Obituaries

Richard (Dick) Henry Kreutter was born on March 29, 1945 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the second child of Henry and Clara Kreutter. He passed away peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital on Monday, March 2^nd, 2020 surrounded by his family. Dick lived his early life in both Bridgeport, Connecticut, and later Savannah, Georgia. Dick’s parents were lifelong Catholics, and he later attended Catholic school in Savannah, Georgia.

At age 14 Dick’s family moved back to New York State, settling in Rochester, New York. Dick attended McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester. During his teenage years Dick began pursuing a lifelong hobby of ham radio. Dick’s father was a ham, and Dick began working with electronics and passed his ham radio license exam when he was a teenager. Dick’s call sign was WA2IKC. He continued to pursue ham radio as a hobby, which he pursued with vigor. He later studied for and passed his extra class ham radio exam. During his early adulthood he enrolled in the Air Force and was later given an honorable discharge.

Dick graduated from Monroe Community College, having studied electronics. He then pursued a career in the electronics industry, working for over 30 years at Harris RF Communications in Rochester. He was decorated as an Employee of the Month for his contributions at RF, where he made lifelong friends. He enjoyed fixing and building electronics for his family and friends. Dick also attended many ham fests over the years around New York State, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. While working at Harris, Dick traveled for work, which included travel to Bolivia, Saudi Arabia as well as to New Mexico. Dick enjoyed New Mexico immensely, and later took his two daughters there as adults.

Dick married Pam (Niver) in 1974, and they later had two daughters; Lisa (Kreutter) Acuna, and Kelly Kreutter. Lisa resides in Winter Park, Florida with her husband Hugo, and Kelly resides in Oakland, California, with her husband Auryn McCafferty along with their daughter Oona and son Alillil. Dick is pre-deceased by his parents Henry and Clara Kreutter. He is survived by his wife Pamela, his daughters Lisa and Kelly, two grandchildren, an older sister, Joan Jarzomski, of Port Charlotte, Florida, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves behind two lifelong friends John Stevens and Jim Hastings.

Dick lived a life of devotion to his career, ham radio, and his family. His wife Pam continues to reside in the Rochester, New York area.

Dick will be buried alongside his parents Henry and Clara at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Strykersville, New York.

Dick was a devoted animal lover who enjoyed his pet cats, and memorials in his honor may be sent to the Humane Society (Lollypop Farms) in Perinton, New York.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at Calvary Chapel of Rochester sometime during the month of June 2020; details will be made available at a later date. . For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave an online condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Ronald P. Dibble, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (March 3, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

He was born November 25, 1938 in Wellsville, NY, a son of the late Paul and Mildred Strong Dibble.

Ron served his country honorably with the U.S. Army from 1959-1962. He was a paramedic for the former Genesee Memorial Hospital and taught EMT certification courses with the Red Cross.  He became the owner of Security Roofing in Batavia until his retirement. Ron was a past member of the Town of Batavia Fire Dept., Elba Fire Dept. and Stafford Fire Dept..  He was also a past member of the former Sertoma Club and the BPO Elks Club of Batavia. He enjoyed fishing and hunting but most of all enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Schrader Dibble of Batavia. Daughter, Patricia (Charles) Fales of Batavia. Son, Paul (Amber) Dibble of Batavia. Grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Jon) Locke of Ohio, Tyler Fales , Erica Dibble, Ryan Dibble and Mikayla Dibble, all of Batavia. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Janice M. Smith.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (March 9^th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family with burial in Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia, NY 14020 or the Palliative Care Unit at URMC, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642. 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.

 

 

Batavia - Anita Susan Hawes, died, Monday, March 2, 2020, at Erie County Medical Center.

Mrs. Hawes, a Batavia native, was born January 4, 1962, the daughter of the late Arthur H. Marshall, III, and Susan Maybach Marshall. She was a 1980 graduate of Batavia High School, and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Skidmore College in 1984.

Upon returning to Batavia, her pride and joy became her business, Travelore Travel Service, which she owned and operated for 35 years. She was known to all, as their caring and compassionate travel agent. Her love of travel was also shared with her family, taking endless road trips with her daughter cruising the waters of the Atlantic, and exploring both Italy and Ireland.

