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Obituaries

Roger Laird Sr.

By Joshua Smith
Laird

Roger Laird Sr., 76, of Batavia, passed away on October 23, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Roger was born on July 10, 1948 in Warsaw, a son of the late Robert C. Laird Sr. (1971) and Irene M. Laird Dewey. 

Roger was a member of the VFW, Polish Falcons, Leroy Moose Club, and the Batavia Elks. He was extremely social and enjoyed spending time with his friends. He was a Racecar fan, and enjoyed playing the guitar and listening to music. He took every opportunity to go and see live bands.

Surviving are his. children, Donna A. (Harry) Gimlin, Roger (Taylor) Laird, Jr. and Kimberly (Kenneth Drury) Laird; sister, Colleen Laird-Gonzales of Gainesville; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

In death Roger is reunited with his wife, Patricia Laird and brothers, Robert Laird Jr. and Carl Laird.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 2:00pm at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main in Batavia, followed by Roger’s funeral services.  Roger will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia. 

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

Amy L. Klusek

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Amy L. Klusek, age 47, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

     She was born August 9, 1977 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of Lillian Waite Klusek and the late Stephen Klusek.  

amy klusek

   Amy was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. She loved her five children, two grandchildren and family with all her heart.  She was so loved by many and her favorite thing was becoming a grandmother as she took pride in that.  She was a very warm and welcoming person and opened her door to anyone.  She loved helping others as much as she possibly could and would surely give anyone the shirt off her back.

     She enjoyed chasing sunsets and loved her butterflies, wind chimes and hosting gatherings.  Amy worked as a health care provider and most recently, was working in food service at Subway.

     She will be sadly missed by her mother, Lillian; children, Sydnie Klusek, Nathyn Nicometo, Aaron Nicometo, Codie Nicometo and Kayden Nicometo; grandchildren, Ayden and Lucas; brother, Nicholas Klusek; sister, Michelle Waite, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and dear friends.

     A Celebration of Amy’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 16th from 12 ~ 5 PM at the LeRoy American Legion, 53 West Main St., LeRoy.  Everyone is welcome to bring a dish to pass if they wish.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Amy’s family.

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

Dean W. Case

By T.J. Woodward
c

Dean W. Case, 77, of Batavia passed away on October 13, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born on May 27, 1947 in Batavia to the late Norman and Enid (Kendall) Case. In addition to his parents, Dean is predeceased by his brothers; Frederick and Ronald Case; sisters Norma Greiner and Judy Hartman; nephew James Wilcox.  

He is survived by his son; Christopher Case; brothers Robert (Sandy) Case, Scott (Mary) Case; sisters in law Rosemary Case, Gail Case; nieces Carrie, Christy, Katie, Danielle, Michelle, Jennifer and Debbie; nephews John, Lincoln, Tyler, Mark and Adam, along with several great nieces and nephews.

Dean worked for Sylvania for decades. After retirement he worked for Oatka Milk Products.  He enjoyed fishing on Hemlock, Canadice, and Silver Lakes and at the Point with his family and friends.  He enjoyed being out in nature, observing wildlife, and feeding the birds. Dean was a self-taught mechanic and enjoyed working on cars and small motors.  

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private.  

Memorials can be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter https://www.vol4animals.org/donations. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020

Victor A. Costa

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Victor A. Costa, age 93, of Asbury Road, passed away Sunday (October 20, 2024) at Premier Genesee Center in Batavia.    

vic costa

  He was born January 30, 1931 in LeRoy, a son of the late Peter and Battistina Costa.

     Victor will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Uncle and dear friend to many.  He was very devoted to his family and his faith.  He was a 1949 graduate of LeRoy High School and a proud U S Army veteran. Victor worked at the LeRoy Machine Shop, retiring in 1993 after 44 years of faithful service.  He was a gentleman farmer and enjoyed hunting, golfing and woodworking.

     He is survived by his children, Jim Costa, Vickie Costa, Cindy Larsen, Peter Costa and Marie Lang; Sons-in-law, Todd Larsen and Mark Lang, daughter-in-law, Nikole Costa.  Grandchildren; Cara, Cassie, Brittany, Matthew, Brandon, Camryn, Connor, Morgan, Tracy and Mike. Great-grandchildren; Michael, Jason, Zoe, Sadie and Aubrey, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Jean Brayley Costa, daughter, Brenda Costa, his daughter in-law, Lu Costa, brother, Christy Costa and sisters, Mary Regone, Rena Wagner and Delores Lapp.

