Obituaries

Diane J. Yaple, of Alexander, died peacefully on Sunday, March 7 at Strong Hospital.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, Diane was admired for the love she showed toward others and her kind-hearted approach to life. Her joyful smile was always present and simply beautiful. It will be missed.

She is now reunited with her father, brother Jim and sister Arlene.

Diane was born in Batavia April 4th, 1952, the daughter of Rita (Graff) Amend and the late Alois Amend. Her life was dedicated to raising her children and spoiling her grandchildren. 
She was devoted to her family, including her husband of 52 years Dennis, her mother Rita, daughters Denise (Andrew) Young of Batavia, Danielle (Kevin) Riggs of Alexander and Lynette (Dan) Beaumont of Pavilion. Grandchildren Branden, Jacob, Alixandra, Nicholas, Lauren, Macie, Andrew, Gavin and Joie. Her brother Karl (Roxanne) Amend, sister Kathy (Volker) Schaal, and her dear friends Colette and Carin.

She was an exceptional cook and baker. Holidays and family gatherings were very special to her. She was proud to feed the gang (including desert of course) and took great pleasure in our joy. There was never any doubt that she loved her family more than anything in the world. Her daughters carry on with her traditions.

Family will be available on Friday March 19th from 5:00-7:00 and a mass will be held on Saturday March 20th at 1:00 PM, both at West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Rd. Covid protocols to be followed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica NY.

Carl Yunker age 97, lifelong farmer and founder of what was to become CY Farms passed away peacefully at his home in Elba on March 13, 2021. He was born to Louisa Yunker on August 28, 1923 at the family farmhouse in Sheldon, NY.

He was raised by his mother and two older brothers Alfred and Otto; they ran the small family farm with a pair of horses: Tig & Dolly. He was schooled in a one-room schoolhouse until the sixth grade and attended high school in East Aurora. It was his high school ag teacher that convinced him to go to college. 

Entering Cornell’s College of Agriculture class of 1944 at the age of 17, he worked his way through college studying agriculture, building P-47s at the Buffalo Curtiss plant, and received awards for marksmanship as a member of ROTC. He joined Alpha Zeta the honor agriculture fraternity where he met classmates in the field of agriculture that would become lifelong friends.

Following Cornell he returned to operate the family’s farm while his older brother traveled west for three years. It was during this time that he met the minister’s daughter at church and he and Bernice where married December 7th, 1947. Their honeymoon drive to Key West, Fla., was the first of their many travels together that included trips to Europe, the Middle East and China.

In 1950 Carl turned to his fraternity brother and college roommate Harris Wilcox to help him find a farm; his brother Otto had returned home and Carl needed to move out on his own. In the winter of 1951 Carl and Bernice moved their two young children, one tractor and a handful of cows to the Merriman Farm in Elba where they resided for the past 70 years.

Carl was known for his progressive farming and was active in both farm and community affairs. He was a past President of Genesee County Farm Bureau, Treasurer of Upstate Milk Cooperative and was named the Outstanding Young Farmer of New York State by the Jaycees. Upon his retirement from daily farming activity, Carl volunteered at Pine Hill Airport with the Vintage Aircraft Group and built his Kitfox 1200 airplane (tail # N123CY) and took flying lessons.

As a lifelong Republican, he was friends with Barber Conable and helped him win his very first election. He along with Bernice were active in the campaign to establish Genesee Community College and he served on the Genesee Valley BOCES Board. Elba Presbyterian Church was an important part of his life where he served on the Session 18 years of their 70-year membership.

It has been said; “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Our family watched with pride as dad planted trees well into his 90s.

Carl Yunker was predeceased by brothers Alfred and Otto and sisters Emma Moore and Hilda Burch of Modesto, Calif. 

He is survived by his wife of 74 years Bernice Beisheim Yunker; children Gail (Bruce) Bartlett, of Baja California Sur, Mexico, Craig (Kimberly) Yunker, of Elba, Cyrus Yunker, of Virginia, Joy (Mark) Mistur, of Ohio, Heidi Yunker Dorpfeld, of Medina, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Springvale Cemetery, Elba. A public memorial service will be held this summer at the Elba Presbyterian Church, 23 N. Main St., Elba.

