Obituaries

EAST BETHANY - Richard G. Rung, 92, of East Bethany, passed away Tuesday, (May 5, 2020), at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Rung was born July 9, 1927, in Buffalo, a son of the late Raymond and Louisa (McMahon) Rung.

Richard served his country honorably with the Coast Guard and earned an Associates Degree from the University of Buffalo.  He worked for many years at M & T Bank in Batavia.  Mr. Rung was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry.  He was also a member of Kiwanis Club where he was a Past President and Past Lieutenant Governor.  Additionally, Richard was a member of the Olive Branch #39 Free and Accepted Masons in Le Roy and was a dedicated advisor for the International Order of Rainbow Girls.  During his banking career, he served on many boards and committies of community organizations. 

He is the husband of Bette (Lubs) Rung of East Bethany. 

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Mary (Joseph) Fox of Blasdell, Jeanne (late Craig) Shove of Kansas, Barbara (Tom) Garrett of Colorado, Richard (Cindra) Rung of Ohio, William Rung of Iowa, and Deborah Graff of Conesus.  Several grandchildren including a special grandson, Spencer Graff; great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Richard is preceded in death by his siblings, Raymond and Robert Rung, and Mary Lou Peoples.

A Masonic Service will be held at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St. in Batavia on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Kiwanis Service at 4:30 p.m.  Family and Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. also on Wednesday.  Richard's Memorial Service will be held on Thursday at the St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main St. in Batavia at 11:00 a.m. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral home and church will both be restricted to 33% occupancy.  Face coverings and social distancing will be required.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  Burial was in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

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

Deborah A. Schafer, 59 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday (August 9, 2020) at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY.

She was born April 21, 1961 in Banquete, TX, a daughter of Martin York of Darien Center and the late Charlotte Stevens York.

Debbie was a proud Texas girl. In her younger years she lived life to the fullest. She was an incredibly hard worker. There was never a time since Debbie was a kid where she wasn’t working. She found great joy in her career at The Home Depot. She loved going from store to store and seeing all the associates and her bosses. They brought a lot of joy into her life and we know she did the same for them. She loved to celebrate everything and everyone in a BIG way. Every time Debbie made fried chicken the girls along with their friends would gather. Her fried chicken was a staple for all school dances; pictures at the Schafer’s and a fried chicken dinner. She was “Mama Deb” to everyone.  She made all the girl’s friends feel loved and they loved her. Her home was always filled with laughs. The door always open to anyone and everyone. 

She had a strong faith in God which is what kept her going during the last 4 years as she fought to get better. Even in her pain she wanted others to know God and she knew He was with her. 

Debbie almost always had a smile and an upbeat attitude. She would stock up on gifts, “little diddies” she would call them to gift to friends, nurses or aids who came by. If you had a bad day she would write you a card and gift you a “little Diddy”. She was often thinking of how she could make others feel better even during her hardest times. Everyone who knew Deb will miss her greatly. She loved her family and friends and a conversation never ended without her telling you how much she loved you. We are at peace knowing she is no longer in pain and with Jesus who she loved more than anything. 

Survivors include her twin daughters, Kristen (John Schurr) Geroult of Batavia and Stephanie Geroult of Batavia. Sister, Jennifer (Scott) York-Whitbeck of Buffalo. Brother, James (Christine) Martin York of North Tonawanda. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to share in a Celebration of Life Service on Wednesday (August 19^th), 6pm at 4878 Batavia Elba Townline Rd., Batavia, 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, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Depew/Batavia - Glenna H. Taggart, 68, of Depew and formerly of Batavia, who was known as "Batavia's Appliance Parts Lady," passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Glenna was born October 5, 1951, in Batavia, the daughter of the late Glenn W. and the late Helen (Reed) Taggart, Jr.

She loved being a grandmother, history and genealogy.  Glenna was a member of the St. Jerome's Guild and the Batavia Peace Garden.

