Obituaries

Alita I. Green, 93 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia, surrounded by her family. She was born November 10, 1927 in Darien to the late Otto (Esther Ames) Welker. She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald N. Green, siblings Nelson Lee Welker, Phyllis (Harold) Hebding, Anita (Herbert) Schmeider.

Mrs. Green was a Library Clerk at Alexander Elementary School, active member of Alexander United Methodist Church serving in the choir and volunteering for many years. She was very artistic, loved to garden, an excellent seamstress, and strong, surviving Christian woman. Above all else she was a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Nelson (Terry) Green of Bergen, Shane (Karen) Green of Byron, Dee Green of Attica; 5 grandchildren, Aaron (Jennifer) Green, Katie (fiancé Joseph D’Ovidio) Cieslinski, Kristina (Ted) Johnson, Hannah and Maylee Green, 7 great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Brenna, Kolton, Miranda, Jackson, Tayte and Grady, along with several nieces and nephws.

There will be no prior calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Alexander Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main St., Alexander, NY 14005. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Harold L. Maxon, (Sonny, Max) of Stafford, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021.  He was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on Dec. 31, 1935 to the late Lavern and Jean (Clark) Maxon.  He grew up in Wyoming, N.Y. with fond memories of life on his dad's farm on Lagrange Road, as well as the Maxon Farm in Bennington.  He was a great story teller and loved to reminisce with memories of the "good old days".

   

  He went to trade school for refrigeration and air conditioning, but when unable to get a job in that field, he began working in construction.  He was an expert self taught heavy equipment operator and loved excavators and cranes in particular.  He worked for Keeler Construction and later, Allied Builders, where he retired from in 1999.  After retirement, he ran excavator for R.W. Taylor.  He was proud of the numerous jobs that he had been a part of including RIT's library construction, Spencerport School and parts of Strong hospital.  He would often point out places along a ride where he had dug for gas or water lines, etc. 

     From a young age, he had a knack for repairing things that stayed with him to the end.  He was happiest when he had grease on his hands from repairing a lawnmower or other small engine.  He spent several years volunteering at UMMC as "The Menu Man".  In 2005, he built the house that he lived in, in his later years, including doing all of the electrical and plumbing himself.

     He is survived by his longtime significant other, Elaine Lemley and her family; his sons, Dennis (Connie) Maxon of Albion, Steven (Yvonne) Maxon of Crawford, GA, Scott (Mona) Maxon of Winterville, GA, Russell (Cheryl) Maxon of Batavia, Todd Maxon of Aliso Viejo, CA, and Carl (Tammy) Maxon of Albion; his daughters, Denise (David) Jaczinski of Basom and Jan (Derek) Standish of Albion; grandchildren, Brad, Tyler, Amber, Amanda, Mary, Alex, Alan, Henry, Ryder, West, Tiffany, Bruce and Logan; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Chase, Zoe, Sophia, Hudson, Adelyn, Hailey, Cole, Hunter, Cailyn, Maddie and Isabell; nephews, Christopher and Michael, both of FL and his brother, Robert of Zephyrhills, FL, as well as many cousins.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Shirley and the mother of his children, Wanda (Hale) Maxon.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 21 from 2 ~ 4 and 7 ~ 9 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where services will be held on Thursday, July 22 at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Stafford Rural Cemetery.

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

Batavia - Alice Kezia Roberts age 97, passed away on Thursday (July 15. 2021) at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Batavia.

Mrs. Roberts was born February 27, 1924, a daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Bates and Sarah Elizabeth Novell in Bolivar, New York.

Alice grew up in the Bolivar/Richburg area, where she married Paul Rutherford Roberts on November 13, 1942. She lived in Richburg until 2004 when she relocated to Batavia to be closer to her family. A long-time worker at Weston's Store in Olean, she also worked with the  Foster Grandparent program at Bolivar- Richburg School  for over 25 years.  She loved to collect cats, listen and dance to Polka, have family gatherings, and visit with her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter, Pauline (Charles) Griswold of Oakfield, and a son, Floyd Roberts of Warsaw; grandchildren, Sarah (Al) Williams of Waterport, Jeff Roberts of Hamiln, Daniel Griswold of Oakfield, and Joany (Michael) Fox of Oakfield; 29 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Alice is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Rutherford Roberts. a son, James Roberts, great-granddaughter, Jordan Montana, and a half-brother, Floyd Bates.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Wednesday (July 21, 2021) from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street in Batavia where Alice's Funeral Service will immediately follow. Burial in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bolivar will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

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

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 2 pm, we invite you to join us in the Celebration of the Life of Diane E. Howe Strock.  The service will take place outside at the North Bergen Presbyterian Church, 7068 North Bergen Rd. Bergen, NY.  Diane, 62, of Byron/NYC, peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on May 19, 2021 at home after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer under the loving care of her family and HomeCare & Hospice. 