Memorials can be made to the Elba Presbyterian Church, HomeCare and Hospice of Genesee County, or the Yunker Family Fund for Excellence, Cornell University #0002768, Ithaca, NY 14850. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Carl’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Wayne R. Smith, 74 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (March 13, 2021) at the Elderwoods of Williamsville.

He was born February 23, 1947 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Joseph and Melba Hayes Smith.

Mr. Smith was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1968-1971. He was formerly employed by the U.S. Gypsum and most recently Perry’s Ice Cream. He was a proud member of the Niagara River Beagle Club and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Wayne also enjoyed his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Maria M. Smith of Akron. Son, Michael Smith of Akron. Daughter, Kristen (Matthew) Pollock of Sterling, NY. Grandchildren, Kylie and Ethan Pollock.

He was the brother of the late Dennis Smith.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment and military honors in the Western New York National Cemetery, Pembroke, 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.

 

 

LeRoy - Margaret (Peg) McQuillen, age 88, passed away peacefully at Brothers of Mercy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clarence, NY on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

     Peg was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and (soon-to-be) greatgreat- grandmother. Peg was born on May 6, 1932 in Batavia, NY, the daughter of John and Helen (Sprissler) Chambers, and lived all her life in Batavia and LeRoy, where she dedicated all her time and energy to raising her children and grandchildren. Many remember Peg as the best story and joke-teller.

    

 In addition to her parents, Peg was pre-deceased by her husband Robert McQuillen, son Terry McQuillen, companion Spencer Fox, grandson Gregory McQuillen, sister Virginia Chambers

Tretter and brother Daniel Chambers.

     Peg will be sadly missed by her children: daughter Patricia (David) Daansen of LeRoy, daughter Mary Lynn (Richard) Jacko of Murrysville, PA, son Stephen (Sheila) McQuillen of Stafford, son Peter (Judy) McQuillen of LeRoy, son Timothy (Susan) McQuillen of Byron, and daughter Amy (Jeffrey) Sturm of Erie, PA.

     Peg will also be greatly missed by her beloved nineteen grandchildren: Peter Panepento (Walworth), David Panepento (LeRoy), Robert Panepento (LeRoy), Michael Jacko (MD), Daniel Jacko (PA), Susan Jacko Hartman (PA), Stephen McQuillen (GA), Stephanie McQuillen Call (Stafford), Joseph McQuillen (FL), Jennifer McQuillen (FL), Matthew McQuillen (LeRoy), Megan McQuillen Rogers (Batavia), Molly McQuillen Foy (FL), Michael McQuillen (LeRoy), Justin McQuillen (Byron), Ashley McQuillen Liles (Stafford), Andrew Sturm (PA), Jake Sturm (PA), Hannah Sturm (FL) and by her twenty-one great-grandchildren, of whom she was always so very proud.

     In addition, Peg is survived by her much-loved sister Patricia Chambers Flynn, sisters-in-law Lois Sisson and Dottie McQuillen, brother-in-law Carl Tretter, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

     The family wishes to extend deepest thanks to the caring staff of St. Ann’s Community at the Greens in LeRoy, The Manor House in Batavia, Brothers of Mercy in Clarence, and Hospice Buffalo.

     The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, Lake Street, LeRoy, NY. (Church occupancy will be limited to 50% capacity and face masks are required.) The funeral Mass will be livestreamed through the parish website www.ourladyofmercyleroy.org.

     A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when social gatherings become safer.  

     Memorial contributions may be made to Notre Dame High School, Batavia, NY 14020, or to “St. Ann’s Foundation in Memory of Margaret McQuillen”, 1500 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621.

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

     Mrs. McQuillen and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Rochester - Edward J. Olander, 79 of Rochester passed away on Tuesday, (March 9, 2021) at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Facility in Rochester.

Mr. Olander was born September 25, 1941 in Amsterdam, New York a son of the late John and Agnes (Filuba) Olander.

Edward graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam in 1959 and joined the U.S. Army where he served honorably until discharged in 1962. Following his discharge from the Army, Ed attended Hudson Valley Community College, graduating in 1964 with an Associates Degree in Mechanical Technology. He then worked for 30 years as a Mechanical Designer at Eastman Kodak Co.

