Obituaries

Alabama - Brian Michael Urban, 68, of Alabama passed away on Wednesday (May 12, 2021) at his home.

Mr. Urban was born June 9, 1952 in Batavia, a son of the late Clyde and Eleanor (Moodie) Urban.

Brian grew up in Darien Center and graduated from Alexander Central School. He proudly served his country with the Marine Corps and was discharged as an E-5 Sergeant. He showed an aptitude for things mechanical at an early age, building go-karts when he was only 12 years old. His mechanical skills led him to own and operate Urban Automotive in Basom for over 40 years. Mr. Urban enjoyed being involved with anything automotive and served as a "crew chief" for several of his children as they raced cars. He was old school and enjoyed old movies and records.

He is survived by his children, Phillip (Arden Izzo) Urban, Douglas (Sarah Evans) Urban, both of Buffalo, Bonnie (Shawn) Thompson of West Seneca, Sara (Joshua) Benson of Georgia, and Thomas (Shannon Murray) Urban of Shelby; a step-daughter, Jillian (Rory) Charcholla of Rochester; brothers, Douglas Urban of North Carolina, Scott (Sandy Wohlers) Urban of South Carolina; sisters, Sherry (Don) Polack of Oregon, Vicki (late Richard) Streiff of Brockport, Wendy (late Tom) Berg of Iowa, and Janice (Mike) Cadieux of Minnesota. Six grandchildren also survive.  

Brian is preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Urban.

There will be no visitation. Services will be private for the family. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Western New York National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

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

James M. Karas, 64, of Batavia passed away on May 13, 2021. He was born on March 14, 1957 in Batavia to the late Joseph (Clara Jachimowicz) Karas. He is preceded in death by his brother Joseph Karas.

Jim was an avid reader, huge sports fan, he loved the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Orioles. He was a kind man that would do anything for anyone.

He is survived by his sister Victoria (Mark) Shea of Youngstown, NY, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Buffalo City Mission, 100 East Tupper St, Buffalo, NY 14203 www.buffalocitymission.org. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

Batavia – Robert “Bob”  B.  Carleton, 65, of Batavia passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Rochester General Hospital.

Mr. Carleton was born Monday, May 23rd, 1955 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a son of the late Percy "Pat" Carleton and Joyce Capp Carleton.

A devoted father and grandfather, Bob sacrificed much so his family would not be without. He loved baseball and took pride in cheering on his sons while they played. Bob was also an avid reader and book collector, who especially enjoyed browsing the shelves of the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia. If not watching baseball or reading, he could be found lounging in his backyard pool, even on the coldest of days.

Bob is survived by his three sons and their partners, Nicholas and Andrea Carleton of Rochester, William Carleton and his fiancée Courtney Yachanin of Phoenix, Arizona, and Michael and Stephanie Carleton of Batavia; three grandchildren, Myles Miller and Macklyn and Merritt Carleton; the mother of his children, Lynn Carleton of Rochester; his brother, Bruce Carleton of Canada; his sister, Virginia Wescott of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sister, Shirley Melachrinoudis.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Bob on Saturday, June 19th, 2021 at the Pavilion at Lakeside Beach State Park, 13691 Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, New York 14571. His family will begin greeting family and friends at 12 p.m. and food will be served at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to Richmond Memorial Library Foundation, 19 Ross Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 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.

East Bethany - Rex  Joseph  Forkey, Jr., age 64, of East Bethany  passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 10, 2021 at his home.

He was born Monday, July 2, 1956 in Batavia, a son of the late Rex Joseph Forkey, Sr. and Mary Larson Forkey.

A graduate of Batavia High School, Rex worked for 43 years at P.W. Minor in Batavia, retiring in 2018. A fan of the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, he was an avid bowler who loved to fish and hunt and raced enduro cars at the local racetracks.  Rex loved being with his family and will be remembered as a fantastic cook who thoroughly enjoyed grilling and barbecuing.

Rex is the husband of Neva M. Forkey. They were married on March 26, 1977 and celebrated 44 years of marriage together. He is also survived by his children;  Stacey (Michael) Bezon and Jason (Fiancée Michelle Gardner) Forkey both of Batavia; three grandchildren; Christopher D. Zajaczkowski and Alivia and Zalina Forkey; three sisters; Sharon (Daniel) Kuert  of Missouri and Charlene (Dennis) Schultz and Terri (Dan) Schultz, both of Elba along with many nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Mary Elizabeth Butler, age 80, was called home by the Lord on Sunday May 9th, 2021.

