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Obituaries

Debra L. Shepard

By T.J. Woodward

Debra L. Shepard, 68 of Bergen, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024.  She was born in Batavia, June 29, 1956, to the late Reginald and Edith (Richardson) Shepard.  In addition to her parents, Debra is predeceased by her sister Jacqueline (Lawrence Pope), sisters Dorene Shepard and Bonnie (Roland) Sage. 

She is survived by her sister Janice (Vincent) Cervoni, several nieces, nephew, a great-nephew, aunts, and uncles. 

Debra will be remembered as a caring sister and friend. 

There will be no calling hours.  Service will be private at the convenience of the family.  Deborah will be laid to rest in Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy, NY.

To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Andrea M. Stromski

By Ronald Konieczny
Stromski

Andrea M. Stromski, 82, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born Jan. 19, 1942, in Batavia, daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Kornowski) Gorecki.

Andrea attended Sacred Heart School and was a graduate of Batavia High School (‘59). Good with numbers, she worked as a bank teller and in accounts payable/receivables at companies like Marine Midland Bank, Lenape Resources, and Townsend Oil (from which she retired).

She was a decorated member of the Polish Falcons and a rabble-rouser with the Red Hat Society.

Andrea had some health issues over the years that restricted her ability to do the things she loved most: bowling, doing the polka, playing the slots, and traveling about to enjoy good times with her family and friends. Her deviled eggs were the stuff of legend and will be sorely missed.

Andrea was a hoot with a side of “pain in the ass.” Her children are proud to have inherited those traits from her.

Her family is comforted by the thought that she’s now free to do all the things she loved and more.

Andrea was the sister of the late Lorraine Gorecki of Batavia, NY.

She is survived by her sons Jim (Joy) Stromski of Tully, NY, and Richard (Sherri Cox) Stromski of Batavia, NY, and daughter Lynn Stromski, of Seattle, WA; grandchildren Christopher Stromski of Syracuse, NY, and Renee Stromski of Cleveland, OH; sisters Beverly (Robert) Terol of Batavia, NY, and Mary Ellen (Michael) Minuto of Greece, NY; and her loving nieces, nephew, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of Andrea’s life on Thursday, Dec. 12th, 2024 between 4pm and 7pm at the Polish Falcons Club located at 123 S Swan St, Batavia.

Please raise a glass to Andrea this holiday season. She was partial to white russians, margaritas, and cold chablis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to: Polish Falcons Nest #493, 123 South Swan St., Batavia, NY 14020; Kevin Guest House, 782 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203 or Visiting Nurse Association of WNY, 650 Airborne Pkwy, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

“That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.” -Andrea Stromski

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

David G. Mullen

By T.J. Woodward
dgm

David G. Mullen, 89 of Bergen, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family December 2, 2024 at home. He was born in Batavia, January 27, 1935 to the late Glenn S. and Clarabel (Cooper) Mullen. He is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Larissa Emily Mullen.

Mr. Mullen was a proud United States Marine, a Marine until the very end. He served our community in the Batavia Police Department for 37 years and acting Chief for 17 of those years. Dave was a charter member of WNYS Chiefs of Police Association and NYS Chiefs of Police Association. 

Mr. Mullen was a life member of Godfrey’s Pond and member of Batavia Lion’s Club for over 20 years. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish.  Dave enjoyed going to the races with his sons and grandchildren, he was known as the CEO of Pro Speed. He loved all animals, especially his beloved dog Buddy who stayed by his side until the end. Mr. Mullen will be remembered as a devoted family man that was never afraid to do the right thing and he will be missed.

“Am I right, do you follow me?” The Chief.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth A. (Stein) of Bergen, children, Robert (Tammy Stevens) of Batavia, Scott (Elizabeth) of Chili, James (Michelle) of Batavia, Jeffrey (Tracy) Mullen of Stafford, Jennifer (Steven) Hughes of Cazenovia, 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:30am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest with Military Honor’s, 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, NY 14036 (If you plan on attending the burial please arrive at 12:45pm). 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

William J. Graham

By T.J. Woodward
wjg

William J. Graham, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born January 27, 1935 in Red Creek, NY to the late Paul and Mable (Griffin) Graham. He is preceded in death by a sister Evelyn Russell.

