Obituaries

Adam M. Dyrbala, 91 of East Bethany, passed away of natural causes on Friday (June 26, 2020) at his residence.

He was born March 4, 1929 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Michael and Febronia Caryk Dyrbala.

Mr. Dyrbala was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served his country from 1951-1953. He was employed by Massey-Harris, Delco Products and Lapp Insulator prior to his retirement. He enjoyed farming, attending auctions, spending time at OTB, working and telling a good joke.

He was the brother of the late John, Joseph, Edward and Francis “Whitey” Dyrbala, Mary Ralston, Gladys Babiarz, Julia Dyrbala and Helen Van Buren.

He is survived by Karla Potter and Pam Kilgore, who he considered his daughters. Sister, Teresa Bevington and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior services. Interment will be in the future Western New York National Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy maybe shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

 

DAVID R. STARKWEATHER ~ Age 80, of Basom, NY, died peacefully Sunday evening July 5, 2020 at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He was born in Batavia, NY on January 22, 1940 to the late Floyd and Hazel (Wickham) Starkweather.

Mr. Starkweather worked for area car dealers and retired from Upstate Dodge in Attica where he was the Service/Parts Manager. He was a highly active member of the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department, NASCAR fan, loyal Buffalo Bills fan along with enjoying school sports as well. He had a love for family and friends and time spent with all, but most will remember seeing him mowing the lawns along Judge Road as they passed by.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 58 years, Bonnie (Lewis) Starkweather of Basom; loving children, Pam (Gregory) Harla of Depew, Scott (Kenneth) Starkweather of FL and Alison (Todd) Thompson of Oakfield; cherished grandchildren, Gillian, Emma, Kasey, Leah & Bryce; siblings, Gladys (late Allen) Phillips, Ronald “Butch” (Lois) Starkweather and Lyle (Bette) Starkweather all of Basom; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Donald) Yunker of Oakfield and Cindy (Gary) Beechler of Indiana along with several nieces and nephews.

The Starkweather family will be present from 3-7p.m. on Thursday July 9, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Rd. Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral services will be held privately by the family with burial in Reed Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation PO Box 631 Buffalo, NY 14240 or St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund 31 Washington Ave. Batavia, NY 14020

Please share words of comfort with the Starkweather family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DAVID R. STARKWEATHER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

 

Donald M. Konarski, 92 of Elba and formerly of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday (March 6, 2020) in Panama City Beach, Florida while vacationing with family.

He was born August 19, 1927 in Batavia, a son of the late Frank and Ethel Warren Konarski.

Donald retired in 1989 after 44 years of service from LeRoy Industries. He was a World War II Navy Veteran, a lifetime member of the VFW and former member of the Moose and St. Nick's Clubs. "Dad" as he was affectionately known by many enjoyed bowling, fishing, watching the Buffalo Bills with his son-in-law, going to the lake and the casino and most of all happy hours with his family and friends. He will surely be missed by all.

He is survived by his daughters, Vincenne (Dennis) Maute of Elba and Donna (Keith) Coyne of Washington, NC.  Grandchildren Eric (Angel) Johnston, Patrick (Kasie) Coyne, Carrie (Brad) Fairbank, Lynette Irwin, and Brian Coyne; six great grandchildren, one great- great grandson, nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Vincent Konarski and Frank Konarski.

A graveside service with full military honors will be Friday (July 17^th) at 11am at St. Joseph Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately after at The Batavia Country Club, 7909 Batavia Byron Rd, 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.

 

 

Michael L. Pridmore, 62 of Elba, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2020. He was born in Batavia, on September 20, 1957 to the late Lawrence (Carol Ryan) Pridmore.

Mike worked for many years as a mechanic at Offhaus Farms, Inc. in Elba. He loved his dogs, his family and most of all his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara C. (Cadieux) Pridmore of Elba; son Andrew Pridmore of Elba; grandchildren Ace and Axle Pridmore; sister Melody (Stephen) Moretti of Auburn, NY; dear friend Scott Offhaus of Elba, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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

RICHARD (DICK) FLUKER ~ Age 79, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 19, 2020 following a long illness. He was born on November 12, 1940 in Silver Creek, NY, a son of the late, Cecil and Alice (Shafts) Fluker, also preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel Fluker and brother, Donald Fluker.

