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Obituaries

Phillip W. “Joe Brackett

By Lisa Ace


BRACKETT - Phillip W. “Joe”, of Batavia, NY, died peacefully at Premier Genesee Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, August 19th, 2020 in Batavia, NY at the age of 82. He is survived by his children, Sharon Brackett of Baltimore, MD and Jeffrey Brackett and wife, Marcy of Webster, NY; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, and Erica Brackett of Webster, NY and Steven Brackett of Baltimore, MD and Jessica Brackett of Laurel, MD; sister Donna Hatcher of Akron, NY. His wife Doris preceded him in death in 2017. 

Joe was born on February 2nd, 1938 in Akron, NY to Wilbur and Gladys Brackett. He graduated from Akron Central School in 1956. Following high school, Joe found himself working as an orderly at Genesee Memorial Hospital where he met his future wife, Doris, a nurse. They were married in Batavia, NY in 1960. Leaving the hospital in the early 1960’s Joe then worked for many years at McAlpine-Barton and later Charles Mens Shop in Batavia until his retirement. In that role he dressed and outfitted many people from around Western NY who would seek him out for his keen eye on professional attire. Even after retirement he could be found still working at the store around holiday times and for many years designed and laid out the store windows. Always having a creative spirit you would find him with projects like painted birdhouses or colorful drawings.  In his retirement he became known for crocheting hundreds of winter caps and donating them to charities like the Salvation Army or Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. Joe was a kind, generous, and gentle soul who loved everybody he met.  He often said if you cannot say something nice about somebody then say nothing at all. We will all miss him greatly.

Due to COVID-19 concerns a private memorial service will be held on August 27th, 2020 at the Ross Funeral Home, 10 Eckerson Ave, Akron, NY 14001, with internment in a private ceremony at the Pioneer Cemetery in Akron, NY immediately following the service. Pastor Bobby Dean will officiate the ceremony. We ask that in lieu of flowers, you please send donations to the Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.  Donations should be made out to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, 5073 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020, or online (https://www.justgiving.com/communityactionoforleansandgeneseeinc). Please reference "In memory of Joe Brackett" on your check. Arrangements were made by ROSS FUNERAL HOME OF AKRON, LLC. Please visit rossakorn.com.

Alfreda M. SAWDEY

By Lisa Ace


Alfreda M. SAWDEY, 64, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Batavia, died Monday, August 17, 2020 in her home.

Born October 16, 1955, in Warsaw, she was the daughter of Alfred and Mary Ellwood Bigelow. On April 29, 1989, she married William E. “Bill” Sawdey, who predeceased her on October 1, 2013. A graduate of Warsaw High School, she worked in various factories and was last employed at the Batavia VA Hospital. 

Surviving are: three sons, Brandon Sawdey of Silver Springs, Shannon (Sarah) Sawdey of Colorado, and Joe (April) Durkee of Alexander; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; four siblings, Terry Showns of Batavia, Dorothy (John) Dorvitt of Belfast, Edna Schramm of Batavia, and Norma Bigelow of Buffalo; nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM at Letchworth State Park, Castile entrance. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 
Cremation was at Olney-Foust Crematory. Arrangements are entrusted to Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Paul R. Avino

By Joshua Smith

Paul R. Avino, 47, of Batavia, was called home to the arms of his loving Savior, on August 20, 2020.

Paul was born January 7, 1973, in Batavia, the son of Diane (Sterling) Burroughs of Batavia and the late Gene Avino.

Paul was an avid sports fan. He loved the New York Giants and Yankees. Paul had a hidden artistic talent and a funny sense of humor. He over came his life struggles and served his Lord. He loved spending time with his family and friends. WNY Concrete was his extended family where he was employed.

Survivors include his mother and step-father, Diane (Ron) Burroughs of Batavia; sister, Gina Avino of Batavia; step-brothers, Greg (Christine) Burroughs of South Windsor, CT and Wayne (Darlene) Burroughs of Alexander; step-sister, Sherry (Michael) Lucien of Phoenix, AZ; uncles, aunts, cousins and a special friend, Christina Scopano.

