Obituaries

Eric J. Smith “Rick”, 67 of Batavia, passed away Monday (February 17, 2020) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born January 18, 1953 in Batavia, a son of Jean S. Smith of Batavia and the late George E. Smith Jr.

Rick was the owner of the family business, George E. Smith Motors in Batavia, until his retirement in the late 1990’s. He was also an avid golfer and a lover of cars.

Surviving besides his mother is his wife, Mary Zak Smith of Batavia. Daughters, Marijeanne Bugenhagen of Buffalo and Michelle (Tony) Morgante of Akron. Son, Eric G. Smith of Ashburn, VA. Two grandchildren, Angelina and Tony Morgante. Step-son, Michael Zak of Batavia. Sisters, Cathie (Bob) Kersten of Buffalo and Peg (Bill) Lawrence of Batavia. Also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share in his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday (February 22^nd), 11:00am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia.

Memorial contributions in his name may be offered to a charity of the donors preference. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

 

 

East Pembroke -- Lee Klawer, 99 of East Pembroke, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020.

Lee was born on Sept. 9, 1920 in Newstead, NY, a son of the late Louis and Anna Koch Klawer. He was the husband of the late Ruth (Clute) Klawer; father of the late Judy L. Russell; and brother of the late Clarence Klawer, Gladys Morgan, Mabel Klehn, Roy Klawer, Anna Cummings, Florence Carpenter, Albert Klawer and Bertha Webster.

Lee was a longtime farmer and farming was his life. After he retired, he operated a fruit and vegetable stand.

Lee is survived by his son, Randy (Chris) Klawer; son-in-law, James Russell; grandchildren, Melissa (Ed) Cole, Sarah (Bill) Millen, Amy Russell, Kelly (Alan) Heizmann, and Brian Russell. Eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. 

Family and friends may call Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke, NY. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, P.O. Box 189, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or to Gateway Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011.

Francis “Homer” N. Shiltz, 78, of Strykersville, passed away on February 17, 2020 in Perry, NY. He was born on June 10, 1941 in Warsaw, NY to the late Norman and the late Mary (Glaser) Shiltz. Homer was preceded in death by his son, Michael Shiltz; sister, Sharon Kelly; brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Mary Sue Thurber) Shiltz; father-in-law, Philip Schloss; mother-in-law Alberta Schloss; sister-in-law, Shirley (Schloss) Gawron ; and brother-in-laws, Carl Grover and Francis Schloss.

Homer did a lot of various jobs early in his life and then started his own business. He owned and operated Homer’s Hoof Trimming for 38 years. He liked to fish, hunt, and cut wood. Homer was an avid WCJW Tradio listener.

Homer is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda (Schloss); his children, Tracy (Cheryl Kohl) Shiltz of North Java, Amy (Todd) Meisner of Bennington, and Greg (Julie Hoefer) Shiltz of Orchard Park; grandchildren, Ashley, Jeremy, and Alexia Ammerman, Alexis, Devin, Daynin, and Matt; sibling, Lucille Grover, brother-in-law, Donald Schloss; many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will take place at 12 pm at the St. John Neumann Church in Sheldon on Saturday, February 22, 2020. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Suzanne’s Comfort House, 167 N. Main St., Perry, NY 14530.  For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, New York 14011

 

Marguerite K. Arelline, 69, of Oakfield passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, February 14, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center.  Margie was born on September 29, 1950 in Amityville, NY, the daughter of the late Robert F. Stenson Jr. and the late Shirley M. (Baehrel) Stenson. 

Margie attended Murray State College. She retired from Harlequin Distribution Center last year, where she worked as a Systems Analyst.  She also spent many years at Frontier, Kodak, and Xerox where she worked as a brilliant, self-taught programmer always impressing her colleagues with her analytical expertise.  She was also a Specialist 4^th Class veteran of the U.S. Army.  Margie enjoyed hosting family get-togethers and sharing family memories, her modeling days and choreographing dance routines as a teen, working her green thumb in her garden, hiking and traveling with her husband, visiting family, writing, painting, sketching, doing puzzles, and enjoying the casino.  She cherished spending time with all of her children and especially her grandchildren.  Margie had a smile and wit that could light up a room, and always found the best in everyone she met.