Mr. Graham made lenses at Kodak for many years along with working at Call Farms and Kendall Trucking. He was proud to serve with Genesee County Civil Defense Police from 1968 to 1975.  Bill loved quilling, he was an avid reader and proud supporter of Richmond Memorial Library. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte (Lyons) Graham of Batavia, son Ronald (Jodi) Graham of FL, granddaughter Alicia Graham of Batavia, great-granddaughter Isabella of Batavia, siblings, Carolyn Epps of Batavia, Albert Graham of Batavia, Nelson of IL, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 11am to 12:00 Noon at High Point Church, 1163 Main St, Corfu, NY 14036. A 12:00 Noon Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at the church. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or to Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

LAVERNE F. PANGRAZIO, JR

By Lisa Ace
Laverne F Pangrazio Jr

June 22, 1937  -  November 27, 2024
LAVERNE F. PANGRAZIO, JR., of Wesley Chapel, Florida, passed away November 27, 2024. He was born June 22, 1937 to his parents Laverne F. and Anita Pangrazio where he grew up in Elba, NY as part of a very large family, being known to his siblings as “Brother or Vern”. Laverne started as a mechanic at Ray Hart’s garage and was introduced to stock car racing in the early 1960’s. Once he got behind the wheel, there was no stopping his passion for the sport. Anyone that knew Laverne, saw his natural talent in a race car. Some of his major accomplishments were rookie of the year, championship titles, Mini Stock World Championship in Daytona, Florida, Four Score Hall of Fame, and over two hundred feature wins. Laverne raced on dirt tracks and asphalt tracks, often in the same season. He entertained many fans over his thirty-five year history in racing.

Laverne worked for Sakrete in Batavia, where he retired after forty years of hard work driving truck and eventually managing the shop. He was a lifetime member of the Stafford Fire Department and a member of the Stafford United Methodist Church. He was a man of faith and devoted much of his later years caring for his wife while putting his needs last.

He married his wife, Jane DeYoung Pangrazio, in 1971 and they raised their children as a blended family in both Elba and Stafford, NY. He was a kind, loving husband and father that taught all the right lessons when needed. He led by example, would give you the shirt off his back, and kept a warm inviting home for the family. He is predeceased by his devoted wife of forty-six years, Jane Elizabeth, who died in 2018. He is also predeceased by his parents and sister, Beverly Brown and husband Thomas Brown, his brothers Calvin Pangrazio, Cary Pangrazio and Terry Pangrazio, along with sister-in-law, Kathy Pangrazio. He will also be joining his good friend in Heaven, Bill Shea.

Surviving are his sons, Laverne (Debra) F. Pangrazio III of Leroy, Gary (Betsy) Farnsworth of Wesley Chapel FL, and Brian (Lynda) Farnsworth of Alexander, daughters Laurie Chamberlin of Batavia and Crystal (Bob) Nelson of S. Byron; siblings Bernard (Joan) Pangrazio, John (Pat) Pangrazio, Charlene (E.James) Worthington, Charles (Marge) Pangrazio, Alvin (Nancy) Pangrazio, Gary (Sandy) Pangrazio, Larry (Chris) Pangrazio, June (Doug) Boldt, Keith (Brenda) Pangrazio and sister-in-laws Cathy Pangrazio and Lorraine Pangrazio, along with many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren .

Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren, Josh (Kelsey & Noah) Farnsworth, Jacob Farnsworth, Kyle Pangrazio, Becky (Mark) Robbins, Courtney Pangrazio, Sarah (Aaron) Johnson, Nicholas (Samantha) Farnsworth, Mark Farnsworth, Zachary (Leah) Chamberlain, Ashley Chamberlain, Jillian (Ed) Engle, and Colton (Hannah) Cole. He will be sadly missed by his life-long best friends, Sam and Marge Noah, along with Jacky and Skip Smith who will always be family.