Surviving are his children, Michael Olander of Gates, Peter (Deana) Olander of Bergen, and Sue (Mark) Barber of Bergen; grandchildren, Tyler Lavare of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Zachary and Megan Olander of Gates, Jillaina Olander of Brockport, Jessica and Michael Olander of Churchville, Matthew and Aleah Olander of Bergen; great-grandchildren, Arriel Shanley, and Ella Olander.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Anne Olander who passed away on May 24, 2005.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Street in Bergen.  Edward 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday (March 16, 2021) at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson Street in Bergen.  Burial with military honors will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen. A recording of the funeral service will be available on Wednesday on the funeral home website.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral home will be restricted to 50% occupancy throughout the course of visitation and the funeral service. Please be prepared to wait outside. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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

Bergen - Barbara W. Stein, age 89, longtime member of St. Brigid Church in Bergen, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at St. Ann’s Community in Rochester.

Mrs. Stein was born April 23, 1931 in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Charles Francis Wright and Rosamond Eddy Wright.

Barbara is the wife of Joseph F. Stein who passed away on January 30, 2010 and sister of the late Robert Wright.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie (Thomas) Machell of Webster and Marcia (Randall) Kehl of Churchville; five grandchildren Lauren, Lindsey, Nicholas, Matthew and Brendan; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law Betty (David) Mullen.

Barbara grew up on a farm in Perry/Warsaw and was a 1949 graduate from Perry Central High School. She worked at Eastman Kodak for 10 years, then raised a family with the love of her life, Joe. They met at a square dance in Caledonia. 

Barb and Joe enjoyed traveling and spending their winters in Haines City, Florida. Barbara was known for her sewing, baking, going to casinos, bingo, coffee with friends, craft fairs, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was also an active member of Triangle Club, Ladies of Charity, Ladies Fire Auxiliary, and active in many volunteer activities.

A special thanks to St Ann’s Community for caring for Barbara as one of their own family.

There are no prior visiting hours, due to the ongoing pandemic.  Barbara’s funeral Mass will be on April 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson St.  Private Christian Burial will be held at St. Brigid Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s Foundation in her memory, (parkinson.org). To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen.

  Louis F. “Lou” Piacente, of Batavia, the son of the late Ralph and Carmela (Caruso) Piacente, was 85 years old and died peacefully in the intensive care unit at Unity Hospital from illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife BettyAnn (Davis) Piacente who was his “high school sweet heart” who passed in 2001. He was never the same without his BettyAnn.

Lou served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany for much of his tour and was a longtime employee at Graham Manufacturing in Batavia. He was a kind man and a help to many, always ready for a good conversation and to share a smile. Lou was the first to earn his “Sport Pilot” license in Genesee County and trained many students in the ultralight flying experience.

He was known as the “Doctor” back in the day of the Citizen Band radios as he repaired just about everyone’s rig. He found great joy in learning how things worked and how to repair just about anything. Lou loved his friends at his favorite restaurant, Town & Country in Batavia and would visit there every day for the past several years. He was a member of the City Church in Batavia and loved to worship Jesus Christ in song.

Lou is survived by his only son; Gary (Eileen) Piacente of Batavia; granddaughters Lisa (Terry) Piacente of Brockport and Melissa (Matthew) DeLosh of Holley, Lindsay (Kenneth) Fisher of Elba and Rachel Piacente of Batavia; great-grandchildren Olivia, Mariah, Kerri, Henry and Madison; brother Ralph (Jane) Piacente and sister Jeanmarie Gardener, both of Florida.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday March 16, 2021 from 6:00-7:00PM at The City Church 210 East Main St. in Batavia, NY 14020, where a 7:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation. Lou will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Arlene J. Peck, Age 81 of Batavia, died peacefully March 3, 2021 at her home.  Born in Batavia, NY on May 23, 1939, Arlene was a graduate of Oakfield High School and attended Brockport State College on a Field Hockey Scholarship.  Arlene was a substitute physical education teacher in the Attica Catholic School System, but was best known for waitressing at Sunny's and Alex's Place, both in Batavia.

She is survived by her loving children Rolene Peck of Naples, FL, Jolene (John) Schmidt of Vero Beach, FL, Randy (Yvonne) Peck of Batavia, NY along with three granddaughters, Joanne and Laura Schmidt and Taylor Peck.  She also was a great grandmother to Payton and Aubree.   Arlene is also survived by her brother Karl Dilcher of Oakfield, NY and a special cousin, Judy Nichols of Wyoming, NY.