Margie is survived by her devoted husband; James C. Arelline; her 2 sons and her daughter; Joseph Waala of Philadelphia, PA, James Waala of Lancaster, NY, and Catherine (Philip) Toal of Chippewa Lake, OH; her 5 grandchildren; Sadie Waala of Buffalo, Maggie Waala of Bethlehem, PA, Alexander Waala, Juliette Toal, and Victoria Waala; her sister Michele Taylor of Paris, TN, her brother, Daniel Stenson of Rocklin, CA, her nephew, Matthew Taylor of Paris, TN.  Margie is also survived by her 2 stepsons, Matthew Arelline of Wolcott, Michael Arelline of Albuquerque, NM, and her stepdaughter, Heather (Tony) Natalie of Webster; 3 step-grandsons, Jack Arelline, Liam Hill, and Samuel Natalie, and one step-granddaughter, Rachel Arelline, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call this Friday (2/21) from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday (2/22) from 1 to 3 p.m. with funeral service to immediately follow at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield. In addition to flowers, memorials to the Disabled American Veterans charity are being accepted.  Burial services will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Coxsackie, NY later this spring. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

Roger A. Sondericker, 75 of Attica, passed away on February 14, 2020 at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. He was born in Batavia on April 2, 1944 to the late Ainsworth (Doris Grau) Sondericker.

Roger is survived by his wife Sandy (Wolcott) Sondericker, sons Steven (Susan), Dale (Amy) Sondericker all of Attica; sister Janet (Russell) Miller of Arcade, 4 grandchildren Katie, Lauren, Karly and William.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Attica Rescue Squad, 11 Water Street, Attica, NY 14011. For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, New York 14011

On February 13, 2020 Lily H. V. (Glans) Samuelson, age 95, passed away peacefully at home in The Woodlands TX where she resided with her daughter, Karen Trowbridge. She is predeceased by her husband Marvin E. Samuelson of Batavia NY and brother, Russell Glans of Williamstown, NJ.  Surviving are her children, Kenneth (Janice) of Sandia Park NM, Karen Trowbridge of The Woodlands TX, Karl (Cheryl) of Oakfield NY and Keith (Suzie) of Silver City NM and stepson Victor (Diane) of Hilton Head SC.  Lily is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Samuelson was born April 19, 1924 in Harwinton, CT to Hilda (Truedson) and Walfred Glans. After the passing of Hilda she was raised in Cleveland OH by her father and step mother Jenny (Truedson).

Lily was a longtime resident of Batavia NY where she was active in the First Presbyterian Church and the Genesee Memorial Hospital Guild. For many years, on Thursdays, she would be found serving to the lunch crowd at the hospital snack shop As a fantastic cook and baker she enjoyed cooking for her family.  Being an avid reader was one of her passions and would still read several novels a week well into her 90’s.

A memorial service will be held at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC in Batavia later this summer followed by internment beside her husband at Grandview Cemetery with the date to be determined at the convenience of the family.

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

Sue White, 87, formerly of Attica, passed away on February 4, 2020 in Batavia. She was born in Lockport, NY on July 21, 1932 to the late Charles and the late Leantine (Barnes) Webster.

Sue is survived by her son, Michael (Robin) White; grandson Michael (Jessica) White; and Granddaughters Nicole and Tiffany and great grandchildren, Michael, Hannah, and Harper White.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Monday, February 17, 2020 at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. For more information please call 585-591-1212, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, New York 14011.

 

Batavia: Entered into rest on February 9, 2020, with her loving family by her side, at the age of 86.

Predeceased by her parents, and twin brothers, Douglas and Dwight Fell.

Survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Floyd G. Young; her children, Dolores (James) Jakubowski, Teresa Augrom, and Steven (Cheryl) Young; grandchildren, David (Carrie) Jakubowski, Sara Jakubowski, Jamie (Chad) Moran, and Russell (Christina), Kevin (Amber), and Aaron Henning; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Karen (Ron) Cole; brother, Dennis Fell; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins; and her “Boys” Patch and Bandit.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7PM on Wednesday, February 12^th, at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, NY.  A Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30AM on Thursday, February 13^th, at St. Joseph Church, 303 E. Main St. Batavia, NY. Entombment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

JANET M. GRASSO ~ Age 78, of Batavia, died Friday afternoon February 7, 2020 at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport - SNF. Janet was born to the late Andrew and Evelyn Corcoran on March 25, 1941 in Batavia. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, James and Burton Corcoran, Mary Talbot and Linda Vallese.