Amelia “Millie” DiFilippo, age 88, of Batavia passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Flower Mound, Texas.

Millie was born November 6, 1932 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Silvio Vitulli and Virginia Pillo Vitulli.

Millie was a secretary at St. Anthony’s school for 16 years.  She was a member of Ascension Parish and their Altar and Rosary Society.  She enjoyed volunteering at church with her close group of friends, the “coffee girls”.  Her greatest joy was traveling to Texas to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives.

Amelia is the wife of Frank “Cheech” DiFilippo who passed away on March 3, 1977.

She is survived by her daughter; Nancy Jo (Jed) Pilato of Flower Mound, Texas; two grandchildren; Michael and Maria Pilato; one sister; Joanne Sheelar of Fort Pierce, Florida along with many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her sisters Lucy Vitulli Palatiere (2018) and Dorothy Vitulli (2020).

Her Family would like to especially thank her wonderful neighbors for all their help through the years. Life would have been harder without their love and support. They feel truly blessed to have them in their lives.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 29, 2021 at 9 a.m. at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School Foundation, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14020, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate .  

To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

  Elizabeth Joyce Kowalik died in this life on July 6, 2021 at the Gateway Home in Attica, but now lives with Jesus in his kingdom forever. She was born Elizabeth Lang on November 28, 1930, daughter of the late Joseph and Clara Lang. She was predeceased by her husband Walter K. Kowalik Sr. and siblings: Dorothy Jones (Donald), Marge Bromsted (Leo), Beatrice Richardson (Ray) and Jerome Lang (Nancy).

Her 90 years of life is carried on by her 6 children and 12 grandchildren: Walter (child, Alison Spath), Michael (wife, Kim, child, Jessica Kowalik), Mary (husband, James Hale, children: Edward Wilkosz, Timothy Wilkosz, Elizabeth St. John), James (wife, Phyllis, children Nikie Morris and Jake Kowalik), Teresa (husband, Charles W. Wood, children Madeline Patterson and Charlie K. Wood), Kenneth (wife, Cindy, children, Chelsea Kowalik Grosse, Eric and Chad Kowalik). GREAT Grandma Liz had 13 GREAT grandchildren: Ava, Maxine, Kaz, Emmaly, Jenna, Stevie, Olivia, Kate, Grayson, Claire, Thomas, Wyatt and Rowan.

She is also survived by 6 siblings: Mary Johnson (Norman), Harriett Worthington (James), Joanne Lang, Sandy Fraterrigo (Phil), Joe Lang (Pam), Al Lang (Deanna), sister-in-law, Florence Kowalik Pastecki (Eddie), and brother-in-law, Jake Boldt (Eleanor). Whether they knew her as Aunt Bet or Aunt Liz, many nieces and nephews will greatly miss her. Lizzie’s church family from Mogadore Chapel are looking forward to laughing and worshipping with her again!

In earlier days, Liz was a cafeteria worker, bus driver and board member for Byron-Bergen Central School. Volunteer firefighter was another hat she wore. She worked and retired from Eastman Kodak Company as an executive secretary. She just loved being outdoors to garden, burn leaves or make the neighbors laugh with her lively, bigger than life personality. She used to jog in her work boots on the railroad tracks in South Byron when the sport of running wasn’t in vogue. She always said she just loved having and taking care of “her babies”, right into adulthood. Like many, it is said that she was the best mother and grandmother around, but of all these roles she would have told you that her greatest one was, student, “a disciple,” right at the feet of the Master. She touched many lives with her testimony for Jesus, wisdom, humor and giving heart.

A remembrance and celebration of life service will be held at Mogadore Chapel, 8063 N. Pembroke Road, Batavia, NY 14020 on Saturday, July 17 at 11:00 am. She would want you to come, listen, laugh and eat!

She asked instead of flowers, donations be made to the amazing volunteers at Gateway Hospice Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. 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.