Survivors include her son, Michael (Julie) Taggart of Batavia; three granddaughters, Madeline Taggart, Lucy Taggart and Bridget Taggart and a brother, John (late Irene) Saunders of Sun City, AZ. 

Glenna is the sister of the late Richard Saunders. 

Calling hours are Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be held on Monday at 11:30 a.m.  Glenna will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.  Due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, funeral home capacity will be at 33% and face coverings as well as social distancing will be required. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Glenna's memory may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org/donate. 

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

Tammy Joy Davis, of LeRoy, passed away suddenly at home on Monday, August 10th.

    

Tammy was born on April 24, 1978 in Batavia, N.Y. to Robert and Arloa Donnelly.  She was a 1996 graduate of Pavilion High School. She worked as a secretary for several years.

     Tammy was the loving wife of Jim Davis. They shared 7 special years together. They enjoyed their trips to the casino, motorcycling, spending time outdoors camping and trapshooting, and playing with their dog, Harley.

     Tammy loved life, and will be remembered for her joyful spirit, kind heart, and beautiful smile. She loved her family and friends unconditionally, and was always so devoted to taking care of others.

     Tammy is also survived by her brothers Gary (Deb) Donnelly and Mark Donnelly, sister-in-law Kathleen (Mark) Hungerford, nieces Amber (Brett) Sheffer, Olivia Hungerford, nephew Ron Johnson, great-nephew Liam Sheffer, stepson Cory (Angela Stella) Davis, stepdaughter Emily (Gary) Koehler, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

     Visitation for family and friends will take place on Sunday, August 16th at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19) in LeRoy, N.Y. from 4 ~ 7 PM. (Funeral home occupancy will be limited to 33% capacity during the course of visitation and face masks will be required.)  A private burial service will be held on August 17th.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Tammy can be made to her family.

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

  Donald J. Taylor, 59, of Batavia passed away peacefully on August 11, 2020 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born in Buffalo on November 6, 1960 to Clarence Taylor of Central Square, NY and Gloria (Abbarno) Taylor of Liverpool, NY.

Don, or Uncle Donny as his cousins and nieces called him, was an athlete in his youth, a lifelong die hard Buffalo Bills fan and a fanatic of the Beach Boys and their music, having seen them in concert over 40 times. He prided himself with being able to inspire others to greater achievement in business and in life, most recently as a sales manager for Lowe’s Home Improvement, through his online blog and authoring a book on leadership. He shared an unbreakable bond with his loving wife of 12 years and adored his daughter Faith Olivia. He valiantly fought his war with kidney cancer for the last two and a half years, never once wavering in his determination to overcome the odds.

In addition to his parents, Don is survived by his loving wife; Jamie (Stanton) Taylor of Batavia; daughters Amanda Monacelli, Haley Huey, Ali Huey and Faith Taylor all of Batavia; brothers Derek (Cheryle) Taylor of Clay, NY., David (Marjorie) Taylor of Cicero, NY., and Daryl Taylor of Liverpool; 2 grandchildren Willow and Echo Monacelli, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 4:00-7:00PM on Friday August 14, 2020 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A Private Funeral Service will be held on Saturday. Don will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the Funeral Home will be restricted to 33% of its occupancy.  The family and Funeral Staff appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Memorials may be made to 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.

William D. Rippel, 34 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (August 9, 2020) at his residence.

He was born April 30, 1986 in Batavia, NY, a son of Linda Weatherbee Rippel of Stafford and the late Douglas Rippel.

He was formerly employed by Oatka Milk of Batavia. Bill enjoyed spending time with his children and will be missed by many.

Surviving beside his mother are his children, Alicyn, Lacey and Hunter Rippel of Batavia. Brothers, Joshua (Faith) Frega of Batavia, Jeremy (Stacy) Rippel of Attica. Sister, Trisha Rippel of Castile. Grandmothers, Donna Rippel of Olean and Patricia Jasinski of Pavilion.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

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

Joan M. Meyers was born August 2, 1935 died August 9, 2020. She passed away at my house surrounded by friends and family. She was the daughter of the late Herman and Verna Greiner. Mother of the late Michael Meyers, Patrick Meyers, and Jeannie Meyers. Her brother Bill Greiner. Survived by her son Mark(Thea) Meyers of Oregon. Son Brian(Sue) Meyers of East Bethany Ny. Daughter Penny(George) Windnagle of Holley Ny. Her Brother Paul Greiner of Florida. Grandchildren Cole Meyers of Oregon, Callie, Noah, Loretta Windnagle of Holley Ny, There are several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.  