This large family is mostly going to miss the phone calls to hear his voice, the honesty and truth that he would spell out to you, the heartwarming love and care he gave all his dogs, especially Mr. Buffington.

A Christian service will be held for Laverne in Florida early January of 2025. The family will then have a celebration of life in New York at a later date to be determined and announced.

Candy L. Hutchison

By Joshua Smith
Candy Hutchison

Bergen - Candy  L.  Hutchison, 50 of Bergen passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at her home in Bergen.

She was born February 14, 1974 in Brockport, New York, a daughter of Wayne and the late Donelda Drosky.

Candy enjoyed playing video games, had a love for cats and scary movies but most importantly loved spending time with her grandkids. Candy had a very loving and open heart and took everyone in as if they were her own.

She is survived by her daughters, Rose-Marie (Bradlee Drisel) Hutchison, Killian (fiancé Jamin Harvey) Hutchison; grandchildren, Finnian and Sylas Driesel; siblings, Tom Watson, Richard Hutchison, Jr., Lorne Watson, Don Watson, Andy Watson, Carl Watson, Shirley Smith and Billie Evans; and husband, Steven Hutchison.

Candy is preceded in death by her beloved mother and brother Johnny Watson.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (December 13, 2024)  from 1 to 3 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Ave in Bergen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Ralph D. Worthington Jr.

By LaVern Falcone

Ralph David Worthington, Jr. passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024, at the age of 65. Born on March 22, 1959, in Batavia, NY, Ralph was a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather. 

ralph worthington jr

    Ralph was an assembly crew chief, machinist, and project manager; he was proudest of his work on the James Webb Space Telescope. He always took advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, showed great pride in his work, and cared deeply about his colleagues. He had an ability to solve or fix anything. Ralph loved the outdoors, traveling, cars, and being active. He climbed all 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks with his best friend Guy, becoming a member of the ADK 46er’s. He had a fun, competitive spirit and was an avid golf and volleyball player.

He was a good man in the truest sense of the word, intelligent and humble, holding to the highest standards in every aspect of his life. Ralph genuinely connected with people, bringing laughter and joy; he had a generous heart and was always ready to help others. Ralph cherished time with his family (especially his 4 grandsons) and close friends.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Betty; his children, Laurie (Greg) Davis, Rebecca (Mitchell) Robinson and Brian (Alex) Worthington; and his cherished grandchildren, Porter and Finn Robinson, Miles and Ian Davis. He is remembered by his father, Ralph D Worthington Sr., his sister, Nita (Kurt) Lewis, his in-laws, Donald and Judith Laurie, his brothers-in-law, Don (Kirsten), Rick (Julie), Joe (Debbie), Mike (Terri); his best friend, Guy (Pat) Clark and numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Worthington and brother-in-law, Danny Laurie. 

Family and friends may call on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the  Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Street Rd (Rt. 19), Le Roy, NY 14482.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 6th, 2024 at 10:00 am at Mary Immaculate Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, 5865 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the ADK46’rs (https://adk46er.org/)via check to Adirondack Forty-Sixers, 29 Maine Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12903 or to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (https://www.theaftd.org/), 2700 Horizon Dr., Suite120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

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

Mrs. Rosetta Hickman

By Joshua Smith
Hickman

Rosetta Hickman, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on Wednesday, November 25th, 1931, in Glade Spring, Virginia, Rosetta lived a life filled with love, dedication, and cherished memories.

She worked for many years in food preparation at the Treadway Inn in Batavia. Rosetta had a passion for scrapbooking and canning, activities that allowed her to express her creativity and preserve the memories and flavors of her life. She also enjoyed watching soap operas, with "The Young and The Restless" being her favorite. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Rosetta is survived by her children, Earl Austin of Batavia, Elliott (Barbara) Hickman of Batavia, Celestine Hickman of Syracuse, Colleen Warfle of Florida, and Margaret Hickman of Batavia. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Eva Calisto and Agnes Austin, both of Batavia, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ree and Louise Austin, and her children, Barbara Hickman and Troy Hickman.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia on Monday, December 2nd, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A memorial service will follow from 1:00 pm where we will celebrate Rosetta's life and the lasting impact she had on those around her. She will  be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mary Ann Schneider

By Ronald Konieczny
Schneider

Mary Ann Schneider, 81 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (November 26, 2024) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

She was born May 27, 1943 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Borkowski.