Dick was a lifelong farmer, having worked for Offhaus Farms for 32 years and having a great relationship with Gordie and Scott Offhaus and his co-workers. He was the former chairman of the Alexander United Methodist Church Building Committee when the 150-year-old church burned in 1977 along with being on the board of the finance/audit committee as well.

Dick was an enthusiastic collector of trains, model trucks and John Deere toys. He and Joan were members of the Batavia Twirlers Square Dance Club and Happy Agers Senior Club in Alexander and enjoyed traveling on multiple tours.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan (Pervose) Fluker of Batavia whom he married on August 4, 1962 in Warsaw, NY. Devoted children, Jeff (Sandy) Fluker of Bethany, Judy (Doug) Harloff of Oakfield and Randy Fluker of Rochester; cherished grandchildren, Bradley Fluker, Jamie (Jessica) Fluker, Katie (Matt) McCracken, Joshua (Kaitie) Harloff; great-grandchildren, Miles and Ada McCracken; siblings, Shirley (John) Wilkolaski, Edward (Carol) Fluker, Dennis (Gloria) Fluker along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dick’s family will be present from 1 – 3p.m. on Friday July 10, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Life will begin at 3p.m. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and memorials contributions are suggested to Town of Batavia Fire Station #2, Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 N. Street Batavia, NY 14020 or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 230 E. Ohio Street Suite 500 Chicago, Illinois 60611.

(PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID-19 AND SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES FUNERAL HOME OCCUPANCY WILL BE CONTROLLED BY FUNERAL HOME STAFF ALLOWING ALL TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS, OUR FUNERAL HOME SUPPLIES ALL PPE IF NEEDED).

Please share your words of comfort with Dick’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF RICHARD (DICK) FLUKER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 – (585)343-7500

 

 

 

Pavilion ~ Samuel M. Leadley, age 85, of River Road, died of cancer Thursday morning (July 2, 2020) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

     He was born February 19, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late Edward Mockford and Pauline Martin Leadley.

     Sam is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Esther Guthrie Leadley; his four sons, Scott, Paul, Peter, and Jack and their families; his sister, Jane Dolan; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, Edward, Paul, and John.

     Services will be announced at a later date. The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to The LeRoy Historical Society’s education fund, P.O. Box 176, LeRoy, NY 14482, or, ACORNS, P.O. Box 787, Stafford, NY 14143

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

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

LeRoy ~ Linda L. Anchor, age 74, of Linwood Road, passed away Friday evening (July 3, 2020) at Suzanne's Comfort Care Home in Perry, NY after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s.

     She was born October 31, 1945 in Rochester to the late Vincent "Jim" Noble and Theresa Rapone Noble.

     Linda will be remembered as a loving companion, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend.  She was a graduate of Caledonia-Mumford High School Class of 1963.

     She is survived by her devoted lifetime partner, Duane A. Anchor; her children, Steven (Rebecca) Anchor of Caledonia, Michael (Sandra) Anchor of Batavia and Terry Lynn Anchor of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Zachary, Jessica and Josh; brother, Michael (Sharon) Noble of FL, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

     Services will be private at the convenience of the family.  Contributions in memory of Linda may be made to her family for distribution to charities of their choice.

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

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

BRIAN K. ACE, SR. ~ 53, of Batavia, died peacefully Thursday July 2, 2020 at home under the care of Hospice and his loving family, following his hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Brian was born in Buffalo, NY on February 8, 1967, a son of Maryanne (late Kenneth) Anderson of Batavia and the late Gaylord R. Ace., Sr., also preceded in death by grandson, Michael, and Micah Gard.

Brian was an assistant manager/mechanic for Monroe Muffler prior to his illness. A member of the Polish Falcons and VFW, he enjoyed racing, be it dirt track or asphalt. Brian was an avid golfer and most often spotted on his Harley as he loved to ride!

Surviving along with his mother Maryanne is his beloved wife of 28 years, Tracy (Steger) Ace of Batavia; children, Brian K. Ace, Jr. of Batavia, Heather Ace of LeRoy, Amber Ace of Oakfield and Erika Ace of Batavia; cherished grandchildren, Mya, Brody, Malachai, Landyn, Joseph, Caleb & Logan; siblings, Gaylord R. Ace, Jr. of Arkansas, Terry (Daniel) Yates of Batavia, Barbara (Thomas) Bodie of Arkansas, Mae (Robert) Schaffer of Medina; father-in-law, Clarence (Mary Jane) Steger of Arizona; mother-in-law, Jerri Steger of Rochester along with several nieces and nephews.