Anita is survived by her beloved daughter, Elizabeth Hawes of Charleston, South Carolina, and her father, David Hawes. Surviving also are her mother, Susan Marshall; her brother, Arthur (Theresa) Marshall, IV; nieces, Dr. Katherine (Daniel) Okoniewski, Alexandra Bruce, and nephew, Arthur Marshall, V.

There will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. at St. James Episcopal, Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia. Anita will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

BYRON - John W. Pike, 81, of Byron, passed away Monday, (March 2, 2020), at his home under the care of HomeCare & Hospice and his loving family.

Mr. Pike was born February 21, 1939, in Avon, a son of the late Warren and Frieda (Leeson) Pike.

John was a member of both the Byron and South Byron Volunteer Fire Departments.  He enjoyed working in his lawn, playing euchre, gardening, and listening to country western music.

He is the husband of Janet (Barber) Pike of Byron.  The two were married April 5, 1969.

 Surviving along with his wife are his children, Jason (Brian Hoffman) Pike of Henrietta, Jeff (Lorrie) Pike, and Sherry Smart Moore, both of Anderson, S. Carolina; a brother, Robert (Judy) Pike of Florida; and a sister June Manners of Oregon.  Three grandchildren also survive.

John is preceded in death by a brother, Bradley Pike, and a sister, Toppsy Pike.

Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where John's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday.  Rev. James R. Renfrew will officiate. Burial will follow in Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to the Pike family to distribute to various charities.

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

Batavia - Shelagh D. Hoffman, 91, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Shelagh was born February 11, 1929, in Batavia, daughter of the late Francis and Dorothy Nicholson Kennedy.

A member of St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia, Shelagh was an avid bridge player who loved to read. She wintered for many years in Myrtle Beach with her late husband, "Coke" and was known to enjoy an afternoon cocktail.

She is predeceased by her husband, William R. "Coke" Hoffman, who passed away on July 25, 1998; her daughter, Billie (late Philip) Skill and her brother, Leslie Kennedy.

Survivors include her sons; Paul (late Lynn) Hoffman of Batavia, John (Gloria) Hoffman of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Robert (late Robin) Hoffman of West Palm Beach, Florida; seven grandchildren; Jill Skill, Kelly Skill, Chris Hoffman, Matt Hoffman, Jaclyn Hoffman, Travis Hoffman and Tyler Hoffman; her great-granddaughter; Cameron Hoffman, her sister-in-law; Helen Kennedy of California. Shelagh is also survived by nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visiting hours. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th at Grand View Cemetery, Clinton Street Road, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Shelagh's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia.

Alexander – Margaret “Peggy” Russell (Morton, McCandless), passed away February 25th, 2020.

She was born March 20, 1950 and lived in PA (where many family members remain) until moving to NY in the late 70’s.  Peggy was a retired nurse and raised dogs for more than 30 years.  Her Golden Babies and her Grandchildren (all family) were her whole world.

She is survived by her husband, George W. Russell and was the very loved Mom, Nana and Step Mom to Michelle, Kerry, Joshua, Delaney and Conner Kelsey - Keith, Tracy Dean, Keith 111 and Paige Morton  - Jeff, Sheryl, Anna and Joe Montgomery – Michael, Wendy, Tiffany and Rachael Russell – Heather, Jim, Jesse and Emma Scripp and out of State children; George, Roger, Diane, Amy and Jim. 

Services will be private at the convenience of her family.  Contributions in her memory are suggested to Alexander Fire Department – EMS, P.O. Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005. Your memories and condolences may be shared with Peggy’s family through email to her daughter Michelle Kelsey at:   mkkelsey@ymail.com

LeRoy ~ Richard E. “Dick” Zarajczyk, age 80, of South Street, passed away peacefully on Saturday (February 29, 2020) at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Batavia.

   

He was born December 2, 1939 in Buffalo, N.Y.