Janet worked for Griffith Energy for many years and was a member of Ascension Parish, the former St. Anthony’s. She loved to take shopping trips with her sisters and travel with her husband as well as family. Janet most enjoyed her time spent with family especially her grandchildren.

Janet is survived by her husband of 39 years, Lewis Grasso of Batavia; children, Alan (Jennifer) Smith of Pittsford, Brian (Brenda) Smith of Webster, Jacqueline M. Grasso of Rochester, Michael J. (Nancy) Grasso of Scottsville, Jeffery A. Grasso of Rochester, Wendy S. (Brian) Winslow of Scottsville; brother, Edward (Beverly) Corcoran of Batavia; grandchildren, Brittany LaBore, Gina Grasso, Mallory Winslow, Jared Grasso, David Smith, Abigail Winslow, Sarah Smith & Nicole Grasso; great-granddaughter, Emelia along with several nieces and nephews.

The Grasso family will be present from 3-7p.m. on Wednesday February 12, 2020 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited at 8:45a.m. on Thursday February 13 followed by a 9:30a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart) celebrated by Rev. David R. Glassmire. Janet will be entombed in the Fr. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and memorials in her memory are suggested to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021

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

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

Batavia - LaVerne E. "Turk" Francis, age 87, of Batavia, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Turk was born May 8, 1932, in Cuba, son of the late Norman Francis, Sr. and the late Marjorie Banker Francis.

A member of the Genesee Country Church, Turk faithfully served as a greeter of the church and as head usher for over 30 years. He enjoyed traveling with Nancy, was proud of his antique tractor collection and loved to wash and detail his car. He proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Manhardt Francis. The two were married August 23, 1952. Also surviving are his daughter, Lynda (Daniel) Lyons of Oakfield; three grandchildren, Jessica (late Derrick) Baity of New York City, Colleen (Paul) Kowtun of North Tonawanda and Kyle Lyons of Oakfield; three great-grandchildren, Elijiah Jones, Mason Baity and Parker Kowtun; three sisters-in-law, Elaine Francis of South Carolina, Irene Francis of Texas and Barb (late Dave) Conn of East Bethany along with several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Sharon L. Francis who passed away on August 31, 2009 and his brothers, Herbert Francis, Norman Francis, Jr., Walter Francis and Melvin Francis.

Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street Road, Oakfield, where funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Turk's name to the Al Sigl Foundation, Inc., 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, New York 14620 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. He will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Joyce E. (Skeet) Groth, 82, of Corfu, New York passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020. She was born on December 7, 1937 to the late Harold and Viola (Hansen) Skeet. She was the sister of the late Kermit Skeet.
Joyce was a member of the Corfu High School Class of 1955 and the East Pembroke Cornerstone Church.  She was a bank teller at M&T Bank in Corfu for 18 years before retiring.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband, gardening, and spending her winters in Bradenton, FL where she loved to play Mahjong and visiting with friends.  Joyce also enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by her loving husband Dennis Groth whom she married on June 7, 1958, two children, Gregory Groth and Joan (Matthew) Worth.  A sister Marilyn (Charles) Percey.  Six grandchildren, Meghan Groth, Benjamin Groth, Adam (Rebecca) Worth, Kathryn Worth, Bailey Groth, Camryn Groth, and two great-grandchildren, Luke and Natalie Worth, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 12 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, 2583 Main Road, E. Pembroke NY 14056. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, P.O. Box 189, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or the East Pembroke Fire Dept. Rescue Squad, 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia, NY 14020

  Judy L. Russell, 68 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2020 surrounded by her family at Gateway Home in Attica. She was born in Batavia on April 22, 1951 to Lee Klawer of Batavia and the late Ruth (Clute) Klawer.    

Mrs. Russell, worked as a hair stylist for over 30 years and was co-owner of Russell Alarm in Batavia. She is a longtime member of Cornerstone Church in East Pembroke where she was very involved and volunteered in many of the church activities. Judy loved gardening, doing puzzles, baking, camping, vacations to Myrtle Beach and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.     

Judy is survived by her beloved husband James R. Russell of Batavia; children Amy Russell of Batavia; Kelly (Alan) Heizmann of Rochester; Brian Russell of Batavia; brother Randy (Christine) Klawer of East Pembroke; grandchildren Abigail Russell, Benjamin Heizmann, Alyssa Salamone, Brooke Heizmann along with many nieces and nephews.    