She was a single mom that worked hard her whole life. To provide for her family. She traveled with her son Mark and grandson Cole to many places. She taught her kids many life lessons and that made us stronger today. She lived in Texas for several years where she spent time with family friends. Got to see the ocean and learned to love the heat and not miss the snow. My mom was very strong willed in everything she did right up to the end of her journey. Mom I hope that you have found piece and are enjoying your permanent vacation. 

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

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

Batavia - Judia Kathleen Stork died peacefully on August 10 at Genesee Premier Nursing Home in Batavia.

Judia was born on May 3, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a daughter of the late W. Roy and Edna Mae Saide Killough of Oklahoma City.

She was formerly married to the late John R. Stork.

She is survived by her husband: Philip Roffe of Batavia; her daughter: Jeanne Stork; her two sons: Dr. Jay Stork and Jeffrey (Analiza) Stork of Batavia; two granddaughters: Katrina Stork and Alexis Stork; brothers Kelly (Fran) Killough and their daughter; Emily Killough and Don Killough of Oklahoma.

The former office manager for Jones Chemicals, Judia was proud of her education receiving both her undergraduate and Master’s Degree from SUNY Brockport. She enjoyed reading especially mysteries and spending time with her grandkids. Her dream was to be an actress, but decided to raise her family and during the 1970s she was active with Batavia Players and Genesee Arts Council.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials in Judia’s name may be made to WhyHunger 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 2100 New York, NY 10018. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Judia’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Charles P. “Chipper” Nicometi, 61, of Basom entered into rest unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, August 8, 2020.

Born April 17, 1959 in Medina, Chipper grew up in the Akron area. He worked for many years on oil drill rigs as an operator engineer and as a heavy equipment operator; he was a member of The IVEW Local 196 Union and the Operating Engineers Union 1966.

Chipper married the love of his life, the former Rebecca Mileham on May 26, 1995.

An avid motorcycle rider, he was a proud member of the Second Brigade MC Club and was involved with many charity rides throughout the area. He was also an avid hunter. Most of all, Chipper loved spending time with his family, especially his beloved granddaughter and best friend, Camryn, who will miss him dearly along with all who knew and loved him.

Chipper leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Becky Nicometi, of Basom; stepchildren, Tiffany (Dan) Wetzler, of Akron, Larry Laude, of Pembroke, and Alan Mileham, of Akron; four grandchildren, Camryn, Lacie, Sofia and Thea; brother, Tim (Jennifer) Nicometi, of Wolcottsville and four additional siblings; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 14^th from 4-8 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15^th at 1:30 p.m. at 6005 Mann Road, Akron, NY 14001.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Chipper’s honor may be made to his family. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Karen Aileen Courter, 35 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (August 8, 2020) at Erie County Medical Center.

She was born August 16, 1984, in Rochester, NY, a daughter of Sharyl Welsh Courter of Rochester and the late Paul Courter.

Karen enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors. She had worked in the past with kids with special needs and disabilities. She was smart and funny, and never hesitated to speak her mind.

She is survived by her mother, Sharyl Courter of Rochester. Fiancé, John Holbrook of Batavia. Son, Ryan Cox. Brother, Andrew Courter of Lee, NH and nephew, Landon Courter.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to GCASA, 430 E Main St, Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

Oakfield – Mrs. Rose Marie Sapienza Mead, age 96 of Oakfield, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Honeoye, NY.