Mary Ann was a devout Catholic and was deeply rooted in her faith. She and her husband have participated and volunteered so much time into the church they have been involved with for so many years. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, James Schneider of Akron. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to Mary Ann’s Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday (December 5th), 10am at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 5771 Buell St., Akron, NY. Interment will follow in St. Teresa’s Cemetery.

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

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

 

 

Judith A. Sawyer

By Joshua Smith
Sawyer

Attica - Judith A. Sawyer, 83 of Attica passed away on Monday, (November 25, 2024) at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Mrs. Sawyer was born December 19, 1940 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Michael and Gladys (Mook) Strobel.

She loved to care for animals, ride horses, and barrel race.

Surviving are her husband, Dean H. Sawyer of Attica; daughter, Sherry (Tom) Colton of Attica; son, Jeff (Mikki) Sawyer of Fort Scott, Kansas; grandchildren, Troy Colton of Attica, Tess Colton of Batavia, and Kendall Colton of Batavia; sisters, Marilyn (David) Siler, Diane (Ken) Standish, and Jeff Stockweather. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, (November 29, 2024)  from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica where Judith's funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road, Attica, New York 14011 or Attica Fire Department,11 Water Street, Attica, New York 14011. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Lee A. Brade

By Lisa Ace
Lee A. Brade

Lee A. Brade, 91 of Corfu passed away on November 18, 2024, peacefully at home. Lee was born February 10, 1933, the son of Arthur V. and Florence C. (Miller) Brade.
 
Lee lived his whole life in Corfu. He graduated from Corfu High School in 1952.  He was drafted into the Army and served his country in the Korean War. He was a long time member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church of Corfu.

He worked for many years as a brakeman on the NY CentralRailroad. He was an artist and loved painting and gardening. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and was a staple at Pembroke High School sporting events for many years, often yelling from the stands. He hosted foreign exchange students in his home for many years. He loved to travel and would often visit the students in their home countries.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Florence and brothers, Jerold (Beverly) Brade and Bruce Brade.
He is survived by his sister, Linda (late Beniamino) Ianni of Corfu and several nieces and nephews.
 
There will be no calling hours.
Memorials may be made to Corfu United Presbyterian Church of Corfu, 63 Alleghany Street PO Box 159 Corfu NY 14036.
 
Arrangements were entrusted to the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, 4 Main Street, Corfu NY 14036.

Christine A. Bates

By Ronald Konieczny
Bates

Christine A. Bates, 66, of Grand Island and formerly of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (November 20, 2024) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born October 5, 1958 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Edwin and Mary Ilecki Dylag.

Christine was beloved by all for her strength and perseverance. She was a graduate of Pembroke High School and was a waitress for the Candy Apple Cafe Restaurant in Akron prior to her retirement.  She lived to spoil her grandchildren, especially through baking custom birthday cakes for each grandchild every year.  Christine was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, hoping that this was the year they will win the Super Bowl.

She was predeceased by her husband David L. Bates Jr. and sister Mary Dylag.

Survivors include her children, David (Leslie) Bates of Brockport and Kimberly (Kyle) Hunt of Grand Island. Grandchildren, Eden, Henry and Dylan Bates and Zane Hunt. Siblings, David (Marie) Dylag of Corfu, Susan (Joseph Spurchase) Dylag of Florida, Thomas (Kathleen) Dylag of Williamsville, Theresa (Gary) Frier of Depew and Edwin (Lauren) Dylag of Grand Island. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (November 26th) from 3-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, 818 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203.Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

 

 

Shirley A. Hogle

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Shirley A. Hogle, age 79, of West Bergen Road, passed away on Tuesday (November 19, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

     She was born August 22, 1945 in Ripley, NY, a daughter of the late Allen and Anna Stanton Seekings. 

shirley hogle

    Shirley will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear friend to many.  She was so proud to be a grandmother and great-grandmother. Family gatherings were very special to her and she enjoyed preparing the large meals that came with each get together. Shirley and her husband, Lloyd were also very involved with the LeRoy (Volunteer) Ambulance Service, where they were advisors for the Ambulance Explorer Group for 15 years.  Shirley also served as a medic for many years.