     There are no prior calling hours.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 26th at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.

     Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

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

Evelyn Laufer Taylor

By LaVern Falcone

Evelyn Laufer Taylor, age 102, passed away October 17, 2024.

     Evelyn was born January 18, 1922 in Rochester, NY, daughter of the late Raymond D. and Hazel R. (Lanning) Laufer. She was predeceased in death by her husband of 51 ½ years, Bryant C. Taylor, her son, Mitchell K. Taylor, and parents, Ray and Hazel Laufer.   

evelyn taylor

  Surviving are son, Lance (Amanda) of Burnsville, North Carolina, daughter, Pamela (Charles Poltenson) Crane of Hartland, VT, daughter-in-law, Rhonda Taylor of Mosgiel, New Zealand; five grandchildren: Vanya Taylor, Bernadine Little, Shiloh Gabriel, Naz Taylor, and Vanessa Meadows; five great-grandchildren: Olive, Heath and Ramona Little, Luke Taylor and Sienna Gabriel.

     She graduated from the University of Rochester in 1943 with a BA degree and from SUNY Geneseo in 1973 with a MS in Education.

     Most of her married life was spent in LeRoy, NY with the exception of three years in Australia. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy from 1946 – 2024; a charter member of the Town & Country Garden Club of LeRoy; a member of LeRoy Women’s Club; co-owner of the Hobby Horse Shop on West Main St. Rd. from 1953 - 1960; a private tutor for over 25 years; and active in many church roles and organizations throughout the years, such as, the Singles Club and Neighbors in Need. Up until 2020, she led a writing group that met several times a year in her home.

     Evelyn enjoyed gardening, reading, sewing, baking, crafts, writing, collecting, entertaining, and dancing with her husband. One of her great joys was sharing her extensive writings on her life experiences with her children and grandchildren.

     A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, followed by a reception.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy, 7 Clay St., LeRoy, NY 14482, American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839, or to a charity of your choice.

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

Mr. Gustav Thomas Kovalik

By Joshua Smith
Gus

Gustav Thomas Kovalik, age 78, long time resident of Caledonia, NY passed away in his home on Monday, October 14, 2024. He was born in Reading, PA on October 25, 1945, the son of Gustav Thomas and Dorothy Marie (Hall) Kovalik. Prior to Gus's birth, his father died in a plane crash and later Dorothy married his brother, John, who raised Gus as his son. The family moved to Dumont, N.J. next door to Gus's paternal grandparents where he grew up and lived until attending college.

Gus graduated from Dumont High School, earned his B.S. at the University of Colorado, Boulder and a MLIS from the University of Denver. He later studied botany at the University of Florida, Gainesville. His degree in Library Information Science led to his career at Florida State in Gainesville, Fla.  and RIT in Rochester, N.Y. libraries.

Gus had many interests. He was an avid reader since childhood. He was an enthusiastic learner showing strong interest in science. He would do experiments with his chemistry set in the basement. Together his family enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, hunting, summer vacations at his grandmother's in Pennsylvania and Sundays, holidays and beach outings with Connecticut relatives. John instilled the children with a love of outdoors. Dorothy nurtured their love of animals. There were always house dogs, outdoor beagles as well as white mice, gerbils, aquariums, a crow, and even a pet porcupine residing at their address. Gus loved baseball and would attend Mets games in New York City, kindly inviting his younger sister to join him and his friends. He loved art projects, eBay, music, concerts, garage sales, his Caledonia home and gardening there.

Gus is survived by his sister, Carolyn Kovalik Foss of Esko, MN; special friend, Linda Toal of Batavia, N.Y., and many beloved friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Gustav and Dorothy Kovalik; stepfather who raised him, John Kovalik; brother-in-law, John Foss; uncles Thomas Kovalik and John Hall.

At Gus's request there will be no funeral. His ashes will be inurned at the family plot in Willow Grove Cemetery, Buffalo, WY beside Dorothy and John Kovalik and his paternal and maternal grandmothers, Minnie Stoner and Margaret Kovalik.

In honor of Gus's generosity to animals, adopting dogs in need and volunteering at shelters and giving donations to help them have better lives, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Roxanna J. Given

By Joshua Smith
Roxanna J. Given

Roxanna J. Given, 95, of Elba, passed away on October 18, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Roxanna was born August 2,1929, in Batavia, the daughter of the late George and Florence (Harkness) Rowcliffe.