Mrs. Mead, born on September 26, 1923 in Oakfield, was the eldest daughter of the late James and Agnes Shilen Sapienza.  Rose was a lifelong resident of Oakfield and graduated from OACS in 1939.  She attended the University of Rochester, graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in 1944.  Mrs. Mead spent a summer at Middlebury College in Vermont, enrolled in a graduate program at the La Maison (The French House).  At various times in her career, she taught French, Latin and English, with French being her primary teaching assignment. Rose was also fluent in Italian and Spanish.  She enjoyed baking, knitting, playing the piano, scrabble and crossword puzzles.  Her greatest pleasure was spending time with family.

Rose was an active member of the St. Padre Parish/St. Cecilia’s, participating in various activities such as:  music ministry, RCIA, Faith Formation, Vicariate, and Altar and Rosary Society.  She also belonged to the Genesee County Retired Teachers Association, and the Oakfield-Alabama Historical Society since it was organized in 1998.

Mrs. Mead is predeceased by her husband, James Lavers Mead, her brother Dominic (Luella) Sapienza, and several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy (Cliff) Andres of Honeoye; son, Michael Mead of Penfield; six grand children: Matthew Andres, Rachel Andres, Jessica Andres, Sarah Andres, David (Venessa) Mead, and Kevin Mead; her great-grand-daughter Sylvia Mead; two sisters: Louise (Carl) Mancino and Marion (Tom) Brown all of New Port Richey, Florida.  She is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue Oakfield. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 10 a.m. at St.Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rose’s memory may be made to St. Padre Pio Altar and Rosary Society in care of St. Padre Pio Parish, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, New York 14125; or Oakfield-Alabama Central School Foreign Language Club, 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, New York 14125; or the Ontario-Yates Hospice, a program of UR Medicine Home Care, 756 Pre Emption Road, Geneva, New York 14456-1336.

 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, both the funeral home and church will be restricted to 33% occupancy.  Face coverings and social distancing will be required.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Ruth Irene Blossom, 99, of Batavia passed away on Saturday August 8, 2020 at the Premier Genesee Nursing Facility. She was born on June 23, 1921 in Batavia to the late Rudolph and (Marion Buckley) Bosseler. Ruth is predeceased by her husband; Ward N. Blossom who passed away in 1998; brother Raymond Bosseler; sister Dorothy Maley; grandsons Stephen Blossom and Kevin Archer.

Ruth graduated from Batavia High School in 1938 and was a graduate of the Rochester Business Institute. She was a member of Terry Hills Golf Course, loved to walk every morning, read and play cards. After her husband retired from the Post Office, they spent their winters in Largo, Florida. Ruth was a lifetime member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church).

She is survived by her children; Patricia (William) Archer, Stephen (Mary Grace) Blossom, Paul (Diane) Blossom; grandchildren Kristin (Marcus) Shorburne, Brian (Vira) Archer, Lisa (Rick) Fero, Christopher (Danielle) Blossom and Amy (Tom) Youmas; 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately for the family at Resurrection Parish. Ruth will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish 303 East Main 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 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Lila R. Hamilton, 91, of Stephens City, Virginia, formerly a resident of Batavia, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, Virginia, with her family and friends at Greenfield nearby.  She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Mahlon M. Hamilton who passed away on January 3, 2017, and her sister Velma Dean Parry in 2003.

Lila was born on September 10, 1928 in Batavia, New York, the daughter of Edward and Florence Chaddock Dean. She graduated from Batavia High School and SUNY at Potsdam, where she majored in music education and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Phi Sorority.

Lila married Mahlon Hamilton of Avon, New York on August 30, 1952. The early years of her teaching career were at Oakfield Alabama Central School and in Rye, New York.  She continued teaching music and directing the choruses at various schools and grade levels in the Batavia City Schools. She retired from teaching in 1984.

Lila joined the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia in 1942. She was a longtime participant in the music programs of the church, ultimately directing the children’s and youth choirs and singing in the adult Sanctuary Choir. She was an Elder for a number of years, and chaired the committee which welcomed a Vietnamese refugee family to the United States in the late 1970s.  She was instrumental in their adjustment and ultimate success as they began a new life in America. The family has kept in touch with her throughout the years, including as recently as this past Christmas, 2019.    