     She will be sadly missed by her husband of 57 years, Lloyd; her children, Julie Missell, Paul Hogle (Ginny King), Scott Hogle and Jason (Sarah) Hogle; her nine grandchildren, Laurie (Farzad), Joseph (Kristie), Ryan, Abby, Jacob, Erika (Robert), Zachary (Tiana), Emily (Zachary) and Lukas; her seven great-grandchildren, Jackson, Landon, Oliver, Adelaide, Aiden, Madison and Maverick, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

     In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her son-in-law, Ralph Missell and sisters, Helen Whitehill and Bertha Annis.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 from 3 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Services and interment at the Western NY National Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Shirley are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, 1 Tountas Avenue, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

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

Sally A. Fisher

By Joshua Smith
Fisher

Rochester - Sally A. Fisher, 82 of Rochester passed away on Wednesday, (November 20, 2024) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Ms. Fisher was born April 25, 1942 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Joseph and Georgia (Morris) Fisher.

Sally enjoyed reading and wintering in Florida.

She is survived by her brother, Jay (Vicki Currier) Fisher of Batavia; sister-in-law, Sandra Fisher of Rotonda, Florida; niece, Krista Fisher of Batavia; nephews, Raymond (Mary) Fisher of Rochester, and Adam (Danielle) Fisher of Springfield, Mass.; great-niece, Sara Schodel; great-nephews, Hunter Schodel, Joseph Fisher, Aidan Fisher, and Owen Fisher.

Sally is reunited in death with her parents; twin brother, Richard Fisher; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Fisher.

Honoring Sally's request, a private graveside service will be held in Grand View Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to honor Sally's memory may make a memorial contribution to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. Arrangements were entrusted to Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lee J. Garigen

By Joshua Smith
Garigen

Lee J. Garigen, age 85, of Pike, passed away at Gateway Home on November 18, 2024 following a short illness.

Mr. Garigen was born on Monday, June 26, 1939 in Darien, a son of the late Sherwood and Ruth (Schmelzle) Garigen.

Lee was an undefeated wrestling champion of Alexander High School where he graduated in 1957. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Army. Lee was a hard worker and valued employee all of his life. He started working at 14 on neighboring farms and continued working for the next 71 years. He was a trucker for Dad’s Dog Food in Attica; the owner of Clifford H. Hall Trucking; installed processing systems throughout the country for Lockheed Martin; and most recently was a sales representative at R.S. Maher and Son until his retirement in October of 2024.

He enjoyed golfing, roller skating, yardwork, working, and helping his kids work on their houses. Lee was a craftsman who took pride in his woodworking.  Family was important to Lee and he cherished every member of his family.

Lee was always full of words of wisdom such as, “If I can’t fix it, it doesn’t need fixing” and  “Cold hands, warm heart.” These were just a few of the words of wisdom Lee would leave with the people he met. And because he loved to meet and talk to people, one of his favorite comments about life was, “I’ve never talked to a person I didn’t learn something from.”

Surviving are his children, Lisa (Keith Levanway) Garigen, Dan (Marcela) Garigen, and Beth Garigen; grandchildren, Zachary, Ryan, Cierra, Tess, Eleanor, Joelle, Vivien, Rey, Julia, and Ember; sister, Sherry Garigen; mother of his children, Frannie Beck; brother in law, Chuck Lapp, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death, Lee is reunited with his parents and siblings Allen Garigen and LouAnn Lapp.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to Lee’s calling hours on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street Attica. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made in Lee’s memory to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, NY 14011.

To leave an online condolences please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

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