in 2015 and quickly focused his efforts to become one of the best. Brent was self-taught, learning to build and fly radio-controlled airplanes and drones. He became an avid hunter, equally adept using a bow or shotgun – we enjoyed many steaks and sausage from Brents efforts! Brent enjoyed many trips to Disney World over his lifetime and you would often find him camped out anywhere there was ice cream. One of Brents favorite pastimes was having his friends over for bon fires at his house and hosting all night parties. When he wasn’t working or playing you could find Brent in the barn rebuilding his ’72 Chevy Chevelle and when he wasn’t doing that you might find him on the couch watching continuous episodes of Family Guy and The Simpsons.

As a brother, like any young brothers, Brent and older brother Grant would have their moments of torment but in later years they became best of friends often hanging out in the barn (perhaps having a cocktail or two) or snowmobiling and skiing together in the winter months. One of our favorite events was watching Brent and Grant match wits as they tried traded barbs about each other. He was Courtney’s older brother and being the middle child Brent was often tasked with occupying his little sisters time whether it was playing school, camping out in a tent or in later years helping refine her skills by shooting pucks at her or having a catch for softball. No matter what the request, Brent was always there to support his siblings.

As a son, he was as perfect as they come – dependable, caring, selfless, hardworking, tolerant, quick-witted and had a hugely big heart – Brent was always willing to share some of his time no matter what the ask was. Brent also had the distinction of being born on the same day (June 2^nd) as his Dad and his Grandpa Earl – making a special day even more special. We are counting on Grandpa Bill and Brian West to take good care of our little Brent until we all meet again.

Brent is survived by his mother Susan Dominesey-Schum, father Gary Schum, brother Grant Schum, sister Courtney Schum, Grandparents Jean & Earl Dominesey, Grandmother Meryl Schum and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Calling hours will be Monday October 25, 2021 from 4-8PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company Inc. 329-333 W Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00am Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday October 26, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Rd, Batavia, NY 14020. There will be a lunch gathering following the service at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Rd, Attica, NY 14011.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association, PO Box 9, Batavia, NY 14021-0009. To leave 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.

Linford V. "Lin" Gamin of Las Vegas, Nevada, formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully Tuesday, (September 7, 2021) at Alzheimer's Luxury Care Facility in Las Vegas.

Lin was born April 28, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late Vernon L. and Gladys A. (Brewer) Gamin.

A retired United States Marine Corps Veteran, he proudly served his country in Vietnam.

He is predeceased by his sisters Grace M. Allen and Bonnie L. Neindorf, and by his grandmother Julia D. Gamin.

Survivors include his two children, Michelle and Teresa and grandson, Dylan, all of North Carolina; his sister, Loretta "Lori" Gamin of Batavia; Nephews, Scott (Sandy) Allen of Basom and Fred (Joellen) Neindorf of Arkansas; Nieces, Sheri Allen of Batavia and Wendy (Terry) Allen-Thompson of Basom; Great-Nephew, Tucker (Susanna) Allen of Basom and Bekki (fiance Danny) Allen of Basom; brothers-in-law, Richard (Carolyn) Allen, and Fred Neindorf both of Elba. Long time Best Friend Mike Warner of East Bethany and Life-Long Friend/Cousin, Marilyn Masters of Alaska, one Aunt and many cousins.

Family and Friends are invited to attend Lin's Memorial Service on Wednesday (October 27, 2021) at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue in Batavia. Burial will be in Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family c/o Loretta "Lori" Gamin.

Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 "Always My Hero...My Brother...My Marine"   ❤️

Donald L. Torcello, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at the home of his son, Joseph.

Donald was born in Batavia, NY.  He was the second son of two children, his brother, the late Anthony Jr., sons of the late Anthony and Mary (Smiegelski) Torcello.

Donald attained his undergraduate degree from SUNY at Brockport, and, he is remembered as a teacher of junior high school science at the Corfu-East Pembroke High School.  He retired in the middle 1980s, relocating to Granada Hills, CA for the remainder of his life.

Donald was married to his surviving and loving wife, Dolores K (Pirro) Torcello, for 66 years.  He was a man of many talents.  He loved working with his hands in fields as diverse as making bread, homemade Italian sausage, and doing carpentry, upholstery, and dress making.

In California, friends and family alike, will fondly remember being invited to and served a 'family style' dinner seated around the table at their home.  During his retirement years, Donald pursued his passion for artistic wood carving; winning many awards at carver's conventions across Southern California. 

Donald cherished the company of, and is survived by his wife, Dolores, their immediate family; sons, Joseph, John, daughter-in-law, Carol, and grandson, Justin, and his wife, Maggie.

In the final days of his life, Donald asked, in lieu of flowers, those who felt compelled, to make a donation in his memory, to either the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, or, an unrestricted donation to the Corfu-East Pembroke 'Dollars for Scholars' program.

Jerome E. Loranty, 85 of Attica, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on October 20, 2021. He was born in Batavia, February 15, 1936 to the late John and Mary (Wawczynczak) Loranty. He is predeceased by his daughter, Terri Almeter and siblings, Theodora Gorsey, Ida Kowalczyk, Charles, Theodore, Joseph, Chester, Edward, and Stanley Loranty.

Mr. Loranty was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired as a Corrections Officer from Attica Correctional Facility and was a longtime member of Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish.

Jerome is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (Amedick) Loranty, children, Barbara (Randy) Gorski, Mark (Ann Marie) Loranty, Bonnie (Mike Hodgins)  Loranty, Tina (Dwight) Thornton, 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 3 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC., 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 Sts Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors in WNY National Cemetery, Corfu.  

Flowers are gratefully declined, memorials may be made to the church or to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, NY 14011. Thoughts or condolences can be left at www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Martin D. Maher, 69 of Oakfield, passed away on October 17th, 2021 at home.  He was born in Buffalo, NY on July 7^th, 1952, to the late Robert and Anna May (Feeney) Maher.   He is preceded in death by his wife Gina (Barone) Maher, who passed away in 2016. 

Martin was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and the State University of New York at Buffalo.  He was employed by RailComm in Fairport, NY.

Survivors include his beloved children:  Son, Matthew (Anmarie) Maher of Batavia; daughter, Megan (Jesse) DeNardin of Amherst; and son, Nicholas Maher of Oakfield.  Other survivors include his sister, Noreen (David) Tillotson of Pavilion; cherished grandchildren Amelia, Hannah and Connor; and longtime good friends Darlene and Robert Penepent of Batavia.

From a young age, Martin was curious about how things worked.  He was self-taught on everything from wiring electronic devices to computer programming languages.  That curiosity led to a career as a software developer.  Combining his knowledge and his shared love of music with his children, he created sound systems for their homes.  

Whether it was taking long hikes with his daughter or fishing with his sons (one of his favorite joys), Martin loved the outdoors.  Vacations on Conesus Lake became a family tradition and the highlight of his year.   He loved spending time with his family, and every get-together was special, simply because they were together.   His children’s endeavors were always met with love, encouragement, and great fatherly advice.   

Martin will be remembered for many things including his kindness, gentle nature, and humor.  But most of all, he will be remembered for his complete and selfless devotion to his family.   There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them, and he will be forever missed.

There will be no calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Monday, October 25^th at St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia Worship Site, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.