     Dick grew up in Barker, N.Y. and graduated from Barker Central School in 1959.  He continued his education and earned his Master’s Degree from Empire State College.  He earned his private pilot’s license, became a certified scuba diver and went on to work in the real estate field in 1964.  From there, Dick became a successful real estate broker and eventually owned his own real estate appraisal business, Upstate Management & Appraisals.  He enjoyed traveling and was especially fond of Florida.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Sharilyn Gangloff Zarajczyk; his children, David Zarajczyk (Cindy Saeva) of LeRoy, Roberta (Shayne) Barrows of OH, Jeffrey (Bobbi) Chester of Greece, John (Glenna) Chester of LeRoy, Michael (Connie) Chester of FL and Steven (Becca) Zarajczyk of Rochester; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren, along with many special nieces and nephews from Barker, N.Y. and Florida.

     Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Dick’s Life on Saturday, March 7 at 11:00 A.M. at the Smokin’ Eagle, 9 Main Street, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 56, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482.

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

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

Thomas Bakos, 79 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (February 29, 2020) at Rochester General Hospital.

He was born December 22, 1940 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Frank and Florence Plewniak Bakos.

Mr. Bakos served his country with the U.S. Air Force from 1959-1962. He was employed by Doehler Jarvis in Batavia and Eastman Kodak in Rochester prior to his retirement. Some of his hobbies included refurbishing homes and engines and was a classic hobby kind of guy. He also was a car enthusiast and NASCAR fan. Tom and his family are longtime parishioners of Ascension Parish in Batavia.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Jurewicz Bakos of Batavia. Sons, David Bakos of Rochester and James (Belinda) Bakos of West Virginia. Daughters, Michele (Bill) Barton of Ohio, Karen (Brad) Zerbe of New Jersey and Colleen (Jeff) Hyde of Oakfield. Also survived by 8 grandchildren and brothers, Paul (Barbara) Bakos of Maryland, Steve Bakos of Perry and Bernard (Mary) Bakos of Batavia.

He was the brother of the late Bernadine Foote and Frank Bakos.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (March 7^th) from 9-10am at Ascension Parish (corner of S. Swan and Sumner Streets), where his Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10am. Inurnment will follow with full military honors in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Ascension Parish or Ascension Parish St. Vincent DePaul Society, 19, Sumner St., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to 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.

 

 

ANTHONY J. DENI ~ Age 95, of Batavia, beloved husband, father and grandfather died peacefully Saturday morning February 29, 2020 with his family around him. Anthony was born to the late James and Clara (Giordano) Deni, Sr. on January 17, 1925 in Oakfield, NY. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Gerald and Joseph Deni.

Anthony Deni was a man who gave but never asked for anything in return. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he loved spending time with his family. He loved nothing more than having a Sunday supper with all his family around the table. In his early years he was an onion muck farmer, then began to work with his father and brother building homes in the Batavia area. After his father’s retirement he started A. Deni Builders and continued to build homes independently in the Batavia area, becoming a real estate broker as well.  Before retiring he was a city housing inspector for the city of Batavia.  He and his wife Josephine shared a 57-year marriage. They spent every day together and he often commented that he was the “luckiest man in the world” because he had the best family in the world. Anthony always enjoyed attending his, “Coffee Club” with friends for many years. He was generous with his time, love, and knowledge, making him a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who will be forever remembered and missed.

Anthony is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Josephine (Vigneri) Deni of Batavia; daughter, Carole (Lloyd) Collins of Batavia; son, James (Amy) Deni of Churchville; cherished grandchildren, Anthony and Gianna Deni; sister; Mary Vendetta of Batavia; brothers, James (Grace) Deni of Batavia, Carl Deni (Christine) of Amherst; sister-in-law, Carmella Deni of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews.

The Deni family will be present from 4-8p.m. on Thursday March 5, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 10:45a.m. Friday March 6 followed by an 11:30a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Site), Celebrated by Rev. Ivan Trujillo. Anthony will be entombed in the Fr. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery along with Military Honors. Memorials in his memory are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia, New York 14020.

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

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

Batavia - Walter J. Wright, 64, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2020, at his home.