Lastly, Arlene was predeceased by her husband and best friend, Roy T. Peck who sadly passed in January of 2009.  Arlene and Roy were admired for their love and devotion of fifty years.  While her family sadly mourns her passing, they find some comfort knowing that they are together again and she is at peace.   

Arrangements were made by Gilmartin Funeral Home in Batavia, NY.  There will be a Memorial Mass held for Arlene sometime this summer when her children are reunited to celebrate her life.  

  Jessie Y. Button, age 82 of Perry, NY passed away on Tuesday March 9, 2021 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  She was born on July 2, 1938 in Batavia, NY, daughter of the late David and Mildred (Mason) Young-Hillabush.

Along with her parent she is preceded in death by her husband: Roy who passed away in 1999, daughter: Deborah Booth who passed away in 2015 and son: Michael who passed away in 2020, sisters: Dorthy Bower, Sally Nelson, Charlotte Somerfield, Ruth Crowley, brothers: Robert Young, Donal Young, Carl Young, Jack Hillabush, Donald Hillabush, brother-in-laws: Ray Shutt and Jerry Struck.

Jessie was a graduate of Batavia High School. Jessie was a homemaker, and worked for Perry Market Place in Perry in the bakery and as a cashier. She was an active member of Hope Chapel in Perry. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing scratch off tickets and listening to John Denver music. She loved the holidays keeping her Christmas tree up all year long and decorating it according to the season or holiday. She always looked forward to visits with family and friends.

Jessie is survived by her children: Bonnie (Stephen) Willey of Leicester, Laurie Button of Geneseo, Tammy Stewart of Geneseo and Jeffrey Button of Wyoming, 3 sisters: Jeanne Shutt of Zephyrhills, Fl., Betty (Bill) Harmon of Belfast, Carol Struck of Buffalo, 4 brothers: David (Debbie) Hillabush of Zephyrhills, Fl., Murray (Marie) Young of Buffalo, Paul (Ann) Hillabush of St. Johnsonville, NY and George (Anita) Hillabush of Alexandria Bay, NY, caregiver and friend: Ivy Alderman of Perry, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandson, along with many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 11am-1pm on Saturday March 20th at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. in Perry,  where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00PM. (Jessie loved wearing hats in honor of her spirit please wear a hat to her service). Jessie will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Huntington Disease Foundation of America 505 8th Ave. Suite 902 New York, NY 10018 or to Hope Chapel 7 Church St. Perry, NY 14530. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, N.Y. 14530.

  Jacquelin M. “Jackie” Simpson, age 83 of Perry passed away on Tuesday March 9, 2021 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born in Jamestown, New York on July 26, 1937 a daughter to the late Gordon L. and Ethel (Erickson) Engwall. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Robert E. Simpson who passed away on February 7, 1994 and brother: Richard Engwall.

She was a 1955 graduate of Chautauqua High School. Jackie worked for 27 years at SUNY Geneseo as a principal account clerk retiring in 1993. She was an active member of the Hope Chapel in Perry where she was the church treasurer. A member of Care To Knit, a ladies group that creates lap blankets, bookmarks, baby sets for area nursing home, hospitals, school and also donates to the Office of the Aging and Salvation Army. She enjoys crocheting, baking, doing jigsaw puzzles, gardening, reading (often reading a book a day) and decorating her house for Christmas. Jackie took great pride and joy in her home. She was an amazing caretaker and mother.

She is survived by 3 daughters: Lorie Hill of Perry, Tammy Brown of Darien Center, April (Gene) Matteson of Perry, 2 sons: R. Michael (Janice) Simpson of Perry, Richard (Brenda) Simpson of Perry, 10 grandchildren: Jamie Simpson, Michael (Krista) Simpson, Roger Hill, Tara (Jim) Kuhn, Myriah (Greg) Brown-Hawk, Rebecca Brown, Jolynn (Dan) Kemp, Geno (Ashley) Matteson, Kaitlyn Matteson and Colin Matteson, 16 great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may call from 6-8pm on Saturday March 13th and Sunday March 14th from 11am-1pm at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. in Perry where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00PM. Jackie will be laid to rest in West Perry Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Chapel 7 Church St. Perry, NY 14530.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, N.Y. 14530.

Elba - Stephen Robert Goff, "Stork", age 64 of Elba, passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Stork was born on October 20, 1956 in Canandaigua, a son of Marguerite Park Goff of Batavia the late Robert A. Goff. 