Roxanna was a Buffalo Bills fan, having been a season ticket holder for nearly 40 years.  She was a long time member of the Genesee County Republican Party and was the clerk for the village of Elba.

Surviving are her son, John (Susan) Given of Elba; grandson, Ezekiel (Amanda) Given of Bergen and two great-grandchildren, Madelyn Given and Finley Given; a brother, Daniel Rowcliffe of Geneseo and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Given and a brother, George Rowcliffe, Jr.

There are no prior calling hours.  Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  

Memorials may be made to Volunteers For Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021, www.vol4animals.org/donations.  

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

Margaret Louise Connor Lynch

By Lisa Ace
Margaret Louise Connor Lynch


Margaret Louise Connor Lynch - November 8, 1917 – October 18, 2024

PAVILION- Louise Lynch, aged 106, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, in Norwich, NY with her family.
Born on November 8, 1917, on the Connor homestead in Pavilion, NY, Louise was the cherished daughter of Daniel and Katherine Lacy Connor. She grew up alongside her five brothers on the family’s beloved “Broadway Heights” farm, which she took enormous pride in preserving.

A life-long parishioner and communicant at St. Mary’s R. C. church in Pavilion, NY, Louise served many decades as a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and Ladies of Charity.

In 1940, Louise married George Edward “Ed” Lynch in the rectory at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, beginning a union that spanned 56 wonderful years until Ed’s passing in 1996. Together, they farmed and tended a remarkably diverse and vibrant vegetable garden. After retirement they spent winters fishing and relaxing in Arkansas and Florida.

Louise was also a dedicated educator, receiving her teaching degree from Geneseo Normal School in 1938, and later earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo. She went on to teach for 27 years, as a kindergarten teacher at Pavilion Central School. Louise retired in 1973 but remained connected to her former students, who fondly remembered her as their first teacher, often visiting her throughout the years. 
 A devoted sports fan, Louise was an enthusiastic supporter of the Buffalo Bills and Notre Dame’s “Fighting Irish.” In the 1940s and ’50s, she could often be found cheering at Pavilion Central basketball games. Her love of teaching, combined with her passion for youth activities, made her a beloved figure in Pavilion.
 Some of Louise’s fondest memories were of summer travel with Ed and their grandchildren.  She delighted in touring historical sites along the eastern seaboard, all the while making sure it was “fun for the grandchildren.”  Through her 90s, Louise trouped across New York and New England with her son and daughter-in-law to attend countless events for her six great-grandchildren.  From their sporting events and theater productions to Church sacraments and graduations, Louise was a proud fixture.
She loved to laugh and reveled in her Irish heritage, making sure it was passed down the generations. Louise was especially devoted to – and adored by – her nieces and nephews.  Be they far away or close to home, she cherished her special connections to them and their offspring. 
 Louise is predeceased by her parents Daniel and Kate Connor. And five brothers: Maurice, John, Francis, Joseph, and Daniel Jr. Louise is survived by her son, Michael E. Lynch, Ph.D. & Patricia E. Moore of Laurens, NY.Three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Ginger & Matthew Landy of Glenmont, NY and children Erin and Connor; Michael Jr. & Sandy Lynch of Oneonta, NY and children Daniel and Mary; Christine Lynch Hamel of Dover, NH and children James and Diana.
Her family and friends will remember Louise for her devotion to faith, family, and community, and for her indomitable spirit that endured over more than a century.
Friends are invited to call Friday October 25, 2024 from 4-7 P.M. at Cameron Brady & Steuber Funeral Home 111 Wolcott St. Le Roy.
 Louise’s Funeral Mass will be held Saturday October 26, 2024 11 A.M. at Mary Immaculate Parish St. Mary's Church 11095 St. Mary's St. Pavilion. Private Interment. St. Mary's Cemetery. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit Leroyfuneralhome.com

 

Joseph W. Kimanski Jr.

By LaVern Falcone

Caledonia ~ Joseph W. Kimanski Jr., age 65, passed away on Friday (October 18, 2024) surrounded by his loving family, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

     He was born February 8, 1959, in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Frances Butera Kimanski and Joseph W. Kimanski Sr.   

joe kimanski

  Joe will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and dear friend. He was a good and kind man with a strong moral code and work ethic. His love for his family was above all else. He enjoyed listening to his music at full volume and watching football, as he was a devout Buffalo Bills fan.

     His legacy of love, kindness and dedication will be cherished forever. He was loved dearly and he will be greatly missed!