Services for Paul will be held privately and he will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Paul's memory may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/donate as well as American Heart Association, 5488 Sheridan Drive, #300, Williamsville, NY 14221, www.heart.org.

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

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

Mr. Richard C. Barnard, Sr.

By Joshua Smith

Byron - Richard C. "Barney" Barnard, Sr., 88, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020, at New York State Veteran's Home.

Mr. Barnard was born September 1, 1931, in Byron, son of the late George and Elsie Airth Barnard.

Known as "Barney" to many, he was loved by his family and was a friend to all who he came in contact with. He was a lifelong Genesee County resident who spent the majority of his life in Byron on Mill Pond Road in the family homestead that was built by his father. A lifetime member of the South Byron Fire Company, Barney was a member of the Sackett-Merrill-White American Legion Post 575 in Bergen for 23 years. A machinist by trade, he loved to tinker with anything. Barney was an avid golfer and skilled bowler well into his 70's. He proudly served his country with the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years Helen Kwasniak Barnard; his children: Vicki (late Gene) Austin of Batavia, Michelle (Peter) Yasses of Byron Richard (Pam Pera) Barnard, Jr. of Barre and Mary (Joe) Hawken of Brentwood, Tennessee and his sister: Arlene Boldt of Byron. Barney is also survived by ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his siblings, Burton Barnard, Stanley Barnard, Lois Watson, Leone Sadler, Lester Barnard and Dean Barnard.

Barney's family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home for the caring and compassionate care he received while he was a resident.

Friends may call from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where members of the South Byron Fire Company will meet at 7:30 p.m. for services. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. Harold N. Coller officiating. Burial, with military honors will follow in Byron Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Richard’s name to the New York State Veteran's Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Sackett-Merrill-White American Legion Post 575, 21 North Lake Avenue, Bergen, New York 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Barney's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

John P. Farley

By Billie Owens

John P. Farley, 84, of Corfu, passed away peacefully at his home, Friday, August 21, 2020.

John was born on December 8, 1935, in Elmira, NY, a son of the late John E. and Ida Mathew Farley.

He was the husband of the late Sonja Farley and father of the late John Edward Farley.

John was a corrections officer, retiring from Attica Correctional Facility. He, along with his late wife Sonja, were longtime caretakers of St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Crittenden. John served in the United States Navy.

Surviving are: his children, James A. (Dawn Crull) Farley, Jerald M. (Dawn) Farley, Jeffrey E. (Margaret) Farley and Judith A. Farley; his siblings, Mary Feldman, Theresa Striegel, Matthew (Theresa) Farley and Ida (Anthony) Dandrea; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call on Monday, August 24, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu, NY. (A face covering will be required and capacity of the funeral limited to 33 percent per COVID-19 regulations.)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 18 W. Main St., Corfu, NY. All COVID-19 regulations will be followed at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Crittenden, NY.

Walter D. Monteleone, II

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, Walter D. Monteleone, II, loving husband and father of three children passed away at the age of 57. 

Walter was born on December 20, 1962 in Warsaw to Walter D. and Dorothy (Snow) Monteleone.  On May 21, 1988, he married Cynthia Ann McAndrew.  They raised two daughters and a son, Cassandra Ann, Tiffany Jean, and Brandon Walter Monteleone. 

Walter was an avid sports fan.  He loved the Green Bay Packers more than any other team.  He also had a passion for art; creating beautiful pieces with his carpentry skills.  Most of all, he loved his family and friends.  He will always be remembered for his humor, compassion, and willingness to help others. 

Walter was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy, his sister, Cheryl, and a cousin, Tim Gerasimchik.  He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his three children, Cassandra (Dan), Tiffany (Rickie), and Brandon (Kaylee), his sisters, Jill (Jon)and Michelle (Jeff); grandchildren, Noah, Benjamin, Peighton, Lucas, and James; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Walter's Life on Saturday (August 29, 2020) at 6191 Main St. Rd. in Stafford from 1 to 6 p.m.  Food and beverages will be served. Those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Walter's name to the American Cancer Society, 726 Exchange St., Ste 815, Buffalo, NY 14210.