Rita A. Pfenninger (née Hartman), died on June 29, 2021.  She was born in Batavia on December 2, 1949 to George and Eleanor Hartman (née Schneller).  She had spent considerable time in various communities – Elba, Chicago, Bergen, Byron, and later in life, Akron, Medina, and Lockport.  Rita enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, listening to Alabama, and spending summers at “camp” – Leisurewood in Akron.  She also liked to spoil her dog, Ben-G.  Rita was predeceased by her parents; her daughter, Wendy Cayea; her husbands, Wayne Cayea and Raymond Pfenninger; and her brother, Douglas Hartman.  She is survived by her children Wayne (Adrienne) Cayea and Jessica Pfenninger; brothers, Robert (Camilla) and Wayne (Donna) Hartman; nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Rita’s arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.  To share a special memory of Rita, please visit www.cooperfuneralhome.com

 

Rita Mary Staskiewicz-Hendry-Groth passed away on July 10, 2021, at the age of 90. 

Born in Buffalo, NY, on July 6, 1931.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary (Radomska) Staskiewicz, her brother Raymond Staskiewicz of Farmers Branch, TX and her sister Joan Loeffler-DeFalco of Venice, FL. 

She is survived by her children, Joseph Hendry of Akron, Mary Hendry of Friendship, Teresa Hendry of Williamsville, Michael (Laurie) Hendry of Batavia and Daniel (Lisa) Groth of Oakfield. Survived also by nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and several cousins. 

She was a founding member of Faun Lake Recreation Park in Bliss, NY and an avid camper for many years.  She was a past member of the LeRoy Loyal Order of Moose and the LeRoy American Legion Auxiliary.  Her interests included gardening, country dancing, cross-country skiing, camping, observing and feeding birds, and nature walks.  She was a nature enthusiast who truly enjoyed the outdoors.  

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00am memorial service will be held on Friday, July 16th, at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St, Akron, 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, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Harry Lee Flatt died peacefully at home in Medina, New York on July 11, 2021 at the age of 75 years with his wife beside him. He was born in Medina, NY on September 8, 1945. 
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sandy Marky DVM, his daughter Jennifer (Bradley) Hillman, his grandson Reagan Hillman, and his sister Suzanne (Jim) Zazowski. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and is also survived by the mother of his children, Dawn Meland. He was predeceased by his son Gregory Flatt and his parents, Harry and Dorothy Flatt. 

He was a member of the MHS Class of 1963. As a young man he won many drag races with C- Stock Automatic, served in the NY National Guard, worked briefly at Kodak and then bought the family farm, owned by his father Harry and grandfather Samuel before that: Flattlands Holsteins. The 100-150 head herd of “pet” Friesians, Holsteins, Guernsey and Jersey cows kept him busy until sold in 1988. The 400- acre farm was recognized in Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine with an article as a NYS Top Producer, and was also recognized as a top milk fat producer by the Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. Always a farmer, he maintained a hobby farm at home utilizing and maintaining his beloved “Green Belly” 1967 John Deer Bucket Tractor. After selling his herd, he worked as a farm hand at Chaffee Farms LLC, Baskin Livestock, and most recently at Genesee Valley Farm. At each farm he worked, he adopted the barn cat as his own, even getting a T-shirt for the “Best Cat Dad Ever”. He worked hard on his gardens at home, achieving a productive asparagus bed, and a cultivated variety of berry patches. By not having his own farm, he was able to travel to New Zealand, Hawaii and Oregon and spend time locally with family and friends in the Western NY area.

He loved to play Euchre and never missed an opportunity to do so. Harry was also well known for his creative salads sourced from his own garden, and in particular, his outstanding egg salad. When visiting, you never left without the offer of produce to take home! Harry always had time for anyone in need, friend, family or stranger He was steadfast in getting things done, the right way, no matter how daunting the task. As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services. Harry would prefer that friends and family gather to remember him in informal gatherings, with a few games of euchre included and hopefully some fresh elderberry pie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, the Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, Supportive Care of Orleans, or a cancer or animal rescue charity of your choosing. 

 

  Norma E. VanGalio, 93, of Batavia passed away peacefully on July 10, 2021 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. She was born on August 11, 1927 in Medina to the late James and Verna (Keep) Ross. In addition to her parents, Norma is predeceased by her husband; Anthony VanGalio.

Norma devoted her life to creating a loving home and life for her family. She raised and provided for her four children with her late husband, Van (Anthony). Over her 93 years, she lived a beautiful life that was an inspiration to all who knew her. Norma was the foundation of her family for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children; Thomas (Cindy) VanGalio of MI., Ellen (John) Ranalli of Batavia, David (Cathy) VanGalio and Nancy (Rollie) Scroger of Oakfield; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Friday July 16, 2021 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. Norma will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign 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.