Stork was the longtime owner and proprietor of the Stumblin' Inn in Elba and served as the Village of Elba Mayor. He enjoyed playing softball and golf and was a longtime fan of the Buffalo Bills. He proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps from 1975-1979 earning a Rifle Marksman Badge and a Good Conduct Medal. 

Surviving along with his mother are his brother, James (Ellen) Goff of Oakfield; two nieces, Jessica (Keith) Kertman of Palmyra and Elizabeth Goff of Oakfield; his great-niece, Cali Kertman; his brother-in-law, Greg Frielinghaus of Rochester; his aunt, Betty Monagan of Batavia; his girlfriend, Debbie Dilker of Brockport and her grandson Tripp.

He is predeceased by his sister Lorie Goff who passed away on July 29, 2020.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, March 15th, 2021  from 4:00 pm  to 6:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Services, with military honors will immediately follow visitation at 6:00 pm. He will be laid to rest in Mount Albion Cemetery, Albion.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

James P. Calarco, 74, of Byron, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

James was born October 30, 1946 in Batavia, a son of the late Alphonso and Esther (Hundredmark) Calarco.

A veteran, Jim served with the United States Navy from 1966-1969 aboard the USS Canberra.  He was a member of St. Brigid Church, VFW, VVA 193 and he retired from Eastman Kodak Company.  James enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, camping and was a "city farmer" who loved gardening.

A special thank you to all the staff of Pine Lodge at the Batavia VA Medical Center for caring for Jim as one of their own family.

Surviving are his children, Amy (Thomas) Enderle of Brockport and James (Kim) Calarco, Jr. of Buffalo; grandchildren, Mya, Ava and Ethan Enderle; his cousin brother, Thomas (Maryanne) Sprague of Buffalo; lifelong friend and brother, James (Elizabeth) Conway of Pavilion; close friend, Edgar (Donna) Lougheed of Byron; his godson, Joseph (Erika) Calarco of Rochester and beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim is the husband of the late Rebecca M. Calarco and brother of the late Anthony Calarco and Kathryn Moirez.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  Jim's Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen.  Burial with military honors will be in Byron Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vietnam Veterans Chapter 193, 29 Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569 or Honor Flight Rochester at https://honorflightrochester.org/donations/.

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

Per New York State guidelines, funeral home and church occupancy will be limited to 50% capacity during calling hours and the mass.  Face masks will be required.

Robert E. Sigl, 70, of Batavia passed away on March 3, 2021 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born on November 6, 1950 to the late Ronald and Rita (Kinnen) Sigl. In addition to his parents, Robert is predeceased by his brother; Steven Sigl.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years; Donna Sigl; Son Michael Sigl; sister Sharon (Bob) Laux; brother Terry (Laurie) Sigl; sisters-in-law Diane Sigl, Margaret Plunkett and Barbara Roberts, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Robert was born in Rochester, NY and was a proud Army veteran serving in Alaska. He worked for many years at Toyota of Batavia, known to many as “Toyota Bob”. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid golfer.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday March 14, 2021 from 2:00-5:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Robert will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Volunteers for Animals 3841 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020 or Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North St. in Batavia. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Oakfield - Valera Mae Dart Radka, loving wife and mother, died Tuesday March 2, 2021 at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility. She was 95.

Born in Batavia on September 11, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Rhoda Blossom Dart and Harold J. Dart. She was a 1943 graduate of Batavia High School.

After high school, she worked in the office of the Massey Harris Company. She married her husband of 74 years, Sherwin A. Radka, on January 16, 1947. The couple lived in Batavia and Buffalo before moving to Oakfield where she became a homemaker.

Valera was active in the Oakfield Home Bureau and several women's organizations at the former Oakfield Presbyterian Church where she was a member. She and Sherwin enjoyed traveling in the United States often visiting family and friends.

In addition to her husband, Valera is survived by her daughter, Gayle Miraglia (Peter) of Guilderland, New York and her son, Jeffrey Radka (Mary) of Brockport. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Janelle Baker (Sean) of Lancaster, Meghann Hongach (William) of Bronxville, New York, Leslie Radka of Rochester and Damian Miraglia of Chicago; four great-grandsons, nieces and a nephew.

She was predeceased by her half brother, Donald Scoville.

Her family would like to thank the entire staff of the LeRoy Village Green for their compassion and care.

Funeral services will be held privately. Memorial contributions to the Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield, New York 14125. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.