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

Diana F. Cooley

By T.J. Woodward

Diana F. Cooley, 69, of Batavia passed away on August 11, 2020 at the Premier Genesee Nursing Facility. She was born on November 14, 1950 in Buffalo to the late Arthur and Frances (Gonyea) Defoe.

Diana worked for many years as a dog groomer and trainer. She loved all of her animals very much. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts. Diana was a long-time member of St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia.

She is survived by her daughters; Karin and Kimberly Cooley; sister Lenora Shepard; step-siblings Donna Scott, James Scott, Diane and Norm, Debbie and Debbie; cousins Charlene Urbanski, Esther Skotniski, Charlotte Witkop, along with many other nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and a private Funeral Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Diana will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery 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.

Bonnie C. Johnson

By Billie Owens

Bergen -- Bonnie C. Johnson passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 18, 2020 at the age of 59.

She was predeceased by her parents Raymond and Jeanne Burger; brothers Fred, Ray, Joe, and Dan Burger. She is survived by her husband, Richard; children Nicholas, Timothy (Megan), and Kathryn Johnson; and grandchildren Sadie, Kayson, Zachary; brothers Mike (Mary Jo), and Todd (Natasha) Burger; sister-in-law Kay Burger; and many nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call Aug. 22, 2020 Saturday 1-3 p.m. with her service to follow calling hours at 3 p.m. at the Alhart Funeral Home. 3068 W. Main St., Caledonia. The funeral home will be operating at limited capacity per state guidelines, New York State Requires those in attendance to adhere to these guidelines including to those related to social distancing and face coverings.

Private interment, Mumford Rural Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit Alhartfuneralhome.com

Brett James Beverly

By LaVern Falcone

Bergen ~ Brett James Beverly, 37, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 17, 2020.

     He is the son of Aubrey and Patti Gemsheim Beverly and is survived by his siblings, Aimee (Jeff) Maurer, Mark Puma, Matt Beverly (Riley Galbraith), Katie (Bryan) Mazerbo, Justin (Kennedy) Beverly, Jenna Beverly and several nieces and nephews.

     He was predeceased by his brothers, Nick Puma and Bryan Beverly.

     He was a member of The City Church and will be remembered for his unique sense of humor and being a caring son, brother, and uncle. He had such a loving and strong bond with his mother and father.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, August 24 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy. (Funeral home occupancy will be limited to 33% capacity during the course of visitation and face masks will be required.)     

     A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, August 25, from 11:00-11:45 AM at The City Church, 210 East Main Street, Batavia.

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

Donald L. Smith

By Lisa Ace


Donald L. Smith, 71, formerly from Rochester, NY passed away on August 9, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. He was born January 2, 1949 in Batavia, NY to Mora & Carl Smith.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Yvonne; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Elizabeth of Spokane, WA; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Rachel of Palmyra, NY; grandchildren: Ryan, Adam and Laura; and son, Cal of Arlington, VA.
He is also survived by his six siblings: Robert Smith, Donna Smith DeFelice, Ronald (Skip) Smith, Wayne Smith, Linda Smith Gillard, and Larry Smith, and many nieces and nephews.
Don enjoyed being with family and friends, especially during family chicken barbecues and Buffalo Bills parties with friends. Throughout his adult life he enjoyed playing softball, volleyball, golf and bowling. After 34 years he was laid off from Kodak. Seeing opportunity and following his adventurous spirit he, Yvonne and Cal set off for a year long trip around the lower 48. After settling in Florida he and Yvonne continued to travel with friends and family to places like Alaska and the southwest. When not traveling, Don could often be found golfing or attending to matters at one of the mobile home parks he and Yvonne owned. He loved camping and was preparing the fifth wheel for a trip north to visit friends and family when he became ill.
A memorial will he held in the Rochester, NY area at a later date.