     Joe is survived by his loving wife, Alicia Osipovitch Kimanski; his children, Robin Kimanski, Diana (Jeremy) Tiede, Francine Kimanski and Joseph (Brandi) Kimanski III; grandchildren, Markell (JoBeth) Collins and Jeremy (Madison) Kimanski; great-grandchildren, Karsen and Von Collins, Ella Lee Kimanski; sister, Patricia (Kevin) Purvee, along with many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, October 25th from 11 AM ~ 2 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.,8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Joe’s family.

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

Ronald G. MacGregor

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Ronald G. MacGregor, age 88, passed away Thursday afternoon (October 17, 2024) at the NYS Veterans Nursing Home in Batavia surrounded by his loving family.   

macgregor

  He was born December 9, 1935In Port Dalhouise, Ontario, Canada, a son of the late Alex and Marguerite Plante MacGregor. A very special and strong Father stepped in after Alex’s passing, Edward Matseo, and guided Ron many years of his life.

     Ron was a tremendously steadfast and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who was devoted to his family, friends and faith.

     Ron’s chosen profession was truck driving with intermittent times being filled with construction at Dusing and Hunt Manufacturing.  Over the years of being an owner-operator, he logged millions of accident free miles bringing needed goods to the American people he dearly loved.  Although he attained his American citizenship later in his life, his love for America was ever present.  Ron served in the United States Army during the post Korean War reconstruction effort as a telephone line repairman.  He attained the rank of Specialist-5.

     Some of Ron’s hobbies were ice hockey in Batavia where he and his brother, Ken, were known as “seasoned veterans”.  Hunting and fishing were certainly at the top of this category with many years being spent chasing elk in the mountains of Colorado.

     He is survived by the love of his life, Edith L. MacGregor, a union of 60 years; his children, Ronald L. MacGregor and Daniel F. (Tina) MacGregor; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara MacGregor, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Michelle K. MacGregor, his brother, Kenneth and sister, Dorothy.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, Oct. 24th from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 25th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Mercy Parish or to Ron’s family.

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

Randy Gene Leach II

By LaVern Falcone

Randy Gene Leach II was born July 24, 1986 and died October 14, 2024.  

     He was born to Randy and Christine Leach, and also survived by siblings, Natachwa (Yanik), Derek, Lemar, Devon, a son Jerimiah, who is in heaven; nephews and nieces, Naomi, Isaiah, Anthony, Nashalie, Monty; great nephew and nieces, Naelani, Dionteyz and Enidiel and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  

randy

  Randy was an easy man, son to love.  He was full of love and life. Our hearts melt, but his beautiful smile and character will live on in everyone who knew him and loved him,  He was wonderful with kids as he was with Melissa’s twins and was a fun loving son, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend. He loved bowling, fishing, was a great handyman, where they would say he was a “jack of all trades, master of none”.  He loved to be the comedian when partying with family and friends. Just a real joy, he will be sincerely missed.

    Family and friends may call on Monday, October 21st from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held at 4:00 PM.  Interment at Machpelah Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

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

Patrick O'Donnell

By T.J. Woodward
o

Patrick O’Donnell, 72, passed away on October 12, 2024, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Born in Batavia, Patrick spent most of his life in the city he loved, where he raised his family and proudly served the community. He is predeceased by his parents; Richard and Ruth (Congdon) O’Donnell. 

Patrick is survived by his daughters; Maureen (Fiancé Joey Quintin) O’Donnell of Winter Garden, FL., Carolyn (Brandon) Galligan of Depew; sister Musette (Ronald) Francis; brother Sean (Sandra) O’Donnell; 2 grandchildren Rory, Daphne, along with several nieces and nephews. 

After graduating from Batavia High School, Patrick enlisted in the U.S. Navy (1972-1978). He was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, where he developed procedures to improve jet engine testing. Following his service, Pat returned to Batavia and managed McDonald’s until a close friend Stan Weber, encouraged him to take the upcoming Firefighter’s test. This began his dedicated 31-year career with the City of Batavia Fire Department. Pat was known for his outspoken commitment to his fellow firefighters as a union contract negotiator and elected president of the Firefighter’s Association. He was vigilant in fire safety education, becoming an EMT instructor and was certified as a National Fire Investigator. Rising through the ranks he became Captain, the title he held until retiring in 2011. Alongside his firefighting career, Patrick earned an Associate’s degree from ECC, and worked part-time delivering mail for the East Bethany Post Office.