Friends are invited to call from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 10, 2020 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, 2583 Main Street, East Pembroke, 14056. She will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.      

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. 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, NY 14020.   

Niagara Falls - Bruce Wayne Evans, "Wink", 64, of Niagara Falls, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2020, at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.

Bruce was born December 2, 1955, in East Chicago, IN, a son of the late Odie and Constance Evans, Jr.

Bruce was a veteran serving with the United States Army, a Buffalo Bills fan and loved spending time with his family and friends and playing cards.

Survivors include his wife, Ella (Sumeriski) Evans of Batavia; step-children, Shawn Drennen of Batavia, Philip Rumble of Daytona, FL, Virginia Martinez of Batavia, Cody Proctor of Shortsville and Katara Ames of Batavia; brothers, Derrick (Nina) Evans of Niagara Falls and Sean Evans of Florida; sisters, Debra Evans of Niagara Falls, Kimberly Evans Dixon of Niagara Falls, JoAnne White of Indiana, Donna Evans Patikas of East Chicago, IN, Michelle Evans of Gary, IN and Moshfilay (James) Anderson of Indianapolis, IN, 16 step-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bruce is predeceased by his brother, Michael Evans and a step-daughter, Reba Taylor.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Bruce's funeral service will be Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bruce's memory may be made to the Evans family.

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

CARL F. TOMASZEWSKI ~ Age 77, of Batavia, NY died peacefully Tuesday February 4, 2020 at home with family and dear friends with him. He was born in Batavia, November 2, 1942 to the late Maximillian and Rose (Siewierski) Tomaszewski, he was also preceded in death by siblings, Jean Ross and Ronald Tomaszewski.

Carl grew up in a modest, strict home with his father who had emigrated from Poland, mother from Buffalo and the youngest of three children. He attended grade school in the basement of Sacred Heart Church, attended vocational school and graduated from Batavia High School. His catholic upbringing was the center of his life growing up on the South side of Batavia and although in contrast to what are children have today, he always stated, “My parents loved me, and I always had what was needed.”

He was a strong, determined hard working man that always provided for his family, Carl worked at the former Trojan Industries for about 20 years prior to its closing and moved on to the Eastman Kodak Co. where he retired in 2002 all along working odd jobs to make his families lives better. He was an intelligent man who learned from reading and his hands-on experiences, there was nothing he could not create or fix. Carl was a perfectionist who never settled for anything less and appreciated the same from others all while teaching his children and grandchildren the same.

In raising his children Carl was active in their lives, from church, school and sports. He was a youth soccer coach, Batavia Youth Football Coach, President of the St. Joseph’s Home School Association and a tireless volunteer at the church lawn fetes of the former Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s Churches for many, many years.

When his children had grown and started their own lives, he grew quieter, more attached to home and began to travel and enjoy life with his dear Patty. Together they enjoyed vacations, overnight trips, dinners and the contentedness of just being together. Some 20 years ago as his health began to decline, they moved in with his son and daughter-in-law and supported the opening of the Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel and Dibble Family & Event Center. His enjoyment of cooking had him hard at work at Dibbles for the last 10 years, even when his failing body said, no, his heart brought him in.

Dad, your wish to spend your final days at home was granted on Christmas Eve and from there you spent the next 42 days finally letting us care for you and show you the love you had always shown us. Those days were a gift to us and your grandchildren because we saw you smile, and we told you how much we loved you. As you began to slip away Tuesday morning it was so peaceful, your final breath left so gently at 7:25p.m. as grandma and grandpa reached down from heaven and returned you to their care. Thank you, dad, we were blessed to have you and the many valuable lessons that you have left us with.   

Surviving is his beloved wife of 50 years, Patricia Ann (Tubiolo) Tomaszewski of Batavia, son, Michael S. (Valerie) Tomaszewski of Batavia and daughter, Melissa Ann (Jim Valente) Tomaszewski-Nichols of Buffalo, dearest Poppi to, Sydni Jo Nichols, Madisyn Michael Tomaszewski and C. Max Tomaszewski along with several cousins.

Carl’s family will be present from 3-7p.m. on Sunday February 9, 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. Monday morning February 10 followed by his Mass of Christian Burial 10a.m. at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart) corner of Swan & Sumner Sts with Rev. David R. Glassmire Officiating. Memorials in his memory can be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street Batavia.

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

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