Dennis D. Bachulak

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Dennis D. Bachulak, age 64, of East Main Road, passed away at home on Friday (August 14, 2020) in the loving presence of his family.

    

 He was born December 29, 1955 in Batavia, a son of the late John and Irene Yasses Bachulak and son-in-law of the late Francis "Chico" and Verley Stone.

     Dennis was a dedicated family man and had quite a sense of humor.   He and his wife enjoyed many past times together, one being Dennis's passion of motorcycling on his Harley Davidsons. He also enjoyed fly fishing and took pride in making his own flies. Dennis had a great talent in woodworking and was quite a handyman.  He was fond of the American Bald Eagle and had quite a collection of beautiful portraits. Dennis will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. 

     He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Nancy Stone Bachulak; his canine companions, Oliver & Brodie; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Cathy (Thomas) Callahan; nieces, Sarah (Justin) Jenner and their son, Jaxon Jenner and Rebecca Callahan (Ritchie Donnelly) and dear friends, Diane Carpenter and Bobby Baiocco.

     There will be no prior visitation and services are private at the family's convenience.

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

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

Robert C. Marquart

By Billie Owens

Robert C. Marquart, of Darien, NY, was called home on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at age 92.

He was the loving husband of 70 years to his wife, Boots.

Bob was a hobby farmer of 110 acres at the “dwelling place.” He loved nature and was an avid coin and pulley collector. He was very much loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Bob was predeceased by six siblings and his grandson Seth.

Bob is survived by his wife, Boots, his three daughters, Cindy (Jerry) Morrison, Claudia (Jim) Morrison and Cathy (Jeff) Houseknecht; grandchildren, Danielle (Clarence) Francis, Justin (Amanda) Morrison, Anson Arenas, Molly Morrison-Jolliff, Emily (Tim) Douglas, Elizabeth (Randy) Felski and Hannah (Sean) Congdon; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A private service will be held at a later date for the family.

Memorials can be made to the American Lung Association or the Central City Cafe in care of Asbury Methodist Church, Buffalo, NY.

“Hands of steel, heart of gold."

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

Rose D. Vasile

By T.J. Woodward

With deep sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Rose D. Vasile, 102 , at Noyes Memorial Hospital, Dansville, NY on August 13, 2020.

Mom was born April 10, 1918 (During the Spanish Flu Pandemic) in Wyoming, Pa, a daughter to the late Anthony and Rosalie Dellarte. She met her husband, Anthony T. Vasile after World War II in Portageville, NY while visiting her aunt and cousins. They married in 1946 in Wyoming, PA and soon moved to Portageville to begin their life together.

Mom was a member of the Church of the Assumption in Portageville until its closing and was an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Thereafter, she attended St. Isidores Catholic Parish (St. Mary’s) Silver Springs NY until her illness.  At a very young age - 7th Grade - she left school and started working in the silk mill, the laundry and other factories to help at home. She insisted that her younger sisters remain in school and graduate. After moving to Portageville, she worked at both Perry, NY and Fillmore, NY knitting mills and later retired from the former Mallory Timers in Warsaw, NY.  Mom was a beautiful seamstress, often designing her own patterns, she loved cooking and baking. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and crafting with friends and family at the Assumption Church.  Her most precious joy in life was enjoying time with her family, in particular, her Granddaughter, Nikki (Kevin) and Great Grandchildren, Jackson and Emmy Rose. They were the sunshine of her life.  Mom also had the opportunity to travel for many years later in life - Cape Cod and Hawaii being two of her favorite places. She said the Pina Coladas tasted so much better in Hawaii; and her proudest moments were the many times she had the opportunity to watch her granddaughter perform during her professional dance career.

At 102 she witnessed many historical events; The Great Depression, numerous major wars, 911, and so much more, including the current Covid 19.

Mom is predeceased by her husband Anthony T (Tony) Vasile; two sisters Mary (Sam) Giordano and Mae (Teddy) Louden, four brothers, Andy (Carmella); Anthony (Isabelle) Sam (Dorothy) and Joe (Joan) Dellarte, as well as brother- in -laws; Joe (Shirley); Noffrey “Butch” (Jenny); Sam (Lou); and Leonard Vasile and sister- In- laws Rose (Jim) DeFranco and Mary (Charlie) Henson.