Outside of work, Pat had a passion for sports and staying active. He pitched in the Batavia softball league, was a talented bowler, avid golfer, and spent football Sundays cheering for the Raiders in the company of his best friends, Joe and Barb McGuire. A motorcycle enthusiast for over 40 years, Pat traveled across country on summer road trips with his close friends every year. He loved the outdoors, especially hiking with his daughters at Letchworth State Park, and he meticulously logged over 3,200 geocache finds. Known for his social personality, Pat thrived in the company of others no matter the occasion. He was a familiar face in Batavia, always stopping to chat with friends and neighbors.

Above all, Pat was a devoted father and grandfather who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. His legacy of hard work, service, and love for life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday October 28, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00AM Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday October 29th at Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu. All attending, please arrive by 10:45AM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the WNY Alzheimer’s Association. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

James H. Lewis Jr.

By T.J. Woodward
j

James Harold Lewis Jr., 59, of Batavia, NY went home to be with his lord and savior on Monday, September 23, 2024. 

Jim had a passion for music, an immense love for his children and family and also deeply loved the lord.  Jim is a retired member of the Batavia City School district which he served for nearly 30 years.  He found such joy working amongst his many friends and co-workers and enjoyed sharing many smiles and laughs throughout his dedicated tenure.  Jim was a devoted Christian as a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church where he served as the choir director for many years, touching the lives of those who joined together for worship through his gift of song.  Jim was also an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and supported his team every week they played. Jim was also a baritone player with the Batavia Concert Band for many years, and also marched with the Kendall Fireman’s Band. 

Jim is survived by his (step) father, Kevin Greene of Conway, SC., his brother Douglas Lewis of Conway, SC., his sister Cheri Stoddard of Conway, SC., as well as his beloved children, Ethan Geary of North Port, FL., Nicholas Lewis of North Port, FL., and Adrianna Carducci of Painesville, OH.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 12:00PM Funeral Service will be held on Friday October 25, 2024 at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. 

To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020

James E. Bernard

By Lisa Ace
James E. Bernard

The Reverend James E. Bernard, age 80, of Villa Hills, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Born on August 23, 1944, in Batavia, New
York, he was the son of William L. and Florence E. Bernard (nee Dietschler). 

Jim was a graduate of Maryville College and distinguished graduate Louisville Theological Seminary. He dedicated his life to serving the Presbyterian Church, joyfully ministering to congregations in Ludlow, Kentucky, and Amelia, Ohio. Jim was very active in the Cincinnati Presbytery, serving on various boards and committees. Even after his retirement in 2007, he served the Dry Ridge, Kentucky congregation on a part-time basis and cherished the friendships he built within these communities. Passionate about his faith, family, and a variety of interests, Jim was a supporter of the Cincinnati Reds, a devoted fan of Neil Diamond, and enjoyed collecting gadgets. His love for the outdoors was evident through his deer hunting, and he found great joy in riding his Harley and traveling. Above all, Jim embraced life with enthusiasm.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Florence Bernard, and his brothers, Bob and Barry Bernard. James is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Pamela S. Bernard (nee Letsinger); his son, Stephen J. (Heather) Bernard; his daughter, Sandra J. (John) Winkle; his grandchildren, Andrew W. Bernard, John Z. Winkle, and Tyler J. Winkle; his sister, Beverly (Paul) Kern; and his brothers, Jack, Dennis (Maria), Allyn (Linda), and Rick (Maria) Bernard, along with a host of other family members and friends. In his memory, contributions may be made to Bluegrass Hospice or Bluegrass Hospice or Samaritan's Purse.
Services will be private at the family's convenience.

To share a memory of Jim or leave a special message for his family, please visit www.newcomercincinnati.com.

Robert “Gus” Deja

By Lisa Ace
Robert “Gus” Deja passed away on October 8, 2024. He was born in Batavia on March 31, 1953, to John Deja and Helen (O’Neill) Deja.
 
Gus graduated in 1971 from Pembroke High School. He enlisted in the Army in March 1973 and served until June of 1976.

He is survived by daughters, Nicole (Oscar) Serpas and Michelle Deja, son, Ryan Deja; grandchildren, Luca and Mia Serpas, all of Texas; sister, Poppy (Wayne) Konarski, brothers, John and Michael Deja, all of Batavia. 
He was preceded in death by a sister Patricia Meyer and his wife, Cheryl Maxon in August of 2024.
 
There will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu at a later date.
Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, New York.

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