Walter was born July 10, 1955, in Warsaw.

Walter Wright was born and raised in Warsaw, New York where he worked on the Wright family farm. After graduating from Warsaw High, school he went on to serve 6 years in the Navy. Walter was a selfless man who was always filled with laughter. He enjoyed watching football and spending his spare time with friends and family. Walter will truly be missed by all who knew him. 

Survivors include his son, Paul (Olivia) Wood of Batavia and his grandchildren, Landyn Wood and Peyton Wood.

Calling hours are Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where military honors will be rendered at 12:00 p.m. also on Saturday. 

Memorial contributions in Walter's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. 

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, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

LeRoy ~ Donald A. "Rooster" McBurney, age 90, formerly of Cole Road, passed away early Saturday morning (Feb. 29, 2020) at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia.

    

 He was born July 25, 1929 in Batavia, a son of the late Ambrose and Catherine Mooney McBurney.

     Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, who was a proud Korean War veteran.  He enjoyed baseball, golfing, deer and rabbit hunting.  He also cherished the time he could spend with his buddies catching up on the news.

     He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Grace Gelsomino McBurney; his children, Nancy (Jerry) Roth, Joan McBurney and Patrick (Susan) McBurney; 2 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Rosemary Graham, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Veronica Airth and Madonna Haley.

     Family and friends are invited to his Rite of Christian Burial to be held on Saturday, March 7 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021. www.crossroadshouse.com

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

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

EUGENE E. BEZON ~ Age 80, of Elba, NY died peacefully Friday February 28, 2020 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born in Batavia, May 12, 1939 to the late Joseph A. and Stephania (Mickey) Bezon, he was also preceded in death by siblings, Richard Bezon, Monica Bezon-Rice, Joseph M. Bezon, Jr. and Douglas Bezon.

Eighty years, Gene had Elba in his heart, spending his entire life at his family Homestead on Oak Orchard Road where at an early age he started pulling weeds on the precious “Muck Lands.” He attended Elba Central School where he was a member of the FFA and played on the basketball and football teams.  Graduating in 1958 and remaining on the family homestead, Gene married his sweetheart, Susan Dickens in 1963, took to milking cows and thus began, Eugene Bezon Farms. His hard work and dedication to the farm and his family is evident as the farm continues to operate today under his motto of, “Work Done First.” Gene was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and was so very proud of his grandchildren and loved to attend their sporting events.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 56 years, Susan (Dickens) Bezon of Elba, sons, Kevin (Lynn) Bezon, Dennis Bezon and Steven (Candy) Bezon all of Elba; daughters, Karen (Michael) Cusmano of Oakfield and Debra (Todd) Reilly of Elba, dearest grandpa to, McKenzie, Kelsey, Tucker, Kaden, Kameron, Leah, Ashton, Logan, Sydney, Ty, Kelsey (Matthew) Smith and John; sisters-in-law, Edith Bezon of Byron and Joan Bezon of Florida along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene’s family will be present from 4-8p.m. on Wednesday March 4, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:15a.m. Thursday morning March 5 followed by his Mass of Christian Burial 10a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish (Elba Site) with Rev. Thaddeus Bocianowski, Officiating, he will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba, NY. Memorials in his memory will benefit the Future Farmers of America Programs at both Elba & Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools, those donations are payable to Elba Central School PO Box 370 Elba, New York 14058, please write in memo line, In memory of Eugene Bezon.

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

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

LeRoy - Roger D. Smith, age 70, passed away unexpectedly at home January 17, 2020.

     He was born October 8, 1949, in Batavia, a son of the late Robert and Edith Bennetti Smith.

     Roger was a 1967 graduate of LeRoy Central School where he will be remembered for his athletic abilities, especially on the basketball court.   He was passionate about sports, both watching them and playing in several leagues through his life.  His most proud moments were watching his son and grandchildren play in various sports events through the years. 

     He is survived by his son, Travis (Kerri) Smith of Stafford, grandchildren, Jaidyn and Jagger; sisters, Roxanne (Gerry) Paganin of Avon and Renee (Michael) Miller of Pavilion, along with several other relatives.