She is survived by her two children; David Vasile, Portageville, NY and Nancy Della Penta, Chatham, Ma; Granddaughter, Nikki (Kevin) McGovern; two Great Grandchildren; Jackson Windsor McGovern and Emmy Rose McGovern, of Summit, NJ; her sister, Rosalie Dellarte of Wyoming, Pa; sister- in-laws Joan Dellarte, Wyoming, Pa and Dorothy Dellarte, Pensicola, Fla., as well as many loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family viewing at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, 98 North Main Street, Perry, NY followed by a private Mass of Christian burial at St Isidores Catholic Parish (St. Mary’s Church) in Silver Springs, NY. She will be laid to rest in the Church of the Assumption Cemetery, Portageville, NY.

Mom touched the lives of so many of us over her many years here on Earth. She was kind, generous, loving, giving and always put the needs of others before herself, even in her last days. This will be her legacy.

The family wishes to thank Pike Rescue Squad for their dedication; a very special thank you to Dr Christian Wightman and the nursing and office staff at Tri-County Family Medicine, Nunda, NY for so many years of loving care, as well as the Noyes Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and, in particular, the third floor nursing staff where she received unending care, love and attention.

(In lieu of flowers)Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association P.O. Box 417005 Boston, MA. 02241-7005, Foundation for Noyes Health 111 Clara Barton St. Dansville, NY 14437 or to the Pike Rescue Squad 67 W. Main St. Pike, NY 14130. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC, 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Kathleen (Kennedy) Head

By T.J. Woodward

Kathleen (Kennedy) Head, 75, of Bennington, NY passed away at home on Thursday, August 6th, 2020 from pancreatic cancer. She was the daughter of the late John and Marion Kennedy.

She loved being outdoors on her farm, at her cottage, playing with her grandchildren, chocolate chip cookies, berry pie and beating her children at Jeopardy. 

Kathleen was a beloved mother who had 4 daughters, Holly Head, Karen Head, Marianne (Olivier) Cosialls, Abigail (Michael) Bartholomew and 3 sons, Donald (Nathali) Head, Michael (Tracey) Head, and Johnathan Head. She had 11 grandchildren who were the light of her life.  She is also survived by her 6 siblings, Joe (Dorothy) Kennedy, Anne (Joel) Jaquay, Peggy (Jerry) Geitner, John (Susie) Kennedy, Abbie (Alex) Campbell and Kevin Kennedy along with many nieces and nephews.

A private mass will be held for the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathleen's memory may be made to Stevens Memorial Library, 146 Main St, Attica, NY 14011 or St Joachim and Anne Parish, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St, Attica, NY 14011

Dorothy A. Machols

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Dorothy (Van Alst) Machols, age 94, passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2020.

     She was born June 30, 1926, a daughter of the late Harry Van Alst and Bertha (Criger) Van Alst Morrison.  Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Abe Machols.

     Dorothy was a 1944 graduate of LeRoy High School.  In her and Abe's retirement years, they enjoyed gardening, family and traveling with the senior group on bus tours and watching the Yankees and Bills.

     Dorothy is survived by her children, Albert (Regina) Machols Jr. of Jacksonville Beach, FL and Kathy Machols of LeRoy; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Patti) Machols and Christopher (Jessica) Machols; three great-granddaughters, Alexa, Jordon and Grace Machols; her sister, Regina (Peter) Steen and half brother, Bill (Karen) Van Alst, along with many loving nieces and nephews and the beloved family dog, Bailey.

     She was preceded in death by her sisters, MaryJane (Fred) Grasby and Rita (George) Carmichael and half brother, Harry Van Alst Jr.

     At Dorothy's request, there will be no visitation or services.  She will be laid to rest with her beloved Abe at a private burial.

     Memorials are suggested to Volunteers For Animals.  www.vol4animals.org

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

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

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