The Ace family will be present from 4-8p.m. on Friday July 10, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC, 4120 West Main Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the family.

Please share your words of comfort with Brian’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF BRIAN K. ACE, SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

 

DENNIS W. WILSON – Age 57, of Corfu, died peacefully Thursday July 2, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Batavia, NY, a son of the late William and Pauline (Demmer) Wilson.

Dennis was retired from the Batavia City School District and the Kleen-All Co. after many years of service. He was a member of the Batavia Assembly of God Church, avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed sports. Dennis enjoyed time with friends and family and most importantly time with his children.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 29 years whom he married June 8, 1991, Ruth (Baubie) Wilson of Corfu; loving children, Ryan Wilson, Olivia Wilson, Makaila Wilson all at home and Dustin Kent of FL; siblings, Donald (Diane) Bartz of AZ, Amy Wilson-Hall of Cheektowaga, Linda (Vincent) Wise of Cuba, Alice (Robert) Buckel of Batavia, Paula (Robert) Mendez of Palmyra and Susan (Steve) Lee of Warsaw; father & mother-in-law, James (Joanna) Baubie of Oakfield along with many nieces and nephews.

The Wilson family will be present from 2-6p.m. on Wednesday July 8, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Life service will begin at 6p.m. Memorials in his memory are suggested to the family.

Please share your words of comfort with the Wilson family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DENNIS W. WILSON IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

DENNIS J. WITTMAN ~ Age 77, of Batavia, passed peacefully at Charlotte House in N. Java, NY. He was born to the late Jerome and Evelyn (Hamilton) Wittman on June 2, 1943 in Buffalo, NY, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Allan Wittman and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Bangs and Dolores Clark.

Dennis was a graduate of Cleveland Hill High School, his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Wadham’s Hall Seminary, Ogdensburg, NY and earned his master’s degree from the University of Rochester.

He was employed for 36 years with Genesee County as a Probation Officer and in 1980 was asked by the late Sheriff, W. Douglas Call to head up a new program, Alternatives to Incarceration, which was a first in the United States with law enforcement and third such program in the United States. He began the first rural and fourth in New York State Child Advocacy Center and Multi-Disciplinary Teams serving Genesee County, as well as neighboring counties. He started the Driving While Intoxicated Conditional Discharge Program, Justice for Women Program and Team, the Western New York State Victims Coalition, he was President of the New York State Crime Victims Board Advisory Council and, Vice President of the New York State Association for Alternative Sentencing. Former Governor George Pataki appointed Dennis to the Western New York Citizens Review Panel (abused children), First Victim/Offender Reconciliation Program in New York State dealing specifically with serious/violent cases, National Institution of Corrections consultants, Office of Victims of Crime consultants, Chairman of Criminal Justice Advisory Council. Dennis represented the United States in a Bi-Lateral Summit in Japan, addressed the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, addressed the Canadian Parliament on Restorative Justice and traveled to forty states and the Canadian Provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and British Columbia.

Dennis recently served on the Diocese of Buffalo Sexual Abuse and Misconduct Policy Task Force. He was an Adjunct Professor at Roberts Wesleyan College and served as Town Supervisor for the Town of Bethany from 1978 to 1990. He was a faithful member of Ascension Parish in Batavia where he served as Vice President and President of the Holy Name Society, President of the Parish Council and Usher under the former Sacred Heart Parish.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol (Chmielowiec) Wittman of Batavia whom he married in 1971; loving daughters, Holly (Michael) Stoddard of Honeoye and Jennifer of San Antonio, TX; faithful Husky companion, Kodah; sister, Kathie (Paul) Beaulieu of Cheektowaga, NY and brother, Philip (Nancy) Wittman of Akron, NY; brother-in-law, Dr. A Steven Bangs of Long Island; sister in law, Marsha Deman of Defiance, Ohio along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great niece and nephew.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Epidemic a Mass of Christian Burial will be announced later. Memorials in his memory may be made to Charlotte House, P.O. Box 123, 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113: Ascension Parish, 17 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020, or MUSH Rescue Inc, 12820 Wyngate Trail, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Thank you to our Wednesday morning library friend, Roger Richardson. Tuesday lunch time prayer group: Marg Miller, Leta Sackett, Pastor Ken Cromer and Elder Ron. Emilie, Board of Directors, the many volunteers, weekly communion from Holy Family Polish National Church and the community at Charlotte House for the excellent care provided, to the many doctors at University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional that provided such excellent care, for their prayers and visits Rev. Father David Glassmire, Deacon Mark Kehl, Rev. Father Matthew Kawiak, Deacon Corey Foegen and especially Sue Hatrick for giving a part of herself to Dennis.