Lila was active in the New York State School Music Association, and served as its Public Relations Chairperson for a number of years. She enjoyed volunteering in the Genesee Memorial Hospital League, playing bridge, golfing, traveling with her husband “Ham,” and was a member of Stafford Country Club. During their retirement years, she and Ham were part-time residents of The Villages, Florida, where they enjoyed many good friends and a healthy, active lifestyle. Lila’s greatest pride and joy were always her three daughters and their families.

Lila is survived by her brother, Ivan W. Kuhl, in Austin, Texas; her daughters: Wendy Wygant and her husband Mike, of Stephens City, VA; Sally Dohse and her husband Jeff, of Centreville, VA; Amy Hamilton and Jeff Sanfratello, of Batavia, NY; seven grandchildren: Josh Wygant, of WI; Tim and Brad Wygant and Jeff, Cameron and Emily Dohse, all of VA; and Andrew Cowan of NY; five great-grandchildren in VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Details for services to be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Lila’s memory to Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg, 304 Bowman Mill Rd. Strasburg, VA 22657. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Lila’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

Gordon Leigh English, 78, entered the kingdom of Heaven on August 5, 2020 after a valiant battle with Parkinson Disease.  Born in Bradford, PA, he was the son of Howard and Catharine Thomson English who predeceased him, as did his only sibling, Lorraine English Tanner. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Mary Brinkman English, and three children, Adam (Joanne Pera), Timothy (Wendy Witkowski) and Abigail (Anthony) Neeley.  He leaves behind five grandchildren, Emily, Aaron, and Avery English and Solana and Jade Neeley.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law, J. Robert Tanner and an aunt, Peggy Thomson, and several cousins and nieces and nephews.  Gordon graduated from Bradford Area High School.  He received a BS in music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College and an MS in General Education from Canisius College.

Excelling in music from childhood, Gordon’s life revolved around an appreciation for both vocal and instrumental music.  He taught vocal music for grades K-12 at Elba Central School where he pushed an upright piano from classroom to classroom.  A few years later he took the position of vocal music teacher at Batavia High school where he was well known for his choruses and especially the many musical shows he directed.  When he later switched to the middle school, he formed many musical groups including a boys chorus known as The Englishmen.

Gordon was the organist at the First Methodist church in Batavia for several years. When the family later joined the Batavia Presbyterian Church, he became a faithful member of the choir where he happily sang in the bass section for many, many years. He also was installed as an Elder; was a member of the finance committee and served as co-chairperson of the Sunday School.

Mr. English was a gifted pianist who mastered the Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue for his final piano recital at RWC. He taught private piano lessons to many, many area children as well as several adults. In 2007, he received the Community Arts Man of the Year Award from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Gordon was a tireless worker for the NY State School Music Association for many, many years.  He served as membership chairman for most of that time.  Later he was appointed to the same position at the national level for the Music Educators National Conference.  Gordon was a widely sought NYSSMA Vocal Music adjudicator throughout Western NY for many, many years.  He continued in this role long after he retired.

With his Parkinson Disease progressing, Gordon and his wife decided to fulfill his lifelong dream of having a log cabin built in the Alleghany Mountains, not far from his childhood home.  After the logs were laid up, he spent many satisfying times helping to finish the interior.  Known for his green thumb, he spent many hours landscaping with trees as well as flowers.  He was happiest on his John Deere tractor and even when he became further debilitated; he continued to mow the acres of lawn.  Gordon and his wife loved entertaining their friends and relatives at the cabin, as well as groups from their church.

Gordon will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.  We are sure he is already singing in choirs of angels, with his director’s baton in ready reach. 

Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Graveside services will be held on Monday at 2 p.m. at McKean Memorial Park, Route 59, Lewis Run, Pennsylvania. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Gordon’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral home will be restricted to 33% occupancy. Face coverings and social distancing will be required.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.