Mary was born February 9th, 1941 in Elba, NY to the late Charles and Violet Ross.

Mary is survived by her loving husband John Butler of 22 years, Charles Giummo; her son, Theresa Hume; her daughter; her grandchildren Alicia (Justin) Watson, Katrina (Joseph) Schultz, Erica (Dallas) Logsdon, Alex Carney, and Sebastian Carney; her sisters Thelma Welch and Carol Hoak; many great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; she shared a special bond with her niece Elizabeth Welch.

She is predeceased by her parents; her brothers George Ross and Albert Ross; and her first husband Lawrence Giummo.

Mary loved spending time with her family and friends. She was the baby of her family and loved her siblings dearly. She was a social butterfly and loved to talk for as long as you would let her. She had a great sense of humor and made everyone laugh, the best part is she never knew just how funny she was. She was always honest and never compromised who she was. She had a beautiful, childlike spirit and did not believe in keeping secrets. She loved her country music and on summer days you could usually hear Conway Twitty singing out of her window. She was truly one of a kind.

Her loss leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of her family. She will be dearly missed, but comfort is found knowing that she is in Heaven. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 NIV

She will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to attend Mary’s funeral service on Friday May 14th, 2021, at the Grace Baptist Church 238 Vine St. Batavia NY, 14020 beginning at 11am. She will be laid to rest at Middlebury Cemetery, Middlebury NY.

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

Arrangements for Mary were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-5673.

Frank Paul Markwica passed away peacefully on May 7, 2021, at the age of 82, in Conroe, Texas surrounded by family. Frank attended Elba Central School; kindergarten through his senior year. He was involved in student council and excelled in football and basketball. Two years after graduation he married his high school sweetheart, Leah Townsend, and was married for 43 years.

After high school, Frank worked at the Elba muck, Batavia Downs, and RR Gamble as a salesman. He and his partners eventually purchased Gambles and ran the business until they sold it in 1997.

Frank was a longtime and current member of the Elks Club and the Polish Falcons.  He was a former member of the Lions Club.

Frank and Leah divided their time between Batavia and Fort Myers, Florida. After Leah's passing, he spent his time in Barker, New York, Conroe, Texas, and Tuscon, Arizona.

He is preceded in death by his wife Leah Townsend Markwica, parents Mary and Peter Markwica, and infant brother Peter. He is survived by his daughter Trina (Dave) Almas of Conroe, Texas, granddaughter Julianna Almas of Denton, Texas, brother John Markwica of Rochester, New York, sister Lousie (Bob) Pattridge of Cleveland, New York, sister Bernice (Lary) Bateman of Byron, New York, and brother Bernerd (Carol) Markwica of Elba, New York along with many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral service to be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, on Tuesday, May 18 at 11 am, followed by burial at Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org or St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

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

Byron - JoAnn Leaton, 78 of Byron, passed away on Monday, (May 10, 2021) at her home under the care of her loving family and HomeCare & Hospice.

Mrs. Leaton was born January 2, 1943 in Oakfield, a daughter of the late Clarence and Mary (Panek) Sumerski.

JoAnn is the wife of David Leaton of Byron; mother of Melody (Donald) Frisby of LeRoy, Tammy Stremvoght, Stacy Woodrich, Patrick Woodrich all of Batavia, and Linda (Barry) DeLong of Tennessee; mother-in-law of Bud Hoffmeister of Warsaw; sister of Ben Sumerski of Batavia. 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild also survive.

Preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Hoffmeister, and a sister, Anita (late Rich) Wyder.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery in Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020.  

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.

Mary Elizabeth Gebel Perry, On her 75th Mother's Day, 9 May 2021, Mary left the material world and joined her husband, Nicholas Perry, son Chester and granddaughter Barbara in Heaven. Catherine Perl Gebel and Leo Gebel welcomed their blue-eyed daughter to the world on September 25, 1925. As the eldest of 6 children ( Mary, Evelyn, Teresa, John, Ann, Clarine), Mary could often be seen in the fields of the Gebel dairy farm leading a team of horses. She always preferred farm work over house work. The grit and perseverance that she demonstrated as a child would remain with her for her entire life.