     Services will be private at the convenience of his family.

     Contributions in his memory are suggested to either LeRoy Sports Boosters, c/o LeRoy Senior High School, 9300 South Street Rd., LeRoy, N.Y. 14482 or LeRoy Little League, P.O. Box 156, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Roger’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Smith and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.

Gasport – Mr. Loren E. Hall, age 80, of Gasport, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Niagara Hospice, surrounded by his family.

Loren was born May 27, 1939, in Batavia, son of the late Glenn and A. Fern McGiveron Hall.

He worked at Harrison Radiator in Lockport as a machine production operator. Loren was the proud owner of a 1980 El Camino that he entered in numerous area car shows. He enjoyed Friday night fish-fry’s and attending car shows.

He is survived by his wife; Judith Unger Hall whom he married on December 10, 1983; his daughters; Kathy (James) Crandall of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Susan (Hank) Richards of Moncks Corner, South Carolina; his step-daughter; Diane Barletta of Greece, New York; his step-son; Daniel Barletta of Greece, New York; six grandchildren; David (Nicole) Crandall of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jeremy Crandall of Chesapeake, Virginia, Krystie Beckwith, Matthew (Cynthia) Beckwith of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Vincent Edwards and Jackie Edwards, both of Greece, New York; five great-grandchildren; Abigail, Joseph and Aryana Crandall and Lilyanah and Dakotah Beckwith; his brother; Donald (Joan) Hall of Oakfield and nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield where services will immediately follow visitation at 6 p.m. He will be laid to rest in East Shelby Cemetery. Please consider memorials in Loren’s name to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, New York 14094-1231.  To light a candle, share a story or leave a condolence, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

  Gerald H. Graham, 91 of Perry, passed away peacefully at the NYS Veteran’s Home at Batavia on February 27, 2020. He was born January 16, 1929 in Perry to the late Robert J. (Eloise Goodwin Horton) Graham. He is preceded in death by brother Robert J. (Gladys) Graham, sister Erestine (George) Cox, son-in-law Jacques Schmit, parents-in-law Maynard (Mary) Ess, sisters & brothers-in-law Anna (Perry) Borsching, Jean (Victor) Pietrzykowski, Donald Ess, Raymond Ess, John Neff, nephews Darrel Borsching, Dennis Borsching and Victor Pietrzykowski.  

Gerald was a veteran of the US Air Force where he was a SSGT serving in France as a member of Air Police during the Korean Conflict. After his military service from 1950-1954 he worked in security for Eastman Kodak. He was a farmer and truck driver for Jones Chemicals in Caledonia. After retirement he drove truck for Emerling Farms, Perry and worked at the Tired Iron Tractor Museum in Cuylerville.

Gerald enjoyed antique cars and tractors. He also enjoyed tractor pulling, car shows and spending time in Florida. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. He was a member of McKelton Post American Legion in Perry and the NRA.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Madeline (Ess) Graham of Perry; children Deborah Graham-Schmit of Warsaw; Mary (Bruce) Carney of Castile; Darlene (Sidney) Broughton of Silver Springs; Sandra (Brent Maines) Graham of Castile; Gerald H. (Sam) Graham of Perry; grandchildren Hans VanValkenburg, Stacey Jaggard, Amberley (Daryl) Robb, Carrie (Brian) Kehoe, Harvey William Jaggard IV, Melinda (Robert) Trowbridge; great-grandchildren Levi and Grayson Trowbridge, Alexander and Oliver Robb, Hollow Vail VanValkenburg, Merit Scott Kehoe, sisters-in-law Dorothy Neff of Warsaw; Janet Ellis of Warsaw; Cheryl (Jim VonGundon) Bryant of Perry; brother-in-law Edward (Lynda) Ess of Batavia; along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, March 2, 2020 from 3- 4 PM at First Congregational Church, 7205 Perry Center Road, Perry, NY 14530. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 4:00 PM at the church. He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry with full military honors.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of the NYS Veteran’s Home at Batavia for their compassionate care of Gerald. Memorial contributions may be made to NYS Veteran’s Home at Batavia Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.