The family kindly asks people consider signing to be an organ donor. Two special people gave Dennis thirteen extra years with his family.

Please share your words of comfort with the Wittman family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF DENNIS J. WITTMAN IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 – (585)343-7500

 

Pavilion ~ Albert P. Strobel, age 92, of Lake Street, passed away Wednesday evening (July 1, 2020) at UMMC in Batavia.

   

 He was born October 13, 1927 in Batavia, a son of the late Ralph and Jane Peterson Strobel.

     Al will be remembered as a loving and caring man, who was devoted to his family and his faith.  He was a proud World War II veteran, having served with the U.S. Army.  He started his own family business, Strobel Auto Electric and was an exceptional wood worker.

      He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Mary Smith Strobel; his children, Sharon Grube of FL, Bruce (Mary) Strobel of Tonawanda, Nancy (James) Morthope of GA, Larry Strobel of Pavilion, Deborah (Don) Cahail of MO and Joan (Andy) Stevens of Mt. Morris; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; his brother, Rev. Herbert R. Strobel of PA; Fresh Air Fund Daughter, Debbie Farr, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     He was predeceased by his brother, Ralph W. "Billy" Strobel and his sister-in-law, Marge Strobel.

     There will be no prior visitation.  A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Pavilion Fire Department or the Pavilion United Methodist Church.

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

Lester E. “Piker” Gephart, 83 of Lockport, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born January 10, 1937 in Attica, to the late Lester A. (Carol Nichols) Gephart. He is preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Kreutter) Gephart, daughter Rose Mary Gephart, son-in-law Donald Lawrence, brother William Gephart, sisters Doris Sonricker, Virginia Joy and Patricia Sonricker.

Lester was a hardworking man, sealing driveways, landscaping, farming and always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his children June (Jerry Robbins) Lawrence of Angelica; Paul (Michelle) Gephart of Rushford; sister Beverley Shaw of Varysburg; sister-in-law Helen Gephart of Springville; grandchildren David (Jennifer) DeLude of Concord, NC; John (Chris) DeLude of Johnsonburg; James (Lindsey) Gephart of Pembroke; Chris Gephart of Bergen; 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00 AM Graveside Service will be held on Monday, July 6, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Attica.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 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.

Evelyn M. Sanders, 86 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Premier Genesee. She was born in Batavia on January 10, 1934 to the late Floyd (Ethel Greenman) Thomas. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Clair Sanders, daughter Linda Sanders, sons David and Michael Sanders; son-in-law David Gendron; sisters Betty Baker, Carol Sevor and Patricia Twitchell.

Mrs. Sanders worked as Assistant Director of Genesee Community College Day Care. She enjoyed going to horse races. Evelyn spent her entire life taking care of everyone, from her husband to her grandchildren, a loving and supporting mother that loved her family.  

She is survived by her beloved children Bonnie (Jim) Moore of Oakfield; Daniel Sanders of NC; James Sanders of Batavia; Thomas (Sandy) Sanders of Batavia; siblings Floyd “Sonny” Thomas Jr. of Tonawanda; Nancy Sanders of FL; James (Joanie) Thomas of NC; 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours, Funeral Services will be held privately. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Alexander Toth Jr age 74 of Attica, NY died June 27, 2020 at Millard Suburban Hospital, Williamsville, New York after a long battle with cancer.

He was born October 3, 1945 to Alex and Elizabeth (Slak) Toth in Washington Pennsylvania. He is preceded in death by his parents and Brother John Toth. Best friend and fellow hunter Mike Bowerman, He is survived by one sister, a sister-in-law, two nieces and two nephews.

Alex graduated in 1963 from Weirton Madonna High School, Weirton, West Virginia. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam era and is retired with over thirty years of service from US Airways, Buffalo, New York. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and a teller of tall tales. He will be missed by all who knew him.

It was Alex's wishes that there will be no calling hours. Due to covid 19 a celebration of a life well lived will be held later.

Donations in his name can be made to the American Cancer Society and the Boy Scouts of America. To leave an online condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.