She married Nicholas Perry on 7 October 1944 and the two of them purchased their dairy farm on Bartz Road in Sheldon and would eventually have 15 children, 37 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren. Mary has always displayed photos of her offspring in her home and loved to show visitors her pride and joy. John (Cheryl), Catherine, Nicholas (Donna), Leon (Becky), Elizabeth, Rita, Chester, Vincent (Monica), David (Kathy), Michael (Carol), Joan Namenek (James), Bernard, Nelson, Joseph (Chris) and Monica Zielenski (Kevin). She was fondly called Aunt by many nieces and nephews.

In January 1947, their house burned down. They escaped with their 2 oldest children and lost everything else. After that, Mary had little interest in material things. She had embroidered 15 pairs of pillowcases prior to marriage and found that she couldn't continue to embroidery. However, she did love to crochet and made hundreds of afghans and hats for family members and charity. She also loved playing cards and all family events centered around the card playing table. She was a shrewd card player all the way to the end.

More than anything, Mary was a servant of God and believed in the power of prayer. Every meal began with grace. A mass of Christian Burial will be on 5 June 2021 at 11 am at St John Neumann Parish, St. Cecilia Site, 991 Centerline Rd, Sheldon, NY 14145. There will be no prior calling hours.

Flowers are thoughtfully declined. Memorials can be made to The Charlotte House, P.O. Box 123, North Java, NY 14113 or the Sheldon Fire Company, 996 Centerline Road, Strykersville, NY 14145.For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

Clifton Springs - Robert M. O'Geen, 52 of Clifton Springs passed away on Sunday, (May 9, 2021) as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Mr. O'Geen was born June 8, 1968 in Batavia, a son of Janet (Hamilton) O'Geen of Batavia and the late Russell O'Geen.

He was a former parishioner of St. Anthony's Church in Batavia and a member of the Big M Gun Club in Clifton Springs. Rob loved most things outdoors, especially boating, fishing, hunting, and golfing - where he was known to snap a club or two on occasion. With a non-stop sense of humor and infectious personality Rob could light up any room. He will be remembered for his happy go-lucky attitude and his ability to poke fun at anyone, especially his nieces and nephews.

Along with his mother, Rob is survived by his wife, Lisa (Switzer) O'Geen of Clifton Springs; brother, Todd (Laura) O'Geen of Clarence Center; sisters, Dorie (Gerry) Leitten of Bloomfield, and Kathy (Greg) Leitten of LeRoy; parents-in-law, Robert and Emily Switzer of Bath; brother-in-law, Robert (Pamela) Switzer of Canandaigua; sisters-in-law, Robin (Tom) Mike of Hammondsport, and Christine Switzer of Rochester. Several nieces and nephews along with his beloved dog, Tucker also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, (May 13, 2021)  from 3 to 8:00 pm  at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main St. in Batavia.  Robert 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 am on Friday, (May 14, 2021) from St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street in Batavia, Fr. Thaddeus Bocianowski officiating. Burial will be at 2:30 pm on Saturday, (May 15, 2021) in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Happy Tails, 2976 Co Rd 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424.  

Please note the funeral home will be restricted to 50% maximum occupancy throughout the course of visitation. Facial coverings and social distancing will be required.

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

Graveside Services for Jon N. Roblee, age 45, who passed away on March 1, 2021, after a long battle with cancer, at Buffalo General Medical Center will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Machpelah Cemetery, 71 North Street, LeRoy, NY.

     Mr. Roblee and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Tony M. Vanille, entered into rest unexpectedly on Monday, May 3, 2021 at the age of 62.
Born on December 8, 1958 in Denison, Texas, Tony was a son of John N. Vanille and Nancy R. (Bush) McHugh. He was a graduate of Medina High School and went on to be the owner/operator of Tony’s Sewing Machine Repair Service for many years. A social person, Tony was a friend to many. He enjoyed playing euchre at the Junior Wilson Sportsman’s Club and was also involved in racing. Tony was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. He was also a fan of John Wayne, loved listening to music and was a phenomenal pizza maker. Above all, Tony adored his grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Papa Tony”.