Basom - Lorraine Burbules, 95 of Basom, passed away on Tuesday, (July 6, 2021) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs. Burbules was born January 14, 1926 in Medina, a daughter of the late Paul and Rose (LeVandowski) Ciesinski.

She was a parishioner of St. Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site.

Lorraine is the wife of the late Henry F. Burbules and sister of the late Genevieve Scofield, and late Joseph Ciesinski.

Surviving are her children, David Burbules of Florida, Richard (Melissa) Burbules of Batavia, and Larry (Tami) Burbules of East Pembroke; grandchildren,  Craig (Rachael) Burbules of Cheektowaga, and Heather Burbules of Irondequoit; a sister, Irene (late Henry) Lichwiarz of Virginia; a sister-in-law, Faye Ciesinski of Cowlesville.

There will be no visitation or services. Burial will be in Alabama Cemetery in Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Road, Basom, New York 14013.

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

Batavia - Carol Ann Hoak, age 82, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs. Hoak was born Monday, August 1st, 1938 in Byron,  a daughter of the late Charles Ross and Violet Roggow Ross.

Carol is the wife of Donald Vincent Hoak who passed away on March 15, 2001.

She is survived by her son, Joseph (Rebecca) Hoak of Alexander, two grandchildren; Douglas (Char) Hale of Corfu and Jennifer (Randy) Boyce of Alden; three great-grandchildren; Arianna and DJ Hale and Mason Boyce; her sister, Thelma Welch of LeRoy along with several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Albert and George Ross and Mary Butler.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery, Byron.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Alice “Jean” Roda passed away on July 8, 2021 at the age of 99.  She was born September 11, 1921 in Williamsville, NY to the late Bert and Elizabeth (Chittenden) Brennan, and was a resident of Genesee County (Batavia, Elba & Byron) for most of her life.  Jean worked in a number of office positions after obtaining a degree at Rochester Business Institute, and retired from the USPS in 1978.  She was also involved in the community through her church, Byron First Presbyterian, and volunteering (Meals on Wheels, blood drives and UMMC).  Jean will be missed by all who knew her.

Jean is survived by special niece Ann B. (Peter) Van Horn, niece Barbara Tedder, nephew Robert D. Brennan, friend Judy Ames who visited often, as well as many grand/great-grand nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Everett Roda, brothers Kenneth D. & Thomas J. Brennan, sister Elizabeth B. Bigelow and nephew Donald B. Bigelow.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11am at the Byron First Presbyterian Church, 6293 West Main Street, Byron on Monday.  Private interment in Byron Cemetery.  

Donations in Alice “Jean” Roda’s name may be made to the Byron First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 206, Byron NY 14422.

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

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

Rochester - Madison R. Boorom, 20 of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, (June 22, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Madison was born October 3, 2000 in Rochester, a daughter of Denise Boorom of Rochester.

She loved animals and rescued several cats and dogs over the years. A caring person, Madison enjoyed her work caring for patients as a Health Care Aide with All Metro. She liked to sing, dance, do her hair and nails, and wash her car. She cherished time spent with family and friends.

Surviving along with her mother is her twin sister, Emily Boorom of Rochester; an aunt, Susan (Frank) Chittenden of Corfu; uncle, Michael Boorom of Batavia; special aunt and uncle, Elsa and Tony Trotto of Irondequoit; cousins, Zachary, Cody and Wyatt Chittenden.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, James and Lois Boorom.

A private family service was held for Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite no kill animal shelter.

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

Byron - Alan A. Hyde, 72 of Byron, passed away on Wednesday, (July 7, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Hyde was born June 11, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late Avery E. and Myrtle (Richardson) Hyde.

Alan was a Navy Veteran who served with the US Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 121 in Vietnam and past commander and life member of VFW Post 1602 in Batavia. An avid golfer, Alan was a member of Batavia Country Club. While working with BernzOmatic, he was instrumental in developing the fire element used in the 1996 Olympic Torch, an accomplishment he was extremely proud of.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen M. (Hume) Hyde of Byron; son, Adam A. (Caitlin) Hyde of North Bergen; grandson, Paul Alan Hyde; sisters, Gloria (late Jerry) Klein of Florida, Sue (Paul) Cocuzzi of Holley, Linda (Ivan) Camerera of South Carolina, Cathy Hyde of West Seneca, and Terry (Bill) Dixon of North Carolina. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survive.

Alan is preceded in death by his brother, Gary Paul Hyde.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday (July 14, 2021)   from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Military honors will follow visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salvation Army, 529 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.