Survivors include his wife, Jemalen Vanille; three daughters, Jeanna (Tristan) Leuer; Tiffany Vanille (fiancé, Adam Finkney) and Gabriella (Justin) Loebel; four grandchildren, Griffin Leuer, Autumn Finkney, Freyja Darroch, Levi Loebel; his mother, Nancy McHugh; siblings, Angela Gross-Neal, John D. Vanille, Martin Vanille, Monica (Ray) Hartenberg and Mary (Jason) Clifton; also several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father, John N. Vanille.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, May 23rd from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at Stone Hollow Farm, 3807 Stone Road, Middleport, NY 14105. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations in Tony’s memory be made to a memorial fund to help with his grandchildren’s college education at https://gofund.me/e64fcab1. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

George F. Cond IV, 50, of Batavia passed away on May 5, 2021. He was born on October 15, 1970 in Batavia to the late George F. Cond III and the late Linda (Conibear) Cond.

George worked as a landscaper for Maple Ridge Landscaping in Corfu for many years. He enjoyed building models, especially model tractor trailers, riding his 3 wheeled bike, woodworking and car racing.

He is survived by his brother; James (Courtney) Cond; uncles William (Bonnie) Conibear, Charles (Kathy) Conibear and Fred (Debbie) Cond; nieces Riley and Kaleigh, along with many cousins and friends.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday May 15, 2021 from 10:30AM-12:30PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:30PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.

The funeral home will be restricted to 50% of their normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Stroke Association www.stroke.org.  For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

Martha Shepard-Rimmer, 65 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2021 surrounded by her family at Gateway Home in Attica. She was born on August 11, 1955 in Batavia to the late Allen (Barbara Orlowski) Shepard.

Martha is a Batavia High School and Genesee Community College graduate. She is a United States Air Force Veteran and retired from NYS Department of Corrections. Martha was an animal lover, accomplished horse rider, she rescued many dogs, cats, birds and a horse.

She is survived by her beloved husband Jonathan E. Rimmer of Batavia, step-sons Daniel W. (Linda) Rimmer of Pittsford, Timothy M. (Anne Tatarsky) Rimmer of Rochester, grandchildren Reagan and Carter Rimmer.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately for the family.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or 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.

Dorothy M. Bish (nee Kula) known to all as “Cookie”, 79, of Pembroke, entered into rest on Sunday, May 2, 2021 in the presence of her family.

Cookie was born November 19, 1941, in Buffalo and was a native of Black Rock. She loved Unity Island (formerly Squaw Island), The Niagara River, Niagara Falls and any source of water in general. She was an avid news reader and weather buff. Cookie enjoyed frequenting different diners and was extremely fond of her Native American friends, their customs and culture. She enjoyed reminiscing and loved all holiday card giving. If there was a holiday, she had a card for it and you were sure to receive one!

Cookie was one of five children of the late Paul and Florence (Fisher) Kula. She was preceded in death by her brothers Ronald and Paul, Jr., sister Joyce Kula and her cherished grandson James N. Grodem.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Charles Bish, son Ronald (Kelly) Bish, daughter Robin (Peter) Grodem, sister Paulette Hastie, brother and sister-in-law Donald and Mary “Meme” Bish, and grandchildren, Samantha Grodem and Alex and Adam Bish.

No prior visitation per her wishes. Interment at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY on May 12th at Noon. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and luncheon at Solid Rock Baptist Church, 5571 Crittenden Road, Akron, NY on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY

LeRoy ~ Mary G. DeMarco, age 64, of West Main Street, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (May 2, 2021) at the Premier Genesee Center in Batavia.

    

 She was born January 12, 1957 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Harriett VanDerMark Buckley and Walter Buckley.

     Mary will be remembered as a loving sister, aunt and dear friend, who was virtually a second mother to all her nieces and nephews.  Love for family was great.  Mary was a member of the Living Waters Church and attended a weekly Bible study group. 

     She is survived by her sisters, Ella Bucherio, Donna (Glen) Gilbert, Judy (Burton) Adams and Barbara (Thomas) Rowe; brother-in-law, Ernie Baker, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her sister, Linda Baker and brother-in-law, Phil Bucherio.

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 12 from 5 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Services and interment in Mumford Rural Cemetery will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.

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